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Mayfair Brides #2
Ravaging the Duke
Inheriting the title from his murdered father, Alec finds just how dire things really are. His father's gambling obsession left the family with nothing but the entailed properties. The ton views him as a disgraced duke.
Alec, now The Duke of Wexwood, finds himself in need of a bride. One with a substantial dowry. It needn't be a love match, as Alec doesn't believe love exists, except in rare cases. He needs a woman who can help him rebuild the dukedom.
Margaret Douglas is an American recently arrived back in England. She has fulfilled her late father's wishes by returning with her mother. Now, she needs to find a husband. One who won't squander her dowry, someone who'll see her as an equal.
Introduced by her cousin, the Earl of Norwood, Margaret and Alec come to an agreement which quickly turns into a passionate romance.
Lurking in the background are secrets—ones Margaret can't hide from the duke. Secrets she brought from America. What will happen when Alec finds out what she's hiding?
Alec, now The Duke of Wexwood, finds himself in need of a bride. One with a substantial dowry. It needn't be a love match, as Alec doesn't believe love exists, except in rare cases. He needs a woman who can help him rebuild the dukedom.
Margaret Douglas is an American recently arrived back in England. She has fulfilled her late father's wishes by returning with her mother. Now, she needs to find a husband. One who won't squander her dowry, someone who'll see her as an equal.
Introduced by her cousin, the Earl of Norwood, Margaret and Alec come to an agreement which quickly turns into a passionate romance.
Lurking in the background are secrets—ones Margaret can't hide from the duke. Secrets she brought from America. What will happen when Alec finds out what she's hiding?
- GenresHistorical Romance
209 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 26, 2018
40 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
About the author
J.R. Salisbury
20 books319 followersI've always been a creative individual. Writing is just a facet of that creativity...
My careers in public relations in and around the entertainment industry, photography, editing, artist management, modeling and special event planning all elevated my passion for writing, not to mention gave me a treasure trove for story lines.
I write historical romance (as JR Salisbury) and contemporary (as Jamie Salisbury) I am fortunate enough that writing (and marketing of said product(s)) is my full-time job, although I always have one or two other projects going at the same time.
I now live in a suburb of Atlanta when I'm not in the UK. Some of my other interests include photography, equestrianism, reading, and of course, travel.
I sincerely hope my writing will entertain, enlighten, and inspire others to pick up the pen and pursue their own dreams. I love to be contacted by readers, writers, and history buffs.
My careers in public relations in and around the entertainment industry, photography, editing, artist management, modeling and special event planning all elevated my passion for writing, not to mention gave me a treasure trove for story lines.
I write historical romance (as JR Salisbury) and contemporary (as Jamie Salisbury) I am fortunate enough that writing (and marketing of said product(s)) is my full-time job, although I always have one or two other projects going at the same time.
I now live in a suburb of Atlanta when I'm not in the UK. Some of my other interests include photography, equestrianism, reading, and of course, travel.
I sincerely hope my writing will entertain, enlighten, and inspire others to pick up the pen and pursue their own dreams. I love to be contacted by readers, writers, and history buffs.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 28, 2021
Bad bad bad. The story was boring. I didn't care about any of the characters. The story had do much potential. Don't bother!
November 21, 2020
Margaret and Alec’s love story was a wonderful read. The writer took this romance story and gave it a few different plots that intertwined together. Some questions have been answered regarding unseemly characters and others still requires more questions. This love story focused more on Alec and Margaret familiarizing themselves with each other. I like this, it made the story more of an HEA. Readers will find that this book hold their attention. I found the book to be an easy read. I reviewed this ARC after a free gifted copy
October 15, 2018
It has been awhile since I’ve picked up an historical romance novel. I remember back in high school when I used to fly right through them not for the romance, but the historical aspect of it. This one, I felt was a great start back into the genre.
We travel back to the times when arranged marriages were pertained to be fruitful due to titles, dowry obtained by one or both parties, or alliances. I assumed this was between the late 1800s. This case came into play greatly pertaining to the two characters: Alec and Margaret.
Alec’s legacy is in great peril due to his father’s gambling addiction. He has been currently seeking a wealthy female to wed in order to settle debts and re-establish his families’ title. He’s gone through plenty of potentials, but none of them has stuck. Then there is Margaret Douglas.
Margaret is independent and a good head on her shoulders. She will not accept proposals for anyone who she does not deem worthy of her. Alec is introduced and they begin to both realize they may be trouble for each other due to their own secrets. As Love begins to bloom and grow, Margaret realizes she wants to “save” Alec and help him to restore his title. However, it may be too much for both of them to bare.
