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The Brooks #1
His Gift of a Duchess
“What do I do if I’m actually falling in love with him?”
Eliza never wanted to be a Duchess. It was almost by force that she agreed to marry the Duke of Sunderley, after he came barging into her family’s home, demanding satisfaction on a contract older than herself.
Edward Connolly was never supposed to be a duke. Raised proper, stiff, and unloved, he just tries to do what he must. And if marrying one of the Brooks sisters is his duty, then he shall.
Their worlds clashing violently, the last thing they expected was to fall in love. But as forced as this marriage was, as happy as it turned out to be, there are those enraged by it. And they will make sure it does not last through the winter…
*If you like powerful Dukes, loving Duchesses and a marvelous depiction of the majestic Regency and Victorian era, then His Gift of a Duchess is the novel for you.
An enchanting regency romance of 80,000 words (around 400 pages), written by Emma Linfield and published by Cobalt Fairy.
No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a sweet happily ever after.
Pick up "His Gift of a Duchess" today to discover Emma's amazing new story!
Eliza never wanted to be a Duchess. It was almost by force that she agreed to marry the Duke of Sunderley, after he came barging into her family’s home, demanding satisfaction on a contract older than herself.
Edward Connolly was never supposed to be a duke. Raised proper, stiff, and unloved, he just tries to do what he must. And if marrying one of the Brooks sisters is his duty, then he shall.
Their worlds clashing violently, the last thing they expected was to fall in love. But as forced as this marriage was, as happy as it turned out to be, there are those enraged by it. And they will make sure it does not last through the winter…
*If you like powerful Dukes, loving Duchesses and a marvelous depiction of the majestic Regency and Victorian era, then His Gift of a Duchess is the novel for you.
An enchanting regency romance of 80,000 words (around 400 pages), written by Emma Linfield and published by Cobalt Fairy.
No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a sweet happily ever after.
Pick up "His Gift of a Duchess" today to discover Emma's amazing new story!
436 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 13, 2022
223 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
About the author
Emma Linfield
112 books82 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 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 14, 2023
Mother in Law from #@$$
What an awful woman. The Dowager Duchess was evil and I mean evil. The hero and heroine met due to a contract their Fathers sign twenty three years ago. The heroines family was loving and carefree and very unrestricted. They lived life fully. But the dukes family was strict and rigid without humor or love. The MIL hated the heroines family and already had a bride picked out. But the Duke fell in love with Eliza. And she eventually with him. They married and went back to the castle where that evil woman did everything to break them up. Trying to send the girl she wanted him to marry to compromise him and annul the marriage. It was so stupid too. There are lots of things that happen and unfortunately the duke tries to justify his Mothers actions to the extent that he hurts his wife. Badly. It was awful. And honestly I don't buy the old hag changing so much at the end. Its probably an act and she will return to the evil queen roll and feed Eliza a poisoned apple someday. She was appalling.
What an awful woman. The Dowager Duchess was evil and I mean evil. The hero and heroine met due to a contract their Fathers sign twenty three years ago. The heroines family was loving and carefree and very unrestricted. They lived life fully. But the dukes family was strict and rigid without humor or love. The MIL hated the heroines family and already had a bride picked out. But the Duke fell in love with Eliza. And she eventually with him. They married and went back to the castle where that evil woman did everything to break them up. Trying to send the girl she wanted him to marry to compromise him and annul the marriage. It was so stupid too. There are lots of things that happen and unfortunately the duke tries to justify his Mothers actions to the extent that he hurts his wife. Badly. It was awful. And honestly I don't buy the old hag changing so much at the end. Its probably an act and she will return to the evil queen roll and feed Eliza a poisoned apple someday. She was appalling.
January 12, 2023
Utterly awful
The least likeable and spineless love interest combined with the least convincing love story I've ever read. Baffling and rushed redemption arc from the mother in law and a lot of to and froming of Edward coming to realise how awful she is, to immediately going back to his ignorant and pompous ways again?! The only way this could have ended happily is with Eliza leaving him and taking the twins, and him living miserably with his mother. I hate leaving bad reviews but this was honestly so, so bad and I'm annoyed at myself for wasting the time to skim read it to the end, hoping the characters will show some growth and actually become likeable.
The least likeable and spineless love interest combined with the least convincing love story I've ever read. Baffling and rushed redemption arc from the mother in law and a lot of to and froming of Edward coming to realise how awful she is, to immediately going back to his ignorant and pompous ways again?! The only way this could have ended happily is with Eliza leaving him and taking the twins, and him living miserably with his mother. I hate leaving bad reviews but this was honestly so, so bad and I'm annoyed at myself for wasting the time to skim read it to the end, hoping the characters will show some growth and actually become likeable.
December 19, 2022
What a Gift!!!
I loved this book!!! From start to finish, I was glued to it.
A stuffy Duke and his Mother decide to collect on a 23 year old contract.....a wife. The Duke is clueless with a heart of gold; his Mother is a horrible Witch with schemes of her own. A marriage is arranged, but not everyone is happy. And the marriage is under constant threat.
I loved Eliza and her rambunctious, loveable family. She Is a delightful young lady beloved by all.
I would definitely recommend this book. And look forward to the next in the series.
I loved this book!!! From start to finish, I was glued to it.
A stuffy Duke and his Mother decide to collect on a 23 year old contract.....a wife. The Duke is clueless with a heart of gold; his Mother is a horrible Witch with schemes of her own. A marriage is arranged, but not everyone is happy. And the marriage is under constant threat.
I loved Eliza and her rambunctious, loveable family. She Is a delightful young lady beloved by all.
I would definitely recommend this book. And look forward to the next in the series.
September 2, 2023
OMG!! This storyline is so irritating and outrageous.
Have you ever heard of PRIMOGENITURE??? The order of the aristocracy succession!!
In this story Edward Connolly the 11th Duke of Sunderly is threatened to lose his title if he doesn't marry withing the year. His mother says that she will give the title to his cousin Percy who is her blood nephew. This is Impossible!! Even if Percy was the prior Dukes nephew the title could not be taken away from Edward the deceased Dukes legitimate son!! No, could any of the entailed lands and wealth. Another instance was Lewis the young son of Viscount Honeyfield was threaten that if he didn't behave his title would be taken away and given to a cousin!! Impossible!
The Dowager Duchess was given to much power over her son Edward and the Dutchie. She would have had very little power after the new Duchess of Sunderly Eliza married Edward! Even before Edward married Eliza the dowager duchess would have little authority. Except continue to run the household until Edward Married.
The story could have been really good!! But it's a pet peeve of mine when the rules and laws of Primogeniture are tossed out the window for the sake of fiction. This breeds ignorance to new readers of Historical romance fiction. It was not necessary to the storyline either to disregard Primogeniture laws of succession!!
Edward was a Whimp of a man!! He was written to be so stupid and dumb!! He had no manly behavior at all. Just a poor excuse for a man!!
Have you ever heard of PRIMOGENITURE??? The order of the aristocracy succession!!
In this story Edward Connolly the 11th Duke of Sunderly is threatened to lose his title if he doesn't marry withing the year. His mother says that she will give the title to his cousin Percy who is her blood nephew. This is Impossible!! Even if Percy was the prior Dukes nephew the title could not be taken away from Edward the deceased Dukes legitimate son!! No, could any of the entailed lands and wealth. Another instance was Lewis the young son of Viscount Honeyfield was threaten that if he didn't behave his title would be taken away and given to a cousin!! Impossible!
The Dowager Duchess was given to much power over her son Edward and the Dutchie. She would have had very little power after the new Duchess of Sunderly Eliza married Edward! Even before Edward married Eliza the dowager duchess would have little authority. Except continue to run the household until Edward Married.
The story could have been really good!! But it's a pet peeve of mine when the rules and laws of Primogeniture are tossed out the window for the sake of fiction. This breeds ignorance to new readers of Historical romance fiction. It was not necessary to the storyline either to disregard Primogeniture laws of succession!!
Edward was a Whimp of a man!! He was written to be so stupid and dumb!! He had no manly behavior at all. Just a poor excuse for a man!!
April 30, 2025
At Last!!
This story started out a little different than any other I have ever read. But it settled in to a more normal regency plot, it is fun to find a young lady who tells it like it is with no holds barred. Though I don’t think everyone was too happy with what came out of her mouth. I first thought that I didn’t want the meanness and problems to go on too long, I don’t like stories that dwell on the negative or sadness. The Duke kind of learned his lesson, of course love conquers all.
This story started out a little different than any other I have ever read. But it settled in to a more normal regency plot, it is fun to find a young lady who tells it like it is with no holds barred. Though I don’t think everyone was too happy with what came out of her mouth. I first thought that I didn’t want the meanness and problems to go on too long, I don’t like stories that dwell on the negative or sadness. The Duke kind of learned his lesson, of course love conquers all.
December 18, 2022
sweet and clean romance
The duke, Edward, and his betrothed, Eliza, have their interfering and meddling situations from the moment they meet and continue on through their marriage-thanks to some of his family members. In the end all is worked out to their hea. I felt there were some parts that could have been filled in more fully that would have rounded the story out completely (or addressed in the epilogue) but all in all a sweet read
The duke, Edward, and his betrothed, Eliza, have their interfering and meddling situations from the moment they meet and continue on through their marriage-thanks to some of his family members. In the end all is worked out to their hea. I felt there were some parts that could have been filled in more fully that would have rounded the story out completely (or addressed in the epilogue) but all in all a sweet read
January 1, 2023
Her unexpected love
Great story wonderful story line great characters. An old marriage contract between two friends to betroth their first Borns to each other. But one first born son dies, and the second son must fulfill the contract.
But nothing goes as expected. But love will bloom in the most unique of ways.
Thank you ❤️
Great story wonderful story line great characters. An old marriage contract between two friends to betroth their first Borns to each other. But one first born son dies, and the second son must fulfill the contract.
But nothing goes as expected. But love will bloom in the most unique of ways.
Thank you ❤️
February 20, 2023
Ugh. Edward is a spineless, useless man from the very beginning. Even when he starts to fall in love with Eliza, when they return home he can’t be bothered to continue his changed ways and lets his mother run all over both of them for the remainder of the novel. Even at the end when she changes, it’s certainly not because he has stood up for his wife in the slightest.
March 26, 2024
So sad when one grows up without love
It's amazing when someone thinks they're so much better than others. Having a title does not mean love or success but a loving family can change one who has never known love. I'm surprised that the Duke took so long to realize what was up with his mother . The accident with his sister finally changed his mother for the better.
It's amazing when someone thinks they're so much better than others. Having a title does not mean love or success but a loving family can change one who has never known love. I'm surprised that the Duke took so long to realize what was up with his mother . The accident with his sister finally changed his mother for the better.
November 20, 2024
A love meant to be
Eliza married Edward so that her sister was not forced to do so. As they started their life together Eliza was not well treated by Edward's mother. Slowly the plot was revealed that Edward's mother wanted him to marry someone else. In the meantime Edward and Eliza fell in love and fought tooth and nail to establish a loving and committed relationship.
Eliza married Edward so that her sister was not forced to do so. As they started their life together Eliza was not well treated by Edward's mother. Slowly the plot was revealed that Edward's mother wanted him to marry someone else. In the meantime Edward and Eliza fell in love and fought tooth and nail to establish a loving and committed relationship.
December 19, 2022
A contract-signed years ago!
To satisfy his mother Edward needs to marry! A contract signed by by their parents before they were born and now Edward wants to enforce it! How things go is a very interesting story!
To satisfy his mother Edward needs to marry! A contract signed by by their parents before they were born and now Edward wants to enforce it! How things go is a very interesting story!
December 21, 2022
Eliza and Edward
Eliza and Edward
I found reading this book to be very enjoyable. I loved all of the characters, they were very well portrayed and came to life for me in my imagination easily. I liked the plot.
Eliza and Edward
I found reading this book to be very enjoyable. I loved all of the characters, they were very well portrayed and came to life for me in my imagination easily. I liked the plot.
December 22, 2022
People can Change
Delightful tale of how people can grow once they realize what is really important. Eliza and Edward were very likable couple, and once Beatrice realized how wrong she was they had a chance that I happily ever after
Delightful tale of how people can grow once they realize what is really important. Eliza and Edward were very likable couple, and once Beatrice realized how wrong she was they had a chance that I happily ever after
December 25, 2022
His Gift of a Duchess
A very good story about Eliza and Edward they married and fell in love but others were trying to tear them apart The characters are determined and realistic A very enjoyable read
A very good story about Eliza and Edward they married and fell in love but others were trying to tear them apart The characters are determined and realistic A very enjoyable read
January 6, 2023
cowardly ending
The ending was a complete. The evil Mother-in-law would not have changed her personality so completely at the end of the story. I feel cheated at the battle we missed!
The ending was a complete. The evil Mother-in-law would not have changed her personality so completely at the end of the story. I feel cheated at the battle we missed!
January 6, 2023
2 great endings
This story seemed to have a nice ending about a third of the way through but the story continued. I wondered how could it continue but the story developed unexpectedly and had a surprising final ending. It was nice to see the different relationships develop.
This story seemed to have a nice ending about a third of the way through but the story continued. I wondered how could it continue but the story developed unexpectedly and had a surprising final ending. It was nice to see the different relationships develop.
January 7, 2023
Okay
The Duke was first portrayed as a stoic character. However, as the story developed we saw how weak and Controlled by his mother he actually was. Not the best by this author whom I usually enjoy.
The Duke was first portrayed as a stoic character. However, as the story developed we saw how weak and Controlled by his mother he actually was. Not the best by this author whom I usually enjoy.
January 10, 2023
Fine
A contract signed and forgotten. A Duke looking for a Duchess. A mean mother in law. A fine mix of characters causing chaos and mayhem! Read more to discover how Edward and Eliza win.
A contract signed and forgotten. A Duke looking for a Duchess. A mean mother in law. A fine mix of characters causing chaos and mayhem! Read more to discover how Edward and Eliza win.
January 11, 2023
Enjoyable up to the end, then…
The total change in character for B is so unbelievable as to detract from the end of the story. A lifetime of behaving in one way is not going to miraculously disappear due to one event. Bah. Love Emma Linfield’s writing though.
The total change in character for B is so unbelievable as to detract from the end of the story. A lifetime of behaving in one way is not going to miraculously disappear due to one event. Bah. Love Emma Linfield’s writing though.
Read
June 5, 2023Opposites attract when one has what the other has longed for unknowingly
Very interesting story about the differences in two families, a great friendship last and found by the children, and a deep love. Highly recommended for all readers.
Very interesting story about the differences in two families, a great friendship last and found by the children, and a deep love. Highly recommended for all readers.
August 2, 2023
Awesome Story!!!
The family of the main character is wonderful. The main character is delightful and strong. But the Dowager Duchess is a shrew, harridan and absolutely vile! I read this book without stopping.
The family of the main character is wonderful. The main character is delightful and strong. But the Dowager Duchess is a shrew, harridan and absolutely vile! I read this book without stopping.
February 8, 2023
Too mean for words
I really didn't like this story. I hated the meanness and lack of care shown by Edward's family. Edward was truly saved by Elza. The ending was plausible.
I really didn't like this story. I hated the meanness and lack of care shown by Edward's family. Edward was truly saved by Elza. The ending was plausible.
April 6, 2023
I truly enjoyed reading this book. Its ups and downs were understandable. My only complaint is that Edward was a bit of a momma’s boy. After the way he was raised I was just surprised.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
dnf
December 15, 2023Did not finish........I couldn't tolerate the mother in law any longer!
February 14, 2024
love teh Broks family but thought there could be more character arc for some major players
May 9, 2024
Liked
I liked reading this book and enjoyed the characters along with the story line.There was a slight subtle difference in the way it was written.
I liked reading this book and enjoyed the characters along with the story line.There was a slight subtle difference in the way it was written.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews