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Lords of Fate #1
Worth of a Duke
Fate is fickle. And fate has decided it is time for a hardened duke to do the impossible—let love into his life.
A lady on the wrong side of the ocean.
Lost and wandering the woods, Miss Wynne Theaton was surviving quite nicely until Rowen Lockton appeared. He saves her from getting trampled by a thief’s horse, but then becomes insistent on showing her where she truly is.
A duke refusing to deny fate.
Fate tossed Miss Theaton into his path, and Rowen Lockton, the Duke of Letson, is not one to deny fate. But the woman comes with a host of problems, not the least of which is her belief that she is in another country.
An undeniable attraction neither expected.
He was not looking for a wife. She was only searching for home. But fate has very different plans for the two of them—if they can survive not only forgotten secrets, but demons of the past.
The Lords of Fate: Steamy historical romance featuring strong women, undeniable men, and hold your breath adventure. (Note: While characters you know and love will pop in and out of the Lords of Fate and Hold Your Breath books, each one is a stand-alone story, and they can be read individually in any order.)
A lady on the wrong side of the ocean.
Lost and wandering the woods, Miss Wynne Theaton was surviving quite nicely until Rowen Lockton appeared. He saves her from getting trampled by a thief’s horse, but then becomes insistent on showing her where she truly is.
A duke refusing to deny fate.
Fate tossed Miss Theaton into his path, and Rowen Lockton, the Duke of Letson, is not one to deny fate. But the woman comes with a host of problems, not the least of which is her belief that she is in another country.
An undeniable attraction neither expected.
He was not looking for a wife. She was only searching for home. But fate has very different plans for the two of them—if they can survive not only forgotten secrets, but demons of the past.
The Lords of Fate: Steamy historical romance featuring strong women, undeniable men, and hold your breath adventure. (Note: While characters you know and love will pop in and out of the Lords of Fate and Hold Your Breath books, each one is a stand-alone story, and they can be read individually in any order.)
303 pages, ebook
First published June 30, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews
March 21, 2016
This book...it wasn't terrible, exactly...I managed to finish it with some liberal skimming. I liked the general story idea, which is why I managed to finish it. They sure did find themselves in an awful lot of life-threatening situations though.
H rescues h from robber
h recuses H from a hole in the floor
H rescues h from a bog
H and friend get beat up in a village--sadly, h didn't get to rescue them that time but she did try to help clean their wounds.
H rescues h from a villain who has her chained up then immediately has to rescue her from the burning building by carrying her passed-out self over rooftops.
I feel like I'm forgetting at least one other near-death experience.
The h faints at the sight of blood so there are several fainting episodes scattered throughout as well, that require assistance from the H. What else? Anachronisms abound. Weird or off word choices proved distracting. There was some potential there so maybe later works by this author improve, especially if she hired a better editor. Not sure I care to take the time to find out though.
H rescues h from robber
h recuses H from a hole in the floor
H rescues h from a bog
H and friend get beat up in a village--sadly, h didn't get to rescue them that time but she did try to help clean their wounds.
H rescues h from a villain who has her chained up then immediately has to rescue her from the burning building by carrying her passed-out self over rooftops.
I feel like I'm forgetting at least one other near-death experience.
The h faints at the sight of blood so there are several fainting episodes scattered throughout as well, that require assistance from the H. What else? Anachronisms abound. Weird or off word choices proved distracting. There was some potential there so maybe later works by this author improve, especially if she hired a better editor. Not sure I care to take the time to find out though.
January 24, 2019
Not sure how to rate this one. This is a first time read by this author and although the story started off very nice it fell flat as the story continued. The two characters have their share of disappointments to overcome and it was nice when they finally got together.
I thought the author took to long to bring the two together (about half way through the story). This is a series challenge for me and I am hoping the next is a bit better.
3-Stars
I thought the author took to long to bring the two together (about half way through the story). This is a series challenge for me and I am hoping the next is a bit better.
3-Stars
February 15, 2026
Read: 2/15/26
Setting: Regency England
Trope: class difference, amnesia, artsy
Should have been a novella!
plot: Rowen meets American Wynne struggling with a thief. Things are worse than Rowen can imagine. This poor girl has lost her memory and thinks she's still in America. Rowen brings her to his home hoping she'll regain her memory soon. In the meantime, he hires Wynne to paint his crotchety aunt. Wynne seems to have the ability to really see into her subjects, a fact that makes Rowen nervous. He has his own family secrets. One that could destroy how this beautiful girl sees him.
So will Wynne ever learn how she ended up in England and where her mother is? Does she actually care? I'm curious since nobody seems to actually investigate her mother's missing case.
liked:
1. Rowen was a great, likeable H. He cared even when he shouldn't have.
2. Wynne was a fantastic h! She's able to find the good in anyone. Wynne could do anything, but look at human blood. She was fine with skinning animals 🤷♀️
3. Wynne's art scenes were my favorite parts. Too bad that murder mystery got in the way!
4. The romance was sweet!
dislike:
1. Where are the bloody servants?? I think a coachman was mentioned at the end. It was ridiculous! 3 characters (1 more was his friend that's a lord, but works in the stable 🙄) for the whole book!
2. Why didn't Rowen hire an investigator? First to discover what happened to Wynne and if anybody is looking for a girl matching her description. Then, later, they could have discovered what happened to the Wynne's mother. Rowen does a s**t job investigating it himself! Apparently, he has never heard of bowstreet runners. 🤷♀️
3. Wynne's mother is presumed dead. That's good enough for everybody in this novel. Who needs to know what happened or where the body is located? The h should just move on and does. Great daughter! 😡
Conclusion: This would have been better as a novella. The story had a silly, fun aspect about it. Unfortunately, there was very little character development and the plot was full of holes, which became glaringly obvious the longer the story went. 😔. Outside of Wynne's art studio, there really wasn't much of a story.
Setting: Regency England
Trope: class difference, amnesia, artsy
Should have been a novella!
plot: Rowen meets American Wynne struggling with a thief. Things are worse than Rowen can imagine. This poor girl has lost her memory and thinks she's still in America. Rowen brings her to his home hoping she'll regain her memory soon. In the meantime, he hires Wynne to paint his crotchety aunt. Wynne seems to have the ability to really see into her subjects, a fact that makes Rowen nervous. He has his own family secrets. One that could destroy how this beautiful girl sees him.
So will Wynne ever learn how she ended up in England and where her mother is? Does she actually care? I'm curious since nobody seems to actually investigate her mother's missing case.
liked:
1. Rowen was a great, likeable H. He cared even when he shouldn't have.
2. Wynne was a fantastic h! She's able to find the good in anyone. Wynne could do anything, but look at human blood. She was fine with skinning animals 🤷♀️
3. Wynne's art scenes were my favorite parts. Too bad that murder mystery got in the way!
4. The romance was sweet!
dislike:
1. Where are the bloody servants?? I think a coachman was mentioned at the end. It was ridiculous! 3 characters (1 more was his friend that's a lord, but works in the stable 🙄) for the whole book!
2. Why didn't Rowen hire an investigator? First to discover what happened to Wynne and if anybody is looking for a girl matching her description. Then, later, they could have discovered what happened to the Wynne's mother. Rowen does a s**t job investigating it himself! Apparently, he has never heard of bowstreet runners. 🤷♀️
3. Wynne's mother is presumed dead. That's good enough for everybody in this novel. Who needs to know what happened or where the body is located? The h should just move on and does. Great daughter! 😡
Conclusion: This would have been better as a novella. The story had a silly, fun aspect about it. Unfortunately, there was very little character development and the plot was full of holes, which became glaringly obvious the longer the story went. 😔. Outside of Wynne's art studio, there really wasn't much of a story.
April 27, 2017
The writing as well as the story were captivating! I loved the deep emotions the two main characters had to deal with before they could find happiness. Trusting another completely is not without risks, but sometimes risks are worth taking.
March 21, 2016
Started good but female lead repeated again and again how she could take care of herself, but proved that she couldn't. At one point I was routing for the bad guys to put her,out of her misery.
December 9, 2019
There are two neat things about this book: it involves an uncommon character in Regency England, and even when that type of character pops up in England, it is not normally this type of character. As in, the female lead character is from across the ocean and, specifically, from an ‘unpolished’ part of America. I read the book, or finished it, May 29 2019. Beyond what I just noted, I do not really recall much about this book. Oh, except for the amnesia part – when the main lead male comes across the main lead female character, he quickly learns that she’s either mentally disturbed or somehow mentally diminished. I forget how quickly he comes to the realization that the young woman has amnesia.
I obviously enough liked the story well enough, since I put it on a 3.75 star shelf, but really, I can’t recall the book. I do know that I read the next book in the series and gave that one only 2.5 stars, but, beyond the rating, I recall even less about that book. Eh.
Rating: 3.75
December 9 2019
I obviously enough liked the story well enough, since I put it on a 3.75 star shelf, but really, I can’t recall the book. I do know that I read the next book in the series and gave that one only 2.5 stars, but, beyond the rating, I recall even less about that book. Eh.
Rating: 3.75
December 9 2019
October 5, 2018
The novel starts off with a bit of confusion, which seemed okay at first, but a few pages in, I felt like I was missing the first chapter. The author jumped into the story very oddly and what followed was just as odd. Wynne and Rowen's behavior was so back and forth, all over the place that I felt like I had whiplash reading the book. While the dowager had a rough life and I understand Wynne feeling for the woman, Rowen had it pretty rough at the dowager's hands and I never understood why Wynne defended the dowager. She was a complete b**** until the end of the book and I never sympathized with her. The story in general was dragged out quite a bit with all the lost memories and Wynne's mother and Wynne running away and then staying as a companion and Rowen going to London... all very contorted.
January 4, 2017
By the end of this book, I was hate-reading because I just had to find out how the whole mess wrapped up. I should have left it unfinished.
TRIGGER WARNING: fairly graphic descriptions of the heroine being punched, kicked and harmed in general by the villain.
I guess this is a gothic romance? I don't read enough of those to know for sure. There are some pretty spicy sex scenes when the hero and heroine finally get it on, and I don't know if that's consistent with gothic.
The overall tone of the book is depressing, judgmental and I wanted to slap pretty much everyone in it at some point.
Also, the e-book edition definitely had some typos and random hanging partial words that made me guess what the hell came next.
TRIGGER WARNING: fairly graphic descriptions of the heroine being punched, kicked and harmed in general by the villain.
I guess this is a gothic romance? I don't read enough of those to know for sure. There are some pretty spicy sex scenes when the hero and heroine finally get it on, and I don't know if that's consistent with gothic.
The overall tone of the book is depressing, judgmental and I wanted to slap pretty much everyone in it at some point.
Also, the e-book edition definitely had some typos and random hanging partial words that made me guess what the hell came next.
February 26, 2019
This is an OK Regency romance, but I did have a few issues with it. My overall rating is 3.5 stars, rounded down to 3 stars.
First, the story is quite dark, much darker than most romances. I usually read romances for an escape, so I prefer lighter themes. This story features terrible violence against women, so you will want to avoid it if that is a trigger for you.
Second, the h is an idiot. She keeps doing things that put her in danger. Most of the time, she does it because she is determined to find out what happened to her mother, but it is still stupid -- especially when she does something even after being warned that it is dangerous.
Third, the dowager duchess is vile for most of the story, but then suddenly has a change of heart and becomes a good person at the end? Someone who did the horrible things she did to a child would NOT change that much, and certainly not that quickly. I also don't think the H would have ever forgiven her.
Fourth, and this is minor, but if an author writes a Regency romance -- the titles and behavior should fit the period. A duchess was not called "Duchess", but would have been called "Your Grace". A young single woman would NEVER have been allowed to go out without an escort, like Wynne did many times. Also, the dowager duchess would never have agreed that it was OK for the Duke to marry Wynne, since she was a commoner.
Fifth, Wynne is badly beaten a couple of times. Her hand and leg are badly broken, and it is assumed they were not set properly. Yet, she doesn't walk with a limp, and she can still paint? That just doesn't sound possible to me. I suppose she could paint with the other hand, but a broken leg that is not set properly would not heal right -- she would have probably had trouble with it for the rest of her life, and would almost certainly have had a limp. Also, Wynne inhales a great deal of smoke in a fire, but recovers just fine with no long-term damage to her lungs -- again, I find that very unlikely, especially since medical care was not very advanced in the Regency period.
First, the story is quite dark, much darker than most romances. I usually read romances for an escape, so I prefer lighter themes. This story features terrible violence against women, so you will want to avoid it if that is a trigger for you.
Second, the h is an idiot. She keeps doing things that put her in danger. Most of the time, she does it because she is determined to find out what happened to her mother, but it is still stupid -- especially when she does something even after being warned that it is dangerous.
Third, the dowager duchess is vile for most of the story, but then suddenly has a change of heart and becomes a good person at the end? Someone who did the horrible things she did to a child would NOT change that much, and certainly not that quickly. I also don't think the H would have ever forgiven her.
Fourth, and this is minor, but if an author writes a Regency romance -- the titles and behavior should fit the period. A duchess was not called "Duchess", but would have been called "Your Grace". A young single woman would NEVER have been allowed to go out without an escort, like Wynne did many times. Also, the dowager duchess would never have agreed that it was OK for the Duke to marry Wynne, since she was a commoner.
Fifth, Wynne is badly beaten a couple of times. Her hand and leg are badly broken, and it is assumed they were not set properly. Yet, she doesn't walk with a limp, and she can still paint? That just doesn't sound possible to me. I suppose she could paint with the other hand, but a broken leg that is not set properly would not heal right -- she would have probably had trouble with it for the rest of her life, and would almost certainly have had a limp. Also, Wynne inhales a great deal of smoke in a fire, but recovers just fine with no long-term damage to her lungs -- again, I find that very unlikely, especially since medical care was not very advanced in the Regency period.
July 24, 2015
I feel lucky to have discovered Ms. Jackson's novels on my stay-at-home vacation because I cannot get enough of this series. Worth of a Duke continues to to showcase Ms. Jackson's wonderful imagination. It is a refreshing break from the traditional regency novels, as everything does not take place in balls and at galas. I have read an embarrassingly amount of Regency novels (it's an obsession) but never read a plot quite like this. Again, the unique plot twists are wonderful and I loved becoming engrossed as the story unfolded. There was so much going on, I wish the story was longer because I am intrigued by the Dowager Duchess's past and wanted to know more about her. She was a minor character, so I understand why it wasn't explored further. The story slightly intertwines with My Captain, My Earl and I love when series do that. No worries though, this novel is definitely able to stand alone. The good news is the novel ended with a mini-cliff hanger leaving the door open to continue the series. The bad news, I have to wait until Fall to read it, wah!
October 29, 2017
Historical English romance with a amnesiac confused painter artist American young lady wandering in a forest that is found by a newly made Duke of Letson that has a lot of childhood trauma.
Wynne Theaton is saved from the forest by Lord Rowen Lockton and they quickly fall in love as she endears herself to all the people in the castle including the nasty selfish mean widow dowager duchess. Everyone has been severely traumatized, but the dowager duchess spreads her nasty around, whereas Wynne and Rowen try to help and fix other people's problems.
There is some back and forth and miscommunication, a kidnapping, torture and some smart hints left in two paintings to bring about the Happy ever after type ending which includes finally getting ride of the dowager duchess, but in a nice way.
Too easily fixed story problems, but it was a ok read when I could not sleep last night and I did not have any Vutton nightmares, so I guess this deserves a 2 star rating at least.
303 pages and kindle freebie
2 stars
Wynne Theaton is saved from the forest by Lord Rowen Lockton and they quickly fall in love as she endears herself to all the people in the castle including the nasty selfish mean widow dowager duchess. Everyone has been severely traumatized, but the dowager duchess spreads her nasty around, whereas Wynne and Rowen try to help and fix other people's problems.
There is some back and forth and miscommunication, a kidnapping, torture and some smart hints left in two paintings to bring about the Happy ever after type ending which includes finally getting ride of the dowager duchess, but in a nice way.
Too easily fixed story problems, but it was a ok read when I could not sleep last night and I did not have any Vutton nightmares, so I guess this deserves a 2 star rating at least.
303 pages and kindle freebie
2 stars
July 2, 2015
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
One of the things I enjoy most about this series is how each book has such a different tone/feel to it. This book has a classic gothic novel feel to it, very much like what would have been popular in the regency era, but without the comic absurdity usually found in those books.
I really enjoyed the heroine, Wynne’s, unique method of painting, it was an interesting and insightful concept. I don’t want to give anything away so I won’t go into more detail.
As with the rest of K.J. Jackson’s books, I was drawn into the story from the beginning, found the characters engaging, and the twists and turns of the plot an enjoyable jaunt through the author’s imagination. I would definitely recommend this book to others.
One of the things I enjoy most about this series is how each book has such a different tone/feel to it. This book has a classic gothic novel feel to it, very much like what would have been popular in the regency era, but without the comic absurdity usually found in those books.
I really enjoyed the heroine, Wynne’s, unique method of painting, it was an interesting and insightful concept. I don’t want to give anything away so I won’t go into more detail.
As with the rest of K.J. Jackson’s books, I was drawn into the story from the beginning, found the characters engaging, and the twists and turns of the plot an enjoyable jaunt through the author’s imagination. I would definitely recommend this book to others.
June 25, 2018
I like angst, but...
Random thoughts as I read:
Worth of a Duke treats the reader to an overly angst-laden plot with no attention paid to period detail.
The shift of the Dowager’s from bitch to matchmaker was jarring and unrealistic.
The female protagonist, Wynne, was an American who spoke in contemporary English.
Several lapses in editing and poor word choice, I.e. use of the word ‘viral’ to describe a woman.
Random thoughts as I read:
Worth of a Duke treats the reader to an overly angst-laden plot with no attention paid to period detail.
The shift of the Dowager’s from bitch to matchmaker was jarring and unrealistic.
The female protagonist, Wynne, was an American who spoke in contemporary English.
Several lapses in editing and poor word choice, I.e. use of the word ‘viral’ to describe a woman.
June 7, 2017
My Kindle e-book
July 11, 2024
Not for me
Neither character used contractions when they spoke, it was noticeable and felt like it was written like that just to increase the word count as they were supposed to have different accents. The characters were inconsistent, I don’t understand why they would just hang out in a castle instead of looking for her mom/answers. DNF.
Neither character used contractions when they spoke, it was noticeable and felt like it was written like that just to increase the word count as they were supposed to have different accents. The characters were inconsistent, I don’t understand why they would just hang out in a castle instead of looking for her mom/answers. DNF.
December 19, 2016
Yeah…
A lot of forgiveness going on here again.
And I hated it.
Absolutely hated it.
I mean, the duke’s relationship with the Duchess? Wow… Talk about something that can’t ever be made up for again.
But hey, it’s a historical romance so of course we just forgive her in the end because hey, why not?
And our heroine? She actually liked this witch!! What the heck???
Even though the Duchess tries to tear them apart, our heroine is the good girl and still actually likes her. Because, oh, her past was soo terrible.
Well, yeah, life sucks sometimes. Doesn’t mean you have to treat kids like sh*t, does it?
So, yeah, I was really not okay with this.
The plot itself was pretty decent, liked the bit of drama and the gothic tropes in there. However, it wasn’t really consistent and that annoyed me a bit.
The characters?
Definitely had my problems with both – Theaton for really sticking to the Duchess whatever happens and our Duke for being a bit of a coward.
I don’t really like it when it takes months for the couple to reconcile or even talk so yeah… In their case, I totally got both of their attitudes, was glad that both of them were stubborn and blamed themselves but yeah…
Writing style?
At times this (otherwise really great) author seemed to at least try to be historically accurate when it comes to the speech and the conversation but then there is one particular scene where she really, really fails to do so.
All in all, I liked it more than others but was also more annoyed with it than usual.
Can’t decide… 3 or 4?
A lot of forgiveness going on here again.
And I hated it.
Absolutely hated it.
I mean, the duke’s relationship with the Duchess? Wow… Talk about something that can’t ever be made up for again.
But hey, it’s a historical romance so of course we just forgive her in the end because hey, why not?
And our heroine? She actually liked this witch!! What the heck???
Even though the Duchess tries to tear them apart, our heroine is the good girl and still actually likes her. Because, oh, her past was soo terrible.
Well, yeah, life sucks sometimes. Doesn’t mean you have to treat kids like sh*t, does it?
So, yeah, I was really not okay with this.
The plot itself was pretty decent, liked the bit of drama and the gothic tropes in there. However, it wasn’t really consistent and that annoyed me a bit.
The characters?
Definitely had my problems with both – Theaton for really sticking to the Duchess whatever happens and our Duke for being a bit of a coward.
I don’t really like it when it takes months for the couple to reconcile or even talk so yeah… In their case, I totally got both of their attitudes, was glad that both of them were stubborn and blamed themselves but yeah…
Writing style?
At times this (otherwise really great) author seemed to at least try to be historically accurate when it comes to the speech and the conversation but then there is one particular scene where she really, really fails to do so.
All in all, I liked it more than others but was also more annoyed with it than usual.
Can’t decide… 3 or 4?
November 2, 2018
My main genre in reading material is mysteries and thrillers and I occasionally read Regencies and chick lit as a “relaxation” between the others. This was possibly the most un-Regencylike Regency I’ve ever read. Yes it takes place in that era, however the language was modern and the plot reads as more modern than early nineteenth century. Our heroine meets her partner in the woods where she is camping with very little memory of her past. She is from America and he is a British Duke with, of course, a past. He takes her back to his castle where his uncle’s wife, the Dowager Duchess is living. In learning of Wynne’s past, Rowan learns what happened to her Mother to the best of Wynne’s memory. They also begin to search for not only her Mother but also her missing artwork. This leads to Wynne’s being captured and held prisoner while Rowan searches for her. The plot is complex and the characters are feisty and likable. I don’t know if true Regency fans will truly appreciate this novel, but it was entertaining reading. Thanks to the author for an e-Galley for an honest review.
July 18, 2021
Took place 1821 starting in Yorkshire. The beautiful
American heroine & Mom were en route to England,
via ship. She was an artist who created her own paint.
Also knew how to hunt and cook & formerly lived
in a log home.
Once in England she had a horse accident & lost
some of her memory. She was cooking a squirrel
in the woods & offered the hero Rowen some when
he approached her. He did not inform her he was a
Duke who bread horses. Also a former soldier.
And nearly engaged to Victoria who ended up w/
OM.
The hero helped heroine to track back her memory
and determine where was Mom? Later there was an
abduction which tends to be over done in Romance-
land.
What I liked best? The heroine's self-reliance, even
in a new land. The hero could have been more genuine.
American heroine & Mom were en route to England,
via ship. She was an artist who created her own paint.
Also knew how to hunt and cook & formerly lived
in a log home.
Once in England she had a horse accident & lost
some of her memory. She was cooking a squirrel
in the woods & offered the hero Rowen some when
he approached her. He did not inform her he was a
Duke who bread horses. Also a former soldier.
And nearly engaged to Victoria who ended up w/
OM.
The hero helped heroine to track back her memory
and determine where was Mom? Later there was an
abduction which tends to be over done in Romance-
land.
What I liked best? The heroine's self-reliance, even
in a new land. The hero could have been more genuine.
September 10, 2015
Worth of a Duke
This was very cleverly written and very entertaining! I loved the originality of the story! And was so emotionally invested in this story that I can't wait for the next in this series! The end was an extremely clever cliffhanger! I loved it!
This was very cleverly written and very entertaining! I loved the originality of the story! And was so emotionally invested in this story that I can't wait for the next in this series! The end was an extremely clever cliffhanger! I loved it!
January 24, 2017
He wasn't looking for love. He was only trying to be helpful. But she needed so much help putting her life back together. And he needed her, too. The author fitted these two well-written characters together like puzzle pieces. Full review coming up soon on my blog.
Want to Read
May 19, 2019 Free on Amazon 19th May 2019
August 16, 2015
Really good read.
November 8, 2017
Wow
This was a well written story about Rowen who has just become a new duke. He is on his way to the castle Notlund, the seat of the duchy. He runs into a young woman, Wynn, in the forest who is being robbed by a hoodlum. He gets rid of the thief, who takes off but leaves the woman’s satchel behind. She tells Rowe that she has just killed a squirrel to eat and asks him to join her. He watches as she skins and guts the squirrel then puts it on a stick to cook. She is asking him if he knows of a certain mountain that she is looking for as she has lost her way. The name of the mountain is unfamiliar to him but he notices she speaks with an American accent. He questions her further and decides she must be confused, or perhaps crazy, he isn’t sure but she insists on continuing on and he tells her he can lead her to a place where she will know where she is. They walk for hours because she refuses to ride on his horse with him, until they come to a place and he tells her to look. They have arrived at his castle. Well, as you might suspect she’s a bit hysterical and unbelieving. He offers her a place in the castle to stay which she accepts. The story has so much more depth that it is hard to summarize all of the different twists that occur. There are several background issues going on at the same time and the author really keeps you guessing. I have never read anything by this author but I believe I will look for the next book in the series.
This was a well written story about Rowen who has just become a new duke. He is on his way to the castle Notlund, the seat of the duchy. He runs into a young woman, Wynn, in the forest who is being robbed by a hoodlum. He gets rid of the thief, who takes off but leaves the woman’s satchel behind. She tells Rowe that she has just killed a squirrel to eat and asks him to join her. He watches as she skins and guts the squirrel then puts it on a stick to cook. She is asking him if he knows of a certain mountain that she is looking for as she has lost her way. The name of the mountain is unfamiliar to him but he notices she speaks with an American accent. He questions her further and decides she must be confused, or perhaps crazy, he isn’t sure but she insists on continuing on and he tells her he can lead her to a place where she will know where she is. They walk for hours because she refuses to ride on his horse with him, until they come to a place and he tells her to look. They have arrived at his castle. Well, as you might suspect she’s a bit hysterical and unbelieving. He offers her a place in the castle to stay which she accepts. The story has so much more depth that it is hard to summarize all of the different twists that occur. There are several background issues going on at the same time and the author really keeps you guessing. I have never read anything by this author but I believe I will look for the next book in the series.
December 5, 2017
Will you ever get that one chance to be truly happy? Olivia knows that she will never be accepted by the ton again now that they all think that she is a fallen woman. She did nothing wrong but they don't believe her just the lies. She only sees one way out and that is to find a lover that will teach her and care for her. She has chosen some men and she needs her brother's help. He can't believe that she is asking for his help in choosing her lover but then again he does owe her. She doesn't realize it but there was someone that wanted her as his wife but her brother turned him down.
She has chosen a dear friend Burke to be the one but what will become of them? As Burke is the very man that wanted to marry her. Will he agree to her plan or will he down her away?
But Olivia is in harm's way again someone wants her dowry and they will stop at nothing to get it. Can Burke save her again? Will they ever find happiness together? A great read.
She has chosen a dear friend Burke to be the one but what will become of them? As Burke is the very man that wanted to marry her. Will he agree to her plan or will he down her away?
But Olivia is in harm's way again someone wants her dowry and they will stop at nothing to get it. Can Burke save her again? Will they ever find happiness together? A great read.
June 6, 2019
Rowan Lockton was thinking how females in his life cause nothing but trouble when he comes upon a young woman being threatened over a bag of paint brushes. Wynne has no idea quite where she is, but she declines any further help from Rowan, saying she is sure she can find her way back to the mountain. It takes some convincing before she agrees to travel for a bit with him, at least till they find their way out of the woods she's been wandering in for days. The sight of the castle at the edge of the forest stuns her. Realizing she is no longer in America, she agrees to stay with Wynne until she regains her memory and can find her mother and grandfather, but only if she can repay his kindness by painting.
Fairly typical romance, though Wynne is a bit more independent and free-thinking than some women in the early 1800s. Nice, fairly quick tale that may rate 3.5 stars, just not quite a 4.
Fairly typical romance, though Wynne is a bit more independent and free-thinking than some women in the early 1800s. Nice, fairly quick tale that may rate 3.5 stars, just not quite a 4.
February 17, 2021
Pissed off!
I was complaining early on that there was too much build up to get to the "romance" of this romance novel. I quit this some chapters from the end, I was so PISSED OFF with the author I was cussing in my bed at one in the morning.
I am so angry because I had started to really enjoy the book and I just didn't see the story needing the heroine to be brutalized by some villain we'd not even met til then. I can stress how vexed I am because I have loved everything I've read by this author. The Hold Your Breath series made me uncall the guys hero but I loved the books. Lords of Action? Read all 3 and jumped straight into this series. Now I don't want to continue and I have the Silverton sisters in books 2 n 3 waiting for me. You may like it better than me. I hate giving low ratings but I am pissed.
I was complaining early on that there was too much build up to get to the "romance" of this romance novel. I quit this some chapters from the end, I was so PISSED OFF with the author I was cussing in my bed at one in the morning.
I am so angry because I had started to really enjoy the book and I just didn't see the story needing the heroine to be brutalized by some villain we'd not even met til then. I can stress how vexed I am because I have loved everything I've read by this author. The Hold Your Breath series made me uncall the guys hero but I loved the books. Lords of Action? Read all 3 and jumped straight into this series. Now I don't want to continue and I have the Silverton sisters in books 2 n 3 waiting for me. You may like it better than me. I hate giving low ratings but I am pissed.
August 5, 2024
Dreamer
I know I read this story before. Yet I only realized it after I purchased it. Normally Amazon lets you know when you previously ordered. So saying, K Jackson is one of my favorite authors and I always enjoy re-reading her stories! A historical romance of a woman not realizing she's in a dream of her making to forget all the tragedy she's endured. Only to be rescued by a dashing Duke from being robbed. Rowan is tired of saving distraught women, when it's their ploy to gain his attention. Yet when he stumbles upon a woman being robbed, he doesn't hesitate. Through their journey, they help each other embrace their reality and find peace, love and happiness. No cheating or cliffhanger, there are a few glitches in proofreading, yet overall well rounded characters and storyline with the beginning of several happy ever afters. Enjoy 🤓
I know I read this story before. Yet I only realized it after I purchased it. Normally Amazon lets you know when you previously ordered. So saying, K Jackson is one of my favorite authors and I always enjoy re-reading her stories! A historical romance of a woman not realizing she's in a dream of her making to forget all the tragedy she's endured. Only to be rescued by a dashing Duke from being robbed. Rowan is tired of saving distraught women, when it's their ploy to gain his attention. Yet when he stumbles upon a woman being robbed, he doesn't hesitate. Through their journey, they help each other embrace their reality and find peace, love and happiness. No cheating or cliffhanger, there are a few glitches in proofreading, yet overall well rounded characters and storyline with the beginning of several happy ever afters. Enjoy 🤓
July 17, 2020
HEARTBREAK, OLD FAMILY ISSUES, SCORN,LOVE
5 STARS for this excellent story that isn't of the usual and is in the woods, then a very old historical crumbling castle. Our characters are mired in the past as much as the now, especially the Duke & Doweger Duchess. She shows no respect for the Duke & openly shows scorn. The wonderful lady from America he found in the woods is living a period of time she had been in mourning about; so she was at a mystery about her life from that point of where her mother was. She falls in mutual love with the Duke, but a huge mystery keeps them apart along with her kidnapping. Heartbreak is in the past, present & hopefully mystery will be solved; so it doesn't include the future. Recommend
5 STARS for this excellent story that isn't of the usual and is in the woods, then a very old historical crumbling castle. Our characters are mired in the past as much as the now, especially the Duke & Doweger Duchess. She shows no respect for the Duke & openly shows scorn. The wonderful lady from America he found in the woods is living a period of time she had been in mourning about; so she was at a mystery about her life from that point of where her mother was. She falls in mutual love with the Duke, but a huge mystery keeps them apart along with her kidnapping. Heartbreak is in the past, present & hopefully mystery will be solved; so it doesn't include the future. Recommend
November 5, 2017
Well! I do not have a hard time rating this book at all! To be honest it was my first romance that doesn’t involve fantasy, so I really have nothing to compare it to. I couldn’t put this book down! Every time I said I would only read a little bit of it I would end up reading way more than I intended! This book is beautiful in every way, the writing is beautiful, the characters are beautifully and everything about this book just kept me prisoner till I finished it. Wynne and Rowan’s story is definitely a whirlwind of emotions, and I enjoyed everyone once of it! I love this book and am so glad I read it.
January 11, 2020
I enjoyed this book more than I was expecting...and while I was on the fence about a few elements, I still thought it just made a 4 star. I’ve read a few of KJ Jackson’s books and didn’t not like them, they just didn’t overly stick with me. Worth of a Duke was a pleasant surprise. I liked the characters and how it wasn’t instant success in their romance. The drama factor was a little high, but I still was interested in the outcome. My biggest problem was that some transitions were a little choppy and/or sudden which could be a little jarring and made me skim read in a few spots. I even might check out book 2 of the series because I’m curious where the storyline will continue.
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