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Almost a Duchess, Never a Lady
A sky full of stars and still she shone the brightest…
Her inability to read and write properly has made Lady Eleanor Lockhart the laughing stock of the ton. Growing up without a mother to teach her how to navigate the social scene, Eleanor has isolated herself and is determined to spend the rest of her life caring for her aging father.
When his father’s passing forces Hugh Covington to return to England to assume the title of Duke of Steephelm, he wants absolutely nothing to do with it. Until a chance meeting with a lady stirs something inside him. A lady he hasn’t seen in over ten years.
After Eleanor’s father announces that she is to be wed, Hugh knows he must act before he loses her to another man. When Eleanor falls victim to a series of seemingly innocuous accidents, he just might lose her to something else first. For bloody is the price you pay for betrayal...
*If you like powerful Dukes, loving Duchesses and a marvelous depiction of the majestic Regency and Victorian era, then Almost a Duchess, Never a Lady is the novel for you.
Emma Linfield's 42nd book is a historical Regency romance novel of 80,000 words (around 400 pages). No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a sweet happily ever after.
Her inability to read and write properly has made Lady Eleanor Lockhart the laughing stock of the ton. Growing up without a mother to teach her how to navigate the social scene, Eleanor has isolated herself and is determined to spend the rest of her life caring for her aging father.
When his father’s passing forces Hugh Covington to return to England to assume the title of Duke of Steephelm, he wants absolutely nothing to do with it. Until a chance meeting with a lady stirs something inside him. A lady he hasn’t seen in over ten years.
After Eleanor’s father announces that she is to be wed, Hugh knows he must act before he loses her to another man. When Eleanor falls victim to a series of seemingly innocuous accidents, he just might lose her to something else first. For bloody is the price you pay for betrayal...
*If you like powerful Dukes, loving Duchesses and a marvelous depiction of the majestic Regency and Victorian era, then Almost a Duchess, Never a Lady is the novel for you.
Emma Linfield's 42nd book is a historical Regency romance novel of 80,000 words (around 400 pages). No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a sweet happily ever after.
325 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 8, 2021
155 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Emma Linfield
113 books84 followersEmma Linfield has always been passionate about historical romances. Ever fascinated with the world of Regency England and being utmost inspired by Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer’s work, she decided she wanted to write her own stories. Stories of love and tradition being mixed in the most appealing way for every hopeless romantic, much like herself.
Born and raised in Southern California, Emma Linfield has a degree in Creative Writing and English Literature, and she has been working as a freelance writer for the past 10 years. When she isn’t writing, Emma loves spending her time with her own prince charming and two beautiful children, all the while enjoying the famous Californian sun and ocean.
So, hop on to this exciting journey of Dukes, Earls and true love with Emma and find pleasure in the old fashioned world of Regency - an Era of pure romance, elegance and high fashion!
(Source: Official Website)
Born and raised in Southern California, Emma Linfield has a degree in Creative Writing and English Literature, and she has been working as a freelance writer for the past 10 years. When she isn’t writing, Emma loves spending her time with her own prince charming and two beautiful children, all the while enjoying the famous Californian sun and ocean.
So, hop on to this exciting journey of Dukes, Earls and true love with Emma and find pleasure in the old fashioned world of Regency - an Era of pure romance, elegance and high fashion!
(Source: Official Website)
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 16, 2021
This was an interesting love story. It's definitely different from most others I have read. The storyline was an unusual one as well. The plot was intriguing.
The characters were well-developed and the story was well-written, for the most part. The Heroine, Lady Eleanor Lockhart, was unable to read or write, although, sadly, the cause was never addressed. Because of this, she was mocked, made fun of, and ridiculed at any and all social events, to the point that she did not enjoy attending such things. Thankfully, this author gave Eleanor a father and brother who were both loving and accepting of her, in spite of her issues. They were very protective of her.
Hugh Covington, the Duke of SteepHelm, had his own share of problems. He was actually the second son of a duke, but his elder brother had been shot and killed several years before. So when his father, the former Duke of SteepHelm died, he inherited the title, even though he loathed to accept it.
I know all authors have a word quota to fill when writing any kind of book. However, many of the characters in this story spent way too much time being a bit...introspective. There were many paragraphs spent on one or the other doing a lot of "thinking" and not enough interaction or conversations with each other. This created some discontent and boredom when reading the book. There were also the moments in the story where the Heroine had arguments with herself; almost as if she were going crazy. That was a bit bothersome, but the way the book meandered so much with so little interaction was almost too much to bear.
The more the characters had conversations with their inner demons, the more I started to have a bad feeling about the book. I got to chapter 14 and things took a turn in a direction I didn't like, but I was determined to give it more time. By then, I had come to the realization that the mystery, the drama, and the angst were all unfolding at a rapid pace it was almost overwhelming. There were so many twists and turns in this book, and the angst it contained was so overpowering at times that it was hard to keep reading. However, I am SO glad I did!
This book definitely earned the Keeper for the Shelves award!
The characters were well-developed and the story was well-written, for the most part. The Heroine, Lady Eleanor Lockhart, was unable to read or write, although, sadly, the cause was never addressed. Because of this, she was mocked, made fun of, and ridiculed at any and all social events, to the point that she did not enjoy attending such things. Thankfully, this author gave Eleanor a father and brother who were both loving and accepting of her, in spite of her issues. They were very protective of her.
Hugh Covington, the Duke of SteepHelm, had his own share of problems. He was actually the second son of a duke, but his elder brother had been shot and killed several years before. So when his father, the former Duke of SteepHelm died, he inherited the title, even though he loathed to accept it.
I know all authors have a word quota to fill when writing any kind of book. However, many of the characters in this story spent way too much time being a bit...introspective. There were many paragraphs spent on one or the other doing a lot of "thinking" and not enough interaction or conversations with each other. This created some discontent and boredom when reading the book. There were also the moments in the story where the Heroine had arguments with herself; almost as if she were going crazy. That was a bit bothersome, but the way the book meandered so much with so little interaction was almost too much to bear.
The more the characters had conversations with their inner demons, the more I started to have a bad feeling about the book. I got to chapter 14 and things took a turn in a direction I didn't like, but I was determined to give it more time. By then, I had come to the realization that the mystery, the drama, and the angst were all unfolding at a rapid pace it was almost overwhelming. There were so many twists and turns in this book, and the angst it contained was so overpowering at times that it was hard to keep reading. However, I am SO glad I did!
This book definitely earned the Keeper for the Shelves award!
May 11, 2021
Eleanor is unable to read and write. Anytime she is out in public she hears snide remarks directed at her. She has two friends who she depends on to keep her going.
Hugh Covington returns to England after his father's passing to assume the title of Duke of Steephelm. He was gone for ten years. He happens to run into Eleanor and recognizes her right away.
He has to give her some clues before she recognizes him. They become interested in each other.
Eleanor starts having one accident after another. What is happening?
Characters are fleshed out. The plot is well constructed and the story is well written and it is a page-turner. So far, I think this is the best book by Emma that I've read. A must-read. Highly recommended.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book and I'm voluntarily posting a review. My opinion is entirely my own.
Hugh Covington returns to England after his father's passing to assume the title of Duke of Steephelm. He was gone for ten years. He happens to run into Eleanor and recognizes her right away.
He has to give her some clues before she recognizes him. They become interested in each other.
Eleanor starts having one accident after another. What is happening?
Characters are fleshed out. The plot is well constructed and the story is well written and it is a page-turner. So far, I think this is the best book by Emma that I've read. A must-read. Highly recommended.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book and I'm voluntarily posting a review. My opinion is entirely my own.
May 11, 2021
Ms. Linfield does it again! I found this to be a delightful regency romance. The story of Esther and Hugh was filled with its ups and downs. Each battling past hurts and gossipers. Interesting storyline of Esther not able to read--I only wish it were addressed as to what was the cause. This clean romance is filled with humor--I loved Esther's wit--as well as heartache. Esther fought through many battles, even a traitorous relationship, but as we're told, she "had not allowed that pain to defeat her." I received a complimentary ARC of this book and have voluntarily given my honest opinion in this review.
May 14, 2021
A thrilling story!
Though inadequate in the eyes of the ton and betrayed by her best friend and blood relative who foolishly covets what she has, Eleanor evantually finds her "happily ever after" in the arms of a dashing duke. Blaming himself for the death of his elder brother, Hugh feels undeserving of happiness, yet, fate has other plans for them, which are to be revealed when he meets again his long lost friend and neighbour, Eleanor. A thrilling love story with a HEA.
Though inadequate in the eyes of the ton and betrayed by her best friend and blood relative who foolishly covets what she has, Eleanor evantually finds her "happily ever after" in the arms of a dashing duke. Blaming himself for the death of his elder brother, Hugh feels undeserving of happiness, yet, fate has other plans for them, which are to be revealed when he meets again his long lost friend and neighbour, Eleanor. A thrilling love story with a HEA.
June 5, 2021
A very good story
This is a good story about family betrayal love and forgiveness Eleanor is the daughter of a duke and Hugh is a duke returning home and they fall in love but there is another trying to keep them apart Eleanor is called plain and has a problem with reading and writing but has a kind heart The characters are determined and strong and have the sperit of forgiveness A well written story
This is a good story about family betrayal love and forgiveness Eleanor is the daughter of a duke and Hugh is a duke returning home and they fall in love but there is another trying to keep them apart Eleanor is called plain and has a problem with reading and writing but has a kind heart The characters are determined and strong and have the sperit of forgiveness A well written story
November 27, 2021
Well this was just delightful! I always love a downtrodden heroine and appreciated Eleanor’s struggle with her “demons” of negative self-talk. I also enjoyed the mystery even if I did figure it out rather early on. I do wish the book had included but it seemed like the intrigue overshadowed the angst (and more importantly, the requisite healing) towards the end. (3.5 stars)
April 9, 2022
Really enjoyed this clean story about the romance between Hugh and Eleanor. Eleanor has severe dyslexia and has never felt confident or good enough about anything. But when she starts being attracted to Hugh (and he feels the same), she feels really happy for the first time in her life. But there’s a hornet in the nest and that’s where the story gets interesting. But as usual true love conquers all!
May 28, 2021
Mysterious betrayal
This story is a very good read. It has the components of romance, intrigue, capriciousness of family and friends. A very astonishing twist to the family and romance. The extended epilogue gave solace to my heart for all involved. I would read again….not many books would I reread as soon as I read for the 1st time.
This story is a very good read. It has the components of romance, intrigue, capriciousness of family and friends. A very astonishing twist to the family and romance. The extended epilogue gave solace to my heart for all involved. I would read again….not many books would I reread as soon as I read for the 1st time.
March 28, 2022
Despite setbacks love found a way
What an incredible story of intrigue and suspense. Eleanor just wanted to be loved for herself and it was only when she met up with High that their true feelings for each other surfaced and they found their happily ever after
What an incredible story of intrigue and suspense. Eleanor just wanted to be loved for herself and it was only when she met up with High that their true feelings for each other surfaced and they found their happily ever after
May 9, 2021
I loved this book and the characters. Even though I was given a copy of this book by the author, it in no way influenced my opinion and this is my honest review.
May 11, 2021
I really loved this story it kept my interested from the first page
September 21, 2021
Clean love story.
I couldn't believe it was this person who did this scheme against family member.
I'm so super happy they're together, totally deserved each other.
Hugh ❤️ Eleanor
I couldn't believe it was this person who did this scheme against family member.
I'm so super happy they're together, totally deserved each other.
Hugh ❤️ Eleanor
October 24, 2021
Liked
A bit of a struggle to get into at the start but we'll worth it further along.A nice ,gentle entertaining story with interesting characters.😊😊
A bit of a struggle to get into at the start but we'll worth it further along.A nice ,gentle entertaining story with interesting characters.😊😊
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews