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The American Duchess
THE DUTIFUL DAUGHTER
Young and lovely Tracy Bodmin was as spirited and independent as the America she came from-but love for her father made her yield to his heart's desire. Though William Bodmin had made his fortune in the New World, he dreamed of a title for his daughter in his native England-and his wealth won a marriage proposal to Tracy from the proud Duke of Hastings.
Thus it was that Tracy voyaged full-sail into the world of the aristocracy as wife to one of its most splendid lords. Behind she left Adam Lancaster, the handsome, rugged New Englander who adored her. Ahead lay fear and danger in the arms of a powerful, magnetic man whose mode of life and love she did not know...
Young and lovely Tracy Bodmin was as spirited and independent as the America she came from-but love for her father made her yield to his heart's desire. Though William Bodmin had made his fortune in the New World, he dreamed of a title for his daughter in his native England-and his wealth won a marriage proposal to Tracy from the proud Duke of Hastings.
Thus it was that Tracy voyaged full-sail into the world of the aristocracy as wife to one of its most splendid lords. Behind she left Adam Lancaster, the handsome, rugged New Englander who adored her. Ahead lay fear and danger in the arms of a powerful, magnetic man whose mode of life and love she did not know...
240 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 1, 1982
34 people are currently reading
157 people want to read
About the author
Joan Wolf
102 books368 followersJoan Wolf is a USA TODAY bestselling American writer, whose acclaimed Regency romances have earned her national recognition as a master of the genre. Her many historical and contemporary romances, some of which have been chosen as Literary Guild selections, have been highly praised by reviewers and authors alike.
Joan was born in 1951 and she grew up in the Bronx, New York. A former English teacher, she obtained a Bachelor's degree in Mercy College and Master in English and Comparative Literature at Hunter College. An avid rider and horse owner, Joan lives in Connecticut with her husband Joe and two grown children, Jay and Pam.
Joan was born in 1951 and she grew up in the Bronx, New York. A former English teacher, she obtained a Bachelor's degree in Mercy College and Master in English and Comparative Literature at Hunter College. An avid rider and horse owner, Joan lives in Connecticut with her husband Joe and two grown children, Jay and Pam.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 10, 2017
Defiantly a Good read.
The story not only tells the couple's love story but also gives us a glimpse of how a marriage can work during the ups and down with both of their cooperation.
Both of the characters are perfect in their own way. I have to say, Tracy is a vibrant heroine, whereas Adrian is one of the decent heroes I have ever read. So, Overall It was an enjoyable read for me.
The story not only tells the couple's love story but also gives us a glimpse of how a marriage can work during the ups and down with both of their cooperation.
Both of the characters are perfect in their own way. I have to say, Tracy is a vibrant heroine, whereas Adrian is one of the decent heroes I have ever read. So, Overall It was an enjoyable read for me.
October 4, 2019
This was a wonderful read with exquisite, well-researched accuracy. Ms. Wolf has created a wonderful Regency novel with an American heroine navigating the highest realm of British aristocracy. Bravo and highly recommended.
May 22, 2013
To be blunt, I found this book boring and pointless. There was a lot of angst, moping, and miscommunication, which culminated in a rushed misunderstanding at the end, followed by a rather abrupt wrap-up.
January 22, 2017
Pretty much a replica of Joan Wolf's Golden Girl without the murder whodunit.
January 3, 2011
Early Signet regency that strikes an unconventional tone.
Tracy Bodmin is an American heiress whose father brings her to London in order to score her a titled husband. Adrian, Duke of Hastings needs a wealthy wife in order to restore his own inheritance after two generations of profligacy by his father and grandfather. His aunt and Tracy's father conspire to get them together.
The two meet and decide to marry. In Tracy's case it is because her father is dying and she wants to grant him this last wish. In Adrian's case, well, he needs the money. But it really isn't that simple for either one of them. They actually like each other and, from the moment they meet, they are very attracted to each other. So while each enters the marriage for pragmatic (well, in her case, sentimental) reasons, they actually quickly become quite affectionate and fond of one another.
As this is a book about a marriage, rather than a courtship, much of the conflict doesn't actually come from the personality conflicts and mis-communication that is s normal enough in many married couple romances. No, what sets this book apart from other books, especially supposedly light regency romances is the inclusion of politics. Tracy and Adrian often clash and disagree on political issues.
Adrian is distinctly British nobility. He was born and bred a Duke and takes all that implies as his due. He doesn't notice servants, he is comfortable with the caste system even as he takes his place in the House of Lords seriously. Tracy, otoh, is distinctly American. She doesn't believe in the rights of the nobility. A person's worth isn't in what they've acquired through an accident of birth, but through hard work. She believes in equality and therefore is reluctant to curtsey to people of a higher rank than hers (of course once she becomes a Duchess it isn't an issue).
Wolf packs a surprising amount of class difference and political theory agita into this relatively slim book. Also, equally surprising is the amount of the American colonial cultural and political landscape is slipped into Tracy and Adrian's sometimes spirited discussions.
But it is Tracy's discontent is at the heart of the book. She feels the difference more keenly than Adrian. She is a fish out of water and even as she is falling deeper and deeper in love with her husband, she sometimes is overwhelmed with what she has done in marrying him. Added to that she spirals into a post-partum depression that makes even her smallest doubts seem large and unmanageable.
Even with all that, Wolf still manages to create a satisfying romance. Tracy and Adrian do fall in love and act like a couple who are truly falling in love. They do go through moments of doubt about each other and have some areas mis-communication, but Wolf constructs that really well. Their mis-communication isn't on the scale of an eye-rolling Grand Misunderstanding, but rather smaller, more believable moments of a new couple who are still working their way toward each other.
This is a nice underrated gem that I am glad to have stumbled across.
Tracy Bodmin is an American heiress whose father brings her to London in order to score her a titled husband. Adrian, Duke of Hastings needs a wealthy wife in order to restore his own inheritance after two generations of profligacy by his father and grandfather. His aunt and Tracy's father conspire to get them together.
The two meet and decide to marry. In Tracy's case it is because her father is dying and she wants to grant him this last wish. In Adrian's case, well, he needs the money. But it really isn't that simple for either one of them. They actually like each other and, from the moment they meet, they are very attracted to each other. So while each enters the marriage for pragmatic (well, in her case, sentimental) reasons, they actually quickly become quite affectionate and fond of one another.
As this is a book about a marriage, rather than a courtship, much of the conflict doesn't actually come from the personality conflicts and mis-communication that is s normal enough in many married couple romances. No, what sets this book apart from other books, especially supposedly light regency romances is the inclusion of politics. Tracy and Adrian often clash and disagree on political issues.
Adrian is distinctly British nobility. He was born and bred a Duke and takes all that implies as his due. He doesn't notice servants, he is comfortable with the caste system even as he takes his place in the House of Lords seriously. Tracy, otoh, is distinctly American. She doesn't believe in the rights of the nobility. A person's worth isn't in what they've acquired through an accident of birth, but through hard work. She believes in equality and therefore is reluctant to curtsey to people of a higher rank than hers (of course once she becomes a Duchess it isn't an issue).
Wolf packs a surprising amount of class difference and political theory agita into this relatively slim book. Also, equally surprising is the amount of the American colonial cultural and political landscape is slipped into Tracy and Adrian's sometimes spirited discussions.
But it is Tracy's discontent is at the heart of the book. She feels the difference more keenly than Adrian. She is a fish out of water and even as she is falling deeper and deeper in love with her husband, she sometimes is overwhelmed with what she has done in marrying him. Added to that she spirals into a post-partum depression that makes even her smallest doubts seem large and unmanageable.
Even with all that, Wolf still manages to create a satisfying romance. Tracy and Adrian do fall in love and act like a couple who are truly falling in love. They do go through moments of doubt about each other and have some areas mis-communication, but Wolf constructs that really well. Their mis-communication isn't on the scale of an eye-rolling Grand Misunderstanding, but rather smaller, more believable moments of a new couple who are still working their way toward each other.
This is a nice underrated gem that I am glad to have stumbled across.
September 21, 2015
Not quite the best of Joan..
Mainly cos Tracy comes off more insecure, insipid and boring than what Joan would want us to believe of her.
Adrian is interesting as a hero but Tracy is seriously not up there in the list of best heroines of Joan..
She seems quite abrasive,irrational and self centered..
And the plot is as boring as it is dragging.
Not something you want to read if you're looking for a good book from Joan!
Mainly cos Tracy comes off more insecure, insipid and boring than what Joan would want us to believe of her.
Adrian is interesting as a hero but Tracy is seriously not up there in the list of best heroines of Joan..
She seems quite abrasive,irrational and self centered..
And the plot is as boring as it is dragging.
Not something you want to read if you're looking for a good book from Joan!
January 5, 2012
Adorable. Charming. Awesome. Wonderful. Sweet. (Enough adjectives? All true, though.)
January 28, 2022
The American Duchess possesses the stereotypical historical romance plot plus something more. Basically, it’s about a duke returning from war, and he inherits his father estates only to find out his father gambled all the family money away. The duke needs money to pay off debts and restore his estates to what they once were so of course, an arranged marriage to a rich bride is the only solution. Typically, the bride has her own reasons for needing a husband. However, this is a book by Joan Wolf which means there’s going to be a twist. The bride is from America. That is where the fun begins in the story because the bride is not accustomed to the aristocratic world.
Tracy, the heroine, is from Salem Massachusetts; a girl after my own heart. I was born in Massachusetts, so I know the area she’s from quite well. I could only imagine leaving the only home I knew to live in a foreign place where everyone only called you “Your Grace”. Tracy did her best to adjust to her new role as the duke’s wife.
Adrian, the hero, did his best to accept Tracy for who she was. He didn’t expect her to change her opinions or political beliefs. Adrian was extremely busy, but he made time to get to know Tracy and make her welcome.
Adrian and Tracy went from strangers to husband and wife rapidly. However, they had a sweet budding romance that slowly grew throughout their marriage which helps the reader to be able relate and fall in love too. Their friendship was endearing while their romance was heartwarming. It wasn’t all smooth sailing that is for sure but that is what made the happily ever after more satisfying. I hate to say it because I’m a fan of the author, Joan Wolf, but I felt this story was a wee bit drawn-out. I understand though that I had to go through the emotional conflict of ‘does he/she really love me for me?’ to get to the ‘deep sigh’ of “I love you” moment. Considering they both married for two different reasons, I understood their insecurities.
The story as a whole held my interest from the first page to the last, giving me the feeling of not wanting to put it down until I did reach the final page. I encourage readers give The American Duchess a look and a try. I’m glad I did.
Tracy, the heroine, is from Salem Massachusetts; a girl after my own heart. I was born in Massachusetts, so I know the area she’s from quite well. I could only imagine leaving the only home I knew to live in a foreign place where everyone only called you “Your Grace”. Tracy did her best to adjust to her new role as the duke’s wife.
Adrian, the hero, did his best to accept Tracy for who she was. He didn’t expect her to change her opinions or political beliefs. Adrian was extremely busy, but he made time to get to know Tracy and make her welcome.
Adrian and Tracy went from strangers to husband and wife rapidly. However, they had a sweet budding romance that slowly grew throughout their marriage which helps the reader to be able relate and fall in love too. Their friendship was endearing while their romance was heartwarming. It wasn’t all smooth sailing that is for sure but that is what made the happily ever after more satisfying. I hate to say it because I’m a fan of the author, Joan Wolf, but I felt this story was a wee bit drawn-out. I understand though that I had to go through the emotional conflict of ‘does he/she really love me for me?’ to get to the ‘deep sigh’ of “I love you” moment. Considering they both married for two different reasons, I understood their insecurities.
The story as a whole held my interest from the first page to the last, giving me the feeling of not wanting to put it down until I did reach the final page. I encourage readers give The American Duchess a look and a try. I’m glad I did.
December 9, 2024
As an exploration of the realities and struggles of one of those title-marries-money marriages and how that might play out in real life, even if the two entering the marriage ended up falling as close to in love with each other as you can get in real life, AND as an exploration and exposition of the American/Anglo delicate political maneuvering and issues of the early 19th century, AND as a contrast of early 19th century American attitudes vs. early 19th century English attitudes and culture (upper crust/class, of course), it is brilliant.
As a romance, not so much.
I will say that she avoided the stereotypical overly tall, overly handsome, unlikely Hero in this one- he's of average height, is quite handsome, but not ridiculously so. And the heroine is pretty but not the most exquisitely perfect being the world has ever seen, just very pretty with an engaging manner.
All that said, their personal romantic journey felt pretty bland compared to just the difficulties of the h adjusting to her duties, navigating English society, and frankly the two had a crappy marriage from any modern point of view.
While this did have many misunderstandings, they were pretty naturally occurring, not dramatic, and none of them easily cleared up with a simple talk, unless the two newlyweds had been anything more than strangers till marrying. So it was realism, but didn't have enough romance to kind of even out the realism.
I also didn't like how much the heroine gave up of herself and her identity to marry the Hero, but that's an author's choice and very subjective which I try not to judge as long as all the character's choices are more or less in character.
Anyway, it's just pretty dry and boring. I only kept reading because I didn't have another new (to me) book to read yet lol.
As a romance, not so much.
I will say that she avoided the stereotypical overly tall, overly handsome, unlikely Hero in this one- he's of average height, is quite handsome, but not ridiculously so. And the heroine is pretty but not the most exquisitely perfect being the world has ever seen, just very pretty with an engaging manner.
All that said, their personal romantic journey felt pretty bland compared to just the difficulties of the h adjusting to her duties, navigating English society, and frankly the two had a crappy marriage from any modern point of view.
While this did have many misunderstandings, they were pretty naturally occurring, not dramatic, and none of them easily cleared up with a simple talk, unless the two newlyweds had been anything more than strangers till marrying. So it was realism, but didn't have enough romance to kind of even out the realism.
I also didn't like how much the heroine gave up of herself and her identity to marry the Hero, but that's an author's choice and very subjective which I try not to judge as long as all the character's choices are more or less in character.
Anyway, it's just pretty dry and boring. I only kept reading because I didn't have another new (to me) book to read yet lol.
January 4, 2026
Joan Wolf excels at weaving in elements of real history, and historical figures, and in a seamless way weaving in elements of historical setting and culture.
Tracy is an American heiress, whose dying father wants her to marry into the aristocracy. Adrian, Duke of Hastings, is trying to restore his estates and needs to marry money.
Both characters are a little too perfect and their love and relationship a bit too easy for me. Generally the story was meh, and mostly revolved around misunderstanding.
Not my favorite, but still a sweet story.
Tracy is an American heiress, whose dying father wants her to marry into the aristocracy. Adrian, Duke of Hastings, is trying to restore his estates and needs to marry money.
Both characters are a little too perfect and their love and relationship a bit too easy for me. Generally the story was meh, and mostly revolved around misunderstanding.
Not my favorite, but still a sweet story.
February 18, 2018
SPLENDID
What a surprisingly joy I found in this story. This is my very first time reading a book from this author. I love my historical romance with all her book was about, love. I lust for more explicit sex than this story provided, but it had no murder, mystery or mayhem and that counted over whelming as a powerful plus. I love my historical romance 2B about love and sex, period. Thank you Ms. Wolf, for a beautiful love story.
What a surprisingly joy I found in this story. This is my very first time reading a book from this author. I love my historical romance with all her book was about, love. I lust for more explicit sex than this story provided, but it had no murder, mystery or mayhem and that counted over whelming as a powerful plus. I love my historical romance 2B about love and sex, period. Thank you Ms. Wolf, for a beautiful love story.
November 14, 2022
Surprisingly similar to Golden Girl, which I read maybe a month ago? Arranged marriage, he's titled and she's wealthy, just missing the bonkers "attempted murder" subplot of the later book.
July 1, 2023
Wanted the confrontations of Tracy and Captain, felt it to be incomplete.
Needed an epilogue and more of romance and less of political maneuvering, but though i suppose this is the real portrayal of life of higher echelon of english society.
Overall an ok read, though i suppose the H was really the mature of the two.
Needed an epilogue and more of romance and less of political maneuvering, but though i suppose this is the real portrayal of life of higher echelon of english society.
Overall an ok read, though i suppose the H was really the mature of the two.
September 16, 2025
I really enjoyed this one, even though I didn’t care much for American politics (like in my previous read The Rebel and the Rose) and found American Duchess quite similar to Golden Girl. What made the difference? The characters felt more engaging, the tension and longing were stronger and the presence of the previous suitor added just the right touch of jealousy and drama.
November 7, 2020
Tracy first takes to Adrian for her dying father. The couple marry as strangers, fall in love. Can they work through mistaken expectations?
Typos: 22.12 put IS out
13.8 tha,t IS that
11.12 dearly IS clearly
/ IS I 10.18 hissed IS kissed 10.12 Alien IS Allen
Typos: 22.12 put IS out
13.8 tha,t IS that
11.12 dearly IS clearly
/ IS I 10.18 hissed IS kissed 10.12 Alien IS Allen
May 16, 2018
A longtime favorite
This is a classic fun romance read with characters you will love. I’ve been rereading it for 20 plus years.
This is a classic fun romance read with characters you will love. I’ve been rereading it for 20 plus years.
September 24, 2018
A good read. Strong characters, the dying father shtick nicely handled.
March 2, 2019
3.5 * It's a reread, but there's not much action. Fluffy beach read-not deep.
January 2, 2022
2.5 stars
May 13, 2022
This was pretty good except there was a bit too much of the political waffle and not enough ROMANCE.
December 10, 2023
I like this book with a strong American woman and the main female character.
November 5, 2021
Who knew they’d fall in love after they married. Soooo good
April 5, 2015
da www.sognipensieriparole.com
La trama di questo breve romanzo (appena 150 pagine) mi ha ricordato fortemente un libro letto qualche tempo fa (L’ereditiera americana di Daisy Goodwin – trovate la mia recensione qui: http://www.sognipensieriparole.com/20...) e che avevo amato moltissimo.
Ora, poiché il libro della Wolfe è uscito nel 1982 e quello della Goodwin nel 2010, direi che è invece il secondo ad essersi ispirato al canovaccio della Wolf.
Sì, perché in realtà, pur gradevole, a me sembra che quest’opera sia rimasta allo stato di canovaccio e che poi non sia stata adeguatamente sviluppata. Trama abbastanza scontata: il padre, borghese che ha fatto fortuna negli USA, torna per maritare l’unica figlia a un nobile inglese, ovviamente sull’orlo della bancarotta. Titolo nobiliare contro dote, sangue blu contro dollari preziosi.
All’inizio si parte bene, con una lei repubblicana convinta, che mal sopporta le differenze di ceto e le formalità dell’etichetta inglese, e un duca giovane, bello, ma azzimato. Poi però – una volta superato lo scoglio-matrimonio – la storia si ferma. Non ci sono più idee né sviluppi degni di nota. Uno continua a leggere, aspettandosi chissà cosa dall’arrivo dagli USA dell’ex di Tracy, ancora innamorato, o dalla discesa in politica del duca, e invece…
Finalino di maniera, insipido come un brodino dopo l’influenza.
La trama di questo breve romanzo (appena 150 pagine) mi ha ricordato fortemente un libro letto qualche tempo fa (L’ereditiera americana di Daisy Goodwin – trovate la mia recensione qui: http://www.sognipensieriparole.com/20...) e che avevo amato moltissimo.
Ora, poiché il libro della Wolfe è uscito nel 1982 e quello della Goodwin nel 2010, direi che è invece il secondo ad essersi ispirato al canovaccio della Wolf.
Sì, perché in realtà, pur gradevole, a me sembra che quest’opera sia rimasta allo stato di canovaccio e che poi non sia stata adeguatamente sviluppata. Trama abbastanza scontata: il padre, borghese che ha fatto fortuna negli USA, torna per maritare l’unica figlia a un nobile inglese, ovviamente sull’orlo della bancarotta. Titolo nobiliare contro dote, sangue blu contro dollari preziosi.
All’inizio si parte bene, con una lei repubblicana convinta, che mal sopporta le differenze di ceto e le formalità dell’etichetta inglese, e un duca giovane, bello, ma azzimato. Poi però – una volta superato lo scoglio-matrimonio – la storia si ferma. Non ci sono più idee né sviluppi degni di nota. Uno continua a leggere, aspettandosi chissà cosa dall’arrivo dagli USA dell’ex di Tracy, ancora innamorato, o dalla discesa in politica del duca, e invece…
Finalino di maniera, insipido come un brodino dopo l’influenza.
September 1, 2016
I'm slowly working my way through Joan Wolf's ebook backlist.
This was a quick and fun read, though not a standout one - the frankness of the h/h was a refreshing change from other regencies, and I'm a sucker for angst and insecurity in romances, of which there were spades here. A bit of a satisfying showdown at the end as well!
This was a quick and fun read, though not a standout one - the frankness of the h/h was a refreshing change from other regencies, and I'm a sucker for angst and insecurity in romances, of which there were spades here. A bit of a satisfying showdown at the end as well!
August 30, 2008
Romance novel from the early 80's when they weren't smutty & I was in a target age to read this trash. They all blur together, but if they'd been BAD reading I would have quit sooner.
February 23, 2014
An old Joan Wolf favorite I've read many times.
Read
December 9, 2016The hero bore resemblance to Golden Girl's lead(one of Miss Wolf's best work).
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews