His Duchess in Disguise

by Emma Linfield

A mysterious maid. A secret. A terrible choice...

Groomed to be her estranged father’s ticket to social ascent, Miss Emma Hoskins lives in a cage. When her father, Lord Calber, announces that he bet and lost her hand in marriage to a heinous man, she does the first thing that comes to mind. She flees.

There are few things Leo Brady dislikes and being Duke of Menhiransten is at the very top of his list. Especially when hiring a new maid nearly lands him in the grave.

Accused of kidnapping Emma by the man hunting her, Leo is willing to do anything to protect her. Even dig up the most painful aspects of his past.

As they quickly realize, crashing a wedding is not nearly enough. The only way to unmask the greatest treason London has ever seen is by staying apart forever.

Genres: Historical Romance

448 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 26, 2019

About the author

Emma Linfield has always been passionate about historical romances. Ever fascinated with the world of Regency England and being utmost inspired by Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer’s work, she decided she wanted to write her own stories. Stories of love and tradition being mixed in the most appealing way for every hopeless romantic, much like herself.

Born and raised in Southern California, Emma Linfield has a degree in Creative Writing and English Literature, and she has been working as a freelance writer for the past 10 years. When she isn’t writing, Emma loves spending her time with her own prince charming and two beautiful children, all the while enjoying the famous Californian sun and ocean.

So, hop on to this exciting journey of Dukes, Earls and true love with Emma and find pleasure in the old fashioned world of Regency - an Era of pure romance, elegance and high fashion!

(Source: Official Website)

Reviews

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent writing, I enjoyed reading this book. It begins with a rather naive main character who flees her father before being forced into a marriage she does not want. (A bit trope but the shenanigans that ensue are better.) Her travels are interesting, though rather short, and show her mettle as a lady. I find I enjoyed how she named the animals she came across, and Rags was without a doubt my favorite character, as no story can be complete without an animal companion. She then finds herself employed in the Dukes household, with which she has a small amount of experience in a rather short time as the Duke begins to take notice of her. Going forward, more shenanigans ensue and a romance is born. The romance seemed to form rather abruptly, but it was done alright. The finale of the book was interesting, but rather unsatisfying, nonetheless it was sweet and an interesting enough read as I branch into the world of regency novels. Overall 4 out of 5 stars.

[Cindy C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an enjoyable read! His Duchess in Disquise has amazing  characters that are believable and easy to relate to. Each and every character came to life and you find yourself drawn into their story The plot lines kept me glued to this book; I did not put it down. All the characters have wonderful personalities and they become very endearing as the story progresses. Emma Linfield's stories are always interesting and allows a reader to imagine themselves as one of the characters. Leo and Emma find a sweet romance filled with drama, adventure, kidnapping, trials and tribulations, make this one outstanding read that you won't want to miss. It hooked me from the start and kept me turning the pages to the very end. An outstanding

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miss Emma Hoskins a daring debutante in danger who was the only child of Baron Calber. Gilbert Hoskins is a gambling drunken wastrel of a father who lost Emma's hand in marriage in a card game to the Earl of Cleweme. Percy Harlow Earl of Cleweme a sinister treasonous villainous man with machinations of wedding Emma. Leo Brady is a noble gallant sea admiral now the new Duke of Menhiransten and Emma's auspicious sentinel and staunch defender. Suffering from neglect her whole life, Emma has had to make do with the pittance doweled out by her absent father. She is an amazing young woman of nine and ten. Because of her father's gambling misfortunes, he let go most of the staff. Mrs. Able the housekeeper taught Emma to mend and sew. Eventually Emma could make her own clothes. She even helped in the kitchen or where ever else she was needed in the house. Mrs. Able was as close as a mother Emma would ever have after losing her own when she was born. A fact her father resented and shunned her for. Mr. Jones the stable master had a close relationship with Emma. He was like the uncle she always wanted. He taught her to ride and other useful things. Mrs. Able and Mr. Jones practically raised Emma as their own. To lose them would have devastated Emma. Emma did have a loving Aunt Alicia, her mother's sister, who looked out for her and took out socially. When the Baron advised Emma, he lost her hand in marriage to the Earl of Cleweme, Emma was horrified. She knew who he was, had heard the rumors and was warned against him by her aunt and a trusted friend of hers. In her rage she raised her voice to her father and adamantly refusal the Earl's proposal and her father in his cups struck her across the face. Shocked she ran to her room and plotted her escape. Emma never had been on her own before did not fear it. At midnight she slipped away in the night. At daylight when the stores opened, she sold everything she owned of worth for traveling money. She saved an old horse from being beaten and bought her. She, Beauty the horse and her precious rag lapdog Rags embarked on an adventure. Somehow Emma braved the elements, slept in uncomfortable situations, luckily avoided danger and met a young rapscallion named Robbie who took her to Menhiransten Manor for a possible job as a scullery maid. At least she would have a roof over her head and hot meals. She became endeared to all she worked with. What she lacked in experience she made up with head strong enthusiasm. She was happy to find a safe haven away from her father and away from the Earl. Within a short time, the Duke and his Captain uncovered quite by accident her real identity. They decided to keep it to themselves for now. The Duke knew Putrid Percy and swore to safe guard Emma from him and her father. This is the part of the story where the action picks up, a reward for information on the kidnapped Emma appeared in the paper. But this was only the beginning of the troubles to face Emma and Leo. An exciting read and a wonderful extended epilogue. Do not pass this book by. It is great entertainment and a surprising eye-opening ending. I do recommend it.

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

ONE FIERY ADVENTURE!!!
Shock and awe baby! Emma swooped in and blasted this explosive, page flipping dynamo into one incredible experience. She manipulates her words as skillfully as a surgeon wields his scalpel as chaos and mayhem set the pace for a bevy of shenanigans. Drama, uncertainty, danger and electrifying suspense rocks this baby to the core. Toss in intrigue, treason and a slew of secrets and you have one nail-biting, heart pounding, adrenaline pumping ride that blazes this baby together one piece at a time. An enthralling storyline and gripping plot blasts this baby to life flawlessly. You feel everything the characters feel, becoming a part of the story instead of a bystander. Their personalities are well matched as the revelations are revealed in all their splendid wonder. The characters are authentic, original and realistic with such depth and individuality it's easy to relate. The scenes are so descriptive and detailed it's easy to interpret each scenario, propelling this jewel to life colorfully. Remarkable job Emma, thanks for sharing this little guy with us.

[Christiane Robillard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing & suspenseful

Really enjoyed this book. Although the basic storyline was a common one (Lady Emma is being forced to marry an evil man so runs away and becomes a maid in Duke Leo’s household), nevertheless there are many subplots which make for a suspenseful and intriguing story. The characters are sufficiently developed so as to enable the reader to identify and empathize with them. They are realistically portrayed and very likeable. The dialogue is entertaining and fitting. There were several typos and some grammatical errors. I notice American writers seem to confuse « older » and « elder ». One refers to birth order, the other to age. They are not synonymous. For instance, « she is the elder sister » « she is older than I ». Apart from that, this story is engaging and adventurous. Great read.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma has given us another awesome read!! One with adventure, intrigue, suspense, distrust, romance. Emma's father, Lord Calber bet her in a card game and lost her hand in marriage to a heinous man. She knows about this man and refuses to marry him. She decides to run away during the night. Where will Emma go? How will she earn a living? What will become of her? The twists and turns will keep you turning pages as fast as you can. Characters are fleshed out. Plot is well thought out, story is very well written. The writing is so descriptive you will feel like you are right there with Emma. You can visualize the story.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book from the author and I'm voluntarily posting a review. My opinion is entirely my own.

[Doreen Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story. It is well-written. Lady Emma's father was in debt and offered Emma's hand in marriage to clear the debt. Emma did not want to marry the awful Earl of Cleweme so she refused and her father hit her. Emma ran away and, after some struggles, she found a post at the home of Duke Leo. She gave a false name and worked hard in the household but eventually her secret was discovered. Leo offered to marry her to protect her from the Earl. However, the Earl did not want to lose his chance of marrying an heiress. Will Leo be able to keep Emma safe? Read on and enjoy. I liked Leo's supportive attitude to his staff and villagers.

