The Curious Life of the Unfortunate Duchess

by Emma Linfield

The dazzling Miss Elizabeth Follett lives in the shadow of murmuring and gossip that inevitably follows every great beauty. A beauty that has haunted her and made her hesitant toward love.

Leonard, a charming young Duke, carries the burden of his father’s loss and a title that binds him to a woman he is not in love with. When his steps bring him to Elizabeth, he is determined to never let her go despite his commitment.

Their love, scandalous like a forbidden fruit, is in the eye of the storm...a storm made of envy and social outrage that gets Elizabeth kidnapped. With every tick of the clock, her life is more and more uncertain and with it, their happiness together also fades.

Leonard craves to save her, but love needs a sacrifice.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance

369 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2018

About the author

Emma Linfield has always been passionate about historical romances. Ever fascinated with the world of Regency England and being utmost inspired by Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer’s work, she decided she wanted to write her own stories. Stories of love and tradition being mixed in the most appealing way for every hopeless romantic, much like herself.

Born and raised in Southern California, Emma Linfield has a degree in Creative Writing and English Literature, and she has been working as a freelance writer for the past 10 years. When she isn’t writing, Emma loves spending her time with her own prince charming and two beautiful children, all the while enjoying the famous Californian sun and ocean.

So, hop on to this exciting journey of Dukes, Earls and true love with Emma and find pleasure in the old fashioned world of Regency - an Era of pure romance, elegance and high fashion!

(Source: Official Website)

Reviews

[Vicki Kulifay · Rating 1 out of 5]

I love regency romances. If you do also, don't bother with this book. The author obviously knows little to nothing about the regency era, and just apparently popped a story into that era without any research. I knew from the start it wasn't good when the family is attending social events after the recent death of their father. It just wouldn't happen in the regency era. They'd be closeted for a year. The author had characters kissing - and they weren't engaged. That wouldn't happen either. I'm not expecting the writing style to be the level of Jane Austin or even Georgette Heyer - but please, Ms. Linfield, if you are going to tell a story do some research or just stay away from the era you know nothing of.

[Cyndi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recieved a ARC of this book and this is my opinion

.
Emma Linfield just keeps getting better and better with each book she writes.
The characters she writes about have grown with more detail and vibrancy. The settings and attention to detsils are becoming more in depth.
Leo and Liza's story is all encompassing..you have ,i feel strong main characters and their supporting cast of sisters , fathers mothers and etc all put their mark in the pages. My question now..are we going to get more on the siblings stories as my interest is peaked from the extended epilogue...goid stuff in the making ☺😉

[Joan · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 3%

Not continuing with this. The formatting is poor. Triple spaces between paragraphs which leave far too much white space on the page and probably extends the page total by at least 50 pages, therefore earning the author money for nothing. No.I dont mind paying for an author's words, but not for blank spaces. And I hate being taken for a ride.

Looking at other books by this author, I note that all are formatted in the same way. Shame on her.

[Phylis Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Curious Life of the Unfortunate Duchess by Emma Linfield
I loved the main characters. Heartwarming romance filled with mystery, intrigue, surprising twist and of course, love.
My free opinion. Thanks.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/17/2019)! 🎁

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was completely flabbergasted and astonished by this book. It is not at all like the usual regency romances I have read in the past. This story took me by surprise. It had me completely enveloped in the story from page one and I could not put the book down. I had to read straight through to the end and I was absolutely speechless by the ending. You will never guess who the villain is. The story is about two families in turmoil. We have the family of Percival Follet, Viscount Gordon. Percival is a jovial man, quick to smile, is logically minded and dotes on his daughters Franny and Liza. Frances/Franny is the eldest. She requires constant companionship as she has the heart and mind of a child. She is loving, fiercely loyal, highly excitable and can at times comport herself. Then we have Elizabeth/Liza, due to her mother's death, has taken over the responsibility of running the household and the caring of her older sister and her younger brother David. Her beauty is beyond compare and she has the most understanding and loving personality. She has been haunted by rumors spread by jealousy and envy that she did not deserve. She is extremely conscious of how men treat her and is aware of what women say behind her back. It is not an easy life but she has always had the dignity and grace to endure it all. Her younger brother David is sixteen and he does not get along with their father. He is loyal and completely devoted to his sisters. David has been having an affair with widow Lady Anne Chamberlain who is ten years older than him. Elizabeth knows about it but is sworn to secrecy by David. Their father, Viscount Gordon, spends a great deal of time away from them but does his best to show them his love. Then we have Leonard/Leo, Duke of Pembroke's family. His father Aylmer Hervey passed away six months ago. Leonard, his mother Mary and younger sister Catherine took it very hard. Leo had to go away for about a month to adjust to the lose of his beloved father and to adjust to his new responsibilities as the fifth Duke of Pembroke. Mary was so distraught when Aylmer died that she refused to leave her bed for months. She was consumed with melancholy. She is usually an attentive and loving mother. Slowly she has been improving and now leaves her room and tends to the garden. The garden seems to give her a modicum of peace. Catherine however is no longer a carefree young woman. She has become cynical, harsh, opinionated and she perceives that the town people do not like her. She took her father's dead the hardest of all and still has not recovered. Leonard worries constantly about his mother and sister. He does all that he can to be there for them. He always assures them of his love and steadfastness. Okay, those are the key players in the story. It begins when Leonard sees Elizabeth for the first time at the wedding of the daughter of Baron Fife. Leonard is smitten and feels not only an attraction to Liza but senses a connection to her. It is as if they have met before and are familiar with each other. Liza is conscience of the attraction and connection to Leo. However, Leo is betrothed to Miss Priscilla, daughter of Christian, Baron of Argonshire. Priscilla is a vapid, witless and is an insanely jealous woman who is also a notorious gossip. It is an arranged marriage and Leo cannot stand Priscilla at all. During the wedding ceremony Priscilla makes some derogatory comments about Elizabeth and Leonard has had enough of her senseless chatter. He breaks off the engagement right then and there and leaves to pursue Elizabeth who left the ceremony early due to what Priscilla said about her. Leo could not find Liza but runs into her father Percival. Percival speaks to Leo and feels him out. He senses Leo is attracted to his daughter and in a round a bout way encourages Leo to pursue Liza. Leo extends an invitation for Percival's entire family to visit him at Brookside manor. Percival, David and Franny are privy to the trip but Liza is told at the last minute about it. Percival knows that if it was up to Liza, she would remain home in order to avoid seeing Leo. But Percival explains to Liza that he goes to make Franny happy. Franny is being courted by Mr. Herbert Barlough, barrister for Leonard, the Duke of Pembroke. Percival also goes to spend time with David whom he has neglected. Percival feels that a month away will do the whole family a world of good. Liza realizes she has been self-centered thinking her father was playing matchmaker. But he was not. (really, he was but you will find out why later in the story) Liza agrees to go to Pembroke. Once they arrive drama and danger ensue. First David is upset that his father is not spending time with him as he said he would. Percival is spending most of his time with Leo encouraging his suit with Liza. David is also leery of Leo's attention to Liza and declares it to one and all embarrassing his father. David knows that Leo broke off his engagement to Priscilla and believes him fickle when it comes to love. He is extremely protective of both Liza and Fanny. But more so with Liza. She has been both father and mother to him. Catherine thinks it's hilarious that David is speaking up to Leo. Regardless of the siblings Liza and Leo spend time together. As they get to know one another, they become surer of their feelings for each other. Franny and Mr. Barlough are becoming quite enamored with each other. Liza, Catherine and Mary are all getting along and they have embraced Franny just the way she is. Leo can see from time to time the old Catherine emerge when she is around Franny. He hopes the association will be good for her. Catherine, Liza and Franny go into town shopping. Liza, while waiting for Catherine and Franny, is confronted by Priscilla. Priscilla in her high shrill voice makes it know what she really thinks of Elizabeth. She calls her despicable names. Catherine and Franny appear and Catherine tells Priscilla off. Priscilla's outburst has Franny upset. Liza finally gets away from Priscilla and tries to calm Franny down. But is unable to do so. Back at the manor, Catherine tells Leo what happened. Leo sees Franny and speaks to her gently and with respect. He promises to always protect her and her family. Franny calms down and absolutely believes in what Leo says. Literally. Liza is amazed to witness how Leo treated Franny and was able to get through to her. Liza becomes more enamored with Leo. Later, Liza, Catherine and Franny attend a gala. While Percival, Leo and David go to London on business. Once the women arrive at the gala, Liza is accosted for a second time by Alexander, Earl of Cooke. She manages to get away from him and goes to find Catherine and Franny. All of a sudden it becomes clear to Liza that Priscilla will be in attendance. She panics and tries to get Catherine and Franny to leave immediately. Liza explains to Catherine if Franny sees Priscilla, she will undoubtedly become afraid and may cause a scene. Catherine agrees to leave. On the way back to Pembroke, they are waylaid by dangerous highwaymen. The women are physically attacked, robbed, blindfolded and tied up. Liza is kidnapped by the brigands. Franny is hysterical had has to be sedated when they reach Pembroke. Catherine is beside herself and waits for Leo's return. Mary becomes despondent and retreats to her room. On Leo's way home, he has a dream that shows Catherine crying and Liza begging for help. He awakes in a sweat. Leo inadvertently alarms Percival and David. Leo tries to placate them while David scoffs at him. When they arrive at the manor, there is people all around and confusion reigns. Catherine tries to control herself while she explains what happened. Percival and David become distraught and frightened. Leo tries to ponder who could be behind this heinous action. Did Priscilla or her father have anything to do with it? What about Lord Cooke who was lasciviously after Liza? They receive a ransom note demanding fifty thousand pounds. Leo has guards all around the house and cannot figure out how the ransom note got there undetected. Is someone from the staff involved in the kidnapping? Is it an inside job? Leo starts to suspect everyone. Percival does not have that kind of money and David know it. David directs his anger at Leo and demands Leo pay the ransom. That he can afford it. Leo has Mr. Barlough gather the funds in all haste. Leo needs to get away from Percival, David and Catherine so he can think. Will they find Liza in time? Will Leo, Percival and David figure out who is behind the kidnapping? This is such an exciting book and a must read. I highly recommend it and know you will not be dissapointed. I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dottiebears · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm not sure where to start on this one. I read another book in the series and it was fine, but this one, well, wasn't. First, I've never seen a Duke called "Duke" in other HR books. Usually it's your Grace, but in this one the heroines father kept calling the duke "Duke" which for some reason was a very jarring to me. Second, I thought moonshine was an American thing, not something common in england. I'm sure they had the equivalent of moonshine, but it was called something else. Third, the Hero made me want to hit him over the head with a board. So much drama and melodrama, it made me feel quite unwell.

Finally, the whole dream sequence thing gives me hives. I hate that trope.

[Space Cowgirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

When A Man Loves💘 A Woman

She's the only thing he can see...
Leonard🐺, the Duke of Pembroke has given up on finding a suitable bride👰 and has allowed himself to be engaged to Lady Priscilla👹, an obnoxious and pushy young woman who he and his sister, Catherine, both detest!

A seemingly happy noble family consisting of Lord Percival Follett, Viscount of Gordon, his oldest daughter, Frances, his gorgeous daughter, Elizabeth💃💋, and his son David, arrive at a three day wedding gala put on by Baron Fife for the marriage👰 of Lord Curry to his daughter, Lady Fife.

When Leonard🐺 sees Elizabeth💃💋 the first evening at The Gala, he knows she's the one! He must end his betrothal to Priscilla👹 right away. He never thought he would end his betrothal in the middle of a wedding ceremony, but Priscilla👹 drives him to it, with her rude and snide lies about Elizabeth💃💋! Catherine eggs him on, and Leo🐺 just blurts out he is done with Priscilla🐺 and her family.
Now Leo🐺 is free to pursue Elizabeth💃💋. He is infatuated with everything about her!

ARC Received via Bookfunnel.
I also got the book with KU.

What a wonderfully written Regency Romance! There is lots of drama, a broken engagement, even a kidnapping! The author even explores the needs and treatment of a special needs sibling in this book.
Emma's 📚books keep getting better and better! Highly recommend for lovers💕 of this genre.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leonard, the Duke of Pembroke, was greeted excitedly by the household as he returned from a month-long trip to Wales where he mourned his father’s passing in private. His sister, Lady Catherine, smiled at him from the threshold as the servants moved his trunks inside. Then they walked to the garden where their mother was tending to the flowers. She was much stronger now and was sleeping better. He stopped in his father’s study to promise him again that he would do his best as Duke. But the butler knocked at the door and grimaced at the message he came to tell. Leonard knew immediately – Miss Priscilla Arquette had come to call.

Miss Priscilla was stubborn and would not give up until she got her way. So the butler showed her to the room and she threw herself at the Duke. Both Leonard and the butler felt disgust at her behavior which was inappropriate. She was over-indulged by her father, spoiled, and had nothing intelligent to say. He sent the butler to re-heat his bath which would turn to ice before he could get Miss Priscilla to leave. She was oblivious to his annoyance. When he pressed for an answer to why she was there, she finally said their wedding was in a month and they needed to discuss it!

Elizabeth Follett was returning to the house with her younger brother when a messenger rode up. He stared at her beauty and said he had a letter for her father but he would not allow her to take it. She told him to ride to London then and walked away, knowing he would then grovel and insist she take the letter. Her brother was amazed at her effect over men. When the two went inside, they decided to open the letter addressed to her father and the household. They were invited to a wedding – the Baron of Fife’s daughter was getting married.

With his own wedding close, Leonard considered attending the wedding of Lord Curry and the Baron of Fife’s daughter, even though he rarely attended such events. He accompanied his sister to a dress shop and waited outside where he saw two women. The voice sounded familiar and he decided she would probably be at that wedding – he definitely wanted to find her there.

Sure enough, Leonard did find Elizabeth and danced with her. But Priscilla was there as well and Elizabeth returned to her room. Elizabeth's father the next day talked with Leonard, indicating he recognized Leonard’s interest in Elizabeth but would only approve if he were not engaged. That had been Leonard’s intention. Would he break off his engagement? Would he court Elizabeth who held his full attention and thoughts? Would they be able to start a life together?

I really enjoyed this book and hope there will be more like it. The story line was interesting and well-paced. Priscilla was so annoying right from the start, that the reader would find it a relief to get her out of the story! Find out what happens when the Duke faces this difficult decision. Scandal was a very serious matter – is he heading toward that disaster? Don’t miss this one! It will definitely hold your attention!

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leonard, the Duke of Pembroke, is engaged to a woman he does not love, as he feels it is his responsibility to marry and produce an heir, since his father recently passed. He meets Elizabeth Follett at a wedding, and they are drawn to each other. Priscilla his fiancé is jealous and, as the day continues, becomes vociferous in her negative comments and repetition of gossip about Elizabeth. Despite warnings from the Duke, Priscilla ramps up her tirade, at which point Leonard makes a public announcement that he will not be engaged to a woman who behaves as she is-thus publicly breaking the engagement. Every subsequent encounter between the 2 women risks Priscilla again making a public spectacle of disparaging Elizabeth.
When Elizabeth is later kidnapped, suspicion falls first on Priscilla as the instigator, as the two other women in the carriage are left tied up on the road, after being robbed of their jewelry. When it becomes clear that Priscilla is not involved, the story takes a darker tone as first one person then another is blamed for the kidnapping. The tension builds as time passes and Elizabeth is not found. What happens to Elizabeth? Who is behind the kidnapping? How do notes from the kidnappers keep appearing inside the Duke’s house, despite guards being set up around the house? These are a few of the questions that reading the story will answer.

Critique: I found this an intriguing story. It is both a Regency Romance as well as a classic “who-done-it”. I thought Ms. Linfield did an excellent job of bringing this story to life, handling both aspects quite well. The characters were well drawn, and yet the culprit was quite a surprise! This is a clean story with a HEA ending (for the most part). It will delight readers of all ages.

[Candy Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderous tale of love, kidnapping, ransom, and other kinds of evil. Leonard Hervey, the Duke of Pembroke, had just returned from a month long trip. His father had died about six months ago and his mom had not taken it well. Catherine, his sister had hardened since their father's death. Miss Pricilla, his betrothed was like a feral cat, she was comely but a bore who had nothing of value to add to any conversation. Elizabeth Follett was the eldest daughter and had taken over the house when her mother died. Now she is twenty and needs more. The Baron of Fife's daughter is getting married and has invited everyone to it and that is where Elizabeth and Leonard meet.
The characters are fresh and well rounded. They are fun and humorous. The storyline is complicated
but it is interesting, it keeps your attention. It has been well written, and moves smoothly. Ms. Linfield has never disappointed and I have enjoyed her work for a while.
I received this ARC from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.

[Elizabeth Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the things I love most about Emma Linfield’s stories is the originality of the tales. Truly, I never know what to expect when I read one of her stories. Sure, I'm fairly certain it will include an HEA, but even that isn't a guarantee. There's always a chance that her idea of an HEA and mine are two different things!

One of the things I've learned that I can count on is a strong female character, a true heroine. And often, there's some unexpectedly evil character, someone you'd never expect to be the bad guy, but when you look back, the signs were there. That's what happens in this book.

I received an ARC of this book, but there’s no doubt it’s worth purchasing. I really enjoyed it and I highly recommend it for those looking for an historical romance with a bit of life-and-death tension.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first time I have read Emma Linfield and received this book as ARC for an honest review.

This was a sweet, clean Regency Story, that after a slow start, the book picked up pace and was well written with good character development. The first time Leo saw Liza he was smitten however he had an engagement that needed to be broken before he could pursue her. Liza felt the pull towards Leo but has been burned by rumors and is distrustful of any attention she may receive. Their story had twists and turns, that kept you reading to see how it would end. The ending did surprise me, still their love held them together and they did get their HEA.

[Annette Drewett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Sweet, Endearing Regency Tale. Leonard and Elizabeth are both strong, yet stubborn characters with minds of their own. When Leonard breaks his betrothal to Priscilla, he does his best to woo Elizabeth with startling results. When danger threatens, who will come out on top? I really enjoyed this book, but didn’t expect the twist at the end. This was a story that I couldn’t put down. I look forward to more of the same from this author.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leonard is the Duke of Pembroke and engaged to a woman he doesn’t love. At a weekend he meets Elizabeth and sparks fly. Is Priscilla out for revenge because of the broken engagement or is another out to destroy Leonard and Elizabeth’s happiness. I liked this historical read, plenty of drama and suspense. The story holds your interest throughout and I really liked the characters. An enjoyable read.

[alfawolf1 ~Sherri K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful regency romance! I look forward to more of her works!

This was my first book by Emma Linfield, and it certainly won't be the last! I truly enjoyed the storyline, characters, writing style...everything! I liked how the author inserted personal thoughts along the way. This was a fun story, with just enough (clean!) romance and intrigue to keep me reading into the wee hours of the night!

I look forward to reading more of Emma Linfield's books.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed it very much.
> I liked the caring characters, the Duke and Elizabeth, especially.
> It was just a nice ordinary story, till Elizabeth was kidnapped. Then
> it got intriguing. I couldn't leave it down, hoping that she would be
> rescued.
> I was sure that it was Priscilla who organised it. What a twist when
> it turned out to be her father! I liked they way you continued the
> story afterwards and we got an update on how everyone was doing!

[Laila Viking · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 star review:
A very well written historical romance that has a great storyline and plot. I like when an Author do her research about the time period, characters and language. Emma Linfield has done that and has used it in a nice way in this romance but sometimes it could have been a bit better. The characters has a nice chemistry and they are passionate.
A story with drama, action, romance, suspense, intrigues, love and twists. All mixed in an entertaining and enjoyable way.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very enjoyable story with elements of danger and risk. The mystery surrounding the kidnapping of Elizabeth will have you guessing who the culprit is. The love Leo has for her is shown with his tenacity in finding her and keeping her safe. I received a complimentary copy and I am giving a review voluntarily.

[Louiseann Walter · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING STORY

What a BEAUTIFUL story of engagements and how easily they could be broken in that era. I always wondered what happened to a betrothal if on or the other fell in love with another. Well now I know but it brings to mind how father's ALWAYS considered the women in their families as barter and property. ENJOY this touching story!

[Jennifer Pryke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Proofreaders gone wild

I’m not a huge stickler for typos and perfect grammar, but I do expect the his and hers to be in the correct places. Once or twice could sneak past editing but this was a recurring theme. Makes it hard to follow the story when mid sentence gender references change, words are repeated, vern tenses shift and other such basic errors are so frequent.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-written story of suspense, drama, danger, kidnapping a brother, two sisters and the people in their lives both good and bad. A story I enjoyed reading. I received a copy of this book and I am voluntarily reviewing it.

[Ann Holden · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting story about Lady Elizabeth and Duke Leonard. The bad actors in the story seem to be more like caricatures than characters but that is okay. It helped identify them easily, except for the one. I found this an enjoyable story and would recommend for fans of Regency romances.

[Aud · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Curious Life of the Unfortunate Duchess" by Emma Linfield
Quite the Adventure. A sweet clean romance with enough suspense to keep you turning the pages to find out what happens next. I was gifted an ARC by the author.

[Sue Moss · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 There was a lot that was very good, the story and plot held my interest and I like the hero and heroine but there were time the writing could have been tighter. Toward the end the story slowed then wound up way too fast my head spun.

[Lynn Boone · Rating 5 out of 5]

A page turner!

This story grabs onto you right from the start. The characters are amazing. So real and well written. Elizabeth is so strong and loving. The mystery and intrigue capture you so you cannot turn the page fast enough!

[Dianne Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Reading

Great Reading, always a pleasure to find her books.i have enjoyed all the books I have been fortunate to get Free, however found myself staying up late and buying more .
Totally recommend that you get books

[Jean Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book and getting to know the characters. I kept trying to figure out who had Elizabeth kidnapped, but was totally wrong and couldn't believe who was behind it. Very nice ending.

[Jenny Merchant · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me hooked from the beginning! I never expected the villain. Keep em coming Ms. Linfield!

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book! This clean regency romance had mystery, danger, a surprise plot twist that I didn't see coming, and a HEA. I loved the story and highly recommend.