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A Duke Worth Choosing: A Historical Regency Romance Book
“
She’s worth forty thousand pounds… and not one person in London can be bothered to learn her name.”
She fled society to be free, only to find the one man who truly saw her.
Lady Charlotte Fairfax is the Season’s most glittering prize, and its most exhausted prisoner. Dukes and earls circle her like creditors, her parents calculate her future like an investment, and every dance feels like a bargain struck over her heart.
So Charlotte does the only scandalous thing left.
She disappears.
With a borrowed name and a plain gown, she flees Mayfair’s marriage mart to Berkshire, accepting a quiet post as a respectable widow’s companion, determined to be valued for her mind, her kindness, and her courage… not her dowry.
But peace at Harcourt Hall doesn’t last.
Major Nathaniel Harcourt returns home wounded from war—stern, honorable, and far too perceptive. He’s not interested in flirtation, or society games… until he meets the new companion who speaks like a lady, watches like a strategist, and hides a secret heavy enough to ruin them both.
As village gossip blooms, stolen glances turn to stolen moments, and a sharp-eyed guardian begins to suspect the truth. Because if Charlotte is found, her father will drag her back to London, and into a loveless match arranged for power and profit.
Now Charlotte must choose to
return to the gilded cage… or risk everything for a love that finally sees her.
A clean, swoony Regency romance featuring a runaway heiress, a wounded war hero, a country house haven, witty banter, slow-burn tenderness, and a satisfyingly triumphant happily-ever-after.
Also free with Kindle unlimited.
She fled society to be free, only to find the one man who truly saw her.
Lady Charlotte Fairfax is the Season’s most glittering prize, and its most exhausted prisoner. Dukes and earls circle her like creditors, her parents calculate her future like an investment, and every dance feels like a bargain struck over her heart.
So Charlotte does the only scandalous thing left.
She disappears.
With a borrowed name and a plain gown, she flees Mayfair’s marriage mart to Berkshire, accepting a quiet post as a respectable widow’s companion, determined to be valued for her mind, her kindness, and her courage… not her dowry.
But peace at Harcourt Hall doesn’t last.
Major Nathaniel Harcourt returns home wounded from war—stern, honorable, and far too perceptive. He’s not interested in flirtation, or society games… until he meets the new companion who speaks like a lady, watches like a strategist, and hides a secret heavy enough to ruin them both.
As village gossip blooms, stolen glances turn to stolen moments, and a sharp-eyed guardian begins to suspect the truth. Because if Charlotte is found, her father will drag her back to London, and into a loveless match arranged for power and profit.
Now Charlotte must choose to
return to the gilded cage… or risk everything for a love that finally sees her.
A clean, swoony Regency romance featuring a runaway heiress, a wounded war hero, a country house haven, witty banter, slow-burn tenderness, and a satisfyingly triumphant happily-ever-after.
Also free with Kindle unlimited.
193 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 22, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
July 9, 2026
Becoming Real
Charlotte Fairfax was the beautiful goat of the season, always performing perfectly before her myriad of suitors and her parents with expectations. Her mother hoped Charlotte would marry for social position, and her father for business connections. Meanwhile, Charlotte was paralyzed by the feeling that she wasn’t being herself. As if she weren’t allowed to have expectations of her own.
That was when Charlotte decided to try something new with the help of some friends she transformed herself into Emma Lacey, companion for a gentlewoman.
Charlotte liked that she was making an honest living and her employer was kind as an added benefit enjoyed a little. When her employer’s nephew return from war to convalesce from a wound to his leg, she found him to be suspicious. He somehow knew that “Emma” wasn’t what she pretended to be.
Major Harcourt was both suspicious and alarmed by his attraction to this puzzle of a woman. Then fate took a turn that would throw them together romantically.
This was terribly unrealistic, but enjoyable. The dialog was often more like conversations from modern times, but the story and the characters were fun. This was a 4 1/2 star clean romance, rounded up to five stars.
Charlotte Fairfax was the beautiful goat of the season, always performing perfectly before her myriad of suitors and her parents with expectations. Her mother hoped Charlotte would marry for social position, and her father for business connections. Meanwhile, Charlotte was paralyzed by the feeling that she wasn’t being herself. As if she weren’t allowed to have expectations of her own.
That was when Charlotte decided to try something new with the help of some friends she transformed herself into Emma Lacey, companion for a gentlewoman.
Charlotte liked that she was making an honest living and her employer was kind as an added benefit enjoyed a little. When her employer’s nephew return from war to convalesce from a wound to his leg, she found him to be suspicious. He somehow knew that “Emma” wasn’t what she pretended to be.
Major Harcourt was both suspicious and alarmed by his attraction to this puzzle of a woman. Then fate took a turn that would throw them together romantically.
This was terribly unrealistic, but enjoyable. The dialog was often more like conversations from modern times, but the story and the characters were fun. This was a 4 1/2 star clean romance, rounded up to five stars.
June 24, 2026
It was quite enjoyable but definitely some errors and inconsistencies
I loved the side characters and vibe of the town but I do feel like the FMC needed to grovel a bit more for her lies. Everyone just magically brushed past them. The MMC even preemptively forgave her and she still wasn’t honest until she had to be. I also had an issue with her arguing with him so vehemently about certainly things that he then conceded based on her sob story. Like you’re using your grief over your nonexistent dead father to win an argument and try to shame him for his prejudice?
All in all, all the characters were wonderful except the FMC. Who also ditched the cousin who helped her with this whole facade! Why is she not invited to the wedding etc
I loved the side characters and vibe of the town but I do feel like the FMC needed to grovel a bit more for her lies. Everyone just magically brushed past them. The MMC even preemptively forgave her and she still wasn’t honest until she had to be. I also had an issue with her arguing with him so vehemently about certainly things that he then conceded based on her sob story. Like you’re using your grief over your nonexistent dead father to win an argument and try to shame him for his prejudice?
All in all, all the characters were wonderful except the FMC. Who also ditched the cousin who helped her with this whole facade! Why is she not invited to the wedding etc
June 24, 2026
As this book is being pulled from the big ebook retailer in the time of this writting, I guess it's sign, but still...
Well, regardless of the jumps and inconsistencies in time, location and sentiments, the language of the story is way too modern. Not only in the choice of words, but in the reactions, the dynamics, etc.
On the other hand, the premise of the story is intriguing. How it is played out is another matter altogether and overly simplistic.
And one tiny little thing: There is no duke! Imagine that!
Probably the revised story will re-brand the soldier to the duke or so, but to be honest, that was what kept me reading till the tooth-achingly sweet end. I was waiting for the hidden/ secret/ forgotten dukedom to jump out of the shadows till the extended epilogue and even then...
well, the epilogue needn’t have been extended. Really. Don’t bother. It is a toffee-like recapitulation of the book. In case the reader was too slow to grasp the story in all of its non-complexity, or just fell asleep while trying to get through the pages... but never fear, dear reader. There are so many repetitions that even if you are watching tv, doing the dishes and arguing with your neighbor, all while reading the story, you are not in danger of missing a thing. Also, maybe concentrate on the first three tasks, it’ll be a time best spent.
So thb a lot of questions about the authorship in view of modern developments arise. And also editing.
Aside from the authorship, has anybody even read the pages before they were set out in pubic?!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Well, regardless of the jumps and inconsistencies in time, location and sentiments, the language of the story is way too modern. Not only in the choice of words, but in the reactions, the dynamics, etc.
On the other hand, the premise of the story is intriguing. How it is played out is another matter altogether and overly simplistic.
And one tiny little thing: There is no duke! Imagine that!
Probably the revised story will re-brand the soldier to the duke or so, but to be honest, that was what kept me reading till the tooth-achingly sweet end. I was waiting for the hidden/ secret/ forgotten dukedom to jump out of the shadows till the extended epilogue and even then...
well, the epilogue needn’t have been extended. Really. Don’t bother. It is a toffee-like recapitulation of the book. In case the reader was too slow to grasp the story in all of its non-complexity, or just fell asleep while trying to get through the pages... but never fear, dear reader. There are so many repetitions that even if you are watching tv, doing the dishes and arguing with your neighbor, all while reading the story, you are not in danger of missing a thing. Also, maybe concentrate on the first three tasks, it’ll be a time best spent.
So thb a lot of questions about the authorship in view of modern developments arise. And also editing.
Aside from the authorship, has anybody even read the pages before they were set out in pubic?!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 10, 2026
NOT well written at all
So very many mistakes it makes one wonder who actually wrote this book. A collection of people? AI? It makes no sense. It is called a duke worth choosing, but there is no duke that was chosen. In one place it states he has a title, but they never mention what that title is. Also there are quite a few other storyline mistakes. Way too many mistakes, that I could not count them.
DO not waste your time
So very many mistakes it makes one wonder who actually wrote this book. A collection of people? AI? It makes no sense. It is called a duke worth choosing, but there is no duke that was chosen. In one place it states he has a title, but they never mention what that title is. Also there are quite a few other storyline mistakes. Way too many mistakes, that I could not count them.
DO not waste your time
May 14, 2026
Wonderful story but timeline issues distracted from the reading experience
The storyline was wonderful and engaging, but the book needed stronger copy editing. The timeline inconsistencies made parts of the story confusing and, at times, even confusing to read, especially for the last half of the text.
The storyline was wonderful and engaging, but the book needed stronger copy editing. The timeline inconsistencies made parts of the story confusing and, at times, even confusing to read, especially for the last half of the text.
March 15, 2026
AI GENERATED and I don’t think “Sally Forbes” is a real person either
April 1, 2026
A Duke?
A Duke Worth Choosing has no Duke! It wasn't terrible but the title makes no sense at all. Was it written by AI?
A Duke Worth Choosing has no Duke! It wasn't terrible but the title makes no sense at all. Was it written by AI?
May 14, 2026
Great storyline but timeline inconsistencies distracted from the reading experience the last half of the book.
January 25, 2026
Two years ago Charlotte Fairfax’s very wealthy father purchased himself a baronetcy hoping to join the ranks of the ton. He was undaunted by the fact that Society considered him to be ‘new money’, as he planned to gain credibility through his beautiful daughter Charlotte’s marriage, using her forty thousand dollar dowry to attract a title. Frustrated and furious, Charlotte devised a plan to avoid titled fortune hunters who clearly were not interested in her as a person. With the help of her former governess, her cousin Lydia and her lady’s maid, a backstory was created and she became Emma Lacey, the impoverished daughter of a deceased vicar. With her parents believing that she was in Bath to partake of the waters, Charlotte/Emma took employment as a companion to Lady Marchmont in Berkshire. Things were going well until Lady Marchmont’s nephew, Major Nathaniel Harcourt, was sent home with a leg wound to recuperate. It became abundantly clear to him that Emma was hiding something, and out of concern for his Aunt’s safety, he was determined to find out what secrets she hid. As their verbal cat and mouse game ensued, Emma and Nathaniel found themselves falling for each other. Everything changed when heroic deeds during a village emergency almost cost one of them their life. What follows is an emotional tale involving trust, truth and consequences. The undercurrent of discovery keeps the reader on edge as confrontation, manipulation and ultimatums seem just around the corner. Steamy kisses lead to declarations of love, while rumors and support from the local villagers provide the strength and courage for Charlotte/Emma to stand up to parental demands. This story is full of witty and intellectual dialogue, emotional introspection, both internal and external conflict, secrets, revelations and unexpected support. We get to see the Major go from grumpy to charming, and Charlotte evolve into who she has always longed to be. This is a well written and entertaining tale.
April 16, 2026
I liked Forbes's writing from the beginning. She's clever, even thoughfully philosophical. The plot was predictable and moved just a bit too fast, but the characters are interesting, and the dialogue is often beautifully done. My only complaints are: (1) the ridiculously long run-on sentences and poor formatting that should have been caught in the editing stage (colons? Semicolons? Even hyphens would help! But when all else fails, use a period!). And (2) the plot hole of Charlotte's inability to tell the truth to Nathaniel when he's already expressed an uncanny level of discernment. Forbes also tends to repeat herself (particularly about Charlotte's value, societal shallowness, and the saving of seven children), there's an odd time-rewind that is unnecessary, propriety is thrown to the wind for how often they are alone, his illness was introduced after it was over, and the epilogue was the longest ever. But I'd still give this at least a 3.5 for the conversations and the way the town gets behind the romance (Cook has a "romance journal "? Lol).
April 28, 2026
Well Written Errors
So many stupid errors
1) She doesn't choose a Duke, needs a better title
2) She is blonde, not brunette
3) It is illegal to purchase a title or sell one for that matter
4) You don't call someone "My Lady" when they don't have a title
A couple of enjoyable well written scenes especially towards the beginning. But as it becomes hard to like a character who lies upon lies it also becomes distracting when a character takes a step closer when they were riding in a carriage and they magically go from garden to drawing room in the middle of a conversation. But this isn't a magical fantasy book, just very poor editing, or was AI involved in this mess.
By the end it was so repetitive that I started skimming instead of really devouring the words. I also found it hard to accept how easily everyone overlooks her huge lies that she gave for so long.
On a positive note with some good editing, the removal of some of the repetition, and fixing the regency era inconsistencies and you have the potential of an good book.
So many stupid errors
1) She doesn't choose a Duke, needs a better title
2) She is blonde, not brunette
3) It is illegal to purchase a title or sell one for that matter
4) You don't call someone "My Lady" when they don't have a title
A couple of enjoyable well written scenes especially towards the beginning. But as it becomes hard to like a character who lies upon lies it also becomes distracting when a character takes a step closer when they were riding in a carriage and they magically go from garden to drawing room in the middle of a conversation. But this isn't a magical fantasy book, just very poor editing, or was AI involved in this mess.
By the end it was so repetitive that I started skimming instead of really devouring the words. I also found it hard to accept how easily everyone overlooks her huge lies that she gave for so long.
On a positive note with some good editing, the removal of some of the repetition, and fixing the regency era inconsistencies and you have the potential of an good book.
January 31, 2026
Lady Charlotte Fairfax leaves home with a lie that she is going to Bath for rest. In truth she is leaving home to prevent her parents marrying her to someone she does not want. She changes her name to Emma Lacey and becomes a companion to an older lady, Lady Honoria Marchmont. She and Lady Marchmont get along well. Then her nephew, Major Nathaniel Harcourt comes home supposedly to rest and heal from his war injuries. He is suspicious of everything and Charlotte realizes she will need to watch her actions and words more carefully. They each realize there is a spark there, but both too cautious. Can there be any hope with the lies Charlotte is living? What happens when her parents find out where she is and what she has been doing and comes after her to return to her life as an heiress? You will need to find these answers and more. My one comment about this is the title of the book. Still trying to figure out the title since Nathaniel is not a Duke.
September 20, 2026
Still waiting to meet the duke. :)’ This is a sweet book and it’s interesting to develop the relationship so early. I didn’t mind as sometimes you can guess when things will happen by the percentage of book that remains to be read. (We all know the final conflict usually comes at 80%.)
The main characters are a little all-in on love too quickly and the shift in the majors’ suspicion to affection is a bit abrupt, despite the trauma they endured. It was a sweet story overall and I did want to finish it. It drags a bit at the end.
There are some errors that weren’t caught in editing, including character traits, the thread of lies getting tangled, and a good number of grammatical and punctuation errors.
Overall, it is an enjoyable read that needs another edit for readability and the major revision of either a new book title or…adding the duke.
The main characters are a little all-in on love too quickly and the shift in the majors’ suspicion to affection is a bit abrupt, despite the trauma they endured. It was a sweet story overall and I did want to finish it. It drags a bit at the end.
There are some errors that weren’t caught in editing, including character traits, the thread of lies getting tangled, and a good number of grammatical and punctuation errors.
Overall, it is an enjoyable read that needs another edit for readability and the major revision of either a new book title or…adding the duke.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2026
A heiress named Charlotte's parents had been parading her around mentioning her dowry. They wanted her to marry a man that had a lot of gambling debt. Charlotte felt she was only liked for her money not what she did. She ran away, got a job as a companion and became Emma Lacey. She was pretty happy bec she felt useful for the first time. Then her boss's nephew came home. Nathaniel was a war major who hurt his leg. As they got to know each other they fought a lot and their feelings grew. The only thing I didn't like was the title was confusing bec Nathaniel was not a Duke. It has a great ending. I loved it. I read it in two days.
February 1, 2026
A Dowry Rather than a Person
Marriage within the ton is frequently more of a financial transaction to bring money to titled gentlemen who are in debt, wealthy merchants who want to improve their social status, or for other transactions. Every now and a marriage is actually for love. In this story a wealthy merchant's daughter was tired of only being considered a large dowry rather than having people see her for who she is. She came up with a plan to run away and become someone else. Read the story o find out how it works out.
Marriage within the ton is frequently more of a financial transaction to bring money to titled gentlemen who are in debt, wealthy merchants who want to improve their social status, or for other transactions. Every now and a marriage is actually for love. In this story a wealthy merchant's daughter was tired of only being considered a large dowry rather than having people see her for who she is. She came up with a plan to run away and become someone else. Read the story o find out how it works out.
February 16, 2026
It was an enjoyable read as I liked the dialogue between the two main characters. The FMC is being bargained off so her father can feel prestigious as he links himself to a high title through her marriage. She is tired of it and runs away to work as a companion. The MMC is the nephew to her employer and he becomes suspicious of her when he comes to visit and recuperate. Slowly things become clear, but will they get a HEA when her father finds her. The title is a little misleading as I don’t think the MMC was a duke.
January 26, 2026
An heiress goes into hiding to get away from all the gentlemen wanting to court her for her large dowry. When the captain comes to visit his aunt while recovering from a war wound he decides to look into the companion his aunt hired. Between his questioning and other circumstances she eventually gets exposed but despite it all she finds her hea with the captain after all is overcome
April 24, 2026
Feeling suffocated she ran away to be herself and found people who value her as a person rather than her bank balance. I enjoy the witty banter and philosophical exchanges . This book made me smile all the way through. Lovely read.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 8, 2026
My mixed feelings…
I enjoyed so many things about this book. What I struggled with were things like typos, repeated paragraphs and complete sections that skipped around. I think some time spent proofreading would help this book become the story it was meant to be.
I enjoyed so many things about this book. What I struggled with were things like typos, repeated paragraphs and complete sections that skipped around. I think some time spent proofreading would help this book become the story it was meant to be.
March 2, 2026
Love for Charlotte and Nathaniel
Love was almost instant for Charlotte and Nathaniel. But it also grew slowly and deeply. You'll enjoy the humor, tension and struggles in this love story.
Love was almost instant for Charlotte and Nathaniel. But it also grew slowly and deeply. You'll enjoy the humor, tension and struggles in this love story.
March 8, 2026
A Lady/A Number/A Person & Love
Lady Charlotte becomes a number & one day she slips off to Bath. But in reality she’s someone somewhere else. And she falls in love for herself
& soon must let Nathanial know who she really is & why she left it all
behind. A beautiful story..
Lady Charlotte becomes a number & one day she slips off to Bath. But in reality she’s someone somewhere else. And she falls in love for herself
& soon must let Nathanial know who she really is & why she left it all
behind. A beautiful story..
March 26, 2026
I really enjoyed this but am a bit confused why it is called a duke worth choosing and part of a dukes series? Only one duke is mentioned and he’s a side character. I was half expecting Nathaniel to inherit a dukedom part way through and that never happened. Is the duke aspect more metaphorical?
April 3, 2026
what is your name again
Absolutely fabulous book!!!!! Ohhh I loved it and will read a lot more from this author. A wounded soldier and a run away….what could go wrong??? Do t miss this one.!!,
Absolutely fabulous book!!!!! Ohhh I loved it and will read a lot more from this author. A wounded soldier and a run away….what could go wrong??? Do t miss this one.!!,
April 16, 2026
Captivating
Well written, absolutely brilliant! Nice cohesive story, particularly enjoyed the literary references and character definitions. A really heartwarming and engaging read.
Well written, absolutely brilliant! Nice cohesive story, particularly enjoyed the literary references and character definitions. A really heartwarming and engaging read.
April 24, 2026
Happy chaos
Fun characters with amusing interactions. Enjoyed the banter. Strong heroine with military man with a lot of questions. Enjoyable reading can easily keep one awake to finish.
Fun characters with amusing interactions. Enjoyed the banter. Strong heroine with military man with a lot of questions. Enjoyable reading can easily keep one awake to finish.
April 30, 2026
Where was the Duke
I can’t say I know how Charlotte feels, seen for her inheritance and not for herself. Enjoyed how she overcame the problem and got her happy ending. My only complaint is that Nathaniel is not a Duke so the title of this book is very strange.
I can’t say I know how Charlotte feels, seen for her inheritance and not for herself. Enjoyed how she overcame the problem and got her happy ending. My only complaint is that Nathaniel is not a Duke so the title of this book is very strange.
May 4, 2026
Fun,lovely story with just the right tension.
Warm and engaging. Enjoyable from beginning to end. Both villains and heroes are believable, endearing characters. Good clean author but not too sweet.
Warm and engaging. Enjoyable from beginning to end. Both villains and heroes are believable, endearing characters. Good clean author but not too sweet.
June 21, 2026
new favorite author
This is the second book I have read by Sally Forbes. Her character development and depth of vision are amazing. I received so much revelation and joy from her book.
This is the second book I have read by Sally Forbes. Her character development and depth of vision are amazing. I received so much revelation and joy from her book.
September 24, 2026
An absolute gem for regency romance!!!
Such a sweet clean book that made me tear up! The emotions the FMC makes you go through as she continues her journey trying to find freedom is chefs kiss!! My favorite book I’ve read this year!
Such a sweet clean book that made me tear up! The emotions the FMC makes you go through as she continues her journey trying to find freedom is chefs kiss!! My favorite book I’ve read this year!
January 25, 2026
Heart felt
I loved this book because it was clean.
It showed true values over money. Very romantic without being vulgar. I could not put it down.
I loved this book because it was clean.
It showed true values over money. Very romantic without being vulgar. I could not put it down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews