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The French Duchess
To save the man she loves she will sacrifice everything family, friends, honor . . . even her lifeWhen Marielle Petersham gives her heart to a man he dies. Then a small indiscretion destroys her reputation and her chance at true love. When the British government sends a former beau to investigate her connections with France, she's torn between fury and longing for a man she should not love.Captain Richard Campion desired her once, but she rejected him. He dare not trust her with his love a second time. Convinced she is plotting a royal assassination, he must see her hang for treason, even if it breaks his heart again.Will he learn the truth before it's too late, or will betrayal see them both dead?The French Duchess is a non-stop, high stakes historical romance adventure. Get your copy today.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 25, 2017
About the author
Rue Allyn
55 books109 followersAward winning romance author, Rue Allyn has a life long passion for happy ever after. She lives south of the border with her husband of more than forty years and their cat, Tonto. She has two sons and is a proud veteran of the US Navy. She writes heart melting romance in all sub-genres, but her favorite is historical romance, especially medieval. Subscribe to Rue’s News where you may learn more about Rue and receive a FREE download. https://www.rueallyn.com/subscriber-e...
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 10, 2019
. I loved the interesting detailed story and look forward to reading more by this author. From England to France with lots of history. Lots of interesting complex characters. Suspense and romance in a nice mix this book will keep you wanting more.
September 27, 2022
Regency and Historical Author Rue Allyn does it again bringing readers a fascinating story of adventure and intrigue featuring the French Duchess of Stonegreave Marielle, her cousin Renee, and Richard the one whom she loves. A very evil man Malveix is chasing them, and of all people it is Napolean Bonaparte who comes to their aid. This novel richly weaves historical fact into Rue Allyn's exciting and intriguing story. This is a great book! I highly recommend it.
August 10, 2018
Rue Allyn does an excellent job of weaving intrigue, suspense and romance together for a nonstop read until the last page. The story begins in London, 1814 and travels to France during the final reign of Napoleon. Captain Sir Richard Campion is asked to visit Marielle Petersham, the Duchess of Stonegreave and determine if she has become a spy for Napoleon. Richard had been friends with Marielle, who was to have wed his good friend Jennings before Jennings was killed in battle. Visiting her was the last thing he wanted to do because of how Jennings had died and the rumors of her scandalous behavior with another man. Mari is headed to France to find her cousin Rene, who her aunt thinks is going to attempt to poison Bonaparte. So Richard goes with her and the adventure begins. Mari and Richard's characters are well developed and I loved the back and forth between them. Of course Richard does not trust Marianne, but he cannot help his attraction for her.
Prepare to be entertained and follow this journey to see if there can be a happy ending for the two. You will not be disappointed!!
Prepare to be entertained and follow this journey to see if there can be a happy ending for the two. You will not be disappointed!!
September 17, 2022
The French Duchess
Rue Allyn
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rue Allyn brings us a fantastic book that is rich with historical facts and rich with love. This book has a great plot that is well put together and has secrets that you won't see comming. I've never been a fan of anything that has to do with Bonaparte, but I have to admit this book was definitely interesting. All in all if you are a fan of mixing history with romance and suspence look no further this is the book for you. Ms. Allyn I truly enjoyed this book and can't wait to dive into the next one and read it.
Rue Allyn
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rue Allyn brings us a fantastic book that is rich with historical facts and rich with love. This book has a great plot that is well put together and has secrets that you won't see comming. I've never been a fan of anything that has to do with Bonaparte, but I have to admit this book was definitely interesting. All in all if you are a fan of mixing history with romance and suspence look no further this is the book for you. Ms. Allyn I truly enjoyed this book and can't wait to dive into the next one and read it.
September 8, 2017
Marielle Petersham, Duchess of Stonegreave, retired from society after a particularly notorious indiscretion, the ton has dubbed her the French Duchess. She’s trying to restore the family name & wants to avoid further scandal at all costs. Captain Sir Richard Campion despises his childhood friend Mari for the mess she made of her life, especially since it led to his best friend’s death. But now Richard has been tasked by the Crown to stop a plot to assassinate King Louis that could plunge Europe back into war. Marielle is the one person who holds a clue to the plotters, and so he must seek her out and discover where her loyalties lie, even if it involves a bit of subterfuge, he then learns that there’s also a plot to assassinate Napoleon before he begins his exile on Elba.
A very enjoyable read that had lots of action, which was kept up throughout the book. The characters were well developed. Mari has been manipulated for years, Richard thinks the worst of her but his opinion is gradually changed as they spend more time together. Mari does find herself in dangerous situations but does try to extricate herself however Richard does play the part of knight in shining armour at times. A well written book that kept me turning the pages, I took the historical events for what they were – fiction. I look forward to more from the author
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
A very enjoyable read that had lots of action, which was kept up throughout the book. The characters were well developed. Mari has been manipulated for years, Richard thinks the worst of her but his opinion is gradually changed as they spend more time together. Mari does find herself in dangerous situations but does try to extricate herself however Richard does play the part of knight in shining armour at times. A well written book that kept me turning the pages, I took the historical events for what they were – fiction. I look forward to more from the author
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
September 1, 2017
Though it is set for release on September 25, 2017, reading this book was a charming if not an interesting way to pass my afternoon.
The book's leads are Richard and Mari who find themselves crossing the sea, traveling to and from England and France to stop an assassination attempt on Napoleon.
What begins as mistrust on Richard's part soon turns out to be a negative perception and the more time he spends with Mari, the more he realizes just how harsh the English society has been on her following the death of her husband, who was Richard's friend.
It's a historical romance and therefore it was no surprise that Mari would play the role of damsel in distress and Richard would be the knight in shining armor who would fall hopelessly in love with her. What I did come to appreciate was that Mari, though, she found herself in desperate situations, she did everything she could to try and get out of them by her own will. She was not as witty and cautious as Richard, especially in handling sensitive matters but her promptness at jumping into action made this quite the thrill.
I am in a romance mood this week, taking in as much as I can on love, passion and lust before diving into other genres and this was a great way to end my romance streak :-)
I did receive an advance uncorrected readers copy in exchange for my honest views and let's just say that it was a great read,however if you expect a serving of something steamy between Richard and Mari, I'd say you ought to hold your horses on that one. Nonetheless you'll enjoy their company as they set out on the mission.
The book's leads are Richard and Mari who find themselves crossing the sea, traveling to and from England and France to stop an assassination attempt on Napoleon.
What begins as mistrust on Richard's part soon turns out to be a negative perception and the more time he spends with Mari, the more he realizes just how harsh the English society has been on her following the death of her husband, who was Richard's friend.
It's a historical romance and therefore it was no surprise that Mari would play the role of damsel in distress and Richard would be the knight in shining armor who would fall hopelessly in love with her. What I did come to appreciate was that Mari, though, she found herself in desperate situations, she did everything she could to try and get out of them by her own will. She was not as witty and cautious as Richard, especially in handling sensitive matters but her promptness at jumping into action made this quite the thrill.
I am in a romance mood this week, taking in as much as I can on love, passion and lust before diving into other genres and this was a great way to end my romance streak :-)
I did receive an advance uncorrected readers copy in exchange for my honest views and let's just say that it was a great read,however if you expect a serving of something steamy between Richard and Mari, I'd say you ought to hold your horses on that one. Nonetheless you'll enjoy their company as they set out on the mission.
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July 31, 2018💝FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (7/31/2018)!💝
June 10, 2022
1 1/2 stars I'm squeaking up to 2 because I want to be kind. There might have been an interesting story in here at first. I'd just read a cute novella by this author in a recent anthology, and I do like twisty spy/action romances. Unfortunately, I was not expecting typos, misplaced punctuation, weak characterization, plot inconsistencies, and little historical fact.
Where do I start? Not even the blurb is accurate. The h was close friends with her fiance, but she didn't love him romantically. There is never a discussion of a past love relationship with H, either, and H doesn't hate h because she rejected him. H was friends with both h and her fiance, and he's supposedly convinced that she upset their mutual friend to the point that he started taking chances in battle, leading to his death, or some such nonsense. The h's "small indiscretion" was actually a big one, involving the death of her father; she was set up by the bad guy who made it look like she was cheating on her fiance. The bad guy has been obsessively stalking her family for years, but somehow British intelligence is unaware of this fact. The H, who has no experience at all as a spy, gets assigned the case even though he's the 2nd or 3rd or maybe 4th choice, because everyone else is busy. Huh.
Never mind.
I don't usually give away spoilers, but I'm going to here, because I'm irritated. By the end, the H's anger makes no sense at all, because he discloses to h that her fiance believed she was loyal. All of H's suspicions were just because he was grieving.
So like an idiot, H convinced himself that the nasty gossip about h was true and spends most of the book casting aspersions on her while he's teamed up with her to foil a possible assassination on Napoleon. It's her fault he wants her. When he walks into her room without knocking and she's half-dressed, he blames her for being half-dressed. When he kisses her, he blames her for partaking and clouding his brain. He also blames her for being pawed by the bad guy because she went out on a balcony alone. He's so condescending that he doesn't understand why she won't marry him, because after all, he's forgiven her for all of her missteps. What the bad guy did to her "could have happened to any woman left with no one to guide her."
Just ugh.
There is no sense of emotion or affection between H/h, let alone love. The h starts off rude, then as the book goes on she blames herself for various bad things that have happened. Because H does.
The worst scene: when H/h pose as a married couple, he gets jealous, and he tells her she needs marital "instruction"; after all, it's all her fault for getting him all hot and bothered. She begs him for sex. He doesn't attempt any kind of precautions and afterward halfheartedly offers to marry her if she ends up pregnant. (How romantic.) This happens right before they run into Napoleon and h has a talk with him about being his assassin.
The plot only becomes more chaotic and convoluted as it goes on.
Anyway, the h's brother Rene is sort of likable.
It looks like the author will soon be coming out with a follow-up to this book. I hope it's much, much better.
Where do I start? Not even the blurb is accurate. The h was close friends with her fiance, but she didn't love him romantically. There is never a discussion of a past love relationship with H, either, and H doesn't hate h because she rejected him. H was friends with both h and her fiance, and he's supposedly convinced that she upset their mutual friend to the point that he started taking chances in battle, leading to his death, or some such nonsense. The h's "small indiscretion" was actually a big one, involving the death of her father; she was set up by the bad guy who made it look like she was cheating on her fiance. The bad guy has been obsessively stalking her family for years, but somehow British intelligence is unaware of this fact. The H, who has no experience at all as a spy, gets assigned the case even though he's the 2nd or 3rd or maybe 4th choice, because everyone else is busy. Huh.
Never mind.
I don't usually give away spoilers, but I'm going to here, because I'm irritated. By the end, the H's anger makes no sense at all, because he discloses to h that her fiance believed she was loyal. All of H's suspicions were just because he was grieving.
So like an idiot, H convinced himself that the nasty gossip about h was true and spends most of the book casting aspersions on her while he's teamed up with her to foil a possible assassination on Napoleon. It's her fault he wants her. When he walks into her room without knocking and she's half-dressed, he blames her for being half-dressed. When he kisses her, he blames her for partaking and clouding his brain. He also blames her for being pawed by the bad guy because she went out on a balcony alone. He's so condescending that he doesn't understand why she won't marry him, because after all, he's forgiven her for all of her missteps. What the bad guy did to her "could have happened to any woman left with no one to guide her."
Just ugh.
There is no sense of emotion or affection between H/h, let alone love. The h starts off rude, then as the book goes on she blames herself for various bad things that have happened. Because H does.
The worst scene: when H/h pose as a married couple, he gets jealous, and he tells her she needs marital "instruction"; after all, it's all her fault for getting him all hot and bothered. She begs him for sex. He doesn't attempt any kind of precautions and afterward halfheartedly offers to marry her if she ends up pregnant. (How romantic.) This happens right before they run into Napoleon and h has a talk with him about being his assassin.
The plot only becomes more chaotic and convoluted as it goes on.
Anyway, the h's brother Rene is sort of likable.
It looks like the author will soon be coming out with a follow-up to this book. I hope it's much, much better.
September 16, 2017
This is a charming book with charming lead characters. Their charm and like-ability is what turns this into a likable read for a escapist evening in the tub with bubbles. (Or wherever you escape to.)
Why only three stars?
The villains were a little too cookie cutter for me -- I'd like them to be a little more complex -- I had trouble believing their motivations, coincidences and backstories. And all the crossing and double crossing was a little much at times. Also, all of them don't get tidied up in the end, will they show up in the sequel?
The hero/heroine and their VERY convenient sidekicks have all the right skills (and weapons) at all the right times. #costumes #lockpicking #sharpshooters
I found myself playing amateur historian -- when was the rifle invented, would they serve lemonade at a wharf pub, how realistic is this version of Napoleon? How did her title pass to her? Would our hero end up in the House of Lords if he marries her?
Also, there is lot of cross dressing as plot device.
And a lot of French words in italics, often unclear who is speaking English or French.
There is a little bit of sexy time but it left me with more questions and seemed mildly out of character. #nottoosteamy
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Why only three stars?
The villains were a little too cookie cutter for me -- I'd like them to be a little more complex -- I had trouble believing their motivations, coincidences and backstories. And all the crossing and double crossing was a little much at times. Also, all of them don't get tidied up in the end, will they show up in the sequel?
The hero/heroine and their VERY convenient sidekicks have all the right skills (and weapons) at all the right times. #costumes #lockpicking #sharpshooters
I found myself playing amateur historian -- when was the rifle invented, would they serve lemonade at a wharf pub, how realistic is this version of Napoleon? How did her title pass to her? Would our hero end up in the House of Lords if he marries her?
Also, there is lot of cross dressing as plot device.
And a lot of French words in italics, often unclear who is speaking English or French.
There is a little bit of sexy time but it left me with more questions and seemed mildly out of character. #nottoosteamy
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2017
2.5 Stars
I found this book enjoyable albeit a little slow. It took me a while to get into the Mari's and Richard's story. The plot revolves around their platonic like to hate to love relationship. While there is adventure and suspense as the synopsis hints, I would have preferred more.
I did not find Napoleon's part in all this believable. This is historical fiction, but much of the events are pulled from true history (as is the case surrounding this plot: an assassination attempt (false) of Napoleon before he can surrender). I feel his portrayal didn't stay true to his character.
I did like the roles Mari and Richard donned throughout the story. They played off of each other well, even when they didn't like each other. The "bad guys" in all of this were a little caricature for my liking. Too much talking about the why and how instead of just being mysterious and evil.
However, I enjoyed Mari's cousin, Rene. I could see him getting his own book if this turns into a series and I'd be interested to see what personality his love interest would have.
I found this book enjoyable albeit a little slow. It took me a while to get into the Mari's and Richard's story. The plot revolves around their platonic like to hate to love relationship. While there is adventure and suspense as the synopsis hints, I would have preferred more.
I did not find Napoleon's part in all this believable. This is historical fiction, but much of the events are pulled from true history (as is the case surrounding this plot: an assassination attempt (false) of Napoleon before he can surrender). I feel his portrayal didn't stay true to his character.
I did like the roles Mari and Richard donned throughout the story. They played off of each other well, even when they didn't like each other. The "bad guys" in all of this were a little caricature for my liking. Too much talking about the why and how instead of just being mysterious and evil.
However, I enjoyed Mari's cousin, Rene. I could see him getting his own book if this turns into a series and I'd be interested to see what personality his love interest would have.
September 9, 2017
I am voluntarily submitting my honest review after receiving an ARC of this ebook from NetGalley.
This novel is an entertaining romp through the dangerous and unstable last days of Napoleon's reign. Centered around a fictional plot to assassinate Napoleon before he can be sent into exile, this novel plays fast and loose with the historical record, but I find it hard to find that too objectionable as the novel is fiction and does not purport to be anything else. Those seeking educational material on the Napoleonic Wars and any assassination plots would be better served by the reference section. That said, without giving away any spoilers, there are too many coincidences, fortuitous occurrences, etc. that simply require too much suspension of disbelief for this novel to live up to its full potential. The main characters are well-developed and have great chemistry, however, some of the minor players are almost caricatures of what villains, servants, etc. would be. Overall, this novel is a fun, light read, good for fans of historical romance looking to while away a lazy afternoon.
This novel is an entertaining romp through the dangerous and unstable last days of Napoleon's reign. Centered around a fictional plot to assassinate Napoleon before he can be sent into exile, this novel plays fast and loose with the historical record, but I find it hard to find that too objectionable as the novel is fiction and does not purport to be anything else. Those seeking educational material on the Napoleonic Wars and any assassination plots would be better served by the reference section. That said, without giving away any spoilers, there are too many coincidences, fortuitous occurrences, etc. that simply require too much suspension of disbelief for this novel to live up to its full potential. The main characters are well-developed and have great chemistry, however, some of the minor players are almost caricatures of what villains, servants, etc. would be. Overall, this novel is a fun, light read, good for fans of historical romance looking to while away a lazy afternoon.
September 25, 2022
Spies, and one determined duchess, lead this action packed plot! Ton gossip scorned Mari for her perceived infidelity and loose morals. She's trying to restore her family's honor. A childhood "friend," shows up and her cousin Rene does the unthinkable ...
Liked the chutzpah, strength and loyalty Mari displayed. Richard was too judgemental, while Rene was easily lead. Some phrases repeated too often, though all came together. A good, historically enlightening, read. 3 1/2stars.
Voluntarily read ARC for honest review.
Liked the chutzpah, strength and loyalty Mari displayed. Richard was too judgemental, while Rene was easily lead. Some phrases repeated too often, though all came together. A good, historically enlightening, read. 3 1/2stars.
Voluntarily read ARC for honest review.
January 23, 2023
The French Duchess: A Regency Era Second Chance Romance (Success Series Book 1) Rue Allen
A very intriguing, exciting and daring book. Full of danger and discovering of romance between former childhood friends. Richard and Mari are thrown in with spies, enemies and traitors, all while find the love for each other. Though my enjoyable book for all lovers of regency and romance.
A very intriguing, exciting and daring book. Full of danger and discovering of romance between former childhood friends. Richard and Mari are thrown in with spies, enemies and traitors, all while find the love for each other. Though my enjoyable book for all lovers of regency and romance.
February 1, 2018
“The French Duchess” is historical romance lush with details of intrigue and adventure.
Read full review in the 2018 February issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2018 February issue of InD'tale Magazine.
January 27, 2023
A great story, lots of intrigue and enjoyed the romance that built between Marielle and Richard.
September 27, 2022
Wonderful book. The historical references and detail seemed especially really. Malveux was awfully, but a well written character.
Richard and Mari make an excellent couple as they are both strong and clever. Trust is the issue! Enjoyed reading then work through each challenge.
History is always so interesting and when you throw in romance, interesting plots and characters, it makes for a good book!
I found it an easy read and hard to put down once I started. Highly recommend. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed
Richard and Mari make an excellent couple as they are both strong and clever. Trust is the issue! Enjoyed reading then work through each challenge.
History is always so interesting and when you throw in romance, interesting plots and characters, it makes for a good book!
I found it an easy read and hard to put down once I started. Highly recommend. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed
October 8, 2018
What a story. Starts in England and goes to France at the end of Napoleon's reign. Hero fights his attraction for the heroine due to 2 things, she was to marry his best friend, who died, and rumors that she was a lover to another. The words between the two, the history, Napoleon. What more could you ask for?
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews