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For the Love of a Duchess
Introducing the "For the Love of a Duchess" Novel - Discover NOW The New Regency Romance Book by Bridget Barton!
Lovely - Romantic - Exciting!
Lady Eliza Ashton, daughter of the Earl of Bexley, had always thought her life would be a straight pathway to happiness.
Engaged to be married to the devastatingly handsome Miles Gainsborough, Eliza could never have imagined how easily happiness could turn into disaster. When her father tells her that she is the only hope of saving the family from financial ruin, she finds herself set to marry the Duke of Lytton instead.
Daniel Winchester, an accomplished and successful attorney, finds his simple existence at Lytton Hall turned upside down by the arrival of the Duke's new young bride. Determined to think her a young title-hunter, he is surprised to find himself drawn to her as every day passes. When the old Duke, his ego bruised by the realization that the beautiful young woman will never love him, becomes increasingly aggressive, Daniel is the only man with courage enough to defend her.
But when the old Duke dies, will Eliza allow the threat of scandal and the fear of condemnation to turn her away from the only man she has ever truly loved? And will Daniel Winchester ever find a pathway leading to the heart of the young woman who occupies his every thought?
"For the Love of a Duchess" is a historical romance novel of approximately 80,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.
Lovely - Romantic - Exciting!
Lady Eliza Ashton, daughter of the Earl of Bexley, had always thought her life would be a straight pathway to happiness.
Engaged to be married to the devastatingly handsome Miles Gainsborough, Eliza could never have imagined how easily happiness could turn into disaster. When her father tells her that she is the only hope of saving the family from financial ruin, she finds herself set to marry the Duke of Lytton instead.
Daniel Winchester, an accomplished and successful attorney, finds his simple existence at Lytton Hall turned upside down by the arrival of the Duke's new young bride. Determined to think her a young title-hunter, he is surprised to find himself drawn to her as every day passes. When the old Duke, his ego bruised by the realization that the beautiful young woman will never love him, becomes increasingly aggressive, Daniel is the only man with courage enough to defend her.
But when the old Duke dies, will Eliza allow the threat of scandal and the fear of condemnation to turn her away from the only man she has ever truly loved? And will Daniel Winchester ever find a pathway leading to the heart of the young woman who occupies his every thought?
"For the Love of a Duchess" is a historical romance novel of approximately 80,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.
458 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 4, 2018
987 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
About the author
Bridget Barton
160 books206 followersBridget Barton was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas.
She has studied English Literature in college and after a brief passage in journalism as a newspaper writer, she stirred her career to what she always loved: becoming an author!
She has always been intrigued by rascals, vagabonds, dukes and rogues, so having the chance to write stories about them is a wish come true for her!
Bridget is married to her own prince charming and is the proud mother of two daughters (and three adorable kittens) and soon to be a grandma!
She is a hopeless romantic who devours romance literature and of course enjoys writing love stories of her own.
When she is not writing, Bridget is relaxing by cooking for her lovely husband, exercising and listening to soft music.
Bridget loves to connect with her readers!
With love and respect,
Bridget Barton
She has studied English Literature in college and after a brief passage in journalism as a newspaper writer, she stirred her career to what she always loved: becoming an author!
She has always been intrigued by rascals, vagabonds, dukes and rogues, so having the chance to write stories about them is a wish come true for her!
Bridget is married to her own prince charming and is the proud mother of two daughters (and three adorable kittens) and soon to be a grandma!
She is a hopeless romantic who devours romance literature and of course enjoys writing love stories of her own.
When she is not writing, Bridget is relaxing by cooking for her lovely husband, exercising and listening to soft music.
Bridget loves to connect with her readers!
With love and respect,
Bridget Barton
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
July 12, 2018
This is a very well written book with completely believable characters and a good plot. A young lady gets married off to an older Duke for money, and the result is a tragic nightmare. A bit too sad for my choice of entertainment but all’s well that ends well!
July 30, 2019
As the synopsis says Eliza was in love with Miles (not the hero) who disappoints her as she finds out that she must marry an old man to keep her family from disaster. What the blurb did not say was that she is actively living the married life with the old man (sexually active for at least three months where he berates her from not getting pregnant) for over 50 percent of the book. Even though the sex scenes faded to black with her old husband it left an icky impression on me. The romance with the hero (Daniel) starts during her sad marriage. Some stuff happens (blackmail, husband dies, Daniel gets jealous of Miles,etc and ta da HEA Also, this one has an extended epilogue that one can link to, but I was so happy to finally reach the end that I did not want to read about her making up with her family or what her blackmailing maid Nella was up to now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2019
Being Rich💰and Titled Sucks
You Can't Always Get What You Want.....
How about your Earl daddy basically selling you to a wealthy older Duke👹 in order to get his Earldom out of debt and get the old crumbling mansion fixed up?
This is what happens to Eliza Ashton💃💋, the daughter of the Earl of Bexley. He spends all the money on his son, the heir, then sees 💲dollar signs when he looks at his smart, beautiful daughter.
It's all about the money, and Eliza💃💋 soon figures out she is being sold to the fat old Duke👹 of Lytton to be his 🏆trophy wife. The Earl can guarantee his son a cushy life and out of debt with the huge purchase price he is getting.
Even Eliza's wannabe betrothed, Miles, turns into a money grubbing wimp. He was counting on her dowry to help out his family! What dowry?
Disheartened, disillusioned, and distrustful, Eliza💃💋 turns her back on her family and Miles, and decides to make the best of the situation.
One good thing about the Duke's huge old estate, is that it comes replete with its very own attorney. Tall, blond, handsome and imposing, Daniel Winchester🐺🍆🌋 cuts an appealing figure to Eliza. At first, Daniel🐺🍆🌋 thinks Eliza👰💋 is just a gold digger, until he realizes her father's financial circumstances forced her into the May- December marriage👰.
Meanwhile, the Duke👹 isn't having any luck siring an Heir, probably because he has turned into a drunk, drinking copious amounts of brandy🍷 everyday, all day long. The fact that he eats like a 🐖pig isn't helping either. He is clearly not happy with the way things are going with his new wife👰.
Oh the trials and tribulations of being rich💰 and famous in Jolly Olde England!
ARC Received.
I loved this book because it shows that people of all stations in life have their problems, no one is immune. Money💰 doesn't buy happiness!
You Can't Always Get What You Want.....
How about your Earl daddy basically selling you to a wealthy older Duke👹 in order to get his Earldom out of debt and get the old crumbling mansion fixed up?
This is what happens to Eliza Ashton💃💋, the daughter of the Earl of Bexley. He spends all the money on his son, the heir, then sees 💲dollar signs when he looks at his smart, beautiful daughter.
It's all about the money, and Eliza💃💋 soon figures out she is being sold to the fat old Duke👹 of Lytton to be his 🏆trophy wife. The Earl can guarantee his son a cushy life and out of debt with the huge purchase price he is getting.
Even Eliza's wannabe betrothed, Miles, turns into a money grubbing wimp. He was counting on her dowry to help out his family! What dowry?
Disheartened, disillusioned, and distrustful, Eliza💃💋 turns her back on her family and Miles, and decides to make the best of the situation.
One good thing about the Duke's huge old estate, is that it comes replete with its very own attorney. Tall, blond, handsome and imposing, Daniel Winchester🐺🍆🌋 cuts an appealing figure to Eliza. At first, Daniel🐺🍆🌋 thinks Eliza👰💋 is just a gold digger, until he realizes her father's financial circumstances forced her into the May- December marriage👰.
Meanwhile, the Duke👹 isn't having any luck siring an Heir, probably because he has turned into a drunk, drinking copious amounts of brandy🍷 everyday, all day long. The fact that he eats like a 🐖pig isn't helping either. He is clearly not happy with the way things are going with his new wife👰.
Oh the trials and tribulations of being rich💰 and famous in Jolly Olde England!
ARC Received.
I loved this book because it shows that people of all stations in life have their problems, no one is immune. Money💰 doesn't buy happiness!
July 11, 2018
What a wonderful story. I have been reading for over 45 years and have
never come across a story like this. Yes there have been stories of marriages arranged and yes
I have read about thwarted love but never with the fine detail like this. The way the Duke
bought a young girl, the way her family sold her and their reasons for so doing,
the wonderfully nasty, evil maid and the lawyer who went from disdainful to besotted all
combined to make a truly unputdownable read.
I loved the way you used letters to fully explain the thought and anxiety of Eliza.
In one letter from her mother I genuinely had a tear in my eye as I read it.
This is a very clever technique that worked so well in this book.
Even after the death of the Duke the story followed a completely different path from
normal and Eliza is now paralysed by the fear of gaining a bad reputation in the ton and
her inability to forgive and reconcile with her family. It took time and the help of a
good friend to set her on the path to true love before it was too late.
Then we come to the extended epilogue and the evil maid pops up again.
This provided the breakthrough Eliza needed to fully reconcile with her family and finally,
with the help of her mother, completely wipe out the threats of this so so delightfully
evil maid. (A really great character! Will she ever have her own story I wonder?
Without a doubt one of the best stories I have read in recent times.
I received a free copy of this book from the author but the review is entirely mine.
never come across a story like this. Yes there have been stories of marriages arranged and yes
I have read about thwarted love but never with the fine detail like this. The way the Duke
bought a young girl, the way her family sold her and their reasons for so doing,
the wonderfully nasty, evil maid and the lawyer who went from disdainful to besotted all
combined to make a truly unputdownable read.
I loved the way you used letters to fully explain the thought and anxiety of Eliza.
In one letter from her mother I genuinely had a tear in my eye as I read it.
This is a very clever technique that worked so well in this book.
Even after the death of the Duke the story followed a completely different path from
normal and Eliza is now paralysed by the fear of gaining a bad reputation in the ton and
her inability to forgive and reconcile with her family. It took time and the help of a
good friend to set her on the path to true love before it was too late.
Then we come to the extended epilogue and the evil maid pops up again.
This provided the breakthrough Eliza needed to fully reconcile with her family and finally,
with the help of her mother, completely wipe out the threats of this so so delightfully
evil maid. (A really great character! Will she ever have her own story I wonder?
Without a doubt one of the best stories I have read in recent times.
I received a free copy of this book from the author but the review is entirely mine.
July 7, 2018
How one young woman grows to understand Love
"For the Love of a Duchess" explores a young woman's assumptions about love. The difficult situations she is faced with cause her to feel rejected, to feel angry and even to feel bitterness. Then circumstances cause her to feel fear. In the end, she finds clearly what love means to her.
I am eating this book 4.5 stars. There were some passages I skimmed as they were simply not moving quickly enough. The author explores love , money, duty, and family and the emotions of these in a society of rules and in place of isolation. It is not exactly realistic, but it is honest about emotional understanding and growth.
"For the Love of a Duchess" explores a young woman's assumptions about love. The difficult situations she is faced with cause her to feel rejected, to feel angry and even to feel bitterness. Then circumstances cause her to feel fear. In the end, she finds clearly what love means to her.
I am eating this book 4.5 stars. There were some passages I skimmed as they were simply not moving quickly enough. The author explores love , money, duty, and family and the emotions of these in a society of rules and in place of isolation. It is not exactly realistic, but it is honest about emotional understanding and growth.
July 12, 2018
TAKE THAT!!!
This is one intriguing spin. Not even the high mighty have that right. Talk about taking a long walk on a short pier. This knight doesn't hold a title. Bridget throws out a susper spinner that can have you up in arms and raging in a matter of seconds. Touc-hie. The characters are definitely at the top of list on this one. Personalities come alive with life altering fate. The scenes are stunningly graphic that paints a breathtaking majestic backdrop. Twists and turns abound with unexpected risks that keep you spellbound till the end. Great job Bridget, thanks for sharing this awesome read with us.
This is one intriguing spin. Not even the high mighty have that right. Talk about taking a long walk on a short pier. This knight doesn't hold a title. Bridget throws out a susper spinner that can have you up in arms and raging in a matter of seconds. Touc-hie. The characters are definitely at the top of list on this one. Personalities come alive with life altering fate. The scenes are stunningly graphic that paints a breathtaking majestic backdrop. Twists and turns abound with unexpected risks that keep you spellbound till the end. Great job Bridget, thanks for sharing this awesome read with us.
July 8, 2018
I needed to experience more of the story
I thought it was a pretty good story, but there were parts that I could have used more information and just needed to experience them more. We know the Duke of Lytton was an older man of 55 and Eliza was only 19 years old when they married. What I didn't find out was exactly why did he choose her. I know he wanted a young wife so that he could get an heir, but why this particular one. Did he have a special friendship with her father. Did they go back many years at being friends. I would have also liked to know how much money he paid her father for her hand in marriage. I just thought it could have been fleshed out a little more when it came to the duke.
As far as Eliza's family, she believed that they all loved her, but, I don't believe her brother ever spoke one word one way or the other concerning her being auctioned on the block for the salvation of the family. He never wrote or tried to come and visit his sister.
I know that the main idea of the book was "the love of the Duchess," but when the Duke of Lytton died, it would have been nice to have been included in that scene. We got the information second hand. It was almost as if this was not very important to the outcome of the story.
I received this book free of charge as an Arc, and I hope that I have not been too critical on my review,, but I read quite often, and I think that I"ve grown a bit in what it takes to make a story work.
I was happy that Eliza did not book back up with Henry. I didn't think he was worthy of her.
I thought it was a pretty good story, but there were parts that I could have used more information and just needed to experience them more. We know the Duke of Lytton was an older man of 55 and Eliza was only 19 years old when they married. What I didn't find out was exactly why did he choose her. I know he wanted a young wife so that he could get an heir, but why this particular one. Did he have a special friendship with her father. Did they go back many years at being friends. I would have also liked to know how much money he paid her father for her hand in marriage. I just thought it could have been fleshed out a little more when it came to the duke.
As far as Eliza's family, she believed that they all loved her, but, I don't believe her brother ever spoke one word one way or the other concerning her being auctioned on the block for the salvation of the family. He never wrote or tried to come and visit his sister.
I know that the main idea of the book was "the love of the Duchess," but when the Duke of Lytton died, it would have been nice to have been included in that scene. We got the information second hand. It was almost as if this was not very important to the outcome of the story.
I received this book free of charge as an Arc, and I hope that I have not been too critical on my review,, but I read quite often, and I think that I"ve grown a bit in what it takes to make a story work.
I was happy that Eliza did not book back up with Henry. I didn't think he was worthy of her.
July 8, 2018
The story of a young girl married off to an older nobleman, often due to her desire to pursue a title but at times for other reasons, such as effectively being sold by her family to raise funds, is one often mentioned in Regency Romances as something that happened to secondary or lesser characters. In Bridget Barton’s For the Love of a Duchess: A Historical Regency Romance Book, it’s the main character - Eliza - who suffers this fate, very much against her desires. How she deals with it, with the death of her far older husband, the Duke of Lytton, and with her growing attraction to the Duke’s attorney, definitely makes this a yarn worth pursuing. Add in a strong plot, an equally strong cast of supporting characters, and excellent writing, and you have a real winner of a book. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises - the book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, it is easy to highly recommend. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.
July 14, 2018
For the Love of a Duchess by Bridget Barton is an unpredictable, intriguing and emotional story. With drama, sacrifice, angst, emotional turmoil, unpredictable, and romance. The characters are strong and interesting. A powerful story the Regency era and woman's circumstances in that era. Sweet, clean Regency Romance. Well crafted and I am glad the author added the extended epilogue, which answered some of my questions. Powerful and compelling. Has a rather climatic ending to me. Well worth the time to read.
Reviewer: AprilR
Reviewer: AprilR
March 18, 2020
I really enjoyed this clean regency romance. This was a fairly fast paced Regency Romance. I've voluntarily chose to review it. I've given it a 5* rating. There were a multitude of characters and there were plenty of not so nice, and really bad ones. While the heroine has mixed feelings about a lot of things going on, she has a couple friends to help her. There is a little mystery mixed in this also. So this was pretty entertaining.
July 11, 2018
What a great historical romance that really had me on the edge of my seat. So well written with wonderful characters that embody the behavior and sensibilities of the age. Every reader will feel Eliza’s pain and hurt and Daniel’s frustration over a love that seems unrequited. You’ll be wringing your hands til the end, hoping for a HEA and you’ll just have to read it yourself to see if they get it. This book is everything you expect from this genre and more.
July 12, 2018
This is a riveting tale from Bridget Barton. Eliza is a very strong woman despite being only 19. Enough has been written about the plot. Let me just say that the story had plenty of twists to keep me reading. I flew through the book. I agree with those who said I am still thinking about these characters and their circumstances. This is a really wonderful story. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys Regency romances.
July 8, 2018
Great book
I couldn't put this book down once I started it. The ups and downs in Eliza's life were heartbreaking... From essentially being sold to the Duke in order for her family to maintain themselves in the fashion to which they were accustomed and to find, lose and find again the man she loves so desperately. Daniel is not her first love but he's her last love and after many trials and tribulations, they finally get their happily ever after.
I would happily recommend this book to anyone who has a taste for historical romance. I believe that the reader will also get caught up in it.
I couldn't put this book down once I started it. The ups and downs in Eliza's life were heartbreaking... From essentially being sold to the Duke in order for her family to maintain themselves in the fashion to which they were accustomed and to find, lose and find again the man she loves so desperately. Daniel is not her first love but he's her last love and after many trials and tribulations, they finally get their happily ever after.
I would happily recommend this book to anyone who has a taste for historical romance. I believe that the reader will also get caught up in it.
July 11, 2018
Truly Love
There are so many adages about love out there that make this tale so realistic... I truly believe the deepest, truest loves, have been tested and tried, refined by fire. Very well written, this happily ever after, was earned and fought for. Good job, Bridget, you have once again produced a most excellent story that I can recommend to my friends and family alike.
There are so many adages about love out there that make this tale so realistic... I truly believe the deepest, truest loves, have been tested and tried, refined by fire. Very well written, this happily ever after, was earned and fought for. Good job, Bridget, you have once again produced a most excellent story that I can recommend to my friends and family alike.
August 30, 2018
Clever.
I thought this one was cleverly written. There was a fair amount of angst, and I did shed a couple of tears reading the heroines emotions. It was a little unusual in that the hero and heroine fall in love while the heroine is married. I wasn’t sure how to feel about that initially, but the heroine doesn’t admit it to herself and they both think to themselves that they have more personal honour than to act inappropriately on such feelings. Plus the husband was abusive and generally unpleasant.
I am enjoying reading this authors clever and strong heroines. They are still human, with flaws, but overall they have a strong sense of self that I like, and find missing in a lot of heroines these days.
I thought this one was cleverly written. There was a fair amount of angst, and I did shed a couple of tears reading the heroines emotions. It was a little unusual in that the hero and heroine fall in love while the heroine is married. I wasn’t sure how to feel about that initially, but the heroine doesn’t admit it to herself and they both think to themselves that they have more personal honour than to act inappropriately on such feelings. Plus the husband was abusive and generally unpleasant.
I am enjoying reading this authors clever and strong heroines. They are still human, with flaws, but overall they have a strong sense of self that I like, and find missing in a lot of heroines these days.
July 10, 2018
It was an amazing story with a great storyline and plot. I like how the character deal with each other. The heroine is forced to marry older duke and she becomes friends with his assistant. They have a great chemistry and they are passionate.
It was a good journey to follow and see how they manage to get their HEA.
It was a good journey to follow and see how they manage to get their HEA.
July 12, 2018
Heart felt
Down to earth, heart felt, mixed emotions, a must read!!!! Couldn't put the book down til I was done with it!!!
Down to earth, heart felt, mixed emotions, a must read!!!! Couldn't put the book down til I was done with it!!!
July 8, 2018
This book was well-written and the plot was very interesting. I spent most of the book sad and angry. Eliza’s family sold her to the old duke and her “true” love abandoned her. Daniel, the old duke’s attorney, was prepared to dislike her but ended up her protector. There were a few other surprising twists and turns but we were able to change our tears of sadness to those of joy with an HEA. Great job!
July 7, 2018
From Loss to Love
Eliza is forced to marry the Duke who’s old enough to be her father to save her family from ruin. During this marriage she befriends his solicitor, David. After the Duke dies suddenly, Eliza comes to terms with how her life has changed so drastically in just a couple years. With the help of her life long friend, Eliza realizes she has found the love of her life. Read this wonderful story to see how Eliza’s life has turned out.
Eliza is forced to marry the Duke who’s old enough to be her father to save her family from ruin. During this marriage she befriends his solicitor, David. After the Duke dies suddenly, Eliza comes to terms with how her life has changed so drastically in just a couple years. With the help of her life long friend, Eliza realizes she has found the love of her life. Read this wonderful story to see how Eliza’s life has turned out.
July 8, 2018
It was amazing time when I started read this novel and I love how the character deal with each other and the heroine was forced to marry older duke and she became a friend with his assistant
It was a good journey to know what happened between the hero and the heroine
I will wait the author next novel
It was a good journey to know what happened between the hero and the heroine
I will wait the author next novel
July 9, 2018
Great
I found this a good book. I liked the letters as an alternative way of storytelling and it gave an insight of Eliza's emotions at that time. I liked Daniel's courage in defending the Duchess from her husband.
I found this a good book. I liked the letters as an alternative way of storytelling and it gave an insight of Eliza's emotions at that time. I liked Daniel's courage in defending the Duchess from her husband.
July 10, 2018
I recommend this book, it has intrigue, danger, blackmail, good characters, and depraved characters it is an interesting story. You will enjoy the epilogue a good read.
Already posted on Amazon
Already posted on Amazon
July 7, 2018
Excellent
Selling the daughter to the highest bidder through a dowry not unheard of in the Regency period. And giving her to an older man not unheard of either. But for the woman having the good fortune to find love after a heartbreaking beginning is wonderful. Exciting story, loved each and every page.
Selling the daughter to the highest bidder through a dowry not unheard of in the Regency period. And giving her to an older man not unheard of either. But for the woman having the good fortune to find love after a heartbreaking beginning is wonderful. Exciting story, loved each and every page.
July 8, 2018
Another amazing book from Bridget. Betrayal and loyalty feature strongly in this good story. Finding true deep love and forgiveness brings the end together beautifully. This is a wonderful story with very unexpected events, one to really enjoy.
Read
July 9, 2018Loved it!
July 6, 2018
Wonderful story
My heart broke for Eliza who was forced to marry a man almost three times her age. When he becomes violent her only protector is the Duke's attorney Daniel. Can she find happiness at all in this convoluted mess? I loved this book and will gladly recommend it to everyone.
My heart broke for Eliza who was forced to marry a man almost three times her age. When he becomes violent her only protector is the Duke's attorney Daniel. Can she find happiness at all in this convoluted mess? I loved this book and will gladly recommend it to everyone.
July 6, 2018
My heart broke for Eliza who was forced to marry a man almost three times her age. When he becomes violent her only protector is the Duke's attorney Daniel. Can she find happiness at all in this convoluted mess? I loved this book and will gladly recommend it to everyone.
May 18, 2020
This story starts out as a nightmare for Eliza. Her father sells her to a Duke in marriage to save his estate, even though she is engaged to a baron's son. Her fiance then refuses to marry her because her father is penniless. She has to marry a man 35 years her senior. Her husband after 3 months of marriage starts accusing her that it is her fault she is not pregnant yet. It only gets worse from there. Enters Daniel, the duke's attorney, who put himself in the way to save Eliza from being harmed. I've never quite read a novel like this. It is well written and thought out including traditions and society's rules are taken into consideration. I continued reading this book just so I could see how the author was going to write her way out of the predicament she had these characters in.
July 23, 2018
For the love of a Duchess, by Bridget Barton.
A broken engagement, a forced May/December marriage to save the family fortune, an estranged family, a hostile ducal household, servants that can't be trusted, the solitude of a loveless relationship, a blackmail plot--these are just a few of the problems that face 19-year-old Eliza Ashton, daughter of the Earl of Bexley when she is forced to wed the aging Duke of Lytton.
The relationship starts well enough, in spite of the vast difference in ages between Eliza and the middle-aged Duke and the fact that they do not care for one another. But it soon becomes apparent that the only reason for the marriage is to get the Duke an heir--except that he is an unredeemable alcoholic and can't perform well enough to do the job.
The story moves mercilessly from one crisis to another as the scenario unfolds. If it wasn't for her good friend Ariadne, and the handsome ducal attorney Daniel Winchester, Eliza would have been alone and friendless in a marriage she neither sought nor wanted.
In a way, this is a frightening Regency Romance. It reveals how little women were valued, even among the aristocracy. Trapped in a patriarchal society, they become basically brood mares, traded like cattle, sometimes for vast sums of money. It's a far cry from the situation in this century, and to me it seems like a miracle women haven't revolted long before now. Yet female strength does shine through, even in this bleak environment, and there are flashes of compassion from various characters throughout the plot.
Bridget Barton is a clever novelist and never lets the story get away from her. The characters are clearly and crisply drawn, their emotional states well defined, and the dilemmas the heroine faces carefully thought out and delineated. A highly recommended Regency read.
A broken engagement, a forced May/December marriage to save the family fortune, an estranged family, a hostile ducal household, servants that can't be trusted, the solitude of a loveless relationship, a blackmail plot--these are just a few of the problems that face 19-year-old Eliza Ashton, daughter of the Earl of Bexley when she is forced to wed the aging Duke of Lytton.
The relationship starts well enough, in spite of the vast difference in ages between Eliza and the middle-aged Duke and the fact that they do not care for one another. But it soon becomes apparent that the only reason for the marriage is to get the Duke an heir--except that he is an unredeemable alcoholic and can't perform well enough to do the job.
The story moves mercilessly from one crisis to another as the scenario unfolds. If it wasn't for her good friend Ariadne, and the handsome ducal attorney Daniel Winchester, Eliza would have been alone and friendless in a marriage she neither sought nor wanted.
In a way, this is a frightening Regency Romance. It reveals how little women were valued, even among the aristocracy. Trapped in a patriarchal society, they become basically brood mares, traded like cattle, sometimes for vast sums of money. It's a far cry from the situation in this century, and to me it seems like a miracle women haven't revolted long before now. Yet female strength does shine through, even in this bleak environment, and there are flashes of compassion from various characters throughout the plot.
Bridget Barton is a clever novelist and never lets the story get away from her. The characters are clearly and crisply drawn, their emotional states well defined, and the dilemmas the heroine faces carefully thought out and delineated. A highly recommended Regency read.
June 10, 2019
At 19 Lady Eliza Ashton is forcibly reminded that in her world females are not only helpless to make their own life choices but that she is actually worth less in societies eyes than her older brother Henry.
As she faces the truth when her own Father gives her the news she is to be wed to over 50 Duke of Lytton and not the young man she is in love with Eliza is heartbroken and angry.
The reason behind her arranged marriage is to save the family legacy and allow her parents and brother to continue living their accustomed lifestyle and not lose the home passed down through the years.
In all honesty this was indeed a well crafted tale but for me it was too long and by the time the book ended I was more than ready for Eliza with all her lack of facing things head on rather then putting them off to be in my rearview mirror.
I detested the man she was married to, did not truly like the young man she fancied herself so in love with before marrying and although the character of Daniel Winchester was likable he did not stand a chance when compared to how annoying our young heroine could be at times.
The extended epilogue however did work out some of the earlier irritation as finally Eliza came to grips with her feelings in a way that was palatable to both herself and this reader.
As she faces the truth when her own Father gives her the news she is to be wed to over 50 Duke of Lytton and not the young man she is in love with Eliza is heartbroken and angry.
The reason behind her arranged marriage is to save the family legacy and allow her parents and brother to continue living their accustomed lifestyle and not lose the home passed down through the years.
In all honesty this was indeed a well crafted tale but for me it was too long and by the time the book ended I was more than ready for Eliza with all her lack of facing things head on rather then putting them off to be in my rearview mirror.
I detested the man she was married to, did not truly like the young man she fancied herself so in love with before marrying and although the character of Daniel Winchester was likable he did not stand a chance when compared to how annoying our young heroine could be at times.
The extended epilogue however did work out some of the earlier irritation as finally Eliza came to grips with her feelings in a way that was palatable to both herself and this reader.
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