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Broken Hearts' Redemption #2
The Notorious Scarred Duke of Edendale
Wreathed in the scents of summer she comes, all peach-perfect skin, sweet smile, eyes of periwinkle blue. Her heart filled with compassion, she looks past his scars and into his very soul, bringing hope and comfort where there was none. Has cruel fate sent him the chance of true love at last?Tragedy has robbed Emerson Lake, Duke of Edenvale, of his beloved family, but he blames himself for their deaths. Wracked by guilt and terribly scarred from the fire that stole his beloved mother and brother, he knows he must pay. Years spent as a recluse have transformed him into a wrathful monster, whose scars send children crying and women running. Is he doomed to a life of miserable loneliness? Or can a certain lady turn his torment to love?Modest, compassionate beauty Kate Cooper, an impoverished earl’s daughter, works as a paid companion. Freshly unemployed, convinced she’s an old maid bypassed by love, she’s thrilled to be hired by the elderly Bellmores. She happily joins them in their rented summer home on the beautiful Angelfield estate. Out walking one day, Kate gets lost and encounters an angry, monstrous man with a scarred face, who throws her off his land. Turns out he’s the reclusive Duke of Edenvale, owner of Angelfield estate. Kate vows to avoid him at all costs. But when a wealthy young viscount pursues her, she just can’t get the monstrous duke out of her head.*If you like engaging characters, heart-wrenching twists and turns, and lots of romance, then you’ll love ''The Notorious Scarred Duke of Edendale''!
Also available with Kindle Unlimited!
Also available with Kindle Unlimited!
226 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 13, 2023
408 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
May 4, 2023
UGH! How can a book with a title THIS GOOD be such a snoozy bore?! I feel cheated. Duke Tragic Backstory meets-cute with Beautiful Penniless Virgin, and they have the EXACT SAME CONVERSATION forty-seven times in a row in various bucolic locales. He thinks she could never love him; she knows her feelings are irrelevant because he Must Marry A Lady of Gentle Birth. She has another suitor who is even more dull than the Duke (matter of fact he’s SO boring that the author even forgets to finish his character arc). Not worth your time. If this plot interests you, I suggest you read Tessa Dare’s “The Duchess Deal,” which is a MUCH more entertaining take on this trope.
March 4, 2024
started good but boring at end
Few nit picking about names:
Best friend: Bob - just a weird name for that period, Bob is a nickname. He would have been named Robert then.
There was no indication it was only what his friends called him. So just felt strange.
Lord Reed (son) and Lord Reed (father)- confusion since they were called the same, but if I'm not mistaken, the father would have held the position title not his actual surname following Lord. Whereas the son would be known by the surname. Maybe I'm wrong on this score, but I've not really noticed other writers confusing me with the same Lord for father and son.
Kate is a companion, she would not have had someone who acted like a maid for her. Also she acted like she had total freedom to go about when and where she wanted to. This was a little odd. She was more like a ward.
Otherwise, I really did enjoy the book up until about 2/3 of the way thru when Kate did not immediately reject Lord Reed! Really, she had no interest in him, and nothing would have justified prevaricating and letting him think she was interested in him. Her employers were super nice, there was no real reason to lead the boy on. And taking several pages of internal dialog with herself to justify it before answering him to allow her to think about the offer of courtship rather than saying NO...argh. REALLY!
I lost respect for the girl, then I finished reading the story and discovered, basically Lord Reed was done in the story, nothing more comes of his desire to court her! Why even bother with her prevarication if it has nothing to do with the plot even. She should have just told him NO and had a little spice in the conversation. He was so arrogant, the author could have had fun with that.
Pretty much the rest of the book bored me.
The ending was long and drawn out with detailed wedding shopping, the wedding and then the epilogue. Pretty much boring and sappy. I like conclusions, but better to be concise. I just was scanning it at the end. No story was left.
Summary: The story had potential but died a slow death at the end.
Few nit picking about names:
Best friend: Bob - just a weird name for that period, Bob is a nickname. He would have been named Robert then.
There was no indication it was only what his friends called him. So just felt strange.
Lord Reed (son) and Lord Reed (father)- confusion since they were called the same, but if I'm not mistaken, the father would have held the position title not his actual surname following Lord. Whereas the son would be known by the surname. Maybe I'm wrong on this score, but I've not really noticed other writers confusing me with the same Lord for father and son.
