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Falling for the Hartfield Ladies #3
A Cinderella for the Duke
Introducing "A Cinderella for the Duke": Novel - Discover NOW The New Clean and Sweet Historical Regency Romance Book by Abby Ayles!
...It's time to act based on her heart...
Lady Louisa Frasier is in a sad situation. With her brother, the Earl of Gilchrist, gone to America with his wife, and her best friend, the Duchess of Wintercrest, taking care of her own young children far up north, Louisa seems to have no friends to keep her company.
It is when her mother, the dowager countess, suggests a visit to her aunt in the lake district that prospects seem to look up for Lady Louisa. The Dowager Countess and her sister have not been on the best of terms, and Lady Louisa’s single goal is to mend the broken bond.
Arriving in their quaint country town, Lady Louisa soon learns that her aunt, Lady Hendrickson, has no desire to regain any family connection and instead seizes the opportunity to use Lady Louisa until she can take no more.
Henry Vaughan, the Duke of Rowland, has reluctantly returned to his country seat. Upon his Uncle’s most insistent request he is to acquire a wife before he may return to the life he has enjoyed.
Undoubtedly this will be an easy task as he has no preference as to whom the woman shall be, and plenty of distant country ladies will happily flock at the opportunity to be a Duchess.
The Duke’s indifference changes in an instant when a chance meeting with a masked mystery woman at his own private masquerade fills his every waking moment. Who was that enchantress? Why has she hidden herself despite his desperate attempts to find her?
Lady Louisa has no intention of telling the Duke that she was the one he met that fateful night. Her aunt is wholly set on snagging the Duke for her oldest daughter. Despite her growing attraction to the Duke of Rowland and the fact that this could quite possibly be her only chance at finding true love, she must keep her promise to make peace with her aunt’s family.
Will the Duke ever find his mystery lady in green?
Will Lady Louisa find her own strength to stand up for herself and find her own path to walk in life?
"A Cinderella for the Duke" is a clean and sweet historical regency romance novel of approximately 65,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.
Enjoy!
...It's time to act based on her heart...
Lady Louisa Frasier is in a sad situation. With her brother, the Earl of Gilchrist, gone to America with his wife, and her best friend, the Duchess of Wintercrest, taking care of her own young children far up north, Louisa seems to have no friends to keep her company.
It is when her mother, the dowager countess, suggests a visit to her aunt in the lake district that prospects seem to look up for Lady Louisa. The Dowager Countess and her sister have not been on the best of terms, and Lady Louisa’s single goal is to mend the broken bond.
Arriving in their quaint country town, Lady Louisa soon learns that her aunt, Lady Hendrickson, has no desire to regain any family connection and instead seizes the opportunity to use Lady Louisa until she can take no more.
Henry Vaughan, the Duke of Rowland, has reluctantly returned to his country seat. Upon his Uncle’s most insistent request he is to acquire a wife before he may return to the life he has enjoyed.
Undoubtedly this will be an easy task as he has no preference as to whom the woman shall be, and plenty of distant country ladies will happily flock at the opportunity to be a Duchess.
The Duke’s indifference changes in an instant when a chance meeting with a masked mystery woman at his own private masquerade fills his every waking moment. Who was that enchantress? Why has she hidden herself despite his desperate attempts to find her?
Lady Louisa has no intention of telling the Duke that she was the one he met that fateful night. Her aunt is wholly set on snagging the Duke for her oldest daughter. Despite her growing attraction to the Duke of Rowland and the fact that this could quite possibly be her only chance at finding true love, she must keep her promise to make peace with her aunt’s family.
Will the Duke ever find his mystery lady in green?
Will Lady Louisa find her own strength to stand up for herself and find her own path to walk in life?
"A Cinderella for the Duke" is a clean and sweet historical regency romance novel of approximately 65,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.
Enjoy!
262 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 9, 2018
1069 people are currently reading
248 people want to read
About the author
Abby Ayles
141 books704 followersAbby Ayles was born in the northern city of Manchester, England, but currently lives in Charleston, South Carolina, with her husband and their three cats. She holds a Master’s degree in History and Arts and worked as a history teacher in middle school.
Her greatest interest lies in the era of Regency and Victorian England and Abby shares her love and knowledge of these periods with many readers in her newsletter.
In addition to this she has also written her first romantic novel, The Duke's Secrets, which is set in the era and is available for free on her website. As one reader commented – ‘Abby’s writing makes you travel back in time…’
When she has time to herself, Abby enjoys going to the theatre, reading and watching documentaries about Regency and Victorian England.
Her greatest interest lies in the era of Regency and Victorian England and Abby shares her love and knowledge of these periods with many readers in her newsletter.
In addition to this she has also written her first romantic novel, The Duke's Secrets, which is set in the era and is available for free on her website. As one reader commented – ‘Abby’s writing makes you travel back in time…’
When she has time to herself, Abby enjoys going to the theatre, reading and watching documentaries about Regency and Victorian England.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
June 20, 2018
2.5 rounded up to 3 stars
June 16, 2018
“True beauty is born through our actions and aspirations and in the kindness we offer to others.” –Alek Wek
I was absolutely intrigued by this story idea. I absolutely adored the 2015 movie Cinderella [directed by Kenneth Branagh] and had to go and watch snippets of it as I read this story. Rating: Clean.
In writing a Cinderella story… the author has to remember to maintain the integrity of the characters… to capture the essence of their goodness or badness, and still stay on course for the happy-ever-after. There will be points of reference that the reader will look for in relation to the fairy tale. I feel that Abby Ayles did that with this story. With the afterglow of Branagh’s film still surrounding me… I dove into this story.
“Kindness is loving people more than they deserve.” –Joseph Joubert
What I liked: I loved the character of Lady Louisa. She was a perfect Cinderella. Even though she was visiting her mother’s sister… Aunt Lady Hendrickson, her innate goodness shone forth from the page. No matter what happened, Lady Louisa was determined to do the right thing and bridge the gap between the families. As she suffered the indignities thrust upon her from her aunt and one of her cousins, she never faltered in maintaining her goodness and showing kindness back to her relations.
