Tame A Rake Duke

by Abby Ayles

Independent and fearless, Rosalind faces love's greatest challenge. Can she surrender her heart without losing herself?

Lady Rosalind Harrington isn’t your average Regency with a fiery wit and an independent streak that blazes bright, she’s the very last person the ton expected to secure a brilliant match.

Alexander Fitzwilliam, Duke of Somerton, is a man ruled by duty and haunted by secrets from his past. Though his family appears illustrious, there’s more than one skeleton in the closet that threatens to bring the dynasty crumbling down.

When fate brings these two together, will their match burn even brighter? Or will their past and present overwhelm and extinguish them both?

If you are a fan of Bridgerton and Regency Romance novels, you won't be able to put this book down.

Grab your copy. Begin your adventure today!

Genres: Historical Romance

235 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 13, 2024

About the author

Abby Ayles was born in the northern city of Manchester, England, but currently lives in Charleston, South Carolina, with her husband and their three cats. She holds a Master’s degree in History and Arts and worked as a history teacher in middle school.

Her greatest interest lies in the era of Regency and Victorian England and Abby shares her love and knowledge of these periods with many readers in her newsletter.

In addition to this she has also written her first romantic novel, The Duke's Secrets, which is set in the era and is available for free on her website. As one reader commented – ‘Abby’s writing makes you travel back in time…’

When she has time to herself, Abby enjoys going to the theatre, reading and watching documentaries about Regency and Victorian England.

Reviews

[Nanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Start to a New Series, Abby has done it again given us a story you can’t put down and get lost in all the emotions, drama and family responsibilities. Lady Rosalind is not your normal debutante of the time she is independent, smart, has a quick wit and is known to speak her mine. She wants to help the less fortunate to learn so as to provide for themselves better. Not what most men of the time want in a wife. She is fiercely protective of her sisters. The oldest, Amelia is the perfect lady. While the youngest, Isabella is shy, a painter who will show she has hidden strength when needed. When their father tells them that the Duke of Somerton, Alex Fitzwilliam is coming to meet then and pick on to be his wife! Rosalind can’t believe it; the ton knows him as a rake of the worst order who has had affairs! When she questions her father, he tells her to mind herself as a match with the duke would secure their family's future. After learning secrets from Amelia and knowing Isabella is too young and shy to marry. She enters into an arrangement with the duke. Alex knows he must marry but doesn’t really want to. He has worked hard to repair the family name and himself from his youth. Now he needs a wife to show he has changed. He is intrigued by Rosalind with her flaming red hair, outspoken nature and playful banter. As the two meet and share views all is going well. Till his brother, Richard confesses what he has done. Now the ton is spreading rumors and someone from his past shows up and ruins everything. Or does she, Rosalind will have to decide who to believe. Can Alex, Richard, Rosalind and her sister fix everything or will the villain and the ton win? This is a fast-paced story and you will find it hard to put down. I loved Isabella and her love for her sisters. This story will have you guessing right up to the end. I can’t wait for the next book. I have a feeling it will be Amelia’s story. I received and ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.

[Celeste Duque · Rating 5 out of 5]

I most thank the author for the opportunity to read this book.
I receive the audiobook link to Youtube and I immediately start listening/reading the book...
And I was hooked by the story, an excellent plot with strong characters, with ups and downs that guided the main characters to find themselves in love...
ALEXANDER -DUKE OF SOMERTON
Has a reputation of being a rogue... His young brother seems to be drinking in excess...
Confronted with the need to be married he remember that his late father was friends with a Lord that had three daughters, and so it all began!
LADY ROSALIND HARRINGTON (the oldest of the sisters) is informed that they will receive the visit of a Duke and that he will be coming to select a wife...
Her two younger sisters have their on reasons to be affraid to be the chosen one... So Rosalind approaches the Duke in the middle of the night and ask him to be the chosen one. He agreed with her and was already impressed with the young woman... but at this point they thougt that this marriage will be a marriage of convenience.
Too many secrets almost torn them apart but love and persistence have a way to correct things and in the end they found that their love was strong and they marry and be forever happy...

After reading this story I travel through to the second book of "The Harrington Sisters"...

[Pickle · Rating 5 out of 5]

ALEXANDER -DUKE OF SOMERTON
Has a reputation of being a rogue (but is he) everywhere he goes he hears the whispers and gossip as he passes people. Aware he needs to marry and have an heir and continue the family legacy - it will however be a marriage without love he will inform his future wife of this - He was badly hurt before. also his young brother
seems to be drinking Alexander is concerned about his brother.
He is aware that his late father was friends with a Lord that had three daughters, he contacts him suggesting he meets all three and will select one to be his wife.
LADY ROSALIND HARRINGTON the oldest of the sisters is informed that the Duke will be coming to select a wife
Her two younger were do not want this they both have their reasons, Rosalind approaches the Duke and ask him to select her as her sisters are to young, he agreed a d informs her that it does not matter as there will be no love in this marriage just a mate of convenience.
SO MUCH MORE TO THIS COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN SO MANY SECRETS - THE SISTERS ARE VERY CLOSE AND PROTECT EACH OTHER.
LOVED Alexander (hot).
CANNOT WAIT FOR BOOK 2
I RECEIVED AN ARC

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This bk is about Rosalind Harrington and Alex Fitzwilliam, The Duke of Somerton. He was seeking a wife between the three Harrington sisters. None of them wanted to marry a stranger. The other two sisters had the future planned out. To protect her sisters, Rosalind asked Alex if he would marry her. She didn't have any plans for the future. Alex agreed, and he started courting her. They both had feelings that grew. One night, an old girlfriend told Alex that she had born his child. Rosalind broke up w Alex. I did not like that they had sex and then went down to the ballroom. Where his past lover walked up to them while dancing to tell him he was a father. That's such a common thing in today's society, but I didn't like it at all in these fantasy love stories. It reminded me of the loss in my own life . I like the fantasy of a virgin marrying for true love, not focused on sex. At least the story had a good ending.

[J Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sacrifice for love!

Rosalind Harrington and her sisters are horrified when their father announced that the Duke of Somerton was interested in one of them for a wife. A ton marriage, not a love marriage. They have a duty to their family. Who will be the one chosen to sacrifice her dreams to duty?

Alexander Fitzwilliam is well aware of the rumors threatening his family’s standing. He is prepared to do whatever he must to protect it and that includes finding a wife. The Harrington family has a long history with the Fitzwilliams and there are three marriageable daughters. He only needs one.

Abby Ayles has delivered another perfect romance. This is the start to a new series and I cannot wait to read the next book. I received an advance copy but my review is honest and voluntary.

[Rose Seals · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written, full of drama, love, emotions, secrets, twists, mystery and society. All the characters whether bad or good fit the need of this story. Also has a good storyline/plot and is a real page turner. Rosalind is a young lady who speaks her mind which causes issues with people. Society has ruled her unmatchable. Alexander is a Duke who will need to marry but has so many secrets in his family's closet. Will both be able to get thru all the secrets and demands from society to be able to get to their happily ever after. Would recommend to others.
I am an ARC and leave this unbiased, honest review.

[Callie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Rosalind has a problem. Her Father has decided to have one of his 3 daughters marry the Duke of Somerton. She has zero desire to marry anyone, especially anyone who expects her to be seen and not heard and behave as a meek wife.
The Duke of Somerton, Alexander Fitzwilliam, is looking at Lord Harrington’s 3 daughters each who shows something different as far as strengths. He is considering how they would each behave in society as his wife.
I enjoyed this story and loved learning about each sister and excited to see their futures. Love Abby Ayles style of writing, it’s vivid all of the way through.
Grab this book you’ll enjoy it too!

[Sonia Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story

I enjoyed reading this book, but I was not able to download the extended epilogue because Star fall publications makes it too hard to download on a kindle. I spend more than 1/2 an hour trying to follow their instructions and I could not do it. The good time I spend reading the book was all forgotten with the problem of the expended epilogue. I do not want to deal with Star fall Publications again. They do make it very difficult to download the extended epilogue. I like Abby Ayles books, but not if I have to deal with that publication. Sonia

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

You knew what was going to happen A-check, B-check, C-check, losing interest - then BAMB, oh my heck Alex, Rosalind, Amelia, and Isabella turned this story around. Yes, you knew something was not right, but the more you read, the more I learned and not only secrets, but people - 1-eyed Jack, John, Evelyn (can't wait for her story) and Lord Ashford! I do hope we learn more about Thomas and Amelia's story, hoping for at least a letter, but........

[NelleRenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the interaction of the two main characters. The heroine shows her intelligence and independence with some witty statements. The hero has some secrets that may come into play as they head for the HEA. It was an enjoyable read.

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rosalind wants to spare her sisters of an unwanted marriage, so she offers herself. All goes well and they start to like each other until a woman comes and confronts Alexander. Who is this woman and why now? Read it to find out. Another wonderful story by Ms Ayles.

[Suze82 · Rating 4 out of 5]

clever
I loved that Rosalind is a clever woman to stand up for herself and I believe that even nowadays some man are afraid to be in a relationship with such a strong woman, so Alexander is a rare species to see what a gem the woman he falls for is.

[Virginia Burkett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story

Needs better editing as many of the thoughts are said in two ways next to each other as if deciding which would be the best way of phrasing. This distracted from the author s good story.

[Mindy Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book with twists and turns to keep you guessing. I was rooting for the characters throughout hoping they would get their HEA. An enjoyable read.

[Betty Santos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things are not always as they seem.

This is an unusual story which constantly keeps one wondering what comes next and if the conclusion will be a happy ending.

[Pat Bryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful story. Full of twists and turns. Loved reading every word.

[Lynn Boone · Rating 5 out of 5]

superb!

A very interesting story. Fascinating characters. Interesting twists and turns. Love the unconditional love of the sisters and the good heart of the Duke.

[Jane Marchionna · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. Or should I say could not finish because it was so bad.