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The Duke's Library
*Starting June 1, 2018, while this tag is in the description, 25% of the royalties I receive for this book will be donated to charity. Please visit my website for more information.
Miss Victoria Sutton is considered a failure after several seasons without a match. Blending into the background suits her well as long as she can read. A less than clandestine adventure into the Duke's library creates a friendship she could never have imagined.
Andres, Duke of Northumberland, wasn't expecting to find a stowaway in his library during the opening ball of the season but she intrigued him none the less. The more time he spends with her, the more he looks forward to seeing her. Perhaps it's time to take a wife after all.
Does a wallflower with no means deserve a happily ever after?
** Please Note: This is not a Georgette Heyer type ‘Traditional Regency Romance’ and as such is labeled under Historic Romance. Certain aspects of the book do not align with traditional Regency styling. It is simply a sweet romance that takes place between 1810 – 1820.
Miss Victoria Sutton is considered a failure after several seasons without a match. Blending into the background suits her well as long as she can read. A less than clandestine adventure into the Duke's library creates a friendship she could never have imagined.
Andres, Duke of Northumberland, wasn't expecting to find a stowaway in his library during the opening ball of the season but she intrigued him none the less. The more time he spends with her, the more he looks forward to seeing her. Perhaps it's time to take a wife after all.
Does a wallflower with no means deserve a happily ever after?
** Please Note: This is not a Georgette Heyer type ‘Traditional Regency Romance’ and as such is labeled under Historic Romance. Certain aspects of the book do not align with traditional Regency styling. It is simply a sweet romance that takes place between 1810 – 1820.
194 pages, ebook
Published March 28, 2018
46 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 23, 2018
Lovely story
At times this book really tugged at heartstrings. Others it was witty and funny. Either way a thoroughly enjoyable read.
At times this book really tugged at heartstrings. Others it was witty and funny. Either way a thoroughly enjoyable read.
May 15, 2018
A lovely story which I enjoyed, although as other reviewers have commented not historically correct, for instance the time the heroine spent alone with the Duke, and time spent alone with the Duke and his 2 male friends and brother, as well as the Dukes inappropriate touching of Victoria (the heroine) The way Victoria was treated by her family, other people and latterly by the Duke (until he got his act together!) was quite sad as she was a lovely girl
I look forward to other books by this author, as another reviewer says this book leads the way to a series.
I look forward to other books by this author, as another reviewer says this book leads the way to a series.
May 15, 2018
Enjoyable historic romance
Plenty of laughs and tears along the way. The duke finally wakes up and makes Victoria his bride. The baddies finally get their just rewards. The book grabs you from the start and you just have to finish it. Haven't read this author before but will look for other books by her.
Plenty of laughs and tears along the way. The duke finally wakes up and makes Victoria his bride. The baddies finally get their just rewards. The book grabs you from the start and you just have to finish it. Haven't read this author before but will look for other books by her.
September 2, 2018
Discovering this book was a very pleasant surprise! I’ve not heard of this author let alone read any of her books. I really enjoyed the story and relationship that built up between Andres and Ria. As a book lover myself, the whole idea of romance in the library is great! A nice little gem of a book.
August 26, 2018
Cute romance
This was a great read. I loved Andres and Ria. The way their relationship professed was sweet. Andres’ temporary idiocy was frustrating but I loved him regardless. Ria was lovable all the way.
This was a great read. I loved Andres and Ria. The way their relationship professed was sweet. Andres’ temporary idiocy was frustrating but I loved him regardless. Ria was lovable all the way.
June 7, 2018
Plot twist
Great book. Would definitely read it again. Loved the story with great plot twists...the characters were very well rounded. A+
Great book. Would definitely read it again. Loved the story with great plot twists...the characters were very well rounded. A+
April 28, 2018
Brilliant book
A good read, easy characters to follow. Plot is simple and concise. Nice touches here and there. A good set up for future books or series.
A good read, easy characters to follow. Plot is simple and concise. Nice touches here and there. A good set up for future books or series.
June 2, 2020
Reviews say... historically inaccurate...true but it actually doesn't take away the story! The library gives the book a beauty and the beast feel and the sexy scenes are just...sexy!
January 16, 2024
It’s cute
May 28, 2018
Excellent!!!
I truly enjoyed this novel! Couldn't put it down! The characters are real, and the plot is great! I definitely recommend to all!!!
I truly enjoyed this novel! Couldn't put it down! The characters are real, and the plot is great! I definitely recommend to all!!!
October 17, 2019
As much as I like the book, and it is a cute read, I really wish this wasn’t classified as a historical romance. Rather it should be seen as a historical romance in an alternate reality. A fantasy world if you must.
Yes, it is said by more than one reviewer that this isn’t historically accurate. I knew this going in.
In the beginning this was acceptable to me though. The whole idea of them secretly meeting in the library I could handle. And I think I would have given it a 4 out of 5 if it had stopped there. But the author continued to take liberties in blending modern etiquette in a historical world.
And there was a huge plot holes (at least for me) with regards to the story:
1) She’s treated terribly by the female counterparts of her family (Her cousins wife Lydia, and her sister). However her grandfather loves her. Yet he doesn’t buy her ANY DRESSES?? He doesn’t spoil his (clearly favorite) granddaughter. He doesn’t stop said evil Lydia from speaking badly to Ria our heroine.
2) She’s also loved by the Duke’s grandmother. They’ve known each other for years. And while the author tries and explains that she’s not the kind of person who wants to get ahead in society with the relationship to the Duke’s grandmother, none of it explains why the grandmother in turn did not show all of the ton she knew Ria. Why didn’t she make it known? Her association would have helped Ria out so much. This just wasn’t explained at all.
3) Then there was the Duke. This guy is INDECENT. Physically that is. Always touching her like it’s normal and acceptable. And to make matters worse, our leading lady goes along with it. She’s acting like she lives in the 21st century, and men touch women like this all the time; but it shouldn’t necessarily be taken as him wanting to marry her, let alone court her. Heaven forbid!! Now, this frustrates me because this is supposed to be set in a world where public displays of affection isn’t accepted. Yet Our Lovely Duke does this several times. Touching and holding Ria intimately. And he does all this WITHOUT INTENDING TO MARRY HER!? His point of view about him physically touching her isn’t really explained. So how on earth he explains this to himself as normal is beyond me. He’s meant to be A DUKE and yet he has no respect for women. Especially towards Ria who he apparently cares about but not enough to keep his hands to himself. She could have been ruined.
4) Our Duke was an idiot. Honestly. There is no other explanation provided to explain why it never even occurred to him to have Ria as an option to marry. I really wish the author had used his point of view more to explain why he didn’t see Ria as an option for marriage.
Honestly the story really is cute and the author is good at writing. I would recommend it even with my ranting above, but not as a historical romance as I said before. As a fantasy historical romance. There are definitely things that are not explained, and you just have to accept that things world that don’t make sense entirely. But if you’re able to look past that you’ll have a fun read.
Yes, it is said by more than one reviewer that this isn’t historically accurate. I knew this going in.
In the beginning this was acceptable to me though. The whole idea of them secretly meeting in the library I could handle. And I think I would have given it a 4 out of 5 if it had stopped there. But the author continued to take liberties in blending modern etiquette in a historical world.
And there was a huge plot holes (at least for me) with regards to the story:
1) She’s treated terribly by the female counterparts of her family (Her cousins wife Lydia, and her sister). However her grandfather loves her. Yet he doesn’t buy her ANY DRESSES?? He doesn’t spoil his (clearly favorite) granddaughter. He doesn’t stop said evil Lydia from speaking badly to Ria our heroine.
2) She’s also loved by the Duke’s grandmother. They’ve known each other for years. And while the author tries and explains that she’s not the kind of person who wants to get ahead in society with the relationship to the Duke’s grandmother, none of it explains why the grandmother in turn did not show all of the ton she knew Ria. Why didn’t she make it known? Her association would have helped Ria out so much. This just wasn’t explained at all.
3) Then there was the Duke. This guy is INDECENT. Physically that is. Always touching her like it’s normal and acceptable. And to make matters worse, our leading lady goes along with it. She’s acting like she lives in the 21st century, and men touch women like this all the time; but it shouldn’t necessarily be taken as him wanting to marry her, let alone court her. Heaven forbid!! Now, this frustrates me because this is supposed to be set in a world where public displays of affection isn’t accepted. Yet Our Lovely Duke does this several times. Touching and holding Ria intimately. And he does all this WITHOUT INTENDING TO MARRY HER!? His point of view about him physically touching her isn’t really explained. So how on earth he explains this to himself as normal is beyond me. He’s meant to be A DUKE and yet he has no respect for women. Especially towards Ria who he apparently cares about but not enough to keep his hands to himself. She could have been ruined.
4) Our Duke was an idiot. Honestly. There is no other explanation provided to explain why it never even occurred to him to have Ria as an option to marry. I really wish the author had used his point of view more to explain why he didn’t see Ria as an option for marriage.
Honestly the story really is cute and the author is good at writing. I would recommend it even with my ranting above, but not as a historical romance as I said before. As a fantasy historical romance. There are definitely things that are not explained, and you just have to accept that things world that don’t make sense entirely. But if you’re able to look past that you’ll have a fun read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2018
Miss Victoria Sutton, wallflower and avid reader hears about Andres, Duke of Northumberland’s extensive library and strikes up a deal to organise his collection in exchange for the licence to borrow books.
The friendship develops. They play chess. He meets her horrid family, she meets his grandmother etc... There are a few twists and turns and a big HEA at the end.
Overall this was a great idea and a good read. I loved the idea of a book worm getting to know someone through a shared love of books. I didn’t feel this was fully developed however. I could have done with a bit more depth there. The author mentions reading about some exotic lands and animals briefly but I wanted some solid discussions which would illustrate how bright the h was.
Bizarrely there is more description of playing Cribbage than reading.
I didn’t really understand the Duke’s blindness about marrying Ria. It seemed so blatantly obvious.
But all that aside, it was a nice story. As other reviewers have remarked, this lacks historical depth. The h mentions ‘candy’, blasphemes, speaks out of turn, makes inappropriate introductions and has far too much freedom of movement for an unmarried girl of that era. I do appreciate a fuller knowledge of the times an author writes about. But as a light and fluffy tale, it works.
The friendship develops. They play chess. He meets her horrid family, she meets his grandmother etc... There are a few twists and turns and a big HEA at the end.
Overall this was a great idea and a good read. I loved the idea of a book worm getting to know someone through a shared love of books. I didn’t feel this was fully developed however. I could have done with a bit more depth there. The author mentions reading about some exotic lands and animals briefly but I wanted some solid discussions which would illustrate how bright the h was.
Bizarrely there is more description of playing Cribbage than reading.
I didn’t really understand the Duke’s blindness about marrying Ria. It seemed so blatantly obvious.
But all that aside, it was a nice story. As other reviewers have remarked, this lacks historical depth. The h mentions ‘candy’, blasphemes, speaks out of turn, makes inappropriate introductions and has far too much freedom of movement for an unmarried girl of that era. I do appreciate a fuller knowledge of the times an author writes about. But as a light and fluffy tale, it works.
August 6, 2018
Come on...
Why?? Why?? Why??
This one is a bit too historically inaccurate for me. Yes, dukes had several privileges but randomly hugging a woman? Or that woman staying at his house for hours at times unchaperoned? And his servants being so loyal that there is no gossip, that that woman isn't ruined? Yeah, sure...
Plus, some of the scenes just seemed like scenes you would find in romance novels nowadays... They definitely can't be found in traditional regency novels and really don't have a place there.
And then... My biggest issue with this one... There is absolutely no reasons whatsoever why the Duke doesn't ask the heroine for her hand in marriage after the third chapter or so. He adores spending time with her. Same is true for her. Noone is standing in their way. Sure, she doesn't have a high standing in society but I thought the Duke could do as he pleased so why not simply marry her???
This book is ridiculous.
Why?? Why?? Why??
This one is a bit too historically inaccurate for me. Yes, dukes had several privileges but randomly hugging a woman? Or that woman staying at his house for hours at times unchaperoned? And his servants being so loyal that there is no gossip, that that woman isn't ruined? Yeah, sure...
Plus, some of the scenes just seemed like scenes you would find in romance novels nowadays... They definitely can't be found in traditional regency novels and really don't have a place there.
And then... My biggest issue with this one... There is absolutely no reasons whatsoever why the Duke doesn't ask the heroine for her hand in marriage after the third chapter or so. He adores spending time with her. Same is true for her. Noone is standing in their way. Sure, she doesn't have a high standing in society but I thought the Duke could do as he pleased so why not simply marry her???
This book is ridiculous.
November 16, 2023
Andreas and Ria are too adorable. The book addict in me fell in love immediately when Andreas offered Ria the library. I love Andreas's grandmother, Lady Marie. I almost fell over laughing when Lady Marie threw out Andreas, Vince, and Ria out of the carriage. That was epic. LOL 😅😅 The way Andreas's friends and brother silently protected Ria the whole time was beautifully written.
The second library made me want to marry Andreas.
Okay, he's an idiot. 🤦🏻♀️
His friends and brother is awesome. I want such friends. The ending was absolutely perfect. 💖💖💖
Christian needs a spine. 🤷♀️
I pleaded to the Author to make it a series. I want more books in this universe. Maybe about Andreas's friends and Brother.
The second library made me want to marry Andreas.
Okay, he's an idiot. 🤦🏻♀️
His friends and brother is awesome. I want such friends. The ending was absolutely perfect. 💖💖💖
Christian needs a spine. 🤷♀️
I pleaded to the Author to make it a series. I want more books in this universe. Maybe about Andreas's friends and Brother.
May 19, 2018
Need Basic Grammar Work
Misspellings, incorrect word use and just plain bad grammar are enough to annoy a reader. But the killer is the abandonment of any pretense to Regency correctness. Sitting on a man’s lap while he plays cards with friends sounds like a tavern wench, not a poor but respectable girl. Using first names right away was never done. It was even rare for married couples. A duchess might have influence in the ton,but could definitely not stop all gossip about her companion and grandson. This could have been a good story but the author needs to do some work on historical background and basic editing.
Misspellings, incorrect word use and just plain bad grammar are enough to annoy a reader. But the killer is the abandonment of any pretense to Regency correctness. Sitting on a man’s lap while he plays cards with friends sounds like a tavern wench, not a poor but respectable girl. Using first names right away was never done. It was even rare for married couples. A duchess might have influence in the ton,but could definitely not stop all gossip about her companion and grandson. This could have been a good story but the author needs to do some work on historical background and basic editing.
June 30, 2022
The Duke's Library by Laura Cabrerizo
Five stars, excellent storyline!.. This book had everything, drama, passion, and stupidity.. Ria, was one smart girl, and get love for books got her chosen by a Duke Andres.. Too stupid to realize what he had and almost lost it.. Good ending.. This book has sequels to other book.
Five stars, excellent storyline!.. This book had everything, drama, passion, and stupidity.. Ria, was one smart girl, and get love for books got her chosen by a Duke Andres.. Too stupid to realize what he had and almost lost it.. Good ending.. This book has sequels to other book.
March 11, 2023
Brilliant
Loved this book first time I read it. Has been in my library and read over and over. This book is one that if you leave for awhile, you enjoy it just as much as you did the first time. Cast of characters are great. The main characters are like a big family. The nasty ones, very nasty. Read it for yourself. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I do.
Loved this book first time I read it. Has been in my library and read over and over. This book is one that if you leave for awhile, you enjoy it just as much as you did the first time. Cast of characters are great. The main characters are like a big family. The nasty ones, very nasty. Read it for yourself. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I do.
August 29, 2023
The Duke's Library had me hooked from when I started reading it that I dared to defy nature by resisting sleep and taking no toilet breaks. I love this book and I look forward to reading more works of Laura Cabrerizo.
May 7, 2018
ok read but don't expect a historical novel. There are actual crossings out so editing is a big issue as well.
October 18, 2021
This is such an excellent piece of Literature....first encounter apart of it on another site and as been dying to read it all ever since....Work of art.....
October 3, 2025
4 Stars
June 7, 2019
The Duke’s library is a quick read. I enjoyed it for the most parts but the ending confused me. It felt like there should have been another chapter but it just ended. It wasn’t a cliffhanger or anything like that but it’s like the author put half an epilogue. It was weird. Aside from that the characters were nice and the story was cute.
January 7, 2020
I can't get enough of this book! I hope there will be a sequel. Good plot and I love the character's development and personality.
August 27, 2018
Miss Victoria Sutton is considered a failure after several seasons without a match. Blending into the background suits her well as long as she can read. A less than clandestine adventure into the Duke's library creates a friendship she could never have imagined.
Andres, Duke of Northumberland, wasn't expecting to find a stowaway in his library during the opening ball of the season but she intrigued him none the less. The more time he spends with her, the more he looks forward to seeing her. Perhaps it's time to take a wife after all.
Does a wallflower with no means deserve a happily ever after?
** Please Note: This is not a Georgette Heyer type ‘Traditional Regency Romance’ and as such is labeled under Historic Romance. Certain aspects of the book do not align with traditional Regency styling. It is simply a sweet romance that takes place between 1810 – 1820.
**
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews