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The Turnbridge Sisters #3
The Duke's Proposal
Lady Fiona Turnbridge is a fair, green-eyed beauty with a soft spot for injured animals--which is how she arrived on the doorstep of the tall, dark, and handsome Lord Ian Cabott, Duke of Dunsford, at midnight with an injured cat in one hand…and a pistol in her other.
Ian, a former military surgeon with a cool demeanor yet uncommon good sense, is willing to help a damsel in distress--no matter how unladylike her behavior. Still, he has needs, too…and, in exchange for his efforts, he could use Fiona's assistance with the young ward in his care. Ever since the sickly Charlotte moved into his home, Ian's efforts to rehabilitate her have been met with sinister curiosity among his peers. But if Fiona were to move into the Dunsford estate, surely scandal could be averted. Now all he has to do is convince both women that his humanitarian heart is true--and perhaps find love along the way…..
Ian, a former military surgeon with a cool demeanor yet uncommon good sense, is willing to help a damsel in distress--no matter how unladylike her behavior. Still, he has needs, too…and, in exchange for his efforts, he could use Fiona's assistance with the young ward in his care. Ever since the sickly Charlotte moved into his home, Ian's efforts to rehabilitate her have been met with sinister curiosity among his peers. But if Fiona were to move into the Dunsford estate, surely scandal could be averted. Now all he has to do is convince both women that his humanitarian heart is true--and perhaps find love along the way…..
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 1, 2007
5 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
About the author
Leslie LaFoy
38 books25 followersHi everyone! Here are a few facts about me:
I am a multi-published author in mass market historical fiction, or in other words, I write historical romances. I have a background in education, specifically social studies, but I've also dabbled in directing a public television station and serving as a police liaison officer.
I've been married to my wonderful husband, David, for twenty years and I have a teenage son who has yet to encounter a sport he doesn't love. Basically, when I'm not frantically writing and eyeing deadlines, I'm running a taxi service to various sports venues around town. Heck, around the entire state of Kansas.
Speaking of which, I live in a small town on the prairie where everyone gathers at the football field for Fourth of July fireworks and the Lions Club serves free ice cream and watermelon. Where going to the ball diamonds, the grocery store, and the truck stop for dinner is always a social occasion. Where the police department is all of three guys and the Chief drives a PT Cruiser.
My life is full of love and adventure, which always carry into the historical romances I pen.
I am a multi-published author in mass market historical fiction, or in other words, I write historical romances. I have a background in education, specifically social studies, but I've also dabbled in directing a public television station and serving as a police liaison officer.
I've been married to my wonderful husband, David, for twenty years and I have a teenage son who has yet to encounter a sport he doesn't love. Basically, when I'm not frantically writing and eyeing deadlines, I'm running a taxi service to various sports venues around town. Heck, around the entire state of Kansas.
Speaking of which, I live in a small town on the prairie where everyone gathers at the football field for Fourth of July fireworks and the Lions Club serves free ice cream and watermelon. Where going to the ball diamonds, the grocery store, and the truck stop for dinner is always a social occasion. Where the police department is all of three guys and the Chief drives a PT Cruiser.
My life is full of love and adventure, which always carry into the historical romances I pen.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 10, 2015
Lady Fiona Turnbridge isn't interested in attending the latest ball or finding a rich husband. She is interested in her many animals. When her cat is found with an injured leg, Fiona takes her pet to Lord Ian Cabott, the Duke of Dunsford. Since Ian was a military surgeon while in the army, Fiona believes he may be able to save her cat's leg. Ian is intrigued by Fiona, especially when she points a pistol at him. He needs to find a wife and is bored with the search. Ian just needs a woman to give him children, take care of his home, and help him care for his young ward. He believes Fiona may be the perfect wife, but she has doubts about this partnership.
This is the last book in the Turnbridge Sisters series. Though I liked the previous books in the series, I found this one very slow. Whenever something interesting would happen, my interest would only hold for a few pages before the plot began to drag. Fiona was too sweet, too pretty and too perfect, which I didn't find appealing at all. Ian was somewhat likeable, but would make some very bad decisions and then have to grovel for forgiveness. This happened too many times during the story. My rating: 2.5 Stars.
October 21, 2014
I've already read this a few years back and I just had a reread. I still enjoyed this book. It's very relaxing and uncomplicated as to the setting and events. The emotions are also well crafted. I so love the part where Ian grovels and oh so pissed off on the Lady Baltrip incident but. I so want what Fiona wants though. It's ever so rare to find someone you could just be with. Be comfortable with and who understands you. Also the side story of Charlotte is a bit incomplete but it adds a uniqueness in the story. Also the Dowager Duchess' role is too brief, I actually wanted her to be more pushy. The romance is actually quite simple but engaging nonetheless. I had a really good time reading this. It's my favorite in this trilogy.
August 27, 2020
It's not unusual for the hero to be less than wonderful at the outset of the story, but Ian is particularly shallow and callous. He does 'save the cat' at least, but on the other hand, only at gunpoint, and his motivation for entering a marriage of convenience did not convince me.
The gunpoint incident sets up Fiona as a strong character, at least, but both her mental agility and her physical challenge (one leg shorter than the other) are introduced and then largely disregarded. She explains early that though she can walk with corrective shoes, she cannot dance, despite the efforts of several dance instructors. On hearing this, Ian wonders if it was just a matter of the instructor. This sets up an expectation that eventually our couple will dance, but they don't.
The problems of Ian's ward and his mother are great plot elements, but I felt they resolved too quickly - especially the ward. I would have preferred more time resolving them, and less back and forth between the couple, though Ian is frustratingly slow to redeem himself.
The gunpoint incident sets up Fiona as a strong character, at least, but both her mental agility and her physical challenge (one leg shorter than the other) are introduced and then largely disregarded. She explains early that though she can walk with corrective shoes, she cannot dance, despite the efforts of several dance instructors. On hearing this, Ian wonders if it was just a matter of the instructor. This sets up an expectation that eventually our couple will dance, but they don't.
The problems of Ian's ward and his mother are great plot elements, but I felt they resolved too quickly - especially the ward. I would have preferred more time resolving them, and less back and forth between the couple, though Ian is frustratingly slow to redeem himself.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2024
wavered between a 2 and a 3, but probably like a 2.5/2.75??? (Again, Goodreads, step up your rating scale game it’s just embarrassing at this point)
but a tiny scene with fat shaming some random dude immediately brought it down to a 2. I know this was from 2007, but it was completely unnecessary
and Fiona’s character was a freakin roller coaster the whole book, one minute she’s a badass telling Ian to eff off for his dumb comments but the next she’s all mad at him for his comments and doesn’t tell him why and they both were just very childish at different times and inconsistent
but a tiny scene with fat shaming some random dude immediately brought it down to a 2. I know this was from 2007, but it was completely unnecessary
and Fiona’s character was a freakin roller coaster the whole book, one minute she’s a badass telling Ian to eff off for his dumb comments but the next she’s all mad at him for his comments and doesn’t tell him why and they both were just very childish at different times and inconsistent
July 14, 2017
I enjoyed the read.
Fiona seemed like a genuine person and her affinity for animals was endearing. Ian I had a few issues with though. He was supposed to be a kind and empathetic man but several times he dismissed Fiona simply for being a woman. She couldn't possibly have any medical knowledge of note since she is a woman! Frustrating.
That being said I liked the story and the way it played out. There were a couple dull points but overall I would recommend the read.
Fiona seemed like a genuine person and her affinity for animals was endearing. Ian I had a few issues with though. He was supposed to be a kind and empathetic man but several times he dismissed Fiona simply for being a woman. She couldn't possibly have any medical knowledge of note since she is a woman! Frustrating.
That being said I liked the story and the way it played out. There were a couple dull points but overall I would recommend the read.
August 15, 2020
The story line about reading minds was almost non-existent. Overall, the plot was overly drawn out and the ending was disappointing. I could not get a clear picture in my mind of Lady Fiona. Ian seemed very washed out to me as well. Truthfully, Ian comes across as dim witted. Not something I will read a second time.
August 20, 2017
Interesting way to handle a spoiled and uncomfortable actions of an older child. I liked how the two main characters were able to help each other and how they overcame their difficulties.
May 29, 2021
It's so sad how they didn't have epilogues at all. I really didn't like how he slept w her aunt.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2012
3/5 (C)
Review: This book was okay... The whole story was focused on Fiona and Ian's relationship and Ian discovering the whole depth of Fiona's person. I thought something was missing and the author seemed to forget to finalize some details, but on a whole, the book was interesting enough to make me curious about the two previous books... and so I'll probably hunt them down.
The Characters - Both characters were a bit bland in my opinion. Apparently, Fiona had some kind of psychic abilities either premonition or clairvoyance, which set her apart in society. However, it seems that the author forgot this little detail at some point in the book and it was never mentionned again. Now, this is something I've seen happening in a couple of books already and it annoys me. Don't make your characters to have something "special" and just forget about it! And it wasn't just with her psychic abilities, but her handicap as well. Even her love of animals and rescuing them! Basically, I thought that Fiona wasn't well developed. It was as if the author had all those great ideas, introduced them, but didn't develop :( As for Ian, I thought he was a bit insensitive... and basically, very man as in, he didn't listen to what Fiona had to say. I think he's actually a forgettable hero, but perfect for the purpose of this book. However, I have to say that I liked the secondary characters - Caroline and Simone, the two sisters, as well as the current Duke Ryland.
The Story & Writing - Although I seem to have many complains, the book wasn't that bad... and I think it's due to the storyline. It is a simple one and perhaps not very original, but it was enjoyable. Perhaps it was a bit superficial, as in, the author didn't go very deep in some of the issues, but it's all right if all you want is read and not think too deeply :P As for the writing, my only real complaint was really the author starting with some ideas and never giving suite to them.
The Cover - Okay... could be better.
Am I keeping this book? Not sure yet. i think it's going to depend on the two other books. Right now, I'd say I wouldn't keep this book for long-term.
Review: This book was okay... The whole story was focused on Fiona and Ian's relationship and Ian discovering the whole depth of Fiona's person. I thought something was missing and the author seemed to forget to finalize some details, but on a whole, the book was interesting enough to make me curious about the two previous books... and so I'll probably hunt them down.
The Characters - Both characters were a bit bland in my opinion. Apparently, Fiona had some kind of psychic abilities either premonition or clairvoyance, which set her apart in society. However, it seems that the author forgot this little detail at some point in the book and it was never mentionned again. Now, this is something I've seen happening in a couple of books already and it annoys me. Don't make your characters to have something "special" and just forget about it! And it wasn't just with her psychic abilities, but her handicap as well. Even her love of animals and rescuing them! Basically, I thought that Fiona wasn't well developed. It was as if the author had all those great ideas, introduced them, but didn't develop :( As for Ian, I thought he was a bit insensitive... and basically, very man as in, he didn't listen to what Fiona had to say. I think he's actually a forgettable hero, but perfect for the purpose of this book. However, I have to say that I liked the secondary characters - Caroline and Simone, the two sisters, as well as the current Duke Ryland.
The Story & Writing - Although I seem to have many complains, the book wasn't that bad... and I think it's due to the storyline. It is a simple one and perhaps not very original, but it was enjoyable. Perhaps it was a bit superficial, as in, the author didn't go very deep in some of the issues, but it's all right if all you want is read and not think too deeply :P As for the writing, my only real complaint was really the author starting with some ideas and never giving suite to them.
The Cover - Okay... could be better.
Am I keeping this book? Not sure yet. i think it's going to depend on the two other books. Right now, I'd say I wouldn't keep this book for long-term.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2016
Hm. I did not like this one that much. The whole idea of falling in love with a man that was screwing another woman say a week ago? Yuck. Sleeping with him? double yuck. Reasonably good characterization of the heroine and hero. I found the hero to be an ass and he was not redeemed by the end of the book. Making me wonder why such a strong female character was touched in the head. The other books in this series were more enjoyable.
March 5, 2016
An interesting Victorian -- a highly intelligent heroine with just a bit too much insultability. EVERYTHING puts her off. She is touchy to a fault. NOTHING ever quite suits her. Up to and including the hero, who is just a man of the time. Some cute quotes, but a bit too much with the modern sayings. I don't think Victorians ever said "back in the day".
Want to read
April 5, 2010Read through pg 36 on a preview.
May 31, 2014
Unimpressive. That is all.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews