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Seducing the Duchess

3.62 of 5 stars 3.62 · rating details · 331 ratings · 81 reviews

It was just another scandalous night...

Gambling. Carousing. Flirting. Charlotte, Duchess of Rutherford, will do anything to create a scandal large enough to force her husband to finally petition for a divorce. Once madly in love with Philip, she is now determined to escape from their less than civil marriage and the reminders of his betrayal.

Until he stole her away...

Phili...more

Mass Market Paperback, 302 pages

Published October 5th 2010 by Signet Eclipse

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Jan 31, 2011 Shawna rated it 2 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Fans of "love/hate/love/hate/love" romances

Shelves: historical-romance, married-couples-married-convenience, revenge-deception-secrets-lies, historical-romance-regency, cheating-hearts-fidelity-issues, 2011-reads, enemies-to-lovers-opposites-attract, hero-alpha‎, hero-darcy-paragon-haughty-staid, hero-duke-heir-to-dukedom, hero-i-wanna-smack, hero-cold-cruelbrute-dark-dangerous, hh-aristocracy-nobility-royalty, hero-stalk-me-baby-possessive, heroine-beautiful-bombshell, heroine-kickass-spirited-strong, heroine-naïve-virgin-like-a-virgin, hh-social-class-wealth-matters, i-read-library, reunions-are-sweeter-second-chances, steam-3-hot, unrequited-love-crush, hero-cad-rake-rogue‎-scoundrel, childhood-ties-friends-sweethearts, heroine-i-wanna-bitch-slap-annoying, 2stars-or-less, heroine-badgirl-improper-scandalous, hh-bad-communication-conflict-mgmt, hh-big-constant-misunderstandings, blah-meh, ashley-march-elise-rome

2 ½ stars – Historical/Regency Romance

This one is rather hard to rate. I can't quite give it full 3 stars because I didn't care at all for the H/h, nor did I ever feel invested in their emotions or relationship. The constant "love/hate/love/hate" bickering seemed repetitive and was somewhat exhausting, especially since I never actually felt the "love" between them. I honestly wasn't that interested in the outcome of all their drama.

But the writing showed a lot of promise, so I'll definitely con...more

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Oct 23, 2010 Catherine rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction-vixen-reviews, historical, first-reads-arcs-won-a-copy, 2nd-chance-romance, childhood-sweethearts-or-friends, cheating-sleeps-with-someone-else, england, manipulation-plot, read-2010, romance, sucked, working-to-improve-marriage

Review originally posted at Fiction Vixen.

I have to be upfront and say that I am not this book’s target audience. I didn’t know this until I started reading, but within the first 16 pages it was glaringly apparent. I hate reading about cheaters. If I hear a book has infidelity I’ve learned to just skip it. Otherwise I usually spend the whole book pissed off. It is a rare day when I believe in the relationship after they’ve cheated on one another. It has happened a time or two though, I have to a...more

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Apr 17, 2013 Wendy rated it 4 of 5 stars

The reading slump is dead. Long live the reading slump!

I did have my issues with this book, but I still enjoyed it immensely. Snappy dialogue, a heroine who fights back (instead of hiding out in the country, doing charity work with orphans etc.), and the angst! The glorious, glorious angst!

What didn't work so well? The vague setting/time period, a hero who professes his love but I'm not quite sure how he got there, and characters who are both manipulative a-holes.

Still, I really enjoyed. Plus i...more

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Aug 21, 2012 ѕєяєηιтι rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2012, historical-romance

Bir arkadaşım tavsiye etti kitabı bende bi heyecan başladım ama bi türlü içine giremedim kitabın güzeldi aslında ama daha güzelde olabilirdi atlaya atlaya okuma isteği yarattı bende fazlamı ayrıntı vardı ne

Dükümüz kızmızın abisinden intikam almak için kızımızla ilgiliyor ve evleniyor(abisi nişanlısını ayartmış evlilikte olmamış) kızımızla evleniyor ilk geceden sonrada kıza gerçeği söyleyip metresine gidiyor kızımızı kendi haline bırakıyor 3 yıl sonra aklı başına geliyor adamımızın kızımızı sevdi...more

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Nov 23, 2010 Lisa rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is the debut novel by Ashley March and while I did not love it, she seems to be a promising new author to keep an eye on. This story follows Philip Burgress, Duke of Rutherford, and his journey to get his wife, Charlotte, back. Philip and Charlotte were childhood playmates along with Charlottes brother Ethan and Joanna, a nearby neighbor. Philip was groomed to be a duke and with that all that that entails...being ruthless, cold and unfeeling. Joanna was destined to be his bride against her...more

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Sep 03, 2011 Bookaholics rated it 4 of 5 stars

Seducing the Duchess (The Bridal Pleasures) by Ashley March
Historical Romance - Oct. 5th, 2010
5 stars

I often rate how much I enjoy a book by how emotionally involved I was with the 2 main characters. I was dazzled by this author’s story about a Duke who is determined to woo his Duchess even if she fights him at every opportunity! This fresh story was a fun and moving book that readers will love.

