Regency Romance: The Duke's Apology

by Charlotte Darcy

Welcome to the first in this new series of truly romantic and inspiring Regency romances. Each one is sweet and wholesome. You will love getting to know the characters in these lovely books and following their adventures as they search for love and fulfilment. Each book is a complete story with a guaranteed Happy Ever After.

Jude Hampton is getting used to being a Duke and managing his estate. The mills which keep the Duchy coppers full are run by Galbraith, a hard and efficient man who hides a deep secret.

When Lady Rosemary Watson challenges Jude on conditions at his mills it starts something which could change the country forever.

Can Jude rise to the challenge? When enemies surround him will he be strong enough to see things through. When Rosemary goes behind his back will it destroy his burgeoning love?

A midnight call, a desperate situation, where will Jude’s loyalties lie?

Find out in The Duke’s Apology – Love at Morley Mills Book 1 a complete sweet and clean Regency romance.

156 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 2, 2018

About the author

Charlotte Darcy lives in Derbyshire, England. She writes historical romance and the Regency era.

Reviews

[Janet Denise Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this 5 star Darcy original storyline, she was able to highlight her main issue of romance between her characters, yet highlight the stark conditions of early child labor in the mills of England. This allows Charlotte Darcy, to acquaint hundreds of new people to the history of the plight of child labor in England's mills, that probably would have never known about it. The romance between Jude, a Duke who has just begun to learn the duties required of a Duke and all that it entailed, has just gotten around to visiting his Overseer of his 2 mills. These mills make up the majority of the income for the duchy, he has a brother only 2 years younger than him, and a sister he adores that he supports. The Duke 's sister Philippa, and her friend Rosemary are more interested in Charities than marriage. Jude believes Rosemary is beautiful and starts showing some interest in her, he goes into town to protect her because he hears of her and other ladies holding a small group meeting about the child labor. She is headstrong and visits different mills, the Duke assures her he will look at the child labor living situation, trust him. Can Rosemary trust Jude? Can Jude show enough gumption to override his Overseer? If I say more I believe it would be spoilers, so get a copy and read all about these bold characters. I really enjoyed reading this story. I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A feisty, intelligent, independent heroine who thought to never marry as no man would ever put up with the societal battles she cared so passionately about.She was wrong! This tender sweet romance will warm your heart and leave you wanting more.

[Phylis Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Duke's Apology by Charlotte Darcy is a sweet Regency Romance a stand alone yet part of the series Love at Morley Mills book 1. This is very good reading. Brings the deplorable conditions of the mill to open the Duke's eyes. Also the Duke falls in love along the way. My free opinion. Thanks

[Marybelle A. Swaim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming

Charlotte Darcy always spins a good tale of love and romance. I always enjoy any and all of her books. A pleasure to read.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set an era where labour laws and human rights had not yet caught up with advances in technology, when Jude Hampton unexpectedly inherited the Duchy long before he anticipated, he is caught unawares by the level of responsibility that has fallen on his shoulders. Doing what so many others do when unsure of themselves, he fell into the trap of trusting a man he thought was more qualified than himself to continue running his estates, as his father before him had done. It took a wake-up call from Miss Watson to force him into looking into the conditions of his workers. Unfortunately, history is littered with martyrs who took a stand against tyranny and inhumane conditions, and although no harm befell Jude or Rosemary Watson, there were nevertheless threats against them for daring to address the prevailing attitudes. In the process, Jude comes to not only respect Rosemary for her stand, but to also fall in love with her. His main difficulty is overcoming Rosemary's reluctance to marry because she is sure that any husband would stop her philanthropic efforts. The Duke's Apology is a sweet historical romance, bringing to light those whom brought about change for the better, and it is a book that can be read by young adults as well. The book is well written without any editing errors, and although it is part of a series, it is nevertheless a stand-alone and has a positive ending. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Becky of Becky's Bookshelves · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so enjoyed Charlotte Darcy's new historical romance, The Duke's Apology. Ms. Darcy has done a wonderful job weaving a sweet romance with an important time in history. The book delves into youth apprentices working in the weaving mills in the 1800's. One women who is fighting tirelessly for the well being of workers is Miss Rosemary Watson. Miss Watson is good friends with the Duke of Morely's sister. The Duke, Jude Hampton, owns many mills in Morley where he has little idea what is going on. This could be a problem especially if they like each other.
The Duke's Apology is delightful read that has you cheering for the hero and heroine. This is the first in a series and I look forward to reading more. I volunteered to read and review this book.

[Candy Briggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cruelity of man to man. The conditons the poor had to live in. Jude a new duke found things awful and wanted to try to make them better. Francis galbraith was the worse kind of overseer. He was loud, mean and did not care about anyone except himself. Rosemary felt the hunger, pain and sickness to the deepest levels of her being.
I thought this story was great, the characters seemed very life like and their ideals were important to them. Morley owned two mills and they kept the duchy flush but once he knew the conditions the children lived in he could not let it go.
I received this ARC free and voluntarily reviewed it.

[Monika · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a cute little love story with one exception. Reading about child labor is heart-breaking. Other than this terrible remembrance of our past the story is an easy read; no violence, no mystery, no sex, no insta-love but a slow building of a friendship that ends in an HEA. All in all an enjoyable story.

[Nancy Luebke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this Regency Romance. I voluntarily chose to review this. I've given this a 4.5* rating. This addressed the child slave labor and some of the conditions that they were made to work in. They liked children because they could get into parts of the machinery due to their size. I've heard of this before but this gives a little more detail. I really liked the characters too. of "Love At The Morley Mills" series. I'm on to the next.

[Mrs MJH Compton-Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story of what life really was like in those days, can always rely on Charlotte Darcy for a good read.

[MarleneJS · Rating 5 out of 5]

short but good

Looks into the conditions of the pauper children sold from workhorses to Mills. How most didn't care but the Duke not only cared but del in love

[Traci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done

Enchanting story, delving into the ghastly working of the fabric industry in England. Cute love story intertwined. Truly enjoyed, wish it had been longer.

[Vicki or Dennis Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable author

This was probably my first read by Charlotte Darcy. She keeps an air of mystery in her books along with an invariable HEA. I have read several of her books now and have enjoyed them. I did receive an Advanced Readers Copy and this is my voluntary review.
Vicki from Wyoming