Customer Reviews

A Duke of Her Own

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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!

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.

'A Duke of Her Own' by Lorraine Heath was a great historical romance novel -I loved all the characters. Lady Louisa has no money and becomes a social chaperone to two American heiress. In the process of finding the titled husbands she finds herself with a certain Duke. I can't wait for second book of series 'Just Wicked Enough' coming out Oct. 2007.

Where have I been? Why did I think Lorraine Heath wrote only about Texas? I LOVED this book!! It's exactly the kind of historical romance I look for. Great characters (and chemistry between them). The hero seemed to be a selfish, irresponsible rake, but as we (and the heroine) learned more and more about him, that was not the case at all. Ms. Heath does a fantastic job at creating sexual tension; I especially loved the way the hero would try to fantastize about the rich American girl he needed to marry and was so annoyed because the heroine kept taking her place in his fantasies. I read the first 145 pp before work. I read the rest straight through when I got home. And I wish I hadn't finished it so I could keep reading!

A DUKE OF HER OWN - is the beginning story in Heath's latest trilogy - The Rogues and Roses.

The premise reveals three impoverished English lords looking for heiresses to marry to save their estates and resume their lives.

Set in the Regency period, when wealthy American merchants arrived in England with their daughters in tow, looking to buy them a title. In this case, the Rose family is wealthy beyond belief and three English lords, who are all friends vie for the attention of Jenny and Kate Rose. Both have different views of what a marriage should have: Jenny wants passion and Kate is determined that it should be love.

Lady Louisa Wentworth is forced by her family's lack of funds to accept a position of chaperone to the Rose's. Her brother Alex, the Earl of Ravensley and his two longtime friends, who are also penniless lords, the Duke of Hawhurst and Michael Tremayne, Marques of Falconville are all vying for the heiresses' attention.

In A Duke of Her Own, the Duke of Hawkhurst is the one who set his sites in winnning the attentions of Jenny, the oldest and most beautiful of the two Rose girls, though his real attraction is for Louisa.

The story that follows shows how the English nobility has to swallow pride and forgo circumstance to accept American wealth as their salvation. Hawk's and Louisa story is beautifully told and it also introduces all the players in the series, providing a great setting for their upcoming stories. As head of the family, he has to support his mother and illegitimate sister and needs the funds that marrying an heiress will provide. However, all things that are planned don't always take fruit as you will see in this delightful first installment of the Rogues and the Roses. Enjoy.

Lady Louisa's family is out of money, so she decided to take a job as a chaperon for American Heiresses in search of British titles. One of the girls she chaperoned is noticed by an impoverished duke, Hawk, who desperately needs the American's wealth. Without giving the entire plot away, the tables are turned, and Louisa lands the duke. However, her love for him is tested as she isn't sure if he wouldn't still prefer with wealthy American to save his family.

This is a great read, and I was impressed by the characters. I loved reading a Victorian novel, as I usually read regencies. I particularly enjoyed the idea of the British peerage being attacked by brash, wealthy-through-work Americans. (I couldn't help thinking of Consuelo Vanderbilt becoming the Duchess of Marlborough.) Ms. Heath did a great job of capturing the frustrations of the male peerage, and showing how different individuals handled the stress on this situation.

In general, this is a good quality romance that was enjoyable to read. My only point of contention is that I would have liked more details and fleshing out of the couple's marriage. At the point they become involved, the plot shifts to the plight of Hawk's younger sister, Caroline. I wished I got to know the couple a little more.

I have read most of the Lorraine Heath books, believe me i love them all. I always used to see the reviews of A Duke of her own but somehow never tried to read it. But one day I just ordered for the book and started reading with a fact in mind that however disappointing the story must be..one cannot overlook the fact that Lorraine Heath has written it. Must tell you, the story is amazing. Read it in a single go...the lady seeks security.the gentleman seeks money...and they fall in love...the story touched my heart...please read it once..everyone..!

A dynamic hero makes A Duke of her Own worth the read. The heroine really pales in comparison. She's not colorless just rather subdued when compared to her male lead.

Lady Louisa Wentworth is impoverished. She has no hope of marrying even though she is only in her mid twenties because she has no dowry. To garner funds and gain some independence, she becomes a chaperone to a pair of American heiresses looking to make a match, the older Jenny wants passion and younger Kate wants love. Louisa is naïve in the extreme at times, especially when it comes to Jenny, the oldest heiress. The other, Kate, is so moody, morose and boring that she fades into the background (I read the sequel about Kate earlier this year and would have skipped it if I had read this first.) Louisa takes her job very seriously which is why she would like to discourage the Duke of Hawkhurst's (Hawk) interest in the American women. She knows him by reputation only, it's not good, plus she has seen him carousing late at night with her brother.

Hawk needs to marry a wealthy woman because his estate is in need of funds and he sees Jenny Rose as an opportunity he just cannot pass by. The trouble is he is much more interested in his friend's sister Louisa. Every time he is with Jenny he thinks about the tart tongued chaperone accompanying them. She is a constant challenge but unsuitable because she has no money. This does not stop him from flirting with her or from fantasizing what it would be like if she were available to him.

Louisa is prickly at first and at times self righteous. However her feelings toward Hawk change because she really allows herself to know him beyond his reputation. He is considerate and honest. She is ready to recommend him as a possible suitor but hesitates as she is feeling almost possessive of him.

Hawk is desperate and desperate times call for desperate measures. He plans to compromise Jenny but you know what they say about the best laid plans. Suddenly he is in a full scale scandal and his life looks a little hopeless. It is here where the story goes from mediocre to quite good. Louisa matures and finds her self worth as more than a chaperone. She is resourceful and creative in finding solutions to her problems. Hawk's secrets are revealed and the world does not fall apart as he fears. He and Louisa really begin to communicate thoughts and feelings. This is a nice novel with a very good hero, 4 stars.

The characters of this book were wonderful. It takes place during the time that nobility can no longer afford to ignore progress and how a brave lady, Louisa, takes charge of her life and inspires others to do the same. Very heart warming to see how she changes the view and life of Hawk. Not too many love scenes, but the emotional connections were great! Fun read!