What do you think?
Rate this book
An Unlikely Duchess
A marriage of convenience
is the only way to save her family�
Widow Sophia Seymour never planned to marry again—let alone become a duchess. But with her father missing and her family impoverished, an old betrothal contract promising her hand to a notorious duke is her only hope. And Edmund DeVane intends to honor the agreement—in name only. After all, Edmund needs a wife with an impeccable reputation to protect his debuting niece. But as their arrangement starts to feel much more real, can their budding love survive Edmund’s deepest secret?
is the only way to save her family�
Widow Sophia Seymour never planned to marry again—let alone become a duchess. But with her father missing and her family impoverished, an old betrothal contract promising her hand to a notorious duke is her only hope. And Edmund DeVane intends to honor the agreement—in name only. After all, Edmund needs a wife with an impeccable reputation to protect his debuting niece. But as their arrangement starts to feel much more real, can their budding love survive Edmund’s deepest secret?
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 28, 2021
14 people are currently reading
1,679 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Nelson
13books157followersMy heart is filled with romantic stories, my shelves are loaded with chocolate and my lips are always longing for one more cup of Starbucks. Besides that, I write for Love Inspired Historical and am a happy mom to a bunch of little boys. I love connecting with readers and writers.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 6, 2022
Eeeepppp! Eeeeeeppppp!! Eeeeeeeppppp!!! I have stumbled onto a treasure trove of bookish delight -- Love Inspired Historicals are back in production...at least two new releases a month though they make it very hard on readers to source 'em out. Thanks to bookish friends who have guided my way! Of course I had to start with a Regency! :-)
So, we have a forthright widow who isn't afraid to speak her mind or live her life outside the norms of elite society. Sophia did not marry well, but she married for love and now that she's a widow, she pours her attention out upon her family and charitable works. Until the untimely disappearance of her father puts everything in jeopardy and she finds herself in....(insert drumroll here)...A marriage of convenience! One of my favourite tropes -- do not ask me why because I have no sane answer. I just get soooooo over-the-top excited when I come across one (in fiction, not real life of course!)
And dear Edmund does not make anything easy. He definitely lives up to the nickname "Beast"! He holds the ton in great disdain, abhors all the social gatherings and mindless niceties they entail. The man is in a constant fit of temper or contempt and has perfected the art of glowering. But there is one chink in his armour -- the niece he dotes upon. She is all the family he has left and he would do anything for her including dragging his sulky self into a marriage of convenience. Bwahahaha!
The banter! The romantic tension! The way Sophia surprises him -- no, shocks Edmund -- at every turn. She's one of the few people in his life who will stand up to him and it's clear early on that he's in way over his head. Of course, he doesn't realize that until pretty near the end of the book which makes for one absolutely delightful read.
So, we have a forthright widow who isn't afraid to speak her mind or live her life outside the norms of elite society. Sophia did not marry well, but she married for love and now that she's a widow, she pours her attention out upon her family and charitable works. Until the untimely disappearance of her father puts everything in jeopardy and she finds herself in....(insert drumroll here)...A marriage of convenience! One of my favourite tropes -- do not ask me why because I have no sane answer. I just get soooooo over-the-top excited when I come across one (in fiction, not real life of course!)
And dear Edmund does not make anything easy. He definitely lives up to the nickname "Beast"! He holds the ton in great disdain, abhors all the social gatherings and mindless niceties they entail. The man is in a constant fit of temper or contempt and has perfected the art of glowering. But there is one chink in his armour -- the niece he dotes upon. She is all the family he has left and he would do anything for her including dragging his sulky self into a marriage of convenience. Bwahahaha!
The banter! The romantic tension! The way Sophia surprises him -- no, shocks Edmund -- at every turn. She's one of the few people in his life who will stand up to him and it's clear early on that he's in way over his head. Of course, he doesn't realize that until pretty near the end of the book which makes for one absolutely delightful read.
December 27, 2021
An Unlikely Duchess was a thoroughly captivating Regency novel. It had all the great tension that I enjoy from marriage of convenience novels, with a faith thread, as well. Edmund and Sophia seemed, at first, like an unlikely pair. Yet, once they were married, I thought they did a fairly good job of being kind to each other and working to focus on helping Edmund’s niece through her first season.
There were, of course, hurdles to overcome. Edmund was easily frustrated with the people of the ton and he and his niece had to learn the correct way to keep their cool in situations that upset them. I liked the fact that, even though Edmund seemed tough and uncaring, at times, he did a lot for Sophia’s family. His caring heart became evident through his actions and I felt for him with all he had suffered in the past.
I enjoyed this book from start to finish and even wished that there was an epilogue a year or so in the future, because I wasn’t quite ready to let these characters go!
(4.5 stars)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
There were, of course, hurdles to overcome. Edmund was easily frustrated with the people of the ton and he and his niece had to learn the correct way to keep their cool in situations that upset them. I liked the fact that, even though Edmund seemed tough and uncaring, at times, he did a lot for Sophia’s family. His caring heart became evident through his actions and I felt for him with all he had suffered in the past.
I enjoyed this book from start to finish and even wished that there was an epilogue a year or so in the future, because I wasn’t quite ready to let these characters go!
(4.5 stars)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
January 21, 2022
Not sure how anyone could give a 1-star rating for this book... Were we not reading the same book??!!?
I absolutely loved this book and the story. The author paid close attention to detail and everything that was included was for a purpose. I wish this was a series so I could see how Sophia's sisters turned out as well. :)
By far, this is the author's best book to date. If I had to throw out a slight critique, just to show I understand how a 1-star review is possible, but in no way merited by this book, I would say there was too much smelling going on... ;) I guess love never affected my sense of smell as deeply as these characters seemed to be impacted by it. haha Otherwise, completely adored it!!!
I absolutely loved this book and the story. The author paid close attention to detail and everything that was included was for a purpose. I wish this was a series so I could see how Sophia's sisters turned out as well. :)
By far, this is the author's best book to date. If I had to throw out a slight critique, just to show I understand how a 1-star review is possible, but in no way merited by this book, I would say there was too much smelling going on... ;) I guess love never affected my sense of smell as deeply as these characters seemed to be impacted by it. haha Otherwise, completely adored it!!!
December 28, 2021
'Prayer had been foreign to him for many years.'
I do love a good Regency and this one is one of the very best I've read. Jessica Nelson has certainly written one for the keeper shelf this time. She has crafted characters that are real to me from the start, something I especially need when I read a book. Nothing will make me set a book aside quicker than wooden characters. These certainly are not that. They are people who display real emotions and problems that a reader can relate to. I couldn't put it down! It held a very good spiritual thread that was very thought provoking and centering. I loved every minute! Well done!
My thanks to the author and publisher for a copy of this book. I was not required to leave a positive review and the opinion here is my own.
I do love a good Regency and this one is one of the very best I've read. Jessica Nelson has certainly written one for the keeper shelf this time. She has crafted characters that are real to me from the start, something I especially need when I read a book. Nothing will make me set a book aside quicker than wooden characters. These certainly are not that. They are people who display real emotions and problems that a reader can relate to. I couldn't put it down! It held a very good spiritual thread that was very thought provoking and centering. I loved every minute! Well done!
My thanks to the author and publisher for a copy of this book. I was not required to leave a positive review and the opinion here is my own.
October 13, 2023
I’m sad that this book has little reviews, this book is worth reading. For those who like erotic historical this is not for you. This is a Christian historical, but it doesn’t every make you feel your being preached at or lectured. It is a sweet story of loss and finding love again. I hope my review will help it to gain some popularity, it is a shame more readers have not given it a chance.
January 29, 2022
As I think back on The Unlikely Duchess, which I finished reading a couple weeks ago, what sticks with me isn't the romance but rather something that all of us who claim to follow Christ have either dealt with or will face in the future: seeing someone who profoundly and positively impacted our faith journey behave in a way that is the antithesis of everything they taught us. This is just a small portion of the novel - Sophia's struggle to reconcile a loved one's behavior with what this person taught her about Jesus - but it's what has stuck with me.
As for the rest of the book, it's a fairly standard marriage of convenience, with the couple slowly falling in love throughout the novel. I really, really loved Sophia, and I liked Edmund well enough. And while Edmund was a dummy about the "big conflict" that tore them apart, I loved their reunion. This is an enjoyable novel that is, frankly, better than what I expect of Love Inspired titles, and I look forward to reading more of Jessica Nelson's books in the future. 4 stars.
Disclosure of material connection: I received this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own.
As for the rest of the book, it's a fairly standard marriage of convenience, with the couple slowly falling in love throughout the novel. I really, really loved Sophia, and I liked Edmund well enough. And while Edmund was a dummy about the "big conflict" that tore them apart, I loved their reunion. This is an enjoyable novel that is, frankly, better than what I expect of Love Inspired titles, and I look forward to reading more of Jessica Nelson's books in the future. 4 stars.
Disclosure of material connection: I received this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own.
January 8, 2022
I absolutely loved this story as it was a fabulous Regency read! It had all the feels. It included a marriage of convenience, a debut season, balls, and Regency events. I enjoyed the characters and was very invested in the story. I highly recommend.
I was given a complimentary copy and not required to write a review.
I was given a complimentary copy and not required to write a review.
January 28, 2024
3.25.
I really appreciated how both of them were already believers, since usually Christian romance books follow a single pattern. I also liked how they worked through the deep questions their families put them through, but the ending got a little bit over dramatic.
I really appreciated how both of them were already believers, since usually Christian romance books follow a single pattern. I also liked how they worked through the deep questions their families put them through, but the ending got a little bit over dramatic.
July 25, 2024
Enjoyable story! A clean and sweet Regency romance story. The setting was lovely. The cover is beautiful. The story is a great story of forgiveness and overcoming anger and learning to be yourself. Highly recommend!
March 10, 2022
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It was a clean read and though it is under the inspired love series put out by Harlequin the characters faith and religion is not a huge plot driver.
What I most appreciated about the book is that the heroine is a widow and therefore slightly more mature than your average debutante, though being only 25 years old she’s still much younger than most of us reading this book. She is referred to as having been a “diamond of the first water� in her debut season, and she is praised excessively for her ability to meet the standards set by regency England’s ton. But rather than rebel against societies pressures she embraces them for what they are and excels in them. She points out how there is value and compassion at not “thrusting your emotions at other people�. She comes across as loving and gracious through her dress and her demeanor and educates others to excel as well
The hero of the story is the opposite. He opposes society‘s demands on him at every turn and since he has a duke he can. Although I thought it impressive that though he had been a recluse for close to a decade he had not given up dancing or music or any of the things that a noble of this era would have appreciated.
Another interesting facet of this book that sets it apart from many other regency era novels is that though balls, teas, attending plays and other socialite activities are mentioned, they are not the main setting but rather some thing that the characters attend as part of their every day lives
What I most appreciated about the book is that the heroine is a widow and therefore slightly more mature than your average debutante, though being only 25 years old she’s still much younger than most of us reading this book. She is referred to as having been a “diamond of the first water� in her debut season, and she is praised excessively for her ability to meet the standards set by regency England’s ton. But rather than rebel against societies pressures she embraces them for what they are and excels in them. She points out how there is value and compassion at not “thrusting your emotions at other people�. She comes across as loving and gracious through her dress and her demeanor and educates others to excel as well
The hero of the story is the opposite. He opposes society‘s demands on him at every turn and since he has a duke he can. Although I thought it impressive that though he had been a recluse for close to a decade he had not given up dancing or music or any of the things that a noble of this era would have appreciated.
Another interesting facet of this book that sets it apart from many other regency era novels is that though balls, teas, attending plays and other socialite activities are mentioned, they are not the main setting but rather some thing that the characters attend as part of their every day lives
January 6, 2022
Sophia and Edmund agree to a marriage of convenience to help both of their causes. Sophia is a young widow with a family in need of financial help and Edmund has a infamous reputation that he doesn't want to taint his niece's season.
Edmund isn't a man who cares what others think, to his own social detriment. Society isn't his cup of tea, and rumors run rampant. I liked that he wanted to help his niece, even though he doesn't always have patience with the rules of the ton. Sophia is patient and she does her best to be a good daughter and wife. I liked that her father encouraged her faith.
Overall this is an engaging read with well developed characters and a riveting plot, I loved seeing Edmund and Sophia come to trust and rely up on one another. A thoroughly enjoyable read from beginning to end!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Edmund isn't a man who cares what others think, to his own social detriment. Society isn't his cup of tea, and rumors run rampant. I liked that he wanted to help his niece, even though he doesn't always have patience with the rules of the ton. Sophia is patient and she does her best to be a good daughter and wife. I liked that her father encouraged her faith.
Overall this is an engaging read with well developed characters and a riveting plot, I loved seeing Edmund and Sophia come to trust and rely up on one another. A thoroughly enjoyable read from beginning to end!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
July 23, 2022
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I love Regency fiction but stopped reading it these past several months because most of what’s out there in the secular world is trash. Even my favorite authors have exchanged a really good story line for sex on the pages. Everything leads up to the sex. If that’s what you want from a book then that is fine. I want accurate history and a good clean story. So I finally got disgusted enough to give up reading my favorite genera. I found this and thought I’d give it a try. WOW! An amazing story line and character development emerged from the very beginning. Jessica’s description of Sophia and Edmund were so good that I could see them in my minds eye. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can’t wait to see what else Ms. Nelson has written.
February 12, 2022
Actually a really well written book. I really really liked the heroine and I find that it is often rare for me to do so (especially over the hero). The only thing is I think he should have had to do a bit more grovelling at the end lol. Would have liked an epilogue with some kids.
January 1, 2022
Sweet Romance
An unlikely romance as the title suggests. It is a fun read that keeps you engaged in an intriguing story.
An unlikely romance as the title suggests. It is a fun read that keeps you engaged in an intriguing story.
January 2, 2022
Absolutely loved this book!! I didn’t want to put it down. The chemistry between Edmund and Sophia was tangible all throughout the book. Once again, Jessica did a fabulous job telling this story!
March 30, 2025
If you're a fan of grumpy heroes and feisty heroines, this book is for you! The chemistry between Edmund and Sophia was palpable, and their banter was a delight to read. I couldn't help but be drawn in by how Sophia could coax smiles and laughs out of the usually serious Edmund—a perfect example of the classic Beauty and the Beast vibes.
Sophia’s fearlessness when it came to standing up to Edmund was refreshing, and the way she held her ground kept me engaged throughout the story. Edmund's growing intrigue for her, despite his initial reluctance, was one of the highlights of the book.
The romantic tension between them was palpable, and though there were some miscommunications along the way, the journey to their HEA was well worth it. Once they finally talked things through, their relationship felt even more satisfying.
Rated: 4.5/5.0—I’m excited to check out more books by this author!
Sophia’s fearlessness when it came to standing up to Edmund was refreshing, and the way she held her ground kept me engaged throughout the story. Edmund's growing intrigue for her, despite his initial reluctance, was one of the highlights of the book.
The romantic tension between them was palpable, and though there were some miscommunications along the way, the journey to their HEA was well worth it. Once they finally talked things through, their relationship felt even more satisfying.
Rated: 4.5/5.0—I’m excited to check out more books by this author!
July 29, 2023
Jessica Nelson is a new-to-me author, and An Unlikely Duchess is delightful with a captivating storyline. A genuine fairytale of a woman’s sacrifice to save her family by entering into a marriage of convenience and becoming a Duchess to a Duke who has been labelled the “Beast of London.� Has she made an error in judgement? I enjoy the Regency period and bride of convenience stories. This checks all the boxes.
September 16, 2024
Too religious. No spice
December 10, 2022
Sophia needed to wed to save her family from financial ruin and the duke needed a bride to help his niece make an advantageous match. Their decision was one of convenience. As they got to know one another, they realize that there are layers to their personalities and that they intrigue one another. They are both holding onto secrets and secrets can destroy a marriage, especially when it doesn't have deep roots. Will they learn to communicate and will their love triumph over all?
April 10, 2022
Enjoyed it more than I expected to. It's listed as an Inspirational romance but the faith and god talk is kept to a minimum and you barely notice.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.