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The Last Duke
Lady Valiant is facing the challenge of her life as she faces the murderous, handsome brute, the Duke of Cartelle.
Three Reasons Lady Valiant Chase Should Avoid the Dashing Duke of Cartelle:
1- He's a murderer, a brute, and will challenge any man to a duel for the barest of slights- including those gentlemen who offend her.
2- He's a shameless flirt... and his kisses leave her breathless.
3- She's a widow and her first marriage was terrible.
So… instead of giving into the desires that build whenever the Duke of Cartelle is near, she runs.
But… Anthony Balfour, the Duke of Cartelle, will not allow Valiant to get away that easily.
Years ago, they struck a deal.
She'd find him a wife capable of loving the brute that he was.
Or… bed him herself.
And win or lose, he wants her.
But with danger around every corner, Valiant will have to decide the safest place for her to be. Far away from the man who's awakened a passion she never knew herself capable of?
Or in the arms of the last duke she'd ever thought to love?
Three Reasons Lady Valiant Chase Should Avoid the Dashing Duke of Cartelle:
1- He's a murderer, a brute, and will challenge any man to a duel for the barest of slights- including those gentlemen who offend her.
2- He's a shameless flirt... and his kisses leave her breathless.
3- She's a widow and her first marriage was terrible.
So… instead of giving into the desires that build whenever the Duke of Cartelle is near, she runs.
But… Anthony Balfour, the Duke of Cartelle, will not allow Valiant to get away that easily.
Years ago, they struck a deal.
She'd find him a wife capable of loving the brute that he was.
Or… bed him herself.
And win or lose, he wants her.
But with danger around every corner, Valiant will have to decide the safest place for her to be. Far away from the man who's awakened a passion she never knew herself capable of?
Or in the arms of the last duke she'd ever thought to love?
525 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2019
488 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Wilson
29 books56 followersLibrarian's note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
January 6, 2019
Dissatisfied
I have a real problem with how this book ends. I wanted to shout: Wait a minute, your skipping THAT part? (Spoiler alert) After hearing what a great and experienced lover the Duke is, and it being alleged that Valiant’s problems in her first marriage were likely due to two (that many eh?) bad experiences with her late husband, the book skips from passionate kisses and some minor knee touching in a carriage to her being pregnant! I was as dissatisfied as she was!
Also someone needed to edit this book. I only remember a couple of issues, although there were more. At one point a scene has Asher speaking when it was the Duke (since Asher wasn’t in the room.) And Valiant’s name is spelled wrong once. (Two l’s) Not a big deal, but really shouldn’t happen.
I have a real problem with how this book ends. I wanted to shout: Wait a minute, your skipping THAT part? (Spoiler alert) After hearing what a great and experienced lover the Duke is, and it being alleged that Valiant’s problems in her first marriage were likely due to two (that many eh?) bad experiences with her late husband, the book skips from passionate kisses and some minor knee touching in a carriage to her being pregnant! I was as dissatisfied as she was!
Also someone needed to edit this book. I only remember a couple of issues, although there were more. At one point a scene has Asher speaking when it was the Duke (since Asher wasn’t in the room.) And Valiant’s name is spelled wrong once. (Two l’s) Not a big deal, but really shouldn’t happen.
October 19, 2019
Quick Info
Standalone/Cliffhanger?: Standalone
Part of a Series?: Yes
----------------------------------
Meeting the Characters
Lady Valiant Beaumont
Duke Anthony Balfour
----------------------------------
What happens?
Valiant makes an appeal 2 years ago during the courtship of Lore and Brinley(?) to stop the duke from marrying her future sister in law so her brother could be happy. With this appeal the duke counters with a wager, find him a wife or go to bed with him herself.
The duke waits patiently 2 years while Valiant mourns the loss of her husband and her father, only coming to see him when he defends her honour in a duel. He no longer seeks a wife but instead wants Valiant in his bed.
Final thoughts
There is more to the story than the above but I can't be bothered to write it; it'll spoil it for those reading it too.
The side story and the romance are very well intertwined and I love the story for that. I really love the way the author weaves these stories and these women are not the usual regency ladies but I prefer these...
Would I read again?: Yes
Would I read this author again?: Yes
Standalone/Cliffhanger?: Standalone
Part of a Series?: Yes
----------------------------------
Meeting the Characters
Lady Valiant Beaumont
Duke Anthony Balfour
----------------------------------
What happens?
Valiant makes an appeal 2 years ago during the courtship of Lore and Brinley(?) to stop the duke from marrying her future sister in law so her brother could be happy. With this appeal the duke counters with a wager, find him a wife or go to bed with him herself.
The duke waits patiently 2 years while Valiant mourns the loss of her husband and her father, only coming to see him when he defends her honour in a duel. He no longer seeks a wife but instead wants Valiant in his bed.
Final thoughts
There is more to the story than the above but I can't be bothered to write it; it'll spoil it for those reading it too.
The side story and the romance are very well intertwined and I love the story for that. I really love the way the author weaves these stories and these women are not the usual regency ladies but I prefer these...
Would I read again?: Yes
Would I read this author again?: Yes
February 28, 2019
This is dramatic, suspenseful, romantic, tragic and amusing. Anthony is bold, determined, charming and patient. Valiant is stubborn, naive, insecure, cheeky and caring. After making a wager, Anthony has to wait 2 years for it to begin. He wanted one night with her, she wanted him married off to someone else. When he can finally insist that the wager go on, Valiant does whatever she can to find him a wife, but they end up being embroiled in a mystery involving him and some missing lords. He chips away at her walls, she starts to want the same things as Anthony, but she won't admit it. I think that Valiant's brothers are too quick to believe rumors, especially after getting to know Anthony better. The storyline is intriguing and entertaining, I couldn't put the book down.
January 8, 2019
I have read other stories in this series and absolutely loved them. I wasn't fond of the Duke in the first book. But my, has he changed and this story for him was so enjoyable, I didn't want to put it down. Fast read and wonderful.
February 8, 2019
The Last Duke is a story about a wager between the great matchmaker of the Curbain family and a young Duke most of society believes is a playboy with a murderous past. The Duke of Cartelle is known to have killed is own father in a moment of passion and to have defeated a number of men in fair duels. He is also suspected in the disappearance of a handful of lords who were not well liked by London's upper crust. Lady Valiant Chase, Countess of Beaumont, who made a private wager with Lord Anthony Balfour, Duke of Cartelle, a couple of years ago to assure one of her brothers would find his true love, is compelled to complete the task required by the wager or make good on her side of the deal. This story weaves the solving of the mysteries of the disappearances with the resolution of the wager during an unusual Season for the ton. This is a fun and very satisfying adventure with the extended Curbain family that will make many more fans of Deborah Wilson and her Valiant Love series.
Many reviewers have commented on the editing, or perhaps lack of editing, in this series. However, Deborah Wilson is an excellent storyteller who has created a family of interesting characters with deep, rich, and dynamic relationships. So, rather than simply complaining and pointing out problems, I supplied the author with my editing notes when I finished reading this book. Creating and sharing notes is fairly easy to do with the Kindle version of a book and a Kindle Fire. I hope fans of this author, this series, and other authors, whether reading an advance reviewer copy or a published work, would simply send a private email with some comments to the author of the book they are reading so the author has a chance to make updates and corrections to their work. Many authors these days do not have a publishing house and contract in place to take care of the editing, formatting, marketing, and other demands of the business side of writing. Most authors appreciate hearing from fans and receiving feedback on their work.
Many reviewers have commented on the editing, or perhaps lack of editing, in this series. However, Deborah Wilson is an excellent storyteller who has created a family of interesting characters with deep, rich, and dynamic relationships. So, rather than simply complaining and pointing out problems, I supplied the author with my editing notes when I finished reading this book. Creating and sharing notes is fairly easy to do with the Kindle version of a book and a Kindle Fire. I hope fans of this author, this series, and other authors, whether reading an advance reviewer copy or a published work, would simply send a private email with some comments to the author of the book they are reading so the author has a chance to make updates and corrections to their work. Many authors these days do not have a publishing house and contract in place to take care of the editing, formatting, marketing, and other demands of the business side of writing. Most authors appreciate hearing from fans and receiving feedback on their work.
January 24, 2019
The saga of the Curbain family continues with Valiant's story. I love this family: Hero & Beatrix, Lore & Brinley, Asher & Everly, and Valiant & Anthony. All have such strong, distinct characters, and all are not only family, but also good friends, all with a total lack of boundaries, willing to do anything for those they love.
We met Anthony during Hero and Beatrix’s story as the villainous best friend of Beatrix’s brother, determined to take her from Hero. We didn't know the full story; Anthony had no idea she was in love with Hero and once he did, had no intention of marrying her. The villainous facade Anthony displays is nothing more than a protective barrier, and Valiant unwittingly becomes the one to unmask him.
From previous stories, we have known how sweet and caring Valiant is, but there has always been the whispered question of why she and Noah, her recently deceased husband, had no children. Meanwhile, he died in a fire and his body was discovered along with that of another woman. Valiant is heartbroken, but not for the expected reasons, and blames herself for the loss of her best friend.
Anthony and Valiant, through less than typical or socially accepted circumstances, become close friends. She is determined to save him and he becomes determined to save her, in a manner of speaking. They are the ideal match for one another, and in a series of circuitous and unusual events, including the discovery of a truly deranged villain, they ultimately devote themselves to one another.
I loved the story and had only one complaint. In an attempt to avoid spoilers, I will only say this. There seemed to be a connection between the villain and an “evil” female character, but then there isn't, even though she had earlier made some comments that seemed to allude to his actions. In fact, very little was made of her or her actions and I felt they should have been linked somehow. Instead, I was left wondering why she acted the way she had and why this was even part of the story. Nevertheless, great writing and storytelling make this a five-star book.
We met Anthony during Hero and Beatrix’s story as the villainous best friend of Beatrix’s brother, determined to take her from Hero. We didn't know the full story; Anthony had no idea she was in love with Hero and once he did, had no intention of marrying her. The villainous facade Anthony displays is nothing more than a protective barrier, and Valiant unwittingly becomes the one to unmask him.
From previous stories, we have known how sweet and caring Valiant is, but there has always been the whispered question of why she and Noah, her recently deceased husband, had no children. Meanwhile, he died in a fire and his body was discovered along with that of another woman. Valiant is heartbroken, but not for the expected reasons, and blames herself for the loss of her best friend.
Anthony and Valiant, through less than typical or socially accepted circumstances, become close friends. She is determined to save him and he becomes determined to save her, in a manner of speaking. They are the ideal match for one another, and in a series of circuitous and unusual events, including the discovery of a truly deranged villain, they ultimately devote themselves to one another.
I loved the story and had only one complaint. In an attempt to avoid spoilers, I will only say this. There seemed to be a connection between the villain and an “evil” female character, but then there isn't, even though she had earlier made some comments that seemed to allude to his actions. In fact, very little was made of her or her actions and I felt they should have been linked somehow. Instead, I was left wondering why she acted the way she had and why this was even part of the story. Nevertheless, great writing and storytelling make this a five-star book.
January 2, 2019
Anthony Balfour, the fourth Duke of Castelle, left the party. He had decided many years ago he would marry Beatrix or no one, because he valued her honesty. But he heard two maids talking and apparently Beatrix, though she agreed to marry him, loved another man. He would never force a woman to marry him, so he would write her a letter the next day and end it.
As he got in his carriage, Lady Valiant Chase, the Countess of Beaumont, quickly climbed in after him. They had known each other since childhood but had never been friends. When she spoke, it was to tell him he could not marry Beatrix because she was in love with Valiant’s brother. Although he had already decided he would not marry her, he wanted to hear more from Valiant. Hero and Beatrix deserved happiness, so she told him, “Do this and you will always wonder at what you missed by not having the one who completed your soul.” It actually made him uncomfortable to hear this. She recognized that he truly did not believe a woman could love him. So she offered that, if he let Beatrix go, she would help him find someone to love. She had heard a woman say that she wanted him, so this should be possible if she could remember the lady’s name. He agreed, but on the condition that WHEN she failed, she would give herself to him for one night! Certain that she could match the Duke of Cartelle and Lady Payton, she agreed. Would she be able to arrange their betrothal, or had she just made a deal with the devil?
This was such a good book! I thoroughly enjoyed the story line and the wonderful characters the author created. Because the reader knows their thoughts, their motivations are clear and the reader is brought into the story. Don’t miss this one! There is so much more to see here as the twists and turns take the reader to the final resolution!
As he got in his carriage, Lady Valiant Chase, the Countess of Beaumont, quickly climbed in after him. They had known each other since childhood but had never been friends. When she spoke, it was to tell him he could not marry Beatrix because she was in love with Valiant’s brother. Although he had already decided he would not marry her, he wanted to hear more from Valiant. Hero and Beatrix deserved happiness, so she told him, “Do this and you will always wonder at what you missed by not having the one who completed your soul.” It actually made him uncomfortable to hear this. She recognized that he truly did not believe a woman could love him. So she offered that, if he let Beatrix go, she would help him find someone to love. She had heard a woman say that she wanted him, so this should be possible if she could remember the lady’s name. He agreed, but on the condition that WHEN she failed, she would give herself to him for one night! Certain that she could match the Duke of Cartelle and Lady Payton, she agreed. Would she be able to arrange their betrothal, or had she just made a deal with the devil?
This was such a good book! I thoroughly enjoyed the story line and the wonderful characters the author created. Because the reader knows their thoughts, their motivations are clear and the reader is brought into the story. Don’t miss this one! There is so much more to see here as the twists and turns take the reader to the final resolution!
January 9, 2019
Deborah Wilson was kind enough to send me this book as an ARC (advanced reader copy). It’s number 4 in a series (The Valiant Love Regency Romance Series). I actually read the first book in this series a while back in the fall. That was her first book, I believe, and I found the writing a tad stilted at the beginning, but improved as the book went along. This, the 4th book, is nicely written, with decent characterizations and a charming romance. The primary female character is Valiant, a sweet yet headstrong widow who had a disappointing first marriage and who evidently believes in happiness for all, except for her. The mate-to-be is Anthony, the fourth Duke of Cartelle, who society believes is a dastardly fellow who killed his father in a duel and “makes away with” fellow lords. Anthony isn’t particularly virtuous but has a bit of an obsession with Valiant, and dares her to find him a wife, or be his mistress. And so we are off to the races.
Obviously, there’s a mystery to be solved, reputations to be restored, and happiness and love to abound in the end. The weakness of the book lies in the mystery, which was pretty easy to solve once a certain character shows up.
If you are not reading this book for the mystery, I think you will be overall pleased with it. It’s a pleasant read, and although with the holidays and work I took a while to complete it, altogether it’s a good diversion. I’d like to believe that books by this author will continue to improve.
Also, for those of you who like your books in the “sweet” category, this is for you. Kisses, caresses, and hot looks rule the day, and carnal events are off-screen and post-marriage.
Obviously, there’s a mystery to be solved, reputations to be restored, and happiness and love to abound in the end. The weakness of the book lies in the mystery, which was pretty easy to solve once a certain character shows up.
If you are not reading this book for the mystery, I think you will be overall pleased with it. It’s a pleasant read, and although with the holidays and work I took a while to complete it, altogether it’s a good diversion. I’d like to believe that books by this author will continue to improve.
Also, for those of you who like your books in the “sweet” category, this is for you. Kisses, caresses, and hot looks rule the day, and carnal events are off-screen and post-marriage.
March 21, 2019
To many it appeared as if Lady Valiant had the perfect marriage. Until her London home burned with her husband and his mistress inside…
Anthony Balfour, the Duke of Cartelle, is notorious for dueling. But it is somewhat surprising when he enters into the promise of one over Lady Valiant.
The Last Duke picks up with the anticipation of noted duel; however, it quickly turns into one of my favorite reads from this author! Neither main character is all that they appear to be to society. And together they are perfect.
Lady Valiant enters into a deal with the devil when she stakes a night of passion against her ability to find a wife for the dangerous Duke. It soon becomes apparent that neither truly wants Lady Valiant to succeed.
I fell in love with these two characters from the beginning of the series and couldn’t wait to find out if they would find their happily ever after in one another! Ms. Wilson has written a wonderful story for these two characters - one that draws you in from the beginning and hold you until the end, leaving you with only one regret… that it ended so soon.
This is a great series and I highly recommend it! The Last Duke can be read as a standalone; however, I recommend reading the others as well - not only for backstories, but because every book is good!
Anthony Balfour, the Duke of Cartelle, is notorious for dueling. But it is somewhat surprising when he enters into the promise of one over Lady Valiant.
The Last Duke picks up with the anticipation of noted duel; however, it quickly turns into one of my favorite reads from this author! Neither main character is all that they appear to be to society. And together they are perfect.
Lady Valiant enters into a deal with the devil when she stakes a night of passion against her ability to find a wife for the dangerous Duke. It soon becomes apparent that neither truly wants Lady Valiant to succeed.
I fell in love with these two characters from the beginning of the series and couldn’t wait to find out if they would find their happily ever after in one another! Ms. Wilson has written a wonderful story for these two characters - one that draws you in from the beginning and hold you until the end, leaving you with only one regret… that it ended so soon.
This is a great series and I highly recommend it! The Last Duke can be read as a standalone; however, I recommend reading the others as well - not only for backstories, but because every book is good!
January 15, 2019
Anthony Balfour, the fourth Duke of Cartelle, has a reputation that makes him feared by the whole ton: he killed his own father, challenges anyone to a dual, and is rumoured to be responsible for five missing nobles. But Lady Valiant is not afraid to deal with him for the sake of her second brother, Hero, and his beloved Beatrix who is betrothed to Cartelle. She promises against a night in his bed, to find a lady who will love him for who he is in return for releasing Beatrix. Then two years go by as first her father and then her husband dies. Valiant had never told anyone how she and her husband had only two very painful sexual encounters in the years before his death ruined their reputation, also. She returns to society when her older brother, a duke, and his wife host their first ball. There a meeting with Anthony begins the rehab of his reputation, her understanding of his sexual affairs, and her lessons in passion. These take many steps and encounters, always with the 'help' and/or 'interference' of her three brothers and their wives. Kept me turning pages through Anthony getting shot in the leg and, after surgery, continuing his limping search for the missing nobles. Deborah Wilson has written a great book here!
February 19, 2019
A suspenseful Regency romance, this story has shades of light and dark as the Duke of Cartelle takes on the world single-handedly. Even when he is unfairly accused of sins that he did not commit, he does nothing to defend himself but rather investigates the crimes without bringing notice to his efforts. Lady Valiant has had her own brush with the Duke in the past and is left shaken and slightly disorientated by their interaction. Circumstances change, but even when Valiant is free to pursue her own interests, she still walks the straight and narrow - after all her brothers give her very little leeway to do anything else. There is a certain amount of humour in this book amidst some real tragedy, but the undeniable attraction between Anthony and Valiant is tangible and brings redemption in its own way. Although there is a very good plot, I was disappointed by the ending as well as some of the editing, as this book was not up to the author's usual standard. Although this novel is part of series and some of the characters from previous books appear in this one too, it is nevertheless a standalone.
January 3, 2019
4.5⭐⭐⭐⭐ I think this was one of my favourite books in this series, I loved that Valiant got her chance at true love. I really enjoyed Anthony, he was a cheeky bastard with a sad past and I thought he was perfect for Valiant and enjoyed the way he pushed her completely out of her comfort zone. Valiant has always done her best to see her brothers and her friends find the love they deserve, but she doesn't believe she deserves the same due to her horrible dead husband. Seeing her struggling with her emotions and sexual feelings towards Anthony was deliciously amusing to me and I couldn't wait for her to realise what she was worth. Deborah Wilson always manages to have you on the edge of your seat just when you think things are all going to work out well. While I knew who the bad guy was, I was still surprised at the extent of his depravity when he was discovered by Anthony along with Valiant's brothers. It was so good to revisit with Valiant's brothers and their wives and see how they were all going. I highly recommend this whole series.
January 8, 2019
“He’d never be what she’d consider ‘good,’ and he was never inclined to lie about his nature. Therefore, he’d have to work to change her mind and get her to bend her well-developed discernment to the side. Just for him.”
Had Valiant not known him as a child, she would never have been this forward with Anthony Balfour. Had it not been Valiant, Balfour wouldn’t have even listened to her when she told him Beatrix loved his brother and everyone deserved love despite the ton’s “rules”. Did HE deserve love?
This is a very interesting book by Deborah Wilson. I like her intelligent characters set is a world where the best match that was expected often had no love involved. The plot is solid despite what some others have said. The only disappointment is that there are times when characters sound more like contemporary actors than regency “royalty”. However, I remember that this is fiction so it doesn’t spoil the series or the writing. My respect to and for Deborah Wilson remains intact. Highly recommended 5/5
Had Valiant not known him as a child, she would never have been this forward with Anthony Balfour. Had it not been Valiant, Balfour wouldn’t have even listened to her when she told him Beatrix loved his brother and everyone deserved love despite the ton’s “rules”. Did HE deserve love?
This is a very interesting book by Deborah Wilson. I like her intelligent characters set is a world where the best match that was expected often had no love involved. The plot is solid despite what some others have said. The only disappointment is that there are times when characters sound more like contemporary actors than regency “royalty”. However, I remember that this is fiction so it doesn’t spoil the series or the writing. My respect to and for Deborah Wilson remains intact. Highly recommended 5/5
January 16, 2019
I may have said each one is my favorite so far. I love them all. These are all very quick reads that keep you stuck with your head in the book until you finish. Well they have been for me. I love this one. A tad steamer than the others....but still completely appropriate and it's not just your run of the mill gratuitous sex, it really goes with the characters. He's....well....very well educated on the subject. She just isn't...even for a widow. And he uses that to his advantage. But still this is clearly written by a Christian and though this isn't a Christian themed series, you can tell the author cares to keep it clean while keeping anyone interested. While I say it's steamy it's not inappropriate. However for the time period it's set, he'd have been extremely inappropriate. Which frankly in our day makes him just funny. And his character isn't known for humor. I had a feeling it was going to be him. I'm very glad it was. I won't give anything away. Just read it and find out. You'll be happy you did. I hope the "Last Duke" isn't the last book.
December 3, 2019
My kingdom for an editor. Ugh
So, I enjoy this series. There are a lot of good character builds and the situations are interesting and well-written. It's essentially clean romance...but not. Now, I have no issue with clean historical romance; Jane Austen is a personal fav. The issue I have with these books is that it isn't fully clean. There is enough build up that there should be a payoff of some type. It doesn't have to be hyper graphical, but if you're going to describe a lot of passionate events, then you need to bring the passion to a culmination for the reader, IMHO. Otherwise, stick to thoughts and kissing and sweet romance. Know what I mean? It's one foot on each side of the fence, and besides a serious need for an editor on every one of these, it's the thing that drives me most crazy about this series.
As for this book, it's really a 3.5. I was super looking forward to this man's story and it should have been way more awesome than it was. It has a TON of potential but, as with the other books, leaves me wanting. Very frustrating!
So, I enjoy this series. There are a lot of good character builds and the situations are interesting and well-written. It's essentially clean romance...but not. Now, I have no issue with clean historical romance; Jane Austen is a personal fav. The issue I have with these books is that it isn't fully clean. There is enough build up that there should be a payoff of some type. It doesn't have to be hyper graphical, but if you're going to describe a lot of passionate events, then you need to bring the passion to a culmination for the reader, IMHO. Otherwise, stick to thoughts and kissing and sweet romance. Know what I mean? It's one foot on each side of the fence, and besides a serious need for an editor on every one of these, it's the thing that drives me most crazy about this series.
As for this book, it's really a 3.5. I was super looking forward to this man's story and it should have been way more awesome than it was. It has a TON of potential but, as with the other books, leaves me wanting. Very frustrating!
February 13, 2019
A womanizing duke, Anthony, falls for Valiant. The question is, will she be receptive to him after her first husband died while being unfaithful. An exciting turn of events leads Anthony on a quest to find some missing royals that he had been accused of murdering and return them home to clear his name. I found Anthony and Valiant’s relationship very entertaining. Valiant’s brothers were extremely overprotective but that was a sign of a close knit family who cares for their own. I especially appreciated the HEA at the end which was most satisfying and left a smile on my face when I finished the book.
January 3, 2019
This is definitely worth the read.
This is a definite love story with a little bit of spice and a lot of mystery. This story is very well coordinated with all the characters. The main characters have difficulties over coming their past. It takes them a long time, especially the female character, to see their real future and what it can hold for them. They have to overcome many obstacles and twists and turns to get there. A very well written book. Looking forward to the next one by Deborah Wilson.
This is a definite love story with a little bit of spice and a lot of mystery. This story is very well coordinated with all the characters. The main characters have difficulties over coming their past. It takes them a long time, especially the female character, to see their real future and what it can hold for them. They have to overcome many obstacles and twists and turns to get there. A very well written book. Looking forward to the next one by Deborah Wilson.
January 4, 2019
I love this series and this book is no exception. Valiant is the last of the Curbain a close knit family. This her story about how she sets out to find a wife for the Duke of Castelle, but he wants her and things don't go as planned as she starts to fall for him, but each has secrets and demons of their owns to handle. This story has a mystery, twists, turns , wonderful characters and the plot will keep you turning the page to see what will unfold next. Recommend all of the books in this series.
January 5, 2019
Another wonderful book in the life of the Curbain Family. This is Valiant's story. This is an action adventure murder mystery mixed with the difficult romance between Valiant and Anthony. There are a lot of dark secrets, plenty of twists and turns in the story and an excellent plot with awesome subplots. This is not a boring story. It will keep you glued to each page, keep your attention and completely have you engaged into the story. Real feeling, real emotions, sensational characters that are so realistic. This is a must read. You will not be disappointed.
January 8, 2019
Valiant and Anthony
Calling in a debt. Lady Valiant always tries to see the best in people but even Anthony will tax her ability to keep a cheerful face when he decides to call in her debt.
Anthony is the Duke of Cartelle with a dangerous reputation. He gives no quarter so people always think the worst of him.
Then one night Lady Valiant agrees to a debt that she thinks will help a family member thinking she will not lose.
This is a standalone but reading the other books helps to understand what has shaped all of the characters especially Lady Valiant up to this point.
Calling in a debt. Lady Valiant always tries to see the best in people but even Anthony will tax her ability to keep a cheerful face when he decides to call in her debt.
Anthony is the Duke of Cartelle with a dangerous reputation. He gives no quarter so people always think the worst of him.
Then one night Lady Valiant agrees to a debt that she thinks will help a family member thinking she will not lose.
This is a standalone but reading the other books helps to understand what has shaped all of the characters especially Lady Valiant up to this point.
January 8, 2019
Anthony is a man who has been accused of taking some gentleman and killing others. He was feared and though invited my the ton was not considered acceptable to marry anyone’s daughter. Valiant was getting over the death of her beloved father and her husband, who was found with his wife’s friend at there home. Two troubled souls only difference is Valiant has a loving family and Anthony has no one. I cried a lot with story even at the end. Though it has a happy ending it also has a cloud of death hanging in the end.
January 13, 2019
The Last Duke (The Valiant Love Regency Romance)
The love love story of Lady Valiant and Anthony Balfour, the Duke of Cartelle. All his life , Anthony, has been torment by other, first his father and now the Ton. Anthony kill his father and now the Ton think he is responsible for the disappearing of some lords. Anthony was to marry Lady Beatrix but she is in love with Lord Hero. Enter Lady Valiant to stop him for marry her. She tell him that she will find him a wife who love him but if she does not she will spend the night with him. Will she do it? Great story.
The love love story of Lady Valiant and Anthony Balfour, the Duke of Cartelle. All his life , Anthony, has been torment by other, first his father and now the Ton. Anthony kill his father and now the Ton think he is responsible for the disappearing of some lords. Anthony was to marry Lady Beatrix but she is in love with Lord Hero. Enter Lady Valiant to stop him for marry her. She tell him that she will find him a wife who love him but if she does not she will spend the night with him. Will she do it? Great story.
January 19, 2019
Great plot and very entertaining.
The last of the family to find true love has her second chance after her first husband dies in a housefire with another man's wife. When a duke with a reputation expresses interest in her, she makes a wager to find him a bride or spend a night with him.
He has problems of his own. Tracking down a man many think he killed. He knows he didnt , but he's found out that a number of lords have disappeared.
This book is very enjoyable, as was the whole series.
The last of the family to find true love has her second chance after her first husband dies in a housefire with another man's wife. When a duke with a reputation expresses interest in her, she makes a wager to find him a bride or spend a night with him.
He has problems of his own. Tracking down a man many think he killed. He knows he didnt , but he's found out that a number of lords have disappeared.
This book is very enjoyable, as was the whole series.
January 6, 2019
Recency Romance with a bit of spice
Wow ! This so far is my favorite book in this series. The story of Valiant, the matchmaker for everyone else. She has become a widow. Does she even want to find love? A mysterious Duke, missing Lords,murder and love. What more could you want? A page turn that us full of suspence at every turn. Book 4 in the series it can be read as a stand alone. I purchased this book and all the words in this review are strictly my own. A must read.
Wow ! This so far is my favorite book in this series. The story of Valiant, the matchmaker for everyone else. She has become a widow. Does she even want to find love? A mysterious Duke, missing Lords,murder and love. What more could you want? A page turn that us full of suspence at every turn. Book 4 in the series it can be read as a stand alone. I purchased this book and all the words in this review are strictly my own. A must read.
January 6, 2019
I am volunteering to leave a review of this ARC book. Deborah did an amazing job with The Last Duke. I fell absolutely, deeply in love with Anthony, from the beginning of the book! I do not want to give any spoilers to this amazing romance. If you are in love with this genre, have read Deborah's books before; this is a must read! If you have never read Deborah, or even this genre, read this you'll be hooked I think with the genre and the author! Fantastic. More than five stars!
January 7, 2019
Secret Bargains
Anthony hid behind a mask, feared by all as a cold hearted man and possibly killer of upper class men that have mysteriously disappeared. He had hoped to marry Beatrice but her heart was with another. Valiant made a deal in hopes of protecting her family. After the loss of her husband the Duke reminds her of their bargain. Neither realize what fate has in store or danger hangs over their heads. Love the way story unfolds.
Anthony hid behind a mask, feared by all as a cold hearted man and possibly killer of upper class men that have mysteriously disappeared. He had hoped to marry Beatrice but her heart was with another. Valiant made a deal in hopes of protecting her family. After the loss of her husband the Duke reminds her of their bargain. Neither realize what fate has in store or danger hangs over their heads. Love the way story unfolds.
January 15, 2019
The last Duke
Great read on the regency era. It was nice to see a lady stand up for the rights of a friend and a gentleman. Intriguing and fun in any sense of the way things went from moving from gentleman to ladies and back again. The fun in finding out who to trust and who not too. Read the book to find out just what happened. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
Great read on the regency era. It was nice to see a lady stand up for the rights of a friend and a gentleman. Intriguing and fun in any sense of the way things went from moving from gentleman to ladies and back again. The fun in finding out who to trust and who not too. Read the book to find out just what happened. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
March 19, 2019
i had thought this to be the last book in this series, but joyously found out the author plans to continue with Curbain friends! I loved the Curbain family and being there as it grew! This was the story of the only sister, Valiant, and how she helped bring the Duke of Cartelle, who many thought a horrible person, out of himself, to show that not only was he truly a good person, but also the person she needed to help heal her hidden wounds.
June 21, 2019
The Last Duke
Good story with a lot of interesting events. During a time when ladies had little advantages and few rights. Luckily a few ladies were able to find husbands who were understanding and reasonable. Valiant was one of the few along with her sisters-in-laws. When wives are happy then so are the husbands and also less straying by the men. This series tells of the struggles of women in this era and how much damage could be done the the "ton".
Good story with a lot of interesting events. During a time when ladies had little advantages and few rights. Luckily a few ladies were able to find husbands who were understanding and reasonable. Valiant was one of the few along with her sisters-in-laws. When wives are happy then so are the husbands and also less straying by the men. This series tells of the struggles of women in this era and how much damage could be done the the "ton".
January 8, 2019
Wow
Just the love story I was looking for. Mystery, suspense, thriller, love, honor, and loyalty is what you will find in The Last Duke. Every story I this series gets better and better. I love reading all of the character developments and how strong family bonds could and should be.
Just the love story I was looking for. Mystery, suspense, thriller, love, honor, and loyalty is what you will find in The Last Duke. Every story I this series gets better and better. I love reading all of the character developments and how strong family bonds could and should be.
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