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Deceiving a Duke
Life is tough for a girl like Clarissa. Born into the lower-class of society and spit upon by all those above her, it didn’t seem as if life held much in store for a woman of her status.
But, all of that was soon to change…
As a day arrives when the youthful lass discovers a discarded letter, adorned with ornate markings, right on the side of the street. Upon opening the fancy missive, she learns that it is indeed a marriage proposal – only not addressed to her! It just happens to be for another woman, one who has never met the husband-to-be referenced in the letter.
With nothing to lose, Clarissa decides to reinvent herself in the likeness of an upper-class lady and travel to meet the mysterious man… surprisingly, it turns out that he is not only very wealthy, but also a terribly handsome, young, and seductive fellow! A Duke, at that…
However, when the original woman receives news of this treachery – it sets off a chain of events that threatens to ruin Clarissa’s wonderful fantasy and unravel a host of family secrets! Will she flee or fight for the fortuitous love that sprang about through her passionate masquerade?
But, all of that was soon to change…
As a day arrives when the youthful lass discovers a discarded letter, adorned with ornate markings, right on the side of the street. Upon opening the fancy missive, she learns that it is indeed a marriage proposal – only not addressed to her! It just happens to be for another woman, one who has never met the husband-to-be referenced in the letter.
With nothing to lose, Clarissa decides to reinvent herself in the likeness of an upper-class lady and travel to meet the mysterious man… surprisingly, it turns out that he is not only very wealthy, but also a terribly handsome, young, and seductive fellow! A Duke, at that…
However, when the original woman receives news of this treachery – it sets off a chain of events that threatens to ruin Clarissa’s wonderful fantasy and unravel a host of family secrets! Will she flee or fight for the fortuitous love that sprang about through her passionate masquerade?
226 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 25, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 16, 2021
This is a book about Victorian England, written by an American writer.
On the plus side; Ryleigh Stone has learnt quite a lot of historical facts from that period of English history. The premise is there for a decent story line.
The negatives are many, mostly the typos and grammatical errors spoil its potential, and it desperately needs even a basic edit. I highlighted just a few as examples.
Her knowledge and understanding of society and social status to any person who has reasonable knowledge of that era will have them groan at the errors.
Inconsistencies and contradiction in story plot and sub plot abound. As if she tries to find ways around obstacles in order to fit in what she wants.
The bonus read has problems but fewer than the main story.
Therefore two stars at best from me.
On the plus side; Ryleigh Stone has learnt quite a lot of historical facts from that period of English history. The premise is there for a decent story line.
The negatives are many, mostly the typos and grammatical errors spoil its potential, and it desperately needs even a basic edit. I highlighted just a few as examples.
Her knowledge and understanding of society and social status to any person who has reasonable knowledge of that era will have them groan at the errors.
Inconsistencies and contradiction in story plot and sub plot abound. As if she tries to find ways around obstacles in order to fit in what she wants.
The bonus read has problems but fewer than the main story.
Therefore two stars at best from me.
June 14, 2016
I started this book against my better judgment. After reading the blurb i was intrigued, the poor ratings did not deter me even though i had never heard of this author. Never again.
This was a variation of the Cinderella story, only she was Drezilla/Anastasia . She assumedssomeone's identity out of spite, she stole for revenge. That's not who i want my heroine to be. She was uneducated/unpolished the duke had to teach her how to use the proper cutlery.she cried a lotShe had tears in her eyes a lot.
I can't even fathom how this worked. She kept blurting out things about herself when she was pretending to be someone else, things i think the Duke should have found suspicious/odd. She says she's a seamstress and would like to open a shop and he doesn't even bat an eyelid. She tries to slurp soup from the bowl and he thinks it's because her guardians were lax in raising her. Are you kidding me?! How obtuse can you be.
This was a variation of the Cinderella story, only she was Drezilla/Anastasia . She assumedssomeone's identity out of spite, she stole for revenge. That's not who i want my heroine to be. She was uneducated/unpolished the duke had to teach her how to use the proper cutlery.
I can't even fathom how this worked. She kept blurting out things about herself when she was pretending to be someone else, things i think the Duke should have found suspicious/odd. She says she's a seamstress and would like to open a shop and he doesn't even bat an eyelid. She tries to slurp soup from the bowl and he thinks it's because her guardians were lax in raising her. Are you kidding me?! How obtuse can you be.
March 21, 2017
Good Story...But
The story was good but the typos were abundant. It made for a challenging read. I was a little disappointed.
The story was good but the typos were abundant. It made for a challenging read. I was a little disappointed.
June 28, 2016
Cute historical English romance between a reclusive Duke and a smart seamstress with on future in London.
Clarissa is smart, a hard worker, but other then her dying mother, her life has been a huge disappointment and a series of being used by her father and her employer.
Clarissa gets a chance to something better and then goes for it because there is nothing left in London when her mother dies. The Duke is a cardboard hero, but Clarissa gets a full character development and adventure in this story. There is a HEA, but it is much too coincidental.
226 pages and kindle freebie
2 stars
Clarissa is smart, a hard worker, but other then her dying mother, her life has been a huge disappointment and a series of being used by her father and her employer.
Clarissa gets a chance to something better and then goes for it because there is nothing left in London when her mother dies. The Duke is a cardboard hero, but Clarissa gets a full character development and adventure in this story. There is a HEA, but it is much too coincidental.
226 pages and kindle freebie
2 stars
July 14, 2016
Fantastically written
Wow, what a writer, 2 stories in one book, both written in depth, that I felt I was feeling what the main characters were feeling, so much so that I couldn't put it down. Well written
Wow, what a writer, 2 stories in one book, both written in depth, that I felt I was feeling what the main characters were feeling, so much so that I couldn't put it down. Well written
August 29, 2016
What a Surprise!
The book about the duke was great and a different spin on the high society of London. I really enjoyed but.... the bonus book was great. That doctor was at the asylum too long but at least he knew a "gem" when he saw her and I am glad she had a happy ending.
The book about the duke was great and a different spin on the high society of London. I really enjoyed but.... the bonus book was great. That doctor was at the asylum too long but at least he knew a "gem" when he saw her and I am glad she had a happy ending.
January 18, 2017
Potential to be a good book, but poor editing and grammar with a plot that isn't consistent makes it hard to read.
July 4, 2016
It is a great book to read
April 14, 2017
Good quick read
It's a lovely story with no real problems coming up for the main characters. Every thing falls into place like a 4 piece puzzle. I would have liked to see more complications or at least parts further hashed out
It's a lovely story with no real problems coming up for the main characters. Every thing falls into place like a 4 piece puzzle. I would have liked to see more complications or at least parts further hashed out
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews