A Historical Regency Romance Book - For the Love of a Duchess

I really enjoyed reading, "For the Love of a Duchess". It is a clean romance, which is such a wonderful find in this day and age. It is also well written with character development that grasps you from the first few pages. You feel what the heroine is feeling and care about the outcome. I was so invested, I had to stay up and finish the book. If you like historical romances you will love this book and this writer!

First, let me say that I did get a copy of this book for free. That being said, I really enjoyed this book. It was well written, well paced, and it kept me wanting to read more, even when I knew I had to get back to work. I have read a couple of Ms. Barton's books prior to this one, and I plan on reading more in the future.

I found this to be a great fast read. Finished in a day, meaning it kept my attention. I found the characters to be interesting and the storyline good, I enjoyed to read about a woman with feelings that she had to deal with, not get over them just because it’s expected or go against what seems like the reasonable feelings for any woman in that position during this time period.

I love it, it was unusual theme. You cannot predict what comes next. Eliza was real to me, with her feelings, fears. I really loved, that “all we can do now is live life as it is without looking backward.” I think it is 5 stars with the plus epilogue you can read online.

I really enjoyed this novel. It was not your typical girl meets guy or in this case guy meets duchess. You really see Eliza grow into herself - really enjoyed the extended epilogue. I love the resolution with the last villain and how Eliza grew to overcome Nella.

You Can't Always Get What You Want.....

How about your Earl daddy basically selling you to a wealthy older Duke? in order to get his Earldom out of debt and get the old crumbling mansion fixed up?

This is what happens to Eliza Ashton??, the daughter of the Earl of Bexley. He spends all the money on his son, the heir, then sees ?dollar signs when he looks at his smart, beautiful daughter.
It's all about the money, and Eliza?? soon figures out she is being sold to the fat old Duke? of Lytton to be his ?trophy wife. The Earl can guarantee his son a cushy life and out of debt with the huge purchase price he is getting.

Even Eliza's wannabe betrothed, Miles, turns into a money grubbing wimp. He was counting on her dowry to help out his family! What dowry?

Disheartened, disillusioned, and distrustful, Eliza?? turns her back on her family and Miles, and decides to make the best of the situation.

One good thing about the Duke's huge old estate, is that it comes replete with its very own attorney. Tall, blond, handsome and imposing, Daniel Winchester??? cuts an appealing figure to Eliza. At first, Daniel??? thinks Eliza?? is just a gold digger, until he realizes her father's financial circumstances forced her into the May- December marriage?.

Meanwhile, the Duke? isn't having any luck siring an Heir, probably because he has turned into a drunk, drinking copious amounts of brandy? everyday, all day long. The fact that he eats like a ?pig isn't helping either. He is clearly not happy with the way things are going with his new wife?.

Oh the trials and tribulations of being rich? and famous in Jolly Olde England!

ARC Received.

I loved this book because it shows that people of all stations in life have their problems, no one is immune. Money? doesn't buy happiness!

The first half, while a bit drawn out and could have definitely been condensed and not lost any of the plot or emotion, was a great build of story. The second half of this book was incredibly anticlimactic. I was actually a bit angry by the end. Every aspect of the story either fizzled or seemed unfinished.

I absolutely loved this book. Read it and the extended epilogue in one day! Aliza’s life felt so real from having to make sacrifices and deal with the situation she finds herself in and dealing with all the emotions she had never had to face before was exciting. There was never a slow chapter, it flowed perfectly!

I could not put this book down. The Heroine Lady Eliza Ashton shows us exactly what it is like to sacrifice for family and the Hero Daniel sweeps her off her feet and saves the lady in distress. Fantastic

Her conviction of how women were treated in that time period...I found myself agreeing with her through out the book...But glad she didn't suffer for finding true love in the end...Liked that she stood up to the maid in the end...Very good book...

The action starts right away, but it is too fast to get to know our heroine well enough to identify with her problems. Nice to know that she develops into a believeable person who can resolve her inner conflicts.

First, let me say that I did get a copy of this book for free. That being said, I really enjoyed this book. It was well written, well paced, and it kept me wanting to read more, even when I knew I had to get back to work. I have read a couple of Ms. Barton's books prior to this one, and I plan on reading more in the future.

I found this to be a great fast read. Finished in a day, meaning it kept my attention. I found the characters to be interesting and the storyline good, I enjoyed to read about a woman with feelings that she had to deal with, not get over them just because it’s expected or go against what seems like the reasonable feelings for any woman in that position during this time period.

I love it, it was unusual theme. You cannot predict what comes next. Eliza was real to me, with her feelings, fears. I really loved, that “all we can do now is live life as it is without looking backward.” I think it is 5 stars with the plus epilogue you can read online.

I really enjoyed this novel. It was not your typical girl meets guy or in this case guy meets duchess. You really see Eliza grow into herself - really enjoyed the extended epilogue. I love the resolution with the last villain and how Eliza grew to overcome Nella.

You Can't Always Get What You Want.....

How about your Earl daddy basically selling you to a wealthy older Duke? in order to get his Earldom out of debt and get the old crumbling mansion fixed up?

This is what happens to Eliza Ashton??, the daughter of the Earl of Bexley. He spends all the money on his son, the heir, then sees ?dollar signs when he looks at his smart, beautiful daughter.
It's all about the money, and Eliza?? soon figures out she is being sold to the fat old Duke? of Lytton to be his ?trophy wife. The Earl can guarantee his son a cushy life and out of debt with the huge purchase price he is getting.

Even Eliza's wannabe betrothed, Miles, turns into a money grubbing wimp. He was counting on her dowry to help out his family! What dowry?

Disheartened, disillusioned, and distrustful, Eliza?? turns her back on her family and Miles, and decides to make the best of the situation.

One good thing about the Duke's huge old estate, is that it comes replete with its very own attorney. Tall, blond, handsome and imposing, Daniel Winchester??? cuts an appealing figure to Eliza. At first, Daniel??? thinks Eliza?? is just a gold digger, until he realizes her father's financial circumstances forced her into the May- December marriage?.

Meanwhile, the Duke? isn't having any luck siring an Heir, probably because he has turned into a drunk, drinking copious amounts of brandy? everyday, all day long. The fact that he eats like a ?pig isn't helping either. He is clearly not happy with the way things are going with his new wife?.

Oh the trials and tribulations of being rich? and famous in Jolly Olde England!

ARC Received.

I loved this book because it shows that people of all stations in life have their problems, no one is immune. Money? doesn't buy happiness!

The first half, while a bit drawn out and could have definitely been condensed and not lost any of the plot or emotion, was a great build of story. The second half of this book was incredibly anticlimactic. I was actually a bit angry by the end. Every aspect of the story either fizzled or seemed unfinished.

I absolutely loved this book. Read it and the extended epilogue in one day! Aliza’s life felt so real from having to make sacrifices and deal with the situation she finds herself in and dealing with all the emotions she had never had to face before was exciting. There was never a slow chapter, it flowed perfectly!

I could not put this book down. The Heroine Lady Eliza Ashton shows us exactly what it is like to sacrifice for family and the Hero Daniel sweeps her off her feet and saves the lady in distress. Fantastic

Bridget Barton’s newest romance features a young woman with strength and intelligence. Forced by her family to renounce the engagement she was happy with and plunged into a marriage with a dissolute and abusive aging Duke, Eliza intended to live out her life unhappily doing her duty but not giving any more of herself to those involved in ruining her life. Betrayed by her family as she feels she is, and even by her love (who doesn’t fight for her once he finds his father doesn’t want him to marry where there is no large dowery forthcoming), Eliza finds her life as the Duchess of Lytton far worse than she could have imagined. Her husband is a cruel and vicious alcoholic who humiliates her both for not immediately becoming with child and for not loving him. Isolating her at the estate, his cruelty is mitigated only by her growing friendship with the Duke’s attorney Daniel, who pledges himself to keep her safe from physical harm. Add in a wicked, blackmailing ladies maid and poor Eliza’s misery is complete. Upon the death of her husband, Eliza begins the process of becoming the woman she needs to be, letting go of her fears and her resentments. But can she let go of those fears enough to discard the safe, comfortable life she could have with her ex-fiancé (who now wants her in his life again now that money is no longer an issue) in order to marry the strong, moral and devastatingly attractive man she fears to love too much?

For The Love Of A Duchess is much in the same vein as Ms Barton’s other romances, yet allows us an unusual glimpse into a young woman’s growth and introspection during a time of adversity...and finding out that in order to have the highest happiness, one must sometimes have had to experience the worst life can throw; that good can indeed be achieved after evil. A lovely story, well-written and thoughtful, with some engaging characters. Daniel comes across as intelligent and believable, Eliza as strong despite her many inner conflicts; and her two women friends are truly a delight. This is definitely a book well worth the quick read...be sure to download the extended epilogue, which rounds out the tale and answers all unresolved questions.

This is one intriguing spin. Not even the high mighty have that right. Talk about taking a long walk on a short pier. This knight doesn't hold a title. Bridget throws out a susper spinner that can have you up in arms and raging in a matter of seconds. Touc-hie. The characters are definitely at the top of list on this one. Personalities come alive with life altering fate. The scenes are stunningly graphic that paints a breathtaking majestic backdrop. Twists and turns abound with unexpected risks that keep you spellbound till the end. Great job Bridget, thanks for sharing this awesome read with us.

I received an ARC for this story.

The story of Daniel Winchester and Lady Eliza Ashton.....He’s the old Duke’s personal attorney and confidant. She’s the daughter of an Earl who’s near bankruptcy who wants Eliza to marry the old Duke who offered to save them from financial ruin. She’s already engaged to marry the love of her life, Miles but even Miles could not save her because he too is in need of a wealthy bride. Her dowry is not enough to save his estate. She’s devastated and hated her family for putting her in this dreadful marriage. The attorney was her only friend and her savior. It’s a heartbreaking and full of emotion love story with some twist. The H is a great man and the h is weak and wishy washy with her decisions. It’s wordy, repititious and a bit too long to get to the “HEA” ending. I love Bridget Barton’s books but I just could not get into this one. I would still recommend it though because it could just be me and my high expectations.

Bridget has done it again with this regency romance. Her characters are wonderful and the storyline even better. A young 19 year-old Eliza is as she puts it sold to an older Duke in order to keep her family from losing everything. At the time she had been engaged to Miles and she believed she could never love another. His betrayal, her family's betrayal all made for one strong character. The ups and downs she must go through shows her strength. Daniel, the Duke's attorney, is taken with her even after his first impression of her being a fortune hunter. As the story progresses, Eliza finds a friend in Daniel and someone to finally stand up for her. You really should read this to get the full effect of this one.

After reading "about this book" introduction I wasn't sure if I was going to like this book. I am a die hard historical romance enthusiast having read thousands. This book was far better than I anticipated. First off I admire anyone who even attempts to write a novel when so much can go wrong and everyone is a critic so why even put yourself out there. Bridget Barton did a fantastic job, her grammar, spelling where on point. The hardest part is the flow and ease of reading and following story/plot and nothing bad can be said in this area either. Great job Bridget! The reason I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5 was I wanted more character development. I wanted more view into the relationship between Elisa and Miles. They didn't act like two young people in love who had been torn apart. They both just seemed resigned to situation. I would have liked more interaction between the Duke and Elisa so had more insight into each of their thoughts and feelings. The same with Elisa and Daniel, I never got the feeling of unrequited love between them just that their relationship was convenient. Elisa was very isolated and unworldly before marriage, during and after. Other than a weekly bridge game she seemed to have no other interest, activities, hobbies, talents or duties. However, having said that I still enjoyed the book and would recommend it.

Lady Eliza has it all, or so she thinks. She's engaged to a man she loves and has a kind and caring family. Sadly her world is about to be turned upside down.
Marrying a man so much older, someone she can't even respect, was never part of her plan. But then again, neither was being sold out by her family to the epugnant Duke. Can she ever find her own happiness again?

This book started off really well, I was invested in the story and interested to see what would play out with the main characters, but then it dragged on and on for way too long. I was almost too bored to finish the book, and may have skipped a few chapters towards the end just to see where Eliza's story ended. I admit I liked the idea of the story, the execution was lacking however.

I received an ARC for an honest review of this book.

This book was a little darker in that the Duke is an awful sort of a man. He's abusive and nasty. I like the overall theme of the book, the content, and that the author was able to deliver the story so well. Very enjoyable. I do wish that this author would put better transitions between chapter breaks. Sometimes while reading, without the break, the separate periods of time get lumped all together.

Content: Clean
Language: Clean
Religious: No

Happy reading!!

I enjoyed For The Love of A Duchess and was sorry to see it end. She was a smart beautiful girl, who was basically sold off to the highest bidder for the sake of her brother who was not worth the effort. First she is to marry one man who also wanted her for her imagined money. When that didn't work she was given to an older Duke who needed an heir, which also didn't work. So glad she was able to stand up for herself and turn her back on her useless family.

She was going to marry one man and then she is good to marry another. This one soon realises she would never love him so he uses her as a punching bag. There is one light for her and that was a young man worries to help her. When the old man does what will she do? Will she marry the young man she has come to love? See what she will do
I received an advanced copy and I enjoyed it so much that I want to review

Not your usual story! I really loved the character Daniel Winchester. He has all the characteristics you want in your hero but they still made him human with his own flaws. Eliza and Daniel's story is relevant in today's society. I love it when a story has well developed characters. Being able to 'watch' the story unfold in my mind as I read it tells me how engaged I was through the story. Great read. I highly recommend this book.

This was a great story. Very gripping tale of how daughters were treated and sold in to marriage. Although I found myself frustrated at times with Eliza she was paralyzed by her circumstances. Daniel was the very definition of a good man. I would’ve liked to have more resolution with her father and brother at the end, but it hinted towards it. Be sure to read the extended epilogue as well. It really adds to the story.

A very sweet and relaxing story. Well developed characters. A good summer read and easy to pick up and put down when other summer events call, then to return. It is exactly what you need near the beach, or under the shade tree with a cool drink. The intrigue was just enough to have you turning the page and wanting to stay up late to finish the chapter.

Not your typical love story. More a story of the the era in which women were more of a commodity. It described the hardships that went with an arranged marriage to a much older man. Hard to fit much romance into a majority of the story. Much of the story unfolds in the form of letters written to a friend expressing her thoughts and anger at her situation. I would not have chosen to read this book again.

I was very disappointed with this book. Although the storyline was promising, the book has a boring and slow pace to it, with writing that is awkward and unnaturally shifts from the point of view of one character to another. Had I not purchased the book, I would have given up on the story by the 8th chapter, having realized by then that it was never going to get any better. Though it is a clean read, I cannot recommend spending money on this one.

Why is it that is the daughter of the family end up paying for not only ancestors financial mistakes but also their often real bad behavior of the fathers? The father "sells" his daughter off to the highest bidder. What miserable situation - she pays and dad gets to go off free of his debts to go do it again!

I just love opening a Historical Romance book .
I get so carried away to a different time and place and before I know it , I’m reading these two words The End and i always get sad when i finish a book especially a good book like this one . Love this authors books and can’t wait for her next one to come out.

This book is about Lady Eliza Ashton. She is engaged to Miles Gainsborough. But it isn't to be because her father tells her she m just marry the Duke of Lytton or her family will be penniless. So the story begins. I enjoyed this book. It was very sad at times, but a great story. I highly recommend it.

Love all her books. This one did not disappoint. Clean romances with happy endings are what I look for. This author is on my list of most read for light and enjoyable reading. Life can get dark enough without reading about it. I love a good mystery but all too often they are R rated. Enjoy

A great love story! This book touches on so many kinds of love. It starts with the family unit and continues to a truly great marriage, With all kinds of twists and turns, good things and horrid things between the two. I really enjoyed it!

I enjoyed the story but felt like I didn't get to know the characters very well and there wasn't enough interaction between Eliza and Daniel. I also felt it moved too slowly at times. I love reading Bridget Barton books, so even though this one didn't live up to my expectations I look forward to reading her next book.

I was asked for an honest opinion. So here it is. This story had a bit of variety of emotions (nicely done). The h got on my nerves once in a while but she was young so I gave her some slack. She did grow before the ending. The writer did a nice job of that progress. I enjoyed all the characters regardless if I liked them or not. Each contributed in making this book a good read.

What a wonderful read! Having to marry a man 3times her age, for financial reasons, and enduring a cruel husband, she finds a friend in an unlikely place. True love shines through. I highly recommend.

Another beautifully written historical fiction novel by Bridget Barton! As always, the characters are thoroughly developed and engaging, the plot is entertaining and the writing is perfectly executed.

This is a well-written book, but is unusual in its style. Unlike most of the historical romances I read, this one does not deal with numerous changes of locale or elaborate descriptions of houses, social functions or wardrobe. Instead it delves into the extensive thought processes of the relatively few individuals involved in the story. Interesting, but different.

I have always enjoyed Bridget's book and this was no exception. I found this to be a story that captured my attention from the first chapter and continued to the very end. A heartwarming love story and journey to self awareness. I would definitely recommend this book.

It was a good read. Plenty of twists and turns and the main character is just the right amount spice. Only reading at night, after the kids went to bed and I finished up in just 2 days. Definitely recommend!

It was well written and entertaining. Most Romance novels are about a young woman marrying into a title. The interesting twist here is one who doesn't want it. At 19, she becomes the Duchess she didn't want to be. Her struggle through that was intriguing and I didn't put the book down until I'd finished reading it.

For the love of a Duchess, by Bridget Barton.
A broken engagement, a forced May/December marriage to save the family fortune, an estranged family, a hostile ducal household, servants that can't be trusted, the solitude of a loveless relationship, a blackmail plot--these are just a few of the problems that face 19-year-old Eliza Ashton, daughter of the Earl of Bexley when she is forced to wed the aging Duke of Lytton.

The relationship starts well enough, in spite of the vast difference in ages between Eliza and the middle-aged Duke and the fact that they do not care for one another. But it soon becomes apparent that the only reason for the marriage is to get the Duke an heir--except that he is an unredeemable alcoholic and can't perform well enough to do the job.

The story moves mercilessly from one crisis to another as the scenario unfolds. If it wasn't for her good friend Ariadne, and the handsome ducal attorney Daniel Winchester, Eliza would have been alone and friendless in a marriage she neither sought nor wanted.

In a way, this is a frightening Regency Romance. It reveals how little women were valued, even among the aristocracy. Trapped in a patriarchal society, they become basically brood mares, traded like cattle, sometimes for vast sums of money. It's a far cry from the situation in this century, and to me it seems like a miracle women haven't revolted long before now. Yet female strength does shine through, even in this bleak environment, and there are flashes of compassion from various characters throughout the plot.

Bridget Barton is a clever novelist and never lets the story get away from her. The characters are clearly and crisply drawn, their emotional states well defined, and the dilemmas the heroine faces carefully thought out and delineated. A highly recommended Regency read.

The story of Daniel Winchester and Lady Eliza Ashton.....He’s the old Duke’s personal attorney and confidant. She’s the daughter of an Earl who’s near bankruptcy who wants Eliza to marry the old Duke who offered to save them from financial ruin. She’s already engaged to marry the love of her life, Miles but even Miles could not save her because he too is in need of a wealthy bride. Her dowry is not enough to save his estate. She’s devastated and hated her family for putting her in this dreadful marriage. The attorney was her only friend and her savior. It’s a heartbreaking and full of emotion love story with some twist. The H is a great man and the h is weak and wishy washy with her decisions. It’s wordy, repititious and a bit too long to get to the “HEA” ending. I love Bridget Barton’s books but I just could not get into this one. I would still recommend it though because it could just be me and my high expectations.

Bridget has done it again with this regency romance. Her characters are wonderful and the storyline even better. A young 19 year-old Eliza is as she puts it sold to an older Duke in order to keep her family from losing everything. At the time she had been engaged to Miles and she believed she could never love another. His betrayal, her family's betrayal all made for one strong character. The ups and downs she must go through shows her strength. Daniel, the Duke's attorney, is taken with her even after his first impression of her being a fortune hunter. As the story progresses, Eliza finds a friend in Daniel and someone to finally stand up for her. You really should read this to get the full effect of this one.

After reading "about this book" introduction I wasn't sure if I was going to like this book. I am a die hard historical romance enthusiast having read thousands. This book was far better than I anticipated. First off I admire anyone who even attempts to write a novel when so much can go wrong and everyone is a critic so why even put yourself out there. Bridget Barton did a fantastic job, her grammar, spelling where on point. The hardest part is the flow and ease of reading and following story/plot and nothing bad can be said in this area either. Great job Bridget! The reason I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5 was I wanted more character development. I wanted more view into the relationship between Elisa and Miles. They didn't act like two young people in love who had been torn apart. They both just seemed resigned to situation. I would have liked more interaction between the Duke and Elisa so had more insight into each of their thoughts and feelings. The same with Elisa and Daniel, I never got the feeling of unrequited love between them just that their relationship was convenient. Elisa was very isolated and unworldly before marriage, during and after. Other than a weekly bridge game she seemed to have no other interest, activities, hobbies, talents or duties. However, having said that I still enjoyed the book and would recommend it.

Lady Eliza has it all, or so she thinks. She's engaged to a man she loves and has a kind and caring family. Sadly her world is about to be turned upside down.
Marrying a man so much older, someone she can't even respect, was never part of her plan. But then again, neither was being sold out by her family to the epugnant Duke. Can she ever find her own happiness again?

This book started off really well, I was invested in the story and interested to see what would play out with the main characters, but then it dragged on and on for way too long. I was almost too bored to finish the book, and may have skipped a few chapters towards the end just to see where Eliza's story ended. I admit I liked the idea of the story, the execution was lacking however.

I received an ARC for an honest review of this book.

This book was a little darker in that the Duke is an awful sort of a man. He's abusive and nasty. I like the overall theme of the book, the content, and that the author was able to deliver the story so well. Very enjoyable. I do wish that this author would put better transitions between chapter breaks. Sometimes while reading, without the break, the separate periods of time get lumped all together.

Content: Clean
Language: Clean
Religious: No

Happy reading!!

I enjoyed For The Love of A Duchess and was sorry to see it end. She was a smart beautiful girl, who was basically sold off to the highest bidder for the sake of her brother who was not worth the effort. First she is to marry one man who also wanted her for her imagined money. When that didn't work she was given to an older Duke who needed an heir, which also didn't work. So glad she was able to stand up for herself and turn her back on her useless family.

Eliza is forced to marry the Duke who’s old enough to be her father to save her family from ruin. During this marriage she befriends his solicitor, David. After the Duke dies suddenly, Eliza comes to terms with how her life has changed so drastically in just a couple years. With the help of her life long friend, Eliza realizes she has found the love of her life. Read this wonderful story to see how Eliza’s life has turned out.

She was going to marry one man and then she is good to marry another. This one soon realises she would never love him so he uses her as a punching bag. There is one light for her and that was a young man worries to help her. When the old man does what will she do? Will she marry the young man she has come to love? See what she will do
I received an advanced copy and I enjoyed it so much that I want to review

Not your usual story! I really loved the character Daniel Winchester. He has all the characteristics you want in your hero but they still made him human with his own flaws. Eliza and Daniel's story is relevant in today's society. I love it when a story has well developed characters. Being able to 'watch' the story unfold in my mind as I read it tells me how engaged I was through the story. Great read. I highly recommend this book.

This was a great story. Very gripping tale of how daughters were treated and sold in to marriage. Although I found myself frustrated at times with Eliza she was paralyzed by her circumstances. Daniel was the very definition of a good man. I would’ve liked to have more resolution with her father and brother at the end, but it hinted towards it. Be sure to read the extended epilogue as well. It really adds to the story.

A very sweet and relaxing story. Well developed characters. A good summer read and easy to pick up and put down when other summer events call, then to return. It is exactly what you need near the beach, or under the shade tree with a cool drink. The intrigue was just enough to have you turning the page and wanting to stay up late to finish the chapter.

Not your typical love story. More a story of the the era in which women were more of a commodity. It described the hardships that went with an arranged marriage to a much older man. Hard to fit much romance into a majority of the story. Much of the story unfolds in the form of letters written to a friend expressing her thoughts and anger at her situation. I would not have chosen to read this book again.

I was very disappointed with this book. Although the storyline was promising, the book has a boring and slow pace to it, with writing that is awkward and unnaturally shifts from the point of view of one character to another. Had I not purchased the book, I would have given up on the story by the 8th chapter, having realized by then that it was never going to get any better. Though it is a clean read, I cannot recommend spending money on this one.

Why is it that is the daughter of the family end up paying for not only ancestors financial mistakes but also their often real bad behavior of the fathers? The father "sells" his daughter off to the highest bidder. What miserable situation - she pays and dad gets to go off free of his debts to go do it again!

I just love opening a Historical Romance book .
I get so carried away to a different time and place and before I know it , I’m reading these two words The End and i always get sad when i finish a book especially a good book like this one . Love this authors books and can’t wait for her next one to come out.

This book is about Lady Eliza Ashton. She is engaged to Miles Gainsborough. But it isn't to be because her father tells her she m just marry the Duke of Lytton or her family will be penniless. So the story begins. I enjoyed this book. It was very sad at times, but a great story. I highly recommend it.

Love all her books. This one did not disappoint. Clean romances with happy endings are what I look for. This author is on my list of most read for light and enjoyable reading. Life can get dark enough without reading about it. I love a good mystery but all too often they are R rated. Enjoy

Another incredible regency story!
This book is well-written with so real characters.
A story on love, family, growing up and hope after so much disappointment.
When you start, it will diffucult to put down this book.
A book for all that love regency.

Having to marry for money does not turn out well for most people, especially when a young woman is given over to a much older man. Also, being in love with someone else is heartbreaking. But things can change to be able to marry for love the second time around.

I have to say this is one of the best stories I have read, if not the best one from Bridget Barton. I could not put down. I went to bed thinking on what would happen next. This is not one of the stories that you can predict the next move. I could not wait to pick up again. A great clean read! I definitely recommend.

Selling the daughter to the highest bidder through a dowry not unheard of in the Regency period. And giving her to an older man not unheard of either. But for the woman having the good fortune to find love after a heartbreaking beginning is wonderful. Exciting story, loved each and every page.

This story starts off with a young girl in love and engaged and then her father sold this young 19 year old in marriage to a 55 year old to keep his estate. And it just gets worse from there for this young girl!!!!!! But don't give up before the end. A story truly worth reading.

Bridget Barton has once again written a lovely book! I do not read much emergency books, but have come to love Barton's work. It was well written with a great storyline. I completely fell for Daniel and Eliza won my heart. What hardships she endured. Wonderful ending.

I enjoyed reading this story. It shows what some women had to go through that they had no say in. It also shows the different attitudes towards men and women. I always enjoy books from this author and I am looking forward to the next one.

For the love of a Duchess, by Bridget Barton.
A broken engagement, a forced May/December marriage to save the family fortune, an estranged family, a hostile ducal household, servants that can't be trusted, the solitude of a loveless relationship, a blackmail plot--these are just a few of the problems that face 19-year-old Eliza Ashton, daughter of the Earl of Bexley when she is forced to wed the aging Duke of Lytton.

The relationship starts well enough, in spite of the vast difference in ages between Eliza and the middle-aged Duke and the fact that they do not care for one another. But it soon becomes apparent that the only reason for the marriage is to get the Duke an heir--except that he is an unredeemable alcoholic and can't perform well enough to do the job.

The story moves mercilessly from one crisis to another as the scenario unfolds. If it wasn't for her good friend Ariadne, and the handsome ducal attorney Daniel Winchester, Eliza would have been alone and friendless in a marriage she neither sought nor wanted.

In a way, this is a frightening Regency Romance. It reveals how little women were valued, even among the aristocracy. Trapped in a patriarchal society, they become basically brood mares, traded like cattle, sometimes for vast sums of money. It's a far cry from the situation in this century, and to me it seems like a miracle women haven't revolted long before now. Yet female strength does shine through, even in this bleak environment, and there are flashes of compassion from various characters throughout the plot.

Bridget Barton is a clever novelist and never lets the story get away from her. The characters are clearly and crisply drawn, their emotional states well defined, and the dilemmas the heroine faces carefully thought out and delineated. A highly recommended Regency read.

Eliza is forced to marry the Duke who’s old enough to be her father to save her family from ruin. During this marriage she befriends his solicitor, David. After the Duke dies suddenly, Eliza comes to terms with how her life has changed so drastically in just a couple years. With the help of her life long friend, Eliza realizes she has found the love of her life. Read this wonderful story to see how Eliza’s life has turned out.

Another incredible regency story!
This book is well-written with so real characters.
A story on love, family, growing up and hope after so much disappointment.
When you start, it will diffucult to put down this book.
A book for all that love regency.

Having to marry for money does not turn out well for most people, especially when a young woman is given over to a much older man. Also, being in love with someone else is heartbreaking. But things can change to be able to marry for love the second time around.

I loved this book. Eliza's story had me hooked from the beginning and I found myself emotionally invested in her situation. I read every spare second until it was complete. The sort of book you can't stop reading and you are sorry when it is finished.

A delightful and exciting book.
A historical read I could not put down.
I found myself rooting for Eliza and looking forward to her HE?
I found the extended epilogue to be just the perfect ending.
Thank you Bridget Barrton for such a beautiful story.

I really enjoyed reading the book that I cannot put it down until the Extended Epilogue... I love the characters; they are so intense with their feelings... I like the twists and turns of the story; they challenge me to think... All in all, Kudos to Ms. Barton for this very creative and wonderful story!

This story had me hooked from the first page. It was sweet to find Eliza engaged and happy she was to marry Miles. Poor Eliza's life took such a turn in just a matter of days due to her father's selfishness and I do not blame her for cutting her family out of her life as she did. This is a very well wrirtten story and I enjoyed the tim period that it has been based in. This is a book I do recommed or those who enjoy reading stories based in the time perod of the 1600's to 1800's.

Meet Lady Eliza Ashton , daughter of the Earl of Bexley and unwilling pawn tasked with "saving" her family from financial ruin. It would sound noble if it weren't for the fact that she was basically being sold to an old man. Can it be possible that somehow she could ever , someday, be happy and feel loved? Witness treachery, attempted blackmail and true friendships and devotion. You will absolutely love this book.

I loved this book. I have a lot of her books and everyone of them I gave a 5 stars. This book has everything that you want in a regency book.; Love, hate, indifference, blackmail, death and love. It is amazing. I would recommend this book to everyone. I will re-read this book in time. Please buy, enjoy and see if you don't love it as much as I did.

This story was easy to follow & held my attention all the way through. Like a lot of stories from Ms. Barton, which are great, I feel are too short. I'd also like more of what went on after the main story ended. I know that an epilog follows a lot of the stories, but I have not been able to get them. I read on a kindle, but it looks like the epilog is sent to my computer which I have yet to find. It's like reading a story & not getting the end of it.

I loved this book. It had some what I would call dark moments but I have never felt so much compassion for a character as I did Eliza. The daughter of an Earl should have had many suitors and should have been able to marry for love. Not necessarily so. At times I loved Eliza and other times I felt sorry for her and then I would question her decisions. But the author did a great job and exposes a common practice in the regency period and deals well with the emotional issues of the families and the process. And when you finish the book you have the opportunity to red the extended epilogue.