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The Day of the Virgin Duchess
She’s exactly what he isn’t looking for…
Only her monstrous eyes are to blame for Lady Madeline Beaumont’s misery. With her step-sister’s constant harassment and her own father avoiding the sight of her, meeting his ultimatum to marry seems impossible.
Betrayed in the worst way imaginable, William Lyndon, the Duke of Sherrington, can only hope to live up to his reputation as a rake. And also, find a timid wife to complete his duty of having an heir.
But kissing the innocent Lady at the masquerade was not something he had planned. Nor that he wouldn’t be able to approve any of the suitors she looks for to marry while he burns for her. Unless… She is ruined forever.
Only her monstrous eyes are to blame for Lady Madeline Beaumont’s misery. With her step-sister’s constant harassment and her own father avoiding the sight of her, meeting his ultimatum to marry seems impossible.
Betrayed in the worst way imaginable, William Lyndon, the Duke of Sherrington, can only hope to live up to his reputation as a rake. And also, find a timid wife to complete his duty of having an heir.
But kissing the innocent Lady at the masquerade was not something he had planned. Nor that he wouldn’t be able to approve any of the suitors she looks for to marry while he burns for her. Unless… She is ruined forever.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 5, 2021
284 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
Harriet Caves
71 books64 followersBorn in sunny California, all Harriet Caves ever wanted was to become a doctor and save lives. During her sleepless nights working at the hospital, the Regency classics were her only solace. To no one’s surprise, her British descent led her back to England to discover her roots and where her hidden passion lay: the Regency streets of London.
After obtaining a degree in Creative Writing there, Harriet decided to never leave this magnificent place. A daydreamer and an avid reader herself, she loves spending her days exploring the British countryside or seeking stories under the pebbles of the historical London alleys.
Though she abandoned the hospital wards, Harriet now mends hearts by transporting people back to an era of passionate love. Allow her skilled pen to take you to a special place where souls sing of love and dreams come to life!
After obtaining a degree in Creative Writing there, Harriet decided to never leave this magnificent place. A daydreamer and an avid reader herself, she loves spending her days exploring the British countryside or seeking stories under the pebbles of the historical London alleys.
Though she abandoned the hospital wards, Harriet now mends hearts by transporting people back to an era of passionate love. Allow her skilled pen to take you to a special place where souls sing of love and dreams come to life!
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 8, 2021
Cinderella type story Evil Step Sister and Evil Stepmother.
Maddie/Madeline is the daughter of an Earl who mistreats her and believes every lie his Step Daughter Georgiana tells him about his blood daughter. The Earl is cruel and mean to his daughter Maddie, because of her strange eye coloring. Maddie is kind, beautiful and intelligent. She meets William the Duke of Sherrington. They begin a rouse which will let Maddie meet her fathers demands that she marry by seasons end. Maddie in turn will look for a Plain wife for William!! What A Crock of crap!!
I didn't like the authors style of writing. She Constantly ends sentences with Maddie "said" William "said" Harriet "said". it breaks of the thought. I think this helps get the word count up. The villain's are let off with basically a slap on the hand for murder and attempted murder of a Peer. The Step sister Georgiana is sent to the country after trying to poison and kill Maddie. The step mother Harriet supplied the poison for her daughter and killed Maddie's mother the first Countess by poisoning her. So she could marry the Earl!! She is sent to a Mad house. Now the Earl is only sorry, he let his daughter be so mistreated and abused and he married his wife's murderer!! In the right hands this story could have been 5 stars!! But you never let villain's get away like this author did.
Maddie/Madeline is the daughter of an Earl who mistreats her and believes every lie his Step Daughter Georgiana tells him about his blood daughter. The Earl is cruel and mean to his daughter Maddie, because of her strange eye coloring. Maddie is kind, beautiful and intelligent. She meets William the Duke of Sherrington. They begin a rouse which will let Maddie meet her fathers demands that she marry by seasons end. Maddie in turn will look for a Plain wife for William!! What A Crock of crap!!
I didn't like the authors style of writing. She Constantly ends sentences with Maddie "said" William "said" Harriet "said". it breaks of the thought. I think this helps get the word count up. The villain's are let off with basically a slap on the hand for murder and attempted murder of a Peer. The Step sister Georgiana is sent to the country after trying to poison and kill Maddie. The step mother Harriet supplied the poison for her daughter and killed Maddie's mother the first Countess by poisoning her. So she could marry the Earl!! She is sent to a Mad house. Now the Earl is only sorry, he let his daughter be so mistreated and abused and he married his wife's murderer!! In the right hands this story could have been 5 stars!! But you never let villain's get away like this author did.
September 27, 2021
Try harder
The plot for this book was very good and interesting.
However, the author's understanding of the customs and mores of English aristocracy is execrable.
There is a particular way in which society in England is ordered and the members of an aristocratic household follow strict rules in regard to status. None of that is apparent or understood in this book. Maids clean or loom after ladies. Valets look after gentlemen. Butlers rule the house and housekeepers see to the cleaning and other tasks required in such a household. Footmen serve meals, open doors and run errands.
Dukes dont go to a bar nor do they go to ice cream parlours run by Italians who were former labourers. That might have occurred in later era but not in this period.
The author should also research the tiers of society.
York is the title usually taken by the second son of the monarch along with the title Duke. It is one of the highest honours in the realm.
This book could have been so much better if the author had researched it better. Also there were some grim grammatical errors.
And yet I enjoyed the storytelling. It was a refreshing change from the usual Regency romance but could have been written so much better.
The plot for this book was very good and interesting.
However, the author's understanding of the customs and mores of English aristocracy is execrable.
There is a particular way in which society in England is ordered and the members of an aristocratic household follow strict rules in regard to status. None of that is apparent or understood in this book. Maids clean or loom after ladies. Valets look after gentlemen. Butlers rule the house and housekeepers see to the cleaning and other tasks required in such a household. Footmen serve meals, open doors and run errands.
Dukes dont go to a bar nor do they go to ice cream parlours run by Italians who were former labourers. That might have occurred in later era but not in this period.
The author should also research the tiers of society.
York is the title usually taken by the second son of the monarch along with the title Duke. It is one of the highest honours in the realm.
This book could have been so much better if the author had researched it better. Also there were some grim grammatical errors.
And yet I enjoyed the storytelling. It was a refreshing change from the usual Regency romance but could have been written so much better.
August 15, 2021
Carbon Copies
The main charactets in this engaging novel are Duke William and Lady Madelaine. They are both engaging and have interesting backgrounds that support their character's strengths and flaws. But, and it is a big but, this is the fourth novel this month with a lady with two different colored eyes. All have been one green and the other blue. All have been maligned in ways that are cruel because of that difference. This begs the question: Is there a list given to authors about certain characteristics that books written about the same time must have? Are there lists that have actions or consequences that must be in these stories? Because most of their outcomes seem to end alike! It comes across very lame. Like the same author is wriing the plot for a class to write about. I expect better from authors of the Cobalt Fairy group.
For this book, "The Day of the Virgin Duchess" by Harriet Caves, I give 3 stars.
The main charactets in this engaging novel are Duke William and Lady Madelaine. They are both engaging and have interesting backgrounds that support their character's strengths and flaws. But, and it is a big but, this is the fourth novel this month with a lady with two different colored eyes. All have been one green and the other blue. All have been maligned in ways that are cruel because of that difference. This begs the question: Is there a list given to authors about certain characteristics that books written about the same time must have? Are there lists that have actions or consequences that must be in these stories? Because most of their outcomes seem to end alike! It comes across very lame. Like the same author is wriing the plot for a class to write about. I expect better from authors of the Cobalt Fairy group.
For this book, "The Day of the Virgin Duchess" by Harriet Caves, I give 3 stars.
August 13, 2021
Wonderful book with great characters. William and Maddie worked out a scheme so that she would be engaged by the end of the season according to her fathers instructions or be sent to live in the country with an aunt. Things were going as planned except her step sister was always putting her down in front of suitors plus Maddie had two different color of eyes. The duke William saw pass this ti the woman that Maddie was. After much debating on his part he found that no man was good enough for Maddie but himself.After some headache the duke came to his senses and married Maddie so they had their HEA would highly recommend.
August 13, 2021
For him mismatch eyes are beautiful.
Abused by those who should love her Madeline must deal with an almost impossible request by her family. William, a betrayed rake, knows he must marry but that really is not what he wants. A chance encounter at a masquerade has fate stepped in to help these two? Awesome characters Madeline show such strength of character, and William is such a smart and tricky fellow. I loved them both. There is a bit of an emotional roller coaster element to the piece but, you also find humor, sadness, and love too. I really enjoyed this book high praise and I do recommend it. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Abused by those who should love her Madeline must deal with an almost impossible request by her family. William, a betrayed rake, knows he must marry but that really is not what he wants. A chance encounter at a masquerade has fate stepped in to help these two? Awesome characters Madeline show such strength of character, and William is such a smart and tricky fellow. I loved them both. There is a bit of an emotional roller coaster element to the piece but, you also find humor, sadness, and love too. I really enjoyed this book high praise and I do recommend it. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
July 30, 2023
Steamy and beautiful!
It started off as a unique story plot that kept me going, making me wonder how it would all end. Even though I could predict what would happen in the end, it was nonetheless very exciting to find out how. And wow, what a blast the climax was! – never expected that one coming!
Just one thing that distracted me from time-to-time was the formatting of the ebook: it had too much space between paragraphs that sought to confuse me. But the plot and the narration was interesting enough to keep me going.
I highly recommend this book to readers who want to read a romance story with a twist!
It started off as a unique story plot that kept me going, making me wonder how it would all end. Even though I could predict what would happen in the end, it was nonetheless very exciting to find out how. And wow, what a blast the climax was! – never expected that one coming!
Just one thing that distracted me from time-to-time was the formatting of the ebook: it had too much space between paragraphs that sought to confuse me. But the plot and the narration was interesting enough to keep me going.
I highly recommend this book to readers who want to read a romance story with a twist!
August 7, 2021
What a twist.
I was given an advanced copy of this for my honest opinion.
I have to say, there were a few parts I didn’t find entertaining and skimmed over. Then there were parts with William and Madeline that I couldn’t look away and chuckled, cried and outright screened at my kindle.
I was a bit irritated that I had to wait for the epilogue to learn about the juicy bits. However, I found this one truly enjoyable and will read again.
I was given an advanced copy of this for my honest opinion.
I have to say, there were a few parts I didn’t find entertaining and skimmed over. Then there were parts with William and Madeline that I couldn’t look away and chuckled, cried and outright screened at my kindle.
I was a bit irritated that I had to wait for the epilogue to learn about the juicy bits. However, I found this one truly enjoyable and will read again.
August 14, 2021
This Is A Very Steamy Regency Romance:
I haven't read to many of Ms. Caves books but this one is the best that I have read so far.
Enjoyed reading this thrilling complex romance story that has interesting characters, great plot and not 1 surprise ending but 3 huge shocks that caught me totally off guard.
It was a fun read that had lots of sizzling moments that I really enjoyed.
An adult story with descriptive intimacy.
Heat Level 2+ out of 5
I haven't read to many of Ms. Caves books but this one is the best that I have read so far.
Enjoyed reading this thrilling complex romance story that has interesting characters, great plot and not 1 surprise ending but 3 huge shocks that caught me totally off guard.
It was a fun read that had lots of sizzling moments that I really enjoyed.
An adult story with descriptive intimacy.
Heat Level 2+ out of 5
August 16, 2021
Clever and imaginative! Great, multi-faceted characters. Very interesting plot. Vivid descriptions. Kept me intrigued from the first page to the last. Simply a GREAT read!
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
September 16, 2021
Cinderella-esque
Not something to write home about. Twice I think she mistakenly called Madeline the daughter of a Viscount. Didn’t really fall in love with the characters, plot, or writing. Not steamy by any means but not “clean” if you count a few rushed kisses and one scene.
Not something to write home about. Twice I think she mistakenly called Madeline the daughter of a Viscount. Didn’t really fall in love with the characters, plot, or writing. Not steamy by any means but not “clean” if you count a few rushed kisses and one scene.
August 13, 2021
The charm, banter, passion, and action will keep you turning pages until the end that has a few twists. Great main characters to root for, and evil villains that get whats coming to them in the end. It does have some steam.
August 17, 2021
Betrayal
A sad story of being treated badly by her father, and especially her step sister! Being born with eyes different, belittled and made look clumsy, but when a Duke comes to her aid things change! Very interesting book!
A sad story of being treated badly by her father, and especially her step sister! Being born with eyes different, belittled and made look clumsy, but when a Duke comes to her aid things change! Very interesting book!
May 29, 2024
wonderful,fascinating
I found this book to be utterly fascinating, fascinating. treachery, for the first part, I’d love the storyline and the character development. The younger stepsister was described to a T.
I found this book to be utterly fascinating, fascinating. treachery, for the first part, I’d love the storyline and the character development. The younger stepsister was described to a T.
August 8, 2021
What a fantastic book a very good plot to with twists and turns to it
Want to read
August 9, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/9/2021)! 🎁
August 14, 2021
Another terrific book from Harriet Caves….a must read……❤️🇦🇺❤️
August 18, 2021
Interesting story
I enjoyed this book, but I don’t care for soap Oprah type stories. William and Madeline had a happy ending.
I enjoyed this book, but I don’t care for soap Oprah type stories. William and Madeline had a happy ending.
August 19, 2021
If you like regency romance then this one is for you, it even has quite a twist at the end, worth reading.
September 19, 2021
I was definitely disappointed in this book. I just read a book very similar where the couple decide to fake a courtship to find each other a match. Once was good, twice was not so good.
September 26, 2021
This was a Regency romance with a solid story line. Liked both the H & h. But the H was such a disappointment as a Duke by being so self-centered.
Read
October 17, 2021Loved this!
May 6, 2022
Great
This was a great read. I just loved William and Maddie as much as I hated Georginia. The story was sweet and a one day read. Get your copy today.📚😍📚😍📚😍📚
This was a great read. I just loved William and Maddie as much as I hated Georginia. The story was sweet and a one day read. Get your copy today.📚😍📚😍📚😍📚
June 23, 2022
I enjoyed this book! I especially loved the twist at the end! Pretty great twist that you don’t see coming!
January 2, 2023
Enjoyed reading this book
November 8, 2023
Liked
I liked reading this book and enjoyed the characters of the story that develop along the way .It was slightly different from the usual but the out come was still the same.
I liked reading this book and enjoyed the characters of the story that develop along the way .It was slightly different from the usual but the out come was still the same.
March 18, 2022
Help from a duke
I enjoyed this book. I was able to follow the storyline, although, it was a unique storyline. There was an unexpected twist that I did not anticipate, so I was thrilled to be caught unaware.
I enjoyed this book. I was able to follow the storyline, although, it was a unique storyline. There was an unexpected twist that I did not anticipate, so I was thrilled to be caught unaware.
July 1, 2022
Entertaining!
Madeline and William make a deal! They pretend to be courting while each really helps the other find a potential spouse. Madeline has been given a deadline---- either be engaged by end of the Season or banished to the country ! Their plan backfires as they become more and more attracted to each other but outside influences cause heartbreak, illness, and almost death for Maddie!
Madeline and William make a deal! They pretend to be courting while each really helps the other find a potential spouse. Madeline has been given a deadline---- either be engaged by end of the Season or banished to the country ! Their plan backfires as they become more and more attracted to each other but outside influences cause heartbreak, illness, and almost death for Maddie!
April 2, 2022
"The Day of the Virgin Duchess" is like a mix between "The Duke and I"and a Cinderella-re-telling.
Overall, I liked the both main characters. Madeline was sweet yet head-strong and William was rakish yet charming. Unfortunately, the book is rather short and we spent time with the characters mostly when they are fake-courting and the book does not contain their wedding nor episodes of their marriage.
The story has a decent pacing which picks up a lot during the last chapters which makes the ending seem a bit rushed. One moment the characters are still dancing around their feelings for each other, the next they are getting married. Personally, the jump was a bit too big for me. But others might not find it bothersome.
Another thing that seemed rushed is the redemption-arc of Madeline's father after the plot twist at the end. I wished we had more insight of the family life before rushing into "he's not a bad guy", especially after he treated her like trash for most of the book.
I also feel very bad for Anne who was also a daughter and now has half her family under suspicion for serious crimes. I kind of feel like Anne probably had her own book, but I haven't found it yet...
Altogether, a decent book. I'd give it 3,5 stars which round ups to 4 stars, because I am feeling generous.
Overall, I liked the both main characters. Madeline was sweet yet head-strong and William was rakish yet charming. Unfortunately, the book is rather short and we spent time with the characters mostly when they are fake-courting and the book does not contain their wedding nor episodes of their marriage.
The story has a decent pacing which picks up a lot during the last chapters which makes the ending seem a bit rushed. One moment the characters are still dancing around their feelings for each other, the next they are getting married. Personally, the jump was a bit too big for me. But others might not find it bothersome.
Another thing that seemed rushed is the redemption-arc of Madeline's father after the plot twist at the end. I wished we had more insight of the family life before rushing into "he's not a bad guy", especially after he treated her like trash for most of the book.
I also feel very bad for Anne who was also a daughter and now has half her family under suspicion for serious crimes. I kind of feel like Anne probably had her own book, but I haven't found it yet...
Altogether, a decent book. I'd give it 3,5 stars which round ups to 4 stars, because I am feeling generous.
March 20, 2023
An amazingly enthralling story with plenty of twists and turns
This is an amazingly written story that has some steamy passages. The plot is one of twists and turns that sees the main characters take a journey full of emotional moments. All the characters are wonderfully portrayed with the strength and determination to overcome a thoughtless father and a vicious stepsister. The extended epilogue as usual is a great device that is used to bring a beautiful rounding up of the characters stories. I read an ARC copy.
This is an amazingly written story that has some steamy passages. The plot is one of twists and turns that sees the main characters take a journey full of emotional moments. All the characters are wonderfully portrayed with the strength and determination to overcome a thoughtless father and a vicious stepsister. The extended epilogue as usual is a great device that is used to bring a beautiful rounding up of the characters stories. I read an ARC copy.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews