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Fairbourne Quartet #4
The Accidental Duchess
From New York Times bestselling author Madeline Hunter comes this seductive tale of a headstrong young lady, a scandalous manuscript, and the iron-willed duke determined to save her from her ruin. For fans of Mary Balogh, Eloisa James, and Julia Quinn.
When Lady Lydia Thornton is blackmailed over the shocking contents of a manuscript she once wrote, she must go to the most desperate of measures to raise the money to buy back the ill-considered prose: agreeing to an old wager posed by the arrogant, dangerous Duke of Penthurst. At least Penthurst is a man she wouldn’t mind fleecing—and she’s confident she’ll win.
Penthurst long ago concluded Lydia was a woman in search of ruinous adventure, but even he is surprised when she arrives at his house ready to bet her innocence against his ten thousand pounds—a wager he only proposed to warn her off gambling.
When she loses to a simple draw of the cards, Lydia is shocked. Now, her problems are twofold: a blackmailer determined to see her pay and a duke determined to tame her rebellious ways. One misstep and Lydia could find herself ruined—or bound to the seductive man who would make her his duchess.
When Lady Lydia Thornton is blackmailed over the shocking contents of a manuscript she once wrote, she must go to the most desperate of measures to raise the money to buy back the ill-considered prose: agreeing to an old wager posed by the arrogant, dangerous Duke of Penthurst. At least Penthurst is a man she wouldn’t mind fleecing—and she’s confident she’ll win.
Penthurst long ago concluded Lydia was a woman in search of ruinous adventure, but even he is surprised when she arrives at his house ready to bet her innocence against his ten thousand pounds—a wager he only proposed to warn her off gambling.
When she loses to a simple draw of the cards, Lydia is shocked. Now, her problems are twofold: a blackmailer determined to see her pay and a duke determined to tame her rebellious ways. One misstep and Lydia could find herself ruined—or bound to the seductive man who would make her his duchess.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 3, 2014
184 people are currently reading
1559 people want to read
About the author
Madeline Hunter
102 books2,107 followersMadeline Hunter is a nationally bestselling author of historical romances who lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and two sons. Her books have won two RITA awards and seven nominations, and have had three starred reviews in Publishers Weekly. In a parallel existence to the one she enjoys as a novelist, Madeline has a Ph.D. in art history and teaches at an East Coast university.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews
June 12, 2017
Sometimes I feel like I should be awarded a medal for slogging through some of the tiresome tripe I bother to read. Then I realize I've only myself to blame and any awards would just be a sad confirmation of my limitless drive to torture myself.
When I first started this book, I had high hopes for how it was going to turn out. Yes, Lydia is immature (kind of annoyingly so), but one expects that in a tale about a sheltered virgin. There were some short feminist diatribes I was quite happy to read and highlight, pumping my fist in the air in solidarity while doing so (figuratively, of course, I'm not that big a weirdo).
The problem is this: while the heroine is constantly droning on about how she wants independence, she's making some of the most reckless and idiotic decisions anyone alive could possibly make. While she's claiming she can take care of herself, she's digging herself an even deeper hole with her blackmailer. There's a fine line between independence and dangerous stupidity, and I'm afraid Lydia crosses it not once, not twice, but roughly six or seven times in the span of a few months. While this might seem realistic to some, it did nothing to endear her to me, and it set up a rather insulting conclusion; despite all her protestations to the contrary, Lydia was not a strong, informed, independent woman capable of caring for herself. In her attempts to emulate a courageous, unapologetic superwoman, she stupidly forgets that sometimes, the strongest thing you can do is ask for help. She had near limitless connections to powerful people, all perfectly able and willing to help her in her time of need, and all it would have cost her was a little embarrassment. Instead she chose to go it alone, nearly getting herself kidnapped, and making it look as if she's guilty of things far worse than being a feather-brained romantic.
My problem with Madeline Hunter's writing has nothing to do with the style or grammar or even the pacing. It has to do with the glaring inconsistency between Lydia's protestations and her actions. Because when all was said and done, right down to the bitter end, Lydia needed a big, strong man to come and fix everything for her.
What a waste of time, paper, and electronic space.
When I first started this book, I had high hopes for how it was going to turn out. Yes, Lydia is immature (kind of annoyingly so), but one expects that in a tale about a sheltered virgin. There were some short feminist diatribes I was quite happy to read and highlight, pumping my fist in the air in solidarity while doing so (figuratively, of course, I'm not that big a weirdo).
The problem is this: while the heroine is constantly droning on about how she wants independence, she's making some of the most reckless and idiotic decisions anyone alive could possibly make. While she's claiming she can take care of herself, she's digging herself an even deeper hole with her blackmailer. There's a fine line between independence and dangerous stupidity, and I'm afraid Lydia crosses it not once, not twice, but roughly six or seven times in the span of a few months. While this might seem realistic to some, it did nothing to endear her to me, and it set up a rather insulting conclusion; despite all her protestations to the contrary, Lydia was not a strong, informed, independent woman capable of caring for herself. In her attempts to emulate a courageous, unapologetic superwoman, she stupidly forgets that sometimes, the strongest thing you can do is ask for help. She had near limitless connections to powerful people, all perfectly able and willing to help her in her time of need, and all it would have cost her was a little embarrassment. Instead she chose to go it alone, nearly getting herself kidnapped, and making it look as if she's guilty of things far worse than being a feather-brained romantic.
My problem with Madeline Hunter's writing has nothing to do with the style or grammar or even the pacing. It has to do with the glaring inconsistency between Lydia's protestations and her actions. Because when all was said and done, right down to the bitter end, Lydia needed a big, strong man to come and fix everything for her.
What a waste of time, paper, and electronic space.
May 8, 2014
I really enjoyed this book! There was something so fresh and compelling about Lady Lydia and Penthurst's relationship that I just couldn't help but be drawn in and held captive by their story!
Description...
When Lady Lydia Thornton is blackmailed over the shocking contents of a manuscript she once wrote, she must go to the most desperate of measures to raise the money to buy back the ill-considered prose: agreeing to an old wager posed by the arrogant, dangerous Duke of Penthurst. At least Penthurst is a man she wouldn’t mind fleecing—and she’s confident she’ll win.Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur Magazine
Penthurst long ago concluded Lydia was a woman in search of ruinous adventure, but even he is surprised when she arrives at his house ready to bet her innocence against his ten thousand pounds—a wager he only proposed to warn her off gambling.
When she loses to a simple draw of the cards, Lydia is shocked. Now, her problems are twofold: a blackmailer determined to see her pay and a duke determined to tame her rebellious ways. One misstep and Lydia could find herself ruined—or bound to the seductive man who would make her his duchess.
Author: Madeline Hunter
Title: The Accidental Duchess
Publisher: Penguin/Jove
Format: Paperback
Pages: 400
ISBN: 978-0515151312
April 27, 2020
Meh. I felt somehow disconnected from the main characters. I did not like Lydia. I didn't precisely dislike her either. I just cared little about what happened to her or her problems. Really, her maid seemed like a more interesting person.
Penthurst was merely boring. He lacked personality, he was like a plank of wood. Nothing endearing was ever revealed about him, I knew no more about him or his particularities by the end than at the start.
I don't think Lydia ever called him anything affectionate. He was never fleshed out as a character. He was just 'There'. A foil used to solve the very boring mystery of Lakewood's "dastardly activities" before his ignominious death.
I had even forgotten his first name was Clayton. I had to go back to the start to find that when I realized I didn't know.
Also, I'm not sure why those two even liked each other. They hadn't much in common and never really spent time together developing camaraderie.
The whole blackmail nonsense was ridiculous. I don't see why Lydia couldn't have gone straight to her brother with the problem in the first place and admit all. None of that needed to be drawn out.
All in all, I really don't know why I didn't enjoy this. It flowed fine. The writing is good. Social mores of the time are clearly explained, side details of things like marriage settlements and widows benefits are gone into in detail in a non-awkward fashion. Historical tit bits are included. But I simply wasn't drawn into the story. Or made to care about the leads.
At the end I was just pleased to be done with it. Would still read the author though. I've loved some of her other works. And it isn't that the quality of her work has declined. This one just didn't work for me.
Penthurst was merely boring. He lacked personality, he was like a plank of wood. Nothing endearing was ever revealed about him, I knew no more about him or his particularities by the end than at the start.
I don't think Lydia ever called him anything affectionate. He was never fleshed out as a character. He was just 'There'. A foil used to solve the very boring mystery of Lakewood's "dastardly activities" before his ignominious death.
I had even forgotten his first name was Clayton. I had to go back to the start to find that when I realized I didn't know.
Also, I'm not sure why those two even liked each other. They hadn't much in common and never really spent time together developing camaraderie.
The whole blackmail nonsense was ridiculous. I don't see why Lydia couldn't have gone straight to her brother with the problem in the first place and admit all. None of that needed to be drawn out.
All in all, I really don't know why I didn't enjoy this. It flowed fine. The writing is good. Social mores of the time are clearly explained, side details of things like marriage settlements and widows benefits are gone into in detail in a non-awkward fashion. Historical tit bits are included. But I simply wasn't drawn into the story. Or made to care about the leads.
At the end I was just pleased to be done with it. Would still read the author though. I've loved some of her other works. And it isn't that the quality of her work has declined. This one just didn't work for me.
April 26, 2023
I enjoyed this final book in the Fairbourne Quartet. Some of the storyline derived from earlier books, and I'm glad I had read the others before reading this one, so it all made sense.
In earlier books, Lydia was rather an enigmatic character, with suggestions she had been suffering from depression or grief. In this book she comes into her own, and the muddy past events were all cleared up. Although it was a bit frustrating that she didn't tell anyone (especially Penthurst) about the blackmail, she was pretty naive, and also trying to protect Penthurst's good name, so it was understandable.
Penthurst actually felt as if he was a duke, unlike some HRs that simply use the 'duke' trope too casually IMO. I liked his character, and I liked the way his involvement in the notorious duel (from before the first book!) was gradually unravelled and resolved. The ending was quite satisfying and tied up all of the loose ends.
This was a bit of a slow burn love story, with Lydia and Penthurst's relationship developing fully after they were married. The love happened gradually but convincingly, and I enjoyed their journey.
Although I didn't enjoy the previous book (Book 3) as much as the others, overall this has been an enjoyable series and well worth the read.
In earlier books, Lydia was rather an enigmatic character, with suggestions she had been suffering from depression or grief. In this book she comes into her own, and the muddy past events were all cleared up. Although it was a bit frustrating that she didn't tell anyone (especially Penthurst) about the blackmail, she was pretty naive, and also trying to protect Penthurst's good name, so it was understandable.
Penthurst actually felt as if he was a duke, unlike some HRs that simply use the 'duke' trope too casually IMO. I liked his character, and I liked the way his involvement in the notorious duel (from before the first book!) was gradually unravelled and resolved. The ending was quite satisfying and tied up all of the loose ends.
This was a bit of a slow burn love story, with Lydia and Penthurst's relationship developing fully after they were married. The love happened gradually but convincingly, and I enjoyed their journey.
Although I didn't enjoy the previous book (Book 3) as much as the others, overall this has been an enjoyable series and well worth the read.
February 5, 2017
This is the last of a series and the main characters have been with us from the start. I strongly suggest reading the others first, not least because they're better than this one.
I looked forward to this with some trepidation. We've seen Lydia from the first book and she's never impressed me as anyone I wanted to spend any time with. She's supposedly 24 to start the book, but she reads an immature 16. She's willful and petulant and flamboyantly emotional and I very nearly gave this a miss. If I didn't like Hunter's books so well I may have given this a pass. Actually, that's not really true. I want to get to the bottom of the dual that has haunted this group of friends from the beginning and Penthurst certainly knew the truth and I thought it a pretty near certainty that we'd learn the details here (we do).
Fortunately, Penthurst is exactly as engaging as I thought he'd be. He's powerful and competent and honorable and, best of all, caring and fundamentally kind. He is, in short, my very favorite kind of romantic lead. So I fell for him pretty much from before the book started. It was too bad he was stuck with Lydia, frankly. She is every bit as immature as I expected from the prior books. Worse, she takes forever to wake out of her self-destructive stupidity. Hunter tries to make her less off-putting by inventing the motivation of gambling for the purpose of giving to charity but that so doesn't work (it comes out of nowhere and has zero impact on her emotions or actions beyond the "I gamble for exploited children" she starts with). It doesn't help, of course, that the plot of this book has her being stupider than a significantly stupid blackmailer. I really hated that she was so compliant with the dork and didn't even try to resist his demands. Yeah, he has some scary blackmail and all, but she has people, very powerful people, who are smarter and stronger and more powerful on every axis than this bumbling idiot. And I'm not even talking about the men in her orbit (add them and they'd bury this clown).
Anyway, the story was kinda dumb and Lydia was as much of a pain as I had expected. Penthurst alone kept this in the three-star range. I might have edged this higher if Lydia had either started her humanization sooner or if she'd been more interesting once she came to her senses. Unfortunately, she never gets much more than average, so I'm going to stick with the three-star Penthurst baseline.
A note about Steamy: There are four explicit sex scenes of some length. So this edges into the higher end of my steam tolerance, but only just. Frankly, they were kind of a highlight because Lydia is at her least objectionable when she's getting some. Plus,
I looked forward to this with some trepidation. We've seen Lydia from the first book and she's never impressed me as anyone I wanted to spend any time with. She's supposedly 24 to start the book, but she reads an immature 16. She's willful and petulant and flamboyantly emotional and I very nearly gave this a miss. If I didn't like Hunter's books so well I may have given this a pass. Actually, that's not really true. I want to get to the bottom of the dual that has haunted this group of friends from the beginning and Penthurst certainly knew the truth and I thought it a pretty near certainty that we'd learn the details here (we do).
Fortunately, Penthurst is exactly as engaging as I thought he'd be. He's powerful and competent and honorable and, best of all, caring and fundamentally kind. He is, in short, my very favorite kind of romantic lead. So I fell for him pretty much from before the book started. It was too bad he was stuck with Lydia, frankly. She is every bit as immature as I expected from the prior books. Worse, she takes forever to wake out of her self-destructive stupidity. Hunter tries to make her less off-putting by inventing the motivation of gambling for the purpose of giving to charity but that so doesn't work (it comes out of nowhere and has zero impact on her emotions or actions beyond the "I gamble for exploited children" she starts with). It doesn't help, of course, that the plot of this book has her being stupider than a significantly stupid blackmailer. I really hated that she was so compliant with the dork and didn't even try to resist his demands. Yeah, he has some scary blackmail and all, but she has people, very powerful people, who are smarter and stronger and more powerful on every axis than this bumbling idiot. And I'm not even talking about the men in her orbit (add them and they'd bury this clown).
Anyway, the story was kinda dumb and Lydia was as much of a pain as I had expected. Penthurst alone kept this in the three-star range. I might have edged this higher if Lydia had either started her humanization sooner or if she'd been more interesting once she came to her senses. Unfortunately, she never gets much more than average, so I'm going to stick with the three-star Penthurst baseline.
A note about Steamy: There are four explicit sex scenes of some length. So this edges into the higher end of my steam tolerance, but only just. Frankly, they were kind of a highlight because Lydia is at her least objectionable when she's getting some. Plus,
January 17, 2014
I'm rating it five stars to compensate the fact that a troll gave it one star, and the book isn't out yet. This is utterly ridiculous (and, apparently and unfortunately, quite common with this specific troll).
February 25, 2024
That was … kind of an underwhelming ending.
February 11, 2015
It's been a while since I read a historical romance. Some may even wonder why I do read this genre, given I tend to write horror. Well, dear friends, sometimes we need a break from what we write, and read something that is relaxing, fun and whimsical.
Now that may sound boring and trite, but the figures don't lie - sales of romance books are through the roof!
Madeline Hunter is a best selling author and this was my first read of hers. I have to say I started it in 2014, so actually this has been a slow read for me. I cannot blame the book entirely, as I have been writing and editing works of my own, as well as reading other books from other genres.
So where does The Accidental Duchess stack up?
First thing to know is that is it NOT first in its series, and maybe that's where I encountered a problem. It does seem like there were things going on that, had I read the first three books in the Fairbourne Quartet, I would know more what is going on here.
The basic story is that our heroine, the Lady Lydia Alfreton is blackmailed by a rather odious man. It's over the contents of a story she wrote when she was a young girl, and the rather horrid Duke of Penthurst is going to make her worry to the end of her days - unless of course, she agrees to his terms of a wager. Naturally, they are weighted in his favour, and Lydia, though a confident young woman who believes she will beat him, has her arm twisted several times during the story.
You can't help but feel for her.
Having said that, I found the terms of the wager ridiculous. It seems far too high a price for Lydia to pay. Even the threat of it coming to pass was rather scary for me. If I were in her position, I would run, and keep running.
However, inkeeping with the genre, there has to be some resolution with the heroine and hero. I use the term 'hero' loosely, as the men in these stories are sometimes super alpha males, or just arrogant so-and-so's that I seriously want to punch.
Fortunately, Lydia is feisty, brave, and daring. She also does some things that make me think I am glad not to be pursuing her. I think the story suffers in the middle, but picks up brilliantly before the end.
This won't be my last MH book. I already have another I am over due to read. But I'll be switching genres again for my next read.
Overall, I think this would get a higher rating from me if I read the other books in the series. But Madeline Hunter structures her story well, draws her characters and makes them breathe for the reader. She seems to create engaging plots, and it is not hard to see why she is the successful writer she is.
Recommended.
Now that may sound boring and trite, but the figures don't lie - sales of romance books are through the roof!
Madeline Hunter is a best selling author and this was my first read of hers. I have to say I started it in 2014, so actually this has been a slow read for me. I cannot blame the book entirely, as I have been writing and editing works of my own, as well as reading other books from other genres.
So where does The Accidental Duchess stack up?
First thing to know is that is it NOT first in its series, and maybe that's where I encountered a problem. It does seem like there were things going on that, had I read the first three books in the Fairbourne Quartet, I would know more what is going on here.
The basic story is that our heroine, the Lady Lydia Alfreton is blackmailed by a rather odious man. It's over the contents of a story she wrote when she was a young girl, and the rather horrid Duke of Penthurst is going to make her worry to the end of her days - unless of course, she agrees to his terms of a wager. Naturally, they are weighted in his favour, and Lydia, though a confident young woman who believes she will beat him, has her arm twisted several times during the story.
You can't help but feel for her.
Having said that, I found the terms of the wager ridiculous. It seems far too high a price for Lydia to pay. Even the threat of it coming to pass was rather scary for me. If I were in her position, I would run, and keep running.
However, inkeeping with the genre, there has to be some resolution with the heroine and hero. I use the term 'hero' loosely, as the men in these stories are sometimes super alpha males, or just arrogant so-and-so's that I seriously want to punch.
Fortunately, Lydia is feisty, brave, and daring. She also does some things that make me think I am glad not to be pursuing her. I think the story suffers in the middle, but picks up brilliantly before the end.
This won't be my last MH book. I already have another I am over due to read. But I'll be switching genres again for my next read.
Overall, I think this would get a higher rating from me if I read the other books in the series. But Madeline Hunter structures her story well, draws her characters and makes them breathe for the reader. She seems to create engaging plots, and it is not hard to see why she is the successful writer she is.
Recommended.
September 27, 2019
I would have to say this book wraps up the series nicely. The underlying story arc is finally addressed and settled. You would have to read from the first book, though, for this book to make any sense.
May 23, 2014
THE ACCIDENTAL DUCHESS: Comprising Positions — Has Not Confiding Helped or Hurt?
http://fangswandsandfairydust.com/201...
There are many reasons for me to recommend this well-crafted, interesting and romantic story to you; but the biggest is that I loved it and didn’t want to put it down at all! I have come to believe that if I forget to take notes while I read then a book is so good, I get so caught up in it that I just read and enjoy it. And, that more or less happened here!
Rarely have I encountered such interesting and untypical characters nestled in a fabulously unique plot with links to badness, treasonous behavior, and taking advantage of a young woman. In addition the role of male relatives and husbands is explored in regards to their control over their sisters and wives in day to day movement, financial matters and allowed behaviors. But, while the men are in control they don’t act as if the women are dolts.
As we often see, a large portion of the plot relies on one character’s refusal to ask one of these males for assistance in solving a problem that makes one look very bad. Indeed, at the time it could see her compromised or arrested. But she continues to not communicate and does not until she is revealed and cannot deny it.
Were you ever in a compromising position that confiding in someone seemed impossible but, in hindsight would have helped? Does it help to confide in someone close?
I loved that Lydia is very lucky at cards, not to the point where she is addicted but, she realizes that the store of money she can set aside is greater than if she were to use her allowance and it allows her much more freedom than she would have otherwise. The Duke is an active member of the House of Lords and has a lot of influence. He’s had some scandal associated with a duel. But is very honorable. Other characters besides these two are very much support characters. I also liked how she examined her feelings logically and sets out to learn more. The writing of the love scenes is a little fluffy, with the au courant bit of domination and submission thrown in. At least she is not terrified of sex and comes to enjoy it a lot.
It took me some time to link all the parts together and arrive at the same conclusion as Lydia, so the mystery is well done too. And it takes place before the Regency period, during the reign of George III before his porphyria set in.
It really is a rare treat among romance; one of the best I have ever read. I think it is a must read for lovers of historic romance!
©Stephanie Takes-Desbiens
http://fangswandsandfairydust.com/201...
There are many reasons for me to recommend this well-crafted, interesting and romantic story to you; but the biggest is that I loved it and didn’t want to put it down at all! I have come to believe that if I forget to take notes while I read then a book is so good, I get so caught up in it that I just read and enjoy it. And, that more or less happened here!
Rarely have I encountered such interesting and untypical characters nestled in a fabulously unique plot with links to badness, treasonous behavior, and taking advantage of a young woman. In addition the role of male relatives and husbands is explored in regards to their control over their sisters and wives in day to day movement, financial matters and allowed behaviors. But, while the men are in control they don’t act as if the women are dolts.
As we often see, a large portion of the plot relies on one character’s refusal to ask one of these males for assistance in solving a problem that makes one look very bad. Indeed, at the time it could see her compromised or arrested. But she continues to not communicate and does not until she is revealed and cannot deny it.
Were you ever in a compromising position that confiding in someone seemed impossible but, in hindsight would have helped? Does it help to confide in someone close?
I loved that Lydia is very lucky at cards, not to the point where she is addicted but, she realizes that the store of money she can set aside is greater than if she were to use her allowance and it allows her much more freedom than she would have otherwise. The Duke is an active member of the House of Lords and has a lot of influence. He’s had some scandal associated with a duel. But is very honorable. Other characters besides these two are very much support characters. I also liked how she examined her feelings logically and sets out to learn more. The writing of the love scenes is a little fluffy, with the au courant bit of domination and submission thrown in. At least she is not terrified of sex and comes to enjoy it a lot.
It took me some time to link all the parts together and arrive at the same conclusion as Lydia, so the mystery is well done too. And it takes place before the Regency period, during the reign of George III before his porphyria set in.
It really is a rare treat among romance; one of the best I have ever read. I think it is a must read for lovers of historic romance!
©Stephanie Takes-Desbiens
June 14, 2014
I wanted to like this book, I really did, but honestly, it was terrible. I am not a fan of this series, but I do like this author and the premise seemed interesting to start with. With that said, the heroine is supremely annoying. I like girl power as much as the next chick but she's arrogant and willfully so. The plot is clunky at best and the pieces of it are never fully interwoven together (ex: Lydia's charitable efforts). And don't get me started about the bedroom scenes, no emotion and very monotone / boring. The hero is basically a standard duke character, but forgettable. This book has many secrets among the characters which were kept well beyond when a halfway intelligent h/H would have realized the problem and dealt with it. Basically, I wish I had borrowed this from a library rather than spending anything for it; though other than this series, I wouldn't give up on this author completely... yet.
June 16, 2017
A young lady gets into a spot of difficulty over an old manuscript she once wrote falling into the hands of a blackmailer. Her attempt to earn the blackmail due by gambling fell through and now she is faced with the consequences- the very handsome ducal consequences.
The Accidental Duchess is book four of The Fairbourne Quartet and works best in order though I was able to read it without having to read the prior books.
So, Lady Lydia likes her freedom and wants to be her own woman. Fine and dandy if she was born in the 20th century, but she was not. She chafes against the restrictions of society and goes her own way. Unfortunately, there are consequences.
I'm going to sound like I'm letting our side down as another woman, but I really didn't get into Lydia's 'I am woman here me roar' anthem. I don't believe people should think and act like sheep, but I also think at the same time that running on willfulness and emotion doesn't serve the situation well, either. Lydia cultivates this blank look and hides her thoughts. She refuses to communicate vital information to those who could help. I sort of get it, but really I didn't. She didn't have a prayer's chance of solving the problem on her own and I felt like it was pride stopping her, too.
I liked Penthurst from the beginning and loved his scenes even if I wasn't keen on the romance between him and Lydia. He's mature and she acts like a child half the time.
The series arc was an interesting intrigue to a certain extent as was the twisty conflict of the blackmail issue (though, I do wish the blackmail had been a device left out b/c it was part of my issue with the heroine). I think these layered plots are great and I liked them in the author's other works.
So, though this one didn't really do it for me as much as others by the author, I will still be picking up her books because I like her writing. Historical romance fans who enjoy a twist of passion and intrigue should definitely give the author and this series a go.
The Accidental Duchess is book four of The Fairbourne Quartet and works best in order though I was able to read it without having to read the prior books.
So, Lady Lydia likes her freedom and wants to be her own woman. Fine and dandy if she was born in the 20th century, but she was not. She chafes against the restrictions of society and goes her own way. Unfortunately, there are consequences.
I'm going to sound like I'm letting our side down as another woman, but I really didn't get into Lydia's 'I am woman here me roar' anthem. I don't believe people should think and act like sheep, but I also think at the same time that running on willfulness and emotion doesn't serve the situation well, either. Lydia cultivates this blank look and hides her thoughts. She refuses to communicate vital information to those who could help. I sort of get it, but really I didn't. She didn't have a prayer's chance of solving the problem on her own and I felt like it was pride stopping her, too.
I liked Penthurst from the beginning and loved his scenes even if I wasn't keen on the romance between him and Lydia. He's mature and she acts like a child half the time.
The series arc was an interesting intrigue to a certain extent as was the twisty conflict of the blackmail issue (though, I do wish the blackmail had been a device left out b/c it was part of my issue with the heroine). I think these layered plots are great and I liked them in the author's other works.
So, though this one didn't really do it for me as much as others by the author, I will still be picking up her books because I like her writing. Historical romance fans who enjoy a twist of passion and intrigue should definitely give the author and this series a go.
July 2, 2020
3,5⭐️
October 20, 2014
Originally posted
HERE
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I continue to consider Madeline Hunter to be one of the absolute best historical romance writers around. Apart from some odd Americanisms turning up here and there (snuck, ass, etc.) she makes the time period come alive more than almost any other author in the genre. She does this by working with the attitudes of the time to create the conflict, rather than having her characters be totally anachronistic and ridiculous. The Accidental Duchess is the fourth in the Fairbourne Quartet series, and I think it was really, really good. Make sure you read the books in order, because the series concentrates on two groups of friends – men and women – and the way their family and romantic relationships overlap and cause conflict.
I’ve been wondering about these two main characters for ages. When we first meet them at the start of the series, Penthurst is looking at a murder conviction, and Lydia has sunk into a depression so low her brother doesn’t know what to do about it other than ban her from running away to the country.
Both characters come a long way, and even though neither of them ever thought they would suit (and they were together in scenes in past books and you would never know they’d end up married), in the end they both realise it’s exactly what they need.
Hunter really captures the life of the Georgian aristocracy (this book is set in 1799). I love that she keeps the realistic day to day aspects of life – for example, the bedroom and living arrangements of the past, rather than the more anachronistic things you often see in this genre. I also love that being married to a duke is made out to be both an incredible thing and also a terrifying thing. All too often authors seem to forget about the obligations that came with being ranked so high up in the aristocracy.
The other thing I always, always love about this author’s books is the friendships. The interactions between female friends and male friends stretch beyond just filler in order to get back to the romance. In this book, Lydia’s limited world includes a friendship with her maid, but the class distinction is never forgotten.
Another thing I like is that information is only shared where it needs to be. Hunter captures the concept of public and private that divided the life of people back then so intensely. There are two separate worlds operating beside each other.
One thing I felt sorry about was that we really didn’t see Marielle – the heroine of the last book – at all in this one. Of course, it would have been pretty hard to include her, considering her very different background, but I missed her all the same, as I really enjoyed her book.
There really aren’t that many historical romances that I enjoy as much as these. I wish the trend for fact-free fluff would end so that I could find more books like this one.
I continue to consider Madeline Hunter to be one of the absolute best historical romance writers around. Apart from some odd Americanisms turning up here and there (snuck, ass, etc.) she makes the time period come alive more than almost any other author in the genre. She does this by working with the attitudes of the time to create the conflict, rather than having her characters be totally anachronistic and ridiculous. The Accidental Duchess is the fourth in the Fairbourne Quartet series, and I think it was really, really good. Make sure you read the books in order, because the series concentrates on two groups of friends – men and women – and the way their family and romantic relationships overlap and cause conflict.
I’ve been wondering about these two main characters for ages. When we first meet them at the start of the series, Penthurst is looking at a murder conviction, and Lydia has sunk into a depression so low her brother doesn’t know what to do about it other than ban her from running away to the country.
Both characters come a long way, and even though neither of them ever thought they would suit (and they were together in scenes in past books and you would never know they’d end up married), in the end they both realise it’s exactly what they need.
Hunter really captures the life of the Georgian aristocracy (this book is set in 1799). I love that she keeps the realistic day to day aspects of life – for example, the bedroom and living arrangements of the past, rather than the more anachronistic things you often see in this genre. I also love that being married to a duke is made out to be both an incredible thing and also a terrifying thing. All too often authors seem to forget about the obligations that came with being ranked so high up in the aristocracy.
The other thing I always, always love about this author’s books is the friendships. The interactions between female friends and male friends stretch beyond just filler in order to get back to the romance. In this book, Lydia’s limited world includes a friendship with her maid, but the class distinction is never forgotten.
Another thing I like is that information is only shared where it needs to be. Hunter captures the concept of public and private that divided the life of people back then so intensely. There are two separate worlds operating beside each other.
One thing I felt sorry about was that we really didn’t see Marielle – the heroine of the last book – at all in this one. Of course, it would have been pretty hard to include her, considering her very different background, but I missed her all the same, as I really enjoyed her book.
There really aren’t that many historical romances that I enjoy as much as these. I wish the trend for fact-free fluff would end so that I could find more books like this one.
June 12, 2014
2.5 I've been unimpressed with Hunter's latest regencies, and this one struck me as weaker than the others in this current series. The blackmail plot that brings the hero and heroine together struck me as rather ridiculous--would a halfway intelligent woman truly believe she could be accused of being a spy based on something she'd written as part of a novel? This feeling was exacerbated by the fact that the heroine doesn't seem to take her blackmailer very seriously, or feel very threatened or in danger from him. It all seemed just a ploy for her to need money, and to take up the dare of the man she hates in order to get it. And of course her reasons for hating him are all wrong, and her love for another man are all based on false impressions. And she's fairly passive in her resistance to the blackmail. All which made me find her far too close to the TSTL heroine to make for a compelling read. And she gambles, but only because she's bored, AND because she wants to get back at a man who cheated her friend. AND she donates her winnings to charity. Ties in to the false impressions theme, but also made me feel she was too good to be true.
June 30, 2023
O meu preferido da série 😍. Mas já se estava a ver que este duque era qualquer coisa de viril! Adorei as cenas entre os dois e como uma “mulher do mundo” podia ser tão inocente. Com umas pitadas de erotismo este livro acabou por ser muito mais emocionante de ler! Um final perfeito
August 28, 2022
A nice story to finish the series.
good characters and nice friendships .
good characters and nice friendships .
July 17, 2017
Lady Lydia is being blackmailed. Subject to depression, she'd once tried her hand a writing a novel and included pages of details about ships in the harbor that now seem to be almost traitorous. Now an unscrupulous man has those pages and wants more money than she can give him. She loves to gamble and tries to win enough funds. Didn't happen. The Duke of Penthurst doesn't like to see Lydia in gaming hells. When she involves him in her schemes, he sees her desperation and decides to help. A marriage of convenience and plot twists make this a great read.
August 30, 2015
OMG I can't believe I didn't write up a review for this right away.
I did find this book just a great as all of Madeline Hunter's work. I was thrilled to be chosen to receive an ARC of this book.
Lady Lydia is just very headstrong, and wishes to be completely independant. So much so, that when she finds herself in deep trouble she refuses to ask for help, going so far as to sneaking around trying to fix the situation. Which as you can imagine, just makes matters worse.
Penthurst, well he seems at first like a stick in the mud or a snob for sure. But we see how he truly cares about others and tries to help Lady Lydia.
I do understand the frustration Lydia must have felt, wanting to be "free", having some freedom but just not completely. Although, I understand why she felt the need to try to fix her own problems, but when her Blackmailer kept changing things up, I don't understand why she didn't go to someone then.
This is book 4 in the series, but I only read book 1 before this. I was not completely thrown off balance with what is going on or had happened. So I think its safe to say that you don't have to read the whole series before this one, but it would help to piece together the little details. I know I will eventually get to book 2 & 3.
I did find this book just a great as all of Madeline Hunter's work. I was thrilled to be chosen to receive an ARC of this book.
Lady Lydia is just very headstrong, and wishes to be completely independant. So much so, that when she finds herself in deep trouble she refuses to ask for help, going so far as to sneaking around trying to fix the situation. Which as you can imagine, just makes matters worse.
Penthurst, well he seems at first like a stick in the mud or a snob for sure. But we see how he truly cares about others and tries to help Lady Lydia.
I do understand the frustration Lydia must have felt, wanting to be "free", having some freedom but just not completely. Although, I understand why she felt the need to try to fix her own problems, but when her Blackmailer kept changing things up, I don't understand why she didn't go to someone then.
This is book 4 in the series, but I only read book 1 before this. I was not completely thrown off balance with what is going on or had happened. So I think its safe to say that you don't have to read the whole series before this one, but it would help to piece together the little details. I know I will eventually get to book 2 & 3.
August 9, 2014
Basically the entire plot would have been averted if the heroine had just turned for help to one of the many extremely powerful people in her life. None of her reasons for not doing so seemed that compelling. And her methods of trying to get herself out of trouble just seemed increasingly stupid. Tough to care about these characters as a result.
April 21, 2023
The heroine is truly TSTL - stupid and boring!
July 13, 2016
Neanderthal falls in love with dimwit.
October 3, 2020
Bem.. a Madeline, nesta série, deixou o melhor para o fim. Foi uma leitura muito agradável, recheada de aventuras. Penso que o único ponto que me desiludiu foi o mistério do duelo com Lakewood. Aqui estava à espera de mais, uma vez que este foi o motivo do afastamento entre o duque e o amigos.
Agora.. os protagonistas.. gostei muito do duque penso que foi um excelente protagonista. Da Lydia esperava-se que desse mais luta ao duque na imposição do casamento. Afinal ela supostamente detestava-o e embora protestasse, aceitou a ideia muito rápido. No final, foi um excelente leitura, fluida e, viciante.
Agora.. os protagonistas.. gostei muito do duque penso que foi um excelente protagonista. Da Lydia esperava-se que desse mais luta ao duque na imposição do casamento. Afinal ela supostamente detestava-o e embora protestasse, aceitou a ideia muito rápido. No final, foi um excelente leitura, fluida e, viciante.
September 27, 2017
Todos sabem que eu adoro romances e este é mais um dos que gostei bastante, mas não daqueles que adorei.
Achei que faltava qualquer coisa nele, fácil de ler e até divertido mas não foi daqueles livros que eu estava desejante de saber o que se ia passar.
Opinião completa em: http://aviciadadoslivros.blogspot.pt/...
Achei que faltava qualquer coisa nele, fácil de ler e até divertido mas não foi daqueles livros que eu estava desejante de saber o que se ia passar.
Opinião completa em: http://aviciadadoslivros.blogspot.pt/...
January 6, 2021
3.5/5. It would have been a clear 4 stars but the heroine was so damn annoying.
July 14, 2022
My review was originally posted on RomanceJunkies.com and is shown below:
THE ACCIDENTAL DUCHESS (FAIRBOURNE QUARTET #4) is an interesting read that's an historical romance set in the late 1700's in England. It has lots of twists and turns along with innuendos and history from past books in the series that kept me turning pages late into the night.
Hunter's THE ACCIDENTAL DUCHESS held my interest from the first page to the last even without having read the previous books in this series. Lydia is a character (not just in the book) who does not fit the mold of a woman of society or the ton. She is much too independent and does controversial things that go against everything in that time period but also for an Earl's sister such as going to gaming halls and riding off alone to meet men while giving her aunts the slip and also not being married at the age she is now. Lydia and Penthurst grate on each other from the beginning but little by little they soften towards each other and I could see their feelings change.
There are quite a few scary moments from Lydia's actions that are usually not well thought out but throughout Penthurst, one of her brother's friends, is always there to pick up the pieces and smooth things out whether Lydia wants him to or not. Sarah, her maid, was interesting since she doesn't fit the mold of a lady's maid as are Emma, her brother's wife and Cassandra, a friend and also wife to another friend of her brother. The interactions between many of the characters was more involved than I thought it would be given the setting of the story and there were many layers both to the storyline and the characters themselves. I felt fear, anger, laughter, tears, romance and love as I was reading and the romance was sweeter than I expected but also steamy since Lydia was an innocent wanting to learn. There was nice closure but an epilogue or a few more chapters would have been great since there seems like there is more story to tell!
Hunter is an author who I have previously read but it has been quite a while since I've done so. I do have to go back and read the first three books of the series to get the blanks filled in although THE ACCIDENTAL DUCHESS does have enough background information that I could easily follow the storyline but it will help embellish some of the nuances. I look forward to reading her other books.
SNIPPET— THE ACCIDENTAL DUCHESS is the fourth book in the FAIRBOURNE QUARTET SERIES. Lady Lydia and the Duke of Penthurst have a past, a present and a future that neither of them sees coming. Watching their interactions and his support of her is both heartwarming and romantic!
THE ACCIDENTAL DUCHESS (FAIRBOURNE QUARTET #4) is an interesting read that's an historical romance set in the late 1700's in England. It has lots of twists and turns along with innuendos and history from past books in the series that kept me turning pages late into the night.
Hunter's THE ACCIDENTAL DUCHESS held my interest from the first page to the last even without having read the previous books in this series. Lydia is a character (not just in the book) who does not fit the mold of a woman of society or the ton. She is much too independent and does controversial things that go against everything in that time period but also for an Earl's sister such as going to gaming halls and riding off alone to meet men while giving her aunts the slip and also not being married at the age she is now. Lydia and Penthurst grate on each other from the beginning but little by little they soften towards each other and I could see their feelings change.
There are quite a few scary moments from Lydia's actions that are usually not well thought out but throughout Penthurst, one of her brother's friends, is always there to pick up the pieces and smooth things out whether Lydia wants him to or not. Sarah, her maid, was interesting since she doesn't fit the mold of a lady's maid as are Emma, her brother's wife and Cassandra, a friend and also wife to another friend of her brother. The interactions between many of the characters was more involved than I thought it would be given the setting of the story and there were many layers both to the storyline and the characters themselves. I felt fear, anger, laughter, tears, romance and love as I was reading and the romance was sweeter than I expected but also steamy since Lydia was an innocent wanting to learn. There was nice closure but an epilogue or a few more chapters would have been great since there seems like there is more story to tell!
Hunter is an author who I have previously read but it has been quite a while since I've done so. I do have to go back and read the first three books of the series to get the blanks filled in although THE ACCIDENTAL DUCHESS does have enough background information that I could easily follow the storyline but it will help embellish some of the nuances. I look forward to reading her other books.
SNIPPET— THE ACCIDENTAL DUCHESS is the fourth book in the FAIRBOURNE QUARTET SERIES. Lady Lydia and the Duke of Penthurst have a past, a present and a future that neither of them sees coming. Watching their interactions and his support of her is both heartwarming and romantic!
August 9, 2016
Oh I thoroughly enjoyed my first read from Madeline Hunter. The Accidental Duchess wasn't quite what I was expecting but I loved it. From set up to frustrations to a dreamy hero and lovely though cocky heroine. It was a delightful historical jaunt as a blackmailer forces Lady Lydia to do something she never thought she would...bet her virginity in a game of cards to a man she really can't stand because he took someone from her in the past. Scandal, steam and all kinds of salacious goodness! Just my kinda read! lol
I really enjoyed these two and that they had a rather muddy past and one that haunts them both in different ways. There's a nice fire between them because of it and it was interesting watching as things slowly changed as they were forced to spend time together and the truth about their past was revealed.
Lydia was an interesting heroine. She could be a little cocky and arrogant and didn't always make the best choices but somehow I still liked her and how passionate she was about things. She wants so fiercely to be independent--and I could understand her desires especially in a time period where women has so little freedom--that I think I was able to look past some of her questionable behavior. And Penthurst...well he's a pretty sexy Duke with a dangerous reputation but that's honorable and has such a commanding presence he could totally make a girl shiver. Oh yes. He was definitely working for me. *nods*
All in all, I had a good time with The Accidental Duchess as Lydia and Penthust deal with the blackmailed and the mystery surrounding him and his behaviors. As they fought their past and their attractions and started their life together. I'll definitely be heading back to check out the earlier books in the series.
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup.
"You are going to make me beg, aren't you? Humble myself. Fall to my knees and plead."
"That sounds very appealing."
"You are a scoundrel to demand that of me before you let me out of the debt."
"Oh, are we still talking about forgiving the debt?"
"Of course. Why else would I beg and plead?"
A vague, slow smile formed. "You are an innocent aren't you?"
"Of course."
"I look forward to enlightening you."
I really enjoyed these two and that they had a rather muddy past and one that haunts them both in different ways. There's a nice fire between them because of it and it was interesting watching as things slowly changed as they were forced to spend time together and the truth about their past was revealed.
Lydia was an interesting heroine. She could be a little cocky and arrogant and didn't always make the best choices but somehow I still liked her and how passionate she was about things. She wants so fiercely to be independent--and I could understand her desires especially in a time period where women has so little freedom--that I think I was able to look past some of her questionable behavior. And Penthurst...well he's a pretty sexy Duke with a dangerous reputation but that's honorable and has such a commanding presence he could totally make a girl shiver. Oh yes. He was definitely working for me. *nods*
All in all, I had a good time with The Accidental Duchess as Lydia and Penthust deal with the blackmailed and the mystery surrounding him and his behaviors. As they fought their past and their attractions and started their life together. I'll definitely be heading back to check out the earlier books in the series.
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup.
August 18, 2014
Angeline‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
2.75 STARS
Review copy provided for an honest review
The Accidental Duchess is book 4 in Madeline Hunter’s Fairbourne Quartet Series. These are not stand alone books, in my opinion. There is an underlying plot that is in each story that builds until the conclusion.
Lydia is an Earl’s sister who never wants to get married. Penthurst is a Duke who has been too busy with his duties to want/find a wife. The two have been at odds with each other for years. There is gambling, blackmail and a wedding.
I wanted to like these characters so much. Throughout the series, they were the wild cards. The ones you can’t wait for their book because you expect great things from them. I’m sad that they were such a disappointment in their own story. It was slow moving and while most everything was resolved by the end, I didn’t care by that point.
Penthurst was likeable enough. He was his usual Duke self. Lydia was not who I thought her to be. I did not expect her to be a dull and not very smart heroine. Oh, she was good at gambling, but that was about it. Unfortunately, I had figured out most of the ending at about the midway point.
Madeline Hunter is a fantastic writer. She deserves props for that and I am a huge fan of hers. I have struggled writing this review because I am not used to feeling this way about her work.
One of the things I loved about the story was the dialogue with Penthurst’s Aunt Rosalyn. Lydia didn’t take any crap from her and Rosalyn didn’t mince words. It was humorous and a definite highlight.
Overall, this series is decent, but definitely not the greatness I expect from Miss Hunter. Somewhere between book 3 and 4, the charm was lost.
2.75 STARS
Review copy provided for an honest review
The Accidental Duchess is book 4 in Madeline Hunter’s Fairbourne Quartet Series. These are not stand alone books, in my opinion. There is an underlying plot that is in each story that builds until the conclusion.
Lydia is an Earl’s sister who never wants to get married. Penthurst is a Duke who has been too busy with his duties to want/find a wife. The two have been at odds with each other for years. There is gambling, blackmail and a wedding.
I wanted to like these characters so much. Throughout the series, they were the wild cards. The ones you can’t wait for their book because you expect great things from them. I’m sad that they were such a disappointment in their own story. It was slow moving and while most everything was resolved by the end, I didn’t care by that point.
Penthurst was likeable enough. He was his usual Duke self. Lydia was not who I thought her to be. I did not expect her to be a dull and not very smart heroine. Oh, she was good at gambling, but that was about it. Unfortunately, I had figured out most of the ending at about the midway point.
Madeline Hunter is a fantastic writer. She deserves props for that and I am a huge fan of hers. I have struggled writing this review because I am not used to feeling this way about her work.
One of the things I loved about the story was the dialogue with Penthurst’s Aunt Rosalyn. Lydia didn’t take any crap from her and Rosalyn didn’t mince words. It was humorous and a definite highlight.
Overall, this series is decent, but definitely not the greatness I expect from Miss Hunter. Somewhere between book 3 and 4, the charm was lost.
June 10, 2017
To be clear: Madeline Hunter's writing is excellent. I enjoy her storytelling style, her construction, and her dialogue. Her proofreader is NOT so excellent, as I read several glaring mistakes within the first third alone, but that is not the fault of the author.
What really squashed my enjoyment of the story was Lydia. She was, in a word, an idiot. Full of piss and vinegar about how women are independent! Women need no men! Men ruin everything! Women are better off on their own! she then proceeded to demonstrate EXACTLY why many men of the time thought that every woman needed a man to guide them. It's not that Lydia needed a man, per se, but she did need SOMEBODY. She had a plethora of friends and relatives she could have turned to for help... and somehow repeatedly made the dumbest choice, or picked the absolute worst of her options. Every single time. No one, no man, and no woman, was able to stop her until she was absolutely backed up against a wall. (I believe both of her friends tried, as did Sarah her maid, to no avail.)
There is a word for this. It is stubbornness. Or obstinacy. Or ostrich syndrome. (Yes, I know this is two words.) Regardless, it kind of kills a romantic mood when you're constantly rolling your eyes at one of the characters.
I've enjoyed other books by Ms. Hunter, but this one wasn't my favorite.
Adding to 2017 PopSugar Reading Challenge for category: Book purchased at a used book sale.
What really squashed my enjoyment of the story was Lydia. She was, in a word, an idiot. Full of piss and vinegar about how women are independent! Women need no men! Men ruin everything! Women are better off on their own! she then proceeded to demonstrate EXACTLY why many men of the time thought that every woman needed a man to guide them. It's not that Lydia needed a man, per se, but she did need SOMEBODY. She had a plethora of friends and relatives she could have turned to for help... and somehow repeatedly made the dumbest choice, or picked the absolute worst of her options. Every single time. No one, no man, and no woman, was able to stop her until she was absolutely backed up against a wall. (I believe both of her friends tried, as did Sarah her maid, to no avail.)
There is a word for this. It is stubbornness. Or obstinacy. Or ostrich syndrome. (Yes, I know this is two words.) Regardless, it kind of kills a romantic mood when you're constantly rolling your eyes at one of the characters.
I've enjoyed other books by Ms. Hunter, but this one wasn't my favorite.
Adding to 2017 PopSugar Reading Challenge for category: Book purchased at a used book sale.
July 10, 2014
Thanks to the Goodreads First Reads giveaway program for a copy of “The Accidental Duchess” by Madeline Hunter.
This Regency romance follows young Lady Lydia Alfreton as she visits gambling tables, is blackmailed for a scandalous manuscript she’s written, and eludes a kidnapper. The culmination of these poor choices results in her marriage to her childhood acquaintance, the Duke of Penthurst; it is an initially undesirable union for both of them.
While I appreciated the headstrong and independent nature of Lydia, her behavior is so continually immature that it makes her an unlikable and unsympathetic protagonist. Likewise, her eventual love-interest, the Duke, has few memorable character qualities, although I did enjoy his visits into the countryside to work off his frustrations on the local soil. I also liked the dialogue and the endearing friendship shared by Lydia and her maid, Sarah.
Overall, I found the romance between Lydia and the Duke to be very lackluster, both in and out of bed. The back story about the duel-gone-wrong also played too much into the present story; I cared little about a dead character and his past intentions. While the language and dialogue was nicely-executed by Hunter, the story was average, the characters unremarkable.
This Regency romance follows young Lady Lydia Alfreton as she visits gambling tables, is blackmailed for a scandalous manuscript she’s written, and eludes a kidnapper. The culmination of these poor choices results in her marriage to her childhood acquaintance, the Duke of Penthurst; it is an initially undesirable union for both of them.
While I appreciated the headstrong and independent nature of Lydia, her behavior is so continually immature that it makes her an unlikable and unsympathetic protagonist. Likewise, her eventual love-interest, the Duke, has few memorable character qualities, although I did enjoy his visits into the countryside to work off his frustrations on the local soil. I also liked the dialogue and the endearing friendship shared by Lydia and her maid, Sarah.
Overall, I found the romance between Lydia and the Duke to be very lackluster, both in and out of bed. The back story about the duel-gone-wrong also played too much into the present story; I cared little about a dead character and his past intentions. While the language and dialogue was nicely-executed by Hunter, the story was average, the characters unremarkable.
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