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Once a Duchess
Isabelle Lockwood was a duchess, until her husband of only a few months wrongfully divorced her for adultery. Since then she's been a pariah, living in anonymous exile to escape the prying eyes and wagging tongues of the town. More than anything, Isabelle longs for a family of her own, and so has to marry again. But society is ruthlessly unforgiving. To clear her name, Isabelle must face down her past - and the man who broke her heart and ruined her completely.
Marshall Lockwood, Duke of Monthwaite, was blindsided by his young bride's infidelity. After the divorce Marshall licked his wounds, throwing himself into his botanical studies to forget his disastrous marriage. Now his former wife is back in Town, as beautiful and enticing as he remembers. As the Season throws them together again, Marshall can't shake the feeling that Isabelle might not be the adulteress he took her for.
Marshall Lockwood, Duke of Monthwaite, was blindsided by his young bride's infidelity. After the divorce Marshall licked his wounds, throwing himself into his botanical studies to forget his disastrous marriage. Now his former wife is back in Town, as beautiful and enticing as he remembers. As the Season throws them together again, Marshall can't shake the feeling that Isabelle might not be the adulteress he took her for.
200 pages, Paperback
First published October 15, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 212 reviews
April 27, 2017
This is a favorite Regency trope-- the wrongfully divorced woman being remarried by the the divorcing husband but unfortunately certain aspects makes this story way too over the top to even be remotely believable. Especially if your a regular reader of Regencies. There are some spoilers ahead so please be warned.
First of all, divorce in Regency England for adultery was incredibly hard to obtain - there are THREE separate trials that must occur -a criminal conversion case, the lover is basically "stealing or trespassing on the husband's property (the wife's uterus for potential pregancy)"; a Church trial in which a Bishop determined the validity of the complaint; and then a civil trial in the House of Lords where any property settlements made during the marriage where sorted out before any divorce was granted. One instance of supposed adultery by a single observer (in this case the harridan evil mum of the H) would have basically been laughed out of court. The supposed transgressor was a commoner, the witness a managing mum and it did not appear that anyone else was called to testify. In a real Regency divorce case, numerous witnesses, including peers, maids and servants would have been compelled to testify that the wife was an adulteress. Sheets would be examined, evidence would be sworn to and almost certainly the doctor treating the h in this story would have been called as well as all the estate staff and the mum's story just wouldn't be credible as there was a logical and reasonable explanation.
Secondly there is a continual theme in this story the h needs to remarry. Both the H and the brother of the h try to force her to do so. This would not have been very likely as when a woman was divorced in Regency England an Act of Parliament was required in order for her to be eligible to remarry and usually the woman had to be incredibly wealthy or with a lot of powerful connections for this permission to be granted.
When a woman of the peerage in Regency England divorced it meant instant social ostracism. There would never be any invitations to a peerage affair as the woman was now considered part of the world of prostitution. For a divorced male peer it meant probable social exclusion as well and for a novice Duke with no real political power, divorce would have been political suicide.
He could keep his title, estate and more than likely if he paid enough, he could get permission to remarry but he would probably be excluded from taking his seat in the House of Lords, be a local magistrate or serve in any kind of government career and he would also be excluded from the most socially desirable of ladies of his rank. Divorce was considered worse than death and most participants in a divorce case left the country for several years. Divorce cases were published in the news publications of the day and for a Duke to divorce was pretty much unheard of. The social and political stigma was just too serious and neither party ever fully recovered from it.
Thirdly, it is mentioned several times that there was a marriage settlement made for the h at the time of her marriage in her marriage contract but the H withheld it. This is also wrong because by law he was obligated to pay it at the time of marriage, unless specifically denied in the final divorce decree by Parliament, that money was hers to do with as she wished. If he did not pay it, the H committed fraud.
Fourth - the H in this story makes public admission (in a newspaper) that he was wrong about his ex-wife's adultery. This would have never happened because the H would be admitting to perjury in three different courts and thus subject to censure and possible imprisonment. In a divorce case there could never, ever be any public admission of a "mistake" it would be the same as publicly admitting you falsified evidence in a murder trial. The consequences were serious and grave and just too damaging to ever admit to.
Research errors aside, the H of this story is completely underwhelming in his lack of regard for anyone other than himself. He is extremely childish and self pitying for most of the story and sadly he never fully seems to understand the full consequences of his actions towards others. This is understandable as the author doesn't seem to understand the consequences of the actions she pushed her characters into. Deportation for a crime was serious, people did not return to England after it. Passage back to England was expensive and more than likely return would not have been allowed if the transported person even survived the sentence to do it.
Sadly, this story pretty much lacked any sort of logical plotting. It seemed more like an angsty dramafest where the h falls immediately into bed with a man who destroyed her life, (thus proving she really was a slut), and the H is so busy navel gazing and being sullen over not getting his own way, that any hope for a real romance where two people realize their failings and find a way back to marital bliss will have to be found in another book that isn't this one.
First of all, divorce in Regency England for adultery was incredibly hard to obtain - there are THREE separate trials that must occur -a criminal conversion case, the lover is basically "stealing or trespassing on the husband's property (the wife's uterus for potential pregancy)"; a Church trial in which a Bishop determined the validity of the complaint; and then a civil trial in the House of Lords where any property settlements made during the marriage where sorted out before any divorce was granted. One instance of supposed adultery by a single observer (in this case the harridan evil mum of the H) would have basically been laughed out of court. The supposed transgressor was a commoner, the witness a managing mum and it did not appear that anyone else was called to testify. In a real Regency divorce case, numerous witnesses, including peers, maids and servants would have been compelled to testify that the wife was an adulteress. Sheets would be examined, evidence would be sworn to and almost certainly the doctor treating the h in this story would have been called as well as all the estate staff and the mum's story just wouldn't be credible as there was a logical and reasonable explanation.
Secondly there is a continual theme in this story the h needs to remarry. Both the H and the brother of the h try to force her to do so. This would not have been very likely as when a woman was divorced in Regency England an Act of Parliament was required in order for her to be eligible to remarry and usually the woman had to be incredibly wealthy or with a lot of powerful connections for this permission to be granted.
When a woman of the peerage in Regency England divorced it meant instant social ostracism. There would never be any invitations to a peerage affair as the woman was now considered part of the world of prostitution. For a divorced male peer it meant probable social exclusion as well and for a novice Duke with no real political power, divorce would have been political suicide.
He could keep his title, estate and more than likely if he paid enough, he could get permission to remarry but he would probably be excluded from taking his seat in the House of Lords, be a local magistrate or serve in any kind of government career and he would also be excluded from the most socially desirable of ladies of his rank. Divorce was considered worse than death and most participants in a divorce case left the country for several years. Divorce cases were published in the news publications of the day and for a Duke to divorce was pretty much unheard of. The social and political stigma was just too serious and neither party ever fully recovered from it.
Thirdly, it is mentioned several times that there was a marriage settlement made for the h at the time of her marriage in her marriage contract but the H withheld it. This is also wrong because by law he was obligated to pay it at the time of marriage, unless specifically denied in the final divorce decree by Parliament, that money was hers to do with as she wished. If he did not pay it, the H committed fraud.
Fourth - the H in this story makes public admission (in a newspaper) that he was wrong about his ex-wife's adultery. This would have never happened because the H would be admitting to perjury in three different courts and thus subject to censure and possible imprisonment. In a divorce case there could never, ever be any public admission of a "mistake" it would be the same as publicly admitting you falsified evidence in a murder trial. The consequences were serious and grave and just too damaging to ever admit to.
Research errors aside, the H of this story is completely underwhelming in his lack of regard for anyone other than himself. He is extremely childish and self pitying for most of the story and sadly he never fully seems to understand the full consequences of his actions towards others. This is understandable as the author doesn't seem to understand the consequences of the actions she pushed her characters into. Deportation for a crime was serious, people did not return to England after it. Passage back to England was expensive and more than likely return would not have been allowed if the transported person even survived the sentence to do it.
Sadly, this story pretty much lacked any sort of logical plotting. It seemed more like an angsty dramafest where the h falls immediately into bed with a man who destroyed her life, (thus proving she really was a slut), and the H is so busy navel gazing and being sullen over not getting his own way, that any hope for a real romance where two people realize their failings and find a way back to marital bliss will have to be found in another book that isn't this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2017
4.5 I love historical romance novels
Once a Duchess popped up on my Amazon feed and I really got hooked into the summary. I was a little hesitant at first because of all of the mix reviews on ŷ (I’m a ŷ junkie so I trust those reviews) but I kept on going back to the book and the summary was really interesting.
I’m glad I took a chance on this because I REALLY enjoyed it. From start to finish it was a pleasant read. It was really well thought-out, the characters were really well-rounded and the plot had the right amount of angst and tension I was craving lately.
Isabelle and Marshall are divorced and if you know anything about historical romances, you know that is a big no-no. Isabelle was caught “cheating� and Marshall divorced her because of that, but not everything is what it seems. Doesn’t that sound good?!
What I really liked about the book was Isabelle. She’s strong, independent and I kind of like the underdog Heroine vibe. She needed to get some redemption back and I really liked how her character played out. I loved her friends too, the ones that stood by her side.
Marshall is the kind of hero I love to read in these types of books. He’s really rich and a catch despite being divorced because it’s never the male’s fault right? He’s going through his emotions and it’s time for him to find a wife again, it’s been years since he separated from Isabelle. When he runs into Isabelle again, it seems like years hasn’t gone by since they last seen each other and old attractions come about.
I love the tension between Marshall and Isabelle, it’s hot and addictive to read. This isn’t an overly steamy book and to be honest I was perfectly fine with that. I was reading it because of the angst and crazy tension between the two characters.
I’m a fan of the author and I can’t wait to finish out the series.
Once a Duchess popped up on my Amazon feed and I really got hooked into the summary. I was a little hesitant at first because of all of the mix reviews on ŷ (I’m a ŷ junkie so I trust those reviews) but I kept on going back to the book and the summary was really interesting.
I’m glad I took a chance on this because I REALLY enjoyed it. From start to finish it was a pleasant read. It was really well thought-out, the characters were really well-rounded and the plot had the right amount of angst and tension I was craving lately.
Isabelle and Marshall are divorced and if you know anything about historical romances, you know that is a big no-no. Isabelle was caught “cheating� and Marshall divorced her because of that, but not everything is what it seems. Doesn’t that sound good?!
What I really liked about the book was Isabelle. She’s strong, independent and I kind of like the underdog Heroine vibe. She needed to get some redemption back and I really liked how her character played out. I loved her friends too, the ones that stood by her side.
Marshall is the kind of hero I love to read in these types of books. He’s really rich and a catch despite being divorced because it’s never the male’s fault right? He’s going through his emotions and it’s time for him to find a wife again, it’s been years since he separated from Isabelle. When he runs into Isabelle again, it seems like years hasn’t gone by since they last seen each other and old attractions come about.
I love the tension between Marshall and Isabelle, it’s hot and addictive to read. This isn’t an overly steamy book and to be honest I was perfectly fine with that. I was reading it because of the angst and crazy tension between the two characters.
I’m a fan of the author and I can’t wait to finish out the series.
February 4, 2016
A young woman is left destitute when her husband divorces her based on the lies of his mother. Her brother, in a fit of anger, stops her allowance.
This made for an interesting read, but I never warmed up to it. The heroes sins were truly unforgivable (in most other books he have would been the villain). The brother was a sorry excuse for a man. The mother-in-law and siblings were self-absorbed, callous, human beings.
The heroine should have run for the hills and found herself a decent man. Though, according to this book that wouldn't have been in England. It's a wonder they ever beat Napolean.
This made for an interesting read, but I never warmed up to it. The heroes sins were truly unforgivable (in most other books he have would been the villain). The brother was a sorry excuse for a man. The mother-in-law and siblings were self-absorbed, callous, human beings.
The heroine should have run for the hills and found herself a decent man. Though, according to this book that wouldn't have been in England. It's a wonder they ever beat Napolean.
September 17, 2020
*Spoilers* This is weird enough without having a duchess, okay a divorced ex-duchess, who loves to cook. First, the country people come out in hordes to enjoy her meals at this tavern/inn. And later, she conjures up meals for a party full of people - all alone. Meals that leave people - of fashionable society - licking their fingers. I felt like I was reading a chicklit.
March 14, 2021
This story had every single element to create the most gutting and angsty read, but it totally missed that mark for me. Isabelle was vehemently hated by her mother in law, at the first opportunity MIL lied, saying she physically witnessed Isabelle having sex with her friend. Marshall was devastated and furious so he kicked Isabelle out on her ass, and immediately divorced her. Completely ensuring Isabelle's rejection and scorn from everyone living within their social bubble. This could have been beautifully devastating and a heartbreaking read, but I didn't feel any of those feels for Isabelle's character.
Despite the lack of angst and the awkward and cringe sex scenes, the story was still highly entertaining and I was absolutely invested until the ending. I probably won't re-read this one again, but it definitely entertained me for the day.
Despite the lack of angst and the awkward and cringe sex scenes, the story was still highly entertaining and I was absolutely invested until the ending. I probably won't re-read this one again, but it definitely entertained me for the day.
September 9, 2022
Reread 9-2022� I enjoyed this a lot more this time around.
Isabelle and Marshall married for love and all was going well until he divorced her for adultery. This is all revealed within the first couple chapters so here’re the deets. She invited her BFF Justin to their home to stay while Marshall was away on business. (The two spent days together riding/hanging out without chaperones.) Isabelle fell/broke her rib and for some baffling reason decided rather than returning home and fetching a doctor, it made more sense to have said male BFF use her skirt to treat/wrap her broken rib in a secluded cabin. Unfortunately, the evil h-hating-MIL stumbled upon the half-naked h, and broke her ass to tell the H they were having sex.
Far-fetched as it was, I did like how they both (IMO) held some responsibility for the fallout of the marriage. Him for not giving her a chance to explain herself, and her for creating the situation in the first place. The next book features his sister being “ruined� for caught kissing a man, and Isabelle was having daily excursions and sleepovers. Hell, this is 2022 and it wouldn’t be cool to invite one of my single dude friends to stay over while Mr. K was away even if my mom was visiting, so I can’t imagine how inappropriate it would’ve been in 1813. Regardless, I found both forgivable (if not stupid) and the real villain the evil MIL, Caro. I do love hating an evil OW� and Cora acts more like a HP wannabe OW than a mom.
There’s also LOADS of angst as the poor h is kicked around by everyone. (His brother, mom, her brother, the ton all suck bigtime.) She has to watch her beloved court a spoiled wannabe OW, Lady Lucy. YUM. Add in tons of delicious OW drama and comeuppance for the evil MIL, and parts were 4� good.
The problem was (MAJOR historical inaccuracies aside) that the other parts were quite lackluster. Marshall was a bit of a limp noodle, and the plot was sluggish at times. (I started skimming the in-between parts.) It picks up halfway through, and I was ready for things to wind down, but then at 80%, things go sideways when the h suddenly gets a new personality. What was up with that? We go from Then, in the last chapter, it suddenly switches back for an abrupt ending.
***Original Review***
I knew going in this would not be authentic from a historical point, so I feel like I was prepared for that. My issue was getting invested into their story. I love assholes, but I prefer them to be alphaholes, not wimpy, plant lovin mama-boys� Marshall felt so beta and wish washy that I couldn’t get behind him. I liked Isabella, but she felt flat, and failed to pull any real sympathy from me. I checked out, and was bored.
Bottom Line- Reading enjoyment (at least for me) depends heavily on my current mood� I’ll be the first to admit that I’m sick, and not bringing my A-game, but I struggled to connect to the characters. Isabelle’s story was sad, but I wasn’t FELING it. All the ingredients were there� rejected h, evil MIL, bonehead H, so this could certainly be a “Jac� thing. It’s free to read with KU.
Isabelle and Marshall married for love and all was going well until he divorced her for adultery. This is all revealed within the first couple chapters so here’re the deets. She invited her BFF Justin to their home to stay while Marshall was away on business. (The two spent days together riding/hanging out without chaperones.) Isabelle fell/broke her rib and for some baffling reason decided rather than returning home and fetching a doctor, it made more sense to have said male BFF use her skirt to treat/wrap her broken rib in a secluded cabin. Unfortunately, the evil h-hating-MIL stumbled upon the half-naked h, and broke her ass to tell the H they were having sex.
Far-fetched as it was, I did like how they both (IMO) held some responsibility for the fallout of the marriage. Him for not giving her a chance to explain herself, and her for creating the situation in the first place. The next book features his sister being “ruined� for caught kissing a man, and Isabelle was having daily excursions and sleepovers. Hell, this is 2022 and it wouldn’t be cool to invite one of my single dude friends to stay over while Mr. K was away even if my mom was visiting, so I can’t imagine how inappropriate it would’ve been in 1813. Regardless, I found both forgivable (if not stupid) and the real villain the evil MIL, Caro. I do love hating an evil OW� and Cora acts more like a HP wannabe OW than a mom.
There’s also LOADS of angst as the poor h is kicked around by everyone. (His brother, mom, her brother, the ton all suck bigtime.) She has to watch her beloved court a spoiled wannabe OW, Lady Lucy. YUM. Add in tons of delicious OW drama and comeuppance for the evil MIL, and parts were 4� good.
The problem was (MAJOR historical inaccuracies aside) that the other parts were quite lackluster. Marshall was a bit of a limp noodle, and the plot was sluggish at times. (I started skimming the in-between parts.) It picks up halfway through, and I was ready for things to wind down, but then at 80%, things go sideways when the h suddenly gets a new personality. What was up with that? We go from Then, in the last chapter, it suddenly switches back for an abrupt ending.
***Original Review***
I knew going in this would not be authentic from a historical point, so I feel like I was prepared for that. My issue was getting invested into their story. I love assholes, but I prefer them to be alphaholes, not wimpy, plant lovin mama-boys� Marshall felt so beta and wish washy that I couldn’t get behind him. I liked Isabella, but she felt flat, and failed to pull any real sympathy from me. I checked out, and was bored.
Bottom Line- Reading enjoyment (at least for me) depends heavily on my current mood� I’ll be the first to admit that I’m sick, and not bringing my A-game, but I struggled to connect to the characters. Isabelle’s story was sad, but I wasn’t FELING it. All the ingredients were there� rejected h, evil MIL, bonehead H, so this could certainly be a “Jac� thing. It’s free to read with KU.
June 5, 2013
Really liked this one. Strong female characters (characters, plural!), smooth writing, three-dimensional villains.
The first villain is the dowager Duchess of Monthwaite, who never really liked her daughter-in-law Isabelle, so three years ago she Iago'ed it up and told her son that Isabelle was cheating on him. Marshall divorced Isabelle, who was promptly cast out of society, and she eventually had to get a job as a cook in an inn. At the beginning of this book, Marshall and Isabelle run into each other, and after some discussion, Marshall realizes that maybe, just maybe, his mother is a control freak liar.
The second villain is a spoiler.
It's not a book about forgiveness; rather, it's a book about earning forgiveness. My favorite thing about Once a Duchess is that Marshall isn't let off the hook for the impact that his actions had on Isabelle's life (and the life of another person he wronged, earlier in life). If this were most other books, if Marshall bothered to apologize at all, he would say his piece, the pushover heroine would hesitate for half a second and then take him back ("Must resist! Oh, but I can't resist! He's too manly and attractive for me to stay angry!" and so on), and that would be that. And forget about him making it up to anyone else he's injured--any wrongdoings by the hero against anyone who is not the heroine are non-events, and yes I am talking to you, . But in Once a Duchess --like in real life--making amends is not that simple, and broken trust isn't rebuilt that easily. Isabelle is no pushover, and Marshall has to work hard at redeeming himself; he actually has to lift a finger and do things, as opposed to just talking. Being sorry isn't enough; he also has to become a better person.
Small caveat, though: Thinking it over, the plausibility of the premise is kind of suspect.
This book is also possibly slightly anachronistic, if that type of thing bothers you, in the fact that the aristocratic main characters actually have hobbies and interests and they do things with their lives. I do not mind this kind of anachronism.
The first villain is the dowager Duchess of Monthwaite, who never really liked her daughter-in-law Isabelle, so three years ago she Iago'ed it up and told her son that Isabelle was cheating on him. Marshall divorced Isabelle, who was promptly cast out of society, and she eventually had to get a job as a cook in an inn. At the beginning of this book, Marshall and Isabelle run into each other, and after some discussion, Marshall realizes that maybe, just maybe, his mother is a control freak liar.
The second villain is a spoiler.
It's not a book about forgiveness; rather, it's a book about earning forgiveness. My favorite thing about Once a Duchess is that Marshall isn't let off the hook for the impact that his actions had on Isabelle's life (and the life of another person he wronged, earlier in life). If this were most other books, if Marshall bothered to apologize at all, he would say his piece, the pushover heroine would hesitate for half a second and then take him back ("Must resist! Oh, but I can't resist! He's too manly and attractive for me to stay angry!" and so on), and that would be that. And forget about him making it up to anyone else he's injured--any wrongdoings by the hero against anyone who is not the heroine are non-events, and yes I am talking to you, . But in Once a Duchess --like in real life--making amends is not that simple, and broken trust isn't rebuilt that easily. Isabelle is no pushover, and Marshall has to work hard at redeeming himself; he actually has to lift a finger and do things, as opposed to just talking. Being sorry isn't enough; he also has to become a better person.
Small caveat, though: Thinking it over, the plausibility of the premise is kind of suspect.
This book is also possibly slightly anachronistic, if that type of thing bothers you, in the fact that the aristocratic main characters actually have hobbies and interests and they do things with their lives. I do not mind this kind of anachronism.
February 13, 2018
This H needed a kick in his ass ! I hated the way he believed everything that his lying snobbish c**t of a mother told him about his wife. His mother should have died. She was such an evil nasty old bitch. She acted more like a thwarted OW than a mother. The H was too beta for my tastes too. He was sexy but his preoccupation with his botanical studies was so fucking boring. It just didn't translate into the type of hero I usually come to love in Regency romances. This heroine was treated so badly by everybody. It was awful. I'm going to read the novel in this series about the H's little sister but I sincerely hope that the H in that novel won't be a pussy whipped mama's boy like in this story. I suppose this novel might be appealing to readers who love over the top angst and suffering. The hero's personality spoiled it all for me.
February 6, 2017
Isabelle the martyr and the momma's boy, Marshal.
I think this author is just not my cuppa.
Did not find this romantic. EVERYONE takes turns sh*tting on the h, except the H's sister and her friend Lily. The first half is excruciating. The H was such a limp biscuit! When he finally realizes he loves the h, the story is almost over and the h has finally decided to kick him to the curb. But of course it can't end like that... I felt like the author had to wrap up the 'romance' quick to finish the book. But does the H make an effort to win her back? No, he's too much of a whiny self pitying p*ssy. In the end the h has to go to him... again. Then it was like suddenly everything is coming up roses, Yeah?. BUT not before yet another character takes a dump on the h, while the H watches and doesn't say anything against it. WTH.
I think this author is just not my cuppa.
Did not find this romantic. EVERYONE takes turns sh*tting on the h, except the H's sister and her friend Lily. The first half is excruciating. The H was such a limp biscuit! When he finally realizes he loves the h, the story is almost over and the h has finally decided to kick him to the curb. But of course it can't end like that... I felt like the author had to wrap up the 'romance' quick to finish the book. But does the H make an effort to win her back? No, he's too much of a whiny self pitying p*ssy. In the end the h has to go to him... again. Then it was like suddenly everything is coming up roses, Yeah?. BUT not before yet another character takes a dump on the h, while the H watches and doesn't say anything against it. WTH.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2017
I have had this book presented more than a few times, and each time I fall for the blurb or whatever.
I read it a few years ago and could not get past the general injustice of it all. The hero for being so stupid as to fall for everything without asking questions. The vile nature of the evil doer . The heroine for forgiving both brother and ex-husband.
No bueno.
I read it a few years ago and could not get past the general injustice of it all. The hero for being so stupid as to fall for everything without asking questions. The vile nature of the evil doer . The heroine for forgiving both brother and ex-husband.
No bueno.
March 13, 2021
*** Book Q & A***
* How did the book make you feel?: I enjoyed this one! I love books with wronged h’s, and this book delivered. I enjoyed the angst.
* How do you feel about how the story was told?: We meet the h in very dire circumstances. She’s a pariah because she was wrongly accused of adultery. I would’ve enjoyed the book more if the pacing allowed us to see more interactions between the MC’s and more of their reconciliation.
* What did you think about the main characters?: I loved Isabelle, the h. She was very pragmatic and admirable in the face of ruin. The H, Marshall was a bit of a letdown because it took him a long time to attempt to repair the damage he caused the h and others. He didn’t fight hard enough, imo.
* Which parts of the book stood out to you?: I enjoyed the h’s spunky and resourceful attitude.
* What themes/tropes did you detect in the story?: Wronged/abandoned wife
* What did you think about the ending?: I enjoyed it. I liked that the H was finally able to make amends to everyone.
* What is your impression of the author?: I will definitely read more of this author’s work.
* How did the book make you feel?: I enjoyed this one! I love books with wronged h’s, and this book delivered. I enjoyed the angst.
* How do you feel about how the story was told?: We meet the h in very dire circumstances. She’s a pariah because she was wrongly accused of adultery. I would’ve enjoyed the book more if the pacing allowed us to see more interactions between the MC’s and more of their reconciliation.
* What did you think about the main characters?: I loved Isabelle, the h. She was very pragmatic and admirable in the face of ruin. The H, Marshall was a bit of a letdown because it took him a long time to attempt to repair the damage he caused the h and others. He didn’t fight hard enough, imo.
* Which parts of the book stood out to you?: I enjoyed the h’s spunky and resourceful attitude.
* What themes/tropes did you detect in the story?: Wronged/abandoned wife
* What did you think about the ending?: I enjoyed it. I liked that the H was finally able to make amends to everyone.
* What is your impression of the author?: I will definitely read more of this author’s work.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2013
This was pretty good, but the hero was kinda blah to me. He divorced his wife thinking she unfaithful based on his spiteful mother's BS. The poor girl ended up broke and working in an Inn. Her own brother cut her off too! I would have liked to have seen the H & the brother grovel.
August 28, 2022
Just a sad book. I hated the hero at first and I totally loved the heroine. His mother was truly truly evil. I can't believe what she did. Hero was almost engaged to another woman. He was just plain stupid.
December 11, 2012
Fans of Pride and Prejudice will devour this historical romance that does an amazing job of combining realistic actions/reactions for that era with a modern description of the intimate moments between the characters.
Isabelle Lockwood is a spirited, opinionated and talented woman who grew up without the guidance of a mother to explain what boundaries had to be maintained in a male/female friendship to maintain proper decorum. Though perfectly innocent, her relationship with a childhood friend leads to the failure of her marriage, thanks to a meddling mother-in-law who never approved of the match. Unwilling to be kept down by a society that scorns her and a brother who disowns her, Isabelle takes a job at an inn as a cook. A chance encounter with her former husband brings back all the feelings they once shared, despite a wall of hurt and betrayal on both sides.
Elizabeth Boyce does an amazing job of portraying all the nuances of the era while also providing a story that feels fresh and current. Isabelle is the kind of heroine you can be proud of; she has a way of taking all the negative people throw at her and wielding her own way through it � but she doesn't brag about it or throw it in your face. She also doesn't just fall into Marshall's arms the second he arrives � she may love him but she also holds him accountable for everything he says and does.
ONCE A DUCHESS may be a historical romance but it also spends a decent amount of time on the storyline and action. No matter what aspect of the book draws you in to start the book, the story and characters as a whole will keep you fully invested until the final page.
**Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
**Reviewed by Michelle on and The Romance Reviews.
Isabelle Lockwood is a spirited, opinionated and talented woman who grew up without the guidance of a mother to explain what boundaries had to be maintained in a male/female friendship to maintain proper decorum. Though perfectly innocent, her relationship with a childhood friend leads to the failure of her marriage, thanks to a meddling mother-in-law who never approved of the match. Unwilling to be kept down by a society that scorns her and a brother who disowns her, Isabelle takes a job at an inn as a cook. A chance encounter with her former husband brings back all the feelings they once shared, despite a wall of hurt and betrayal on both sides.
Elizabeth Boyce does an amazing job of portraying all the nuances of the era while also providing a story that feels fresh and current. Isabelle is the kind of heroine you can be proud of; she has a way of taking all the negative people throw at her and wielding her own way through it � but she doesn't brag about it or throw it in your face. She also doesn't just fall into Marshall's arms the second he arrives � she may love him but she also holds him accountable for everything he says and does.
ONCE A DUCHESS may be a historical romance but it also spends a decent amount of time on the storyline and action. No matter what aspect of the book draws you in to start the book, the story and characters as a whole will keep you fully invested until the final page.
**Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
**Reviewed by Michelle on and The Romance Reviews.
December 8, 2012
Beautiful and heart-wrenching, a tear-jerker for the heart and soul.
In her debut novel Elizabth Boyce blends the standards of 19th century romance blended with her creativity and ingenuity. The theme of divorced couple is rare in Historical romance, Boyce created a high standard for the sub category for the romance genre. Her heroine Isabella is strong willed and great pride befitting of being Duchess, in the face of adversity and social isolation, she strives with head held and a broken heart to survive in the unforgiving society of the Haut Ton and beyond.
The Hero of the story is unveiled from the begginning with the flaw of wrongly divorcing his wife. Marshall Lockwood is like all Dukes and is characterized by his inherit authority felt from the pages. A sensitive scholar who believes in family, honour and duty. The characters have a unique spark to them with Isabelle's best friend Lily this reader and many other readers hope for a follow up story.
Boyce's debut sets a course for a wealth of stories (hopefully) to follow.
Events in the were unique with little chance of cliche as this reviewer has read over 2000 romance titles. Some were unexpected but not surprising, as a reader while reading it is natural to predict and creates scenario to fill in the blanks. However Boyce out done herself in creating an immersing story that was highly enjoyable read in bed or by a fireside of winter.
The only critical comment i can make is that i wish it were longer to fully enjoys the intricacies of this world and characters created by Boyce.
Especially wishing for a epilogue (my personal preference) and the ultimate romance of of a happy marriage with children
Once a Duchess by Elizabeth Boyce
This is also the first book i have ever used money for online- it should be printed for paperback
Elizebth Boyce welcome to the romance novelist community and it's readers with this stunning debut.
)o(
In her debut novel Elizabth Boyce blends the standards of 19th century romance blended with her creativity and ingenuity. The theme of divorced couple is rare in Historical romance, Boyce created a high standard for the sub category for the romance genre. Her heroine Isabella is strong willed and great pride befitting of being Duchess, in the face of adversity and social isolation, she strives with head held and a broken heart to survive in the unforgiving society of the Haut Ton and beyond.
The Hero of the story is unveiled from the begginning with the flaw of wrongly divorcing his wife. Marshall Lockwood is like all Dukes and is characterized by his inherit authority felt from the pages. A sensitive scholar who believes in family, honour and duty. The characters have a unique spark to them with Isabelle's best friend Lily this reader and many other readers hope for a follow up story.
Boyce's debut sets a course for a wealth of stories (hopefully) to follow.
Events in the were unique with little chance of cliche as this reviewer has read over 2000 romance titles. Some were unexpected but not surprising, as a reader while reading it is natural to predict and creates scenario to fill in the blanks. However Boyce out done herself in creating an immersing story that was highly enjoyable read in bed or by a fireside of winter.
The only critical comment i can make is that i wish it were longer to fully enjoys the intricacies of this world and characters created by Boyce.
Especially wishing for a epilogue (my personal preference) and the ultimate romance of of a happy marriage with children
Once a Duchess by Elizabeth Boyce
This is also the first book i have ever used money for online- it should be printed for paperback
Elizebth Boyce welcome to the romance novelist community and it's readers with this stunning debut.
)o(
Read
March 14, 20213/21
Going to re read. I need to remember why I didn't like it other than historical inaccuracies. I might love the rage now, lol
5/17
why wasn't Alex peed on?
Going to re read. I need to remember why I didn't like it other than historical inaccuracies. I might love the rage now, lol
5/17
why wasn't Alex peed on?
September 11, 2012
I started this book just knowing that I would love it; I had read some of Elizabeth Boyce's writing in the past and have been eager for more. I was honored to be able to read this story just before the publish date, who doesn't love to be first(ish).
My favorite parts of Once a Duchess were the strong female characters, even the villainesses :D Of course I love Isabelle but I also adored Naomi; every time she gave her brother a hard time I grinned and silently cheered her on as she spun and stomped out of the room having had her last word. I'm secretly hoping that in the world after the book ends, she and Alex spark a romance, too neat of a bow? I like it anyway.
I enjoyed the development of Marshall realizing where he had wronged those that were close to him and how he went about correcting those wrongs. I'm sure that's easier for someone in his position to do but it's also less likely to expect someone of a higher society to admit when they are wrong, never mind banish their manipulative mother (loved that).
I read many books and can usually predict the outcome and in this one I was expecting *something* and it didn't happen. At first I was disappointed, most likely in my lack of ability to read the author's mind, but then I applauded Ms. Boyce for not going the expected route.
Overall, this was a delightful read with strong characters that I enjoyed and will miss. Will there be more? Is that too much to ask of a book that hasn't hit the presses yet?
My favorite parts of Once a Duchess were the strong female characters, even the villainesses :D Of course I love Isabelle but I also adored Naomi; every time she gave her brother a hard time I grinned and silently cheered her on as she spun and stomped out of the room having had her last word. I'm secretly hoping that in the world after the book ends, she and Alex spark a romance, too neat of a bow? I like it anyway.
I enjoyed the development of Marshall realizing where he had wronged those that were close to him and how he went about correcting those wrongs. I'm sure that's easier for someone in his position to do but it's also less likely to expect someone of a higher society to admit when they are wrong, never mind banish their manipulative mother (loved that).
I read many books and can usually predict the outcome and in this one I was expecting *something* and it didn't happen. At first I was disappointed, most likely in my lack of ability to read the author's mind, but then I applauded Ms. Boyce for not going the expected route.
Overall, this was a delightful read with strong characters that I enjoyed and will miss. Will there be more? Is that too much to ask of a book that hasn't hit the presses yet?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2015
If you are fond of weak, easily-deluded heroes who make you want to take an anvil to their head and equally weak, easily forgiving heroines who are misty-eyed instead of angry when said hero ruins their life, this is the book for you.
If you like a couple whose combined powers of perception, deduction, and general reasoning equal to that of a not particularly bright three-year-old and who can be confounded by a villain who has the cunning of a rather small shrub, this is the book for you.
If you enjoy numerous anachronisms during the read, this is the book for you.
Otherwise, please stay away.
If you like a couple whose combined powers of perception, deduction, and general reasoning equal to that of a not particularly bright three-year-old and who can be confounded by a villain who has the cunning of a rather small shrub, this is the book for you.
If you enjoy numerous anachronisms during the read, this is the book for you.
Otherwise, please stay away.
November 1, 2012
I'll read anything by Elizabeth Boyce after Once a Dutchess, which is not a remark I make lightly. The writing is alive, intelligent, historically accurate, visual and oh so sensual. The effort Boyce puts into making her writing effortless is apparent, and though my genre of preference is mystery, this is a romance author I intend to follow. She paints worlds I can get lost in, using seamless phrasing and characters that you hear once you've closed the book. Congrats on your debut, Ms. Boyce, and I look forward to more fun from you. You entertained me well.
September 7, 2012
Let me start by saying I don't normally read romance books. I was a bit skeptical, but dove in. Wow! I couldn't put it down. The story was fast-paced, flirty, and had tons of ups and downs. I loved the strong female characters, not something I picture when I think of a romance novel. The characters were interesting and I found myself really caring about what happened to them. All in all, a super fun quick read!
June 6, 2013
On the plus side: heroine isn't a doormat! Eventually she forgives but doesn't forget :-) I am not sure why she still pines for him, but hey it's romance :-)
On the minus side I found the villain a caricature with no real growth and the book verging more on melodrama than drama.
Small pet peeve: I am not sure I believe she can cook and save the day.
On the minus side I found the villain a caricature with no real growth and the book verging more on melodrama than drama.
Small pet peeve: I am not sure I believe she can cook and save the day.
December 17, 2012
SPINELESS, SHAMELESS, SOTTED SHIT OF A MAN. I AM MOST DEFINITELY NOT AMUSED.
I HATE MARSHALL. PERIOD.
/drags down everything/
I HATE MARSHALL. PERIOD.
/drags down everything/
December 30, 2023
4 stars
� [Re-read project #18 of 2023, 1st proper review, rating maintained]
Ah another fav re-read for this year end! This book was beautifully written, oozing of painful emotions and moments the h, Isabelle had to go through. All because of her youthful naïveté and the machinations of others. EB's pen was on point when exploring the unfair misery to which Isabelle was subjected. Such beautiful, heartbreaking angst!
And for a grovel afficionado like me, I found the H, Marshall's grovel very decent and moving (this is a 2012 book after all!), with sincere words of contrition and regrets, and deeds. However, by the end of the book I still felt like he had not suffered enough, as compared to the public rejection, scrutiny and malignance that Isabelle was victim of. I did find Marshall very sincere, noble and humble in his wish to make amends. Not only to Isabelle, but also Justin and Gerald. But I also found him a bit too green around the ears the way he believed easily all the lies and acted without even talking things through. I would like to believe that this was because both Marshall and Isabelle were much too young and candid when they first married. So, not sturdy enough to face hurdles thrown their way. In a way, his mother may have rendered them a great service by separating them because sooner or later, Marshall's insecurity about Justin would have caused a wedge in his marriage (perhaps a much indelible and grave one e.g. doubting the parentage of any child). Now, hopefully, after all the pain, they can have a more fulfilling and real relationship.
I think that though this book is foremost a tale of romance and redemption, it is also much a story of women and how they are caged in by the patriarchal society of their time. This is evidenced by the hardships Isabelle when through and the way she courageously rose above her problems. Also, how Naomi showed herself to be an intelligent and insightful girl. Isabelle, though strong and resilient, also bowed almost by habit to the whims of her brother, Marshall and society by shouldering the brunt of a blame she knew she did not deserve. At times, I found her too forgiving and civil to all these men who had it easier than her. In her place, I would have been outraged for years at the injustice she faced. I liked how in the end she adopted a very harsh line with Marshall. It seemed that at last she has had enough of the bs of others. And though I liked that they reconciled, I resented a bit the fact that Isabelle had to be the one to chase Marshall (and apologise!). Why could Marshall not have been the one to beg until his last breath to win back Isabelle?
And my another tiny complaint is concerning the lack of a proper epilogue. After all the drama and pain between them, a HEA epilogue would have been more than welcome. I guess that was not in fashion back in 2012! That said, I totally recommend this book for all lovers of well-written melodramatic Historial Romance. The emotions and drama in this one was simply chef's kiss! Believe me, good stories like this one, though not perfect, are rare and precious, even in 2023!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2017
When will authors of Regency romance stop with the divorce or annulment trope in their stories? Divorce doesn't really play well historically at that time when it was so difficult to get one. From 1670 to 1857 only 325 divorces were granted in England. True, the plaintiff here was a duke and had the money for an Act of Parliament but divorce was very uncommon even in the upper classes. The divorced female became a pariah and even the male was left with some social stigma.
But that's not all that annoys me in this 5-star (according to the majority of reviewers) book. The storyline itself is really hard to take and the characters so unlikeable I was wishing for the Black Plague to get them all. If the duke here had just had a heart-to-heart with his duchess there never would have been a divorce to begin with. The fact that he wouldn't take the time to listen to the woman he supposedly was in love with and hear her side of the story just plain royally p***ed me off. Instead the wimpy wuss lets his interfering mommy lead him around by the nose. And that wussiness continues throughout the book.
Then we have our heroine, who has a "Just knock me down and step on me" sign printed on her back, figuratively speaking. She continues to love this miserable wimpy jerk throughout the book. Oh, spare me a love like that!
And as if all this love drama weren't enough, the author adds a silly element of suspense and revenge for something the duke did when he was 13. (As you can see, he has been very consistent all his life at being a horse's patootie.) He tries to justify his actions at 13 but, let me tell you, everything he did was too little, too late in my opinion.
At the end, duke and ex-duchess are together again and they certainly deserve each other.
In summary, as a historical novel it's pretty basic and not very historical. As a romance, it's definitely not my kind. Apparently I'm in the minority, however.
But that's not all that annoys me in this 5-star (according to the majority of reviewers) book. The storyline itself is really hard to take and the characters so unlikeable I was wishing for the Black Plague to get them all. If the duke here had just had a heart-to-heart with his duchess there never would have been a divorce to begin with. The fact that he wouldn't take the time to listen to the woman he supposedly was in love with and hear her side of the story just plain royally p***ed me off. Instead the wimpy wuss lets his interfering mommy lead him around by the nose. And that wussiness continues throughout the book.
Then we have our heroine, who has a "Just knock me down and step on me" sign printed on her back, figuratively speaking. She continues to love this miserable wimpy jerk throughout the book. Oh, spare me a love like that!
And as if all this love drama weren't enough, the author adds a silly element of suspense and revenge for something the duke did when he was 13. (As you can see, he has been very consistent all his life at being a horse's patootie.) He tries to justify his actions at 13 but, let me tell you, everything he did was too little, too late in my opinion.
At the end, duke and ex-duchess are together again and they certainly deserve each other.
In summary, as a historical novel it's pretty basic and not very historical. As a romance, it's definitely not my kind. Apparently I'm in the minority, however.
October 16, 2012
Think you aren't a romance type? Think again! This is a Regency romance in the tradition of Austen; it satisfied even this demanding "literary" reader and left me wanting more.
It is such a pleasure to find those gems of historical romance that not only weave a story of love and lust that keeps you on the edge of your seat, but do so with exacting historical detail, brilliant wordsmithing, and thoughtful consideration of the complexities of life for men and women at the time. Elizabeth Boyce has crafted a number of very convincing characters for this novel that allow her to explore all sorts of the dynamics that make the Regency period such a fascinating time in history with so many resonances for contemporary readers.
All of this only enhances the most crucial element of all: the love story here is passionate, full of seductive encounters, devastating disappointments, enthralling twists and turns, and intense pleasures. This book is brimming with women I would love to be, men I would love to love, and of course, enemies I loved to hate. Boyce transported me to a rich and dazzling Regency London full of a sea of characters that I find it hard to leave behind!
It is such a pleasure to find those gems of historical romance that not only weave a story of love and lust that keeps you on the edge of your seat, but do so with exacting historical detail, brilliant wordsmithing, and thoughtful consideration of the complexities of life for men and women at the time. Elizabeth Boyce has crafted a number of very convincing characters for this novel that allow her to explore all sorts of the dynamics that make the Regency period such a fascinating time in history with so many resonances for contemporary readers.
All of this only enhances the most crucial element of all: the love story here is passionate, full of seductive encounters, devastating disappointments, enthralling twists and turns, and intense pleasures. This book is brimming with women I would love to be, men I would love to love, and of course, enemies I loved to hate. Boyce transported me to a rich and dazzling Regency London full of a sea of characters that I find it hard to leave behind!
September 9, 2012
This was a can't-put-down kind of read. I love the heroine - who wouldn't? - and rode the ups and downs with her through the course of the story. Of course, liking her doesn't mean that I always agreed with her, and at times I was a little irritated with her... but that just made it a bit more interesting, knowing that she wasn't behaving exactly as I would. Or maybe she was??
April 27, 2016
4.5/5.0
Some books might not be perfect for everyone but this one was perfect for me. It is different than most regencies in that it deals with divorce during that era and the horrific consequences it exacted on the woman. At times the story was hard to read because of the callous, uncaring attitudes of the men in Isobelle's life but the fortitude with which the author endowed her heroine kept me glued to every single page! I did wish there was more backstory as to how exactly Isobelle and Marshall got together in the first place. Especially considering the references to her family's past and his mother's vehemence. Still, the story that started as a nice, relaxing read before bed, had me biting my nails and turning those pages until my eyes closed of their own accord at 2:30 a.m! Absolutely loved the book and would recommend it highly!
Some books might not be perfect for everyone but this one was perfect for me. It is different than most regencies in that it deals with divorce during that era and the horrific consequences it exacted on the woman. At times the story was hard to read because of the callous, uncaring attitudes of the men in Isobelle's life but the fortitude with which the author endowed her heroine kept me glued to every single page! I did wish there was more backstory as to how exactly Isobelle and Marshall got together in the first place. Especially considering the references to her family's past and his mother's vehemence. Still, the story that started as a nice, relaxing read before bed, had me biting my nails and turning those pages until my eyes closed of their own accord at 2:30 a.m! Absolutely loved the book and would recommend it highly!
September 11, 2012
While romance novels are not usually what I choose to read, I'm a sucker for character driven stories. And Once a Duchess was exactly that! I loved all the strong women in this book! The heroine, Isabelle, was such a lush character, full of strength and charm.
I also really enjoyed the writing in this book. Boyce's words are so artfully chosen. Meaning and descriptions are perfectly conveyed and amplified through the author's lovely writing.
This was a pleasure to read and I devoured the entire book in a single day. I look forward to reading more from this gem of an author!
I also really enjoyed the writing in this book. Boyce's words are so artfully chosen. Meaning and descriptions are perfectly conveyed and amplified through the author's lovely writing.
This was a pleasure to read and I devoured the entire book in a single day. I look forward to reading more from this gem of an author!
September 11, 2012
I literally devoured this book. Every spare minute I had went into reading it because I just couldn't put it down. From the very first page you are pulled into the grasp of the book, never to be let go till the very end. The detail in the book is exquisite, making me feel like I was in there with the characters. I'm a person that gets bored very easily with books but I was delighted to finally read a book that I just couldn't read fast enough because I wanted to know what was going to happen next.
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