The Accidental Duke: An Uncommon Gentleman Novel

by Sandra Schehl

David has loved Clarissa forever. Raised together in the same household, their fathers having died tragically before they were born, they share a common bond. But as David was born a Duke, and Clarissa was born to service, his mother has made it clear there will be no future for them. Brokenhearted, David exiles himself to London for years to avoid further temptation.When the Duchess becomes seriously ill, she sends Clarissa to retrieve her errant son and bring him back to manage the family estate. However, not everyone is anxious for David’s return. A series of harrowing incidents occur, that make it clear that someone does not want David to fulfill his rightful role as Duke. Soon, they are embroiled in a plot of power and deceit neither of them expected but must face head-on if they want any chance at a life together.

317 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 17, 2020

About the author

Sandra Schehl combines her passion for writing, history and romance. Happily married to Doug and “mom” to an assortment of furry creatures, she's an avid board game player, film festival follower, and coffee house connoisseur.

Reviews

[E.D. Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A compelling story that made this a quick read. I'm looking forward to reading more books in this series.

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mother or maid

David has been raised as a Duke and told by his mother Clarissa is beneath him! David mother is dying and Clarissa arrives to bring him home! They are brutally attacked and Clarissa injured! Secrets have a way of coming out and when they do all hell breaks loose! Will David live for a HEA? I enjoyed this authors intriguing writing style you think you know the story but it is unexpected and fascinating!!!

[Leslie Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read after a long day. Good story that keeps you in it til the end. Give me more like this Sandra Schehl.

[Kate Bauer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whether you read historical romance or not hive this one a chance.

I must admit that historical romance is not usually in my reading habits these days, yet I found myself hooked onto this story. I had to find out what happened to these two, and that is the mark of a good story no matter the genre. The romance between these two does have misunderstandings which is usually not a trope that I enjoy, but that is mostly as backstory and the romance in the end makes up for it. Overall, I really enjoyed it and finished it in one day.

[maya · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Accidental Duke is a heartfelt Regency romance that blends slow-burn longing with intrigue and danger. Sandra Schehl crafts a compelling friends-to-lovers story rooted in class divide, duty, and devotion, while layering in suspense that keeps the plot moving. David and Clarissa’s shared history adds emotional depth, and the threats surrounding David’s return as Duke raise the stakes beautifully. A satisfying mix of romance, mystery, and perseverance, this novel will appeal to readers who enjoy tender love stories tested by power, prejudice, and fate.

[Doreen Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Good, Exciting Story

I enjoyed this interesting love story. There was danger and excitement from start to finish and, in amongst that, there was the love story of Duke David and Clarissa. David was the duke and Clarissa was his mother's companion but they had been brought up together since the day they were born. David's uncle was determined to take over the dukedom and did not mind how many were killed in his efforts to become Duke. There were secrets, bribery, threats and numerous murders before David and Clarissa were able to consider marriage. A good story.

[Kitty Gattino · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was looking for some diversion from the outside world, just something to decompress with and I found this series, An Uncommon Gentleman. I loved Ms. Schehl's 1st book. I found the plot very exciting and the way she weaved the story, it was very hard for me to put the book down! The characters were appealing and interesting to me, especially the women in the story. I liked the setting of the book, most of it took place in the English countryside. I plan on reading the next 2.

[Kennedy Sutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm trying to branch out and read some new things this year. This is my first regency romance and I enjoyed it. It felt like an episode of Bridgerton but with more murderous intent. I really enjoyed the duke. He was such a dreamy gentleman. I am less a fan of Clarissa, but it's not her fault she's a lady of her genre! I appreciate her devotion, though, despite her delicate sensibilities.

This was a fun love story that wasn't too long and had the happy ending I was rooting for.

[Kelly Evert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. I liked the twist and turns in the plot and the interesting characters. There are a couple of strong female characters in this story which I appreciate in historical fiction books. I enjoyed the period of time the book was set in as well as the use of the English countryside. I plan on looking for more books to read on this author.

[Cherie Melbourne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Accidental Duke

I have a soft spot for period stories and have my favourite authors that I reliably read. This is a first read of a Sandra Schehl story for me and bar the poor editing, it was an enjoyable read. It was easy to like the characters and the story kept flowing. A fitting HEA for David and Clarissa.

[Makenzie Ciner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book if you are new to historical fiction. I don't typically read historical fiction so I found it a nice bridge between my normal genre and this one. I deeply enjoyed how although the politics of the time were still part of the story itself, it didn't take away from the main love story. Looking forward to reading the other books by this author in the future!

[Queensley Snipes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is a beautiful blend of forbidden romance and simmering intrigue. The lifelong connection between David and Clarissa is tender and heartbreaking, and the class divide adds real emotional tension. The mystery surrounding the threats against David keeps the plot moving while the romance remains at the heart of the story.

[Maureen Shigeno · Rating 4 out of 5]

great plot

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the story. It has a great plot line; so many twists and turns to keep you entertained. I enjoyed it immensely and can’t wait to start on book 2.

[Mimi Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was recommended by a friend and although Romance is not my usual genre, it was a fun read. The characters were relatable and not over-the-top. There was a twist that I surprisingly did not see coming.