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Breaking the Marriage Rules #1
Beguiling the Duke
Can an impoverished orphan
…ever marry a duke?
Penniless American Rosie Smith will do anything for her wealthy guardian’s daughter. She’d even save her friend from a marriage of convenience with a stuffy Englishman by posing as the heiress! Her plan to put off the duke backfires beneath his stiff formality is a hardworking and amusing man. Too late Rosie is falling for Alexander—only he has no idea who she really is…
…ever marry a duke?
Penniless American Rosie Smith will do anything for her wealthy guardian’s daughter. She’d even save her friend from a marriage of convenience with a stuffy Englishman by posing as the heiress! Her plan to put off the duke backfires beneath his stiff formality is a hardworking and amusing man. Too late Rosie is falling for Alexander—only he has no idea who she really is…
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2019
11 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
Eva Shepherd
81 books24 followersAfter graduating with degrees in history and political science, Eva Shepherd worked in journalism and as an advertising copywriter.
She began writing historical romances because it combines her love of a happy ending with her passion for history.
She lives in Christchurch New Zealand, but spends her days immersed in the world of late Victorian England.
She began writing historical romances because it combines her love of a happy ending with her passion for history.
She lives in Christchurch New Zealand, but spends her days immersed in the world of late Victorian England.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 9, 2019
A very good history, witty and romantic. If this is her first book, I'm waiting for the next one
October 12, 2019
『💍
2 stars
💍』The writing wasn’t bad but it wasn’t very engaging either. I never felt excitement waiting for what was going to happen next. And the characters didn’t help much either. 𝕬𝖑𝖊𝖝𝖆𝖓𝖉𝖊𝖗 was kind of bland; I think that’s the word to describe him. 𝕽𝖔𝖘𝖎𝖊 was portrayed, at first,—and she even sees herself—as a “strong and resourceful woman”. The truth is she was more like a childish and clueless little 𝑔𝒾𝓇𝓁. I wanted to read this book because I like the pretend-to-be-someone-else trope so at first I found Rosie’s antics to deter The Knightsbrooks from wanting to marry her friend Arabella to the Duke, funny. However, with time it got old and became childish. And then the “romance” started and things got worse. First, this happened in just two days so it was hard for me to believe it. After Alexander makes it clear he has no plans of marrying ´her’, they began to get close and they even share some things like why he doesn’t want to marry. Yes, because a girl who lied to him. So you see, they are attracted to each other…I can believe that! But then she starts to think about how she was falling in-love with him and paragraphs below she even say the “L” word. Sorry, I can’t with that. Anyway, Rosie then begins to live in a delusional world where everything would be fixed when she tells Alexander the truth about her not being the real Arabella. The whole time I was like
Girl! Didn’t you hear? He hates lies.
She thought the only problem could be she not being an heiress but like Alexander didn’t care about the money or titles he would be alright with what she did. Yeah, he doesn’t care about that but it never crossed her mind that he would hate she lied? It was a bit unnerving reading this part.In the end things get solved pretty quick and everyone was happy. Maybe, this was an it’s-not-you-it’s-me book. I have to say I didn’t get much historical feeling from the story, I’m not an expert but…October 28, 2019
An engaging read I especially loved the author's ability to skilfully portray her characters: their thoughts, expressions and actions! England late 1800's wealth, titles, social etiquette, picturesque imagery of the surrounds, estate and countryside with farming challenges then London the Savoy and Gaiety Theatre starring Lillie Langtry makes an interesting setting for the denouement!
An impressive talent, I look forward to her next book!!
An impressive talent, I look forward to her next book!!
November 1, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait to read the next installment.
November 19, 2019
This book was a good read and funny with interesting characters.
October 25, 2019
Love it!!!
June 12, 2020
I was given this book to read as part of a contest, but based on the blurb I would have picked it up for myself. I went into the story really wanting to like it, but found myself feeling frustrated more than anything.
The premise is one we’ve seen before - a bit of mistaken identity gone wrong, massive apologies, the two loverbirds decide if they can be happy. The story line and plot are the strong points here.
The characters have their moments, but seem to be the weak link. I enjoyed Alexander - he has a modern thought process, is honorable, and holds himself accountable. I had a harder time with Rosie - for someone with her background, she was very flippant about the feelings of others, even when called to the carpet, she didn’t seem to fully understand her actions. There were times when she seemed mature and likeable, but then she’d act like a child who didn’t get what she wanted.
Overall, this was a decent read. I was pulled in enough to want to see how the charade would be exposed and how all would be resolved, but I’m not sure if this is an author I’ll be seeking out again.
The premise is one we’ve seen before - a bit of mistaken identity gone wrong, massive apologies, the two loverbirds decide if they can be happy. The story line and plot are the strong points here.
The characters have their moments, but seem to be the weak link. I enjoyed Alexander - he has a modern thought process, is honorable, and holds himself accountable. I had a harder time with Rosie - for someone with her background, she was very flippant about the feelings of others, even when called to the carpet, she didn’t seem to fully understand her actions. There were times when she seemed mature and likeable, but then she’d act like a child who didn’t get what she wanted.
Overall, this was a decent read. I was pulled in enough to want to see how the charade would be exposed and how all would be resolved, but I’m not sure if this is an author I’ll be seeking out again.
June 28, 2020
I received a free copy of this book, but this review is an honest expression of my thoughts and not related to how I acquired a copy. Although I generally love romance books, I don't often read historical romances. Well ... Beguiling the Duke may have made me change my habits.
I thoroughly enjoyed the setting and the rounded characters. There are implicit requirements of any historical drama in that the vocabulary and cadence of the dialogue must fit with the time, as must the ambience and lifestyle – all of which were 'spot on' as far as I could tell. My one concern, if concern is the right word, is that the surname of the duke's family seemed a little off to me, the duke being the eighth in his long line. But I thought that names that started with Fitz-(another name) derived from a naming protocol that meant bastard child of —, in which case presumably they couldn't inherit. Maybe? I don't know. Anyway, the choice of family name in no way detracted from an excellent story.
As far as the romance was concerned, Eva Shepherd achieved exactly the right balance between blossoming love and an ever-increasing impossible situation where you just knew it would all go horribly wrong before reaching the HEA. The way that she wrote these little twists into the story worked so naturally that I couldn't imagine it happening any other way, despite being surprised at certain points.
If you like romance, and you're not averse to historicals, I'd strongly recommend this lovely promenade through England's elite pastures. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.
I thoroughly enjoyed the setting and the rounded characters. There are implicit requirements of any historical drama in that the vocabulary and cadence of the dialogue must fit with the time, as must the ambience and lifestyle – all of which were 'spot on' as far as I could tell. My one concern, if concern is the right word, is that the surname of the duke's family seemed a little off to me, the duke being the eighth in his long line. But I thought that names that started with Fitz-(another name) derived from a naming protocol that meant bastard child of —, in which case presumably they couldn't inherit. Maybe? I don't know. Anyway, the choice of family name in no way detracted from an excellent story.
As far as the romance was concerned, Eva Shepherd achieved exactly the right balance between blossoming love and an ever-increasing impossible situation where you just knew it would all go horribly wrong before reaching the HEA. The way that she wrote these little twists into the story worked so naturally that I couldn't imagine it happening any other way, despite being surprised at certain points.
If you like romance, and you're not averse to historicals, I'd strongly recommend this lovely promenade through England's elite pastures. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.
July 20, 2020
I received a review copy of this book, but I would have picked it up anyway as I love reading historical romance. Eva Shepherd has done an excellent job of evoking the period. The story was a fun read, with engaging characters and a satisfying ending.
I look forward to reading more of Eva's novels.
I look forward to reading more of Eva's novels.
October 18, 2020
I loved this story of love. Eva has skilfully portrayed her characters: their thoughts, expressions and actions! England late 1800's wealth, titles, social etiquette, estates and countrysides. London’s Savoy Hotel and Gaiety Theatre with the introduction of electricity for lighting.
An impressive writer!! I recommend that everyone give this book a read. I look forward to her next book!!
An impressive writer!! I recommend that everyone give this book a read. I look forward to her next book!!
January 2, 2020
I loved it. A good read.
February 27, 2020
Loved the twists and turns in this plot. A satisfying read set in the era of Downton Abbey.
August 18, 2020
Brilliant premise! I love a false identity story and this one dove right in the deep end from the first page. Really funny in places, heartwarming in others, and with a fantastic wee twist at the end. Highly recommend!!
March 25, 2021
I enjoyed reading the story of Alexander and Rosie. An easy read for the evening, it gives one the perfected mood for a good sleep.
August 19, 2021
Rosie Smith is penniless and always willing to help her wealthy guardian's daughter, her friend. She takes her friend's place and tries to ensure that the marriage alliance that has been worked out between the Earl, Alexander and her friend won't happen. The only problem is that she's starting to fall for the Earl and she's not sure that he will believe her change and the truth about her.
found this a lot of fun with good strong characters
found this a lot of fun with good strong characters
January 1, 2020
I loved this book. There was a real physicality to the characters experienced their emotions. And a good sense of fun to the writing. I highly recommend it.
April 4, 2021
DNF
The concept of this book was pretty good and the characters had potential. I just felt that Shepherd didn't have even close to a full book's worth of material. She kept repeating the same monologues over and over again, making it all incredibly boring. When I started skipping big chunks and realized that I hadn't missed anything, I decided to put it down.
The concept of this book was pretty good and the characters had potential. I just felt that Shepherd didn't have even close to a full book's worth of material. She kept repeating the same monologues over and over again, making it all incredibly boring. When I started skipping big chunks and realized that I hadn't missed anything, I decided to put it down.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews