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Spinster Heiresses #3
The Duke That I Marry
Once upon a time there were three young ladies who, despite their fortunes, had been on the marriage mart a bit too long. They were known as "the Spinster Heiresses"...
Is it wrong for a woman to want more?
Not if she is a Spinster Heiress. They do not settle. Any young miss would be very lucky to find herself promised to a man like the Duke of Camberly. However, Miss Willa Reverly has watched her friends marry for love. Camberly may be the prize of the season, but she will not be "sold" to any man. She wants his devotion or she wants nothing at all.
When is a Marriage of Convenience inconvenient?
Newly named to the ducal title, Matthew Addison is determined to discover the secrets behind Mayfield, the bankrupt estate he has inherited. He doesn't have time to coddle a headstrong heiress who is determined to ditch him over something as silly as "love." Little does he know that his questions will place her in jeopardy. Now he must do what he must to save them both.
Could it be that in running from danger they might be racing headlong into a truly unexpected fate: falling in love?
Is it wrong for a woman to want more?
Not if she is a Spinster Heiress. They do not settle. Any young miss would be very lucky to find herself promised to a man like the Duke of Camberly. However, Miss Willa Reverly has watched her friends marry for love. Camberly may be the prize of the season, but she will not be "sold" to any man. She wants his devotion or she wants nothing at all.
When is a Marriage of Convenience inconvenient?
Newly named to the ducal title, Matthew Addison is determined to discover the secrets behind Mayfield, the bankrupt estate he has inherited. He doesn't have time to coddle a headstrong heiress who is determined to ditch him over something as silly as "love." Little does he know that his questions will place her in jeopardy. Now he must do what he must to save them both.
Could it be that in running from danger they might be racing headlong into a truly unexpected fate: falling in love?
357 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 27, 2018
374 people are currently reading
665 people want to read
About the author
Cathy Maxwell
71 books2,200 followersCATHY MAXWELL spends hours in front of her computer pondering the question, "Why do people fall in love?" It remains for her the mystery of life and the secret to happiness.
She lives in the Austin, TX area where she is having the time of her life.
Visit her on Instagram, Twitter, FB, and TikTok at maxwellcathy (Yes, some other Cathy Maxwell nabbed the handle. However, she does own www.cathymaxwell.com and she'd love for you to swing by.)
She lives in the Austin, TX area where she is having the time of her life.
Visit her on Instagram, Twitter, FB, and TikTok at maxwellcathy (Yes, some other Cathy Maxwell nabbed the handle. However, she does own www.cathymaxwell.com and she'd love for you to swing by.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
April 14, 2020
Maxwell needs to just leave sex scenes entirely out of her books. That was uncomfortable from start to finish, and the constant male arousal post the 'borderline rape' scene was highly offensive.
You aren’t doing a woman a favor by not jumping her with your animal urges, controlling yourself is expected, not a bloody boon.
To rank annoyances in order I would say first up is the ‘love match’ obsession in this book. It was mightily annoying. I was sick unto death of everyone prosing on about it by halfway through. This story was a poor effort overall.
Love, love, love, ad nauseum, the whole book was spent talking about love rather than having the characters actually fall in love or build any kind of understanding.
The whole kidnap thing made no sense, this was a ducal family the criminal was dealing with. That level of boldness from a status-less henchman made absolutely no sense as a plot. You simply do not hassle people that high up in society, much less invade their homes. This book irritated me sooo much.
And good lorddddd the repetition. Every three pages they go over the same nonsense as if the reader has the memory of a gnat.
By the time I was at the section where heroine was acting TSTL, in the last couple chapters, trailing along endangering herself and saying dumb crap like “you would have stopped him, I knew I would be safe” I didn’t even have the energy to throw it across the room.
An asinine book. A waste of time couple.
The end.
You aren’t doing a woman a favor by not jumping her with your animal urges, controlling yourself is expected, not a bloody boon.
To rank annoyances in order I would say first up is the ‘love match’ obsession in this book. It was mightily annoying. I was sick unto death of everyone prosing on about it by halfway through. This story was a poor effort overall.
Love, love, love, ad nauseum, the whole book was spent talking about love rather than having the characters actually fall in love or build any kind of understanding.
The whole kidnap thing made no sense, this was a ducal family the criminal was dealing with. That level of boldness from a status-less henchman made absolutely no sense as a plot. You simply do not hassle people that high up in society, much less invade their homes. This book irritated me sooo much.
And good lorddddd the repetition. Every three pages they go over the same nonsense as if the reader has the memory of a gnat.
By the time I was at the section where heroine was acting TSTL, in the last couple chapters, trailing along endangering herself and saying dumb crap like “you would have stopped him, I knew I would be safe” I didn’t even have the energy to throw it across the room.
An asinine book. A waste of time couple.
The end.
June 4, 2024
Review from 2019
I've given this a B+ for narration and a C for content at AudioGals. The narration bumps this up to the 4 star bracket.
The Duke That I Marry is the final book in Cathy Maxwell’s trilogy of Spinster Heiresses novels, which features a group of three friends, all of them with massive dowries. In the first book, we were introduced to Leonie, Cassandra and Willa as they passed the time at all the various events to which they were endlessly invited by playing a game in which they scored points for attracting the notice of the Ton’s most eligible bachelor, the young, incredibly handsome (and incredibly broke) Matthew Addison, Duke of Camberly.
Having failed to marry either Leonie or Cassandra, Camberly at last offered for Willa and then retreated to his country estate, partly to avoid the gossip surrounding the termination of his rather scandalous affair with a married woman and partly so he could get a firm grip on the management of his estate and finances.
A rather large spanner is thrown into the works however when Willa decides to call off the wedding literally the DAY before. Matt desperately needs the money to shore up the Camberly finances and effect repairs to the estate, so he leaves immediately for London to see if there’s any way he can salvage the situation – and there, learns that Willa has been upset by his lack of attention (and presence) since their betrothal. He went haring off home after it was agreed, and although she knows theirs is no love match, she still feels somewhat neglected. Matters aren’t helped by the fact that before he became a duke, plain Matthew Addison, whose father was cast off by his family when he fell in love with and married an actress, never expected to inherit and had lived the life of a scholar, publishing a book of love poems which became popular with young ladies. Willa can’t help reading his words and comparing them with his treatment of her and realising she’s worth more and wants more. She wants to matter to the man she is to spend her life with, and a man who was, until recently, in thrall to his (married) mistress and who would betroth himself to her and then disappear has clearly shown she doesn’t matter to him.
Matt is – fortunately – not a cold, unfeeling man and while he makes no bones about needing Willa’s money, he is also able to understand why she is upset and to persuade her to give him a chance as a husband. The wedding goes ahead – but not before Willa’s mother has put the fear of God into Willa regarding the marriage bed and childbirth – Willa is petite and Matt is a large man (all over, natch!) – and told her never to trust him because men all are deceiving pigs. (Well, she doesn’t use those words, but clearly, years with an unfaithful husband who takes no notice of her have taken their toll!)
I enjoy marriage of convenience stories; watching two strangers struggling to find common ground, forge a relationship and eventually fall in love is like catnip to yours truly, and the aspect of this story that deals with how Matt and Willa start out on their married life is well done – although the author gives the couple a pretty disastrous wedding night, which at least made a change from all those virgins who have multiple orgasms their first time! Matt is a decent man trying to do his best in a situation he was never trained for or expected to find himself in, and he finds himself delighted by his new wife, quickly realising that there’s more to her than the beautiful but demure and seemingly biddable young woman he’d glimpsed on the few occasions they’d met. He was badly burned by his mistress, however, realising that he’d made a bit of an idiot of himself by acting like a lovesick boy over her, but deciding, as a result, never to become so deeply attached to someone ever again. Yet it’s not long before Willa is making her way under his skin and into his heart – and he comes to see that love isn’t all about fireworks and passion and to appreciate that what he could have with Willa – a soul deep connection and understanding – is something far more desirable.
