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The Dukes' Ladies #9
A Daring Captain for Her Loyal Heart
Τhe heart knows no boundaries when it comes to love... and his chose her.
No other man has been shrouded by rumors and mystery as much as Lieutenant Christopher Hardwicke. Reckless, mischievous, scoundrel. But the rumors are hardly ever true: his heart has always belonged to one girl, and one girl alone - a lady so far above his station that society dictates he should never dare hope for her.
But Christopher is not prone to ever giving up. And this lady is worth going to war for.
No other woman has been accompanied by rumors and scandal as much as Lady Juliana Reffern. Arrogant, whimsical, the girl who dared break an engagement. But a scandal is hardly ever fair: her heart has always remained true, given to the dashing soldier she can’t forget – a man who she patiently waits for, a rock that resists the oncoming tides of society’s expectations.
But her family has had enough. And this time, Juliana may not succeed in thwarting another marriage.
Now, Christopher and Juliana will have to race against the clock, to earn the redemption that might be their last chance to a future. But this road is full of obstacles, and the most dangerous of them are those that are hidden just below the surface…
No other man has been shrouded by rumors and mystery as much as Lieutenant Christopher Hardwicke. Reckless, mischievous, scoundrel. But the rumors are hardly ever true: his heart has always belonged to one girl, and one girl alone - a lady so far above his station that society dictates he should never dare hope for her.
But Christopher is not prone to ever giving up. And this lady is worth going to war for.
No other woman has been accompanied by rumors and scandal as much as Lady Juliana Reffern. Arrogant, whimsical, the girl who dared break an engagement. But a scandal is hardly ever fair: her heart has always remained true, given to the dashing soldier she can’t forget – a man who she patiently waits for, a rock that resists the oncoming tides of society’s expectations.
But her family has had enough. And this time, Juliana may not succeed in thwarting another marriage.
Now, Christopher and Juliana will have to race against the clock, to earn the redemption that might be their last chance to a future. But this road is full of obstacles, and the most dangerous of them are those that are hidden just below the surface…
631 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 24, 2019
268 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
Abby Ayles
141 books704 followersAbby Ayles was born in the northern city of Manchester, England, but currently lives in Charleston, South Carolina, with her husband and their three cats. She holds a Master’s degree in History and Arts and worked as a history teacher in middle school.
Her greatest interest lies in the era of Regency and Victorian England and Abby shares her love and knowledge of these periods with many readers in her newsletter.
In addition to this she has also written her first romantic novel, The Duke's Secrets, which is set in the era and is available for free on her website. As one reader commented – ‘Abby’s writing makes you travel back in time…’
When she has time to herself, Abby enjoys going to the theatre, reading and watching documentaries about Regency and Victorian England.
Her greatest interest lies in the era of Regency and Victorian England and Abby shares her love and knowledge of these periods with many readers in her newsletter.
In addition to this she has also written her first romantic novel, The Duke's Secrets, which is set in the era and is available for free on her website. As one reader commented – ‘Abby’s writing makes you travel back in time…’
When she has time to herself, Abby enjoys going to the theatre, reading and watching documentaries about Regency and Victorian England.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
January 4, 2020
Features a hero who has no spine.
Bad enough that he isn't mad at his so-called friend who tried to ruin the hero's own sister!.. he also has no backbone when he should do the honorable thing and not destroy a man's life!!
Pretty disappointing hero therefore...
Can't say the heroine is any better with her arrogance ...
Bad enough that he isn't mad at his so-called friend who tried to ruin the hero's own sister!.. he also has no backbone when he should do the honorable thing and not destroy a man's life!!
Pretty disappointing hero therefore...
Can't say the heroine is any better with her arrogance ...
September 5, 2019
A sweet and lovely romance about a second son that is a lieutenant finds and falls in love with a Lady. He has to prove that he is worthy of courting and marrying her. Through his struggles, he proves himself as he rises through the ranks to win her stepfather's and mother's approval. They marry and have two children and she learns to live in his sphere.
It is entertaining amd is well written.
It is entertaining amd is well written.
August 24, 2020
Well done Ms Ayles!
Well done Ms Ayles! This was a very engrossing tale. I loved the characters. Each of them were unique and well described. I found I related to Juliana even though I have never met anyone like her. Her perseverance waiting for the man she loved gave her a strength of character that she otherwise may not have learned. And Christopher! What woman wouldn’t want a man like him? Long suffering and firmly dedicated to winning Juliana’s hand in spite of the hard trials he had to endure. I thought of Isaac and Rebecca in the Old Testament and how long it took him to win her as his wife. This book has become an inspiration to me. I actually found happy tears in my eyes toward the end. I would heartily recommend this book.
Well done Ms Ayles! This was a very engrossing tale. I loved the characters. Each of them were unique and well described. I found I related to Juliana even though I have never met anyone like her. Her perseverance waiting for the man she loved gave her a strength of character that she otherwise may not have learned. And Christopher! What woman wouldn’t want a man like him? Long suffering and firmly dedicated to winning Juliana’s hand in spite of the hard trials he had to endure. I thought of Isaac and Rebecca in the Old Testament and how long it took him to win her as his wife. This book has become an inspiration to me. I actually found happy tears in my eyes toward the end. I would heartily recommend this book.
October 25, 2024
Christopher and Juliana are not the main characters I wanted. Christopher has absolutely no spine. The way he allowed Jasper to get away with almost ruining his sister is despicable. He doesn't hold jasper accountable and should have, especially for this time period. Then, he's gullible and allows himself to be lead around. He doesn't fight for Juliana like he should. She isn't much better. She is so arrogant and I couldn't stand her attitude. She annoyed me the entire book. This could have been shorter. I'm disappointed since I was actually looking forward to Christopher's story.
October 12, 2020
Great book
I enjoyed this book very much and would recommend it too others. Can’t wait to read more of your books. They bring me right into the era
I enjoyed this book very much and would recommend it too others. Can’t wait to read more of your books. They bring me right into the era
August 10, 2021
I like this story. This story wad about a couple. Who love each other but her parents thought he was not good enough. There was many obstacles in their path to be able to be together.
February 17, 2020
A Daring Captain for her Loyal Heart is a well-written Regence romance filled with a magnificent cast of engaging characters. Christopher and Juliana are so well developed you feel every emotion that they are feeling throughout the story and become very endearing as the story progresses. Abby Ayles book was more than just a great story, it was an awesome love story and a great adventure as well. It hooked me from the start and kept me turning the pages to the very end. It's a sweet story of love, longing, adventure, family trials, with twists and turns. Remarkable emotions, and unforgettable characters. I can't wait for the next in the series and hopefully Jasper gets his due. The Extended Epilogue rounds out the story very well. Secret Dreams of a Fearless Governess is the first in the series. A must read!
August 29, 2019
Τhe heart knows no boundaries when it comes to love... and his chose her.
No other man has been shrouded by rumors and mystery as much as Lieutenant Christopher Hardwicke. Reckless, mischievous, scoundrel. But the rumors are hardly ever true: his heart has always belonged to one girl, and one girl alone - a lady so far above his station that society dictates he should never dare hope for her.
But Christopher is not prone to ever giving up. And this lady is worth going to war for.
No other woman has been accompanied by rumors and scandal as much as Lady Juliana Reffern. Arrogant, whimsical, the girl who dared break an engagement. But a scandal is hardly ever fair: her heart has always remained true, given to the dashing soldier she can’t forget – a man who she patiently waits for, a rock that resists the oncoming tides of society’s expectations.
But her family has had enough. And this time, Juliana may not succeed in thwarting another marriage.
Now, Christopher and Juliana will have to race against the clock, to earn the redemption that might be their last chance to a future. But this road is full of obstacles, and the most dangerous of them are those that are hidden just below the surface…
Wow; what a wonderful romance this was.
I love how the characters evolved during this read and changed themselves.
The dynamics between or two leads is amazing and their banter sometimes just makes me laugh out loud.
I really enjoyed the twists and turns in this story line and plot.
The characters were just amazingly written and enjoyed them so much.
Can't wait for the next one from this author.
Recommend reading.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
No other man has been shrouded by rumors and mystery as much as Lieutenant Christopher Hardwicke. Reckless, mischievous, scoundrel. But the rumors are hardly ever true: his heart has always belonged to one girl, and one girl alone - a lady so far above his station that society dictates he should never dare hope for her.
But Christopher is not prone to ever giving up. And this lady is worth going to war for.
No other woman has been accompanied by rumors and scandal as much as Lady Juliana Reffern. Arrogant, whimsical, the girl who dared break an engagement. But a scandal is hardly ever fair: her heart has always remained true, given to the dashing soldier she can’t forget – a man who she patiently waits for, a rock that resists the oncoming tides of society’s expectations.
But her family has had enough. And this time, Juliana may not succeed in thwarting another marriage.
Now, Christopher and Juliana will have to race against the clock, to earn the redemption that might be their last chance to a future. But this road is full of obstacles, and the most dangerous of them are those that are hidden just below the surface…
Wow; what a wonderful romance this was.
I love how the characters evolved during this read and changed themselves.
The dynamics between or two leads is amazing and their banter sometimes just makes me laugh out loud.
I really enjoyed the twists and turns in this story line and plot.
The characters were just amazingly written and enjoyed them so much.
Can't wait for the next one from this author.
Recommend reading.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
August 30, 2019
What a story. Brilliantly written, exciting, adventurous, not boring, not droll, not too sad. A varied cast of characters to capture your imagination and keep you entertained. Most upstanding, some rowdy and raucous, some irritating and belligerent and one devious, two faced man who would do anything to anyone to get what he wanted. I recommend that one read the first book "Secret Dreams of a Fearless Governess" before reading this book. Secret Dreams introduces 90% of the characters in this book. It is a wonder to see the transformation of the hero Lord Christopher Hardwicke from a foolhardy foolish young man into a hardworking, truth seeking, moral lead, mature man. Our heroine Lady Juliana Reffern was of marriageable age and her mother and stepfather were constantly badgering her to marry. When She and Christopher met, their attraction was instantaneous. Christopher fell in love. But Juliana's parents steered her to a betrothal with another man and broke Christopher's heart. Now she was available again but her parents disapproved of Christopher's rank in the military. In order to secure her hand, he must be promoted to a higher rank. There was so much going on. Juliana's parents pulling her one way and Christopher's "best friend" pulling him another way. So much agony, sadness, pain and suffering all for love. I really enjoy this book and wonder if another one will be coming out about Christopher's "best friend" who cursed him and his family and was out for revenge. I highly recommend this book.
August 27, 2019
Love 💘and honor save the day
Lieutenant Christopher Hardwicke has fallen for Lady Juliana Reffern and vows to raise in rank so that her father will deem him worthy enough to court her with marriage in mind. He reveals his plans to his friend Jasper Rivers and is then embroiled in a scheme that Jasper has devised to create the downfall of their Captain so that the position of Captain will become available. Christopher doesn't feel good or right about what he and Jasper are doing, but follows through with the scheme and then finds that his friend has never been his friend as Jasper is made Captain.
Christopher's conscious of duty, honor and fair play lead him to invite his former Captain into his quarters for a meal and rest with the request that he remain there until his return. Christopher then heads to the Major and relates the whole sordid details about the scheme that had led to the Captain resigning. The Captain is reinstated and Jasper is banished.
Christopher redeems himself by making restitution for past misdeeds and lending a hand wherever he can to help those in need. His actions garner the attentions of his superior officers and when his Captain is promoted, he receives the commendation and promotion to Captain.
Lieutenant Christopher Hardwicke has fallen for Lady Juliana Reffern and vows to raise in rank so that her father will deem him worthy enough to court her with marriage in mind. He reveals his plans to his friend Jasper Rivers and is then embroiled in a scheme that Jasper has devised to create the downfall of their Captain so that the position of Captain will become available. Christopher doesn't feel good or right about what he and Jasper are doing, but follows through with the scheme and then finds that his friend has never been his friend as Jasper is made Captain.
Christopher's conscious of duty, honor and fair play lead him to invite his former Captain into his quarters for a meal and rest with the request that he remain there until his return. Christopher then heads to the Major and relates the whole sordid details about the scheme that had led to the Captain resigning. The Captain is reinstated and Jasper is banished.
Christopher redeems himself by making restitution for past misdeeds and lending a hand wherever he can to help those in need. His actions garner the attentions of his superior officers and when his Captain is promoted, he receives the commendation and promotion to Captain.
September 5, 2019
The storm that was brewing in the previous book by Abby(Secret Dreams of a Fearless Governess).
That person was L.T. Christopher Hardwicke, Edmund's younger brother.
Christopher was carefree,reckless and lived life to the fullest. As was his best friend,Jasper Rivers who always accompanied him.
Christopher was heartbroken because his true love,Lady Juliana Reffern could not marry him. Her parents disapproved of his rank in the military.
Now, Juliana is a available again, after calling off her betrothal against her parents wishes.
Christopher has all intentions on pursuing and securing her hand in marriage this time.
He has decided to change his ways,and take matters more seriously. Christopher will advance further to the rank of Captain.
They both meet secretly to bare their souls to each other,and their marriage prospects no matter who is against them.
Another delightful love story, well written by Abby.
That person was L.T. Christopher Hardwicke, Edmund's younger brother.
Christopher was carefree,reckless and lived life to the fullest. As was his best friend,Jasper Rivers who always accompanied him.
Christopher was heartbroken because his true love,Lady Juliana Reffern could not marry him. Her parents disapproved of his rank in the military.
Now, Juliana is a available again, after calling off her betrothal against her parents wishes.
Christopher has all intentions on pursuing and securing her hand in marriage this time.
He has decided to change his ways,and take matters more seriously. Christopher will advance further to the rank of Captain.
They both meet secretly to bare their souls to each other,and their marriage prospects no matter who is against them.
Another delightful love story, well written by Abby.
August 26, 2019
Christopher and Juliana's story picks up where the last book ends (although they are read-alones). Christopher was a trouble maker and bad boy, thanks to the influence of his friend Jasper. He has been in love with Lady Juliana for a long time. Her parents did not approve of the match before because of his status in society and his bad reputation. Juliana is free of commitment again, so Christopher pursues her again, only to meet the same objections. He decides that her love is worth growing up and changing for, so he decides to work on his career advancement to Captain. He hopes that if he makes amends for his past behavior and makes rank, then Juliana's parents may then find him worthy. Juliana feels he is worthy and loves him enough to wait. Will becoming a good man and captain be enough? Will their love succeed?
August 27, 2019
Lieutenant Christopher Hardwicke and Lady Juliana Reffern wanted to get married. Her parents wouldn't allow it as Christopher was only a Lt. and had a bad reputation. He tells her he will become Captain and that will make her parents accept him. He wants this to happen as soon as possible. His friend Jasper Rivers comes up with a scheme. It works!! But it is Jasper who gets promoted. Christopher keeps thinking about it and it really bothers him what they did. He finally goes to his major and tells him everything. He then starts working on himself to become a better person. He realizes there must be a complete change. It takes two years but he has become a Captain and is a better person. Has Juliana waited for him? Will her parents accept him?
A delightful story! Twists and turns will hold your interest to the end. Very well written.
A delightful story! Twists and turns will hold your interest to the end. Very well written.
August 30, 2019
This book is about Juliana a young lady who is in love with Lt Christopher Hardwicke, a second son to an Earl! Her cold hearted mother and stepfather refuse to allow to marry him! They try to force her to marry other titles men. She refuses until the alt an prove himself to her parents. This story has romance, determination, friendship, drama and humor. It was a common story for many young ladies of the regency period but it has been realistically told in this book. I loved this book and this author! I look forward to reading the next book!
August 27, 2019
Sweet Regency romance.
Interest is kept throughout the twists and turns of this story. Two soldiers that so best friends, or so it seems in the beginning of the story but will continue to be so? Will one or the other capture the lady's heart? It is good to read an engaging story that has no crude language. I heartedly recommend this author to any reader looking for a good, clean read.
Interest is kept throughout the twists and turns of this story. Two soldiers that so best friends, or so it seems in the beginning of the story but will continue to be so? Will one or the other capture the lady's heart? It is good to read an engaging story that has no crude language. I heartedly recommend this author to any reader looking for a good, clean read.
August 27, 2019
Kindle Copy for Review
Scandalous pair finds a way to be together despite rumors as they fall in love. Each tainted by society as rumors surround them about ill fated love choices. They will come together amidst further rumors and in doing so find happiness.
Love will prevail in the end as we watch the two blossoms. A sweet regency read.
Scandalous pair finds a way to be together despite rumors as they fall in love. Each tainted by society as rumors surround them about ill fated love choices. They will come together amidst further rumors and in doing so find happiness.
Love will prevail in the end as we watch the two blossoms. A sweet regency read.
September 3, 2019
Preachy, starchy, and rather dull
I did not like the characters - the heroine is such a patient and long-suffering martyr, and the hero is so easily duped at first, and so zealously upright and morally correct at the end. Her parents are viciously controlling. His family expects him to be Dudley Do-Right. I wondered if this was a clean romance book or a sermon.
I did not like the characters - the heroine is such a patient and long-suffering martyr, and the hero is so easily duped at first, and so zealously upright and morally correct at the end. Her parents are viciously controlling. His family expects him to be Dudley Do-Right. I wondered if this was a clean romance book or a sermon.
October 27, 2019
Working hard for their LOVE
This was a good read and enjoyable continuation of a family’s story. Julianna is young and beautiful, offers for her hand are assured, but what does she want? Love can take you in many directions and this story does a great job of taking it in different directions.
Recommend this to all that want to be in a happy place. (Mary R)
This was a good read and enjoyable continuation of a family’s story. Julianna is young and beautiful, offers for her hand are assured, but what does she want? Love can take you in many directions and this story does a great job of taking it in different directions.
Recommend this to all that want to be in a happy place. (Mary R)
November 8, 2019
Loyal and Brave
Lady Juliana Reffern has her heart set on Lieutenant Christopher Hardwicke. She want no other despite what her family thinks about the match. Christopher has an unwanted reputation that he's trying to turn around to prove his lady love he's worthy of her. Will there be missteps? Will Juliana remain true? Find out in A Daring Captain for Her Loyal Heart.
Lady Juliana Reffern has her heart set on Lieutenant Christopher Hardwicke. She want no other despite what her family thinks about the match. Christopher has an unwanted reputation that he's trying to turn around to prove his lady love he's worthy of her. Will there be missteps? Will Juliana remain true? Find out in A Daring Captain for Her Loyal Heart.
August 26, 2019
What the heart wants
This is a lovely story about a couple who love each other dearly. The problem is her parents did not feel he was good enough. Taking that to heart, he went about improving himself. Will he ever be deemed to their standards? Find out in this great story.
This is a lovely story about a couple who love each other dearly. The problem is her parents did not feel he was good enough. Taking that to heart, he went about improving himself. Will he ever be deemed to their standards? Find out in this great story.
September 2, 2019
Enchanting and thrilling
A wonderful romance that had engaging characters and a lot of twists and turns. It was delightful to see how Christopher matured throughout the book determined to win Juliana and to be good enough for her. A great read .
A wonderful romance that had engaging characters and a lot of twists and turns. It was delightful to see how Christopher matured throughout the book determined to win Juliana and to be good enough for her. A great read .
August 27, 2019
Christopher and Juliana
Christopher and Jasper are back! Jasper is actually worse here than before. Christopher finally learns that he is not a true friend. Juliana has to keep dodging the men that her family keeps trying to set her up with. True love prevails.
Christopher and Jasper are back! Jasper is actually worse here than before. Christopher finally learns that he is not a true friend. Juliana has to keep dodging the men that her family keeps trying to set her up with. True love prevails.
August 29, 2019
A beautiful story that you will love...
A young lady, strong and willing... Two friends as brothers...
Twists and surprises until the end...
What will it happened at the end?
Surprises for your heart...
A young lady, strong and willing... Two friends as brothers...
Twists and surprises until the end...
What will it happened at the end?
Surprises for your heart...
August 30, 2019
This was a saga of a struggle against prejudice and an effort to avoid forced marriages. At times I cringed as I saw the mistakes the lovers made. It was resolved, but left with something of a cliffhanger.
September 9, 2019
Excellent read!
This girl can write! Abby has outdone herself with this one. The.characters are interesting and Juliana and Christopher are so likable you can't help but root for them. A really good read!
This girl can write! Abby has outdone herself with this one. The.characters are interesting and Juliana and Christopher are so likable you can't help but root for them. A really good read!
September 22, 2019
Never give up
What a lovely book. They never gave up on each other even if someone who was thought a friend did them wrong. Love hardworking and honesty made their dreams come true. Of course after a whole bunch of twists and turns. Enjoy. I did.
What a lovely book. They never gave up on each other even if someone who was thought a friend did them wrong. Love hardworking and honesty made their dreams come true. Of course after a whole bunch of twists and turns. Enjoy. I did.
August 26, 2019
Good Regency Read
Another great book by Abby Ayles. I love Christopher and Juliana's story and all the characters. The book held my attention from the beginning.
Another great book by Abby Ayles. I love Christopher and Juliana's story and all the characters. The book held my attention from the beginning.
August 29, 2019
A wonderful romance to make you feel happy. Two wonderful people meeting. Definitely takes you into another era. Loved it
September 2, 2019
Good book!
Good storyline,maybe a little slow for me. Not much romance between the characters. Was expecting a very different ending. Still love all her books!
Good storyline,maybe a little slow for me. Not much romance between the characters. Was expecting a very different ending. Still love all her books!
September 4, 2019
This is a good book. I recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews