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Unexpected Heirs #4
The Disgraceful Duchess
A disgraced name. A dangerous political tide. And a reluctant marriage built on secrets.
Gabriel West has spent two years living abroad. Now that he’s unexpectedly inherited a dukedom, his return to London comes with a target on his back, courtesy of his bitter political rivals. The one silver lining? At least he’s far away from Pomona Keynsham—the woman who broke his heart.
Pomona's reputation is already hanging by a thread after being barred from Almack’s and shunned by high society. If anyone discovers she is secretly the authoress behind the sensational gothic novel The Tomb of Valdarno, she’ll be completely ruined.
When the threat of yet another catastrophic scandal forces an alliance, Pomona finds herself married to the last man she trusts. Now, she's not only racing to finish her next book, but locked in a dangerous game of wits to keep Gabriel from discovering her secret writing career—and to keep him at arm's length. Because if there is one thing Pomona refuses to do, it's fall in love with him all over again.
Gabriel West has spent two years living abroad. Now that he’s unexpectedly inherited a dukedom, his return to London comes with a target on his back, courtesy of his bitter political rivals. The one silver lining? At least he’s far away from Pomona Keynsham—the woman who broke his heart.
Pomona's reputation is already hanging by a thread after being barred from Almack’s and shunned by high society. If anyone discovers she is secretly the authoress behind the sensational gothic novel The Tomb of Valdarno, she’ll be completely ruined.
When the threat of yet another catastrophic scandal forces an alliance, Pomona finds herself married to the last man she trusts. Now, she's not only racing to finish her next book, but locked in a dangerous game of wits to keep Gabriel from discovering her secret writing career—and to keep him at arm's length. Because if there is one thing Pomona refuses to do, it's fall in love with him all over again.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 27, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
October 28, 2026
A totally outrageously good story. Pomona and West have a history. Pomona has a stalker who is constantly harassing her when West intervenes. Their past keeps them at odds with each other. West has kept secrets which doesn't lead to a trusting relationship. Pomona has felt neglected and less than most of her life. Together they have a wild ride together to find how to build a relationship. This is a fun story to read.
October 29, 2026
Pomona and Gabriel . . .
Living abroad for several years, Gabriel West has returned to London when he unexpectedly inherited a dukedom. He also has to face threats from bitter political rivals. He is grateful that he won't have to deal with Pomona Keynsham, a woman from his past. As for Pomona, she is also struggling to salvage her reputation, without much success. She has a secret that could thoroughly ruin her, as she is secretly writing gothic novels that would totally disgrace her in society. When an incident with a candle causes the possibility of another scandal, Gabriel steps in and announces to the people gathered around that Miss Pomona Keynsham has done him the honor of agreeing to be his wife. She told her brother Charles she refused to marry him, but he reminded her she had been "caught" with him when half the ton ran into the room, so he reminded her she really cannot back out of the engagement. Not only would the despicable Townley spread the gossip, but word has already spread in the gossip area of a morning newspaper that the new Duke of March is engaged to her. She tried to argue that he had not even asked her first! But Charles reminded her he had done the only thing a gentleman could do to save her reputation. But all she could think about was that West had left her and does not love her. How can she marry a man who doesn't love her? But she really has no choice. She must think of a way to finish her next book while keeping Gabriel from finding out about her secret writing career. She needs this distraction more than ever now, as she doesn't want to risk falling in love with him again. Will she succeed in keeping her secret? Or will she discover she is actually very much loved by her husband?
Living abroad for several years, Gabriel West has returned to London when he unexpectedly inherited a dukedom. He also has to face threats from bitter political rivals. He is grateful that he won't have to deal with Pomona Keynsham, a woman from his past. As for Pomona, she is also struggling to salvage her reputation, without much success. She has a secret that could thoroughly ruin her, as she is secretly writing gothic novels that would totally disgrace her in society. When an incident with a candle causes the possibility of another scandal, Gabriel steps in and announces to the people gathered around that Miss Pomona Keynsham has done him the honor of agreeing to be his wife. She told her brother Charles she refused to marry him, but he reminded her she had been "caught" with him when half the ton ran into the room, so he reminded her she really cannot back out of the engagement. Not only would the despicable Townley spread the gossip, but word has already spread in the gossip area of a morning newspaper that the new Duke of March is engaged to her. She tried to argue that he had not even asked her first! But Charles reminded her he had done the only thing a gentleman could do to save her reputation. But all she could think about was that West had left her and does not love her. How can she marry a man who doesn't love her? But she really has no choice. She must think of a way to finish her next book while keeping Gabriel from finding out about her secret writing career. She needs this distraction more than ever now, as she doesn't want to risk falling in love with him again. Will she succeed in keeping her secret? Or will she discover she is actually very much loved by her husband?
October 30, 2026
Pomona has a secret or two. One is that she writes novels. Scandalous by all accounts the other is that she loves Gabriel West the man she was supposed to marry years ago. Gabriel had been living abroad when he unexpectedly inherited a dukedom. It is a testing time with political storms brewing and he becomes embroiled in dangerous incidents thanks to his bitter political rivals. Pomona Keynsham is the woman who broke his heart. Her reputation is already at risk and she is shunned by society for a number of miss steps. She cannot reveal that she pens inappropriate novels as this would be the end. When Gabriel and her meet again accidentally, she is further compromised and they quickly marry to mitigate her ruin. The trouble is that she still feels love and desire for him even though she tries to keep him from finding out her darkest secrets. Danger and treachery surround and bear down on him. It is then that she realises what is truly important There are lots of dramatic moments on the way to their HEA but they get there at last. A satisfying read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 28, 2026
This was my first time reading Lorea Hartwell, and what a wonderful surprise! I picked up The Disgraceful Duchess curious about the story and ended up completely hooked.
Pomona and Gabriel have history, secrets, hurt feelings, and plenty of tension between them, which made their reluctant marriage so much fun to follow. I loved that the story kept throwing unexpected moments my way. Every time I thought I had things figured out, there was another reason to keep turning the pages.
The combination of romance, scandal, danger, and Pomona secretly writing gothic novels made this feel a little different from the historical romances I normally pick up. I had such a hard time putting it down.
Lorea Hartwell may have been a new-to-me author when I started this book, but she definitely isn't anymore. I'm hooked!
Pomona and Gabriel have history, secrets, hurt feelings, and plenty of tension between them, which made their reluctant marriage so much fun to follow. I loved that the story kept throwing unexpected moments my way. Every time I thought I had things figured out, there was another reason to keep turning the pages.
The combination of romance, scandal, danger, and Pomona secretly writing gothic novels made this feel a little different from the historical romances I normally pick up. I had such a hard time putting it down.
Lorea Hartwell may have been a new-to-me author when I started this book, but she definitely isn't anymore. I'm hooked!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The story of Gabriel West, who unexpectedly inherits a dukedom and returns to London after two years abroad, facing political rivals and the return of Pomona Keynsham, the woman who broke his heart. Meanwhile, Pomona is struggling to save her reputation in high society while keeping her identity as a sensational gothic novelist a secret. When a scandal forces them into a marriage of alliance, they find themselves in a game of secrets, wit, and guarded hearts. Overall, it is a well-written story with a great plot, compelling characters, and a happy ending. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 31, 2026
She has a secret that can ruin her forever. He has issues with rivals and his new position as a duke. When put together you have a winning story of duty, love and decisions that hold your attention from beginning to end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews