The Duke's Heir

Black Sheep #0.5

by Mary Kingswood

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical

195 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 16, 2026

About the author

I live in the beautiful Highlands of Scotland with my husband. I like chocolate, whisky, my Kindle, massed pipe bands, long leisurely lunches, chocolate, going places in my campervan, eating pizza in Italy, summer nights that never get dark, wood fires in winter, chocolate, the view from the study window looking out over the Moray Firth and the Black Isle to the mountains beyond. And chocolate. I dislike driving on motorways, cooking, shopping, hospitals.

The lovely lady in my avatar is Archduchess Clementina of Austria (1798-1881), Princess of Salerno, painted around 1839.

NOTE: I read Regency romances as well as write them, and I review them all on my website, or you can find them right here on Goodreads on my real-name account at Pauline M. Ross.

Reviews

[Tina Miles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. While it had the signature Kingswood romance with a dash of mystery (or is that mystery with a dash of romance?), I found this story a pleasure to read. I sailed right through it, often with a smile on my face at the character interactions. I particularly enjoyed Richard and Rowena’s conversations. While there was suspense and angst enough to keep me engaged, the misunderstandings were eventually get sorted out and all ended well.
However in a true Kingswood style we still don’t know who arranged for Rowena to travel to Staineybank. So I am looking forward to the next book which will feature an orangery, an architect and another eligible young lady.

[Kellyn Roth · Rating 5 out of 5]

No kiss??!! No kiss at all???!!! :P

Okay, otherwise, this was a very sweet story. I can't wait for book 2! (This is the prequel novella, and book 1 is already out.)

[Jane Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Good. Absolutely Delightful

Wonderful introduction to Kingswood’s new series and it delivers on every promise. Fantastic characters, intriguing storylines, and the perfect amount of mystery to keep one turning pages in this beautiful satisfying romance. 5 stars!

[Michelle Steffens · Rating 5 out of 5]

a cozy HEA for a cold winter evening

Loved it, Mary Kingswood did not disappoint with this new series and I can’t wait to read the rest of them. Excellent happily ever after and all the characters were well drawn and interesting.

[Terry Sloan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful!

I came across this in my Kindle Unlimited and I am so glad I did. Beautifully written with sentiment and strong characters. I will continue this series happily!

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without a doubt, another fabulous Mary Kingswood series is on its way! I loved this novella and await Book 1 in great anticipation.

[Raymond Thompson · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

This is the prequel to a Regency series in each of which someone is invited to the house of the Duke of Brinshire by the mysterious Mr. Goodenough. In this short novel, his letter to Miss Rowena Holt includes the vague promise that ‘you will discover something to your material advantage’, but no one of that name appears to exist, nor does anyone in the duke’s household expect her. Rowena is an impoverished gentlewoman seeking for a situation as a governess or companion, but her display of fortitude and good sense attracts the admiration of Richard Merrington, the recently elevated heir to the dukedom. A man of good sense himself, he finds her far preferable to young ladies of higher rank and proposes marriage. She hesitates before accepting, but practical considerations prevail and might not their initial sentiments of appreciation and gratitude develop into love?
Well of course. They are, after all likeable people and seem admirably suited, but the process is intriguing. There are mysteries to solve, doubts to resolve, and lessons to learn.
And though there are plenty of opportunities for ironic commentary on the behaviour of the upper classes, particularly their sense of entitlement, the action moves at a refreshingly brisk pace.
Highly recommended.

[Anne-Mammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this prequel to Mary Kingswood's new series Black sheep. All the ingredients for exciting stories are here. As usual, Mary's clear, flowing style allows us to discover a number of characters who will no doubt reappear as the stories develop. I really liked the gruff, brusque but kind Duke and warmed to the main young couple Richard, the duke's heir and his new wife Rowena, a former governess. Her uncanny resemblance to the Duke's first wife Caroline is the premise of this long novella. There are a number of unsolved issues as one would expect from a prequel. They are indeed tantalising and designed to make us eagerly wait to the first book in the series. It is expected in December and of course I have pre-ordered it. Who is this unknown solicitor who put Rowena in touch with the Duke of Brinshire's household? I can't imagine at this stage and it is as it should be. Do make sure to read this prequel, I warmly recommend it.

[Tina T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Duke’s Heir by Mary Kingswood is a classic, comfortingly traditional Regency romance built around secrets, duty, and unexpected connection. When quiet country gentleman Richard Merrington is summoned to become a duke’s heir, his sudden elevation brings pressure to marry and little enthusiasm for the fashionable candidates presented to him. Meanwhile, the impoverished Rowena Holt arrives at the same household under mysterious circumstances, only to be met with shock at her resemblance to someone long remembered.

With its emphasis on character, family intrigue, and restrained romance, this drawing room Regency delivers a satisfying slow burn love story and a neatly resolved mystery. Polite, thoughtful, and warmly written, it’s a gentle prequel that promises more to come in the Black Sheep series, all wrapped up with a reassuring happily ever after.

[Catherine Chappell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary Kingswood is my favourite author and I read a lot of books. This is a new series and you need to read it, highly recommend, as I do all of her series. You will become abdicated like Iam, waiting in anticipation for her next book.

[Diane Pope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joyful

Oh, that was such a good book! Richard was introduced in such a way that you just had to love him. Rowena took some getting used to. She seemed almost apathetic, but her explanation of her life explained her behavior. I can't wait to learn more about the mystery.

[Denise Irvine-Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Different Story - Refreshing

I usually enjoy Ms kingswood’s writing. The Duke’s Heir is a refreshingly new story in stead of a variation of hackneyed plot as so many Regency Romances seem to be.

[Mrs A Nicholson · Rating 5 out of 5]

delightful…

Another lovely book from Mrs Kingswood, with a bit of a mystery running through it, leaving me to wonder if it will continue through the next story. Which, needless to say, I can’t wait for!

[Leslie DE LANGE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very complete, for a novella

This story has all the parts of a much longer novel. Mystery, romance, secrets. Tension, misunderstanding, resolution. And it's fun throughout. Likeable characters. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely traditional Regency romance

Attractive, believable characters and an interesting, true-to-the-times story from the assured hand of Mary Kingswood. Refreshingly free of modern attitudes. A gem.

[Michael C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable historical romance with a very likeable male lead who finds himself heir to a brusque but generous Duke, and a ex-governess who does not know her mother's origins. It is a pleasant and undemanding read: four rather than five stars because the lead male is a bit too perfect.

[Frances Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Duke’s Heir

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Mary Kingswood writes books that you just cannot put down until you finish them. This story is the start of a new series about how the new heir met his wife and solve a mystery.

[Pat Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable book.

I really enjoyed this book. Characters were likeable and the story beautifully written. Well researched - the author obviously understands the period well. I look forward to reading more by Mary Kingswood.

[Ingrid Huff · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Unexpected Treasure

Excellent story line and characters that caught my attention immediately. I liked the pace of the story and how the main characters were so refreshingly differerent from the usual Regency. Looking forward to all the next adventures by this author.

[Carolyn Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting prequel. There’s an odd premise to this whole series- a mysterious attorney appears and offers a struggling (fill in the blank) a chance to work for a Duke. After a comfortable journey the person arrives only to discover there is no such position and the attorney has vanished. From this start, each of the stories develops.
In the first one, the person who arrives is a young woman who looks like a dead family member. The main thread of the story is discovering who she is.
The second thread is the relationship between her and the Duke’s heir, a recently reclaimed distant cousin.
Okay a little more far fetched than many of kingwood’s books. But ignoring the “how likely is this?” part, this is a quick read to set up a new series. Like many prequels the plot and characters could be more fleshed out, but then with the extra details you’d have a full length story. So it’s intriguing and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

[Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gentle romance, well written

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pleasant couple, and at the end, a few mysteries remaining.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clean, fun.

[Sheiron Bearden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

I love getting lost in Mary Kings woods books. This prequel is a wonderful introduction to a new series. The characters come alive and I am eager to read more.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good introduction to the new series

[Kristina]

Mystery surprise wife!

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m excited to see where this series goes. This book has an element of mystery that the MCs work to solve for themselves which was a nice change.

[B. Erickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another delightful read from Ms. Kingswood! The book was beautifully written, with an interesting storyline and wonderful characters. I loved the interactions between Richard a duke's heir, and Rowena who is impoverished and looking for a position as governess or companion. There are 6 more books in this Black Sheep series and I will be looking forward to them. I thank Ms. Kingswood for this fun story and will be reading the next book in the series!!!

[Elizabeth S · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this prequel to a new series, an obscure relative of the Duke of Brinshire is brought to the estate, along with his mother and four sisters, to accustom himself to his new position as the heir. Arriving at almost the same time is an impoverished vicar's daughter and her friend. One look at Rowena and all the servants are thrown into shock. The earl calls her a witch. Who summoned her to the estate? Why did everyone react to her in such a way? What will the dynamic be between the new heir and the mysterious Rowena?

The author takes us on a long journey to answer two of the questions. This was wonderful, and it promises yet another amazing series from Mary Kingswood. From the first words, her tales always draw me right in. Highly recommend.

[Sybil Mcguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot wait for the first in the series!

This was a great read - as usual.

I don't usually re-read - and yet, here we are.