[Space Cowgirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adventures In Regencyland💞🔫🔪

A Runaway🏃 Bride👰. A don't wannabe Duke🐺 who hasta be! A creepy Earl👺🔫🔪 who is a kidnapper and will kill for power and money💰. Coach🐎 crashes and gunfire🔫! Cheeky exchanges between the Duke🐺 and his lady love, Emma💃. A heroic rescue! This book has it all!

ARC Received from Bookfunnel 🌀
I also got this ebook with KU.

This book is long and involved but it has a lot of exciting scenes to keep the reader entertained all the way through. Happy Ending Guaranteed!

[Martha B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Sweet and Clean Regency Romance

While Admiral Leo Brady was settling under the mantel of the Duke of Menhiransten, Miss Emma Hoskins was fleeing London with her little dog Rags. What happens next is at the substance of His Duchess in Disguises by Emma Linfield.

This sweet and very clean period romance is an entertaining read with an interesting plot and likable characters. Although a bit long, the ending is happy and both the epilogue and extended epilogue are smile-worthy.

Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book from the author. I am voluntarily submitting my honest review.

[Dalletta Olena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma is a fiesty, determined and independent thinking young woman. When faced with the result of her father's irresponsible gambling, she takes it upon herself to disappear. Her adventure leads her to an estate, where she finds food, shelter and an handsome Lord. This book is full of expected twists and turns, and is great fun to read. Ms. Linfield knows her genre well, and creates believable characters.

[Nessa]

DNF.

I LIKED THE POTENTIAL IDEA OF IT, BUT BEING SO USED TO READING MORE PASSIONATE ROMANCES AND THIS ONE SCREAMED CLEAN...I DIDN'T FIND THE ROMANCE ENGAGING EVEN IN THE BEGINNING. WITH 50 CHAPTERS, WHEN I MADE IT TO 20+ AND THEY STILL HAVEN'T INTERACTED MUCH, I JUST HAD TO MOVE ON TO SOMETHING MORE UP MY ALLEY.

[alfawolf1 ~Sherri K · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Lady Emma Hoskins' father bets and loses her hand in marriage to Percy Harlow, the horrible Earl of Cleweme, she runs away. She is taken in as a maid in Admiral Leo Brady's estate. Secrets abound, mischief and danger are around every corner. The characters and setting are so well described! You must read this wonderful book by Emma Linfield!

[Catherine Tijerina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma has succeeded in a very interesting storyline. It has lots of action including adventure, romance, betrayal, etc. . Leo and Emma find each other after she runs away from a very undesirable brute. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in a good read. I received this ARC in exchange for a voluntary honest review which I have freely written here.

[Kim · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two second Tom

For anyone who has seen the movie, 50 first dates, you'll understand what two second Tom means.
It was ridiculous how often the characters seemed surprised by information they were previously told. Memory was apparently an issue.
Emma, she was a bit to bratty for me, and slightly dimwitted.
Leo was ok, if not a slight pushover.

[Elizabeth M. Nisotis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun read!

I couldn’t put this story down. I enjoyed the characters as they moved through the plot. Lots of good action and even some good suspense. Had a few good laughs, too. I would have liked to know how Percy ended up, though. All in all, a fun read.

[JackEllena · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very enjoyable historical romance

Strong women and strong kind men make good subjects for good stories. This book has all the elements for that good story. I gladly recommend this book to any romantic reader. I really did enjoy reading reading itself, thank you, Jack.

[Linda Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! Could hardly put it down from start to finish! Will not go into it further so as not to reveal any content, but a brilliantly written novel that will hold your interest from beginning to end. I loved it and Emma Linfield does not disappoint!

[Sandra B. Culbertson]

Delightful

A thoroughly delightful Regency novel. This story held my attention from beginning to end. Crisp character and situation descriptions by this author resulted in a riveting read!

[Tom Prejsner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romance

Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novels series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you

[Karen Cash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soul mates

Leo and Emma are much alike. Was happy to read the extended epilogue and see into their lives. Good triumphs over evil.

[Phylis Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

An awesome book entertaining, captivating and interesting read with kidnapping, betrayal and deceit. I could not put it down. Wonderfully written with strong, intriguing characters.

[Hollylovesbooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars!
Really great romance.

[Hu EzRa 🐾🐾 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast paced. Enjoyed the romance.