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His and Hers #1

His Duchess

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Victoria Foster needs a husband. Orphaned, nearly penniless, saddled with an indifferent guardian plus a cousin intent on sabotaging her matrimonial hopes, she cannot afford to be a wallflower. Unfortunately for her, the only man in her path is a stuffy, well-above-her-touch duke. But with every fateful encounter, she glimpses more and more of the lonely, kindred soul behind the duke’s decorous demeanor.

Charles Danforth, Duke of Taviston, is seeking a wife. Nothing if not methodical, he determines a set of qualities his future bride must possess—neither love nor passion makes the list. Above all, she must be free of scandal so as not to tarnish the family legacy. Soon enough, though, Taviston’s well-ordered life, impeccable social standing, and not-so-impenetrable heart are in jeopardy.

What’s an exceedingly proper duke to do when he finds himself embroiled in a scandal of his own making?

291 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 8, 2021

67 people are currently reading
140 people want to read

About the author

Charlotte Russell

21 books23 followers
Charlotte Russell didn’t always know she wanted to be a writer. At one point she had grand plans to be an architect, until she realized she couldn’t draw anything more complicated than a stick figure. So, she enrolled at the University of Notre Dame and studied her first love—history. Now she puts all that historical knowledge to good use by writing romances set in Regency England. When not pounding on the keyboard or tending to one husband, two cats, and three children, she is privileged to serve the people of her community at the local library. She’s resided in numerous locales, including Indiana, Mexico City, Phoenix and Seattle but currently calls the heartland of the USA home.

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5 stars
187 (46%)
4 stars
139 (34%)
3 stars
54 (13%)
2 stars
15 (3%)
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6 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for Lady Nilambari Reads HR.
507 reviews198 followers
August 30, 2022
4 Stars

A fun, rom-com ish, very satisfying romance with well developed characters who have adorable traits!
Profile Image for Lauren.
1,496 reviews215 followers
June 18, 2025
Read: 6/17/25
Setting: Regency England
Trope: Wallflower, forced marriage
low 3 stars

This was an okay story. The problem was editing. If the author cut out 100 pages and tightened up the plot, this could have been entertaining. The ingredients were there.

I loved the wallflower heroine. She tried so hard to stay positive with all her troubles. I liked that she was realistic about her situation and remained kind. The H was your typical uptight aristocrat. The h is not the wife he wanted but the one he needed 🤧 😉

It really is a shame the book was too long. The plot dragged, and I grew bored. It took too long for them to marry. Though their courting had some cute moments. The ending was anticlimactic, but sweet

Conclusion: This was just an average low hr. I wasn't expecting much, and I wasn't disappointed either.

Sidenote rant: I love the cute cat moments. Arthur was adorable, and I'm surprisingly a sucker for cats. ;) My problem was her walking the cat at night on a leash. I find it weird when I see people doing it nowadays, but the Regency era? She would have been locked up in Bedlam. Stop putting modern things in historical books! This is minor but a pet peeve of mine.
Profile Image for Debbie DiFiore.
2,736 reviews316 followers
May 31, 2021
Really enjoyed this

I Really like this kind of trope. Being compromised and having to get married. I loved the heroine. She was amusing and had a backbone. The Duke was good too. You could read his thoughts and knew exactly what he was feeling too. I just found this very entertaining. Her cousin was vile though. What a horrible person. So there was a perfect pitch of good vs evil so to speak and a very resourceful heroine who wasn't afraid to rescue herself. There is a kidnapping scene that actually made me laugh. Very different very light and very readable. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Profile Image for Topastro.
472 reviews
January 3, 2022
I really, really enjoyed this, Charlotte Russell is new to me and I cant 't wait to see what else she has in store. The heroine was sweet and likeable, it was easy to see how she captured the attention of a stuffy duke.
Profile Image for Viv “BookVixen” Gutierrez .
1,598 reviews473 followers
June 5, 2022
Really liked this one. It was a pretty classic romance, with familiar tropes of stern lord falls for sweet, almost-destitute heroine, who is saddled with horrible relatives (it had shades of Cinderella, and I loved it!)

It was very well-written, with likable characters, even the hero who sometimes was a bit of an ass. My only complaint was that for a hero who was so rigid and reserved, it would’ve been far more thrilling if he had been a virgin. Or at the very least, less details of his past given. It didn’t come off as a manwhore, but enough details were given to imply he sticks his dick into trashy skanks and that took my estimation of him down quite a bit.

Safe-ish. Hero’s past is mentioned, but thankfully only a handful of times. Heroine is a virgin and belongs only to the hero. No ow/om drama, no cheating or abuse. HEA with epilogue
3,221 reviews67 followers
May 7, 2021
This seemed like a draft as both plot and characters needed polishing. The h is sweetly pathetic, the H is a grump. Their first meeting was inventive, sadly it went down hill from there. Pages of tedious talk, plot devices that jarred, the action seemed silly. They are sort of forced to marry, she fights rather than being honest, they make up - the end. The epilogue was OK, but the timing of the reveal seemed late. I didn't enjoy it.
Profile Image for Jamie Bee.
Author 1 book122 followers
March 12, 2021
One of the Best Regencies I’ve Read Lately

I read a lot of Regency romance because it is my favorite subgenre of romance. Even though I love it, it sometimes feels a little stale with overused tropes and plotlines. But then I come across a book like this one that renews my love of the genre. This book is so well written and—seriously!—just a lot of fun. I know in the contemporary romance genre romantic comedies are big at the moment, but it doesn't seem to be explored much in historical fiction like Regency. This author has actually created a well-done Regency rom-com. So many parts of this book are amusing and unexpected… like each new ghastly dress the evil cousin makes the heroine wear. I kept wanting to read this book when I should have done other things because I was waiting to see what would happen next. Not only has the author created two atypical Regency main characters—especially in the delightful heroine—she also has created in the hero an unreliable narrator... in the most charming way. Again, that isn't often seen in romance in general and certainly in historical romance. We can see, as readers, how the Duke is not only feeling a physical attraction toward the heroine but is also falling in love with her, even though he doesn't understand his feelings or attribute them to such. He thinks he is getting ill instead! The heroine does so many unexpected things that are just flat-out fun or highly amusing. No wonder she keeps him on edge and interested; she keeps the story fresh for us as well. So many parts of this book made me smile or laugh, yet it isn't silly or fluffy as too many amusing rom-coms can go. If you're looking for a Regency that is decidedly different from the norm but still well within what we love so much about the subgenre, check out this absolutely enchanting book. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Profile Image for Danielle  Lamoureaux.
114 reviews6 followers
March 2, 2021
This is definitely a Cinderella story that I loved from beginning to end. Victoria, a poor orphaned relation lives with her horrid cousin and her husband, who is her guardian. Through some mishaps, Victoria catches the attention of the Duke of Taviston, who this season is searching for his paragon of a wife and Duchess. Victoria is far from his ideal woman, yet he is drawn to her in a way he can't explain and can't stay away from her.

I loved these two characters and found myself laughing at the fun cast of characters, including a mischevious cat, and really identified with the heroine. She tried to make the best out of every situation and her inner thoughts were very relatable. She had pride and wasn't afraid to be who she was. I loved how Taviston searched for her in crowded ballrooms and couldn't stop himself from being near her.

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a Cinderella story, a strong heroine, a hero who falls hopelessly in love with the exact opposite of what he was looking for and fun supporting characters who make you laugh out loud at their antics and additions to the conversation.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
124 reviews4 followers
March 11, 2021
From Cinderella orphan to true love and a Duchess in 34 days