For a book about a Spinster Heiress, I haven’t said much about the heroine – probably because I found Willa less of an interesting character than either Leonie or Cassandra in the other books. And in fact, where those ladies had some interesting challenges to face – Leonie was battling alcoholism and Cassandra discovered that her guardian had embezzled her fortune – Willa doesn’t have anything like that to overcome. Yes, there’s the fact she’s grown up with parents who don’t like each other very much and her father is a crass, serial adulterer, but the way those things have affected her aren’t explored all that much. Matt is the more interesting character; brought up by loving parents, he’s more than a bit miffed that he is going to be forced to give up the prospect of love himself because of poor decisions made by others, especially after the reasons for the state of the Camberly finances are revealed to him.
But the book stumbles in two places. We learn in the opening chapter that the Camberly estate is near bankruptcy because Matt’s grandfather was being blackmailed, and although the blackmail stopped with his death, Matt becomes determined to discover who was behind it. When things come to a head near the end, it’s over the top, unbelievable and unexciting and the identity of the villain is obvious from the get-go (fortunately, Matt works it out, too, so at least he’s not made to look a complete idiot!) But worse than that – for a romance – is that while certain aspects of the marriage of convenience plot are handled well, I never really understood why either Matt or Willa fell for each other. Okay, I can maybe see why Willa would fall for Matt – he’s the opposite of her boorish father and he treats her with respect and kindness – but I’m not sure what he really saw in her, other than that’s she’s physically attractive. And as a result, the romance falls flat, and the book doesn’t feel as though it has much substance.
The excellent Mary Jane Wells does her best to turn an essentially middling book into something more, but it’s an uphill struggle and even her vocal talents couldn’t, in the end, push The Duke That I Marry to the top of that hill. She’s a terrific actress, and I always enjoy her portrayals of the character roles, such as crusty dowager (Matt’s domineering grandmother), blustering boor (Willa’s father) and beleaguered butler; plus she always makes the hero sound attractively masculine without needing to drop her voice into her boots, and differentiates well between all the characters. One of the things I often mention in reviews of her performances is how good she is at bringing out the humour in the dialogue, but although she does do that here, sadly there isn’t a great deal of it to work with. Also, I wasn’t wild about her portrayal of Willa, who sounds, a lot of the time, like a girl rather than a young woman which made some scenes a bit problematic.
That apart, though, Ms. Wells delivers a more than decent performance and one that her fans may enjoy if looking for something new from her. Sadly, however, the book itself is rather dull, sending off the Spinster Heiresses with a wet splat rather than a bang.
I've given this a B+ for narration and a C for content at AudioGals. The narration bumps this up to the 4 star bracket.
The Duke That I Marry is the final book in Cathy Maxwell’s trilogy of Spinster Heiresses novels, which features a group of three friends, all of them with massive dowries. In the first book, we were introduced to Leonie, Cassandra and Willa as they passed the time at all the various events to which they were endlessly invited by playing a game in which they scored points for attracting the notice of the Ton’s most eligible bachelor, the young, incredibly handsome (and incredibly broke) Matthew Addison, Duke of Camberly.
Having failed to marry either Leonie or Cassandra, Camberly at last offered for Willa and then retreated to his country estate, partly to avoid the gossip surrounding the termination of his rather scandalous affair with a married woman and partly so he could get a firm grip on the management of his estate and finances.
A rather large spanner is thrown into the works however when Willa decides to call off the wedding literally the DAY before. Matt desperately needs the money to shore up the Camberly finances and effect repairs to the estate, so he leaves immediately for London to see if there’s any way he can salvage the situation – and there, learns that Willa has been upset by his lack of attention (and presence) since their betrothal. He went haring off home after it was agreed, and although she knows theirs is no love match, she still feels somewhat neglected. Matters aren’t helped by the fact that before he became a duke, plain Matthew Addison, whose father was cast off by his family when he fell in love with and married an actress, never expected to inherit and had lived the life of a scholar, publishing a book of love poems which became popular with young ladies. Willa can’t help reading his words and comparing them with his treatment of her and realising she’s worth more and wants more. She wants to matter to the man she is to spend her life with, and a man who was, until recently, in thrall to his (married) mistress and who would betroth himself to her and then disappear has clearly shown she doesn’t matter to him.
Matt is – fortunately – not a cold, unfeeling man and while he makes no bones about needing Willa’s money, he is also able to understand why she is upset and to persuade her to give him a chance as a husband. The wedding goes ahead – but not before Willa’s mother has put the fear of God into Willa regarding the marriage bed and childbirth – Willa is petite and Matt is a large man (all over, natch!) – and told her never to trust him because men all are deceiving pigs. (Well, she doesn’t use those words, but clearly, years with an unfaithful husband who takes no notice of her have taken their toll!)
I enjoy marriage of convenience stories; watching two strangers struggling to find common ground, forge a relationship and eventually fall in love is like catnip to yours truly, and the aspect of this story that deals with how Matt and Willa start out on their married life is well done – although the author gives the couple a pretty disastrous wedding night, which at least made a change from all those virgins who have multiple orgasms their first time! Matt is a decent man trying to do his best in a situation he was never trained for or expected to find himself in, and he finds himself delighted by his new wife, quickly realising that there’s more to her than the beautiful but demure and seemingly biddable young woman he’d glimpsed on the few occasions they’d met. He was badly burned by his mistress, however, realising that he’d made a bit of an idiot of himself by acting like a lovesick boy over her, but deciding, as a result, never to become so deeply attached to someone ever again. Yet it’s not long before Willa is making her way under his skin and into his heart – and he comes to see that love isn’t all about fireworks and passion and to appreciate that what he could have with Willa – a soul deep connection and understanding – is something far more desirable.
For a book about a Spinster Heiress, I haven’t said much about the heroine – probably because I found Willa less of an interesting character than either Leonie or Cassandra in the other books. And in fact, where those ladies had some interesting challenges to face – Leonie was battling alcoholism and Cassandra discovered that her guardian had embezzled her fortune – Willa doesn’t have anything like that to overcome. Yes, there’s the fact she’s grown up with parents who don’t like each other very much and her father is a crass, serial adulterer, but the way those things have affected her aren’t explored all that much. Matt is the more interesting character; brought up by loving parents, he’s more than a bit miffed that he is going to be forced to give up the prospect of love himself because of poor decisions made by others, especially after the reasons for the state of the Camberly finances are revealed to him.
But the book stumbles in two places. We learn in the opening chapter that the Camberly estate is near bankruptcy because Matt’s grandfather was being blackmailed, and although the blackmail stopped with his death, Matt becomes determined to discover who was behind it. When things come to a head near the end, it’s over the top, unbelievable and unexciting and the identity of the villain is obvious from the get-go (fortunately, Matt works it out, too, so at least he’s not made to look a complete idiot!) But worse than that – for a romance – is that while certain aspects of the marriage of convenience plot are handled well, I never really understood why either Matt or Willa fell for each other. Okay, I can maybe see why Willa would fall for Matt – he’s the opposite of her boorish father and he treats her with respect and kindness – but I’m not sure what he really saw in her, other than that’s she’s physically attractive. And as a result, the romance falls flat, and the book doesn’t feel as though it has much substance.
The excellent Mary Jane Wells does her best to turn an essentially middling book into something more, but it’s an uphill struggle and even her vocal talents couldn’t, in the end, push The Duke That I Marry to the top of that hill. She’s a terrific actress, and I always enjoy her portrayals of the character roles, such as crusty dowager (Matt’s domineering grandmother), blustering boor (Willa’s father) and beleaguered butler; plus she always makes the hero sound attractively masculine without needing to drop her voice into her boots, and differentiates well between all the characters. One of the things I often mention in reviews of her performances is how good she is at bringing out the humour in the dialogue, but although she does do that here, sadly there isn’t a great deal of it to work with. Also, I wasn’t wild about her portrayal of Willa, who sounds, a lot of the time, like a girl rather than a young woman which made some scenes a bit problematic.
That apart, though, Ms. Wells delivers a more than decent performance and one that her fans may enjoy if looking for something new from her. Sadly, however, the book itself is rather dull, sending off the Spinster Heiresses with a wet splat rather than a bang.
September 1, 2021
3 Stars
Overall Opinion: I tend to gravitate towards the arranged marriage trope and that is absolutely why I gave this one a try. Sadly, it was just alright for me. I didn’t fully understand/feel their progression to deeper feelings and I don’t think I ever really felt their overall connection. I liked the H, but I think I decided he was too good for the h and his circumstances. The h was what probably ruined the book for me because I never got around to liking her. Oh well, on to the next. If you have any arranged marriage (contemporary or historical) themed books to recommend — I’m all ears!
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Willa and Matt’s story. They are to have an arranged marriage due to Willa’s wealthy father wanting a title and Matt’s recent inheritance of a ducal title with a need for Willa’s dowry. This starts when Will sends a letter the day before their marriage calling it off because she wants a love match like her friends. Matthew is desperate for Willa’s significant dowry, so he talks his way through her doubts and they get married. As they get to know one another more, they develop feelings and fall in love. There’s some past family drama, some suspenseful scenes, and a few sexy times…and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between focusing on Willa and Matt in 3rd person narrative.
Overall Pace of Story: Alright. It did feel slow at times but I never skimmed.
Instalove: No, they take a while to develop stronger feelings.
H (Hero) rating: 4 stars. Matt. I liked him. I appreciated how he acknowledged his mistakes and worked to be better.
h (heroine) rating: 2.5 stars. Willa. I struggled with her most of the book. I get that she wanted love, but she knew what the circumstances were before agreeing to it all. She was just too wishy-washy/hot and cold for my liking.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Alright. They have some tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: Not IMO
Separation: No
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends with alright closure and what I would call a HEA ending , but it definitely could have been better! There were quite a few loose ends for me.
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
Overall Opinion: I tend to gravitate towards the arranged marriage trope and that is absolutely why I gave this one a try. Sadly, it was just alright for me. I didn’t fully understand/feel their progression to deeper feelings and I don’t think I ever really felt their overall connection. I liked the H, but I think I decided he was too good for the h and his circumstances. The h was what probably ruined the book for me because I never got around to liking her. Oh well, on to the next. If you have any arranged marriage (contemporary or historical) themed books to recommend — I’m all ears!
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Willa and Matt’s story. They are to have an arranged marriage due to Willa’s wealthy father wanting a title and Matt’s recent inheritance of a ducal title with a need for Willa’s dowry. This starts when Will sends a letter the day before their marriage calling it off because she wants a love match like her friends. Matthew is desperate for Willa’s significant dowry, so he talks his way through her doubts and they get married. As they get to know one another more, they develop feelings and fall in love. There’s some past family drama, some suspenseful scenes, and a few sexy times…and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between focusing on Willa and Matt in 3rd person narrative.
Overall Pace of Story: Alright. It did feel slow at times but I never skimmed.
Instalove: No, they take a while to develop stronger feelings.
H (Hero) rating: 4 stars. Matt. I liked him. I appreciated how he acknowledged his mistakes and worked to be better.
h (heroine) rating: 2.5 stars. Willa. I struggled with her most of the book. I get that she wanted love, but she knew what the circumstances were before agreeing to it all. She was just too wishy-washy/hot and cold for my liking.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Alright. They have some tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: Not IMO
Separation: No
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends with alright closure and what I would call a HEA ending , but it definitely could have been better! There were quite a few loose ends for me.
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
December 13, 2018
I'm still slightly steamed about this book and am overall wishing I hadn’t picked up this book.
The character of heiress Willa I actually liked for the most part, but the hero Matthew (Matt), Duke of Camberly, overall nope, although there were times, I could have liked him if it weren’t for the key occasions of dislike and annoyance, I could not get past.
When it comes to books, I’m good at dropping reality at the door and I’ve had HR books where there have been scenes where I’ve found myself pissed, peeved or thinking why, but I’ve been able to contextualise, or pushed it to the side and moved pass it, but that was not the case here.
Now the author with the scene at 45% may have been trying to highlight the reality of how bloody horrible the first-time
After 45% I did continue on, skimming here and there, and there were FLEETING moments when things were good, but I wish I had stopped. This was not a relationship or story I could find myself invested in, nor was it one I could believe in.
Overall, not what I was expecting and definitely a book never again to be read by me.
The character of heiress Willa I actually liked for the most part, but the hero Matthew (Matt), Duke of Camberly, overall nope, although there were times, I could have liked him if it weren’t for the key occasions of dislike and annoyance, I could not get past.
When it comes to books, I’m good at dropping reality at the door and I’ve had HR books where there have been scenes where I’ve found myself pissed, peeved or thinking why, but I’ve been able to contextualise, or pushed it to the side and moved pass it, but that was not the case here.
Now the author with the scene at 45% may have been trying to highlight the reality of how bloody horrible the first-time
After 45% I did continue on, skimming here and there, and there were FLEETING moments when things were good, but I wish I had stopped. This was not a relationship or story I could find myself invested in, nor was it one I could believe in.
Overall, not what I was expecting and definitely a book never again to be read by me.
November 26, 2018
Maybe 4.5 stars.
If you have been following the series, then you already know Willa Reverly and Matthew Addison, the Duke of Camberly. Willa is the last of the "Spinster Heiresses" and has recently become betrothed to Matt, the Duke of Camberly, the biggest "catch" of the season. She should be ecstatic, but she's not, in fact, she has just written to him breaking their betrothal.
Matt has been at his country estate, licking his wounds, since his betrothal to Willa. He made a complete fool of himself over a married woman before becoming betrothed to Willa and his lover's rejection broke his heart. He will marry Willa because his estate is bankrupt and while rusticating he spent time looking over the books - something doesn't add up. When his grandmother arrives and demands to know why he is not in London - he questions her about the estate and finally learns the truth - the former duke had been blackmailed. Matt wants to find the blackmailer and get the money back, much to his grandmother's horror. But his plans are halted when he gets the letter from Willa - before he can do anything about the blackmailer, he needs to fix things with Willa.
Matt can be incredibly charming and as the only boy with four older sisters, he understands women - or so he thinks - he meets with Willa and convinces her to go through with the wedding. He is surprised to realize that he really wants to marry her, he will never love her because after the fiasco with Letty, he will never let himself love again (insert eyeroll), but she is very pretty and he likes her. She agrees, mainly because she knows her father will not let her jilt him and because she really does like him.
They marry and have a disastrous wedding night - But Matt refuses to let her shut him out. He is determined to make this marriage work and will do whatever he has to, to succeed. Things seem to be going well between them, Matt begins looking into the blackmailer and Willa is starting falling in love with him.
But when she catches him with his former lover, she is crushed and runs to her mother. Her mother sets her straight and sends her back to her husband, however, before they can be reunited, Matt's digging into the blackmailer comes back to haunt him and he may lose the woman he never believed he could love.
I thought this was a good book, it has a lot going on, but it is well done and stays on point. I did think Willa acted a little spoiled at times and Matt is more of a beta hero than I would have liked, but overall, they are both likable, they communicate with each other instead of letting misunderstandings fester, the wedding night was a little disturbing, but it didn't dimished the story for me and actually made me like Matt a little more than I thought I would. The mystery of the blackmailer was ok, the identity didn't come as much of surprise to me, but it did add a layer of intrigue and danger to the story that kept me turning the pages. I thought Matt's declaration at the end was flat out the best part of the book and the epilogue was very sweet. I would happily recommend this book and while it could be read as a stand alone, I suggest reading the series in order to get the most out of this story.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review of an uncorrected eARC that was provided to me by Edelweiss and the publisher.*
If you have been following the series, then you already know Willa Reverly and Matthew Addison, the Duke of Camberly. Willa is the last of the "Spinster Heiresses" and has recently become betrothed to Matt, the Duke of Camberly, the biggest "catch" of the season. She should be ecstatic, but she's not, in fact, she has just written to him breaking their betrothal.
Matt has been at his country estate, licking his wounds, since his betrothal to Willa. He made a complete fool of himself over a married woman before becoming betrothed to Willa and his lover's rejection broke his heart. He will marry Willa because his estate is bankrupt and while rusticating he spent time looking over the books - something doesn't add up. When his grandmother arrives and demands to know why he is not in London - he questions her about the estate and finally learns the truth - the former duke had been blackmailed. Matt wants to find the blackmailer and get the money back, much to his grandmother's horror. But his plans are halted when he gets the letter from Willa - before he can do anything about the blackmailer, he needs to fix things with Willa.
Matt can be incredibly charming and as the only boy with four older sisters, he understands women - or so he thinks - he meets with Willa and convinces her to go through with the wedding. He is surprised to realize that he really wants to marry her, he will never love her because after the fiasco with Letty, he will never let himself love again (insert eyeroll), but she is very pretty and he likes her. She agrees, mainly because she knows her father will not let her jilt him and because she really does like him.
They marry and have a disastrous wedding night - But Matt refuses to let her shut him out. He is determined to make this marriage work and will do whatever he has to, to succeed. Things seem to be going well between them, Matt begins looking into the blackmailer and Willa is starting falling in love with him.
But when she catches him with his former lover, she is crushed and runs to her mother. Her mother sets her straight and sends her back to her husband, however, before they can be reunited, Matt's digging into the blackmailer comes back to haunt him and he may lose the woman he never believed he could love.
I thought this was a good book, it has a lot going on, but it is well done and stays on point. I did think Willa acted a little spoiled at times and Matt is more of a beta hero than I would have liked, but overall, they are both likable, they communicate with each other instead of letting misunderstandings fester, the wedding night was a little disturbing, but it didn't dimished the story for me and actually made me like Matt a little more than I thought I would. The mystery of the blackmailer was ok, the identity didn't come as much of surprise to me, but it did add a layer of intrigue and danger to the story that kept me turning the pages. I thought Matt's declaration at the end was flat out the best part of the book and the epilogue was very sweet. I would happily recommend this book and while it could be read as a stand alone, I suggest reading the series in order to get the most out of this story.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review of an uncorrected eARC that was provided to me by Edelweiss and the publisher.*
September 1, 2021
4.5 Stars
Arranged Marriage / Marriage of Convenience
Jilted Hero
Suspense
Interconnected Standalone
I have not read the previous books in this series but I plan to soon. The other two books are about the heroine's best friends. I can't wait to check out their stories. I really enjoyed this author's writing and storytelling ability. I was immediately sucked into the story.
I loved the angsty feels of this plot. Matt (the hero) was jilted by an ex lover (she was married), and having recently inherited an almost bankrupt dukedom, he was pressured to marry the heroine for her sizable dowry. A love match, it was not. Our duke had vowed never to fall in love again. And the angst ensued. I won't reveal more but only that I finished this book too quickly; I was hooked. There is a suspense factor and that's not really my thing in romance, however, in this case, I don't think it took away from the romance. On another note: I read a few reviews and I'm honestly so confused about mentions--and even rants--about "borderline rape." What book did they read?? I really don't think we read the same book, at all. But I suppose that's the amazing thing about reading...it's incredibly subjective.
In fact, after finishing the book, I can say Matt is one of the most caring heroes I've read in historical romance. Whenever he was firm and stubborn, I actually appreciated it because to me, as a reader, it showed how much he was falling for Willa (the heroine) and wanted her by his side, always. He was an alpha when he needed to, and I adore my alpha heroes, one that fights for his heroine. Because one of my biggest pet peeves is a beta hero; ugh, how passive and boring. But "different strokes for different folks."
HEA: Yes<3 It includes an epilogue...that was sweet but I wish it had given me more.
Cheating: Nope
My e-copy ended at 85%.
Arranged Marriage / Marriage of Convenience
Jilted Hero
Suspense
Interconnected Standalone
I have not read the previous books in this series but I plan to soon. The other two books are about the heroine's best friends. I can't wait to check out their stories. I really enjoyed this author's writing and storytelling ability. I was immediately sucked into the story.
I loved the angsty feels of this plot. Matt (the hero) was jilted by an ex lover (she was married), and having recently inherited an almost bankrupt dukedom, he was pressured to marry the heroine for her sizable dowry. A love match, it was not. Our duke had vowed never to fall in love again. And the angst ensued. I won't reveal more but only that I finished this book too quickly; I was hooked. There is a suspense factor and that's not really my thing in romance, however, in this case, I don't think it took away from the romance. On another note: I read a few reviews and I'm honestly so confused about mentions--and even rants--about "borderline rape." What book did they read?? I really don't think we read the same book, at all. But I suppose that's the amazing thing about reading...it's incredibly subjective.
In fact, after finishing the book, I can say Matt is one of the most caring heroes I've read in historical romance. Whenever he was firm and stubborn, I actually appreciated it because to me, as a reader, it showed how much he was falling for Willa (the heroine) and wanted her by his side, always. He was an alpha when he needed to, and I adore my alpha heroes, one that fights for his heroine. Because one of my biggest pet peeves is a beta hero; ugh, how passive and boring. But "different strokes for different folks."
HEA: Yes<3 It includes an epilogue...that was sweet but I wish it had given me more.
Cheating: Nope
My e-copy ended at 85%.
November 27, 2018
The Duke That I Marry by Cathy Maxwell is book Three in the Spinster Heiresses series. This is the story of Willa Reverly and Matthew Addision, Duke of Camberly. I have read the previous book but feel this can be a standalone book if you wish to do so.
Matt's father married a actress who he was in love with but Matt's Grandfather disowned his father an the children they had. When their parents die his sister goes to the Grandparents to ask that they give Matt the education he needs as a Duke's grandson. But their Grandfather never warmed to them. Now Matt has inherited the the Family Title and with it the highly in debit estate. Matt has his heart broken by a women so he has settle himself to marry for money instead of Love that his parents had. Willa is a very wealthy women who at first her and her friends think Matt is the catch of the season but after their engagement party he up and leaves and doesn't interact with her at all during or before it. So she goes forward to write him to let him know she is releasing him from their engagement. Around that same time Matt learns that his Grandfather was being blackmailed and that is why the estate is in such money loss. But now he has to convince Willa to stick to their engagement. But they both start to think that maybe their marriage will be more than they ever hoped...but there is danger lurking near them.
Enjoyed their story!
Matt's father married a actress who he was in love with but Matt's Grandfather disowned his father an the children they had. When their parents die his sister goes to the Grandparents to ask that they give Matt the education he needs as a Duke's grandson. But their Grandfather never warmed to them. Now Matt has inherited the the Family Title and with it the highly in debit estate. Matt has his heart broken by a women so he has settle himself to marry for money instead of Love that his parents had. Willa is a very wealthy women who at first her and her friends think Matt is the catch of the season but after their engagement party he up and leaves and doesn't interact with her at all during or before it. So she goes forward to write him to let him know she is releasing him from their engagement. Around that same time Matt learns that his Grandfather was being blackmailed and that is why the estate is in such money loss. But now he has to convince Willa to stick to their engagement. But they both start to think that maybe their marriage will be more than they ever hoped...but there is danger lurking near them.
Enjoyed their story!
November 26, 2018
The Duke That I Marry is quite the adventurous romp, something I did not expect from Cathy Maxwell. This book surprised me in many ways. I wondered how she'd "redeem" Matt in his own story after introducing him as someone who was in love with a married woman in the previous book. The redemption was slow, but it came and it was satisfying.
There are a lot of things to like in this conclusion to the Spinster Heiresses series. The characters and situations are original and seemed truer to life than most. I actually liked that their first time together was difficult. It can't be all unicorns and rainbows for everyone, right? I liked that they talk. Yes, I like that best of all. Not letting the misunderstanding fester. I also liked that the MCs for the three books are each drawn uniquely, that each is distinct and memorable. Even the secondary characters.
I love the ending with the three heroines toasting their friendship. “May we be women unafraid to face whatever life brings us." I say cheers to that. 🥂
There are a lot of things to like in this conclusion to the Spinster Heiresses series. The characters and situations are original and seemed truer to life than most. I actually liked that their first time together was difficult. It can't be all unicorns and rainbows for everyone, right? I liked that they talk. Yes, I like that best of all. Not letting the misunderstanding fester. I also liked that the MCs for the three books are each drawn uniquely, that each is distinct and memorable. Even the secondary characters.
I love the ending with the three heroines toasting their friendship. “May we be women unafraid to face whatever life brings us." I say cheers to that. 🥂
November 27, 2018
This is my first read by Cathy Maxwell, I know she is a renowned author of Historical, so finally I took time to read her new release.
And I loved it, even if it is the last book in this series, I was not lost, the different protagonists were well introduced.
I loved the main couple, they are far from perfect, they have flaws and made mistakes, lot of but they try to redeem them and do not run away, they face life even when they would have preferred to hide, plus they listen when they simply could shut out the others.
Willa is no different woman at first, except being a wealthy heiress, she has no special talent, she just has spent her life trying to be a good daughter and fulfill her parents expectations, until she reached her very limits and decided to cry off her betrothal.
Matthew never thought he would inherit his grandfather tittle, nor get a bankrupted estate which put him in a situation to marry an heiress instead of marrying for love. Love he has sworn off after he made a mess of himself with a married woman. So when he receives a missive from his betrothed that she is releasing him from his promises the day before their marriage, he realizes it is time he gets to know his intended.
« She was giving him a second chance . . . and she might be the person to help him become the man he wished to be. She had the strength of character to both test and challenge him, and he found he always wanted her to look at him as she had that afternoon when he’d rescued the kitten. Always. »
I do loved how he tried to prove he was worth her trust, how he did not shy when their wedding night didn’t went well and tried his best to reassure her, I also appreciate Willa refused to be kept in a glass bubble and wanted to be really part of his life, even when events turned ugly, she stood her ground, refused to back down and he accepted her help.
A very enjoyable and entertaining first read full of actions.
And I loved it, even if it is the last book in this series, I was not lost, the different protagonists were well introduced.
I loved the main couple, they are far from perfect, they have flaws and made mistakes, lot of but they try to redeem them and do not run away, they face life even when they would have preferred to hide, plus they listen when they simply could shut out the others.
Willa is no different woman at first, except being a wealthy heiress, she has no special talent, she just has spent her life trying to be a good daughter and fulfill her parents expectations, until she reached her very limits and decided to cry off her betrothal.
Matthew never thought he would inherit his grandfather tittle, nor get a bankrupted estate which put him in a situation to marry an heiress instead of marrying for love. Love he has sworn off after he made a mess of himself with a married woman. So when he receives a missive from his betrothed that she is releasing him from his promises the day before their marriage, he realizes it is time he gets to know his intended.
« She was giving him a second chance . . . and she might be the person to help him become the man he wished to be. She had the strength of character to both test and challenge him, and he found he always wanted her to look at him as she had that afternoon when he’d rescued the kitten. Always. »
I do loved how he tried to prove he was worth her trust, how he did not shy when their wedding night didn’t went well and tried his best to reassure her, I also appreciate Willa refused to be kept in a glass bubble and wanted to be really part of his life, even when events turned ugly, she stood her ground, refused to back down and he accepted her help.
A very enjoyable and entertaining first read full of actions.
August 3, 2018
I didn't really care for this. I didn't like the characters, and the story seemed rushed and far-fetched.
July 25, 2021
Friends to lovers in this marriage of convenience. Has a bit of mystery and predictability but was such a nice read.
November 27, 2018
4/5
The Duke That I Marry started out with a mystery that needs to be solved, and then a beginning of what seems to be a budding romance - enough to get me started reading. Yep, can't believed I finished this book in one sitting.
The characters have their own flaws and perfections. I like Matt - he seems to have a good head on his shoulder. He wasn't supposed to be in line for the title, but certain circumstances brought him to it. And now, he must save his crumbling estate and help his sister by marrying one of the richest heiresses in London. Only to find himself being dump a night before his wedding.
Willow wanted love. She wants what her friends have who seemed to be happy and content of what they have. Everybody wants the Duke, and she wanted him not because of his looks but of the poetry he penned. But after their betrothal, he vanished and he expects her to marry him? Nooo way. So, she decided to let him go via letter.
If she things he will let her, she was sorely mistaken.
Matt can charm the dead. Poets are indeed deadly with words, and Matt was determined to have his bride. What he didn't expect was to like his bride, and wanting to spend time with her, especially during the wedding night. Although, their wedding night was such a surprise. It started out as romantic, but ended in a tone that was quite real, I was glad Cathy Maxwell didn't sugarcoat it like most author do.
Their relationship might start out as a pragmatic one - she (or rather her family) needs him, and he needs her (or her fortune rather). Nevertheless, I like how Cathy allowed the love to grow without pushing it too far. Readers will enjoy falling in love together with the characters. It wasn't an insta-romance. There was attraction, and from their blossomed a relationship. They had their bumps, but all went well.
The action part was pretty spectacular. It had my heart stop for a while, I couldn't breathe. It was just wow.
The Duke That I Marry offers great romance, wonderful adventure and an i-am-on-the-edge-of-my-seat action that will have you hooked on to this book!
Review originally posted on my blog
Purchase Links: https://amzn.to/2Re7zCM
Series Link: https://amzn.to/2KEF2n8
Follow me on: Twitter | Facebook | BookBub | Instagram
More of my reviews at http://reviewsofabookmaniac.blogspot.com
The Duke That I Marry started out with a mystery that needs to be solved, and then a beginning of what seems to be a budding romance - enough to get me started reading. Yep, can't believed I finished this book in one sitting.
The characters have their own flaws and perfections. I like Matt - he seems to have a good head on his shoulder. He wasn't supposed to be in line for the title, but certain circumstances brought him to it. And now, he must save his crumbling estate and help his sister by marrying one of the richest heiresses in London. Only to find himself being dump a night before his wedding.
Willow wanted love. She wants what her friends have who seemed to be happy and content of what they have. Everybody wants the Duke, and she wanted him not because of his looks but of the poetry he penned. But after their betrothal, he vanished and he expects her to marry him? Nooo way. So, she decided to let him go via letter.
If she things he will let her, she was sorely mistaken.
Matt can charm the dead. Poets are indeed deadly with words, and Matt was determined to have his bride. What he didn't expect was to like his bride, and wanting to spend time with her, especially during the wedding night. Although, their wedding night was such a surprise. It started out as romantic, but ended in a tone that was quite real, I was glad Cathy Maxwell didn't sugarcoat it like most author do.
Their relationship might start out as a pragmatic one - she (or rather her family) needs him, and he needs her (or her fortune rather). Nevertheless, I like how Cathy allowed the love to grow without pushing it too far. Readers will enjoy falling in love together with the characters. It wasn't an insta-romance. There was attraction, and from their blossomed a relationship. They had their bumps, but all went well.
The action part was pretty spectacular. It had my heart stop for a while, I couldn't breathe. It was just wow.
The Duke That I Marry offers great romance, wonderful adventure and an i-am-on-the-edge-of-my-seat action that will have you hooked on to this book!
Review originally posted on my blog
Purchase Links: https://amzn.to/2Re7zCM
Series Link: https://amzn.to/2KEF2n8
Follow me on: Twitter | Facebook | BookBub | Instagram
More of my reviews at http://reviewsofabookmaniac.blogspot.com
November 19, 2018
Matthew Addison had been relatively content in his position as tutor until he unexpectedly inherited the bankrupt dukedom of Camberly. In his short time as Duke, he had also made a fool of himself over his married lover, Lady Letty Bainhurst. Matt had always thought he would marry for love, but after a conversation with his grandmother, he knows he must sacrifice himself and go through with his marriage with Willa Reverly. The little points game that the Spinster Heiresses had played had been so successful that Willa had snagged a the Duke of Camberly, who, alas, had proved to be a disappointment since their betrothal. That’s when Willa decided to cry off the day before the wedding, and Matt would have none of it.
And so we come to the conclusion of the brilliant Spinster Heiresses series, in which Cathy Maxwell has demonstrated much originality and flair. The reason for Camberly’s financial woes is brilliant, and not much was first as it appeared to be, and I couldn’t wait to see what would transpire. Matt and Willa are fabulous characters: she is tiny but has always had a spine of steel, even though she hadn’t been able to show it before knowing Matt. I loved that she felt as I would have with the few choices women had during the Regency, and I could only cheer her on. Matt is even more complex: he is very engaging and charming, however a dreadful mistake he made had me nearly reconsider him as an honourable man. He did however make things right, and redeemed himself in my eyes.
How splendid it is to watch characters really communicate, as Matt and Willa do, and Ms. Maxwell’s dialogues throughout are superb. I also loved how both Matt’s and Willa’s parents had influenced their views on marriage, and how it defines their approach to their own. It was refreshing to see conflicts that did not stem from misunderstandings, and love that was built on more than sexual chemistry. The mystery that caused so much trouble however did not quite go the way I had expected; it felt a bit anticlimactic. In the last quarter of the book, I thought one issue was resolved a tad too easily while another could have been handled with a bit more subtlety. Still, THE DUKE THAT I MARRY is a fabulous and utterly captivating read that had me reading just one more chapter, just one more page, and too late into the night. Well done again, Ms. Maxwell!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
And so we come to the conclusion of the brilliant Spinster Heiresses series, in which Cathy Maxwell has demonstrated much originality and flair. The reason for Camberly’s financial woes is brilliant, and not much was first as it appeared to be, and I couldn’t wait to see what would transpire. Matt and Willa are fabulous characters: she is tiny but has always had a spine of steel, even though she hadn’t been able to show it before knowing Matt. I loved that she felt as I would have with the few choices women had during the Regency, and I could only cheer her on. Matt is even more complex: he is very engaging and charming, however a dreadful mistake he made had me nearly reconsider him as an honourable man. He did however make things right, and redeemed himself in my eyes.
How splendid it is to watch characters really communicate, as Matt and Willa do, and Ms. Maxwell’s dialogues throughout are superb. I also loved how both Matt’s and Willa’s parents had influenced their views on marriage, and how it defines their approach to their own. It was refreshing to see conflicts that did not stem from misunderstandings, and love that was built on more than sexual chemistry. The mystery that caused so much trouble however did not quite go the way I had expected; it felt a bit anticlimactic. In the last quarter of the book, I thought one issue was resolved a tad too easily while another could have been handled with a bit more subtlety. Still, THE DUKE THAT I MARRY is a fabulous and utterly captivating read that had me reading just one more chapter, just one more page, and too late into the night. Well done again, Ms. Maxwell!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 20, 2023
CW: SA; Rape
Matt is a rapist, and this book subscribes to “he just couldn’t help himself/he was past the point of no return” rhetoric.
Willa is brutally hurt, responds with violent fear and panic, and then somehow gets over it in less than twenty-four hours. I was repulsed by Matt’s actions during the assault and the morning after, when she clearly feels frightened and uncomfortable and he FORCES HER TO USE THE RESTROOM IN HIS COMPANY and then BATHE WHILE HE EXPOSES HIMSELF TO HER.
If he felt bad about it, if it was accidental (which it clearly isn’t—he makes a willful choice to ignore her pain and resistance), he wouldn’t be disrespecting her boundaries and agency immediately after. 🚩🚩🚩🚩
And Willa’s like, “oh, he didn’t force himself on me (again) even though he wanted me; he deprived himself, how noble.” And Matt’s like, “if I retreat like she wants, we’ll never have a close and intimate marriage. I want to be a good husband.”
He doesn’t fathom that intimacy must be freely given. It cannot be coerced or forced.
He never truly understands the significance of what he did and the violation of it, and Willa doesn’t seem to either. The books trivializes marital rape and sexual violence.
If a man does this to you, responds like this man does—
Get out. Leave. This is abuse.
That is not normal. That is not healthy. That is not safe.
I read selections to my husband, and he was incredulous to indignant at the passages describing Matt’s internal dialogue during the assault and the morning after.
I’m not for book burning, but if I needed kindling to keep warm, I would unapologetically start here.
**We live in a world where marital rape was not illegal until the 1990’s in the author’s home country. Therefore, there’s an unfortunate possibility that the writer doesn’t understand fully that what she’s written qualifies as rape or grey rape. This review, if nothing else, is me voicing concern for her and others who think this sort of thing isn’t a big deal.
Matt is a rapist, and this book subscribes to “he just couldn’t help himself/he was past the point of no return” rhetoric.
Willa is brutally hurt, responds with violent fear and panic, and then somehow gets over it in less than twenty-four hours. I was repulsed by Matt’s actions during the assault and the morning after, when she clearly feels frightened and uncomfortable and he FORCES HER TO USE THE RESTROOM IN HIS COMPANY and then BATHE WHILE HE EXPOSES HIMSELF TO HER.
If he felt bad about it, if it was accidental (which it clearly isn’t—he makes a willful choice to ignore her pain and resistance), he wouldn’t be disrespecting her boundaries and agency immediately after. 🚩🚩🚩🚩
And Willa’s like, “oh, he didn’t force himself on me (again) even though he wanted me; he deprived himself, how noble.” And Matt’s like, “if I retreat like she wants, we’ll never have a close and intimate marriage. I want to be a good husband.”
He doesn’t fathom that intimacy must be freely given. It cannot be coerced or forced.
He never truly understands the significance of what he did and the violation of it, and Willa doesn’t seem to either. The books trivializes marital rape and sexual violence.
If a man does this to you, responds like this man does—
Get out. Leave. This is abuse.
That is not normal. That is not healthy. That is not safe.
I read selections to my husband, and he was incredulous to indignant at the passages describing Matt’s internal dialogue during the assault and the morning after.
I’m not for book burning, but if I needed kindling to keep warm, I would unapologetically start here.
**We live in a world where marital rape was not illegal until the 1990’s in the author’s home country. Therefore, there’s an unfortunate possibility that the writer doesn’t understand fully that what she’s written qualifies as rape or grey rape. This review, if nothing else, is me voicing concern for her and others who think this sort of thing isn’t a big deal.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 5, 2018
"What if love wasn’t a grand, passionate, overwhelming emotion but a quiet serenity and a sense of peace?"
There's a good reason I'm on a Regency Romance kick and Cathy Maxwell's The Duke That I Marry is right at the top. This may be the first in the series that I've read but I already know I'm going to reading books 1 and 2 in the very near future. This had every element I love in well, a romance story. An inattentive fiance with a scandalous affair in his recent past, a brave bride to be, and mystery and intrigue, and the very "real" chance that these two may just fall in love.
Willa Reverly is a the best sort of Regency Heiress. Coming from a moneyed family, her father intends to align the family with royalty, and it appears Willa has landed the most sought after bachelor of the season, the Duke of Camberly, a.k.a Matthew Addison. This is no love match, but Willa takes some early preemptive actions that bring Matt around a bit. He'll have to prove his worth to her and this unfolds in the most spectacular way.
I loved the slow burn romance in this story. They are forthright with each other, but Matt contends that there's nothing to stop them from building a marriage with love in it. They have such great chemistry and the falter through a few of lifes' tests. They also face outside forces that threaten not only their relationship, but their very lives.
Cathy Maxwells' brand of Regency Romance is s sure thing. I have never read anything by her that I didn't love. Matt and Willa's HEA made my heart so very happy and I highly recommend this story. Again, I have every plan of reading books 1 and 2 in the series in the very near future.
There's a good reason I'm on a Regency Romance kick and Cathy Maxwell's The Duke That I Marry is right at the top. This may be the first in the series that I've read but I already know I'm going to reading books 1 and 2 in the very near future. This had every element I love in well, a romance story. An inattentive fiance with a scandalous affair in his recent past, a brave bride to be, and mystery and intrigue, and the very "real" chance that these two may just fall in love.
Willa Reverly is a the best sort of Regency Heiress. Coming from a moneyed family, her father intends to align the family with royalty, and it appears Willa has landed the most sought after bachelor of the season, the Duke of Camberly, a.k.a Matthew Addison. This is no love match, but Willa takes some early preemptive actions that bring Matt around a bit. He'll have to prove his worth to her and this unfolds in the most spectacular way.
I loved the slow burn romance in this story. They are forthright with each other, but Matt contends that there's nothing to stop them from building a marriage with love in it. They have such great chemistry and the falter through a few of lifes' tests. They also face outside forces that threaten not only their relationship, but their very lives.
Cathy Maxwells' brand of Regency Romance is s sure thing. I have never read anything by her that I didn't love. Matt and Willa's HEA made my heart so very happy and I highly recommend this story. Again, I have every plan of reading books 1 and 2 in the series in the very near future.
November 29, 2018
I read a lot of reviews prior to picking up this novel & a lot of the negative ones commented on the questionable consent scene. As someone who reads lots of books with questionable consent (I know it's not everyone's cup of tea) I felt that I couldn't rightfully take away from the rating because of it. Was it surprising to see in something as tame as historical romance? Yes. Normally in these regency novels our heroes are some of the only men who refrain from sexual assault. But I was thinking as I read that this was more realistic in terms of how it probably was back then, even with the nicest of guys. Was it a good scene? Not particularly. Was it the most rape-y scene ever? Not even close. Grey area. Read at your own risk if this is an issue for you.
As for the rest of the novel I quite liked it. I don't know that it was Cathy Maxwell's best writing (I think I preferred the story lines in the other two books better) but I liked the characters a whole lot. There was just enough mystery to keep me guessing and a decent amount of action to keep me entertained.
I like this series as a whole. I find that some historical romances are very hung up on "sounding" historical and sometimes the terminology and references bewilder me. Some readers were upset that Maxwell uses American words for certain items and professions, but I'll be honest I didn't even notice until someone pointed it out (although historicals aren't my preferred subgenre). A diehard historical reader will probably be bothered, though.
As for the rest of the novel I quite liked it. I don't know that it was Cathy Maxwell's best writing (I think I preferred the story lines in the other two books better) but I liked the characters a whole lot. There was just enough mystery to keep me guessing and a decent amount of action to keep me entertained.
I like this series as a whole. I find that some historical romances are very hung up on "sounding" historical and sometimes the terminology and references bewilder me. Some readers were upset that Maxwell uses American words for certain items and professions, but I'll be honest I didn't even notice until someone pointed it out (although historicals aren't my preferred subgenre). A diehard historical reader will probably be bothered, though.
December 10, 2018
There were so many yuck factors in this book, I can't even. First of all, yes, you CAN rape your wife. Even if she is your wife, if she says no, it's rape. The fact that I'm including that in my review is really enough, isn't it?
There were many times I almost decided to DNF this book, and then it would have a moment that was truly GOOD so I'd keep reading, only to want to pitch it into a fire shortly thereafter. Just... no. Not good. The writing itself is good, mechanically speaking, the content is just SO PROBLEMATIC I don't even know where to start.
There were many times I almost decided to DNF this book, and then it would have a moment that was truly GOOD so I'd keep reading, only to want to pitch it into a fire shortly thereafter. Just... no. Not good. The writing itself is good, mechanically speaking, the content is just SO PROBLEMATIC I don't even know where to start.
April 28, 2020
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
The Duke That I Marry is the last book in the "Spinster Heiresses" trilogy and it was such fun to finally get the conclusion to this set of books. I have to say I was nervous about picking this up because this author is a hit or miss for me, sometimes, I struggle with getting into her writing. But I had no worries when reading this book and I am pretty grateful for that. This book was quite interesting and despite some issues I had with the heroine at times, overall, it was a likable read.
It sets off with Willa Reverly who is about to be married, but when her fiancee hasn't spoken much to her since the betrothal party, she decides she doesn't want the life her mother lives with her father....not being enough for anyone. So she sends him a letter to break their engagement ....the day before the wedding. Matthew Addison, the newly appointed Duke, has much riding on his shoulders and needs the funds that his marriage to Willa will bring. He comes from a family who have married for love. But too many are relying on him after his grandparents were blackmailed and lost all their funds. But when Willa tries to jilt him, he goes to London, and realizes that he made mistakes with her, and with some persuasion convinces her to marry him. Not only do Matt and Willa have to work through some complications with their marriage but there is a dangerous blackmailer who is a danger to them.
The Duke That I Marry was such an interesting book and I did quite enjoy it. But my biggest complaint about this book was the heroine. *sigh* oh boy did I struggle with her at times. I really tried to be patient and understanding with her character but she was so not deserving of Matt. She was very selfish ridden, she really only ever thought of herself when Matt was the opposite. He would move mountains to keep her happy and content. We never really see her working nearly as hard as Matt to keep their marriage happy and strong. I really struggled with their wedding night and how she treated him. The author went really realistic on this scene (and its the only sex scene so I wish the author had put in a second one so we could see something better happen) we see the pain of being a virgin but Willa was really brutal with him and so judgmental. But she does redeem herself in the end though when she learns to stand by her husband when a dangerous villain comes for them.
Even though I struggled with the heroine, I adored the hero. Matt just stands by Willa, he is willing to admit to his mistakes and try harder at being a better man and husband. I love how committed he is to her and how determined he is to make their marriage a love match and what a fighter he is for their relationship. He is definitely the type of hero that is "marriage material" and definitely a book boyfriend to this reader.
Overall I found this book to be truly enlightening and a fun entertaining regency romance that fans of this author will enjoy to their hearts content.
The Duke That I Marry is the last book in the "Spinster Heiresses" trilogy and it was such fun to finally get the conclusion to this set of books. I have to say I was nervous about picking this up because this author is a hit or miss for me, sometimes, I struggle with getting into her writing. But I had no worries when reading this book and I am pretty grateful for that. This book was quite interesting and despite some issues I had with the heroine at times, overall, it was a likable read.
Men rarely ever do what you wish, or expect.
It sets off with Willa Reverly who is about to be married, but when her fiancee hasn't spoken much to her since the betrothal party, she decides she doesn't want the life her mother lives with her father....not being enough for anyone. So she sends him a letter to break their engagement ....the day before the wedding. Matthew Addison, the newly appointed Duke, has much riding on his shoulders and needs the funds that his marriage to Willa will bring. He comes from a family who have married for love. But too many are relying on him after his grandparents were blackmailed and lost all their funds. But when Willa tries to jilt him, he goes to London, and realizes that he made mistakes with her, and with some persuasion convinces her to marry him. Not only do Matt and Willa have to work through some complications with their marriage but there is a dangerous blackmailer who is a danger to them.
With Willa, he was more himself. The light illuminating her was an inner one.
The Duke That I Marry was such an interesting book and I did quite enjoy it. But my biggest complaint about this book was the heroine. *sigh* oh boy did I struggle with her at times. I really tried to be patient and understanding with her character but she was so not deserving of Matt. She was very selfish ridden, she really only ever thought of herself when Matt was the opposite. He would move mountains to keep her happy and content. We never really see her working nearly as hard as Matt to keep their marriage happy and strong. I really struggled with their wedding night and how she treated him. The author went really realistic on this scene (and its the only sex scene so I wish the author had put in a second one so we could see something better happen) we see the pain of being a virgin but Willa was really brutal with him and so judgmental. But she does redeem herself in the end though when she learns to stand by her husband when a dangerous villain comes for them.
He’d always thought true love was full of drama and turmoil. It wasn’t. Love was the sense that he was right where he was supposed to be. That at last, he’d found his home.
Even though I struggled with the heroine, I adored the hero. Matt just stands by Willa, he is willing to admit to his mistakes and try harder at being a better man and husband. I love how committed he is to her and how determined he is to make their marriage a love match and what a fighter he is for their relationship. He is definitely the type of hero that is "marriage material" and definitely a book boyfriend to this reader.
Overall I found this book to be truly enlightening and a fun entertaining regency romance that fans of this author will enjoy to their hearts content.
January 2, 2019
I love a great Regency, and this one is divine! Again, I have to thank my library for alerting me the book was available. And now I wait for more from Ms. Maxwell - or go back and reread older books. It's no hardship!
August 7, 2018
Revived an ARC. Just ok; the hero's progression from indifference to 4EVA LOVE was unbelievably quick and the heroine's inability to make up her mind was a little irritating.
Read
December 1, 2018Miniseries: The Spinster Heiresses
December 2, 2018
Ok
I didn't understand Willa wanting to marry Matt knowing he loved another. I was happy when she sent him that 'thanks, but no thanks' letter. Too bad she gave in so easily.
I didn't understand Willa wanting to marry Matt knowing he loved another. I was happy when she sent him that 'thanks, but no thanks' letter. Too bad she gave in so easily.
May 28, 2019
I know better than to read the 3rd book of a series before the proceeding books, but here we are. I think, overall, it works as a standalone. Yet, my biggest complaint was a lack of true understanding of character motivations which I think were probably sketched out in the previous 2 books of the series. In this one we have Willa, an heiress, about to marry a Duke, Matthew, with his former married mistress and an unrelated blackmail plot used to drive the feelings and action. In a historical romance, I want the couple to drive the feelings and action not two underdeveloped plot tangents. Just me? Maybe. No matter...this one just didn't do it for me. However, I thought the dialog was well done in places along with the plot pacing, enough that I'd definitely seek out higher rated Maxwells since this one, my first, was underwhelming. Overall, a quick, easy, cute read, but not one that will stick with me.
August 3, 2022
This was a cute read!
My first read from the author and I did like it. There’s plenty of witty lines in the book that actually made me laugh.
The only problem I had with Matt and Will was the lack of passion. Sure, there was attraction and they SAY how they feel about each other, but we were not shown that.
I’d definitely check out more from the author though but this would probably be forgettable, except for the fact that Hero is an author and worked as a tutor. We learn that within first chapter and I can’t think of a time I read working class turned Duke.
My first read from the author and I did like it. There’s plenty of witty lines in the book that actually made me laugh.
The only problem I had with Matt and Will was the lack of passion. Sure, there was attraction and they SAY how they feel about each other, but we were not shown that.
I’d definitely check out more from the author though but this would probably be forgettable, except for the fact that Hero is an author and worked as a tutor. We learn that within first chapter and I can’t think of a time I read working class turned Duke.
January 22, 2025
The book is good, I loved this one. But it's like Cathy Maxwell gave herself a limitation, and when it reached, she literally ended the story. The stories in this series should have been longer to explain things in lengthier detail. Some things happen too quickly, and they should be given time. I also found for all three books that love came so quickly. Situations needed to be handled differently and logically in all books, logic seemed to live the scene. books have ended, and nothing could be done.
December 1, 2018
It takes time to find out that you are made for each other. Nice ending to the Spinster Heiresses series. Willa wants what her friends have while Matthew needs money to keep his estate going. There was tensions and an added danger to their marriage. A nice mix of romance, misunderstanding and danger keeping the tension high. I liked how both worked to make their marriage work. Each admitting to some mistakes.
January 11, 2019
3 1/2 stars I liked this one the best out of the series. This wasn’t my favorite Cathy Maxwell series though.
January 19, 2020
A soft 3
November 29, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this heart-warming story and read it without pause. Cathy Maxwell has always been an author I apreciate.
November 28, 2018
Series: Spinster Heiresses #3
Publication Date: 11/27/18
Willa Reverly is one of the wealthiest heiresses on the marriage mart and she is the last unmarried Spinster Heiress. At the beginning of the season, in order to make standing around at balls more tolerable, the heiresses came up with a game. They chose the most eligible bachelor of the season and then devised a point system for interactions with him. They ALL wanted to win the game and to win the Duke of Camberly – but – Willa won both the game and the man.
Willa hasn’t seen her betrothed since the night of their betrothal party – quite some time ago. He left London without a word to her. She hardly knows the man since they’ve only spoken two or three times. She’d hoped for a kiss (at least) at the betrothal party, but that didn’t happen either. She knows they aren’t a love match, but she’d at least like to know that he has some respect and regard for her since they'd be spending their lives together. She definitely doesn’t want a marriage like her parents have. Since she is tired of stewing at home by herself, she sends Camberly a note to tell him that she is releasing him from their betrothal because they just will not suit.
Matthew Addision, Duke of Camberly, did NOT want to be the duke. Matt’s father had defied his parents and married the woman he loved – an actress. He was quickly disowned, but he didn’t let that stop him from having several children and raising them in a family filled with love and happiness. When both of Matt’s parents died, his older sisters approached their grandparents and begged them to at least give Matt the education he should have as the grandson of a duke. They did that but totally ignored him personally. Now, he is the duke and is responsible for his grandmother and an impoverished dukedom. Matt always wanted to marry for love just as his parents did, but it appears that he is going to have to sell his title on the marriage mart in order to salvage the dukedom. He’d managed to obtain a betrothal to one of the richest heiresses on the Mart and now all he has to do is sit back and wait for his wedding day. Just imagine his shock when he receives a missive from his betrothed who is releasing him from their betrothal. WHAT!
Matt has discovered that there are some very strange transactions in the estate ledgers. The money came in, but it never went to pay off creditors, repair cottages, purchase seed, etc. Where did it all go? After a confrontation with his grandmother, he learns that the old duke was being blackmailed and the demands had gotten greater and greater until the dukedom was bankrupt.
As soon as Matt gets the letter from Willa he sets out to convince her to change her mind and to give him another chance. He manages to secure her hand and things proceed. Willa wants love and Matt wants love – but can they love each other? The path won’t be smooth or easy if they do manage to fall in love. Their path will include betrayal, kidnapping, and murder.
The entirety of Chapter 8 could have been left out of this book and I would have been much happier. I really bothers me when someone uses the excuse of ‘losing control’ to excuse despicable behavior. The entire consummation scene was just too ‘over the top’ and not well done.
One thing that bothered me in this book was the use of American terms rather than British. I could see one slip-up with something that wasn’t particularly obvious, but when you use the American term ‘feet’ for height measurement rather than the British term, that is very obvious. An even greater offense is using the term ‘lawyer’ throughout the book. In England, you either have a solicitor or a barrister, depending on your legal needs, but you don’t have a lawyer. Another term is when the author refers to him putting on his socks and boots – in that time period both men and women wore ‘stockings’.
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
Publication Date: 11/27/18
Willa Reverly is one of the wealthiest heiresses on the marriage mart and she is the last unmarried Spinster Heiress. At the beginning of the season, in order to make standing around at balls more tolerable, the heiresses came up with a game. They chose the most eligible bachelor of the season and then devised a point system for interactions with him. They ALL wanted to win the game and to win the Duke of Camberly – but – Willa won both the game and the man.
Willa hasn’t seen her betrothed since the night of their betrothal party – quite some time ago. He left London without a word to her. She hardly knows the man since they’ve only spoken two or three times. She’d hoped for a kiss (at least) at the betrothal party, but that didn’t happen either. She knows they aren’t a love match, but she’d at least like to know that he has some respect and regard for her since they'd be spending their lives together. She definitely doesn’t want a marriage like her parents have. Since she is tired of stewing at home by herself, she sends Camberly a note to tell him that she is releasing him from their betrothal because they just will not suit.
Matthew Addision, Duke of Camberly, did NOT want to be the duke. Matt’s father had defied his parents and married the woman he loved – an actress. He was quickly disowned, but he didn’t let that stop him from having several children and raising them in a family filled with love and happiness. When both of Matt’s parents died, his older sisters approached their grandparents and begged them to at least give Matt the education he should have as the grandson of a duke. They did that but totally ignored him personally. Now, he is the duke and is responsible for his grandmother and an impoverished dukedom. Matt always wanted to marry for love just as his parents did, but it appears that he is going to have to sell his title on the marriage mart in order to salvage the dukedom. He’d managed to obtain a betrothal to one of the richest heiresses on the Mart and now all he has to do is sit back and wait for his wedding day. Just imagine his shock when he receives a missive from his betrothed who is releasing him from their betrothal. WHAT!
Matt has discovered that there are some very strange transactions in the estate ledgers. The money came in, but it never went to pay off creditors, repair cottages, purchase seed, etc. Where did it all go? After a confrontation with his grandmother, he learns that the old duke was being blackmailed and the demands had gotten greater and greater until the dukedom was bankrupt.
As soon as Matt gets the letter from Willa he sets out to convince her to change her mind and to give him another chance. He manages to secure her hand and things proceed. Willa wants love and Matt wants love – but can they love each other? The path won’t be smooth or easy if they do manage to fall in love. Their path will include betrayal, kidnapping, and murder.
The entirety of Chapter 8 could have been left out of this book and I would have been much happier. I really bothers me when someone uses the excuse of ‘losing control’ to excuse despicable behavior. The entire consummation scene was just too ‘over the top’ and not well done.
One thing that bothered me in this book was the use of American terms rather than British. I could see one slip-up with something that wasn’t particularly obvious, but when you use the American term ‘feet’ for height measurement rather than the British term, that is very obvious. An even greater offense is using the term ‘lawyer’ throughout the book. In England, you either have a solicitor or a barrister, depending on your legal needs, but you don’t have a lawyer. Another term is when the author refers to him putting on his socks and boots – in that time period both men and women wore ‘stockings’.
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
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