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The Revenge of the Betrayed Duke

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When Edward decided to join the army with his friends and set off to war, he had no idea what a journey awaited him. His only company being his love's medallion, he found himself trapped in a long adventure filled with betrayal and deceit. Lost and exiled, Edward can think of nothing but Emily and her enduring faithfulness to get him through. Will he ever find his way back to his home and to the heart of the woman he left behind?

Emily Daventry watched her friends and her love of her life march for war with a heavy heart. The only thing she could cling to was that one day Edward would come back for her. She had to wait, no matter what. When dreadful news comes that Edward was killed during the war, Emily vows to seal her heart and never love again. But with her love gone and her family in need of saving, will Emily stay true to her promise?

With Edward seeking revenge, feeling that all his life was a lie, and Emily unwillingly settling in an arrangement she would never expect, will love give them a second chance? Life has been unfair to them, but will they find the courage to face the hard truth and start over?

"The Revenge of the Betrayed Duke" is a historical romance novel of approximately 80,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

385 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2018

713 people are currently reading
150 people want to read

About the author

Bridget Barton

162 books206 followers
Bridget 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

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5 stars
178 (50%)
4 stars
105 (29%)
3 stars
39 (11%)
2 stars
26 (7%)
1 star
6 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
245 reviews1 follower
November 12, 2018
Oh boy, shades of "The Count of Monticristo". I like some of the story but was really turned off by the use of very modern language i.e. mom, ok etc. I don't expect old English but please don't use modern day slang.
2,511 reviews6 followers
October 20, 2018
This is a lovely, thought provoking tale of a duke so wronged that his vengeance becomes tangled up even with the one he loves. Edward’s oldest friends betray him mercilessly out of jealousy. His only love, Emily, is forced to marry in his absence. Will Duke Edward get his revenge? Will he ever trust again?
Profile Image for Space Cowgirl.
4,133 reviews144 followers
October 21, 2018
Love💘 In This World🌍 And The Next

England, France, and Spain, Regency Period Romance.
This book will make you sad, make you mad, make you cry. It's an emotional look into a love💘 that was promised, then hopelessly lost in war🔥🔫🔪, then revenge sought on a falsehood. 💘Love is finally found, but is the cost of the mental and physical damage across the intervening years too much to bear?
This is Ms Barton's best book📑 yet! Highly recommend this absolutely wonderfully written romance!
Of course there is a happy ending! 💘💘💘💘💘

ARC Received.
I also got the book📑 with KU.
Profile Image for Mrs Caroline Trevor.
443 reviews10 followers
October 17, 2018
Good

I found this a good book. It covered a relationship that was separated by war and a betrayal of the hero and heroine. Edward leaves behind his love to go to war with his friends and then loses his way back to Emily. He feels betrayed by his friends and his love. Emily is very strong for her family as she thinks she has lost her Edward forever only for her to find him again and tries to open his closed heart up again.
Profile Image for George.
142 reviews2 followers
October 24, 2018
The Revenge of the Betrayed Duke, by Bridget Barton.
This is certainly a story of revenge, carried out almost to the destruction of the man who craves it and the woman he has loved and lost.

It all begins simply enough. Edward, Lord Dalton, is persuaded to go off to fight the French with his three companions James Winchester, son of the Earl of Hanley, Oscar Turlington, and Augustus Milford. To do this he has to leave his betrothed, Emily Daventry, but promises to return to her unscathed and marry her.

But war has a way of destroying illusions, and while on service Edward is accused unjustly of killing a French girl, and sentenced to be hung. Little did he realize that James Winchester was behind the plot to discredit him, and that he had convinced his two friends to throw their lot in with him.

The hanging takes place. I can't reveal the story around it without giving away the whole story. The war ends, The three friends return to England to take up their place in society, and James sues for the hand of Edward's betrothed and marries her.

What's worse, news of the hanging has forced Edward's father into believing his son is a murderer. Emily is heartbroken and Edward's father sets in motion plans to disinherit him completely.

You can see how the stage is set for revenge when it appears that Edward did not die at the end of the noose, and has spent the years since the war's end living with a band of Spanish thieves who had rescued him.

There is much more to this story of revenge which Edward carries out so coldly that it nearly destroys everyone he loves.

This is a riveting tale of friendships betrayed, with a terrible price to be paid both by the victim and ultimately by the perpetrators. There is a happy ending, but it does not arrive without a great deal of agony, both on Edward's behalf, and by the friends who betrayed him.

I take my hat off to Bridget Barton for keeping this story so taut, and for bringing it to a satisfactory conclusion, although almost on the last page. If the talent of an author is to keep her readers enthralled, Bridget Barton displays it in spades.
Profile Image for The Mysterious Reader.
3,588 reviews66 followers
October 20, 2018
Emily and Edward’s story in Bridget Barton’s The Revenge of the Betrayed Duke is a powerful Regency romance story full of sadness, tragedy and betrayal. It’s also perfectly plotted and beautifully written. One of those books that is emotionally hard to push through but which when you reach the ending (and it is a HEA) you know the struggle was more than worth it. I was drained by the time I reached that ending and then uplifted. Strong stuff that only a strong author like this one could do. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review 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, and it is easy to highly recommend.
Profile Image for Maureen.
121 reviews
June 22, 2020
* Edward went off to war to fight the French, with his friends, telling Emily that he would be back.
* Edward gets accused of killing someone, and is hung (but there's a bit of trickery, and he doesn't really die).
* News gets back though, and Edwards father thinks he's a murderer. And Emily is heartbroken.
* The Edward's friend James, goes after Emily himself!
* And by the time Edward has come back under another name, James has taken both his title, and has married Emily! crappy friend!
* He thought he'd lost her, she thought she'd lost him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
24 reviews2 followers
October 19, 2018
Stuff Happens

Sometimes bad things happen to good people. I almost put this book down and walked away three times. I don’t like it when heartache is caused by ignorance and bad choices. But I knew there would be a HEA at the end, so I stuck it out. The story itself was well written. I was relieved when everything came together in the end. Good job Bridget!
Profile Image for Linda Levine.
4,640 reviews25 followers
October 20, 2018
I enjoyed the story. It is a story with a lot of drama and betrayal. It is well written and not like a lot of other historical romances that share so many similar themes. It is nice to have something different.
Profile Image for Phylis Collins.
2,847 reviews8 followers
November 17, 2018
The Revenge of the Betrayed Duke by Bridget Barton
A gripping story of revenge that almost destroys them. Keeps you turning the pages.
My free opinion. Thanks.
Profile Image for Linda Rutland.
319 reviews2 followers
October 17, 2018
When revenge is not so sweet...

Edward and Emily pledged their love for each other before he left to go fight against the French. When he doesn't return she is devastated and never plans to give her heart to another. But James is full of lies and deceit and he baits her with a trap. You will love some of these characters and others you will despise. Great story and well told!
Profile Image for Nicole Posey.
390 reviews5 followers
October 20, 2018
Loved it!

Amazing book!!! Couldn't put it down! Alot of twists and turns that leave you gripping your seat!!! Absolutely loved this book!
380 reviews3 followers
October 17, 2018
Excellent

Truly enjoy this author's stories. She has again brought fourth the Regency period, and the greed for wealth and standing. Jealousy for a man's wealth, social standing leads to another's downfall. Exciting.
Profile Image for Momof3.
722 reviews5 followers
November 28, 2018
Betrayed Duke

I read the whole book and still couldn’t figure out why this book had so many good reviews. The storyline was great but I wasn’t a fan of how it was told. I didn’t connect with Edward and Emily as a couple. We start out with him saying good bye to her. There was no leading into their relationship. And no play into his friendship with his friends. I hated them at the beginning and couldn’t stand the way it ended with them. Edward wasn’t very likable at the end. He redeemed himself with Emily so I can’t say I hated it. I would try another book from this author but hope for better characters.
566 reviews15 followers
December 30, 2018
Skip this one

This is a poorly written rendition of The Count of Monte Cristo. Save yourself the time and just read that book instead.
Profile Image for Dawn.
960 reviews9 followers
December 7, 2019
Edward sets off to war with his friends, a locket from his true love Emily, and a promise to return and marry her. Little did he know that his own childhood friends would betray him in a most heinous way—causing her to believe he is dead, disgraced, and is essentially sold to whom Edward once considered his best friend. Exiled and presumed dead, Edward now has to prove his innocence and reclaim what it rightfully his.

The research into the book was incredible, but it falls short in several ways. Too often, the author chose to use modern slang and phrases instead of using at least more appropriate language. Then there’s the extended epilogue. In order to be able to read it, one has to sign up for author updates. Why not either just attach the epilogue to the story, or finish it off properly? It does end, but knowing that there’s an epilogue that I have to jump through hoops to read is ridiculous. The story itself was well developed, entertaining, and overall excellent save for those two serious flaws. I would still recommend it.
Profile Image for Candy Briggs.
649 reviews23 followers
October 21, 2018
Edward, the Duke of Danborough was leaving to go to war with three of his friends. But did have to leave Emily Daventry, his betrothed. During that awful war James, his friend and cousin got so angry in an inn that he choked to death a sweet girl. James was so envious that he decided to blame it on Edward. Edward was court marshaled and convicted. He was to hang the next day. Emily had no knowledge of what was going on with Edward but she her own problems. Her parents were short of funds. James wanted to marry him but she would not until she needed to help her parents.
The characters were marvelous and caring. It is well written and interesting. It does keep you reading and you spend the time to finish it. The plot is twisty but the author has done a great job with keeping everything straight. It makes for one great tale.
I received this ARC from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.
Profile Image for Dee Jay Blaylock.
241 reviews6 followers
October 24, 2018
Murder and Mayhem

What can a jealous cousin do to ruin the life of his least favorite relative?
In this instance, he can get him accused of murder in France,court martialed and sentenced to hang. Only because of the respect his colonel had for Edward did he survive.
Edward survived because of his love for Emily and his determination to Lear his name.
When Edward does return to England, using an assumed name, it is to find that James, his cousin, has inherited his title and married Emily.
It takes some time to finally unravel the truth and to clear his name, regain his title and find that revenge is not sweet after all.
Profile Image for Sharon.
1,049 reviews2 followers
October 26, 2018
I loved the story of Emily and Edward. Emily feels lost when the love of her life went off to war. She promised to wait for Edward and marry him when he returns home. But Edward is betrayed, and Emily's love keeps him going. When Emily receives word Edward was killed in the war, she vows to never love again. Then Edward returns home seeking revenge for his betrayal. Will Emily and Edward find their love for each other again and find their happily ever after with each other?

This book has love, adventure, mystery and intrigue. I enjoyed it. I received a copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion.
190 reviews
October 24, 2018
This story kept me up late reading, as I just couldn't put it down. Emily and Edwards story took lots of twists and turns, some I could scarcely believe. Edwards betrayal from his supposed friends, reminds us how truly wonderful it is to have a GOOD friend. I loved all the characters, even the nasty ones. I loved Edwards alter ego Esteban. This was a GREAT story that I enjoyed so much, I just had to recommend it to fans of Regency Romances. Bridget has become one of my favorite authors, and I always look forward to her stories.
864 reviews12 followers
November 13, 2018
Wow! Just wow! What a story this is! Ms. Barton delivers a powerful story of five friends, Edward, Emily, James, Oscar and Augustus and how jealousy plays a significant part in their lives. This book drew me in as the story progressed. I met the characters and learn so much about them that I feel I know them. So many emotions play through this story. A wonderfully written, heart wrenching story with my longed for happily ever after. I highly recommend this book to anyone who looks historical romance.
206 reviews2 followers
July 2, 2019
Friendly Betrayal and framed for murder

Edward, James, Oscar, Augustus and Emily were childhood friends and when the boys decided to go off to war together, Edward and Emily pledged themselves to marry upon his return.
James was a cousin to Edward and was always jealous of Edward and what he had, especially when he spied upon Edward and Emily pledging their love to each other. When Edward was commended for service and promoted to Major, James became furious and convinces Oscar and Augustus that Edward thought himself better than the three of them.
Profile Image for Dmcl.
827 reviews13 followers
October 22, 2018
Filled with the unexpected, The Revenge of the Betrayed Duke will keep you on the edge of your seat from the beginning through to the end. It is well written, and the characters are beautifully developed with a heroine and hero with whom you will fall in love. The villain is so villainous you will rejoice when justice is served. I highly recommend it to all who love romance in any form. This story will not disappoint.
1,027 reviews4 followers
November 1, 2018
MARVELOUS STORY

This was an AMAZING account of jealousy and greed I have ever come across in a romance novel. James coveted every thing everyone had . I was glad with his promiscuity that he never had children and as for Anne the maid I would have fired her not kept her and forgave her. I'm glad Edward and Emily got their HAPPY EVER AFTER and the baby a bonus for all they went through!
125 reviews
January 17, 2019
I love this story

When I first chose this book to read, I was a little worried that I would not like it or find it long and boring the subject being war and men headed off to it. But to my delightful surprise it was so well written I could not get enough or read it fast enough it see what was going to happen next, how the author could actually get these two together for a HEA but she it and it was .
Can't wait for the next one ...
Profile Image for Danielle Carpenter.
1,826 reviews11 followers
October 22, 2018
This story gets nasty at points, and even a good man can only take so much. The betrayal of Edward by his cousin whom he thought was his best friend is too much. It changes him in ways, that his beloved no longer recognizes him. This story confirmed what I have always felt. Revenge is never satisfy, it only changes you but Justice will bring you peace.
104 reviews
October 26, 2018
Enjoyed reading this book very much

The story has many twists and turns, surprise tragedies & victories. Then a sweet resolution & a forever after. Lovely story.
When I noticed the modern words 'mom' & 'kids' were used, I felt they were not in keeping with the era of the story. That's my only not-so-negative comment.
433 reviews24 followers
October 28, 2018
This book by Bridget Barton is about Emily Daventry and the 2 men who loved her. James Whinchester, Edward Dalton,& 2 other friends were going to war in 1812. The questions which must be answered are who comes home, who marries Emily, & what happens later. U have to read the book as it well answer all questions. I liked the book very much.
Profile Image for Lillian Huffman.
200 reviews1 follower
November 3, 2018
WOW

Once again Bridget Barton has outdone herself. I was hanging on by the tips of my fingers. I knew there would be a hea but I didn't know how it would happen. The intriguing way it did blows my mind. I will read everything you write even as I have up til now. I have not been disappointed and I know I never will be.
Profile Image for Courtney.
4,298 reviews
December 15, 2019
Okay

I don't know if it's just because I had such a connection to a previously read book, or if I just am not in the mood for a novel such as this one- but I did not feel the pull to this novel that I normally do when I am reading a new novel. I will definitely have to try again later.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews

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