“The line between good and evil is permeable and almost anyone can be induced to cross it when pressured by situational forces.” –Philip Zimbardo
Aunt Hendrickson was the perfect antagonist for the goodness displayed by Lady Louisa. I couldn’t help but picture Cate Blanchett’s portrayal of the evil step-mother from the movie. This was one unhappy lady. In her younger days, her family tried to betroth her to an earl. She felt herself in love and refused to have her family dictate her marriage choice. She and Hendrickson eloped and her family disowned her. Her sister stepped in and saved the family honor by marrying the Earl of Gilchrist, thus becoming the countess. They later fell in love and had a son, the now Earl of Gilchrist and Lady Louisa. However, life was not so kind to Lady Hendrickson and, in her disappointments, became jealous and angry at her sister for having a better life after she married her earl. Go figure… she wanted what she wanted and when she got it, didn’t want it after all and instead wanted what her sister had. Bitter, angry and near destitute [because she wouldn’t live within her means], she now needed to marry her two daughters to best advantage in order to save them.
After the death of Hendrickson, the dowager Lady Gilchrist felt bad about the continued break with her sister. Lady Louisa, wanting to console her cousins [she knew what it meant to lose a father], convinced her mother to let her travel to Mentheith House. Her hopes were to try and do what she could for her family and see if she could mend the breach.
“It is amazing how complete is the delusion that beauty is goodness.” –Leo Tolstoy
Cousins: Miss Hendrickson [Elisabeth] and Miss Mary were opposites. Elisabeth possessed the perfect evil step-sister persona. She was self-centered, beautiful, self-absorbed, entitled and she and her mother both wanted her to marry the bachelor Duke of Rowland who had recently returned home from traveling abroad. Miss Mary was just there, no one paid any attention to her.
“Goodness is about character – integrity, honesty, kindness, generosity, moral courage, and the like. More than anything else, it is about how we treat other people.” –Dennis Prager
Ella… em… Lady Louisa: Every attempt at kindness was met with harsh remarks, vailed taunts and insults and a total disrespect to her station. Every gesture of kindness by Lady Louisa was repulsed. She was taken advantage of and was subjugated into a near servant status within her own family. Because Lady Louisa wanted to help her cousin Mary [and still hoping to mend the breach between her mother and her aunt], she stayed, took the abuse and worked especially hard as she helped the financially strapped family. Her mother had offered to give her sister the portion her family had withheld due to her elopement; however, pride was a powerful motivator and Lady Hendrickson refused the offer, resenting her sister even more.
“My parents taught me honesty, truth, compassion, kindness and how to care for people. Also, they encouraged me to take risks, to boldly go. They taught me that the greatest danger in life is not taking the adventure.” –Brian Blessed
It wouldn’t be a Cinderella story without a handsome Duke, a masked ball and a love-struck His Grace chasing a mysterious lady as she ran from the ballroom. This was a delightful story. I couldn’t put it down as I watched the story unfold before me. I knew the Cinderella story and was delighted as our author kept her story true to the character of the fairy tale.
Cover: beautiful cover… too bad there wasn’t a model wearing a green dress as the story indicated the mysterious lady wore green. Other than that, it is a gorgeous cover and very appropriate for the story.
What I didn’t like: Where do I start… Edit, proof and edit again. OMG! This must have been the wrong galley sent to the publisher or simply a rush to publish without taking a final check. The editing was horrid. Maybe it was my copy or my reader or something… there were sentences that
wrapped to the next line leaving a gape in the text. This was all throughout the story.
So many uses of country vs county, I was confused. I always thought it was county seat not country seat.
Missing words… ‘…desire to have wife…’
Missing letters… Louis instead of Louisa… lap vs lapse… he vs she… know vs now… later vs latter… serval vs several
Wrong word used: complement vs compliment… patience vs patient… transpiration vs transportation… peak vs pique… in vs end
Modern word blip: late 1890s meant a popping sound; mid 1940s point on a radar screen.
Extra words… in attempting to edit… word wasn’t removed after edit:
‘Had she just not just promised the Duke…’
‘It didn’t seem like we were not enjoying yourself…”
“every everyone resolving in her departure…”
“even asked questioned…”
There were no gaps or breaks between paragraphs. Dialogue was run together. Two people speaking within the same paragraph. No breaks to indicate who was speaking. Mistaking characters: saying it was Miss Mary wearing the dress when it was Miss Elisabeth.
This story ended at 79% on my reader with a free offer of an extended epilogue. It was cute and only 2 pages. There was also an excerpt [4-chapters] of another book ‘Engaging Love’ and an excerpt [4-chapters] for ‘Saving Lady Abigail.’
Although I had volunteered to read an ARC [advance reader copy], this was a free offer on Amazon. This is my honest review. This could have easily been a 5-star review. I wanted desperately to give it 5-stars… [3.5-stars]
I was absolutely intrigued by this story idea. I absolutely adored the 2015 movie Cinderella [directed by Kenneth Branagh] and had to go and watch snippets of it as I read this story. Rating: Clean.
In writing a Cinderella story… the author has to remember to maintain the integrity of the characters… to capture the essence of their goodness or badness, and still stay on course for the happy-ever-after. There will be points of reference that the reader will look for in relation to the fairy tale. I feel that Abby Ayles did that with this story. With the afterglow of Branagh’s film still surrounding me… I dove into this story.
“Kindness is loving people more than they deserve.” –Joseph Joubert
What I liked: I loved the character of Lady Louisa. She was a perfect Cinderella. Even though she was visiting her mother’s sister… Aunt Lady Hendrickson, her innate goodness shone forth from the page. No matter what happened, Lady Louisa was determined to do the right thing and bridge the gap between the families. As she suffered the indignities thrust upon her from her aunt and one of her cousins, she never faltered in maintaining her goodness and showing kindness back to her relations.
“The line between good and evil is permeable and almost anyone can be induced to cross it when pressured by situational forces.” –Philip Zimbardo
Aunt Hendrickson was the perfect antagonist for the goodness displayed by Lady Louisa. I couldn’t help but picture Cate Blanchett’s portrayal of the evil step-mother from the movie. This was one unhappy lady. In her younger days, her family tried to betroth her to an earl. She felt herself in love and refused to have her family dictate her marriage choice. She and Hendrickson eloped and her family disowned her. Her sister stepped in and saved the family honor by marrying the Earl of Gilchrist, thus becoming the countess. They later fell in love and had a son, the now Earl of Gilchrist and Lady Louisa. However, life was not so kind to Lady Hendrickson and, in her disappointments, became jealous and angry at her sister for having a better life after she married her earl. Go figure… she wanted what she wanted and when she got it, didn’t want it after all and instead wanted what her sister had. Bitter, angry and near destitute [because she wouldn’t live within her means], she now needed to marry her two daughters to best advantage in order to save them.
After the death of Hendrickson, the dowager Lady Gilchrist felt bad about the continued break with her sister. Lady Louisa, wanting to console her cousins [she knew what it meant to lose a father], convinced her mother to let her travel to Mentheith House. Her hopes were to try and do what she could for her family and see if she could mend the breach.
“It is amazing how complete is the delusion that beauty is goodness.” –Leo Tolstoy
Cousins: Miss Hendrickson [Elisabeth] and Miss Mary were opposites. Elisabeth possessed the perfect evil step-sister persona. She was self-centered, beautiful, self-absorbed, entitled and she and her mother both wanted her to marry the bachelor Duke of Rowland who had recently returned home from traveling abroad. Miss Mary was just there, no one paid any attention to her.
“Goodness is about character – integrity, honesty, kindness, generosity, moral courage, and the like. More than anything else, it is about how we treat other people.” –Dennis Prager
Ella… em… Lady Louisa: Every attempt at kindness was met with harsh remarks, vailed taunts and insults and a total disrespect to her station. Every gesture of kindness by Lady Louisa was repulsed. She was taken advantage of and was subjugated into a near servant status within her own family. Because Lady Louisa wanted to help her cousin Mary [and still hoping to mend the breach between her mother and her aunt], she stayed, took the abuse and worked especially hard as she helped the financially strapped family. Her mother had offered to give her sister the portion her family had withheld due to her elopement; however, pride was a powerful motivator and Lady Hendrickson refused the offer, resenting her sister even more.
“My parents taught me honesty, truth, compassion, kindness and how to care for people. Also, they encouraged me to take risks, to boldly go. They taught me that the greatest danger in life is not taking the adventure.” –Brian Blessed
It wouldn’t be a Cinderella story without a handsome Duke, a masked ball and a love-struck His Grace chasing a mysterious lady as she ran from the ballroom. This was a delightful story. I couldn’t put it down as I watched the story unfold before me. I knew the Cinderella story and was delighted as our author kept her story true to the character of the fairy tale.
Cover: beautiful cover… too bad there wasn’t a model wearing a green dress as the story indicated the mysterious lady wore green. Other than that, it is a gorgeous cover and very appropriate for the story.
What I didn’t like: Where do I start… Edit, proof and edit again. OMG! This must have been the wrong galley sent to the publisher or simply a rush to publish without taking a final check. The editing was horrid. Maybe it was my copy or my reader or something… there were sentences that
wrapped to the next line leaving a gape in the text. This was all throughout the story.
So many uses of country vs county, I was confused. I always thought it was county seat not country seat.
Missing words… ‘…desire to have wife…’
Missing letters… Louis instead of Louisa… lap vs lapse… he vs she… know vs now… later vs latter… serval vs several
Wrong word used: complement vs compliment… patience vs patient… transpiration vs transportation… peak vs pique… in vs end
Modern word blip: late 1890s meant a popping sound; mid 1940s point on a radar screen.
Extra words… in attempting to edit… word wasn’t removed after edit:
‘Had she just not just promised the Duke…’
‘It didn’t seem like we were not enjoying yourself…”
“every everyone resolving in her departure…”
“even asked questioned…”
There were no gaps or breaks between paragraphs. Dialogue was run together. Two people speaking within the same paragraph. No breaks to indicate who was speaking. Mistaking characters: saying it was Miss Mary wearing the dress when it was Miss Elisabeth.
This story ended at 79% on my reader with a free offer of an extended epilogue. It was cute and only 2 pages. There was also an excerpt [4-chapters] of another book ‘Engaging Love’ and an excerpt [4-chapters] for ‘Saving Lady Abigail.’
Although I had volunteered to read an ARC [advance reader copy], this was a free offer on Amazon. This is my honest review. This could have easily been a 5-star review. I wanted desperately to give it 5-stars… [3.5-stars]
June 13, 2018
Really good story with fully realized characters and plot.
Sweet, plain faced Lady Louisa goes to comfort an estranged aunt upon the death of her uncle, but Aunt doesn’t need comforting. She just wants a slave. Duke Rowland is looking for a wife but he doesn’t want one; he only wants to beget an heir and then return to single life in the Indies. Miss Mary wants to find love. Good luck, everyone!
Sweet, plain faced Lady Louisa goes to comfort an estranged aunt upon the death of her uncle, but Aunt doesn’t need comforting. She just wants a slave. Duke Rowland is looking for a wife but he doesn’t want one; he only wants to beget an heir and then return to single life in the Indies. Miss Mary wants to find love. Good luck, everyone!
June 13, 2018
A Cinderella for the Duke was a wonderful read, and I enjoyed it a great deal. Lady Louisa Fraser goes to spend time with her aunt and two cousins in the country. She basically becomes a servant in the house. Henry Vaughan, the Duke of Rowland, must get himself a wife or wait until he turns 30 to get his inheritance. To watch these two characters meet and grow has been great fun. Anyone that loves the Cinderella story line will enjoy this book.
March 14, 2019
Captivating story from the beginning, of young woman sent to console Aunt and 2 sisters after the death of their husband/father. Previously unknown to her was that from a young age, her grandparents had arranged for her Father to have married her Aunt. However, her Aunt fell in love and ran off with someone else. Her mother then stepped up to marry in her place to maintain peaceful relations between the 2 families. However, difficult economic circumstances brought anger and jealousy to her Aunt, who came to resent the good life her sister had acquired by marrying in her place.
Now cognizant of the history between the 2 sisters, Louisa is sent to try to help her Aunt and cousins after her uncle’s death, with the hope of re-establishing family relationships. Unfortunately, the Aunt takes out her jealousy and anger she feels towards her sister, on Louisa. Patiently, humbly, Louisa tries to fulfill each chore put upon her, realizing the underlying feelings that drive her aunt to treat her so demeaningly.
The Duke has been given an ultimatum from his uncle: marry or lose the use of his inherited funds until he is 30. SO, back home he comes to reluctantly search for a bride. A job that he thought would be easy (find some willing female, marry her, then take off to parts unknown leaving her to pursue her own interests) turns out to be far more difficult that he imagined. He finds that the superficialiality displayed by females intend on marrying a title, sets his teeth on edge and he finds himself turning away from the majority of available young girls. Only one has been honest with him, and in so being has irritated him. Thus, both Louisa and the Duke find themselves irritated with the other, with no intention of getting to know each other better.
A masquerade ball changes all of that. Wearing a dress belonging to her cousin, masked, Louisa slips into a side room to escape her Aunt and cousins, only to come face to face with a masked man. Neither recognizes the other, and a playful game of “cat & mouse” ensues, with the Duke trying to determine who the lady is, and the lady also in the dark as to the identity of the man. Later, after rejoining the crowd, with the agreement to share a dance, Louisa sees some men she does recognize come to the masked man and deliver information or receive instruction. From this, she dedeuces that the masked man is the duke and runs away rather than face him. The mystery of the lady in the green dress drives the Duke to try to solve the problem, by visiting many young women to determine if they were the mystery lady.
So......Why does Louisa NOT make her identity known at the masked ball and for a prolonged time after the ball? She realizes the uproar it will cause to her Aunt’s household, as the eldest daughter is the lady expected to win the Duke. Furthermore, the younger daughter has fallen in love with a soldier, too lowly for her mother’s taste. Louisa thinks that if she stays out of the picture and allows the eldest daughter to keep company with the DUKE, her Aunt might be persuaded to accept the younger daughter’s Suitor.
This was a skillfully written twist or variation on the Cinderella story, in that ONLY after I finished the book did I realize the connection to the story and to Cinderella. I was totally engrossed in the story. For those careful readers, there are also life lessons to learn: WHY to not be jealous and angry. WHY to be humble and generous, not overbearing and trying to be someone you are not.
This is a clean book, suitable for all ages of Regency readers.
Now cognizant of the history between the 2 sisters, Louisa is sent to try to help her Aunt and cousins after her uncle’s death, with the hope of re-establishing family relationships. Unfortunately, the Aunt takes out her jealousy and anger she feels towards her sister, on Louisa. Patiently, humbly, Louisa tries to fulfill each chore put upon her, realizing the underlying feelings that drive her aunt to treat her so demeaningly.
The Duke has been given an ultimatum from his uncle: marry or lose the use of his inherited funds until he is 30. SO, back home he comes to reluctantly search for a bride. A job that he thought would be easy (find some willing female, marry her, then take off to parts unknown leaving her to pursue her own interests) turns out to be far more difficult that he imagined. He finds that the superficialiality displayed by females intend on marrying a title, sets his teeth on edge and he finds himself turning away from the majority of available young girls. Only one has been honest with him, and in so being has irritated him. Thus, both Louisa and the Duke find themselves irritated with the other, with no intention of getting to know each other better.
A masquerade ball changes all of that. Wearing a dress belonging to her cousin, masked, Louisa slips into a side room to escape her Aunt and cousins, only to come face to face with a masked man. Neither recognizes the other, and a playful game of “cat & mouse” ensues, with the Duke trying to determine who the lady is, and the lady also in the dark as to the identity of the man. Later, after rejoining the crowd, with the agreement to share a dance, Louisa sees some men she does recognize come to the masked man and deliver information or receive instruction. From this, she dedeuces that the masked man is the duke and runs away rather than face him. The mystery of the lady in the green dress drives the Duke to try to solve the problem, by visiting many young women to determine if they were the mystery lady.
So......Why does Louisa NOT make her identity known at the masked ball and for a prolonged time after the ball? She realizes the uproar it will cause to her Aunt’s household, as the eldest daughter is the lady expected to win the Duke. Furthermore, the younger daughter has fallen in love with a soldier, too lowly for her mother’s taste. Louisa thinks that if she stays out of the picture and allows the eldest daughter to keep company with the DUKE, her Aunt might be persuaded to accept the younger daughter’s Suitor.
This was a skillfully written twist or variation on the Cinderella story, in that ONLY after I finished the book did I realize the connection to the story and to Cinderella. I was totally engrossed in the story. For those careful readers, there are also life lessons to learn: WHY to not be jealous and angry. WHY to be humble and generous, not overbearing and trying to be someone you are not.
This is a clean book, suitable for all ages of Regency readers.
April 18, 2019
Amazing
A classic fairytale brought to life within a romantic story. This has a great base with a chance encounter between the main characters. Lady Louisa so dislikes the Duke of Rowlands face he shows when out in public and tells him so in the first public occasion they dance at together. The Duke of Rowland is on the hunt for a wife and so holds a masquerade ball so the mystery of a mask might help him find love but when he does find her she ends up running the other way and he doesn't know why. Will he ever find her again.
A classic fairytale brought to life within a romantic story. This has a great base with a chance encounter between the main characters. Lady Louisa so dislikes the Duke of Rowlands face he shows when out in public and tells him so in the first public occasion they dance at together. The Duke of Rowland is on the hunt for a wife and so holds a masquerade ball so the mystery of a mask might help him find love but when he does find her she ends up running the other way and he doesn't know why. Will he ever find her again.
June 17, 2018
FIGHT FIRE WITH FIRE!!!
A great spin and refreshing new view. There's enough manipulation in this one to rock the house. You're definitely going to love this page turning bombshell. You get everything you've come to expect from Abby and still be pleasantly surprised. Twist and turns abound and out maneuvering old bats is a must. Its truly a sight to behold when one is caught and out done by a master. LOL. What can I say? Heck, I loved it. The characters and scenes were intriguing, complex and realistic with a broad range of personalities that balance out beautifully. The scenes were so vividly detailed and descriptive that it gives the illusion you were right there in the middle of ground zero with them. The race is on in this whirlwind of activities and adventures. Abby did an incredible job bringing this read together flawlessly and without a hitch in sight. Smooth flowing with all the suspense and drama you can handle. Yep! You get your heart pounding, pulse racing and nailbiting moments as the main characters strive to achieve their HEA. One fantastic tale Abby, thanks for sharing this remarkable read with us.
A great spin and refreshing new view. There's enough manipulation in this one to rock the house. You're definitely going to love this page turning bombshell. You get everything you've come to expect from Abby and still be pleasantly surprised. Twist and turns abound and out maneuvering old bats is a must. Its truly a sight to behold when one is caught and out done by a master. LOL. What can I say? Heck, I loved it. The characters and scenes were intriguing, complex and realistic with a broad range of personalities that balance out beautifully. The scenes were so vividly detailed and descriptive that it gives the illusion you were right there in the middle of ground zero with them. The race is on in this whirlwind of activities and adventures. Abby did an incredible job bringing this read together flawlessly and without a hitch in sight. Smooth flowing with all the suspense and drama you can handle. Yep! You get your heart pounding, pulse racing and nailbiting moments as the main characters strive to achieve their HEA. One fantastic tale Abby, thanks for sharing this remarkable read with us.
June 16, 2018
It’s a Cinderella story with a little twist. Lady Louisa is sent to her estranged Aunts house after the death of her Uncle to be of some assistance to the Aunt and her two daughters whom she has never met. Louisa’s mother hopes this might bring and end to the rift between them but her Aunt and oldest cousin are horrible people. The youngest daughter is as much a victim of the other two as Louisa soon becomes. They use and abuse Louisa and scheme and manipulate when they find out the Duke of Rowland has returned home after years in the West Indies and must find a wife. Louisa’s Aunt wants her oldest daughter to snag the Duke and does everything she can to keep Louisa out of the way. But in spite of all of their plotting and scheming, they always come together. And there is also another love story unfolding at the same time. It is truly swoon-worthy. I loved it. I think I may go back and read all of her books again as the characters carry over into each book and I love to see what is happening in their lives since I last read their story.
June 21, 2018
This was a great Cinderella story with a little bit of a twist. I loved it. What two people can learn from each other and really think about what the other one said and try to change for the better was very heartwarming. It's wonderful when people can really do that and dig deep inside themselves. The way the book was written and the characters were portrayed was very well done. Then, there is always the love between the characters which I always look forward to. I highly recommend this book.
June 16, 2018
Another great read from Abby Ayles!
In "A Cinderella for the Duke" we follow Lady Louisa, a character in the previous books by Ms. Ayles, while she matures. Although shy and reserved, during her stay with her aunt her daughters, Lady Louisa discovers her strengths and, through some twists and turns, her happily ever after.
Ms. Ayles has taken a classic fairy tail and adjusted it in a clean and sweet regency romance. It was a truly captivating story I couldn't put down. I highly recommend it for all fans of regency romance.
In "A Cinderella for the Duke" we follow Lady Louisa, a character in the previous books by Ms. Ayles, while she matures. Although shy and reserved, during her stay with her aunt her daughters, Lady Louisa discovers her strengths and, through some twists and turns, her happily ever after.
Ms. Ayles has taken a classic fairy tail and adjusted it in a clean and sweet regency romance. It was a truly captivating story I couldn't put down. I highly recommend it for all fans of regency romance.
June 13, 2018
HE FOUND & LOST HIS LADY AT A MASQUERADE PARTY, THE DUKE KNEW SHE WAS THE ONE !
Abby Ayles gets 4 stars for her new book A Cinderella for the Duke: A Historical Regency Clean Sweet Romance Novel which has a lot in common with our beloved fairytale Cinderella, and yet differences to make it's own stamp on that story idea . Our leading lady, Lady Louisa goes to visit her mother's sister that she has never met before whose husband died recently to see if she can help her Aunt or cousins. Her Aunt believes her Mother's real purpose on sending Lady Louisa was because of the Duke of Rowland had just came back to the district, the Aunt then had her in a servant's room to sleep & stuff, and decided to get as much free service as she could before she became hostile and ran home to mama.
On the contrary, Lady Louisa had really been sent to help and since she was a wallflower, she begin to come to her own walking to town, meeting the towns people, growing herbs & learning about their healing ability, and begin to see herself as much stronger person that she had been. Also walking to town she had met the Duke of Rowland, herself on the road and his best friend Colonel Jasper. Duke of Rowland has inherited his estate properties but now by his 30 th birthday when he will be considered at his majority, his Uncle James can either give him the monies his parents left or not and Uncle James decided he wanted the Duke to marry and have a child to get his monies because he was to wild. It is a good storyline and has a great reading rhythm which is important that is smooth. It is an amazing read that surprises you at times and leaves you waiting for Lady Louisa to stand her ground and say her piece if not to her Aunt then to her cousin Elizabeth, or for cousin Mary to smack her sister down so you turn the page and for the Duke one can almost hear his wheels turning in his head every time he talks to Lady Louisa and when the masquerade happens it is wonderful ! When you finish this you realize that the characters worth caring about took the opportunity as like we do in real life to grow and expand their inner selves, their inner bravery and took the chance to be the real person inside rather than the artificial one. Get it now.
WARNING: 16 & Up. SEXUAL CONTENT. None. Kiss on Gloved Fingers & Hand
Abby Ayles gets 4 stars for her new book A Cinderella for the Duke: A Historical Regency Clean Sweet Romance Novel which has a lot in common with our beloved fairytale Cinderella, and yet differences to make it's own stamp on that story idea . Our leading lady, Lady Louisa goes to visit her mother's sister that she has never met before whose husband died recently to see if she can help her Aunt or cousins. Her Aunt believes her Mother's real purpose on sending Lady Louisa was because of the Duke of Rowland had just came back to the district, the Aunt then had her in a servant's room to sleep & stuff, and decided to get as much free service as she could before she became hostile and ran home to mama.
On the contrary, Lady Louisa had really been sent to help and since she was a wallflower, she begin to come to her own walking to town, meeting the towns people, growing herbs & learning about their healing ability, and begin to see herself as much stronger person that she had been. Also walking to town she had met the Duke of Rowland, herself on the road and his best friend Colonel Jasper. Duke of Rowland has inherited his estate properties but now by his 30 th birthday when he will be considered at his majority, his Uncle James can either give him the monies his parents left or not and Uncle James decided he wanted the Duke to marry and have a child to get his monies because he was to wild. It is a good storyline and has a great reading rhythm which is important that is smooth. It is an amazing read that surprises you at times and leaves you waiting for Lady Louisa to stand her ground and say her piece if not to her Aunt then to her cousin Elizabeth, or for cousin Mary to smack her sister down so you turn the page and for the Duke one can almost hear his wheels turning in his head every time he talks to Lady Louisa and when the masquerade happens it is wonderful ! When you finish this you realize that the characters worth caring about took the opportunity as like we do in real life to grow and expand their inner selves, their inner bravery and took the chance to be the real person inside rather than the artificial one. Get it now.
WARNING: 16 & Up. SEXUAL CONTENT. None. Kiss on Gloved Fingers & Hand
June 16, 2018
I loved the story! I realized rather quickly that this book was patterned after the fairy tale of Cinderella. I do think the lady on the cover should have been wearing a green dress. You will find out why when you read the story. Lady Louisa journeys to her aunt's to offer comfort to her aunt and cousins after the passing of her uncle. She is treated like a servant. Does Louisa stay and take this abuse? Or does she give up and go back home? What would make her stay? Did she manage to become friends with one of the cousins?
The Duke of Rowland has recently arrived from the Indies. His uncle had informed him he had to marry to receive his inheirtance or wait until he was 30. The Duke knew there were many ladies who would like to be a Duchess and he didn't care who he married. He intended to get married and return to the Indies while his wife stayed at home and did whatever she pleased. Did he do this or did he change his mind? What happened to make him search for a certain lady? Did he find her or was she forever lost to him?
Come along with Lady Louisa during this trying time and see how she prevails.
The Duke of Rowland has recently arrived from the Indies. His uncle had informed him he had to marry to receive his inheirtance or wait until he was 30. The Duke knew there were many ladies who would like to be a Duchess and he didn't care who he married. He intended to get married and return to the Indies while his wife stayed at home and did whatever she pleased. Did he do this or did he change his mind? What happened to make him search for a certain lady? Did he find her or was she forever lost to him?
Come along with Lady Louisa during this trying time and see how she prevails.
June 20, 2018
Lady Louisa was going to meet her aunt and two cousins. She felt she was on the shelf and really was not interested in any prospects. Her aunt's husband had died recently and she was here to help. She meets Hugh Vaughan, Duke of Rowland when she is walking into town and he was racing his horse down the path. Her aunt was a very bitter person.
This was an interesting novel. There is a lot going on thru out the tale. The characters were true to life and very vivid. I found Colonel Jasper was a kind man, who was looking for a place to stay and put down his roots. The Duke just wanted to marry, have an heir and then go back to living his life in the Caribbean. The author never disappoints as far as her writing goes. This story is well written, even paced and moves smoothly. It is a very good read and I felt lucky to be able to read this.
I received this ARC from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.
This was an interesting novel. There is a lot going on thru out the tale. The characters were true to life and very vivid. I found Colonel Jasper was a kind man, who was looking for a place to stay and put down his roots. The Duke just wanted to marry, have an heir and then go back to living his life in the Caribbean. The author never disappoints as far as her writing goes. This story is well written, even paced and moves smoothly. It is a very good read and I felt lucky to be able to read this.
I received this ARC from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.
June 12, 2018
Very well done
I received this book free from the author as part of the ARC team. This is my honest review.
I very much enjoyed this version of Cinderella! I have read others, but this is by far the best.
Lady Louisa takes the role of Cinderella. She goes to stay with her aunt and cousins, hoping to mend a family rift.
The Duke, Rowland, has the role of Prince Charming. His uncle is pressing Rowland to marry, with threats of withholding Rowland's estates.
Lady Hendrickson takes on the role of the step-mother. She does not care for Lady Louisa and puts her to work doing menial chores. She also puts Louisa in a servant's bedroom in the attic!
Elisabeth is featured in the role of the ugly step-sister. She may be beautiful of face, but she is not beautiful of heart. She wants the Duke as her husband.
Mary is placed in the role of the kinder step-sister. She and Louisa form a bond through their acquaintance that is strong.
How will the story play out? You may be surprised.
I highly recommend this book. The characters fit in the time period and are written well.
I received this book free from the author as part of the ARC team. This is my honest review.
I very much enjoyed this version of Cinderella! I have read others, but this is by far the best.
Lady Louisa takes the role of Cinderella. She goes to stay with her aunt and cousins, hoping to mend a family rift.
The Duke, Rowland, has the role of Prince Charming. His uncle is pressing Rowland to marry, with threats of withholding Rowland's estates.
Lady Hendrickson takes on the role of the step-mother. She does not care for Lady Louisa and puts her to work doing menial chores. She also puts Louisa in a servant's bedroom in the attic!
Elisabeth is featured in the role of the ugly step-sister. She may be beautiful of face, but she is not beautiful of heart. She wants the Duke as her husband.
Mary is placed in the role of the kinder step-sister. She and Louisa form a bond through their acquaintance that is strong.
How will the story play out? You may be surprised.
I highly recommend this book. The characters fit in the time period and are written well.
February 3, 2019
Gorgeous characters. Loved Cinderella. Not that fond of the duke as he isn't the one who apologizes to the lady even though he was at fault. He does that after she apologizes. But I guess that was too late for me.
Liked the plot. Thought it was quite interesting and intriguing. Not sure about the Cinderella masquerade Ball. Don't really buy that the MCs didn't recognize each other.
Main issue? Editing and spelling. There were just wayyyy too many spelling mistakes, esp. towards the end...
Liked the plot. Thought it was quite interesting and intriguing. Not sure about the Cinderella masquerade Ball. Don't really buy that the MCs didn't recognize each other.
Main issue? Editing and spelling. There were just wayyyy too many spelling mistakes, esp. towards the end...
June 15, 2018
What a lovely twist to a classic tale! I loved reading Lady Louisa’s story. She is from a wealthy family and has to live with her aunt and cousins who are not as well off. She is asked to mend relations with her aunt but soon finds that she is being taken advantage of. Then she meets the dashing Duke of Rowland. You will have to read the book to see if there is a twist in this part of the story too!
June 16, 2018
Oh so good
I love historical novels and Abby Ayles is an excellent writer. This book was so good you don't wanna stop reading. You will love Lady Louisa and Rowland and Mary and Jasper. The mother sure reminds me the step mother in Cinderella. Please get this book. And enjoy reading.
I love historical novels and Abby Ayles is an excellent writer. This book was so good you don't wanna stop reading. You will love Lady Louisa and Rowland and Mary and Jasper. The mother sure reminds me the step mother in Cinderella. Please get this book. And enjoy reading.
June 16, 2018
Not believable
The story was trite -- predictable. Characters were nothing new. Had a hard time believing that the heroin out up with so much abuse so meekly. Also impossible that the couple didn't recognize each other immediately. So many typos.
The story was trite -- predictable. Characters were nothing new. Had a hard time believing that the heroin out up with so much abuse so meekly. Also impossible that the couple didn't recognize each other immediately. So many typos.
June 13, 2018
A wonderful take on a fairytale
Louisa and Rowland's love story is as beautiful as is Cinderella's. While Loiusa's Aunt would do anything to keep these two apart, including denying her own daughter's happiness for that of her oldest daughter, Elisabeth. Thanks to the masquerade ball, true love is found for four very deserving characters. Ms. Ayles' writing has once again been fun, some laughs and wondering, turned out a beautiful love story.
Louisa and Rowland's love story is as beautiful as is Cinderella's. While Loiusa's Aunt would do anything to keep these two apart, including denying her own daughter's happiness for that of her oldest daughter, Elisabeth. Thanks to the masquerade ball, true love is found for four very deserving characters. Ms. Ayles' writing has once again been fun, some laughs and wondering, turned out a beautiful love story.
June 14, 2018
Wonderful book!
Absolutely loved this story! So exciting and intriguing. Heartwarming and romantic. Most of the characters were lovable and approachable. It was sad that Lady Louisa 's Aunt was So unhappy in her own life that an made it miserable for her one daughter and niece.Definitely read this book.
Absolutely loved this story! So exciting and intriguing. Heartwarming and romantic. Most of the characters were lovable and approachable. It was sad that Lady Louisa 's Aunt was So unhappy in her own life that an made it miserable for her one daughter and niece.Definitely read this book.
June 14, 2018
Enchanting
I thoroughly enjoyed this version of the fairytale. Full of beautifully written characters .Engrossing story that I had to read in one go. I became completely involved with this story and would highly recommend it. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of the book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this version of the fairytale. Full of beautifully written characters .Engrossing story that I had to read in one go. I became completely involved with this story and would highly recommend it. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of the book.
June 16, 2018
Loved it
From the first book she appeared in I knew there was some spunk in the shy and reserved Lady Louisa. All it took for it to come out is her scheming aunt. I love Abby's version of Cinderella
From the first book she appeared in I knew there was some spunk in the shy and reserved Lady Louisa. All it took for it to come out is her scheming aunt. I love Abby's version of Cinderella
June 13, 2018
An Interesting Story
Lady Louisa traveled to visit her aunt and cousins as a favor to her mom. Upon her arrival she was immediately treated rudely and given servants quarters and servants duties even though she was the highest ranking person in the house. Her perseverance and outcome is a very interesting story that I truly enjoyed.
Lady Louisa traveled to visit her aunt and cousins as a favor to her mom. Upon her arrival she was immediately treated rudely and given servants quarters and servants duties even though she was the highest ranking person in the house. Her perseverance and outcome is a very interesting story that I truly enjoyed.
June 15, 2018
Great Read!
I really enjoyed this book. The story was captivating and I loved the main characters. The secondary characters were just as great as the main. By far one of my favorite books of Abby Ayles!
I really enjoyed this book. The story was captivating and I loved the main characters. The secondary characters were just as great as the main. By far one of my favorite books of Abby Ayles!
June 13, 2018
Beautiful sweet romance
I could not put this book down. You truly have become my favorite author. Everyone please read and enjoy. You won't regret it. A beautiful sweet and clean historical romance. A wallflower and spinster finds well her duke. A real love and fairytale come true for Louisa. The title fits a Cinderella for the Duke.
I could not put this book down. You truly have become my favorite author. Everyone please read and enjoy. You won't regret it. A beautiful sweet and clean historical romance. A wallflower and spinster finds well her duke. A real love and fairytale come true for Louisa. The title fits a Cinderella for the Duke.
June 13, 2018
Too sweet and predictable
I find the story and the characters too familiar, predictable and quite dull. It would have been a great story line if there was an exciting and a change from the usual Cinderella-like stories.
I find the story and the characters too familiar, predictable and quite dull. It would have been a great story line if there was an exciting and a change from the usual Cinderella-like stories.
June 14, 2018
Good read
A little slow at the beginning, but as the excitement grew, it was most enjoyable. Enjoyed the take off from Cinderella.. Characters were enjoyable.. even the scruffy, self centered aunt and her likewise daughter.
A little slow at the beginning, but as the excitement grew, it was most enjoyable. Enjoyed the take off from Cinderella.. Characters were enjoyable.. even the scruffy, self centered aunt and her likewise daughter.
June 13, 2018
Selflessness
A remarkable story of selfishness and the need to put others feelings before your own. Being genuine in love always.
A remarkable story of selfishness and the need to put others feelings before your own. Being genuine in love always.
June 16, 2018
The story is good but I was distracted by the grammatical errors some of which left me searching for the right word in context and trying to make sense of the paragraph.
June 22, 2018
Abby has once again written a heartwarming, engaging, and thought-provoking story in A Cinderella for the Duke. I've been reading Abby's books for awhile now and I find her characters - major or minor all play important roles in her stories. The characters are written with depth of personalities whether they are heroine or villain. As with this story, the title is quite fitting and reminds me much of the Cinderella story.
In A Cinderella for the Duke, the main heroine is Lady Louisa who is known to be shy and quiet and tends not to go outside of her inner circle. But with her brother and best friend all out of range, she decides to take up her aunt's offer to reside with them for a short while. Due to a falling out between her mother and her aunt, Lady Louisa's kind heart thinks to mend the broken sisterhood. However, things are not always as they seem, especially in the world of titles and prestige.
Lady Louisa's aunt, Lady Hendrickson is a bitter and deceptive widower. Holding onto a title that isn't even quite honorary, Lady Hendrickson feels the pangs of jealousy and envy that her sister married an Earl and feels that her niece is rubbing it in her face. A back story of the estranged sisters explains it quite well but of course Louisa's mom wants to mend the fence. Lady Hendrickson however, does not and probably never will.
And here's where the Cinderella part comes in. Louisa is used and manipulated due to her kind and generous heart all the while she thinks she can bring the two families together. While Lady Hendrickson is referenced as the evil "stepmother" and the two sisters as with the Cinderella story, there is a kinder younger cousin who quickly becomes friends with Louisa. I don't want to give away any spoilers, but the ending is quite satisfying for all the "good" people in this story.
Of course let's not forget the hero! The handsome and intelligent Duke of Rowland, Henry must find a wife in order to claim his inheritance. Althoug he is the rightful Duke, he has yet to receive his vast funding which is held upon by his uncle until he meets his uncle's "demand" and that is to find a wife. As we read that Henry is quite set to find love or at least someone he likes, he goes to lengths to please both his uncle and the "ton". When he meets Louisa, there is a bit of a timid friendship which develops over time. There are several misunderstandings between Louisa and Henry and it almost seems that these two will never get together.
I won't spoil too much of the plots here but know that Henry, Louisa, and the supporting characters are brilliantly written and so fun to read! My favorite parts are the conversations between Louisa and Henry. They are both intelligent and kind beings but the misunderstandings get in the way just to make the story a bit of fun!
I don't know why there are a few low ratings on this book - who cares if there are typos? Perhaps the editors didn't catch it? These things happen and I don't begrudge the typographical errors, I read for the enjoyment of the story.
Thank you, Abby for the ARC!
In A Cinderella for the Duke, the main heroine is Lady Louisa who is known to be shy and quiet and tends not to go outside of her inner circle. But with her brother and best friend all out of range, she decides to take up her aunt's offer to reside with them for a short while. Due to a falling out between her mother and her aunt, Lady Louisa's kind heart thinks to mend the broken sisterhood. However, things are not always as they seem, especially in the world of titles and prestige.
Lady Louisa's aunt, Lady Hendrickson is a bitter and deceptive widower. Holding onto a title that isn't even quite honorary, Lady Hendrickson feels the pangs of jealousy and envy that her sister married an Earl and feels that her niece is rubbing it in her face. A back story of the estranged sisters explains it quite well but of course Louisa's mom wants to mend the fence. Lady Hendrickson however, does not and probably never will.
And here's where the Cinderella part comes in. Louisa is used and manipulated due to her kind and generous heart all the while she thinks she can bring the two families together. While Lady Hendrickson is referenced as the evil "stepmother" and the two sisters as with the Cinderella story, there is a kinder younger cousin who quickly becomes friends with Louisa. I don't want to give away any spoilers, but the ending is quite satisfying for all the "good" people in this story.
Of course let's not forget the hero! The handsome and intelligent Duke of Rowland, Henry must find a wife in order to claim his inheritance. Althoug he is the rightful Duke, he has yet to receive his vast funding which is held upon by his uncle until he meets his uncle's "demand" and that is to find a wife. As we read that Henry is quite set to find love or at least someone he likes, he goes to lengths to please both his uncle and the "ton". When he meets Louisa, there is a bit of a timid friendship which develops over time. There are several misunderstandings between Louisa and Henry and it almost seems that these two will never get together.
I won't spoil too much of the plots here but know that Henry, Louisa, and the supporting characters are brilliantly written and so fun to read! My favorite parts are the conversations between Louisa and Henry. They are both intelligent and kind beings but the misunderstandings get in the way just to make the story a bit of fun!
I don't know why there are a few low ratings on this book - who cares if there are typos? Perhaps the editors didn't catch it? These things happen and I don't begrudge the typographical errors, I read for the enjoyment of the story.
Thank you, Abby for the ARC!
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