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The Hope Clinic #1
The Reluctant Duke's Dilemma
An alternative cover edition for this ASIN can be found here.
He never wanted renown. She longed to be free. Pressured by forces beyond their control, will they give in to forbidden desire?
England, 1823. After establishing a successful practice in America, Dr. Harry Radcliffe swore he wouldn’t set foot on British soil again. But when he’s named the Duke of Ashton after his callous brother’s sudden death, he begrudgingly returns to the pretentious world he detests. And his pledge to his dying mother to find a wife is thrown into chaos when he meets his stunning sister-in-law.
Margaret Radcliffe finally escaped her abusive marriage. Yet her late husband’s final cruel act left her penniless, with her only option to remarry... the one thing she vowed she’d never do again. But the new duke’s startlingly familiar features awaken yearnings she thought long-forgotten, dangling the heartbreaking whisper of a passion impossible to fulfill.
Although convinced the accusations that she murdered her husband are only salacious gossip, Harry's real torment comes when he wishes for a union that would make them outcasts. But even when they finally submit to their simmering attraction, Margaret’s dream of happily-ever-after may be derailed by society’s schemes.
Can a scandalous affair turn into a lifetime of love?
The Reluctant Duke's Dilemma is the suspenseful first book in The Hope Clinic Regency romance series. If you like swoon-worthy heroes, uplifting humor, and heroines beating the odds, then you’ll adore Trisha Messmer’s tale of tortured hearts.
He never wanted renown. She longed to be free. Pressured by forces beyond their control, will they give in to forbidden desire?
England, 1823. After establishing a successful practice in America, Dr. Harry Radcliffe swore he wouldn’t set foot on British soil again. But when he’s named the Duke of Ashton after his callous brother’s sudden death, he begrudgingly returns to the pretentious world he detests. And his pledge to his dying mother to find a wife is thrown into chaos when he meets his stunning sister-in-law.
Margaret Radcliffe finally escaped her abusive marriage. Yet her late husband’s final cruel act left her penniless, with her only option to remarry... the one thing she vowed she’d never do again. But the new duke’s startlingly familiar features awaken yearnings she thought long-forgotten, dangling the heartbreaking whisper of a passion impossible to fulfill.
Although convinced the accusations that she murdered her husband are only salacious gossip, Harry's real torment comes when he wishes for a union that would make them outcasts. But even when they finally submit to their simmering attraction, Margaret’s dream of happily-ever-after may be derailed by society’s schemes.
Can a scandalous affair turn into a lifetime of love?
The Reluctant Duke's Dilemma is the suspenseful first book in The Hope Clinic Regency romance series. If you like swoon-worthy heroes, uplifting humor, and heroines beating the odds, then you’ll adore Trisha Messmer’s tale of tortured hearts.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 29, 2020
1259 people are currently reading
507 people want to read
About the author
Trisha Messmer
17 books46 followersTrisha Messmer always had an obsession with reading, starting at the tender age of four (or so her mother told her).Finding some of the things she read lacking-or at least not ending the way she thought they should-she started making up her own stories. They lived within her vivid imagination for a long, long time until one day they broke free and put themselves on a page. Sometimes things really do take on a life of their own.She hopes you enjoy her musings as much as she enjoyed writing them, If they make you laugh, sigh, or even cry, she would love hearing about it. Sign up for her newsletter and receive free exclusive VIP content of supplemental material.
Contact her on Facebook or on her website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
July 27, 2021
Spooky and Poignant
This is an exceptional story about a Duke who learns to be accepting and a Duchess who falls in love with him.
Harry and Margaret are an amazing couple.
This is the first book I've read by this Author but it won't be the last.
This is an exceptional story about a Duke who learns to be accepting and a Duchess who falls in love with him.
Harry and Margaret are an amazing couple.
This is the first book I've read by this Author but it won't be the last.
November 1, 2022
DNF 25%. This was a heavy-handed melodrama regarding the 'good' twin taking over the Dukedom from the deceased 'bad' twin. The heavy-handed business was the extreme obviousness in how the widow had been tormented and abused. And how the late husband used a tattletale spy maid. And how the tenants were left in horrible living conditions. But I gave up when it tried to be Gothic, introducing some nonsense about an avenging ghost potentially being responsible for the louse's death.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2021
Her second chance at love
I absolutely loved this book. My first book by the author and it was so hard to put down. Margaret just watched her despicable husband fall down the stair case and die. She’s finally free from all his abuse.
Harry a Doctor in America receives a letter stating his brother is dead and he’s the new Duke. Dread over comes him but he knows after all this years he needs to go home. When he arrives he finds a woman on a ladder in the library and when she sees him she faints dead and Harry hurry’s to catch her.
When she finally comes too she thinks she is seeing her dead husband but when Harry speaks he said your husband obviously didn’t tell you he had a twin brother.
It takes time for Margaret to trust him. The will is read and see if left basically nothing. Harry vows to help her but she decides to find employment for herself.
Harry and Margaret travel to London. Harry to find a wife and Margaret a job. When she realizes no one will hire her she decides she might remarry. After there first ball together Harry finally tells Margaret he loves her and she him. How can they make it work she being his sister-in-law. A wonderful story with a beautiful ending.
I absolutely loved this book. My first book by the author and it was so hard to put down. Margaret just watched her despicable husband fall down the stair case and die. She’s finally free from all his abuse.
Harry a Doctor in America receives a letter stating his brother is dead and he’s the new Duke. Dread over comes him but he knows after all this years he needs to go home. When he arrives he finds a woman on a ladder in the library and when she sees him she faints dead and Harry hurry’s to catch her.
When she finally comes too she thinks she is seeing her dead husband but when Harry speaks he said your husband obviously didn’t tell you he had a twin brother.
It takes time for Margaret to trust him. The will is read and see if left basically nothing. Harry vows to help her but she decides to find employment for herself.
Harry and Margaret travel to London. Harry to find a wife and Margaret a job. When she realizes no one will hire her she decides she might remarry. After there first ball together Harry finally tells Margaret he loves her and she him. How can they make it work she being his sister-in-law. A wonderful story with a beautiful ending.
January 17, 2021
Twinning but not
Harry is a medical doctor from a Boston clinic and a identical twin! His brother had an unfortunate (fortunate) demise! Margaret is his sister in law abused and trapped into this marriage! Maggie and the servants were so oppressed it was like soldiers after a battle when Harry arrives and the fact he looks so much like his brother tenants, peers and servants expect him to act like him! Harry is intelligent, compassionate, and very handsome of course wealthy as he's a Duke!
Margaret aka Maggie never new real attraction or affection and she has the scars to prove it! Ugly rumors are whispered about her ex husbands demise and Harry squashes those rumors...and soon realizes no one else will do!? Harry is a doctor first and a Duke second when he is compromised by a scheming debutante well all bets for a HEA are off aren't they? More trouble in the mix is there newly adopted son Manny, well prayers are said and they will need a lot of help to this altar!! A lot of humor along the way!
Harry is a medical doctor from a Boston clinic and a identical twin! His brother had an unfortunate (fortunate) demise! Margaret is his sister in law abused and trapped into this marriage! Maggie and the servants were so oppressed it was like soldiers after a battle when Harry arrives and the fact he looks so much like his brother tenants, peers and servants expect him to act like him! Harry is intelligent, compassionate, and very handsome of course wealthy as he's a Duke!
Margaret aka Maggie never new real attraction or affection and she has the scars to prove it! Ugly rumors are whispered about her ex husbands demise and Harry squashes those rumors...and soon realizes no one else will do!? Harry is a doctor first and a Duke second when he is compromised by a scheming debutante well all bets for a HEA are off aren't they? More trouble in the mix is there newly adopted son Manny, well prayers are said and they will need a lot of help to this altar!! A lot of humor along the way!
August 6, 2021
I've read over a hundred Regencies in the past year and a half, and I can't believe I had never heard of this author before stumbling upon this book in KU. I didn't know what I was missing! This is the best Regency romance I've read in a long, long time. I hardly ever give books five stars, but honestly, I have no criticisms. The plot is well-paced, the H and h are both sympathetic and intelligent. They are both wounded souls who have overcome hardships, both physical and psychological. There is the perfect balance of steam, romance, suspense and character development. I particularly loved the H, a physician who unexpectedly becomes a duke and is forced to navigate the rough waters of Society and forge his own path. I found myself tearing up several times toward the end as I was rooting for H/h's HEA.
The language is appropriate to the period, with no glaring anachronisms or grammatical/spelling issues. The writing style is polished.
If you're a Regency fan, don't hesitate to read this one. Even if I didn't have KU, I'd happily buy this book.
On to the next entry in the series!
The language is appropriate to the period, with no glaring anachronisms or grammatical/spelling issues. The writing style is polished.
If you're a Regency fan, don't hesitate to read this one. Even if I didn't have KU, I'd happily buy this book.
On to the next entry in the series!
October 8, 2020
This is my first time reading Trisha Messmer’s books but definitely won’t be the last. I enjoyed this wonderful book immensely. It’s filled with delicate situations, intriguing plot twist, family drama, and compassion.
Harry, the Duke of Ashton was a swoon worthy compassionate hero unlike his awful twin. Margaret Radcliffe was a woman who had suffered abuse from Harry’s twin, her husband. When Harry and Margaret meet they share a wary attraction with one another but it soon develops into a forbidden romance.
The characters were wonderfully crafted. Margaret and Harry had great chemistry together and their sweet romance was beautifully written. I enjoyed how they got to know one another and watching them navigate their love and it’s complications. The dialogue was well written and the plot was intriguing. This is a captivating story and I loved every minute of it.
Thank you so much Trisha for such a wonderful and captivating story of love.
Harry, the Duke of Ashton was a swoon worthy compassionate hero unlike his awful twin. Margaret Radcliffe was a woman who had suffered abuse from Harry’s twin, her husband. When Harry and Margaret meet they share a wary attraction with one another but it soon develops into a forbidden romance.
The characters were wonderfully crafted. Margaret and Harry had great chemistry together and their sweet romance was beautifully written. I enjoyed how they got to know one another and watching them navigate their love and it’s complications. The dialogue was well written and the plot was intriguing. This is a captivating story and I loved every minute of it.
Thank you so much Trisha for such a wonderful and captivating story of love.
November 2, 2020
So good!!! Couldn’t stop reading!!
August 9, 2021
What I loved:
-Harry. I loved that he was a reluctant duke and very humble and caring. I also loved that he was a progressive doctor for his time.
-Margaret. Another caring character who was strong in the face of adversity.
-The dark moment. It brought tears to my eyes.
-The "nick of time." (You'll have to read the book to know what that one's about.)
What I didn't love:
-Hmm. I'm thinking...nope. Can't think of anything.
-Harry. I loved that he was a reluctant duke and very humble and caring. I also loved that he was a progressive doctor for his time.
-Margaret. Another caring character who was strong in the face of adversity.
-The dark moment. It brought tears to my eyes.
-The "nick of time." (You'll have to read the book to know what that one's about.)
What I didn't love:
-Hmm. I'm thinking...nope. Can't think of anything.
March 3, 2025
My first time reading this author. I really loved her writing.
This especially hit the spot because it was sweet and simple.
An abused woman treated well by a gentle man. Intelligence and communication. Two kind people falling in love.
Of course there are obstacles and I just wanted them to fly the finger at convention. I was really rooting for them.
Then the giant conflict. Uhg. I was disappointed by how overly contrived this plot device was. I hated how stupid Harry was and how generous Margaret was. I wanted them to tell everyone to EFF OFF. Then there's quite a bit of melodrama that saves the day.
Oh well. I still really enjoyed this story and this author.
There's the tiniest bit of paranormal activity that, I believe, is pretty inconsequential so it didn't bother me too much.
This especially hit the spot because it was sweet and simple.
An abused woman treated well by a gentle man. Intelligence and communication. Two kind people falling in love.
Of course there are obstacles and I just wanted them to fly the finger at convention. I was really rooting for them.
Then the giant conflict. Uhg. I was disappointed by how overly contrived this plot device was. I hated how stupid Harry was and how generous Margaret was. I wanted them to tell everyone to EFF OFF. Then there's quite a bit of melodrama that saves the day.
Oh well. I still really enjoyed this story and this author.
There's the tiniest bit of paranormal activity that, I believe, is pretty inconsequential so it didn't bother me too much.
March 24, 2021
Very well written. The duke went against all odds and the ton, to obtain true love. The heroine was kind; and the example of a true duchess. The plot was strong, the steamy scenes not too explicit.
February 11, 2023
A cute love story.
February 23, 2021
The Reluctant Duke's Dilemma
Such a great story. Twins who were so identical in looks but different in personality. Can't wait to read more of this Author..
Such a great story. Twins who were so identical in looks but different in personality. Can't wait to read more of this Author..
July 3, 2023
Melodramatic rehash of usual tropes.
July 17, 2024
Pleasant with wholesome goodness
March 29, 2021
⭐️⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ A conventional life is overrated ✨
The good: So many romance novels that I have read fall into the pitfall of creating passionate lust with no true development of kinship or lasting connection. Still others seem to swing in the opposite direction favoring a Puritan style friendship without chemistry. This novel excels at proving both. The build up, the chemistry, and dialog were done very well. The main characters were well developed and likable. This managed to be a slow burn without being slow and boring.
The not so good: Spoiler!!!! The four star and not five star rating was due to everything that happened after the musical leading up to the kidnapping. The hero was willing to marry at the risk of forfeiting his future children's inheritance and living under the stigma of society. That was a big deal! If he was willing to give up all that for love, why would he wish to preserve the happiness/reputation of someone who deceived and tricked him, over his own happiness/reputation And the happiness/reputation of the heroine (the same person he was willing to sacrifice everything for?) That did not make any sense. Also I hate that the hero would make the demeaning offer of accepting the heroine as his mistress. I don't care if that was done back then. It's still degrading and demeaning. I almost dropped my rating to a three because of that fact alone. However all things considered, it was a very sweet and well developed relationship that kept me rooting for the two to end up together despite the odds.
The good: So many romance novels that I have read fall into the pitfall of creating passionate lust with no true development of kinship or lasting connection. Still others seem to swing in the opposite direction favoring a Puritan style friendship without chemistry. This novel excels at proving both. The build up, the chemistry, and dialog were done very well. The main characters were well developed and likable. This managed to be a slow burn without being slow and boring.
The not so good: Spoiler!!!! The four star and not five star rating was due to everything that happened after the musical leading up to the kidnapping. The hero was willing to marry at the risk of forfeiting his future children's inheritance and living under the stigma of society. That was a big deal! If he was willing to give up all that for love, why would he wish to preserve the happiness/reputation of someone who deceived and tricked him, over his own happiness/reputation And the happiness/reputation of the heroine (the same person he was willing to sacrifice everything for?) That did not make any sense. Also I hate that the hero would make the demeaning offer of accepting the heroine as his mistress. I don't care if that was done back then. It's still degrading and demeaning. I almost dropped my rating to a three because of that fact alone. However all things considered, it was a very sweet and well developed relationship that kept me rooting for the two to end up together despite the odds.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2024
Oh my goodness, I really enjoyed this book! This is a new author to me and the book was a freebie to try her out. Let me say, I will be buying the rest of the series! There is also an extended epilogue to this story you can obtain from the author's website. It is excellent and gives a nice update years later. I've also discovered a prequel to the series which I will read next.
So in this story we have Margaret, the Duchess of the late Duke of Ashton who died when he fell down the staircase. With no love lost, we quickly learn that George had been a horrible, abusive husband and Margaret now feels a freedom she's only ever dreamed of.
Meanwhile, Dr. Radcliffe is prospering in Boston when he receives a letter addressing him as the new Duke of Ashton. With his identical twin now dead, he must go to England and reluctantly settle into his new role.
When Margaret first meets Dr. Radcliffe she faints thinking George has played a cruel joke. In addition she fears since he's George's twin, he will treat her similarly. So Harry has some convincing to do but he quickly wins the servants over with his kindness and compassion, and eventually Margaret softens, being able to finally relax and breathe in his presence.
Harry tries to find his place in this new world while he gets to know Margaret. Both are compassionate people and when they learn this about each other it begins to draw them closer. But when George's will is finally read Margaret's fate is sealed, and with her apprehension to marry justified she must now find employment to survive. And it's time Harry seeks a wife.
There were a lot of things I really enjoyed in this book. Margaret struggled with the fact that Harry and George were twins so for a while when she would look at Harry all she would see was George. But Harry had a small scar on his face that Margaret would focus on to remind her 'this is Harry and he's not going to hurt me.' Another thing I liked, but was iffy on at first, was Margaret's explanation of how George died. Now I'm not big on reading about spectres or ghosts or the like, but Margaret confided in Harry that she didn't push George down the stairs even though she fully admits that she had wanted to. Who could honestly blame her? But she told Harry that just before she saw her husband fall he said the name 'Emmaline' and looked absolutely terrified before falling to his death. Later we learn that Emmaline was a sister of Harry and George who died young... From falling down the stairs. This little part of the story does come full circle and I loved the author's creativity. Rest assured this is not in any way a ghost story, but a tiny helping hand from the spirit of Harry's sister just might have helped protect Margaret in the end.
There was a lot going on in this story and it just kept moving and flowing. I really liked the author's writing style and found this to be a well-polished story. Other things I liked that stood out for me were Satan the horse later renamed Satin, throwing rocks at the mausoleum, and Manny - a poor homeless boy that Harry and Margaret take in. His story was interesting and ultimately leads to half the drama in the final chapters. The other half is the result of a devious scheme leading to a compromise that sends Harry to the altar. I really liked his words to Priscilla before they married - he didn't sugar coat anything and flat out told her she would get her title but she would never truly be happy because Harry was in love with someone else. She needed to forget about hopes of a love match with him. Heck, he even refused to grant her request for a betrothal kiss.
Lots of good stuff in this story. I completely enjoyed it and look forward to the next book in the series. There is one short love scene that you can easily skip if it's not your cup of tea, but I found it to be tender and justified given Margaret's past experience with an abusive husband. I rate it 🔥🔥🔥. Overall this is a strong 4.5 star read, rounded to 5. I look forward to reading more of this author.
So in this story we have Margaret, the Duchess of the late Duke of Ashton who died when he fell down the staircase. With no love lost, we quickly learn that George had been a horrible, abusive husband and Margaret now feels a freedom she's only ever dreamed of.
Meanwhile, Dr. Radcliffe is prospering in Boston when he receives a letter addressing him as the new Duke of Ashton. With his identical twin now dead, he must go to England and reluctantly settle into his new role.
When Margaret first meets Dr. Radcliffe she faints thinking George has played a cruel joke. In addition she fears since he's George's twin, he will treat her similarly. So Harry has some convincing to do but he quickly wins the servants over with his kindness and compassion, and eventually Margaret softens, being able to finally relax and breathe in his presence.
Harry tries to find his place in this new world while he gets to know Margaret. Both are compassionate people and when they learn this about each other it begins to draw them closer. But when George's will is finally read Margaret's fate is sealed, and with her apprehension to marry justified she must now find employment to survive. And it's time Harry seeks a wife.
There were a lot of things I really enjoyed in this book. Margaret struggled with the fact that Harry and George were twins so for a while when she would look at Harry all she would see was George. But Harry had a small scar on his face that Margaret would focus on to remind her 'this is Harry and he's not going to hurt me.' Another thing I liked, but was iffy on at first, was Margaret's explanation of how George died. Now I'm not big on reading about spectres or ghosts or the like, but Margaret confided in Harry that she didn't push George down the stairs even though she fully admits that she had wanted to. Who could honestly blame her? But she told Harry that just before she saw her husband fall he said the name 'Emmaline' and looked absolutely terrified before falling to his death. Later we learn that Emmaline was a sister of Harry and George who died young... From falling down the stairs. This little part of the story does come full circle and I loved the author's creativity. Rest assured this is not in any way a ghost story, but a tiny helping hand from the spirit of Harry's sister just might have helped protect Margaret in the end.
There was a lot going on in this story and it just kept moving and flowing. I really liked the author's writing style and found this to be a well-polished story. Other things I liked that stood out for me were Satan the horse later renamed Satin, throwing rocks at the mausoleum, and Manny - a poor homeless boy that Harry and Margaret take in. His story was interesting and ultimately leads to half the drama in the final chapters. The other half is the result of a devious scheme leading to a compromise that sends Harry to the altar. I really liked his words to Priscilla before they married - he didn't sugar coat anything and flat out told her she would get her title but she would never truly be happy because Harry was in love with someone else. She needed to forget about hopes of a love match with him. Heck, he even refused to grant her request for a betrothal kiss.
Lots of good stuff in this story. I completely enjoyed it and look forward to the next book in the series. There is one short love scene that you can easily skip if it's not your cup of tea, but I found it to be tender and justified given Margaret's past experience with an abusive husband. I rate it 🔥🔥🔥. Overall this is a strong 4.5 star read, rounded to 5. I look forward to reading more of this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2020
I feel in love with Recency Romances 50 years ago with Georgette Heyer!
What a delightful and complex story about Recency mores and restrictive behaviors and heaven forbid , kidnappings and ransom demands!!!
What a delightful and complex story about Recency mores and restrictive behaviors and heaven forbid , kidnappings and ransom demands!!!
November 26, 2020
This was a nice, well written story. I love the characters and how she challenged them through love, hope, deception, and the healing process from domestic violence. I am excited to see what she has in store for some of the other support characters in the story, including her cliffhanger at the end involving Dr. Somersby and someone from Society! Thoroughly enjoyed this author’s work!
July 12, 2020
Well Written, Very Enjoyable
This book pulled me in with a fantastic beginning scene. It certainly created more questions than it answered, which is a great way to start a book. I loved both of these characters. How can you not feel sympathy for a woman who has had an abusive marriage? The hero is such a compassionate and kind person, as he often displays, making him utterly swoon-worthy. They are both a bit reticent with each other when they first meet because they make terrible assumptions based on his now-dead brother, who happened to be the heroine’s husband. He assumes that she must be as terrible as his rotten brother for him to have chosen her, and she is very concerned that the hero will be like his twin brother. So they are very wary at the beginning. But things get interesting as they get to know each other... and as attraction starts to pull them both. They certainly had chemistry! I enjoyed both the plot and the characterization—even some secondary characters got some love and were more than stock figures—up until the end. The author had done such a great job that I was sorry to see the standard and overused Regency tropes of abduction and compromise show up. I sincerely hope that in actual Regency times women weren't abducted as often as they are in Regency romance novels! Other than this, this has been one of the most pleasurable Regency romances that I've read in a while. If you love well-written Regency as I do, check out this book.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
This book pulled me in with a fantastic beginning scene. It certainly created more questions than it answered, which is a great way to start a book. I loved both of these characters. How can you not feel sympathy for a woman who has had an abusive marriage? The hero is such a compassionate and kind person, as he often displays, making him utterly swoon-worthy. They are both a bit reticent with each other when they first meet because they make terrible assumptions based on his now-dead brother, who happened to be the heroine’s husband. He assumes that she must be as terrible as his rotten brother for him to have chosen her, and she is very concerned that the hero will be like his twin brother. So they are very wary at the beginning. But things get interesting as they get to know each other... and as attraction starts to pull them both. They certainly had chemistry! I enjoyed both the plot and the characterization—even some secondary characters got some love and were more than stock figures—up until the end. The author had done such a great job that I was sorry to see the standard and overused Regency tropes of abduction and compromise show up. I sincerely hope that in actual Regency times women weren't abducted as often as they are in Regency romance novels! Other than this, this has been one of the most pleasurable Regency romances that I've read in a while. If you love well-written Regency as I do, check out this book.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
May 5, 2021
THE RELUCTANT DUKE'S DILEMMA was my first foray into historical romance, and it was a wonderful way to be introduced to the genre. It has everything one could ask for in a Regency: compromises, the threat of a duel, forbidden love, a "season" in London, charming street urchins, kidnapping, and just a hint of paranormal activity.
TRDD is the story of Harry, forced to return to England after having vowed never again to grace its shores. His twin brother, George, has died, and Harry must now take on his late brother's title and responsibilities. He dreads the prospect...until he meets his brother's widow.
Margaret (Maggie to her friends) is finally free of her abusive husband, George. But her relief is short-lived when she learns that his estranged twin brother will be returning to claim George's title, and possibly cast her from her home. She can hardly believe it when Harry, who so closely resembles her late husband, proves to be his opposite in every way that matters, and the very person her battered heart needs to begin to heal.
Writing with elegance and sparkling humor, Messmer has also mastered the art of maintaining heat and chemistry between her leads while staying mindful of the era's conventions for behavior. It's worth noting that she works AROUND those conventions with equal (and satisfying) skill ;)
A treat from start to finish, THE RELUCTANT DUKE'S DILEMMA is a must-read to this historical newbie. Further entires in the series are already available--enjoy!
TRDD is the story of Harry, forced to return to England after having vowed never again to grace its shores. His twin brother, George, has died, and Harry must now take on his late brother's title and responsibilities. He dreads the prospect...until he meets his brother's widow.
Margaret (Maggie to her friends) is finally free of her abusive husband, George. But her relief is short-lived when she learns that his estranged twin brother will be returning to claim George's title, and possibly cast her from her home. She can hardly believe it when Harry, who so closely resembles her late husband, proves to be his opposite in every way that matters, and the very person her battered heart needs to begin to heal.
Writing with elegance and sparkling humor, Messmer has also mastered the art of maintaining heat and chemistry between her leads while staying mindful of the era's conventions for behavior. It's worth noting that she works AROUND those conventions with equal (and satisfying) skill ;)
A treat from start to finish, THE RELUCTANT DUKE'S DILEMMA is a must-read to this historical newbie. Further entires in the series are already available--enjoy!
April 2, 2022
This is not a true Regency novel - they don't have sex, much less before marriage. Nothing more than a chaste kiss upon engagement. The characters were interesting but I stopped at about 65% with the explicit sex scene. (I'm not a prude but this doesn't belong in this type of novel.)
Amazon synopsis:
After establishing a successful practice in America, Dr. Harry Radcliffe swore he wouldn’t set foot on British soil again. But when he’s named the Duke of Ashton after his callous brother’s sudden death, he begrudgingly returns to the pretentious world he detests. And his pledge to his dying mother to find a wife is thrown into chaos when he meets his stunning sister-in-law.
Finally escaping her abusive marriage, Margaret Radcliffe longs for a new start. Yet her late husband’s final cruel act leaves her penniless, with her only option to remarry … the one thing she vowed she’d never do again. But the new duke’s startlingly familiar features awaken yearnings she thought long-forgotten, dangling the heartbreaking whisper of a passion impossible to fulfill.
Although convinced the accusations she murdered her husband are only salacious gossip, Harry's real torment comes when he wishes for a union that would make them outcasts. And when they finally submit to their simmering attraction, Margaret’s dream of happily-ever-after is derailed by society’s schemes.
Can a scandalous affair turn into a lifetime of love?
Amazon synopsis:
After establishing a successful practice in America, Dr. Harry Radcliffe swore he wouldn’t set foot on British soil again. But when he’s named the Duke of Ashton after his callous brother’s sudden death, he begrudgingly returns to the pretentious world he detests. And his pledge to his dying mother to find a wife is thrown into chaos when he meets his stunning sister-in-law.
Finally escaping her abusive marriage, Margaret Radcliffe longs for a new start. Yet her late husband’s final cruel act leaves her penniless, with her only option to remarry … the one thing she vowed she’d never do again. But the new duke’s startlingly familiar features awaken yearnings she thought long-forgotten, dangling the heartbreaking whisper of a passion impossible to fulfill.
Although convinced the accusations she murdered her husband are only salacious gossip, Harry's real torment comes when he wishes for a union that would make them outcasts. And when they finally submit to their simmering attraction, Margaret’s dream of happily-ever-after is derailed by society’s schemes.
Can a scandalous affair turn into a lifetime of love?
July 1, 2020
What a heartfelt story! The Reluctant Duke's Dilemma will keep your attention from the moment you begin the journey with Harry, the Duke of Ashton and Margaret until the very end! This is the first novel I've read by Trisha Messmer and her writing style I thoroughly enjoyed, she's filled this story with characters that come off the pages and pulled me into their tale, a story that is well-written, with a good plott, and great dialogue. Margaret has just spent several years in an abusive marriage and has no plans in marriage again. Harry, now Duke of Ashton must marry and is not looking forward to it. But as both are drawn to one another villains are lurking in the background to keep Harry and Margaret apart in the heart felt story filled with passion, drama, friendships, family greed, trials and tribulations, turmoil and as tensions intensify and uncertainties abounds with twists and turns that will make you hold your breath until the end in this outstanding story!
August 7, 2020
This story discusses spousal abuse and considering marrying a brother's widow. From what I read online I thought that would have be illegal by forbidden marriage UK laws during the time of this story and would have made any potential union between Margaret and Harry void. I liked that Harry was a kind caring physician who put others first and helped troubled people and animals and that Margaret despite the controlling violent man she had lived with found a way to help others too. I felt that after the reading of George's will Harry could have looked into making his own provisions for Margaret that wouldn't have left her forced to look into working or marrying again. There was the suspense of Margaret's fear of Harry treating her like George did, of her being considered a potential murderer, blackmail, a forced betrothed, kidnapping, and threats to lives.
June 30, 2020
Society be damned.
Margaret finally has her freedom after being in an abusive marriage. Then a complication shows up when the new duke comes from America. Dr. Harry Radcliffe never wanted to step foot in England again but family responsibilities pulled him back. Knowing that he should marry he is reluctant to engage with the young misses of town. Yet the young widow of his brother draws his attention. This one has action and danger and it was a really good read. There are some really good secondary characters in this book I really enjoyed reading this piece and I highly recommend it. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Margaret finally has her freedom after being in an abusive marriage. Then a complication shows up when the new duke comes from America. Dr. Harry Radcliffe never wanted to step foot in England again but family responsibilities pulled him back. Knowing that he should marry he is reluctant to engage with the young misses of town. Yet the young widow of his brother draws his attention. This one has action and danger and it was a really good read. There are some really good secondary characters in this book I really enjoyed reading this piece and I highly recommend it. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
July 1, 2020
Dr. Harry Ratcliffe left England for America where he now as a successful practice when his brother dies and he must return to take over the family title. Margaret Ratcliffe suffered abuse from her husband and now that he is dead she had hoped to live out her life in peace and solitude. When Harry returns he finds his sister-in-law more beautiful than he expected and is drawn to her but there are the rumors that she may have something to do with her husbands death. There is romance and suspense in this book that is intriguing and will keep you reading to find out where the story goes.
July 8, 2020
This book is absolutely perfect! This is the first regency era romance I’ve ever read, as well as the first book by Trisha Messmer and I LOVED it. From the moment I started reading, I was hooked. The leading man, Harry, is a swoon-worthy book boyfriend, and the leading lady, Margaret, is an incredibly deserving heroine. Trisha does a spectacular job of inserting the reader directly into the story and making them feel ALL the feels. There’s suspense, drama, romance, heartbreak and more. This is 100% a MUST READ!!
July 31, 2020
This is my first time reading something by this author. It was an entertaining and enjoyable read. The story was well-written and flowed nicely. The plot was interesting and had some plot twists and turns that made this an interesting and intriguing story. The characters were strong and well-developed. Ms. Messmer did a nice job of bringing this story to life with her vivid descriptions and well-developed scenes. I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading more by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 4, 2020
An incredible story set up during the Regency Era...
This is the story of Harry Radcliffe, a physician and now a duke after the death of his brother, and Margaret Radcliffe, his sister-in-law, a young woman
mistreated by her late husband...
A dream... a forbidden love... surprises and hope...
A story for all that love romance...
I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
This is the story of Harry Radcliffe, a physician and now a duke after the death of his brother, and Margaret Radcliffe, his sister-in-law, a young woman
mistreated by her late husband...
A dream... a forbidden love... surprises and hope...
A story for all that love romance...
I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
September 27, 2020
Story of Harry and Margaret
The Duke,Harrison,is summoned home after the death of his identical twin,George. Harrison meets Margaret’s, George’s wife,and thus begins a friendship, love story, and marriage
The Duke,Harrison,is summoned home after the death of his identical twin,George. Harrison meets Margaret’s, George’s wife,and thus begins a friendship, love story, and marriage
May 6, 2022
This book has a gorgeous cover which really drew me into the story. The basic premise of meeting the identical twin of your evil late husband was very unique. I really loved this story and I can't believe that I've never heard of this author before. I will definitely read more of her work in the future.
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