Charlotte Russell’s first book, “HIS DUCHESS” is a delightful story with adorable characters and a fast moving plot that keeps the reader guessing. There is suspense, a little mystery, and a few twists. It is highly recommended.
Victoria Forster is a two and twenty orphan living in London as a ward of her cousin’s husband. She has been given a Season to find a husband so that she will no longer be the responsibility of her cousin and her husband. She is treated as a complete burden and even the dresses that she has been given are unattractive and far from flattering.
Charles Danforth, Duke of Taviston is in London looking for a wife and he has a set of qualification that his betrothed will need to have to be even considered. Unexpectedly Charles and Victoria meet late one night while they are both taking a walk before bedtime. The Duke is stuffy and well above Victoria/s station and certainly does not meet the qualifications. They are thrown together socially at a number of functionsth less than acceptable results. The story continues with their interaction as they become better acquainted. and are forced by a potential scandal they agree to get married, ending with an HEA. You don’t want to miss this one/
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,186 reviews22 followers
March 20, 2021
I have not had the opportunity to read any of Ms. Russell's books before, so this was my first experience with her work. I have to say I was very pleasantly surprised and found the story very entertaining. Definitely one of the most delightful stories I've read this year. My two favorite genres are Regency romances and rom-coms and Ms. Russell has done a fantastic job of combining the two to create this wonderful story. Victoria is an orphan and living with her cousin who wants nothing more than to have her married and settled and be rid of her. She has her first season and meets the Duke of Taviston, Charles. They do not like each other at first, but as they spend more time together, that surely changes. Both were such great characters and I enjoyed seeing their relationship grow. This was a delightful story filled with romance, drama and suspense and held my interest all the way through. A great start to the series and I'm looking forward to reading the next installment!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
557 reviews5 followers
August 16, 2021
Charlotte Russell’s “His Duchess” (His and Hers Book 1) is an absolutely delightful way to start a series! This book was fun, witty and humorous. Charlotte Russell is a new author to me but one that I am so glad I found and I can’t wait to read her other books!

Victoria Foster and Charles Danforth, Duke of Taviston are charming characters, well written and developed. The supporting cast are equally well written. Poor Taviston he’s falling in love with Victoria but thinks he’s ill instead. This made me laugh. This is such a fun, well written and touching story.

With a plot that moves along nicely, the story keeps you entertained, intrigued and interested. I loved it, it’s a delightful story not to be missed!

Thank you so much Ms. Russell for such an entertaining story of romance and love. This was truly delightful!
Profile Image for Ingrid Vermeulen-Quakernaat.
1,230 reviews10 followers
March 15, 2021
I am a fan of historical novels and was curious about this writer who I had not read any work of before.
The story itself was well described and full of hilarious moments. Very nice that it also described scenes that can be called quite hot.

I could find the detachment so typical of the difference in classes in the early 19th century in the story. Both main characters worked out well but personally I did not feel the chemistry between them coming through the pages.
However, what I really loved about this book is the cat Arthur. Thanks to him, Victoria and the Duke of Taviston meet and he remains a recurring element in the book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
17 reviews
December 30, 2025
It was ok. This was a gift from a Christmas book swap and a genre I never read…now I recall why. The book was predictable, almost to the page, as to when things would happen. The writing was adequate and the author did use much of the vocabulary of the time and avoided contractions, as appropriate. However, there were a few typos throughout that I thought would have been picked up by the editor.. Even the book cover was problematic for me, given the descriptions of the Duke and Duchess’s heights, etc…should have been more accurate in my opinion. I did not think the book was awful, which is why I rated it a 3, but couldn’t wait to finish it and move on to something a bit more stimulating. Unfortunately, I was hoping for a bit more, but it was ‘ok’ and a creditable write.
767 reviews11 followers
March 2, 2021
I love when I read a new author for me and I enjoy the book. This is like a special treat, because there are more authors to put on my to be read list. This book is about Taviston, a Duke and Victoria who is living with her mean cousin, who try to ruin all her chances of getting married. They meet one night while Victoria was walking her cat. Once Traviston meets Victoria he could not get her off his mind. He did not want to think of her, he wanted to find a perfect Duchess. I really liked these two together and enjoyed their story. I will be reading more books by this author very soon.
I received an ARC copy from Booksprout for my honest opinion.
4,936 reviews31 followers
March 11, 2021
Victoria has been left a orphan and is now living with her cousin Louisa and her husband who wants to see her married and settled so she is having her first season in London at the age of twenty four. She always wanted to marry for love but now she is desperate to leave her cousins house because she is cruel to her so now she just wants someone that she can get along with. When she meets Charles the Duke of Traviston she does not like him at all and he does not like her but the more time they spend together feelings start to flare up but there are some obstacles that may keep them apart. Loved this suspenseful romance and Victoria and Charles are great together.
4,720 reviews41 followers
March 9, 2021
Fairytales can come true.
If you love a Cinderella-type story then this is the one to pick up. With charming characters that you will adore the author takes the reader on a wonderful journey. Taviston is attracted to Victoria but he has set his mind to have a perfect wife poor soul his neat little world will become a bit messy but in such a delightful way. My favorite character was Arthur. I am happy to recommend this book. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
48 reviews
September 14, 2021
This romance really hit the spot. Rounded up from 4.5 out of five stars, I will be looking into the next book in the series.

Victoria is an engaging and endearing character just the right balance of witty, desperate, and disastrous. Taviston is that kind of cold and aloof Duke that makes his inevitable marshmallow center extra sweet.

The sex scenes are moderately spicy and satisfying.

Tropes: #wickedrelations #aloofduke #ruinationandforcedmarriage #kidnapping #selfrescuingdamsel #felinemachinations #bluestocking #misunderstandings
10 reviews
January 8, 2022
Good things come in small packages....

This was a sweet love story. Victoria and Charles were meant to be. When Charles (the Duke of Taviston) first discovered Victoria in the park, the sparks that flew between them was legendary. The story then proceeded to get more steamier with such sweet passion between them... Victoria 's cousin Louisa really made me upset! What a dreadful witch! I really was looking forward to reading of her swinging from the gallows in Newgate! But alas the Duke was a softy. Lovely book!
Profile Image for Barbara.
19.2k reviews8 followers
March 11, 2021
The first book in the His and Hers series a well written story that held my interest until the end. The Duke of Taviston, Charles William Maximilian Danforth and Victoria Elizabeth Forster's story of suspense, drama, danger, kidnapping, villains one closer than she realizes, and romance. A story that was well worth reading. I want to read the next book in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
553 reviews2 followers
August 5, 2022
A really enjoyable story.

Victoria needs to marry to escape living with her mean cousin. She meets the Duke of Taviston whilst walking one evening. He wants to meet his future Duchess but Victoria does not meet any of his requirements. They are brought together by Arthur, Victoria's cat. They have a series of unfortunate events, which lead to their relationship becoming strained, but in the end love prevails. It really enjoyed this story.
6 reviews
August 16, 2021
His Duchess (His and Hers Book 1)

I truly like Duke an Duchess books. This one I would recommend to those who share my taste in such books. The book was easy to read and had many ups and downs. It truly kept my attention and was something I had to finish. The nosing was great as well.
550 reviews2 followers
July 25, 2022
All's well that ends well..

Quite a few trials for this couple. She is thought to be unsuitable to become a Duchess. He is looking for a bride, but can't seem to shop b thinking of her. A cruel cousin/ guardian dislikes her and intends to make sure she does not marry and gain the gift from their grandmother.
1,501 reviews1 follower
November 23, 2022
Vic and Tavis

Tavis did not like Vic, but he was fascinated by her. He knew she would not make his ideal of a perfect wife. Vic had a wicked court who sabotaged her chances of finding a legit beau. But, fate intervened and Vic got her wish. But, everything we wish for doesn't come up roses.
20 reviews1 follower
March 21, 2021
Loved this book!

This book takes you through all kinds of emotions, from laughter to tears, like a good book should. Parts are silly, but you read on an knowing that you want to know what happens next.
Profile Image for Cynthia Houser.
1,606 reviews9 followers
December 26, 2021
His Duchess

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! This is my first time reading Charlotte' s writing and I look forward to reading more. The characters are interesting and engaging. Victoria is quirky and sweet. Loved Arthur.
Profile Image for Holly.
864 reviews
August 12, 2023
2.5 stars rounded up.
It wasn’t a bad story. It would’ve been a lot better. If the main characters hadn’t denied their feelings for 95% of the book. The happy ending came much too late and the epilogue was extremely short.
Profile Image for Brittany.
3,525 reviews27 followers
May 23, 2024
This is a review for books 1-3. I just have too many books to review so making it short and sweet. I actually have really fallen in love with this series. I like the romance and stories are done pretty well done. I am already on book 4 hope it is as good as the others.
Profile Image for Kavitha.
150 reviews1 follower
August 26, 2024
Liked the story in the beginning. As story proceeded Victoria gave me lot of headache. She loved Charles but wanted him to love her after blackmail him into marriage. Keeping her secret till he found it on his own. She does want she wanted without verifying truth.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
519 reviews1 follower
March 18, 2021
Best read of the past year

This was a very good read with interesting and appealing characters. I loved the moments of humor as well as the finely crafted plot.
129 reviews1 follower
April 18, 2021
I am a sucker for quirky heriones

This was a delight to read. There are not enough humorous historical romances to read and I am so glad I discovered this jewel. Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews

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