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The Unexpected Duke
Escape to 1830s England when the worlds of a soldier turned duke and Cinderella are about to collide!
A duke
In sudden need of a duchess!
When Lieutenant Hartley returns home, it’s to become—reluctantly, he might add—the new Duke of Fenniston. If he’s to thrive in the ton, he must call on the help of widow Claire Hambledon, sister of the previous duchess, to guide him into society and help him find a wife!
Penniless and with a young son, Claire is well aware that she’s totally unsuitable for a duke. But she’s also completely unable to ignore the ripples of desire every time she’s near dashing Hart… Or the temptation to start a forbidden affair!
From Harlequin Your romantic escape to the past.
Soldiers to Heirs
Book 1: The Unexpected Duke
A duke
In sudden need of a duchess!
When Lieutenant Hartley returns home, it’s to become—reluctantly, he might add—the new Duke of Fenniston. If he’s to thrive in the ton, he must call on the help of widow Claire Hambledon, sister of the previous duchess, to guide him into society and help him find a wife!
Penniless and with a young son, Claire is well aware that she’s totally unsuitable for a duke. But she’s also completely unable to ignore the ripples of desire every time she’s near dashing Hart… Or the temptation to start a forbidden affair!
From Harlequin Your romantic escape to the past.
Soldiers to Heirs
Book 1: The Unexpected Duke
269 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 25, 2025
15 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Julia Justiss
215 books317 followersJulia Justiss grew up breathing the scent of sea air near the colonial town of Annapolis, Maryland, a fact responsible for two of her life-long passions: sailors and history! By age twelve she was a junior tour guide for Historic Annapolis, conducting visitors on walking tours through the city that was a hotbed of revolutionary fervor. (Annapolis hosted its own tea party, dispensing with the cargo aboard the "Peggy Stewart," and was briefly capital of the United States.) She also took tourists through Annapolis's other big attraction, the United States Naval Academy. After so many years of observing future naval officers at P-rade and chapel, it seemed almost inevitable that she eventually married one.
But long before embarking on romantic adventures of her own, she read about them, transporting herself to such favorite venues as ancient Egypt, World War II submarine patrols, the Old South and, of course, Regency England. Soon she was keeping notebooks for jotting down story ideas. From plotting adventures for her first favorite heroine Nancy Drew she went on to write poetry in high school and college, then worked as a business journalist doing speeches, sales promotion material and newsletter articles. After her marriage to a naval lieutenant took her overseas, she wrote the newsletter for the American Embassy in Tunis, Tunisia and traveled extensively throughout Europe. Before leaving Tunis, she fulfilled her first goal: completing a Regency novel.
Children intervened, and not until her husband left the Navy to return to his Texas homeland did she sit down to pen a second novel. The reply to her fan mail letter to a Regency author led her to Romance Writers of America. From the very first meeting, she knew she'd found a home among fellow writers--doubtless the largest group of people outside a mental institution who talk back to the voices in their heads.
Her second goal was achieved the day before her birthday in May, 1998 when Margaret Marbury of Harlequin Historicals offered to buy that second book, the Golden-Heart-Award winning novel that became THE WEDDING GAMBLE. Since then, she has gone on to write fourteen novels, three novellas and an on-line serial, along the way winning or finalling for historical awards from The Golden Quill, the National Reader’s Choice, Romantic Times, and All About Romance’s Favorite Book of the Year.
Julia now inhabits an English Georgian-style house she and her husband built in the East Texas countryside where, if she closes her eyes and ignores the summer thermometer, she can almost imagine she inhabits the landscape of "Pride and Prejudice." In between travelling to visit her three children (a naval officer son stationed in Washington, DC, a textiles and design major daughter who cheers for University of Texas at Austin, and a mechanical engineering major son also at UT Austin) keeping up with her science teacher husband and juggling a part-time day job as a high school French teacher, she pursues her first and dearest love--crafting stories.
To relax, she enjoys watching movies, reading (historical fiction, mystery, suspense) and puttering about in the garden trying to kill off more weeds than flowers.
But long before embarking on romantic adventures of her own, she read about them, transporting herself to such favorite venues as ancient Egypt, World War II submarine patrols, the Old South and, of course, Regency England. Soon she was keeping notebooks for jotting down story ideas. From plotting adventures for her first favorite heroine Nancy Drew she went on to write poetry in high school and college, then worked as a business journalist doing speeches, sales promotion material and newsletter articles. After her marriage to a naval lieutenant took her overseas, she wrote the newsletter for the American Embassy in Tunis, Tunisia and traveled extensively throughout Europe. Before leaving Tunis, she fulfilled her first goal: completing a Regency novel.
Children intervened, and not until her husband left the Navy to return to his Texas homeland did she sit down to pen a second novel. The reply to her fan mail letter to a Regency author led her to Romance Writers of America. From the very first meeting, she knew she'd found a home among fellow writers--doubtless the largest group of people outside a mental institution who talk back to the voices in their heads.
Her second goal was achieved the day before her birthday in May, 1998 when Margaret Marbury of Harlequin Historicals offered to buy that second book, the Golden-Heart-Award winning novel that became THE WEDDING GAMBLE. Since then, she has gone on to write fourteen novels, three novellas and an on-line serial, along the way winning or finalling for historical awards from The Golden Quill, the National Reader’s Choice, Romantic Times, and All About Romance’s Favorite Book of the Year.
Julia now inhabits an English Georgian-style house she and her husband built in the East Texas countryside where, if she closes her eyes and ignores the summer thermometer, she can almost imagine she inhabits the landscape of "Pride and Prejudice." In between travelling to visit her three children (a naval officer son stationed in Washington, DC, a textiles and design major daughter who cheers for University of Texas at Austin, and a mechanical engineering major son also at UT Austin) keeping up with her science teacher husband and juggling a part-time day job as a high school French teacher, she pursues her first and dearest love--crafting stories.
To relax, she enjoys watching movies, reading (historical fiction, mystery, suspense) and puttering about in the garden trying to kill off more weeds than flowers.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 29, 2025
I love when a book starts in just the right place. With a category romance, it's even more important to nail the beginning and that's what happened with The Unexpected Duke.
Lieutenant Hartley Edmenton has spent his adult life serving in the army, fighting Napoleon in Portugal and Spain. He is the son of a younger son, raised in Scotland, and never expected to inherit anything from his titled family. But when his idiot cousin dies in a reckless accident without an heir, Hart is suddenly the Duke of Fenniston. He dawdled on coming back to England but couldn't put it off any longer. When he arrives at his new estate, he finds the widowed duchess hasn't left her room in months and her sister, Mrs. Claire Hambledon is running the estate. Claire's husband was also a younger son and a soldier and when he died in the war, he left her with almost nothing to support her young son. So Claire did what she's always done; she came back to England to take care of her frail and self-absorbed sister. Claire needs to help the new duke settle in and ensure he finds a respectable wife but as she gets to know him, she realizes Hart is not what she expected.
One of my favorite things in historical romance is a Napoleonic war hero main character. I don't know why this particular war works for me, but it does. Hart thought he would be a lifer in the military and he was good at his job. I loved the way he approached running his new estates like he was preparing for a campaign. He saw the farmers as soldiers who used farm tools instead of swords and that was charming.
Claire's character was a cool twist on the wallflower trope. Claire is pretty, intelligent, competent and kind. But her younger sister is the kind of beautiful that sucks all the oxygen out of the room so Claire is constantly in her shadow, even though Liliana is completely self-absorbed and unable to care for herself or her daughter. Even her husband carried a torch for her sister. Hart is the first person to see Claire for who she is and prefer her to the fragile beauty of her sister.
There are a lot of complex relationships in this book. Julia Justiss doesn't let any character be all good or all bad because they've all made some questionable decisions. I really enjoyed this aspect of the story because Claire can come off as put upon but she keeps putting herself in these situations, keeps allowing her sister to walk all over her without saying anything. And Hart is an idiot who takes too long to realize that his parents' marriage was the anomaly and most people don't fall in love at first sight.
The biggest issue I had with this book was the pacing. The first half of the novel is sloooow. It's a lot of detail about estate management. Now I am a girl who loves Fossils in my romance novels. I can get on board with detailed descriptions of something a character is passionate about. I just think we had a too many of these detailed encounters with the tenants and shopkeepers of the estate. Give me one, long interaction with the farmers and I am on board but three is two too many. The back half of the book was great and moved swiftly through the story.
Overall, I enjoyed this one. If you're a Regency historical romance reader and looking for something with characters who adults and have fully formed frontal lobes, this could be a great choice for you.
Lieutenant Hartley Edmenton has spent his adult life serving in the army, fighting Napoleon in Portugal and Spain. He is the son of a younger son, raised in Scotland, and never expected to inherit anything from his titled family. But when his idiot cousin dies in a reckless accident without an heir, Hart is suddenly the Duke of Fenniston. He dawdled on coming back to England but couldn't put it off any longer. When he arrives at his new estate, he finds the widowed duchess hasn't left her room in months and her sister, Mrs. Claire Hambledon is running the estate. Claire's husband was also a younger son and a soldier and when he died in the war, he left her with almost nothing to support her young son. So Claire did what she's always done; she came back to England to take care of her frail and self-absorbed sister. Claire needs to help the new duke settle in and ensure he finds a respectable wife but as she gets to know him, she realizes Hart is not what she expected.
One of my favorite things in historical romance is a Napoleonic war hero main character. I don't know why this particular war works for me, but it does. Hart thought he would be a lifer in the military and he was good at his job. I loved the way he approached running his new estates like he was preparing for a campaign. He saw the farmers as soldiers who used farm tools instead of swords and that was charming.
Claire's character was a cool twist on the wallflower trope. Claire is pretty, intelligent, competent and kind. But her younger sister is the kind of beautiful that sucks all the oxygen out of the room so Claire is constantly in her shadow, even though Liliana is completely self-absorbed and unable to care for herself or her daughter. Even her husband carried a torch for her sister. Hart is the first person to see Claire for who she is and prefer her to the fragile beauty of her sister.
There are a lot of complex relationships in this book. Julia Justiss doesn't let any character be all good or all bad because they've all made some questionable decisions. I really enjoyed this aspect of the story because Claire can come off as put upon but she keeps putting herself in these situations, keeps allowing her sister to walk all over her without saying anything. And Hart is an idiot who takes too long to realize that his parents' marriage was the anomaly and most people don't fall in love at first sight.
The biggest issue I had with this book was the pacing. The first half of the novel is sloooow. It's a lot of detail about estate management. Now I am a girl who loves Fossils in my romance novels. I can get on board with detailed descriptions of something a character is passionate about. I just think we had a too many of these detailed encounters with the tenants and shopkeepers of the estate. Give me one, long interaction with the farmers and I am on board but three is two too many. The back half of the book was great and moved swiftly through the story.
Overall, I enjoyed this one. If you're a Regency historical romance reader and looking for something with characters who adults and have fully formed frontal lobes, this could be a great choice for you.
April 15, 2025
This is a book of two halves. The first half is slow as treacle, repetitive and bogged down with unnecessary detail. The second half is alive with delightful banter and the slowly burgeoning romance with a wonderful, emotional ending.
Here’s the premise: with a title like ‘The Unexpected Duke’, the plot is laid out from the very first page. Lieutenant Hartley is forced to relinquish his army career to take up the role of Duke of Fenniston after the sudden death of his cousin. He hasn’t rushed back from the continent, in case the late duke’s young wife should produce an heir. Now that hope of that possibility has gone, there’s no choice but to take up the reins of his new position. To say he’s reluctant is an understatement. He’d enjoyed the army life, but feels totally unsuited for his new responsibilities. At Steynling, he finds the sickly duchess keeping to her rooms, but her sister, the widowed Claire Hambledon, is running the house and estate, and although hostile to the upstart outsider, she’s willing to dutifully help him find his feet - and find a duchess for himself.
The central conceit of the book is laid out from the start. He accepts that he must find himself a suitable duchess, and is quite happy to let Claire help him, as well as showing him how to manage his estates. She wants him to find the right woman, but doesn’t for one moment consider that she might be the one. And yet they have the hots for each other almost from the first moment they clap eyes on each other.
And here’s the thing: how can she not be suitable, when her own sister is the current duchess? If one sister is acceptable, why on earth would the other sister not be? And this is in essence the only obstacle to the romance. Frankly, it’s silly.
I confess that the transition from sort of enemies (even if quivering with lust) to very friendly indeed is nicely handled. The first half of the book is heavy with details of the estate management which frankly I found tedious. We really did not need to know the names of all the tenants and the stories of their lives. It was especially tedious since Claire seems to know everything there is to know about them, down to the name of the smallest infant and the crops yields and the whole nine yards, and Hart is the typical perfect new overlord, kindly and generous and sympathetic and a very fast learner. Yawn.
But then things get a bit hot and heavy and although they pull back from the brink, Hart decides to make a running joke of their attraction, and so the second half of the book lightens up considerably. Happily the move to London for the season and duchess hunting is skipped over with a light touch, and eventually Hart realises they have to be together. And then she won’t have him, and so he becomes truly the hero with a glorious and truly romantic ending that shows he’s finally understood her.
I don’t recall whether there’s any sex in the book, but there is some fairly graphic lusting all the way through. I don’t have many criticisms of the writing, apart from a number of minor Americanisms (like ‘go do’ instead of ‘go and do’), trivial stuff, and some missing words that a final edit should have picked up. There are a couple of oddities, though. The main house switches from Steynling Cross to Steynling Hall and back again randomly, and the book is set in 1813 (written explicitly at the opening chapter, and confirmed by historical events), but the blurb says 1830s. That’s just careless.
Still, I enjoyed it and would have given it five stars if not for the dull patches in the first half and that silly assumption that the sister of the current duchess isn’t suitable duchess material. But a good four stars.
Here’s the premise: with a title like ‘The Unexpected Duke’, the plot is laid out from the very first page. Lieutenant Hartley is forced to relinquish his army career to take up the role of Duke of Fenniston after the sudden death of his cousin. He hasn’t rushed back from the continent, in case the late duke’s young wife should produce an heir. Now that hope of that possibility has gone, there’s no choice but to take up the reins of his new position. To say he’s reluctant is an understatement. He’d enjoyed the army life, but feels totally unsuited for his new responsibilities. At Steynling, he finds the sickly duchess keeping to her rooms, but her sister, the widowed Claire Hambledon, is running the house and estate, and although hostile to the upstart outsider, she’s willing to dutifully help him find his feet - and find a duchess for himself.
The central conceit of the book is laid out from the start. He accepts that he must find himself a suitable duchess, and is quite happy to let Claire help him, as well as showing him how to manage his estates. She wants him to find the right woman, but doesn’t for one moment consider that she might be the one. And yet they have the hots for each other almost from the first moment they clap eyes on each other.
And here’s the thing: how can she not be suitable, when her own sister is the current duchess? If one sister is acceptable, why on earth would the other sister not be? And this is in essence the only obstacle to the romance. Frankly, it’s silly.
I confess that the transition from sort of enemies (even if quivering with lust) to very friendly indeed is nicely handled. The first half of the book is heavy with details of the estate management which frankly I found tedious. We really did not need to know the names of all the tenants and the stories of their lives. It was especially tedious since Claire seems to know everything there is to know about them, down to the name of the smallest infant and the crops yields and the whole nine yards, and Hart is the typical perfect new overlord, kindly and generous and sympathetic and a very fast learner. Yawn.
But then things get a bit hot and heavy and although they pull back from the brink, Hart decides to make a running joke of their attraction, and so the second half of the book lightens up considerably. Happily the move to London for the season and duchess hunting is skipped over with a light touch, and eventually Hart realises they have to be together. And then she won’t have him, and so he becomes truly the hero with a glorious and truly romantic ending that shows he’s finally understood her.
I don’t recall whether there’s any sex in the book, but there is some fairly graphic lusting all the way through. I don’t have many criticisms of the writing, apart from a number of minor Americanisms (like ‘go do’ instead of ‘go and do’), trivial stuff, and some missing words that a final edit should have picked up. There are a couple of oddities, though. The main house switches from Steynling Cross to Steynling Hall and back again randomly, and the book is set in 1813 (written explicitly at the opening chapter, and confirmed by historical events), but the blurb says 1830s. That’s just careless.
Still, I enjoyed it and would have given it five stars if not for the dull patches in the first half and that silly assumption that the sister of the current duchess isn’t suitable duchess material. But a good four stars.
February 25, 2025
The Unexpected Duke Found His Unexpected LOVE 💕
The Unexpected Duke : Soldiers To Heirs ; Book 1 , Julia Justiss Starts This New Series Off With A Spectacular Story About A Soldier/Duke Who Only Wanted To Marry FOR LOVE ❤️ And A Lady /Widow Who Never Really Felt Loved By Anyone ! They Come Together When He Inherited The Dukedom ! A Relationship Of Need And Necessity Starts ! The More They Work Together The More The Feelings Begin ! Wanting Each Other Doesn’t Seem To Be Enough ! So There Journey Will Keep You Emotionally Wrapped Into This Cinderella Tale !
Mrs Claire Hambledon / Widow / Mother/ / Sister / Caretaker / Healer / And Anything anyone Asked Her To Be ! Everything Except Something For Herself ! From early on with Her Parents to Present with Her Sister The Duchess Lilinna She Always felt not worthy / used / and certainly not appreciated or loved !
Lieutenant Hartley Edmenton’s Father was English and His Mother Scottish . He Loved his Scottish upbringing . Going off to War He hoped to come back and takeover His Scottish home and Marry For LOVE ❤️ ! Only when his Cousin died He needed to take over the Title of the Duke of Fenniston. Something He Never Wanted !
Claire and Hartley meet when he arrives at Steynlimg Cross The Home of His New Title for Duke. She is not impressed with him being Scottish . They start off shaky . She Controlling and He not interested in being there . They form a bond to help him get accumulated to becoming a Duke ! She even helps Him trying to Find A Perfect Dutchess to Wed ! The closer they work together the stronger the Bond ! They keep saying No , But There Pull Is So Strong !
This Beautiful Tale Of A Couple Growing Together Into A LOVE 💕 That Is Destined For The Ages !
The Unexpected Duke : Soldiers To Heirs ; Book 1 , Julia Justiss Starts This New Series Off With A Spectacular Story About A Soldier/Duke Who Only Wanted To Marry FOR LOVE ❤️ And A Lady /Widow Who Never Really Felt Loved By Anyone ! They Come Together When He Inherited The Dukedom ! A Relationship Of Need And Necessity Starts ! The More They Work Together The More The Feelings Begin ! Wanting Each Other Doesn’t Seem To Be Enough ! So There Journey Will Keep You Emotionally Wrapped Into This Cinderella Tale !
Mrs Claire Hambledon / Widow / Mother/ / Sister / Caretaker / Healer / And Anything anyone Asked Her To Be ! Everything Except Something For Herself ! From early on with Her Parents to Present with Her Sister The Duchess Lilinna She Always felt not worthy / used / and certainly not appreciated or loved !
Lieutenant Hartley Edmenton’s Father was English and His Mother Scottish . He Loved his Scottish upbringing . Going off to War He hoped to come back and takeover His Scottish home and Marry For LOVE ❤️ ! Only when his Cousin died He needed to take over the Title of the Duke of Fenniston. Something He Never Wanted !
Claire and Hartley meet when he arrives at Steynlimg Cross The Home of His New Title for Duke. She is not impressed with him being Scottish . They start off shaky . She Controlling and He not interested in being there . They form a bond to help him get accumulated to becoming a Duke ! She even helps Him trying to Find A Perfect Dutchess to Wed ! The closer they work together the stronger the Bond ! They keep saying No , But There Pull Is So Strong !
This Beautiful Tale Of A Couple Growing Together Into A LOVE 💕 That Is Destined For The Ages !
March 6, 2025
Set in a period where love matches weren’t as common as arranged marriages, this one tries to do both! But with this author it’s never that simple 😉
Becoming the new Duke of Fenniston was never on the cards for Hartley, he’s more than happy fighting the French, but that’s not to be! So he has to take his fight home and find himself a wife! Luckily he can call upon Claire Hambledon to help him become a gentleman in today’s society and if he’s lucky then a wife as well.
Claire is a widow and knows all to well about fitting into society, when called upon to help the next Dike take his place in society she’s not keen at first. But seeing Hart has her thinking all kinds of things! But she knows it can’t happen, so she helps him look for a suitable wife.
Oooh a forbidden affair 😜 we like the sound of that.
I love this authors work. Her attention to detail, her descriptions of both the characters.
I really liked Claire, all she wants is to be loved for herself. She’s a pretty strong character and speaks her mind when needed.
Hart took a little longer to warm up to, he didn’t want the position of Duke, he certainly didn’t want a wife!
As Hart and Claire work together to find him a wife, unwanted feelings get in the way! Can they both ignore how they feel and get on with the task in hand? Or will they give into temptation and have the ending they both deserve?
Another highly recommended read if you like your historical romance with just a little bit of angst.
🦋
Becoming the new Duke of Fenniston was never on the cards for Hartley, he’s more than happy fighting the French, but that’s not to be! So he has to take his fight home and find himself a wife! Luckily he can call upon Claire Hambledon to help him become a gentleman in today’s society and if he’s lucky then a wife as well.
Claire is a widow and knows all to well about fitting into society, when called upon to help the next Dike take his place in society she’s not keen at first. But seeing Hart has her thinking all kinds of things! But she knows it can’t happen, so she helps him look for a suitable wife.
Oooh a forbidden affair 😜 we like the sound of that.
I love this authors work. Her attention to detail, her descriptions of both the characters.
I really liked Claire, all she wants is to be loved for herself. She’s a pretty strong character and speaks her mind when needed.
Hart took a little longer to warm up to, he didn’t want the position of Duke, he certainly didn’t want a wife!
As Hart and Claire work together to find him a wife, unwanted feelings get in the way! Can they both ignore how they feel and get on with the task in hand? Or will they give into temptation and have the ending they both deserve?
Another highly recommended read if you like your historical romance with just a little bit of angst.
🦋
February 25, 2025
I loved the main characters in this well-written and warmhearted romance, as Lieutenant Harley is pressured into taking up his unexpected role as the Duke of Fenniston. He would have preferred to stay fighting Bonaparte than to step into the role left by his despicable cousin. Leading a charge against the French would seem to be a much easier role than learning how to run a dukedom, care for his tenants, and take up his seat in Parliament. To his surprise, Hart discovers that there are those willing to assist him, even if they show disdain for his brogue and Scottish proverbs. Claire Hambledon is used to staying in the shadows as her needy sister, the widowed duchess, attracts all the limelight. However, without her, Liliana and the Steynling Cross would have fallen to pieces. Hart quickly comes to realize that if he is to come to grips with his new role, Claire is the best person to teach him. From the beginning, Hart is more attracted to Claire's strength and quiet beauty, rather than Liliana's startling beauty. When it comes time to embark on a London season, events move at a pace that makes Hart realize that without Claire, his life is an empty shell, but convincing her of the truth about his feelings takes a few extra measures. I thoroughly enjoyed this lovely novel, a copy of which I received as a gift, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
February 17, 2025
Lieutenant Hartley Edmenton is serving with the British army in Portugal when he learns he is the new Duke of Fenniston. He reluctantly returns & finds widow Claire Hambledon, sister of the previous duchess, is not only very attractive but knows the dukedom inside out so is a great help guiding him. Penniless and with a young son, Claire is well aware that she’s totally unsuitable for a duke. But she’s also completely unable to ignore the ripples of desire every time she’s near dashing Hart.
The start of a new series & a well written, well paced book with strong characters. I loved both Hart & Claire , they were attracted to each other from their first meeting & quickly became friends as they toured Hart’s principal seat. He took to being a caring Duke like a duck to water even though he relied on Claire’s guidance. She’s a strong, intelligent woman who wanted to be put first rather than being in her sister’s shadow. I loved their journey to a HEA, it was a slow burn romance & it took time for Hart to realise his feelings. I disliked the Dowager Duchess & this only grew as the book progressed. I would have thought Hart & Claire would have had Bella live with them
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
The start of a new series & a well written, well paced book with strong characters. I loved both Hart & Claire , they were attracted to each other from their first meeting & quickly became friends as they toured Hart’s principal seat. He took to being a caring Duke like a duck to water even though he relied on Claire’s guidance. She’s a strong, intelligent woman who wanted to be put first rather than being in her sister’s shadow. I loved their journey to a HEA, it was a slow burn romance & it took time for Hart to realise his feelings. I disliked the Dowager Duchess & this only grew as the book progressed. I would have thought Hart & Claire would have had Bella live with them
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
March 18, 2025
The Unexpected Duke is the first in the Soldiers to Heirs series and is a wonderful start that will have you anxiously awaiting the next installment. Lieutenant Hartley "Hart" has unexpectedly gone from soldier to Duke when his obnoxious cousin dies in a carriage race. Not wanting the position but knowing his duty, he reluctantly makes his way to Steynling Cross where he is not well received due to his Scottish background and military uniform. Claire Hambledon is the penniless widow of a soldier and second son who died in battle as she followed the drum. After returning to England, she and her young son agreed to stay with her sister and oversee the daily operations of Steynling since her sister has suffered two miscarriages and then the death of her husband. As Claire helps Hart to acclimate to his new role, take over care of his estates and enter society, they grow closer and lose their previous prejudices about each other. Although they are forming a friendship, neither is looking for the love that is developing but both must overcome their past to find the happiness they deserve for a future. This is a wonderfully written, sweet romance with a range of emotions and relatable characters that will draw you into the story.
I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher but all thoughts and feelings are my own.
I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher but all thoughts and feelings are my own.
March 27, 2025
This is the beginning of a series that follows 3 friends who are soldiers fighting Napoleon during the Peninsular War in Portugal. They all survived the battle in Badajoz. The protagonist of the first book is Lieutenant Hartley "Hart" Edmenton suddenly finds himself recalled to England . He has unexpectedly inherited a dukedom being next in line after his cousin. The story follows his acclimatation to the dukedom of Fenniston. He is guided by the previous duke's sister-in-law, Claire Hambleton, who has basically been running the dukedom in lieu of her sister , the widowed duchess who has been recovering from a miscarriage.
Claire herself is a widow of a soldier, (a second son) who died in Portugal and is mother to a young son. Hart is looking for a love like his parents had and is sure that can be with Claire, who he comes to respect. Claire things she is not duchess material, but.....
I did enjoy this story and am looking forward to learn the fate of Rafe and Charlie who also appear in and out of the "action".
The reason for the four instead of five starts is that I like a longer book, but that is no reflection on the author or the story itself.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving my own opinion.
Claire herself is a widow of a soldier, (a second son) who died in Portugal and is mother to a young son. Hart is looking for a love like his parents had and is sure that can be with Claire, who he comes to respect. Claire things she is not duchess material, but.....
I did enjoy this story and am looking forward to learn the fate of Rafe and Charlie who also appear in and out of the "action".
The reason for the four instead of five starts is that I like a longer book, but that is no reflection on the author or the story itself.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving my own opinion.
February 17, 2025
I have always enjoyed this author’s stories. She is a talented writer with her own unique voice. The Unexpected Duke is the beginning of a new series about three soldiers who share a deep friendship with each other and who each find themselves in an unexpected place of inheriting a title and all the trappings that go along with those circumstances. Lieutenant Hartley Edmenton is the hero in this first book. When his cousin the Duke suddenly dies, the title falls on Hartley’s shoulders. I enjoyed the dynamics of life at the time and Justiss’s ability to make her characters come alive - reacting to their surroundings with historical accuracy. Though there were parts of the book that got into too much nitty gritty of running an estate for me, overall, I thought that this was a very well told story. My biggest complaint is the male model on the Kindle cover. He resembles Adrian Lukis who played the villain George Wickham in the 1995 rendition of Pride and Prejudice. I would never equate the character of Lieutenant Hartley Edmenton with George Wickham. But beyond that, I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
February 18, 2025
I recently finished reading "The Unexpected Duke" by Julia Justiss, and I am thrilled to give it a solid 5-star rating! This novel captivated me from the very first page with its rich historical setting and beautifully woven storyline. Julia Justiss has a masterful way of developing characters that feel real and relatable.
The plot revolves around an unexpected inheritance and the charming and enigmatic Duke, whose interactions with the strong and intelligent heroine kept me eagerly turning the pages. The chemistry between the characters is palpable, and their journey is filled with delightful twists and emotional depth.
Moreover, the historical accuracy and attention to detail in the depiction of the era are commendable, immersing the reader into a different time as if living it themselves. The dialogue is witty and engaging, keeping the narrative fresh and dynamic.
Overall, "The Unexpected Duke" is a must-read for any fan of historical romance. Julia Justiss has delivered a story that is both heartwarming and enthralling, leaving a lasting impression long after the final page is turned. Highly recommended!
The plot revolves around an unexpected inheritance and the charming and enigmatic Duke, whose interactions with the strong and intelligent heroine kept me eagerly turning the pages. The chemistry between the characters is palpable, and their journey is filled with delightful twists and emotional depth.
Moreover, the historical accuracy and attention to detail in the depiction of the era are commendable, immersing the reader into a different time as if living it themselves. The dialogue is witty and engaging, keeping the narrative fresh and dynamic.
Overall, "The Unexpected Duke" is a must-read for any fan of historical romance. Julia Justiss has delivered a story that is both heartwarming and enthralling, leaving a lasting impression long after the final page is turned. Highly recommended!
March 24, 2025
Few books qualify for my trinity of great storytelling, with an interesting plot, characters that feel like they belong and a background story with a history that engages my curiosity. I love it when a book teaches me about society or in this case the plight of the women who “followed the drum”. Julia Justiss’s “The Unexpected Duke” hits a home run on all three. The well researched storyline is set in the early 1800’s during the brutal Napoleonic Wars. Lieutenant Hartley Edmenton, a native of Scotland is returning early from the Wars to reluctantly assume his position in England as the Duke of Fenniston. Waiting for him at Steynling Hall is his cousin’s widowed Dutchess and her widowed sister, Mrs. Claire Hambledon. The Dutchess is quite the elegant self-absorbed widow and her sister Claire her antithesis, is feisty, formal and consumed with worry about the future for Steynling Hall, her sister and herself. As the characters work through their paths forward, warm and very touching stories develop into wonderful new beginnings. I highly recommend this sweet and well written story! Thank you to Julia Justiss for the pleasure of reading and reviewing this heartwarming book!
March 17, 2025
Recalled from the Peninsular War after his cousin unexpectedly dies young,Hart finds himself a reluctant Duke.he liked soldiering with his friends and has no time for society of his late cousin who was a prime example of the worst of the ton. Hart want a a simple life and a marriage like his parents.
On returning to the estate some six months since he inherited he finds the Duchess still in bed ill, her daughter not really knowing her mother and the estate being run by the duchess's widowed sister Claire, who returned to England with her young son after her husband was killed in Portugal.
This drags a little in places, and typically the characters don't see the best solution for all. It is a book I found easy to put down, rather than one I had to get to the end without stopping book. If you know what I mean?
On returning to the estate some six months since he inherited he finds the Duchess still in bed ill, her daughter not really knowing her mother and the estate being run by the duchess's widowed sister Claire, who returned to England with her young son after her husband was killed in Portugal.
This drags a little in places, and typically the characters don't see the best solution for all. It is a book I found easy to put down, rather than one I had to get to the end without stopping book. If you know what I mean?
June 5, 2025
What an Awesome book. Lt. Hartley reluctantly becomes a Duke after his young cousin is killed. He finds that he doesn't really want this, however; it is his duty. After arriving at Steynling Hall, he meets the widow Claire Hambledon, sister of the previous duchess who is unable to run the estates due to her illness. Claire, had to take over & run Steynling after the duke's death. Now, she must show Lt. Hartley (or Hart) how to run the estate & help him learn to take over & be the Duke of Fenniston, and find a bride. After spending so much time together both of them find themselves falling in love with each other. But, both deny their attraction. As, Claire thinks she is unsuitable to be the wife of a Duke.
The author, kept you turning the pages to see if Claire & Hart come to see what is right before them is the right person to spend the rest of their lives with.
The author, kept you turning the pages to see if Claire & Hart come to see what is right before them is the right person to spend the rest of their lives with.
March 17, 2025
I am a fan of Julia Justiss's books and I enjoyed her latest--The Unexpected Duke. It's 1813 and Lieutenant Hartley Charles Edmenton is finding it hard to relinquish his life as a soldier/small Scottish landowner. But he must take on the unwanted role of an English Duke upon his cousin's untimely death. Currently living at Steynling Hall is his cousin's young widow Liliana and her widowed sister Claire. Claire has been the one managing the estate and she wonders what will happen when the new Duke has been schooled, married, and taken full control of the estate. This book is well written and has a nice flow. I enjoyed seeing how the main characters changed once they got to know each other. I found the book entertaining!
February 8, 2025
Hart never expected to become a Duke and drags his feet in returning from the Peninsula to do his duty. Claire the capable widowed sister of the fragile Dowager Duchess, takes him in hand, guiding him in his duties whilst both ignore the blazing attraction between them. It unfortunately takes far too long for Hart to realise that he is in love with Claire, as he is fixated on falling in love at first sight as his parents did. His lack of self-knowledge almost leads to him losing Claire forever. Whilst I did feel this book was a little long winded, it is a solid 4* from me.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 9, 2025
I enjoyed the storyline but it seemed to drag a little. The hero, an unexpected duke, was expecting a thunderbolt to hit him when he firsts sees his true love so that is what he waits for. Instead love sneaks up on him slowly with companionship and constant help. The heroine is looking for security and permanence for herself and her son. In the meantime she is helping her sickly widowed sister manage the estate until the new duke arrives. After the first awkward meeting, she is very helpful steering him into accepting the responsibilities of his title. I found I kept wondering what happened to the dowager duchess’ daughter as her mother wasn’t very connected with her.
March 6, 2025
I truly enjoyed this story. A soldier learning how to be a Duke with the assistance of an intelligent woman of lower class. Claire chose to prepare Hart for his duties as a landowner, a Duke, and a member of the ton. I loved her independence, smarts, and perceptions. She couldn't see her true worth, but Hart helped her realize it. Hart was so unsuspecting of his new world, but it allowed him to do things that were not quite what everyone expected. A well-told story that had me turning pages. I look forward to the next in the series.
I received an ARC, and this is my unsolicited review.
I received an ARC, and this is my unsolicited review.
August 17, 2025
A sudden change of fortune
Thrust into a status he did not seek, Hart Edmenton leaves the army to assume duties as a Duke. Little does he suspect the estate is currently under the excellent management of the current Duchess’ sister.
Always in her beautiful sister’s shadow, Claire Hambleden has trained herself to always be useful – managing a household, preparing herbal remedies, and keeping accurate records. When Hart arrives, he shatters her notion of the Scottish cousin drawn by the late Duke.
Ms. Justiss creates characters that exhibit the multiple hopes, fears, and talents of actual people. A good read.
Thrust into a status he did not seek, Hart Edmenton leaves the army to assume duties as a Duke. Little does he suspect the estate is currently under the excellent management of the current Duchess’ sister.
Always in her beautiful sister’s shadow, Claire Hambleden has trained herself to always be useful – managing a household, preparing herbal remedies, and keeping accurate records. When Hart arrives, he shatters her notion of the Scottish cousin drawn by the late Duke.
Ms. Justiss creates characters that exhibit the multiple hopes, fears, and talents of actual people. A good read.
March 15, 2025
Duty Calls. When a soldier is called to take up the reigns of a family Dukedom, he is a very reluctant Duke. Only because others assure him it is his duty, does he return to England to do so. He is very lucky to have the competent and dependable sister of the bereaved Duchess to help/guide him to all that he has inherited. Claire is a wonderful character. I really enjoyed this story - the first in a promised trilogy. I look forward to the future books in the series.
February 26, 2025
Ms Justiss does it again! This is the first book in a new series for her. She does such a great job of bringing the characters to life on the page and sucking you into regency England. The characters are likable and relatable. Really enjoyed the dynamics between Hartley and Claire. I’m always a sucker for the unexpected rags to riches trope.
March 15, 2025
Paperback Copy
Lieutenant returns home to discover that he is now duke. He seeks advice from the former duchess penniless widow sister who is raising her child. She knows that she should not good enough for him but the attraction keeps growing between them. Can they just be friends or will they give into love? It is a sweet historical regency romance to swoon over.
Lieutenant returns home to discover that he is now duke. He seeks advice from the former duchess penniless widow sister who is raising her child. She knows that she should not good enough for him but the attraction keeps growing between them. Can they just be friends or will they give into love? It is a sweet historical regency romance to swoon over.
June 4, 2025
What A Delight!
I really enjoyed Hart and Claire's tale! It still makes me smile thinking of when they met. Their friendship was so heartwarming to see as it grew. A beautiful story overall... loved how it played out for them! A great read!
I really enjoyed Hart and Claire's tale! It still makes me smile thinking of when they met. Their friendship was so heartwarming to see as it grew. A beautiful story overall... loved how it played out for them! A great read!
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February 1, 2025Historical Fiction, Sagas, Victorian Historical Fiction, Regency Romance
Miniseries
Soldiers to Heirs (Book #1)
Miniseries
Soldiers to Heirs (Book #1)
March 4, 2025
He characters were really good but there wasn’t much plot in this. Most of this book was set in the same place with not much happening. The love was believable but it was a bit boring.
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October 17, 2025Well-written, good characters with clear motives.
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