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The Cold Duke's Hired Bride: A Historical Regency Romance Book
158 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 5, 2026
A different story than the other books in this series. Has some back and forth to read but does keep you turning the pages. Full of society, drama, secrets, family, villains, trust, betrayal, suspense, twists and turns. Declan is the heir to a dying dukedom yet all thru his life , it's not been great. When he meets Renae , he hopes that life could change for him. Renae is a widow but needs a job and a place to hide from her dead husband's family. All they want is to control her money and her. As Declan and Renae get to know each other, feelings grow. A marriage for them is the answer for them. Enjoyed the extended epilogue so much. Would recommend to others.
I received this story and leave this unbiased, honest review.
I received this story and leave this unbiased, honest review.
August 3, 2026
When I was offered the possibility to read the 3rd volume of “sensible marriages” as an ARC, I was delighted. I had very much enjoyed the first two books in this series and was looking to read more novels by this author. However, I quickly found that this book is very different in style and approach from the other two ( The beastly Duke and the Cruel Duke).
It took me some time to understand the long metaphor about a cold house and the cold rooms within. Likewise, the standing in doorways. The style is complex and at times unclear, always rather allusive. Eventually I came to appreciate the gentle yet determined Declan who like Renea had encountered much neglect throughout his life. I was glad they finally came to fully understand and love one another. Although it was very good to see them a few years later, I wonder whether it was necessary to have 2 epilogues rather than combining the 2 into one.
I look forward to reading more books by D Sheldon and am grateful for the opportunity to have read this book as an ARC . The opinions are of course entirely my own
It took me some time to understand the long metaphor about a cold house and the cold rooms within. Likewise, the standing in doorways. The style is complex and at times unclear, always rather allusive. Eventually I came to appreciate the gentle yet determined Declan who like Renea had encountered much neglect throughout his life. I was glad they finally came to fully understand and love one another. Although it was very good to see them a few years later, I wonder whether it was necessary to have 2 epilogues rather than combining the 2 into one.
I look forward to reading more books by D Sheldon and am grateful for the opportunity to have read this book as an ARC . The opinions are of course entirely my own
August 10, 2026
Disappointing
I bought this book because the synopsis was intriguing. Unfortunately for me, much of the book I did not really understand what was being said. I love historical romance and read a lot of it. I like authenticity in culture and behaviour, but as a modern day reader I do prefer that the language be in a voice I can understand, while at the same time avoiding modern sayings, etc. This was not that.
In fact, I recently read a novel by Sally Forbes and the voice is very similar to this and when I checked, I discovered they both with the same publishing house. And I said a similar thing in that review: I did not understand much of what was said.
The overall story I get, but it would have been far more enjoyable had it been written with a less convoluted voice. I have read other books by this author in the past which was not like this and I really enjoyed it. Personally, I will be checking and avoiding books by this publishing house in future.
I bought this book because the synopsis was intriguing. Unfortunately for me, much of the book I did not really understand what was being said. I love historical romance and read a lot of it. I like authenticity in culture and behaviour, but as a modern day reader I do prefer that the language be in a voice I can understand, while at the same time avoiding modern sayings, etc. This was not that.
In fact, I recently read a novel by Sally Forbes and the voice is very similar to this and when I checked, I discovered they both with the same publishing house. And I said a similar thing in that review: I did not understand much of what was said.
The overall story I get, but it would have been far more enjoyable had it been written with a less convoluted voice. I have read other books by this author in the past which was not like this and I really enjoyed it. Personally, I will be checking and avoiding books by this publishing house in future.
August 2, 2026
I would recommend this lovely book without hesitation. Renae is a widow who has perfected the art of blending in with the wallpaper. She’s learned it’s not an appealing skill so she sets off to make changes.
Declan Greene is the heir to the current Duke of Carrington Hall who is slowly dying. The estate is entailed and the house is neglected and needs a housekeeper to set things right.
The tale is well written. The villain is truly a miserable cad. There’s not a reason not to get the book and begin to cheer for the good guys. Enjoy!
I received this ARC book free in exchange for an honest review.
Declan Greene is the heir to the current Duke of Carrington Hall who is slowly dying. The estate is entailed and the house is neglected and needs a housekeeper to set things right.
The tale is well written. The villain is truly a miserable cad. There’s not a reason not to get the book and begin to cheer for the good guys. Enjoy!
I received this ARC book free in exchange for an honest review.
August 8, 2026
Two wounded souls...
I loved the often pithy conversation that took no prisoners. Dorothy Sheldon's Renae is perfect. She has a strength about her that hard won. She knows herself and has the strength to take the hard road. Declan sees it all and fears the "wanting." I absolutely loved this book and will read it again just to savor the words. Thank you, Dorothy Sheldon for giving us Renae!
I loved the often pithy conversation that took no prisoners. Dorothy Sheldon's Renae is perfect. She has a strength about her that hard won. She knows herself and has the strength to take the hard road. Declan sees it all and fears the "wanting." I absolutely loved this book and will read it again just to savor the words. Thank you, Dorothy Sheldon for giving us Renae!
August 5, 2026
This story had some twists and turns. Two individuals who have learned to survive. They have had ghastly family interactions. She becomes his housekeeper, but the truth of her identity comes to light. They decide to help each other out by marrying. There is a villain who speeds things along. It was an entertaining read with some good dialogue.
August 16, 2026
hard to read
The premise of the story is quite good but I found the dialogue very hard to follow with so many metaphors about houses and rooms that I could not make sense of
It was therefore hard to feel any relationship develop between the characters and it did not feel like the same author’s story telling.
The premise of the story is quite good but I found the dialogue very hard to follow with so many metaphors about houses and rooms that I could not make sense of
It was therefore hard to feel any relationship develop between the characters and it did not feel like the same author’s story telling.
August 18, 2026
Had to wade through the writing style to get to the heart of the story.
I have read this author before, but I think, after this, it will be my last. I found the language of the time way too convoluted and the story much too long. The premise of the story is what attracted me to it, but it was too much work to get there.
I have read this author before, but I think, after this, it will be my last. I found the language of the time way too convoluted and the story much too long. The premise of the story is what attracted me to it, but it was too much work to get there.
August 10, 2026
Declan is the heir. Raised in a cold house as the spare. Renea is “Lady” betrayed/mistreated by a father, a husband and a scheming cousin. They both find their HEA even with an assortment of villains and supporting cast of characters.
August 10, 2026
House Metaphor
This wasn’t an easy book to read because of all the metaphors but I found I really enjoyed it. Maybe because I had to pause and be sure I understood what was being said.
This wasn’t an easy book to read because of all the metaphors but I found I really enjoyed it. Maybe because I had to pause and be sure I understood what was being said.
August 14, 2026
Beautifully written
This is tale of the plight of women and one who dared to fight back in a time when no one could or would, support her. The language is intricate and befitting of the times and the theme.
This is tale of the plight of women and one who dared to fight back in a time when no one could or would, support her. The language is intricate and befitting of the times and the theme.
August 4, 2026
It's really difficult to read "regency" and the many times they like life to resemble accounting. Ugh.
August 11, 2026
How to describe a significant story
I identify this as a significant story.
I found the story to be important.
I was engaged with the unfolding of
the story.
I identify this as a significant story.
I found the story to be important.
I was engaged with the unfolding of
the story.
August 13, 2026
A very different look at Regency life
I loved the different style and slow growth of a new relationship by scarred people just wanting to move forward without knowing
I loved the different style and slow growth of a new relationship by scarred people just wanting to move forward without knowing
August 15, 2026
I don't mind novels written i this style. But the writing in this one was sometimes hard to understand.
August 15, 2026
Took awhile to get into
The wording was not what we are used to. It was a longer way of saying something we now have a clearer way of saying.
The wording was not what we are used to. It was a longer way of saying something we now have a clearer way of saying.
August 18, 2026
Very poetic & wordy.
Very poetic & wordy.
Did second footman get booted ?
Were unconsummated marriages legal ?
Very poetic & wordy.
Very
Very poetic & wordy.
Did second footman get booted ?
Were unconsummated marriages legal ?
Very poetic & wordy.
Very
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews