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To Love A Duke: A Regency Romance
Was it a lie or just an evening's amusement? Emma, a young seamstress, is suddenly thrust into the high society, high-intrigue world of dukes, duchesses and high-class snobbery. Owen, the Duke of Leyton, is being pressured by his mother, the dowager countess, to marry her best friend's daughter, a woman Owen is sure will make him miserable. But, as a dutiful son, he is resigned to his fate until the night he meets a beautiful, flaming red-haired mystery woman who makes his heart beat wildly. Will sparks fly between the Duke and Emma? Will they fall in love? Will they be able to fight the forces that work to keep them apart? Will they find forever happiness?
- GenresHistorical Romance
101 pages, ebook
Published April 22, 2019
12 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 24, 2019
Sometimes fate seems to bring two people together and such is the case with Emma Cooper, a seamstress, learning her trade and Owen, the Duke of Leyton. Owen is being pressured by his mother to marry the daughter of her best friend. But he knows they would not be happy so when he meets a gorgeous, mysterious woman, he knows she may be the one!
A Cinderalla story that is short and sweet, but ejoyable !
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A Cinderalla story that is short and sweet, but ejoyable !
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 1, 2019
Cinderella👑 Novella📚
This is a quick and very sweet novella written in the Cinderella style. The story is about a young seamstress who goes to crash a ball, just for one night of splendor and wonder, and meets Prince Charming👑, in this instance, a Duke.......
ARC Received from Book Siren📚
I also got This book with KU.
The book is well written, short and sweet!
This is a quick and very sweet novella written in the Cinderella style. The story is about a young seamstress who goes to crash a ball, just for one night of splendor and wonder, and meets Prince Charming👑, in this instance, a Duke.......
ARC Received from Book Siren📚
I also got This book with KU.
The book is well written, short and sweet!
May 6, 2019
I was given a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
This book was very ‘Cinderella’ - the poor girl goes to the ball. I found it to contain mainly dialogue and missed opportunities for setting the scene to allow the reader to visualise the characters and setting of the 18th century. The book was very short although easy to read if you have a spare hour or so to complete a book.
This book was very ‘Cinderella’ - the poor girl goes to the ball. I found it to contain mainly dialogue and missed opportunities for setting the scene to allow the reader to visualise the characters and setting of the 18th century. The book was very short although easy to read if you have a spare hour or so to complete a book.
July 28, 2019
To Love A Duke is the first book in Diana DeHaven's Finding Forever Love series. This story focuses on Emma, a young and orphaned seamstress, hard-working and hoping for the recognition she deseverves for her talents.
The Duke of Leyton, Owen, see a red-haired beauty from across the ballroom and feels an instant draw to her. From there it is love-at-first-sight.
It is very much a Cinderalla story. A working class woman (Emma) gains entry to a prestigous ball with the aid of a georgous and borrowed gown for one night of adventure. Her humble and unassuming nature snags the attention of the highest ranked man in the room (Owen).
It was merely one night to see how the other half lives and she is prepared to leave it at that. But he continues to seek out her company and her friend convinces her to give him a chance. The two grow closer, but will she come clean before her lies are revealed? Will he be able to overlook her dishonesty?
This is may be a bit nit-picky of me, but the book could do with one more edit. There were a few instances of random minor typos and then one time when Alice's name is mistakenly changed to "Grace."
I must say, I find it hard to believe that young ladies, trained from birth to overlook servants and staff, would be able to so easily recognize Emma and Alice as being the women who work a background employees at the dressmaker's shop.
The historical accuracy is lacking for me. But overall it is a sweet and enjoyable read. It's also a very quick read if you're looking for a fun and quick read and you're a fan of historical romances. This is a clean romance.
I would normally give this 3 stars, but as it is a novella and has less pages in which the story can grow, I give it 4 stars.
Many thanks to BookSirens and Diana DeHaven for sharing an electronic copy of this book with me for reviewing purposes. This is my honest review.
The Duke of Leyton, Owen, see a red-haired beauty from across the ballroom and feels an instant draw to her. From there it is love-at-first-sight.
It is very much a Cinderalla story. A working class woman (Emma) gains entry to a prestigous ball with the aid of a georgous and borrowed gown for one night of adventure. Her humble and unassuming nature snags the attention of the highest ranked man in the room (Owen).
It was merely one night to see how the other half lives and she is prepared to leave it at that. But he continues to seek out her company and her friend convinces her to give him a chance. The two grow closer, but will she come clean before her lies are revealed? Will he be able to overlook her dishonesty?
This is may be a bit nit-picky of me, but the book could do with one more edit. There were a few instances of random minor typos and then one time when Alice's name is mistakenly changed to "Grace."
I must say, I find it hard to believe that young ladies, trained from birth to overlook servants and staff, would be able to so easily recognize Emma and Alice as being the women who work a background employees at the dressmaker's shop.
The historical accuracy is lacking for me. But overall it is a sweet and enjoyable read. It's also a very quick read if you're looking for a fun and quick read and you're a fan of historical romances. This is a clean romance.
I would normally give this 3 stars, but as it is a novella and has less pages in which the story can grow, I give it 4 stars.
Many thanks to BookSirens and Diana DeHaven for sharing an electronic copy of this book with me for reviewing purposes. This is my honest review.
December 9, 2019
Emma Cooper, a mere seamstress, has an enchanted evening when she gets the chance to go to a ball being held at the Duke of Leyton's home. With the help of her dear friend Alice, they contrive a persona for Emma if anyone at the ball questions who she is or where she's from. It's only for one evening so there could be no harm, could there?
Owen, the Duke of Leyton, is mesmerized as soon as he sees Emma across the ballroom. Emma is the most beautiful woman he has ever seen and he wants nothing more than to spend time with her. But after she leaves the ball he discovers that her name wasn't on the list.
Alice hears that the Duke is searching for Emma and Emma asks Alice to go to the Duke and tell him she is leaving town early because her father is ill. The Duke, desperate to see Emma again, gets Alice to have Emma meet him again.
Owen invites Emma to his birthday ball, where he intends to propose. However, Lady Josephine, whom his mother had wanted him to marry, recognizes Emma and tells Owen that she is nothing but a seamstress and a liar. Owen, hurt and confused, tells Emma to leave.
Can Owen and Emma overcome the obstacles before them by their different social statuses? Or is their love for each other doomed?
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Owen, the Duke of Leyton, is mesmerized as soon as he sees Emma across the ballroom. Emma is the most beautiful woman he has ever seen and he wants nothing more than to spend time with her. But after she leaves the ball he discovers that her name wasn't on the list.
Alice hears that the Duke is searching for Emma and Emma asks Alice to go to the Duke and tell him she is leaving town early because her father is ill. The Duke, desperate to see Emma again, gets Alice to have Emma meet him again.
Owen invites Emma to his birthday ball, where he intends to propose. However, Lady Josephine, whom his mother had wanted him to marry, recognizes Emma and tells Owen that she is nothing but a seamstress and a liar. Owen, hurt and confused, tells Emma to leave.
Can Owen and Emma overcome the obstacles before them by their different social statuses? Or is their love for each other doomed?
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 2, 2019
I received a free Advanced Readers Copy (ARC) from the author on Booksirens in exchange for an honest review.
I was drawn to this book by the beautiful front cover, not the one shown here on Goodreads but one featuring a beautiful lady wearing a scarlet red ballgown descending a staircase.
The synopsis of this book is right up my street, and the book itself had a lovely Cinderella feel to it, rags to riches. The author uses beautiful description of characters and scenes throughout.
However, I did notice a few inaccuracies for instance the Dowager Duchess describes Lady Josephine as has having "deep green eyes", whilst a few lines later her eyes are mentioned again by the Duke and they are most 'deep brown eyes he has ever seen'. Also, being an English reader I find it really hard to read Regency books written by an American author, purely because of the use of the Americanised English language, not a criticism to the author at all, just my personal preference. When reading about recency England and finding the word 'apologize' and 'finalize' in the text brings me back into the current century and for me this greatly distracted for the story.
I was drawn to this book by the beautiful front cover, not the one shown here on Goodreads but one featuring a beautiful lady wearing a scarlet red ballgown descending a staircase.
The synopsis of this book is right up my street, and the book itself had a lovely Cinderella feel to it, rags to riches. The author uses beautiful description of characters and scenes throughout.
However, I did notice a few inaccuracies for instance the Dowager Duchess describes Lady Josephine as has having "deep green eyes", whilst a few lines later her eyes are mentioned again by the Duke and they are most 'deep brown eyes he has ever seen'. Also, being an English reader I find it really hard to read Regency books written by an American author, purely because of the use of the Americanised English language, not a criticism to the author at all, just my personal preference. When reading about recency England and finding the word 'apologize' and 'finalize' in the text brings me back into the current century and for me this greatly distracted for the story.
July 23, 2019
I wasn't wild about this book. For one thing, I thought all of the characters sounded alike. I couldn't distinguish their tones or word choice enough to make them individual. Some language choice seemed a bit over-the-top, even for a historical romance. For instance, the butler at one point actually uses the phrase “commence swimmingly” when referring to the progress on the duke’s birthday bash. This story is a spin on Cinderella, with a seamstress as the heroine. After a very haughty Lady Josephine, whom the dowager duchess wants the duke to marry, accidentally dropped her invitation to the ball in the seamstress shop, Emma and her friend decided that it would be fun if Emma pretended to be a lady and went to the ball. This is a novella, so there wasn't much time for the romance between the duke and the pretend Lady Emma to develop. This story needed more room to breathe. Probably in just this little bit I've told you, you can imagine what was the big black moment in the book. So, it felt a little predictable.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com.
May 22, 2019
Emma Cooper is a young seamstress who is busy learning her trade when she is suddenly thrust into the high society, high-intrigue world of dukes, duchesses and high-class snobbery.
Owen, the Duke of Leyton, is being pressured by his mother, the dowager countess, to marry her best friend's daughter, a woman Owen is sure will make him miserable. But, as a dutiful son, he is resigned to his fate until the night he meets a beautiful, flaming red-haired mystery woman who makes his heart beat wildly.
Sparks fly when this unlikely couple meet. Owen is intrigued by Emma but will this unlikely couple find the magic they need to stay together.
This quick read is maybe just too short. I would have liked for it to delve deeper into a perhaps doomed relationship.
I gave it 3.75 (rounded up to 4) stars of 5. It is a sweet read that could be enjoyed by the younger set of romance readers.
I received a complimentary copy to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Owen, the Duke of Leyton, is being pressured by his mother, the dowager countess, to marry her best friend's daughter, a woman Owen is sure will make him miserable. But, as a dutiful son, he is resigned to his fate until the night he meets a beautiful, flaming red-haired mystery woman who makes his heart beat wildly.
Sparks fly when this unlikely couple meet. Owen is intrigued by Emma but will this unlikely couple find the magic they need to stay together.
This quick read is maybe just too short. I would have liked for it to delve deeper into a perhaps doomed relationship.
I gave it 3.75 (rounded up to 4) stars of 5. It is a sweet read that could be enjoyed by the younger set of romance readers.
I received a complimentary copy to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
November 29, 2019
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is a clean and short retelling of the "Cinderella" story. This story is about a seamstress named Emma, who goes to a ball and meets the Duke and falls in love. Overall, I liked the writing! This book is short, but the author was able to set up the story and provide the needed details in order to understand what drives the characters into their chosen actions. Because this book is short, the characters are not very complex or deep. The action throughout the book moves very fast and the big reveal and misunderstanding is resolved with a simple conversation and all is forgiven. The reader is introduced to other secondary characters, which will have their own stories in books to come. I would definitely recommend this book if you are interested in a different twist on the story of Cinderella without all the wicked stepmother or stepsisters or just need a quick and fluffy romance. This book is clean and appropriate for all ages!
October 15, 2019
This is a sweet love story. It is a novella so there is less description and more dialogue, which I think fits perfectly. Emma meets Owen under false pretenses but that doesn't stop the attraction. Emma meant to pretend for one night, but when Owen seeks her out she continues to meet him. I liked how Owen saw that Emma was different from other women and that was a big part of his attraction. When the deception is uncovered and Owen throws her out, it takes Owen awhile to realize he loves Emma and sets out to get her back. This is a fun, quick read and I found the ending very satisfying.
I received a free advance review copy and am voluntarily leaving this review.
I received a free advance review copy and am voluntarily leaving this review.
June 12, 2019
A cute regency-themed Cinderella story.
While solid, it does have a rather predictable story line and contained mostly dialogue over scenery description. I liked Emma as a heroine who wasn't already part of high society. However, I felt that Lady Josephine's character, as well as that of the Duke's mother, to be very cliched and shallow.
The idea was wonderful though and I encourage Diana to keep writing! There is so much potential!
I received a free eARC of this book from BookSirens in exchange for an honest review.
While solid, it does have a rather predictable story line and contained mostly dialogue over scenery description. I liked Emma as a heroine who wasn't already part of high society. However, I felt that Lady Josephine's character, as well as that of the Duke's mother, to be very cliched and shallow.
The idea was wonderful though and I encourage Diana to keep writing! There is so much potential!
I received a free eARC of this book from BookSirens in exchange for an honest review.
July 6, 2019
This is an 88 page novella that was way too short to tell a story like this. It is a Cinderella type story of a poor seamstress, Emma, who crashes a ball. A Duke, Owen, immediately falls in love with her and knows she is the one he must marry. It is too much of a stretch! I also found an error when the Duke describes the only thing he likes about the woman his mother picks out for him, Lady Josephine, is her eyes. His mother describes them as deep green eyes. A few pages later he describes them as deep brown eyes! I received an ARC for my honest review.
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August 5, 2019I enjoyed this Novella. The plot is very much a Cinderella storyline, predictable, but no less enjoyable. The novel is heavy on dialogue and some descriptive passages concerning setting would be nice, but this did not fully take away from the premise of the story. I enjoyed this book and I am going to read the next in the series because it is a comforting, relaxing and enjoyable romance novel. If you fancy an easy escapism read, this book is for you.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 22, 2019
It was a little short but excellent. Owen, Duke of Leyton was twenty-five and hounded by his mother to marry. She had picked Lady Josephine who was not who he wanted. He met Lady Emma Dunlop AKA Miss Emma Cooper at his mother's ball. She was beautiful, kind and loving. Emma had lied and told him she was the daughter of a Marquess when she was actually a seamstress.
It read well and the characters were fun. It was nice to see a non-titled woman get a break in this titled world. I highly recommend it for all ages.
I received this ARC from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.
It read well and the characters were fun. It was nice to see a non-titled woman get a break in this titled world. I highly recommend it for all ages.
I received this ARC from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.
May 22, 2019
A short and sweet novella. A Cinderella story with a twist. Very enjoyable. The characters had an instant connection and you were drawn into their story. Very well written and enjoyable. I would definitely recommend this to anyone wanting a quick and delightful story to read over a cuppa.
I received this as an arc and I am giving my honest review voluntarily
I received this as an arc and I am giving my honest review voluntarily
June 7, 2019
Clean and short historical romance. Enjoyed learning about Emma and Alice, especially regarding their lives as seamstresses. Found it Interesting how the book showcased the social (class) differences. Particularly the courage shown by the Duke. Loved the happily ever after!
I received an arc free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an arc free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 7, 2019
3.5 stars.
The book was heavy in dialogue but not in descriptions of the surroundings or action. The dialogue was well written and kept my attention. As a short story it was entertaining and super fluffy. Which is fine for a quick read while enjoying a cup of tea. Clean regency romance.
Rating: G
I received an advance review copy of this book but my review is voluntary and my honest opinion.
The book was heavy in dialogue but not in descriptions of the surroundings or action. The dialogue was well written and kept my attention. As a short story it was entertaining and super fluffy. Which is fine for a quick read while enjoying a cup of tea. Clean regency romance.
Rating: G
I received an advance review copy of this book but my review is voluntary and my honest opinion.
December 31, 2019
This is a Cinderella story. Emma finds a ticket to a ball and decides to borrow a dress from her employer and go to the ball. This story has so many flaws the author did not take into consideration, but this story is every little girl's dream; to fall in love with a man who can take you away from your hum-drum life.
August 9, 2021
I enjoyed this book.Emma is a seamstress that finds an invitation to the Duke of Leyton ball. Her friends encouage her to attend the ball. Pretending her name is something else she go to attend the ball. The book is alot like Cinderella story but with a twist to it.
I was given a complimentary copy via Booksirens. This is my honest unbiased opinion.
I was given a complimentary copy via Booksirens. This is my honest unbiased opinion.
May 21, 2019
A short story that will warm your heart...
A Cinderella story... young seamstress and a duke... a ball... some walk in the park... and the spark of the magic... love...
A story for all!
I received a free copy and this is my voluntary and honest review.
A Cinderella story... young seamstress and a duke... a ball... some walk in the park... and the spark of the magic... love...
A story for all!
I received a free copy and this is my voluntary and honest review.
July 27, 2019
A very sweet Cinderella story of a seamstress who gets a once in a lifetime chance to rub elbows with the upper class. I loved all the characters and the plot just wish it was a bit longer but still very good read. I received this story as an ARC in order to read and review voluntarily
November 29, 2019
Quick sweet clean rags to riches historical romance
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving a voluntary review
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving a voluntary review
June 12, 2020
This was a short fairy tale story and who doesn't like fairy tales! Great characters and story line.
July 3, 2019
Emma, a seamstress meets Own, a Duke. This meeting pushes young Emma into high society. Owen does not want to go through with an arranged marriage and happens upon a woman that is not a part of his world.
This Cinderella-esque novella was in one word - sweet. It's hard to develop the characters and plot fully in such a short read. I would have liked a bit more development as far as the relationship, but I think the author did a good job with what was provided. It just didn't leave room or time for me as a reader to become invested too heavily. I would recommend this novella to those who love sweet romance even young adult readers.
I received a copy of this novella in exchange for an honest review.
This Cinderella-esque novella was in one word - sweet. It's hard to develop the characters and plot fully in such a short read. I would have liked a bit more development as far as the relationship, but I think the author did a good job with what was provided. It just didn't leave room or time for me as a reader to become invested too heavily. I would recommend this novella to those who love sweet romance even young adult readers.
I received a copy of this novella in exchange for an honest review.
October 1, 2019
This novella was sweet but rather flat. The whole work had a fairy tale feel, and I often felt like I was reading the dialogue for a middle school play remaking the movie Ever After. The characters were two dimensional rather than full bodied, and exhibited stereotypical attitudes and actions. I believe this story could be better with a more in-depth, mature writing of the characters motives and personalities. It is difficult to come to love characters who don't feel real. I was intrigued by the idea of a seamstress breaking into the regency, but the execution was lacking. It was ok, but could have been significantly better.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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