Charlotte, Duchess of Rutherford was young and naïve when she was seduced by her husband, Phillip wh...more Seducing the Duchess (The Bridal Pleasures) by Ashley March
Historical Romance - Oct. 5th, 2010
5 stars

I often rate how much I enjoy a book by how emotionally involved I was with the 2 main characters. I was dazzled by this author’s story about a Duke who is determined to woo his Duchess even if she fights him at every opportunity! This fresh story was a fun and moving book that readers will love.

Charlotte, Duchess of Rutherford was young and naïve when she was seduced by her husband, Phillip who used his young and beautiful innocent bride in a cold game of revenge against her beloved brother. Charlotte had fallen in love with the man she thought was Phillip. But she that was before he callously left her after their wedding night and scorned her love. Broken hearted but audacious, Charlotte is a strong woman and soon vows to free herself and get her own revenge. She creates scandal after outrageous scandal hoping the unfeeling and dutiful Duke will divorce her and finally let her go.

It is years later and Phillip has come to the appalling realization that he loves his wife. But he knows Charlotte hates him. He longs for her company and is no longer willing to let her escapades go unnoticed. Desperate and starving for her attention, he kidnaps her in public and makes her an shocking proposition. If she will help him find another wife and teach him how to be a good husband, he will grant her a divorce. Phillip plays a deadly gamble and one he is determined to win but his wife isn’t about to lose and she will not let Phillip break her heart again.

I loved this story. At first I wondered if I would like Philip. His past behaviors were reprehensible. But as the author reveals Phillip’s desperate love for Charlotte and his sheer ruthlessness as he pursues her, you can’t help but admire his tenacity and understand why Charlotte cared about him in the past. And slowly I, too, began to care for him. The author also eloquently explains Phillip’s cold upbringing and what formed his character. He was raised to be a proper Duke by his unfeeling grandfather who coldly and brutally shaped him into a carbon copy of himself. Philip begins to realize he doesn’t want to be his grandfather. He wants love and laughter with Charlotte even if that means changing himself. His metamorphosis was enthralling to read. Another thing that makes this book so deliciously wonderful is the feisty and endearing heroine. She doesn’t make life easy for Philip and I adored her fighting spirit as she often out smarts him but also makes him see what is really important in life. Charlotte has such a caring heart and I wanted her to guard her heart from Phillip but as Charlotte learned to love Philip, I couldn't help but care for him too!

This was a sensational read! I became so emotionally involved in the 2 main characters. They were perfect for each other and I will definitely be reading any future books by this fabulously talented new author!! If you are looking for an absorbing story about 2 characters that you really can care about and their adventures along the way, then you will adore this book as much as I did.

Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
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Oct 24, 2010 Claudine rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I got roped in by the hype reviews I found the story to be only OK for me for a debut, I will give Ashley March another try with her next release before I make a decision if I will continue reading this author. It could have been any number of factors that influenced my decision on the book at the time I read Seducing the Dutchess, there was something that just didn't figure right with the story to me, so maybe with the second book the light may come on and I will have "I get it" moment and it...more

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Jan 11, 2012 Book Review Diva rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historicalromance

“Seducing the Duchess ” by Ashley March

What would you do to try and capture your wife's heart once again? Would you send her flowers, write her a poem, or what about going as far as kidnapping her in front of society's upper class? That is exactly what the Duke of Rutherford does. He kidnaps his wife back to win her love. The Duke of Rutherford realizes that his only true love is his wife Charlotte and not his mistresses. He broke her heart by telling her on their first night of their marriage...more

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May 05, 2012 RomReader rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical

22yo duchess can’t believe her estranged husband of 3 years would show any interest in her now. The day after what she thought was a love-matched wedding Hero coldly informed her that he married her only to seek revenge against her brother and then left her for his mistress. Heroine has tried her best to push him to grant the divorce she wants by acting scandalously. Hero realized that he wanted his wife after all 6 months ago and tried to woo her but to no avail. So he kidnaps her to their coun...more 22yo duchess can’t believe her estranged husband of 3 years would show any interest in her now. The day after what she thought was a love-matched wedding Hero coldly informed her that he married her only to seek revenge against her brother and then left her for his mistress. Heroine has tried her best to push him to grant the divorce she wants by acting scandalously. Hero realized that he wanted his wife after all 6 months ago and tried to woo her but to no avail. So he kidnaps her to their country estate and devised a plan to make her jealous while promising her to grant her a divorce if she teaches him to be the perfect husband to his future wife. It works but also makes her feel betrayed once again. How will Hero succeed in making her trust him with her love?

Started out strong in emotional tone, sexual chemistry, and character development. Hero and heroine were playing an emotional one-upmanship with each other. Their mind games were intricate and made their reunion a great challenge. It also gave an added excitement to their sexual tension. Their r/s dynamics continued to build through 2/3 of the book. But after that it tapered off when H & h confessed their love for each other yet h was betrayed yet again by H’s manipulations. Things became awkward and anti-climactic after that. I was hoping for a really good end with H groveling or at least clearly showing how he was truly in love and faithfully devoted to h. But H became kinda hopeless and showed his love for her secretly/passively by buying off all her nude paintings and renouncing his dukedom. He couldn’t let go of his pride and didn’t want to humiliate himself with her even more (I didn’t think he humiliated or better yet humbled himself for her well enough) so he did things for her in a hidden manner. It was heroine who ultimately humbled herself and chase him down and tell him she’ll couldn’t live without him. He was going to just let her go. And I don’t like that in my Heroes. I like my Heroes who’ll fight to his last breath to get heroine back when he knows she still cares for him and it is his fault that she left him. This Hero didn’t fight for her enough.

Recommended with some limits -- 3.5 stars.(less)

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Jan 15, 2012 Eli Yanti rated it 5 of 5 stars

So happy i give my self to try to read this book because there is only one word i could say that "love". yes i love this book and agreed with my friend that i love the writing style of the author - ashley.

I just can't hate the hero even he is so stupid to decide his self of revenge and doing a worse thing through the heroine but in the end he make me just adored him so much.

What a great ashley on creating this wonderful story.

This story is about the hero - Phillip who was determined to do a reve...more

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Jul 11, 2011 Karen rated it 3 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Oh, this was a weepy book. A VERY weepy book. 15 tissues' worth of weepy. It was cathatic and I liked it, but I give you fair warning, it REALLY puts you though an emotional wringer.

Okay, the summary: Philip Burgess, Duke of Rutherford, is very good at being a duke... not so much at being a husband. Philip and Charlotte (the squire's daughter) have known each other since they were children. Charlotte had always looked up to him, and secretly adored him. Charlotte's elder brother Ethan was Phili...more Oh, this was a weepy book. A VERY weepy book. 15 tissues' worth of weepy. It was cathatic and I liked it, but I give you fair warning, it REALLY puts you though an emotional wringer.

Okay, the summary: Philip Burgess, Duke of Rutherford, is very good at being a duke... not so much at being a husband. Philip and Charlotte (the squire's daughter) have known each other since they were children. Charlotte had always looked up to him, and secretly adored him. Charlotte's elder brother Ethan was Philip's best friend, despite their differences in station. At least... they WERE best friends, until Ethan stole away Philip's fiancee, Lady Joanna Grey. Philip cut Ethan out of his life... and started to pay attention to Charlotte instead. He courted her, pledged his love, seduced her, and married her... and then ruthlessly shattered her heart when he told her their romantic marriage-- and his love-- were a sham. He'd only married her to revenge himself upon her brother. After only one night, Philip deserted her bed for his mistress's, and virtually ignored her in all other aspects of their most inconvenient marriage. Charlotte's innocent, youthful love turned into cold hatred for the man who had trapped her, used her, and then all but abandoned her. All of this is in their past.

When the book begins, Philip and Charlotte have been married for three years, and both of them have changed a great deal. Charlotte's youthful shyness and naivete are long gone, replaced by a polished wit and seductive allure. In an attempt to provoke her husband to divorce, she has turned to wildly scandalous behavior, and is rumored to have taken half the men of the Ton as her lovers. And Philip... Philip is staid and upright, and (with the exception of his unfortunate wife) everything a duke should be. But somehow, he has fallen in deeply, impossibly in love with his wife. The wife he once wronged so cruelly. The wife who now despises him, with good cause.

In a desperate attempt to win back her love, Philip kidnaps Charlotte from Town, brings her back to their estate, and offers her a most unorthodox bargain: he will grant her the freedom she craves-- begin divorce proceedings in three months-- IF... in the meantime, she teaches him how to be a better husband for his "next" wife. Lady Joanna Grey, the perfect woman he was *supposed* to marry all those years ago, is available once more and living next door. By letting Charlotte teach him to be worthy of Lady Grey, Philip hopes to regain the love and trust of the only woman he'll ever love. But Charlotte, who learned seduction and artifice from the very man who broke her, doesn't trust this "reformed" Philip. She doesn't think Philip is capable of change, and suspects the whole thing is a ploy of Philip's to gain what every man wants from her-- her body. But all SHE wants now, after three years of misery, is to be free of him. Love and hate are often two sides of the same coin... but how can there be love again, without trust? Let the games begin.

You can see why this book is a recipe for heartbreak. Both characters are strong and smart and resourceful, and I liked both of them equally in different ways. I found myself rooting for *both* of them. Yes, Philip was a major ass when they first married, but Charlotte's done things not to be proud of, also. You can't help but want happiness for both of them, even (especially!) when it seems impossible to achieve. The real knife-to-the-heart for the reader is the dual POV-- we see inside BOTH Philip's and Charlotte's heads, and know how each is REALLY thinking and feeling when the other hasn't a clue. The secondary characters were masterfully done, too-- the butler is marvelously stoic and manages to offer silent commentary on bad behavior without appearing to favor one OR the other. Joanna, whom I expected to despise, turns out to be a charming and helpful woman who would just as soon NOT be in the middle of all this. She was Charlotte's confidante, growing up, and knows Philip well (but has no more desire to marry him now than she did when she jilted him); she just wants what's best for our unhappy couple. Even Joanna's harp instructor, Mr. Lesser (which I expected to be a throwaway role), has a surprising bit of verve and dimension to him.

I've seen the whole I-love-this-person-but-I'm-too-proud-to-possibly-tell-him/her done quite a bit in romance. Usually the whole "stubborn pride" thing just makes me want to cosh the thickheaded individual over the head several times with a blunt object. In this case, though, their attitudes are perfectly reasonable-- Charlotte was viciously hurt by Philip's deception once before, and as both husband and influential duke, he really does hold all the cards, here. She can't run, and she doesn't dare soften towards him again; the only chance she has, as she sees it, is to turn his manipulation right back at him and seduce, connive, or convince him into finally granting her a divorce-- scandal be damned.

Philip, meanwhile, is painfully aware of what an ass he'd been to her. He's trying hard, he really is, but the plain truth is that he just doesn't know his wife very well. He takes her to the opera and theatre-- she hates both of them. He buys her a harp and lessons-- with her scarlet-lady reputation, she doesn't feel worthy to play such an angelic instrument, and sees it as another ploy to buy his way into her bed like he all the other men she knows. He doesn't know what Charlotte likes because he never *wanted* to know her before. And it's not pride (at least, not entirely) that's keeping him silent about the L-word, either-- he is painfully aware of how awful he was to her at the beginning of their marriage, and knows that he has to somehow earn her trust before she will ever believe the word "love" from his lips. When he realized he loved her, he began, with some hope, to court her-- after all, they *were* already married. When all his attempts at romance failed, he hatched this crazy make-her-jealous plan, and now it's desperation that drives him as much as anything. The poor man has run out of hope.

Like I said.... Fifteen. Tissues.(less)

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Dec 06, 2010 Xanti rated it 2 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. This book spent its entire length as a conflict between the hero and heroine over the circumstances of their marriage. Her brother eloped with his intended (until she backed out), so the 'hero' seduces, marries, then abandons the heroine after the wedding night, telling her she was merely a revenge for her brother's behavior. It is now three years later, the hero realizes he is now in love with his wife, who has been blackening her reputation all over London in an attempt to get our 'hero' to di...more

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Oct 13, 2010 Terra rated it 4 of 5 stars

I found this book addicting and thoroughly delicious. Our debut author has herself a great start in the right direction with a book that will make you enjoy all the little tastes of seduction and romance with a flair for licking your fingers.

Charlotte, Duchess of Rutherford has been married to her husband three long years. She marrying for love has heartbreak right from the onset with the louse and so our dear Charlotte becomes quite creative at the old phrase, "Payback is a bitch"!

Lucky for Ch...more

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Oct 05, 2010 RomanceNovelNews.com rated it 4 of 5 stars

Review by C.M. Lessard for Romance Novel News

The Duke of Rutherford wants his wayward wife back. After three years of neglect and cruelty, Philip has decided to woo his wife Charlotte and revive their marriage. But it won’t be easy.

While Philip had set his wife aside in favor of his mistress, Charlotte has been living a separate life, coquetting and carousing with other men. She hopes her scandalous behavior will make Philip petition for a divorce - but he kidnaps her instead.

Philip takes her t...more Review by C.M. Lessard for Romance Novel News

The Duke of Rutherford wants his wayward wife back. After three years of neglect and cruelty, Philip has decided to woo his wife Charlotte and revive their marriage. But it won’t be easy.

While Philip had set his wife aside in favor of his mistress, Charlotte has been living a separate life, coquetting and carousing with other men. She hopes her scandalous behavior will make Philip petition for a divorce - but he kidnaps her instead.

Philip takes her to their country estate, far from the distractions of London, to carry out his plan, however, Charlotte is not easily swayed.

Philip eventually agrees to a divorce in three months time if Charlotte would agree to help him find a more suitable wife. He also asks her to instruct him on becoming an ideal husband for his next wife.

“Seducing the Duchess” is a compelling read by Ashley March, who provides a second chance for a couple in a dismal and destructive marriage.

Philip is a remorseful antihero who seduced and married the innocent Charlotte in a plan of revenge against her brother. After consummating the marriage on their wedding night, Philip broke Charlotte’s heart by revealing that he only pretended to love her.

Readers would no doubt despise Philip if it were not for his redemptive pursuit. He admits to his failings and bad behavior, which is partially attributed to a strict upbringing by his merciless grandfather.

March does leave a few loose ends. Charlotte’s brother Ethan, who is the initial object of Philip’s revenge, never makes an appearance, and there is no reconciliation between Charlotte and her estranged parents, who disowned her after she married Philip against their wishes.

March’s best moments are the enticing debates that pit man against wife as they campaign to get the upper hand. Just when the reader thinks one of them is in the lead, the other unexpectedly turns the tables.

“Seducing the Duchess” will undoubtedly appeal to all fans of historical romance.

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Apr 10, 2013 LizzieB rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: kindle, ebook, 19th-century, infidelity, adultery, england, english-hero, english-heroine

Wow, what a ride.

Pros:

1. An interesting premise that takes up where normal romance novels just leave off.

2. Characters that aren't entirely lily white and pure.

3. ANGST
4. ANGST
5. MOAR ANGST!!!!

Cons:

1. Inability to tell what time period this was until Austen was mentioned 75% of the way through the book.

2. The romance was immature from the beginning, so there was no basis for proclamations of "love."

3. Jarring use of anachronistic words.

4. Reasons!

****

My normal priorities for how I rate a book:...more

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Aug 07, 2011 Abby Niles rated it 5 of 5 stars

I love historical romances. I grew up on them, even tried writing one and failed miserably. Ms. March is the type of historical writer I can only dream of being. Her way with words is so beautiful, and say so much. One instance is when Charlotte is describing Philip's smile. Most of the time smiles are just smiles, but not here. Ms. March uses the description of Philip's smiles as a form of characterization that is simply perfect and allows the reader to see how well Charlotte does know the man...more

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May 04, 2011 Marissa rated it 3 of 5 stars

Most lingering quote:

“It was a clever wager. And a very foolish one, to tempt her indifference and her discipline.” “I seem to remember we were supposed to swim together,” Philip called from the edge of the pond. “No, I merely said it would be a swim in the nude.” --- “I never said I would join you.” He gave her a rueful grin over his shoulder, then planted his foot in the water. “”

Seducing The Duchess in brief:

The ninth Duke of Rutherford, Philip Burgess, married Charlotte to take revenge on Ch...more

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Nov 24, 2010 Barbara rated it 5 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this debut effort from new author Ashley March. Generally I'm not a big fan of stories about cheating husbands and wives, but the way this was handled, the reasons and outcome of it all, fit the story very well.
The Philip, the Duke of Rutherford married Charlotte for revenge on her brother, who had run off with his fiance just before their wedding. He told Charlotte this the day after consumating their marriage. Three years later she has been doing every outrageous thing she can, such...more

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May 12, 2012 Janusz rated it 5 of 5 stars

I read this book during a flurry of reading and writing activity, and put off my Goodreads review for a week. Had I rated Seducing the Duchess immediately after I put it down, and before I picked up the next volume in my TBR stack, I would probably have given it five stars and a glowing review, a reflection of the pleasure it gave me.

Several days of sporadic contemplation later, I find myself agreeing with some of the very perceptive negative comments posted by other Goodreads reviewers.

My conc...more

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Oct 13, 2010 ~ames~ rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: book-binge-book, 2010-read, historical

Ashley March’s debut novel features a particular theme I really enjoy: second chances. When done right, it can be very satisfying to see two lovers come back to each other. I can say that Ashley March does it well.

Three years ago, Phillip’s best friend, Ethan, ran off with Phillip’s fiancée. In revenge, Phillip wooed and married Ethan’s younger sister, Charlotte. Phillip and Charlotte were friends before he set out for revenge and after one glorious night (their wedding night), Phillip told Cha...more Ashley March’s debut novel features a particular theme I really enjoy: second chances. When done right, it can be very satisfying to see two lovers come back to each other. I can say that Ashley March does it well.

Three years ago, Phillip’s best friend, Ethan, ran off with Phillip’s fiancée. In revenge, Phillip wooed and married Ethan’s younger sister, Charlotte. Phillip and Charlotte were friends before he set out for revenge and after one glorious night (their wedding night), Phillip told Charlotte that she was just a pawn and he used her for revenge. Since then, Charlotte has taken her revenge out on the oh-so-proper Phillip by dragging the Rutherford name through the mud with all her scandals. And now she wants a divorce. She can no longer stomach being married to Phillip. But she hasn’t noticed the changes in him, that he’s been trying to win her back. And even when he kidnaps her, she truly doesn’t believe his claims that he’s changed. Can Phillip win his wife’s affections back?

Phillip and Charlotte. Two very wounded people. Two very proud individuals that didn’t want the other to get the upper hand in their unfortunate marriage. I have to admit, I empathized the most with Charlotte. You see, she fell in love with her childhood friend and when she found out he didn’t love her, was only using her, it broke her heart. And it remained broken for three years. Even when Phillip changed the way he acted towards her, she knew better. She knew exactly how good he was at pretending and she had no way of judging if he had really changed or if this was another ruse on his part. So even though Charlotte still doesn’t trust Phillip for the majority of the book, it makes sense and I didn’t feel like she gave in too easily. In cases like this, the hero has to do some major groveling, and I was more than happy with Phillip and his actions.

And Phillip. Here’s a man who knew exactly how much he screwed up and was trying to make things right. Although he still had a ducal attitude about the whole thing, Charlotte more than gave him his comeuppance. And that’s why Seducing the Duchess really worked for me – Charlotte. She’s such a strong character!

I am giving this debut novel a 4 out of 5 and eagerly look forward to Ms. March’s next book.(less)

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Oct 17, 2011 Blodeuedd Finland rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance

I liked this one because it was different from the usual HR books that I read. And that first chapter where she is kidnapped by her husband was just great. But their love story is a messy one, and a sad one.

Why is then their story such a mess? Well Phillip whispered words of love and got her to marry him. Everything was perfect, their wedding night was perfect, until next morning when he told he he had only used her for revenge and he packed up and left her to go to his mistress. Poor Charlotte...more

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Feb 23, 2011 Mary Kathryn rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance, ashley-march, all-time-favorites

The only reason why I read this book was because I had to judge it. Otherwise it is not a book that I would have bought or even given a second glace to in the book store. So I picked it up knowing that I would hate it and ended up falling in love with Philip and Charlotte.

The book started off after Charlotte and Philip had already been married for three years. But this was not like most of the books that I have read where they are so in love and everything works out great. Let me say this I HATE...more

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Jul 14, 2012 HÜLYA YILMAZ rated it 3 of 5 stars

Geçmişi Unut-Ashley March

İlk başta konu çok güzeldi bunu belirtmeden geçemiyeceğim..Yazarın tarzını biraz Sherry Thomas'a benzettim..Bu benzetmemde ki sebep ise yazarın Anlaşmalı Evlilik romanın ile konusu oldukça benzeşiyordu..Ama onun kadar usta henüz olamamış..Yeni bir yazar orjinal adı Düşes Seducing 'ın goodreads puanı 5/3,66 hikaye ben 166'cı sayfaya geldiğimde henüz tam oturmamıştı..Çok güzel bir konu yakalanmış ama ne yazık ki heba edilmiş..Bazı yerlerde gereksiz ayrıntılar hikayenin en...more

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Sep 19, 2012 Tasmia rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, ebooks, genre-romance-2012, rom-2012-09

March's prose is beautiful, but the story didn't come together for me. That might be because I read it in sporadic bursts over a few weeks. Or, it might be because the conflict between the leads is sort of boxed up and set aside rather than being solved...and the whole situation just kind of grated on my nerves. Charlotte's deception was predictable and way too contrived; if she'd actually lived up to her reputation, there might've been more weight to the story. And Philip is just...a knotted me...more

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Jan 22, 2011 May rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance, read-2010

Here is the storyline: Charlotte, Duchess of Rutherford, has spent the past three years causing all kinds of scandals to force her husband, Philip, the Duke of Rutherford, to divorce her. At long last, Philip will grant the divorce but only if Charlotte agrees to help him to become a better husband to win back the woman he was suppose to marry before Charlotte. Will love strike twice for this couple?

If you want a story packed with emotional angst just oozing from the pages, then this is the book...more

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Oct 31, 2010 Kasey rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: period-pieces-historical-romances, owned, romance

I'm torn between 2 1/2 to 3 stars for this book.

Throughout this book and even in the end I have to say I was torn between liking our leading characters and disliking them. They both had some issues from one another, their past, etc. Even with Phillip's horrible behavior and betrayal before you want to like him at times. Although Phillip wants to win his wife's heart again he isn't actually changed so much in the beginning as selfish. So we get to watch both of them learn to change and forgive....more

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Nov 20, 2011 Tonileg rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance, kindle, historical

The back and forth of the love/hate was fun in the beginning but after two hundred pages, I really wanted to shake Charlotte and scream 'Get over it already!'.
There was one hot scene in the end of the book and not much goes on, but I must admit that the story is realistic and the romance is paced. I do love the married-then-falling-in-love plot so that is why I bought the book, but it can't compare to classics like The Accidental Wedding by Ms. Anne Gracie
2 and a half stars

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Oct 29, 2010 Jamie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: season-review

I review for www.theseasonforromance.com

Rating: 7.5
Heat: 3

Ashley March’s debut Seducing the Duchess is filled with witty repartee, heart aching emotion and, of course, seduction.

After marrying the man she loved, Charlotte is betrayed by her husband, Philip, Duke of Rutherford. He never loved her, she was just a pawn used for revenge. Instead of sitting and crying for her husband, she decides to do anything that will create enough scandal so he will divorce her.

Philip has other idea all togeth...more I review for www.theseasonforromance.com

Rating: 7.5
Heat: 3

Ashley March’s debut Seducing the Duchess is filled with witty repartee, heart aching emotion and, of course, seduction.

After marrying the man she loved, Charlotte is betrayed by her husband, Philip, Duke of Rutherford. He never loved her, she was just a pawn used for revenge. Instead of sitting and crying for her husband, she decides to do anything that will create enough scandal so he will divorce her.

Philip has other idea all together. After three years of putting up with his wife’s outrageous behavior Philip has had enough. He is determined to win his wife back no matter what it takes, even if it means lying.

Philip is the classic example of what a duke is perceived to be. He is arrogant and controlling, plus he is used to getting what he wants and he wants Charlotte. Charlotte, on the other hand, wants nothing from Philip but a divorce.

Charlotte likes to ruffle Philip’s feathers. She pushes him out of his comfort zone and it is entertaining to see him do things he normally wouldn’t even think about, and for that, Philip is all the more appealing. Even with his manipulation and deceptions, he can be truly charming.

When the story first starts, I did not like Charlotte at all. However, as the story unfolded, I found myself leaning more towards Charlotte’s corner then Philip’s. As the story progresses you see just how much Philip has hurt her and I understood more where she was coming from. She may give the impression of being strong and resilient but deep down she is fragile.

My favorite thing about Seducing the Duchess is that you are able to focus solely on the romance. There is no mystery or murder to be solved. You are able to concentrate on the conflict and relationship between Philip and Charlotte. There is enough conflict there to keep the reader interested. Watching these two battle it out, whether it’s with words or actions, brings depth and emotion out of the story.

I do wish there was more about their back-story. You get little snippets here and there throughout the story but not a whole lot and that is where all the conflict stems from.

Seducing the Duchess is a fine debut and I enjoyed reading it. I look forward to see what else Ashley March can bring us.
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Oct 15, 2010 Sammy rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance

I was very dissapointed with this one. After reading some good reviews and the blurb, I thought this sounded pretty interesting. So I went straight over to amazon and downloaded it. UGH....let's just say the good reviews weren't very accurate imo. It stared off good but halfway thru it got repetative and I started to get bored. The H/H just kept going back in forth and it drove me crazy after awhile. I didn't really connect to either of them. In the end I was happy it was over and that's not a p...more

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Sep 01, 2012 Contessina rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-romance, books-i-own, jealous-hero, noble-hero, possessive-hero, seduction, strong-heroine

Bilmelisiniz ki karşınızdaki tâze bir yazar . Kendisi Ashley March adıyla başladığı yazı hayâtına şu sıralar Elise Rome adıyla devâm etmekte ve Lisa Kleypas , Teresa Medeiros , Margaret Mitchell gibi isimlerin etkisinde kaldığını belirtse de benim nazarımda bu yazarın dilinde herhangi başka bir yazarın etkisi mevcut değil ki bu da kayda değer bir başarı .

Geçmişi Unut (Seducing the Duchess ) , kedisini inciten kocası Rutherford Dükü Philip Burgess'ten intikam alıp onu incitmek, küçük düşürmek...more Bilmelisiniz ki karşınızdaki tâze bir yazar . Kendisi Ashley March adıyla başladığı yazı hayâtına şu sıralar Elise Rome adıyla devâm etmekte ve Lisa Kleypas , Teresa Medeiros , Margaret Mitchell gibi isimlerin etkisinde kaldığını belirtse de benim nazarımda bu yazarın dilinde herhangi başka bir yazarın etkisi mevcut değil ki bu da kayda değer bir başarı .

Geçmişi Unut (Seducing the Duchess ) , kedisini inciten kocası Rutherford Dükü Philip Burgess'ten intikam alıp onu incitmek, küçük düşürmek uğruna sosyetede adını hafif meşrep bir kadına çıkaran Charlotte'ın olduğu kadar onunla intikam uğruna evlendiği halde gönlünü güzel karısına kaptıran Philip 'in kendini Charlotte'a affetirme çabasının da hikâyesi .

Charlotte'ın tek niyeti kocasına duyduğu aşkı gömmek ve onu boşanmaya ikna etmektir . Philip ise aşık ve pişmandır fakat mâsum değildir . Daha evliliklerinin başında karısına onunla evlenmekteki amacını açıkça belirtmiş ve soluğu metresinin kollarında almıştır .

Konu bu derece dramatik olmasına rağmen bunu salt bir dram olmaktan çıkaransa elbette yazarın özgün espri anlayışı ve kıvrak dili . Öyle ki ikilinin atışmalarını sayfalarca okuyabilir ve asla dilin bozulduğunu, üslûbun basitleştiğini görmezsiniz.

Fakat ,olay örgüsüne dâir beni sıkıntıya sokan bir nokta şu ki bu adamın aklının başına gelmesi tam üç yıl sürmüş . Bunu kesinlikle bir olgunluk alâmeti olarak kabul etmiyorum , zîrâ Charlotte incindiğini belli etmeyerek sus pus oturup kaderine râzı olan bir kadın değil . Philip çok daha evvel karısının tavrından huylanıp , kendi eylemlerini sorguya çekmeliydi . Bir diğer nokta ise eski nişanlıdan , o değilse bile eski metresten bir çirkeflik bekliyor olmamdı . Gâyet de güzel ''Kötü kadın '' potansiyeli taşıyan bu iki karakter yazarın bizzat kendisi tarafından olayın dışına itilmiş , lâyıkıyla değerlendirilememişti . Hal böyle olunca çiftin yeniden bir araya gelmelerinin önündeki tek engel yine çiftin kendisi olmuştu . İşte bu noktadan sonra üslup olmasa da hikâye bir miktar sıradanlaştı . Yazar , ne yazacağını biliyormuş da nasıl yazacağına bir türlü karar verememiş gibi hissettim .

Charlotte tarafından insafsız , taş yürekli , katı bir karakter olarak tasvir edilen Philip benim nazarımda Charlotte'ın karşısında oldukça pasif kaldı . Yazar , Philip 'in Charlotte'a aşık olmadan önceki durumunun ifâdesinde yeterince açıklayıcı olamadı .

Yaptığı şatafatlı girişten sonra rutinleşmesine rağmen hikâye henüz yeni bir yazarın ilk kitabı olarak gâyet başarılı sayılabilirdi . Hikâye açısından görüş ve düşüncelerim bunlar fakat yazar hakkında genel bir kanı oluşturabilmek için kendisinin bir-iki kitabını daha okumaya ihtiyaç duyuyorum . Elise Rome ( Ashley March) kesinlikle hayal gücünden yoksun bir romancı değil. Beni yazarı takip etmeye iten en büyük etken ise üslûbudur.

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About Ashley March

Ashley March has never forgiven Margaret Mitchell for making her fall in love with Scarlett and Rhett in Gone with the Wind and then not giving them a happy ending. She likes to think that she makes up for the injustice done to them with each romance novel she writes. When she isn't telling stories about sexy, headstrong heroes and intelligent, independent heroines, Ashley stays busy chasing after...more

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Quotes from Seducing the Duchess

“Everything you do seduces me. All you need to do is breathe and I would do anything for you.” — 13 people liked it

“It’s not just your beauty—you’ve always had that. It’s the way you believe in yourself, the way you make everyone around you believe there is no better place on earth than wherever you are. In the park, in a carriage, at the supper
table, next to you.” — 2 people liked it

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