Kate is a companion, she would not have had someone who acted like a maid for her. Also she acted like she had total freedom to go about when and where she wanted to. This was a little odd. She was more like a ward.
Otherwise, I really did enjoy the book up until about 2/3 of the way thru when Kate did not immediately reject Lord Reed! Really, she had no interest in him, and nothing would have justified prevaricating and letting him think she was interested in him. Her employers were super nice, there was no real reason to lead the boy on. And taking several pages of internal dialog with herself to justify it before answering him to allow her to think about the offer of courtship rather than saying NO...argh. REALLY!
I lost respect for the girl, then I finished reading the story and discovered, basically Lord Reed was done in the story, nothing more comes of his desire to court her! Why even bother with her prevarication if it has nothing to do with the plot even. She should have just told him NO and had a little spice in the conversation. He was so arrogant, the author could have had fun with that.
Pretty much the rest of the book bored me.
The ending was long and drawn out with detailed wedding shopping, the wedding and then the epilogue. Pretty much boring and sappy. I like conclusions, but better to be concise. I just was scanning it at the end. No story was left.
Summary: The story had potential but died a slow death at the end.
March 17, 2024
DNF at 52%. The main characters have only been in each other's presence for a few pages. The rest of the time it's inner dialogue thinking about the other. 👎🏻
February 6, 2023
More editing, please
I love a good beauty and the beast trope. This story was pretty good. The Duke's transformation is inspiring. However, the rejected suitor falls out of the story and isn't mentioned again, even though he is family to some principal characters. The need for further editing was distracting. There were many typos, like "You may now kiss your PRIDE." No one caught that?? There are several instances where it should refer to "him" but says "her" instead. Feels like you have to translate. Then the part where Kate is thinking back on last WEEK'S ball, but a page later, the ball was only last NIGHT.
I won't belabor the point further except to add it also felt weak on historical details.
It is a sweet, clean romance.
I love a good beauty and the beast trope. This story was pretty good. The Duke's transformation is inspiring. However, the rejected suitor falls out of the story and isn't mentioned again, even though he is family to some principal characters. The need for further editing was distracting. There were many typos, like "You may now kiss your PRIDE." No one caught that?? There are several instances where it should refer to "him" but says "her" instead. Feels like you have to translate. Then the part where Kate is thinking back on last WEEK'S ball, but a page later, the ball was only last NIGHT.
I won't belabor the point further except to add it also felt weak on historical details.
It is a sweet, clean romance.
February 11, 2023
Unrealistic
It was too unrealistic and sappy. I skipped through most of the book. I couldn't connect to either character well and was rolling my eyes a great deal. Clean romance.
It was too unrealistic and sappy. I skipped through most of the book. I couldn't connect to either character well and was rolling my eyes a great deal. Clean romance.
February 18, 2023
Sweet story
As soon as she saw his face scared from the fire, thoughts rehashed, keeps it from being really good. But s good HEA
As soon as she saw his face scared from the fire, thoughts rehashed, keeps it from being really good. But s good HEA
July 10, 2023
I liked the idea of this story, but it needed a lot of editing for grammar and continuity.
June 10, 2024
A bit disappointing
Personally I found this story stretched the boundaries of believability. No explanation is given regarding the reason for commoners to be invited to a ball with the ton. I can still understand the major and his wife, as landed gentry and then their companion, but Evie? Some of the actions and speech also felt way to modern. At around the 68-69% mark I seriously considered quiting because of the actions of the MFC. Seriously, her backbone disintegrated! And the MMC wasn't much better. Thankfully it picked up. The ending was sweet. There are several mistakes throughout, like his, instead of her; dare, instead of dear; her, instead of his...etc. Overall it was ok but it really felt like a contemporary stuffed into a regency stocking. At the end there is a link for an extended epilogue (not a fan of this) but be warned, you have to give your name and email to access it. It then goes straight to the extended epilogue. So I'm not sure why they need your email🤔
Personally I found this story stretched the boundaries of believability. No explanation is given regarding the reason for commoners to be invited to a ball with the ton. I can still understand the major and his wife, as landed gentry and then their companion, but Evie? Some of the actions and speech also felt way to modern. At around the 68-69% mark I seriously considered quiting because of the actions of the MFC. Seriously, her backbone disintegrated! And the MMC wasn't much better. Thankfully it picked up. The ending was sweet. There are several mistakes throughout, like his, instead of her; dare, instead of dear; her, instead of his...etc. Overall it was ok but it really felt like a contemporary stuffed into a regency stocking. At the end there is a link for an extended epilogue (not a fan of this) but be warned, you have to give your name and email to access it. It then goes straight to the extended epilogue. So I'm not sure why they need your email🤔
January 24, 2023
Emerson was the only survivor of his family after a devastating fire. He has scars on his face and hands but the scars that are deeper are the ones you can’t see. He’s now the Duke of Edenvale but for 2 years since the fire, he’s become a recluse and chases off anyone who trespass on the Angelfield Estate. Kate is a Duke’s daughter but impoverished. She earns her keep by being a companion to an elderly couple renting next door to the Angelfield Estate.
Emerson catches Kate on his property and yells at her to leave at once. Kate looks at Emerson and to his surprise, Kate doesn’t react to his scars which amazes him. This is the beginning of Kate showing Emerson that his scars aren’t hideous but heroic and with compassion and mercy shows him who he really is under all the pain. I received free ARC copy for my honest and voluntary review.
Emerson catches Kate on his property and yells at her to leave at once. Kate looks at Emerson and to his surprise, Kate doesn’t react to his scars which amazes him. This is the beginning of Kate showing Emerson that his scars aren’t hideous but heroic and with compassion and mercy shows him who he really is under all the pain. I received free ARC copy for my honest and voluntary review.
January 16, 2023
I enjoyed the story, although for me there was too much about their thoughts. I also felt the Duke would have been stronger about seeing Kate once he had decided he wished to be with her, and not skulk behind hedges - I understand why he was reclusive but.. I also thought that what happened to the Viscount once Kate had decided on the Duke was unclear. He seemed to expect her to marry him, and all we have is that Kate would write to him to explain and there is no mention after that as to how it was received especially considering the relationship with the Bellmores. I half expected a confrontation between the three of them at an event.
January 16, 2023
This is a story that I think you will enjoy and it will touch your emotions too. Emerson Lake, the Duke of Edendale, has scars on his face and hands due to a fire in which he was the only surviving member of his family. Lady Kate Cooper is the daughter of the late Earl of Cockran. Kate has had to become a companion for an elderly couple, the Bellmores, since her father had lost all their finances. When Emerson and Kate first meet by accident, will it be love at first sight or something entirely different? Can kindness really make a difference in one's life? The story and characters are well written. I think you will enjoy this journey all the way to the extended epilogue.
January 19, 2023
Alone no more?
This was a beautifully written love story about two people who did not think they would every find love and were willing to settle for a life alone but fate had a different idea. I adored Kate what a splendid character she was and our duke he just needed Kate and life would get so much better for him. The other characters in the cast were just as great but of course my favorite may have been Lily and Liam, but I kind of like Bob and Eve too. This is a book I highly recommend I truly think it is one you will love too.
This was a beautifully written love story about two people who did not think they would every find love and were willing to settle for a life alone but fate had a different idea. I adored Kate what a splendid character she was and our duke he just needed Kate and life would get so much better for him. The other characters in the cast were just as great but of course my favorite may have been Lily and Liam, but I kind of like Bob and Eve too. This is a book I highly recommend I truly think it is one you will love too.
March 26, 2023
Tragedy has robbed Emerson Lake, Duke of Edenvale, of his beloved family, but he blames himself for their deaths. Wracked by guilt and terribly scarred from the fire that stole his beloved mother and brother, he knows he must pay. Years spent as a recluse have transformed him into a wrathful monster, whose scars send children crying and women running. Is he doomed to a life of miserable loneliness? Or can a certain lady turn his torment to love? I really enjoyed this book. It was a great book. And am voluntarily leaving my review.
January 26, 2023
The Notorious Scarred Duke of Eden dale By Martha Barwood
Five stars, cute storyline... Kate a poor noble companion, and Emerson the Duke scarred and carrying baggage. Had become whole again when he found Kate.. But he questions whether he deserves her love.. But somehow it works itself out and they both connect to a happy ending.
Five stars, cute storyline... Kate a poor noble companion, and Emerson the Duke scarred and carrying baggage. Had become whole again when he found Kate.. But he questions whether he deserves her love.. But somehow it works itself out and they both connect to a happy ending.
February 16, 2023
Sweet, Healing Love and Appreciation
Emerson was scarred, angry, and reclusive. Kate was beautiful, kind, thoughtful, and strong in character. She was able to see the man the Duke truly was, even when the Duke wouldn't. Such a lovely, heartwarming romance of how true love can redeem a soul that has been scarred.
Emerson was scarred, angry, and reclusive. Kate was beautiful, kind, thoughtful, and strong in character. She was able to see the man the Duke truly was, even when the Duke wouldn't. Such a lovely, heartwarming romance of how true love can redeem a soul that has been scarred.
September 19, 2023
Ugh, where's the book all those great reviews described? Through a really odd error in the Kindle database, I got a silly juvenile story written by a sophomore. Hero's injured and scarred and choked by self-pity, poor poor pitiful he. I didn't get much further with his agonies of despair, I quietly put it in the DNF pile.
November 12, 2024
Good
Very good story over all but took a long time to get to parts that make you not want to put the book down. Started off fairly well grabbing my attention, but some fizzled out because of so much explanation. But in the end in was a compelling story concluding in a wonderful love story leading to happily ever after.
Very good story over all but took a long time to get to parts that make you not want to put the book down. Started off fairly well grabbing my attention, but some fizzled out because of so much explanation. But in the end in was a compelling story concluding in a wonderful love story leading to happily ever after.
July 31, 2025
An excellent book!
A young man comes home to a burning house and runs in trying to save his mother and brother. When he gets them out he’s to late. They both die. He is consumed by guilt and hides away for two years. When he meets a captivating young woman that doesn’t look at him like he is the monster he feels like.
A young man comes home to a burning house and runs in trying to save his mother and brother. When he gets them out he’s to late. They both die. He is consumed by guilt and hides away for two years. When he meets a captivating young woman that doesn’t look at him like he is the monster he feels like.
February 11, 2023
Highly recommend
A gentle and honest book, the characters and their story unfolded without being overly dramatic even while great tragedy overwhelmed the life of the duke in the beginning. Out of the ashes, love turned his life around.
A gentle and honest book, the characters and their story unfolded without being overly dramatic even while great tragedy overwhelmed the life of the duke in the beginning. Out of the ashes, love turned his life around.
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February 27, 2023Excellent story of new beginnings
He finally forgives himself for living. She finds love and security after being alone for so long. They are both orphans and she a light in the darkness. Highly recommended for all readers.
He finally forgives himself for living. She finds love and security after being alone for so long. They are both orphans and she a light in the darkness. Highly recommended for all readers.
May 18, 2023
A touching love story.
A young lord is left scarred and hopeless after he failed to save his mother and brother from the fire that destroyed their home. He was bitter and became a recluse. A beautiful young woman came and changed his life. A great love story.
A young lord is left scarred and hopeless after he failed to save his mother and brother from the fire that destroyed their home. He was bitter and became a recluse. A beautiful young woman came and changed his life. A great love story.
September 28, 2024
A Lady/A Walk/A Pond/Then Love..
A Duke who ran away from society after a fire Faces an unknown Lady on his walk. Besides being incredibly rude he can think of nothing else but the Lady. And her thoughts are about him & no other.
A Duke who ran away from society after a fire Faces an unknown Lady on his walk. Besides being incredibly rude he can think of nothing else but the Lady. And her thoughts are about him & no other.
June 23, 2025
This was a fabulous book!! I loved the story but felt the last half was rushed. I loved that was cleanly written
I would like the issue of that viscount was covered. He was too arrogant to quietly disappear.
I would like the issue of that viscount was covered. He was too arrogant to quietly disappear.
January 25, 2023
Loved this regency romance. Proves love is deeper than skin deep.
February 28, 2023
A splendid, humorous, and wonderful reading experience!
I really like reading about love and the way it works to make life better. This book has been one of those, thank you, Jack.
I really like reading about love and the way it works to make life better. This book has been one of those, thank you, Jack.
March 18, 2023
Love conquers all
I loved Emerson and Kate. I love healing love stories like this. I hope to read more from this author
I loved Emerson and Kate. I love healing love stories like this. I hope to read more from this author
May 4, 2023
New to me author!
This was a great story, and I really enjoyed the ending and the extended epilogue. I do wish we could have found out how Archie reacted to the big news 😁
This was a great story, and I really enjoyed the ending and the extended epilogue. I do wish we could have found out how Archie reacted to the big news 😁
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March 10, 2024FREE today (March 9, 2024) on Amazon.
June 3, 2025
Not bad.
April 8, 2023
*3/5 Stars
It was alright for a quick romance read!
It was alright for a quick romance read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews