The Lady and the Duke

by Hanna Hamilton

That is what people call fate...sometimes even the worst turn of events, can lead to absolute happiness...

Lydia Fernside must leave her home to live with a sour and demanding aunt after her family falls on hard times. She has the occasion to meet the Duke of Shropshire, and they find they have common interests as well as mutual attractions.

But, with the difference in their social stations the Duke’s mother forbids any thought of a romantic alliance. However, two such headstrong and determined lovers are not to be denied, and they must struggle however they can to form a satisfactory alliance.

But will it be enough?

♥ A historical romance novel full of twists ♥

Sweet • Romantic • Smart

You'll keep turning the pages...

*The Lady and the Duke is a historical standalone story of 100,000 words (around 440 pages). No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a super sweet happily ever after.

Genres: Historical Romance, Regency, Historical, Regency Romance, Ebooks

433 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 28, 2017

About the author

Hanna Hamilton has been fascinated with the Regency era ever since she was a young teen, first discovering historical romance novels by famous authors such as Jane Austen and Lisa Kleypas. She believes that love was just so much more magical back then, more like a fairy tale. She always daydreamed about finding love herself that way, but since that is impossible in the twenty-first century, she decided to write about it instead!

Born in Texas, Hanna Hamilton obtained a degree in Creative Writing and has worked as a literature teacher before becoming a novelist. When she isn’t writing, Hanna likes to explore the countryside with her husband and two children, gaining inspiration from the natural world around her.

So, come on a journey into love, confusion, and redemption all within the Regency era. Hanna hopes that you will enjoy immersing yourself into her novels and that you too will find a love for old-fashioned romance, just as she has. 


Facebook page: http://facebook.com/hannahamiltonauthor

Reviews

[Ivy H · Rating 2 out of 5]

The title of this novel ( and the blurb ) made it seem as if this story would focus almost entirely on the MC's. First off, the title is a bit misleading because the heroine Lydia is only a vicar's daughter so she is not a lady in the accepted, conventional Regency world in which she lives. She's ladylike, if one is willing to adopt the definition that modern readers would use, but she's not a member of peerage. The second thing about the title that's misleading is that there is very little interaction between the heroine and the duke/hero. The H doesn't even enter the story until about one third of it has already passed by ! They hardly communicate, rarely meet each other and their interaction is primarily formal since he always politely refers to her as "Miss Lydia". I didn't have a problem with that, but I wished that the author had chosen to focus on these 2 characters instead of on an entire cast of minor characters. Sometimes, it seemed as if the supporting characters were given more significance than the hero and heroine. This was a clean romance and I honestly didn't mind that because I've read many clean romances that were great. My biggest problem was with the H, Edwin.

Edwin is obsessed with horticulture, aboriculture, floriculture etc. He has plans to build an expensive, architecturally designed masterpiece of a greenhouse on his estate. His huge obstacle is his lack of funds, since his late father had made some poor investment decisions that have drained the duchy's financial coffers. Lydia shares Edwin's passion for gardening and she soon gets a job to help him with his horticultural program. This didn't bother me too much because Lydia isn't a member of the peerage so it's perhaps acceptable for her to work. Edwin's big error in judgement ( in my opinion ) occurs when he decides to marry the spoilt daughter of a very rich Earl. He loves Lydia but he needs the other woman's dowry in order to build his splendid greenhouse and complete his horticultural plans. That just annoyed me ! If there's one thing I HATE it's a hero who chooses a flimsy reason to pick another woman over the heroine:



A greenhouse project is more important than the woman he loves !



I wish it had been something along the lines of a sick relative or some life or death situation. A greenhouse project just didn't cut it with me. That's something that borders on a luxury item and it pissed me off as this guy would dump the heroine just to marry a rich girl whose money will finance his pet project. That's not romantic ! And, to make things worse, Edwin showed little emotion when he broke things off with Lydia:


Edwin was silent.

“Edwin. Please answer me truthfully.”

“That is partially true. I have come to realize I have family obligations that supersede any personal feelings I might have.”

“Then the feelings you have for me are genuine, but you must ignore them because of duty?”

Edwin’s jaw clenched.

“You must forgive me. I have many issues I must attend to yet this afternoon. I am delighted that you have returned to Honeyfield, and I look forward to moving ahead in our working relationship. However, I really have nothing more to say about my misadventure. I regret if you formed any false expectations, and if so, I greatly apologize. Good day, Miss Lydia. And I shall speak to my mother about taking on your mother as her companion.”

Edwin then turned and walked into the house.

Hanna Hamilton. The Lady And The Duke (Regency Romance) (Kindle Locations 3310-3317). Hanna Hamilton. Kindle Edition.

Since when has a pet greenhouse project come under "family obligations"?

This novel was well written but it really had no romance in it. The heroine was at one point even contemplating letting the local doctor, and then the other woman's brother, court her. Then Edwin had his fancy engagement party during which his betrothal to the other woman was announced. There was just too much focus on other characters. This novel should have been titled:

The Lady, The Duke, His Mom, Her Mom, Her BFF, His Sister, The Other Woman, The Lady's Other Suitors, The Professor, The Lady's Horrible Bitchy Aunt...

Edwin eventually jilts his rich fiancee and the MC's get their HEA but by that time I had already been fed up of everybody in this novel !

[Joy Sanchez · Rating 2 out of 5]

Why the beginning and nothing else

I would willingly pay for a full story it is a nice pleasant read but I hate getting a story in snippets. When I read I want a full satisfying diversion. This was just enough to be annoying.

[Elizabeth Bennet · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book on the freebie list. It was'nt badly written but was'nt anything that will stand out in my mind a couple books from now either. The h, Lydia Fernside, is forced to become a campanion for an aunt she's never met. Leaving everything and everyone she knows behind she is swept into a new life in the country.

The new Duke of Shropshire, Edwin Templeton does not enter the story until over halfway through the story. I found that unfortunate as it became clear at that point there is another book involved. I enjoy reading series books but was hoping this story would finish with this one. I would have liked a complete story after reading the reviews from the following book it seems as it is similar to my experience with this one and I can not see myself continuing.

It was just too basic and something that seemed done before. A little more conflict, a villain perhaps would punch it up more. Enjoy!

[Charline Bonham · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have volunteered to review an ebook copy for an honest review. All of review is my own words. Lydia Fernside has to leave home because her family no longer can afford to support her. Her Aunt agrees to take her in but this is not a fun place to live. Her Aunt works for the Duchess of Shropshire and through her Lydia meets the son. It seems he is not in control of his own future as his estate is nearly destitute also. I could not put the book down once started. Ms Hamilton weaves a good story and definitely kept my attention until the end.

[Lesley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Part 1 of a Story.
I obviously didn't pay attention when I downloaded this free book and didn't realize that this wasn't a complete story or I would have avoided it. The story comprises 8 chapters and then stops. At this stage it is a fairly unexceptional story, though I find it difficult to believe that a young lady (other than perhaps a childhood friend) would be invited to address a Duke by his first name.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is dramatic and sort of sad. Poor Lydia, every time she thinks that maybe she found a man that she could marry, someone else comes along and takes him. But there's only one man she wants, and he's off limits. Edwin is a great guy in the beginning, he's kind, unpretentious and fun. Then his momma puts her foot down. So no matter how much he wants to marry Lydia, she won't let him. The mothers and aunt are cold and selfish, all of the men are sweet and charming.

[Pelusa Rivera · Rating 3 out of 5]

Received an ARC for my voluntary review for Hidden Gems. I enjoyed it, but it is incomplete, and that annoyed me, because I have to know what happens. Lydia, has to move from her home to her not so nice Aunt, who happens to be a Duchess, and there she meet her son the Duke, who unfortunately is under her control. Regardless, both of them are attracted to each other and find ways to deal with it, even though it would be an issue do to class distinction and the disapproval of his mother. We have to wait and see what happens further.

[Deborah Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a pleasant surprise. There is a happily ever after but, not all is perfect in the world of the upper crust. The Lady is a lady but, not one of tile. The Duke is a duke with a title. He is, however, humble and has a vocation that he truly loves. He is a gentleman and tries to accommodate his mother and society's ideas of the time. He is, however, able to think outside the box. The lady has the manners and decorum of a lady of her time. She has had a difficult time with her parents and is eventually told that she has to leave her childhood home. She gets this news, just after her suitor says that he cannot marry her. Her aunt is rather a peculiar individual. There are a lot of romantic stories going on and relationships grow and change. The book is clean and an interesting read. You may wonder about everybody's happily ever after. Don't worry Ms. Hamilton gives you a link to fill in that question. I hope that Ms. Hamilton continues to write. She is definitely worth reading.

[Barbara D Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens?

The book is incomplete thus how can I truly rate it. I like what I have read but I will need to read the rest to give a true rating. I like what I have read and look foreword to the rest of the book.

[Victoria Simcox · Rating 4 out of 5]

To arrange a suitable union, Lydia and the Duke need to persevere. They are of dissimilar societal classes; however, both are resolute and single-minded to fuel the flames of passion. Lydia and the Duke have a shared magnetism. Lydia’s family hit a hard spell in life and so, the reason she went to stay with her bitter aunt. The good thing is, this leads to her relationship with the Duke. I liked this story. It has elements of romance, intrigue and adventure. I do wish there was more to the 1st part of the story than what was included in the book.

[✨ Gramy ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

.
This was a sweet and clean historical romance. I enjoyed the main characters and their interaction. The mothers were selfish and annoying, so thankfully they did not appear much throughout the book. The aunt was eccentric and strict, until . . .

One can appreciate the passion and dedication this couple devoted toward their horiculture. This is a great introduction in breaking propriety and an independent woman with an astonishing work ethic.

This book is able to stand alone and has a dreamy HEA.

[Victoria - txreadingnook · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started reading the book I was not sure how the story was going to unfold . Lydia was moving to live wit her aunt because her family was not doing well financially. Lydia gets on a coach and takes off to her aunt’s . Not sure how she going to be accepted my her aunt she walks very lightly around her ,because she not want to upset her . She cleans and does other chores to keep the peace . Her aunt request prayer time be set aside everyday . Lydia is a humble servant to her aunt because she is grateful to have a place to live . Lydia ‘s aunts neighbor has a daughter named Jenny and she becomes great friends with Lydia . The older Dr ask Lydia to join him for tea so Lydia ask Jenny for a dress that would be proportionate for such an event . While at Honey field she meets The Duke Edwin and his sister Ellen . Ellen takes a fancy to Lydia and wants her to come back and ride horses with her . Edwin is intrigued with her gardening skills and how she can take care of fruit trees . .The older Dr wants to court Lydia’s aunt . So he starts to hint he intends to ask for her hand marriage . Lydia not sure how her aunt will take this kind of news . The aunt is the duchess companion and is her aunt willing to leave the duchess . Lydia falls and hits her ankle and this draws the interest of the towns handsome Dr Cooke when she summons him for medical care . He wants to spend time with her and take her for walks to help her strengthen her ankle . but there is a conflict of her interest when Ellen wants her to ride horses . She feels Ellen went to a lot of trouble to set up their riding date so picks Ellen over after Dr Cooke . Lydia is starting to be smitten by Edwin . She likes Dr Cooke and knows she needs to give him a chance but to her he is boring . Not crazy about his puzzles he does in magazines . Edwin tells Lydia he likes her but he can’t be with her and he is sorry he kissed her or is he really ? So the two keep a business relationship but the chemistry is there and both are trying to keep it at bay . Lydia had to go home for a family emergency and has to walk away from Dr Cooke and her boss Edwin . The story takes a lot of twist and turns . There is a laughter , tears , and joy . This book is hard to put down and I can say it is a page turner to the last page . Love the kitty Gingersnap . Can a Vicar’s daughter win the heart of handsome Duke or will he be forced to marry either Samantha or Caroline to please the duchess his mother . This is a clean romance novel but there is chemistry between the characters in the book . I give the book 5 stars ⭐️. You will enjoy Edwin and Lydia’s love story .

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet, slightly tedious, but otherwise enjoyable.

The book reads like a BBC special of a Jane Austen. Sadly, it's not as moving as Austen's novels, but it feels just as long.

I would have liked for this to have been told from both Edwin and Lydia's point of view, but we only get Lydia's mind. She is, however, not prone to dramatics, immaturity, or histrionics so it wasn't unpleasant to view the world through her eyes. I was impressed by her intelligence and commitment to doing the best thing and moving forward with accepting her new lot in life. Her determination and her brain gave her every advantage and also caught the good opinion of the duke.

There was very little romantic build and not a lot of passion for anything but horticulture. I'm certain this would have been a great love story in the time it was written, but for a modern audience, I feel there's something lacking. Although the ride through the park was quite entertaining.

Overall, I feel like this is a good story. Very tame, very sweet, and very logical from start to finish. The events plodded along at a sedate pace. It moved, albeit slowly, and there were a few moments of romantic frustration that served to keep the reader's interest. There was a satisfying conclusion and definite hope for their future if it's based on their toasts.

With the extended epilogue the story felt more than complete. I wouldn't rave about the epilogue, it was more just a scene from their well-established life, but it gave a sense of finality and continued contentment as well as success in their horticultural endeavors.

Read and willingly reviewed this ARC from Hidden Gems.

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

FANTABULOUS!!!
Wow! Man, talk about reaching for the stars. You get it all with this little guy. A whirlwind of activity and events that propels all your emotions into play wonderfully. One incredible pulse racing, heart pounding, page flipping delight that catapults this bad boy bursting to life flawlessly. Struggling along, tossed and thrown and put through the wringer as we witness all the trials and tribulations. You get drawn into this world so deep everything else ceases to exist. All the drama, uncertainty, angst and intrigue keep you riveted on a the edge of your seat. When push comes to shove, all bets are off. Hannah really molds this baby together beautifully with a delicious storyline and enchanting plot. The two main characters chemistry is heart melting, sweet and palpable. The characters are original, believable and so realistic with such depth and individuality it's easy to relate. The scenes are so descriptive and detailed you have no trouble picturing each scenario as they play off one another perfectly. Remarkable job Hannah, thanks for sharing this bad boy with us.

[Marichus Real · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lydia is the only single daughter of a vicar has to stay with her aunt because her parents can’t afford to support her living with them anymore.
Edwin is a Duke who is only interested in horticulture. Fortunately, Lydia is quite an expert and that help to create a bond between them.
If you take the story as a whole, it is one I greatly enjoyed. However, there are things that are not very well-achieved in my opinion. For example the dialogues: they are childish, shallow and simple. The lack of courtesy is unrealistic as the book is considered to be a Regency/Historical novel. However, the characters are well-developed and likable. The second part of the book is better than the first.
I would have liked to read Edwin’s point of view. I think it would have enriched the story a great deal.
I liked the extended epilogue where the author gave us a speck of Lydia and Edwin’s lives along with Ellen and Bartley’s and Jenny and Reggy’s.
I would definitely like to read more stories by this author.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book provided by Hidden Gems.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this novel a lot, but it could have used a little more research of the era. Edwin and Lydia spent entirely too much time together unchaperoned. I hope Hanna Hamilton will conduct more research on her next novel so it can be historically accurate.

I found the heroine, Lydia Fernside to be strong and independent. The hero, Edwin Templeton was a bit of a heel if you ask me. I had a love/hate relationship with his character. I don't know why Lydia didn't crack Edwin upside the head at times.

Due to reduced finances with her family, Lydia is forced to go to live with her aunt as her companion. There she meets Edwin, Duke of Shropshire, who insists he call him Edwin instead of Your Grace. Not atypical for the time period. They spend time together when Edwin finds out Lydia knows a lot about horticulture and Edwin is trying to build an arboretum on his land.

The story is a bit drawn out with a few excess characters, but enjoyable. If you like clean, historical romances you should like this one. Pick up a copy and find out for yourself. Enjoy!

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet Regency romance, this book didn't follow the rules of the period, but it nevertheless was an enjoyable story. When Lydia finds herself thrust out of her home because of debt, her life begins to evolve in a new and interesting dimension. As her aunt's housekeeper, she begins to discover new friends but when the Duke of Shropshire takes note of her and her interest in horticulture, her life takes a new turn. The Duke dispenses with formalities and insists that Lydia call him by his first name. When she begins to fall in love with him, Lydia realises that it is a pipe dream as he has a heritage to uphold and duties to perform. The book depicts English country living and the ebb and flow of life in a rural setting. Some of the strict rules of the period weren't observed and language had a more modern feel to it. Nevertheless it was an enjoyable romance. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Candy Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved, loved this story. It is fresh and a touch different. Lydia is the daughter of a vicar and just wants to read or work in her garden. The duke of Shopshire, is unconventional and such a nice man. He enjoys Horticulture and has big plans for his estate. Lydia is forced from her home because of money and moves in with her aunt.
This is a heart warming and frustrating tale of unrequited love. The descriptions are excellent and the characters are true to life. The plot covers betrothals, death and even love. It is a little complex in that the duke is broke and his mother tries to force him into a betrothal. The author handled this story extremely well, her style is smooth, precise, and even paced. She fills in all the questions you might have. It is truly a lovely book and I am so glad I got the chance to read it.
I received this book and voluntarily reviewed it.

[Sheila Wellworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the book! This was such a sweet and romantic story. Lydia, a Vicar's daughter, was the last daughter left at home unmarried, after her sisters both married and moved out. Her parents, in financial difficulties, tell her she needs to move out and find a new living situation. So she goes far from home to live with her Aunt; and while she's living with her Aunt she makes new friends and discovers she can make a whole new life for herself. It's such a sweet story, it's well written and fun. Action packed and a real page turner. I couldn't put it down. The characters are great, they are all interesting and engaging. And such a romantic ending! It was a most enjoyable read, a cover to cover. Another great book by Hanna Hamilton.

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[Laila Viking · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love regency stories and this one did not disappoint. I love strong heroins and characters.
This story has a lot of chemistry between the main characters and lots of romance.
It is very well written and the author has done her homework before writing. She has examined the background for the story very well.
The storyline flows so well through the story that you just have to read on to the end. The characters are so well described that you almost feel you are with them in the story.
I cannot wait to read what comes next.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book

[Laila Viking · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love regency stories and this one did not disappoint. I love strong heroins and characters.
This story has a lot of chemistry between the main characters and lots of romance.
It is very well written and the author has done her homework before writing. She has examined the background for the story very well.
The storyline flows so well through the story that you just have to read on to the end. The characters are so well described that you almost feel you are with them in the story.
I cannot wait to read what comes next.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book

[BP34 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lydia Fernside family fell on hard times and she was forced to go live with her demanding aunt. While there she had the pleasure of meeting the Duke of Shropshire. The story is told from her point of view so we don't get Edwin's side. His mother forbids him to have any relationship with Lydia because of the difference in their social standings. This was a historical romance and moved a little slow for my taste. It was a clean Regency romance. I received an arc copy and voluntarily chose to review this book.

[Book Him Danno · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful romance with likeable characters and a good solid storyline. An easy read that can be finished in two days without a problem. The main story take place in Shropshire which is an area I am not familiar with but it did not detract from the storyline for me. I was also pleased that there was not any pages of unnecessary sex scenes to detract from the story.

I have rated this book 4 stars and would read other offerings from this author.

I obtained this book from Amazon in Kindle format.

Thank you Frank for your review

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Edwin is in a pickle, his estate needs money and the girl he cares for Lydia has no money. Lydia has not been able to find someone she really cares about and is disappointed by men over and over again. Edwin is one of them, though they work closely together on making his orchard thrive being together is agony. When she leaves on a trip with his sister, Lydia has given up on him. Edwin will need to decide if love or money is more important. I received a complimentary copy and I am voluntarily reviewing.

[Miranda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I recieved this book in exchange for an honest review.

There was great potential for this book but it fell a bit short for me. Edwin was so wishy washy. First declaring he cared for Lydia then taking his title seriously and saying he had to marry who his mother wanted him to marry.
Lydia, although a decent female character, just kept taking it and taking and not doing anything about it. She should of taken a page out of her friend Jenny's book and said how it should be a bit more.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful written

I have read so many books you would not believe me if I told you. So many in the era. And this is my first book written without the steamy and other goodies I love to read in my books. And this story held my attention from start to finish. You have been given a wonderful gift and blessing to have the ability to write and hold your readers attention.
I will you continue success and age group would enjoy reading the beautiful story. DH from New York City

[KRISTEN LAWRENCE · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable story

This was a simple pleasant story. Don't expect any surprises or complex character development. I couldn't give it a higher rating because there did seem to be several things out of character for that time. Like holding hands and some phrases of speech. The conclusion wrapped up with essentially no explanation. I did enjoy the book but it was pretty simplistic. Enjoyed that it was clean.

[Katie Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet Regency Romance

After a year of being courted, Lydia finds herself single. Not that she's disappointed, mind. But her mother is beside herself. Her Vicar father has not taken care with money, and now Lydia is to go stay and work for her elderly aunt. Who happens to be a companion of the Duchess. Whose son, the Duke, is quickly stealing Lydia's heart. Will she be enough? Can he love her?

[SylviaV · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is stated as being a historical regency romance story.
There was no attempt to adhere to any regency time period details, either by the behaviour of any of the characters nor the setting. There were so many things that jarred me out of the story that I was glad when I finally finished. I would suggest a re write to get some of the regency details correct or change the description and set it in another time period, or create an alternative universe in which to set this story.
2 stars.

[Sandra L. Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story. It had a believable story line. I enjoyed the twists and turns in the plot. I found the characters developed well enough to show their hurts and short comings while rubbing along some times politely, from good to bad to hard times. Please keep coming up with stories that give me a reason to keep hoping for a solution I can't see at first and gives the happy couple a reason for more story!