This is a well-crafted novel to be sure. The past came to life and jumped through the pages. Women were not known to raise their voice due to their stance in society. Margaret is not on of those dainty characters I’ve read in other historical novels who will slightly help their love interests and in the end it was more of the man who did the work, not the women. Margaret is constantly fighting for her voice to be heard and she breaks through!
We travel back to the times when arranged marriages were pertained to be fruitful due to titles, dowry obtained by one or both parties, or alliances. I assumed this was between the late 1800s. This case came into play greatly pertaining to the two characters: Alec and Margaret.
Alec’s legacy is in great peril due to his father’s gambling addiction. He has been currently seeking a wealthy female to wed in order to settle debts and re-establish his families’ title. He’s gone through plenty of potentials, but none of them has stuck. Then there is Margaret Douglas.
Margaret is independent and a good head on her shoulders. She will not accept proposals for anyone who she does not deem worthy of her. Alec is introduced and they begin to both realize they may be trouble for each other due to their own secrets. As Love begins to bloom and grow, Margaret realizes she wants to “save” Alec and help him to restore his title. However, it may be too much for both of them to bare.
This is a well-crafted novel to be sure. The past came to life and jumped through the pages. Women were not known to raise their voice due to their stance in society. Margaret is not on of those dainty characters I’ve read in other historical novels who will slightly help their love interests and in the end it was more of the man who did the work, not the women. Margaret is constantly fighting for her voice to be heard and she breaks through!
August 10, 2019
I liked how this book flows from the first book. Alex is the brother of Eleanor from the first book. Alex is running his sisters auction house and was falling for a widowed countess. She was whisked to the continent by her mother and aunt because of the scandal that surrounds Alex. He meets a cousin of his friend who is looking for a husband.
So, this book does pick up where the first book leaves off. It seems to be missing parts of sub-plot that are just plopped into the book and left. Again, there is that rare pocket watch. When Alex proposes, Margaret tells her husband that she wants to buy it as a wedding present for Alex. And, that is it. Subject dropped. Prudence, Alex & Eleanor’s sister is briefly mentioned, but what happened to her is left to your imagination. It feels like the book was re-edited and chapters stripped.
So, this book does pick up where the first book leaves off. It seems to be missing parts of sub-plot that are just plopped into the book and left. Again, there is that rare pocket watch. When Alex proposes, Margaret tells her husband that she wants to buy it as a wedding present for Alex. And, that is it. Subject dropped. Prudence, Alex & Eleanor’s sister is briefly mentioned, but what happened to her is left to your imagination. It feels like the book was re-edited and chapters stripped.
October 29, 2021
it was a drag
Story had potential but it dragged so much. There was no conflict nothing to make the story interesting the end seemed rushed and done very poorly. The uncle kidnapped her and she just had a quick polite chat and he lets her go and she forgives him. Then everyone agrees that’s cool the end. Same story line as the cousin who originally came to kidnap her and force her into marriage. What was the point of this story? Don’t waste your time with this one.
Story had potential but it dragged so much. There was no conflict nothing to make the story interesting the end seemed rushed and done very poorly. The uncle kidnapped her and she just had a quick polite chat and he lets her go and she forgives him. Then everyone agrees that’s cool the end. Same story line as the cousin who originally came to kidnap her and force her into marriage. What was the point of this story? Don’t waste your time with this one.
September 26, 2021
Good to ho hum
This short novel was quite an enjoyable read it seemed to miss the predictable. I was quite enjoying it and wondering how the author was going to finalize it. Quite. Lose to the end there seemed to be missing chapters and it became predictable. It spoilt the whole read. No more from this series.
This short novel was quite an enjoyable read it seemed to miss the predictable. I was quite enjoying it and wondering how the author was going to finalize it. Quite. Lose to the end there seemed to be missing chapters and it became predictable. It spoilt the whole read. No more from this series.
October 14, 2021
Left Me Hanging
I was expecting some closure to the murder of the Duke in the first book. Oh no , nothing. What writer would kill a Duke and not try to find out " who did it"? And in this book, a Duchess is kidnapped and the kidnapper is given A job. I will not be reading the 3rd book Because I feel it will be disappointing. This writer needs a Complete I thought.
I was expecting some closure to the murder of the Duke in the first book. Oh no , nothing. What writer would kill a Duke and not try to find out " who did it"? And in this book, a Duchess is kidnapped and the kidnapper is given A job. I will not be reading the 3rd book Because I feel it will be disappointing. This writer needs a Complete I thought.
July 8, 2020
Anticlimactic
The ending was strange. It was as if the villains had lost interest. Because it was time to end the book. Plot collapse. What jewels? Margaret, American bride, and Alec Duke of Wexworth. Sister of Eleanor (book 1). Unfortunately, book 1 ended the same way
The ending was strange. It was as if the villains had lost interest. Because it was time to end the book. Plot collapse. What jewels? Margaret, American bride, and Alec Duke of Wexworth. Sister of Eleanor (book 1). Unfortunately, book 1 ended the same way
September 8, 2021
Ravaging the Duke #2
I didn't think much ravaging was going on but it was a good book. Different than the books I usually read but it was interesting to see that the lady wasn't shy about what she wanted nor shy about letting her man have what he wanted. They made a great couple.
I didn't think much ravaging was going on but it was a good book. Different than the books I usually read but it was interesting to see that the lady wasn't shy about what she wanted nor shy about letting her man have what he wanted. They made a great couple.
January 12, 2024
Enjoyed the story
It's nice to have a love story without the angst of the couple insecure in their love. They could trust each other and grow in their romance.
Interesting perspective to have people from the States pick up and move back to the 'old' country.
It's nice to have a love story without the angst of the couple insecure in their love. They could trust each other and grow in their romance.
Interesting perspective to have people from the States pick up and move back to the 'old' country.
July 31, 2020
Awesome
Long story. Very detailed. I love 💘💘this series. A definite must read book 📚. Can't wait for more.Get your copy today.😁😁
Long story. Very detailed. I love 💘💘this series. A definite must read book 📚. Can't wait for more.Get your copy today.😁😁
Want to read
September 2, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (9/2/2021)! 🎁
October 25, 2018
Ah, those aristocrats in dire need of padding their coffers!
I do always enjoy those plots, as they are always entertaining and full of surprises. Ravaging the Duke is really no different and it was truly a lovely read!
I really enjoyed both main characters Alec and Margaret, though they came together easily I have to say; it was what came after that was the most fun for me. They both had complex backstories, and even with that tended to be really great people.
For me, what made it great was the fact that we did not focus too much on them getting together in the first place, but on them building their marriage and relationship whilst dealing with exterior forces.
So there you have it, if you are in the mood for a lovely romance, then I am going to recommend Ravaging the Duke to you all. For me, these are always the books that I gravitate towards when I had a long stressful day and I need something to get my mind off things and relax.
I am very sure you are going to love Ravaging the Duke as much as I did and I would love to hear from you, once you have read it.
I loved that the classic historical romance was not so classic after all and focused on the bits that often happen after the last page. That really stood out for me.
Ravaging the Duke was book 2 of a series, and TBH I did not read book 1. I will have to go back and check it out. So I cannot tell you if there was a crossover but I can confirm that you can read the book as it felt like a standalone for me. I read it quickly and easily and I did not feel at all that I was out of the loop on some things.
I do always enjoy those plots, as they are always entertaining and full of surprises. Ravaging the Duke is really no different and it was truly a lovely read!
I really enjoyed both main characters Alec and Margaret, though they came together easily I have to say; it was what came after that was the most fun for me. They both had complex backstories, and even with that tended to be really great people.
For me, what made it great was the fact that we did not focus too much on them getting together in the first place, but on them building their marriage and relationship whilst dealing with exterior forces.
So there you have it, if you are in the mood for a lovely romance, then I am going to recommend Ravaging the Duke to you all. For me, these are always the books that I gravitate towards when I had a long stressful day and I need something to get my mind off things and relax.
I am very sure you are going to love Ravaging the Duke as much as I did and I would love to hear from you, once you have read it.
I loved that the classic historical romance was not so classic after all and focused on the bits that often happen after the last page. That really stood out for me.
Ravaging the Duke was book 2 of a series, and TBH I did not read book 1. I will have to go back and check it out. So I cannot tell you if there was a crossover but I can confirm that you can read the book as it felt like a standalone for me. I read it quickly and easily and I did not feel at all that I was out of the loop on some things.
May 11, 2019
The Love of a Duke
This book made me smile
I always love how the author has strong male characters, but also strong willed females to match them. I absolutely loved Margaret, with her passion for who she was and not changing that, even though she was in a new environment and met with some scrutiny for being her own person. Alec was also amazing, for being open minded and not, trying to change her to the typical woman that only did needlepoint and little else.
This book made me smile
I always love how the author has strong male characters, but also strong willed females to match them. I absolutely loved Margaret, with her passion for who she was and not changing that, even though she was in a new environment and met with some scrutiny for being her own person. Alec was also amazing, for being open minded and not, trying to change her to the typical woman that only did needlepoint and little else.
June 17, 2019
Good
This book continues with there people from the first book and shows how the duke who inherited a. alone of. dete.
This book continues with there people from the first book and shows how the duke who inherited a. alone of. dete.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews