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Reforming the Rigid Duke
When Marjorie Reeves meets the Duke of Sedgewick, their match will be a battle worth watching…
Marjorie Reeves aspires to be a worthy heir to her father’s title, being his only child. Strong, smart, and capable, she is perfect for the part, but in the process, she never forgets to smile and have fun.
Isaac Hardy is Marjorie’s exact opposite. Being a worthy Duke of Sedgewick has been his only focus, to the point that he has not much to live for beyond the Duchy and of course there is no room for entertainment in his life.
When the two of them meet, it will be like watching titans clash, much to their mothers’ dismay. But it seems that opposites do attract and there will come a time that neither can deny the feelings for the other…
Until a secret comes to light regarding the nature of their meeting, one that might be the end to their budding romance…
Marjorie Reeves aspires to be a worthy heir to her father’s title, being his only child. Strong, smart, and capable, she is perfect for the part, but in the process, she never forgets to smile and have fun.
Isaac Hardy is Marjorie’s exact opposite. Being a worthy Duke of Sedgewick has been his only focus, to the point that he has not much to live for beyond the Duchy and of course there is no room for entertainment in his life.
When the two of them meet, it will be like watching titans clash, much to their mothers’ dismay. But it seems that opposites do attract and there will come a time that neither can deny the feelings for the other…
Until a secret comes to light regarding the nature of their meeting, one that might be the end to their budding romance…
- GenresHistorical Romance
583 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 6, 2021
192 people are currently reading
42 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.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 8, 2021
♦️♦️ONE EXTRAORDINARY THRILL♦️♦️
Blazing boxers boo! Abby brought it with this thrillingly sensational rock-her-world rollercoaster, unleashing such sweet torment, dubious decisions and scintillating lessons, hitting all the frills, chills and all encompassing feels, launching this gem to staggering heights. Serendipity and mishaps descend in a tempest of tangled maneuvers and close calls, sketchy lines and busted boundaries converge as perimeters are sourced and tested, secrets are shared, revelations are unveiled and vows are pledged, reaching deep for every ounce of strength in a fierce surge of determination, propelling this bad boy to life spectacularly. Ingenuity and integrity in each thread you unravel with every page, your lured into this intricate web so securely and precise, observing the tormenting struggles and intimidating triumphs, while attentive to the deadly twists and shocking turns unfolding, wrapping this gem up sleek, shiny and tight. The characters are complex, genuine and realistic with traits and qualities that balance and blend, with amazing depth and diversity, adding enough spice for an extra punch. The scenes are abundantly descriptive with colorful details that blend and flow, creating a majestic backdrop so rich and lively it feels as though you're part of the story instead of on the sidelines, feeling everything the characters feel. Amazing job Abby, thanks for sharing this awesome little gem with us.
Blazing boxers boo! Abby brought it with this thrillingly sensational rock-her-world rollercoaster, unleashing such sweet torment, dubious decisions and scintillating lessons, hitting all the frills, chills and all encompassing feels, launching this gem to staggering heights. Serendipity and mishaps descend in a tempest of tangled maneuvers and close calls, sketchy lines and busted boundaries converge as perimeters are sourced and tested, secrets are shared, revelations are unveiled and vows are pledged, reaching deep for every ounce of strength in a fierce surge of determination, propelling this bad boy to life spectacularly. Ingenuity and integrity in each thread you unravel with every page, your lured into this intricate web so securely and precise, observing the tormenting struggles and intimidating triumphs, while attentive to the deadly twists and shocking turns unfolding, wrapping this gem up sleek, shiny and tight. The characters are complex, genuine and realistic with traits and qualities that balance and blend, with amazing depth and diversity, adding enough spice for an extra punch. The scenes are abundantly descriptive with colorful details that blend and flow, creating a majestic backdrop so rich and lively it feels as though you're part of the story instead of on the sidelines, feeling everything the characters feel. Amazing job Abby, thanks for sharing this awesome little gem with us.
February 15, 2021
A delicious read!!!
She has done it again....Ms Ayles writes with such ease...her books draw you right in go the parlor, or garden, or coach. Her characters are well developed and unforgettable. Marjorie dreams of tne day when women will be as free as men to have their freedom and to take part in government, even as she delights in balls and romantic novels. Issac is so caught up in the duties of his duchy that he has left the joy and exuberance of life behind. When their mothers begin collaborating to engineer a romance between their children, it appears to fall flat at first. He hates social outings, preferring to stay in the country. She loves the dancing and lovely dresses. But there is an attraction.....
Loved this read! Those interferring mamas almost get their just desserts when Susan and Issac become engaged. Such fun to guess at the ending! Thanks for a wonderfully goodread!
She has done it again....Ms Ayles writes with such ease...her books draw you right in go the parlor, or garden, or coach. Her characters are well developed and unforgettable. Marjorie dreams of tne day when women will be as free as men to have their freedom and to take part in government, even as she delights in balls and romantic novels. Issac is so caught up in the duties of his duchy that he has left the joy and exuberance of life behind. When their mothers begin collaborating to engineer a romance between their children, it appears to fall flat at first. He hates social outings, preferring to stay in the country. She loves the dancing and lovely dresses. But there is an attraction.....
Loved this read! Those interferring mamas almost get their just desserts when Susan and Issac become engaged. Such fun to guess at the ending! Thanks for a wonderfully goodread!
February 10, 2021
This book revolves around two young people with opposite personalities who meet (unknowingly ) through the mechanisms of their mothers. Unfortunately complications arise due to another person’s angry interference. Things get work out and we end up with a happy romantic end. I, personally, (and it may only be myself that has this problem) but I had a problem with how everyone worried more about how to redeem the person who spitefully interfered and caused heartache. Her deception was never mentioned or acknowledged verbally by herself or anyone else. They all just overlooked it like it never happened. That did not sit well with me as she callously caused a lot hurt to those who loved and trusted her. I won’t mention names or details because I do not want to spoil the story for those who have not read it.
February 11, 2021
Isaac Hardy, Duke of Sedgewick Is hardworking and only interested in the dukedom and running the estate.
Marjorie Reeves wants to be a worthy heir to her father’s title. She doesn't;t mind hard work but she also wants some fun in her life. Issac and Marjorie are exact opposites.
The Duchess Dowager of Sedgewick, Betty Hardy becomes very ill and she wants her friend, Viscountess Dorothy Lockhart to come and stay with her, and bring along her daughter Marjorie and her cousin Susan Langdon. What happens when two meddling mothers get together and a jealous cousin is also in the picture? Come along and find out if their plan works or if things go awry. This is a well-written story and the plot is well thought out. I could visualize the story as Abby was telling it. This is a good sweet romance.
Very enjoyable to read.
Marjorie Reeves wants to be a worthy heir to her father’s title. She doesn't;t mind hard work but she also wants some fun in her life. Issac and Marjorie are exact opposites.
The Duchess Dowager of Sedgewick, Betty Hardy becomes very ill and she wants her friend, Viscountess Dorothy Lockhart to come and stay with her, and bring along her daughter Marjorie and her cousin Susan Langdon. What happens when two meddling mothers get together and a jealous cousin is also in the picture? Come along and find out if their plan works or if things go awry. This is a well-written story and the plot is well thought out. I could visualize the story as Abby was telling it. This is a good sweet romance.
Very enjoyable to read.
February 9, 2021
A bit of mistrust between them but will it work out in the end?
I loved the author's colorful and descriptive style of writing. The author has taken a very serious Duke and mixed him with a very strong-willed lady and the sparks they did fly. It was so much fun to read. I love the interaction and the dialogue between the cast of characters. It was a bit of a roller coaster between these two. Now the setting was during the time when ladies were meeting to discuss their role in government and how they could make it better. This was a lovely addition to the story. I enjoyed this book a great deal. I highly recommend the book. I did receive a free copy of this book and I voluntarily chose to review it.
I loved the author's colorful and descriptive style of writing. The author has taken a very serious Duke and mixed him with a very strong-willed lady and the sparks they did fly. It was so much fun to read. I love the interaction and the dialogue between the cast of characters. It was a bit of a roller coaster between these two. Now the setting was during the time when ladies were meeting to discuss their role in government and how they could make it better. This was a lovely addition to the story. I enjoyed this book a great deal. I highly recommend the book. I did receive a free copy of this book and I voluntarily chose to review it.
February 16, 2021
Marjorie Reeves is the complete opposite of Isaac Hardy, the Duke of Sedgewick. But both of their mothers believe that are "perfect" for each other. However, when they first meet, it does not go well. That doesn't stop the mother's scheming. They don't think about who might get hurt and the long term consequences.
I was really surprised by the twists and turns of this book. Especially the relationship between Marjorie and her cousin Susan, who has her own sad backstory. And the mother's relationship between throws well as their children is a rollercoaster of emotions. You will love this book. I sure did.
I received an ARC of this book from the author. This is a voluntary and honest review.
I was really surprised by the twists and turns of this book. Especially the relationship between Marjorie and her cousin Susan, who has her own sad backstory. And the mother's relationship between throws well as their children is a rollercoaster of emotions. You will love this book. I sure did.
I received an ARC of this book from the author. This is a voluntary and honest review.
February 9, 2021
An Amazing story
This is another amazing story that has a plot that will keep up enthralled from start to finish. The characters are brilliantly thought out and have some unique problems and jealousies to overcome. The extended epilogue is used to bring un insight into the main characters futures beautifully, to conclude their stories wonderfully. This is a great book that will suit anybody who loves clean historical romances.
This is another amazing story that has a plot that will keep up enthralled from start to finish. The characters are brilliantly thought out and have some unique problems and jealousies to overcome. The extended epilogue is used to bring un insight into the main characters futures beautifully, to conclude their stories wonderfully. This is a great book that will suit anybody who loves clean historical romances.
February 9, 2021
This book is an easy read and quick to finish. The characters are well thought off, but for me the story line was a bit jumpy... it didn’t really flow well.
I appreciate the fact, that this is a clean regency roman and that the hero isn’t sleeping around before he falls in love. I also really liked the character of the heroine. However the relationship between her and her cousin seemed a bit questionable to me.
The book also has a lot of spelling mistakes.
I appreciate the fact, that this is a clean regency roman and that the hero isn’t sleeping around before he falls in love. I also really liked the character of the heroine. However the relationship between her and her cousin seemed a bit questionable to me.
The book also has a lot of spelling mistakes.
February 10, 2021
Reforming the Rigid Duke A Clean&2Regency Historical Romance Novel
This is a very good story about a young man that is a very hard worker and his mother and friend decided he should marry but things go wrong as Marjorie has a cousin that wants to come between them The characters are forgiving and accept each other and find happiness.The extended epilogue completes the story Very enjoyable read
This is a very good story about a young man that is a very hard worker and his mother and friend decided he should marry but things go wrong as Marjorie has a cousin that wants to come between them The characters are forgiving and accept each other and find happiness.The extended epilogue completes the story Very enjoyable read
March 20, 2021
Interesting
I enjoyed this book. However I did find the storyline a bit dull. And not terribly believable. I realize this is fiction but even so, it should at least be somewhat believable. A Duke asking guests to leave his house? That would be an extremely egregious social faux pas. A guest setting fire to a book which could have resulted in the entire house burning down? I would call her dangerously deranged!
I enjoyed this book. However I did find the storyline a bit dull. And not terribly believable. I realize this is fiction but even so, it should at least be somewhat believable. A Duke asking guests to leave his house? That would be an extremely egregious social faux pas. A guest setting fire to a book which could have resulted in the entire house burning down? I would call her dangerously deranged!
May 20, 2021
Great
I enjoyed Marjorie and Isaac's story. I thought for a moment that they wouldn't have a chance to have their happier ever after, but I loved the way Abby brought it all together. How in spite of the meddling mothers and Susan they were able to forgive and make a life for themselves! Of course, I. Love the extended epilogue. I recommend this story. Thanks to Abby for another great story.
I enjoyed Marjorie and Isaac's story. I thought for a moment that they wouldn't have a chance to have their happier ever after, but I loved the way Abby brought it all together. How in spite of the meddling mothers and Susan they were able to forgive and make a life for themselves! Of course, I. Love the extended epilogue. I recommend this story. Thanks to Abby for another great story.
February 25, 2021
This story was so much fun. Lets face it Regency had way too many rules and it was so much fun to meet Marjorie, the reformer, and Isaac, the rule keeper. Abby Ayles has given us a funny, “progressive” story with strong characters that you keep coming back to for just one more chapter until you realize you’ve reached the end. I loved it.
February 10, 2021
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great drama and romance with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading!
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great drama and romance with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading!
February 11, 2021
Exceptionally well written!
So well written I was so moved...... with chuckles and laughter in some places and tears in others. These characters are fabulous.... so believable, so endearing. Abby has outdone herself with this one!
So well written I was so moved...... with chuckles and laughter in some places and tears in others. These characters are fabulous.... so believable, so endearing. Abby has outdone herself with this one!
February 11, 2021
Amazing!
I love the Story of Marjorie and Isaac they were fascinating Marjorie being quite different not what Isaac expected. I loved the meddling mother's so much fun. The story was hearwarming I love all of the author's books. Well done.
I love the Story of Marjorie and Isaac they were fascinating Marjorie being quite different not what Isaac expected. I loved the meddling mother's so much fun. The story was hearwarming I love all of the author's books. Well done.
February 12, 2021
A Friend or Foe?
My first 5 stars in a long time. That being said, I admit I loved this book. The characters were well designed and written, the storyline was well defined and hard to put down once started. Thank you Abby for a lovely story.
My first 5 stars in a long time. That being said, I admit I loved this book. The characters were well designed and written, the storyline was well defined and hard to put down once started. Thank you Abby for a lovely story.
February 16, 2021
What could go wrong
When Lady Marjorie’s mother and the Duke of Sedgwick’s mother get together to try and bring their son and daughter together what could go wrong? Then put Marjorie’s cousin who wants revenge in the group all goes astray. Great story.
When Lady Marjorie’s mother and the Duke of Sedgwick’s mother get together to try and bring their son and daughter together what could go wrong? Then put Marjorie’s cousin who wants revenge in the group all goes astray. Great story.
February 22, 2021
Play by rules
Two mothers that plot for their children (adults) to marry each other, the plan seems to work for awhile, when they find out the plot, things are almost ruined for life!
Two mothers that plot for their children (adults) to marry each other, the plan seems to work for awhile, when they find out the plot, things are almost ruined for life!
March 1, 2021
A book worth taking time to read
Found it a bit slow at the start but kept on reading and really enjoyed the story very much in the end there was Nothinag slow at all thank you for a good read
Found it a bit slow at the start but kept on reading and really enjoyed the story very much in the end there was Nothinag slow at all thank you for a good read
June 22, 2021
Sinfully delicious
I so love a romance that starts off rocky and then proceeds like a roller coaster ride. The showcasing of the strong and willful women in this story made for a delightfully delicious read.
I so love a romance that starts off rocky and then proceeds like a roller coaster ride. The showcasing of the strong and willful women in this story made for a delightfully delicious read.
February 10, 2021
A very interesting and gripping story
The plot keeps you interested from the beginning and you find it hard to put it down
Well done
The plot keeps you interested from the beginning and you find it hard to put it down
Well done
February 10, 2021
Complications arise when two young people are brought together. They are completely different. A wonderful story as always.
February 22, 2021
So many twists occur, so many obstacles to conquer and puzzling obstacles to figure out and how the characters influenced each other. very good read.
May 11, 2021
Enjoyed this Regency romance.
April 25, 2022
Well done
Great story and character development. Couldn’t put this one down. Some interesting twists and turns that kept the plot alive.
Great story and character development. Couldn’t put this one down. Some interesting twists and turns that kept the plot alive.
April 14, 2024
A good job as usual the characters draw you into their world and keep you enthralled till the very end
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews