The Devout Duchess: A Historical Regency Romance Novel

by Hazel Linwood

“You had your chance to run. Now, you have no choice but to marry me…”

Escaping the cruel nunnery she was raised in, Prudence ends up being sold to the highest bidder by her father. Only for her soon-to-be groom to die right before their wedding…

Taking over his brother’s duties, Cassian is not only left with a dukedom… but a bride as well. One that is completely out of the ordinary at that! But Cassian has three rules for his new
1. Never disturb him when he is working.
2. Never leave the house without telling him.
3. And never, ever mention having an heir!

All three meant to keep Prudence away. Yet the moment she breaks them, all he burns for is to pull her close…

*If you like powerful Dukes, loving Duchesses and a marvelous depiction of the majestic Regency and Victorian era, then The Devout Duchess is the novel for you.

An enchanting regency romance by Cobalt Fairy of 80,000 words (around 400 pages) written by Hazel Linwood. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a sweet happily ever after.

Pick up "The Devout Duchess" today to discover Hazel's captivating story!

467 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 23, 2025

About the author

Influenced by the extraordinary tales of Jane Austen and Maria Edgeworth, Hazel Linwood has always adored the fairy-tale like romances of the past. The youngest of four sisters, she has spent most of her youth lost in the classic historical romances of her favorite authors. Despite her parents’ efforts to persuade her to pursue a career in medicine, she found her heart's true calling in English Literature.

After obtaining her degree, Hazel worked as an English teacher. That was until she met her husband and decided to indulge in her secret passion...writing! When she isn’t writing, Hazel enjoys spending time with her family, travelling or roaming the Texan countryside.

Embark on this journey of desire, decorum and intense love of Regency England. Let Hazel transport you into an era of pure, sincere love and charming lords that will take your breath away!

Reviews

[Debbie DiFiore · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nunnery wife

I usually love stories about heroines from a nunnery. This one was just okay. Wasn't bad and I liked the hero. There is danger and intrigue and attempted murder. His Mother is an evil old bat! Her turnaround was a little too late. But at least she apologized. Safe story too. No smutty scenes. No.scenes at all. I like that. Totally clean.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I struggled in the beginning of this book and thought of not finishing it but I chose to press on and I'm glad I did. I like strong female protagonists in the books I read so Prudence's character was hard for me to sympathize with. It was bad enough she was raised in a convent, unwanted, then to come 'home' to a family that didn't want her. They were mean to her and I wanted so bad to defend her against them. But then along comes Duke Cassian. He wasn't perfect but he treated Prudence so much better than anyone else had with the exception of her friends. Just when I thought she'd have a better life the Dowager Duchess visits and berates her for existing. Cassian comes to the rescue and puts his mother in her place. This is when the book got better for me and I didn't want to put it down till the happily ever after with the extended epilogue.

[Shelby Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken!

If ever there were two people more broken than these two, I would hate to see them! Prudence, the youngest of three children was sent to live at a nunnery because she was stubborn, and only returned home because the place closed. Only to be sold off to the highest bidder, because her father was broke! Duke Cassian becomes duke because his brother died. He was second son and went into the military and was injured many times, has scars to prove it! He honors his brother’s betrothal to Prudence, and so begins a story of his rules and coldness, but she has her friends from the nunnery. A sad tales with many twists but happy with the outcome!

[Lifelongreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unwanted and unloved

Prudence was exiled to a nunnery after her mother died. When the nunnery was closed she returned to an unwelcoming family and a judgemental Ton. Cassian, a second son, returned from war when his brother died. Prudence's father arranged her marriage to Cassian's brother, but married Cassian after her fiance died. Cassian was distant and cold, and their marriage was one of convenience. A hostile mother-in-law and an unknown enemy challenged their marriage and future. This was a good read with emotionally damaged characters who needed to find hope and peace as well as their place in the world.

[EliZbeth McCarthy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was disappointed

There were so many unanswered questions that lead the reader to conclude that this was thrown together. Prudence spent her early years in a nunnery that was closed under a cloud. Why? Her father despises her, and is broke, yet ‘sells’ or betroths her to a duke, rather than give her sister, whom he loves, this honor. Morning of the wedding, the duke mysteriously dies. The following day his brother, the new duke, shows up to marry her?!?!
This devout duchess never prays, never goes to. Church, never mentions God. 😔

[Susan Faulkner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prudence

Wonderful read with delightful characters. Cassian and Penelope are through together and have to fight their way to happiness and understanding. Overbearing parents have ruined their lives and they are uncovering who they really are and learning to live for themselves. Attempted murder brings their life to a grinding stop making them reevaluate what matters the most. Highly recommend this book.!

[Nancy T Vega · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unwanted by Family/A Proposal..

Lady Prudence has been unwanted as a child & sent away. Now she returns home with ill regards again. But a proposal comes in but there’s also a tragedy. But something else is in the works but there’s also
A devious person seeking to harm another.

[Betty Santos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Families can ruin their children's lives if allowed.

This is a very interesting story with both main characters having been abused by their families. Not only will the book hold one's interest but it has a surprise feature toward the end. Everyone should enjoy this book.

[Cecelia Gardon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book. It was a little too much gazing and self sacrificing but still well written. I loved every part of this book. My favorite part is it was cleanly written without graphic content.

[Julia Craig-Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Juju

I enjoyed this book very much. It was easy to read and there were NO typos. I liked the characters. I loved the ending because I love happy endings.