A Duke of Her Own [Mass Market Paperback]

Lorraine Heath (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 31, 2006

Lady Louisa longs to marry for passion and love—but will she find happiness in the arms of the duke?

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Lorraine Heath wrote her first story at seven, and it involved a fisherman who fell in love with a mermaid. She has since moved on to writing about sexy cowboys and dashing English lords (and sometimes, cleverly, in the same book!). Publishers Weekly says she is a "master of her craft." She is, indeed, and along with being a New York Times and USA Today bestseller, she has won the RITA^® Award, Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award, and a Career Achievement Award.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Avon (October 31, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061129631
• ISBN-13: 978-0061129636
• Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 1 x 6.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #195,032 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Lorraine Heath always dreamed of being a writer. After graduating from the University of Texas, she wrote training manuals, press releases for a publicist, articles, and computer code, but something was always missing. In 1990, she read a romance novel and became not only hooked on the genre, but quickly realized what her writing lacked: rebels, scoundrels, and rogues. She's been writing about them ever since, for both adult and young adult readers (as Rachel Hawthorne). Her work has been recognized with numerous industry awards including RWA's RITA(R), a HOLT medallion, a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award, three Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Awards, and several Texas Gold Awards. Her novels have appeared on bestseller lists, including USA Today, Waldenbooks, and most recently, the New York Times.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Well done., October 31, 2006

By 

Detra Fitch (USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Duke of Her Own (Mass Market Paperback)

Set in London, 1888. Lady Louisa Wentworth is now twenty-six years old. With no dowry and only her breeding to offer for anyone considering marriage, Louisa decides to forget wedding and takes matters into her own hands. She places an ad within a lady's paper offering to chaperone a genteel American lady in need of social guidance. With all the recent American heiresses entering town, in hopes of marrying into titles, it is not long before Louisa is hired by the Rose Family.

Alexander "Alex" Wentworth is the sixth Earl of Ravensley and Louisa's brother. He is NOT happy about his sister hiring out as a chaperone, but admits they are in need of the money. Alex wants Louisa to help him wed one of the two Rose daughters, but his sister does not believe it would be a good match for either of the girls.

The Duke of Hawkhurst "Hawk" is one of Alex's close friends and also wants a good word put in with the Rose daughters. Louisa has feelings for Hawk, though she tries to keep it hidden. Besides, Hawk also needs to wed for money. But then Louisa and Hawk are caught in a compromising position.

**** A well done regency romance that will certainly capture your attention quickly. There is nothing truly new or original in the story; however, it is well worth your time and money. This is a terrific way to spend a rainy afternoon! ****


Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

22 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sexy Passionate Heartache Romance, December 23, 2006

By 

Beverly "Beverly" (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Duke of Her Own (Mass Market Paperback)

London during the late 1800's was a time of change. Many titled gentlemen with no money were scouting the ballrooms looking for the many rich American heiresses that wanted to purchase a title. Where does that leave someone like the lovely Lady Louisa Wentworth, the daughter of an Earl with no dowry? Refusing to become a gentleman's mistress she advertises to become a lady's chaperone to one of the many heiresses, promsing to make only the best match. She is accepted by the Rose family, who have two daughters Jenny and Kate. Soon her brother Alex, the sixth Earl of Ravensley, and his friends, Michael Tremayne, the fourth Marquess of Falconridge and Randolph Selwyn, the fifth Duke of Hawkhurst want to be in the running. They all want the beautiful Jenny Rose, but Louisa knows this trio of rogues only want the money and does not trust them with Jenny or Kate who are looking for passion and love in a relationship. Immediately Jenny and Kate's mother, Mrs. Rose knocks the Marquess and Louisa's brother, the Earl out of the running, as only a Duke will do for her daughters. Louisa is relieved, but then it soon becomes difficult because the handsome Duke of Hawkhurst is definitely in the running and he is one who she not only mistrusts and dislikes, but she finds herself uncomfortably drawn to him. Likewise, Hawkhurst cannot get Louisa out of his thoughts. When he is with Jenny Rose, all he sees, smells and wants is Louisa. His lust finally spins out of control when he sets up a plan to catch Jenny in marriage so he can get away from her chaperone who is driving him out of his mind with lust, when it is Louisa that shows up instead of Jenny Rose to spoil the plan. The lust he feels for Louisa can no longer be held back and he compromises her. They are found by her brother Alex and the Rose's son Jeremy Rose. He is then forced to marry the penniless Lady Louisa. The struggle then begins between both Louisa and Hawkhurst because there is such passion that is quickly turning to love in this relationship, but also disappointment, as Louisa realizes Hawkhurst really did need Jenny Rose's money not only for his estates, but for his mother and an illegitimate sister he has kept secret for years. The story is a true delight from the courtship, lust, passion, love, stuggle, and sacrifices that must be made in love. The ending is a near heartbreaker, but has all the components of a true romance that is as old as time. Boy gets girl, boy loses girl, boy gets girl. A truly wonderful heartwarming read!

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars More Emotion Expected!, November 7, 2006

By 

MaryGrace Meloche (Ontario, Canada.) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Duke of Her Own (Mass Market Paperback)

To examine her life was painful! There would be no forthcoming marriage proposals for Lady Louisa Wentworth. She had no dowry, no property, and she would never know marital love. However, the direction of her life could and would change. Lady Louisa was going to work! And as the daughter of an earl, that decision was controversial! Yet, the position of chaperone was respectable, the pay was ample, and her duties were simple -- find two American heiresses "titled" husbands. Yet, much to her chagrin, one prime candidate was the very irritating Duke of Hawkhurst -- her brother`s lifelong friend.

Randolph Selwyn, the Duke of Hawkhurst had never met a more annoying woman than Lady Louisa Wentworth. The woman stung his life at every turn and yet she bewitched him with her innocent charms and cornflower eyes! Hopefully soon, those eyes would be but a defiant memory! That is when Jenny Rose, the American heiress, became his wife! But first things first! First, Hawkhurst's vile money-grabbing scheme must produce fruit!

Reviewer's Comments:
I have come to expect good things from Lorraine Heath (the author is a personal favorite) and I greet every new Heath release with high expectation. However, after completing A DUKE OF HER OWN, I find my reactions mixed. Ms. Heath is a gifted author. She possesses a steady hand and can deliver strong emotion. Although Heath's steadiness was present in A DUKE OF HER OWN, strong emotion seemed neglected. Sadly, the characters floated through the story and only when Ms. Heath introduced the delightful Caroline did emotional perfection surface. Therefore, I rate A DUKE OF HER OWN a solid 8. Yes, the story is good; yes, I recommend it; but yes, it lacks the essential element Ms. Heath can deliver -- that tingling emotion that worms its way into my heart!

MaryGrace Meloche.