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Flirtation and the Fortune Hunter
Torn between desire and duty…
Harry Fitzwilliam, Viscount Harcourt, is the carefree heir to the Earl of Matlock. Until, that is, he returns from his grand tour to learn that his father has bankrupted the earldom. His mother has a Harry must marry the disgraced daughter of a duke. Her generous dowry will restore the family to solvency. There’s only one Harry is smitten with another woman.
Lady Claudia de Rossi, sister of an Italian count, moved to England at the age of eight when her mother remarried. The word in London society is that her stepfather refuses to give her a dowry. The truth is more complicated. But one thing is no matter how she longs for Harry, she’ll never marry a fortune hunter.
Can Harry find a way to build a future with the woman who’s stolen his heart? Or will duty force him to give up on love?
This sensual Pride and Prejudice variation is the first in a series featuring Darcy’s Fitzwilliam cousins. This prequel is the story of Darcy’s uncle’s courtship in his youth. A novel-length historical romance, it has a happy ending and no cliffhanger.
204 pages, ebook
Published December 27, 2023
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December 25, 2023
This story is marketed as a Pride and Prejudice prequel but I consider it more of an original story as it's pretty much all original characters in situations that don't owe anything to Austen. Darcy's parents are minor characters here (their courtship may make an interesting story as well) and Lady Catherine de Bourgh is mentioned but does not make an appearance. The main couple are Colonel Fitzwilliam's parents.
Harry Fitzwilliam, the hero, is the heir to an earldom that is in financial difficulties. To save their finances, his parents have arranged for him to marry lady Dorinda, a well-dowered young woman who may be carrying an illegitimate child. But Harry is in the process of falling in love with Claudia. Claudia's mother wants to keep her financial situation a secret to stave off fortune hunters. Harry is willing to marry Claudia without a dowry but his parents announced his betrothal to the other lady. They need to find another solution that lets Harry out of the contract and solves Lady Dorinda's dilemma as well. I enjoyed this quick read.
LGBTQ representation as well as ethnically diverse characters.
Steam level: A brief wedding night scene that is not anatomically descriptive.
I received a Netgalley copy and this is a voluntary review.
Harry Fitzwilliam, the hero, is the heir to an earldom that is in financial difficulties. To save their finances, his parents have arranged for him to marry lady Dorinda, a well-dowered young woman who may be carrying an illegitimate child. But Harry is in the process of falling in love with Claudia. Claudia's mother wants to keep her financial situation a secret to stave off fortune hunters. Harry is willing to marry Claudia without a dowry but his parents announced his betrothal to the other lady. They need to find another solution that lets Harry out of the contract and solves Lady Dorinda's dilemma as well. I enjoyed this quick read.
LGBTQ representation as well as ethnically diverse characters.
Steam level: A brief wedding night scene that is not anatomically descriptive.
I received a Netgalley copy and this is a voluntary review.
December 20, 2023
Flirtation and the Fortune Hunter
Written by Andrea Duke
Read as an ebook courtesy of NetGalley
Genre: Regency Romance
A Pride and Prejudice variation following a man who returns from his travels to find that his father has bankrupted his earldom, leading to a battle of wills as his parents wish for him to marry for wealth and he fights to marry for love.
The story was easy to follow and the writing had a good flow to it. The regency era setting added a layer of opulence to the story, and both justified the characters’ reactions to their problems and helped move the plot along without being obstructive to the story the author wanted to tell. The morality did come off as a little modern at points, but I didn’t think this detracted from the story.
This book is extremely dialogue heavy at points, and I sometimes found myself wanting more in the way of description and exposition rather than having details inserted into the characters’ conversations, though this improved as the book progressed. That said, I did really enjoy the characters and their relationships, and found the main couple to be witty and charming. It was an easy, light read.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Historical Hearts Press for this ARC. This is my honest review.
A story of taking fate into your own hands. 4/5
Written by Andrea Duke
Read as an ebook courtesy of NetGalley
Genre: Regency Romance
A Pride and Prejudice variation following a man who returns from his travels to find that his father has bankrupted his earldom, leading to a battle of wills as his parents wish for him to marry for wealth and he fights to marry for love.
The story was easy to follow and the writing had a good flow to it. The regency era setting added a layer of opulence to the story, and both justified the characters’ reactions to their problems and helped move the plot along without being obstructive to the story the author wanted to tell. The morality did come off as a little modern at points, but I didn’t think this detracted from the story.
This book is extremely dialogue heavy at points, and I sometimes found myself wanting more in the way of description and exposition rather than having details inserted into the characters’ conversations, though this improved as the book progressed. That said, I did really enjoy the characters and their relationships, and found the main couple to be witty and charming. It was an easy, light read.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Historical Hearts Press for this ARC. This is my honest review.
A story of taking fate into your own hands. 4/5
January 20, 2024
"This sensual Pride and Prejudice variation is the first in a series featuring Darcy’s Fitzwilliam cousins. This prequel is the story of Darcy’s uncle’s courtship in his youth. A novel-length historical romance, it has a happy ending and no cliffhanger."
The book's description and the allusion to Pride and Prejudice created a reader expectation that, for me, fell short. It is a historical romance told with a modern sensibility and I found that the pieces of the story didn't always connect in a logical way. I did like the premise of the story and found the story problem interesting and believable -- Harry is an earl whose father chose bad investments and blew their family's fortune. He wants to marry for love but needs an heiress to pay off the family's debts. Claudia has a fortune but for her own family's reasons will not disclose the existence of her dowry for fear of her falling victim to a fortune hunter. However, the story choices and how it unfolded did not always work for me. As an avid reader of historical romance, I found this one fell short of its promise.
I received an advanced reader copy through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
The book's description and the allusion to Pride and Prejudice created a reader expectation that, for me, fell short. It is a historical romance told with a modern sensibility and I found that the pieces of the story didn't always connect in a logical way. I did like the premise of the story and found the story problem interesting and believable -- Harry is an earl whose father chose bad investments and blew their family's fortune. He wants to marry for love but needs an heiress to pay off the family's debts. Claudia has a fortune but for her own family's reasons will not disclose the existence of her dowry for fear of her falling victim to a fortune hunter. However, the story choices and how it unfolded did not always work for me. As an avid reader of historical romance, I found this one fell short of its promise.
I received an advanced reader copy through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
December 28, 2023
Harry Fitzwilliam, Viscount Harcourt, is recently returned from his grand tour when he meets the beautiful Lady Claudia de Rossi. For both it is love at first sight. Harry is determined to marry her, even if her stepfather will not grant her a dowry. But then he receives devastating news from his father: the Earl has lost all his money due to bad investments. Harry's parents now plan to wed him, against his will, to the rich daughter of a duke. Her father is desperately searching for a husband for her to avoid scandal. This marriage would be an opportunity for Harry's parents to regain financial means. Harry is now torn between his duty to save the Earldom and his love for Claudia. What will be his choice? Would Claudia even have him when he is considered a fortune hunter because he considered marrying the duke's disgraced daughter? Is there a chance for their mutual love?
The story of the author Andrea Duke is a well written story about the courtship of the parents of Colonel Fitzwilliam, cousin of Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley.
I really like the main characters of the book, Harry and Claudia. They are very sympathetic. I really like that it's love at first sight for both of them and that they both fight for their love and a future together. Together they try to solve the problems and overcome the obstacles out in their way, mostly by their parents. Harry and Claudia soon feel, that they are destined for each other. I like that they communicate openly and that they both admit their love. For both of them it is like a glimpse of future life as a married couple as earl and countess when they have to work together, too.
In this book you can also see something like a generation change. The earl and the countess, Harry's parents, had married for connection and wealth and they put the Earldom above everything else. Harry on his part wants to marry for love and, after making his choice, is determined to put his love interest above all other things. He is even ready to have the earldom in debts and to pass these debts on to his children and their children. That's not a small thing but I definitely like Harry's point of view more than that of his father 😉 .
As a fan of Pride and prejudice I like that this is a story about Colonel Fitzwilliam's parents and also Darcy's parents are taking part in the book. It is funny to know more about their life before Darcy's and Elizabeth's love story. And I definitely look forward to know them all better because there will be another book 😊.
If you like to know if Harry and Claudia are able to overcome the obstacles in their way and by this like to get to know Colonel Fitzwilliam's parents better you should definitely read this book.
I highly recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story of the author Andrea Duke is a well written story about the courtship of the parents of Colonel Fitzwilliam, cousin of Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley.
I really like the main characters of the book, Harry and Claudia. They are very sympathetic. I really like that it's love at first sight for both of them and that they both fight for their love and a future together. Together they try to solve the problems and overcome the obstacles out in their way, mostly by their parents. Harry and Claudia soon feel, that they are destined for each other. I like that they communicate openly and that they both admit their love. For both of them it is like a glimpse of future life as a married couple as earl and countess when they have to work together, too.
In this book you can also see something like a generation change. The earl and the countess, Harry's parents, had married for connection and wealth and they put the Earldom above everything else. Harry on his part wants to marry for love and, after making his choice, is determined to put his love interest above all other things. He is even ready to have the earldom in debts and to pass these debts on to his children and their children. That's not a small thing but I definitely like Harry's point of view more than that of his father 😉 .
As a fan of Pride and prejudice I like that this is a story about Colonel Fitzwilliam's parents and also Darcy's parents are taking part in the book. It is funny to know more about their life before Darcy's and Elizabeth's love story. And I definitely look forward to know them all better because there will be another book 😊.
If you like to know if Harry and Claudia are able to overcome the obstacles in their way and by this like to get to know Colonel Fitzwilliam's parents better you should definitely read this book.
I highly recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 1, 2024
Thanks to BookSprout for a copy of this ebook, and this is my freely given opinion.
This is set as a prequel to the P&P world, with several characters obliquely related to the P&P characters, from the generation before the P&P world - therefore this is set in the late 1700s - the Georgian era.
In this story, the young heir to the Earl of Matlock, Harry Fitzwilliam, the Viscount Harcourt, has been called back from his extended tour of the Continent. He finds himself meeting by chance a glorious beauty, whom he finds out to be Lady Claudia De Rossi, sister of an Italian count he befriended in Tiberia, and stepdaughter to an English Earl.
Despite rumours of Lady Claudia being dowerless, Harry and Claudia are struck by their strong attraction, when meeting again, and he is determined to court her and see if there is a future for them. Especially as her parents plan a house party at their country estate at the end of the Season.
Unfortunately Harry later finds that his parents have obliterated the Earldom and are now heartlessly arranging matches for their children to rebuild their coffers. They had already arranged the marriage of his sister, Lady Catherine. His childhood friend, Lady Dorinda, the daughter of a duke, has been caught in a severely compromising situation and time is of an essence to marry her off, and her father has doubled her dowry, with the plan being that Harry marries her.
Harry and Claudia both work at differing plans to solve the situation and free Harry from his unwanted marriage contract so they could be together. Harry is caught between his family obligation to the Earldom and providing security for it's dependents (rather than his selfish, uncaring parents), and his desire and growing love for the dowerless Claudia. Claudia is a fixer and looks to help her friends through the threats to their reputations, but is also keeping an important secret from Harry, that could have great impact on their future.
This is a sweet P&P adjacent story. There is a bit of steam and it was interesting to read about characters in the generation before the familiar P&P world. I enjoyed the opening up of the world to add a bit of colour and diversity as well - so even though it was a generation before and different century, it added a modern touch to the story as well.
Enjoyable read.
3.5 stars out of 5
This is set as a prequel to the P&P world, with several characters obliquely related to the P&P characters, from the generation before the P&P world - therefore this is set in the late 1700s - the Georgian era.
In this story, the young heir to the Earl of Matlock, Harry Fitzwilliam, the Viscount Harcourt, has been called back from his extended tour of the Continent. He finds himself meeting by chance a glorious beauty, whom he finds out to be Lady Claudia De Rossi, sister of an Italian count he befriended in Tiberia, and stepdaughter to an English Earl.
Despite rumours of Lady Claudia being dowerless, Harry and Claudia are struck by their strong attraction, when meeting again, and he is determined to court her and see if there is a future for them. Especially as her parents plan a house party at their country estate at the end of the Season.
Unfortunately Harry later finds that his parents have obliterated the Earldom and are now heartlessly arranging matches for their children to rebuild their coffers. They had already arranged the marriage of his sister, Lady Catherine. His childhood friend, Lady Dorinda, the daughter of a duke, has been caught in a severely compromising situation and time is of an essence to marry her off, and her father has doubled her dowry, with the plan being that Harry marries her.
Harry and Claudia both work at differing plans to solve the situation and free Harry from his unwanted marriage contract so they could be together. Harry is caught between his family obligation to the Earldom and providing security for it's dependents (rather than his selfish, uncaring parents), and his desire and growing love for the dowerless Claudia. Claudia is a fixer and looks to help her friends through the threats to their reputations, but is also keeping an important secret from Harry, that could have great impact on their future.
This is a sweet P&P adjacent story. There is a bit of steam and it was interesting to read about characters in the generation before the familiar P&P world. I enjoyed the opening up of the world to add a bit of colour and diversity as well - so even though it was a generation before and different century, it added a modern touch to the story as well.
Enjoyable read.
3.5 stars out of 5
February 12, 2024
:: Frustration roiled through her. The time had come for honesty. Harry had promised to make her his.
Yet that could have been in the heat of passion. Could she trust him? ::
Thank you so much to Netgalley, Andrea Duke and her publishers Historical Hearts Press for allowing me to read this amazing piece of art in exchange for an honest review.
This beautifully written piece of fiction is woven around our main two characters Claudia and Harry.
We first meet Harry as he is coming back home, on the word of his father from a three year long break away, but before he goes to see his family he goes to a ball as a plus one where he meets the beautiful Claudia.
He is so taken with her he meets her father the next day to ask for his permissions to court her and upon his approval heads home to visit the family.
That is where he finds out that his father due to reasons he can't quite fathom has chosen to marry him off to another woman for the 'good of the earldom'
Claudia hears of this in her own time and is heartbroken. They both are.
As the world closes in on the lovers who are destined, it seemed not to be together, another blow is about to rock their very thinly stretched relationship of sorts. Claudia is keeping a secret.
Torn between the man she loves and the mother she trusts she becomes twisted up in a path of betrayal and deception fueled by fear and confusion.
Can Harry forgive her and can he be the man Claudia needs him to be?
Will our two lovers ever get the life and love they dream of?
This story was absolutely beautiful. I was so enthralled from the moment I began reading I just could not stop and oh my it was so had to put down. I felt all their their emotions and by the end was a sobbing wrench myself. It was a lovely read and I'm so glad I was able to read it.
Yet that could have been in the heat of passion. Could she trust him? ::
Thank you so much to Netgalley, Andrea Duke and her publishers Historical Hearts Press for allowing me to read this amazing piece of art in exchange for an honest review.
This beautifully written piece of fiction is woven around our main two characters Claudia and Harry.
We first meet Harry as he is coming back home, on the word of his father from a three year long break away, but before he goes to see his family he goes to a ball as a plus one where he meets the beautiful Claudia.
He is so taken with her he meets her father the next day to ask for his permissions to court her and upon his approval heads home to visit the family.
That is where he finds out that his father due to reasons he can't quite fathom has chosen to marry him off to another woman for the 'good of the earldom'
Claudia hears of this in her own time and is heartbroken. They both are.
As the world closes in on the lovers who are destined, it seemed not to be together, another blow is about to rock their very thinly stretched relationship of sorts. Claudia is keeping a secret.
Torn between the man she loves and the mother she trusts she becomes twisted up in a path of betrayal and deception fueled by fear and confusion.
Can Harry forgive her and can he be the man Claudia needs him to be?
Will our two lovers ever get the life and love they dream of?
This story was absolutely beautiful. I was so enthralled from the moment I began reading I just could not stop and oh my it was so had to put down. I felt all their their emotions and by the end was a sobbing wrench myself. It was a lovely read and I'm so glad I was able to read it.
February 12, 2024
:: Frustration roiled through her. The time had come for honesty. Harry had promised to make her his.
Yet that could have been in the heat of passion. Could she trust him? ::
Thank you so much to Netgalley, Andrea Duke and her publishers Historical Hearts Press for allowing me to read this amazing piece of art in exchange for an honest review.
This beautifully written piece of fiction is woven around our main two characters Claudia and Harry.
We first meet Harry as he is coming back home, on the word of his father from a three year long break away, but before he goes to see his family he goes to a ball as a plus one where he meets the beautiful Claudia.
He is so taken with her he meets her father the next day to ask for his permissions to court her and upon his approval heads home to visit the family.
That is where he finds out that his father due to reasons he can't quite fathom has chosen to marry him off to another woman for the 'good of the earldom'
Claudia hears of this in her own time and is heartbroken. They both are.
As the world closes in on the lovers who are destined, it seemed not to be together, another blow is about to rock their very thinly stretched relationship of sorts. Claudia is keeping a secret.
Torn between the man she loves and the mother she trusts she becomes twisted up in a path of betrayal and deception fueled by fear and confusion.
Can Harry forgive her and can he be the man Claudia needs him to be?
Will our two lovers ever get the life and love they dream of?
This story was absolutely beautiful. I was so enthralled from the moment I began reading I just could not stop and oh my it was so had to put down. I felt all their their emotions and by the end was a sobbing wrench myself. It was a lovely read and I'm so glad I was able to read it.
FlirtationandtheFortuneHunter #NetGalley
Yet that could have been in the heat of passion. Could she trust him? ::
Thank you so much to Netgalley, Andrea Duke and her publishers Historical Hearts Press for allowing me to read this amazing piece of art in exchange for an honest review.
This beautifully written piece of fiction is woven around our main two characters Claudia and Harry.
We first meet Harry as he is coming back home, on the word of his father from a three year long break away, but before he goes to see his family he goes to a ball as a plus one where he meets the beautiful Claudia.
He is so taken with her he meets her father the next day to ask for his permissions to court her and upon his approval heads home to visit the family.
That is where he finds out that his father due to reasons he can't quite fathom has chosen to marry him off to another woman for the 'good of the earldom'
Claudia hears of this in her own time and is heartbroken. They both are.
As the world closes in on the lovers who are destined, it seemed not to be together, another blow is about to rock their very thinly stretched relationship of sorts. Claudia is keeping a secret.
Torn between the man she loves and the mother she trusts she becomes twisted up in a path of betrayal and deception fueled by fear and confusion.
Can Harry forgive her and can he be the man Claudia needs him to be?
Will our two lovers ever get the life and love they dream of?
This story was absolutely beautiful. I was so enthralled from the moment I began reading I just could not stop and oh my it was so had to put down. I felt all their their emotions and by the end was a sobbing wrench myself. It was a lovely read and I'm so glad I was able to read it.
FlirtationandtheFortuneHunter #NetGalley
January 2, 2024
Finding Love and Solutions . . .
Harry Fitzwilliam, Viscount Harcourt, heir to the Earl of Matlock, returns home to find his father has bankrupted them! The solution is that Harry will have to marry a woman with a huge dowry to make his family solvent again. His family has already selected Lady Dorinda Ballard, the disgraced daughter of a Duke. They are not concerned with an heir but want the money she will bring to them. Harry’s infatuation with another woman is not to be considered as it cannot fix this disaster.
Lady Claudia de Rossi is the sister of an Italian count whose father allegedly will not give her a dowry. She and Harry are attracted to each other, but marrying Harry if he only wants money would not be acceptable to her. Will the two of them figure out a solution to this problem? Will he go ahead and marry a woman he cares for who can offer no dowry? Or will he do what is expected of him and fix the disastrous mess his father made by giving up on love and accepting his duty?
This was an interesting situation where we see the older generation throwing honor and fairness away in a desperate attempt to fix the poor judgment of Harry’s father who lost a fortune with his risky investment. Nothing else mattered, they did not concern themselves with Harry’s future happiness. Yet Harry was trying to stay honorable and find a way to resolve this to everyone’s satisfaction. He cared about the tenants as well, so he had much to consider. How will he decide to resolve this problem? And will it be Claudia by his side to help?
Harry Fitzwilliam, Viscount Harcourt, heir to the Earl of Matlock, returns home to find his father has bankrupted them! The solution is that Harry will have to marry a woman with a huge dowry to make his family solvent again. His family has already selected Lady Dorinda Ballard, the disgraced daughter of a Duke. They are not concerned with an heir but want the money she will bring to them. Harry’s infatuation with another woman is not to be considered as it cannot fix this disaster.
Lady Claudia de Rossi is the sister of an Italian count whose father allegedly will not give her a dowry. She and Harry are attracted to each other, but marrying Harry if he only wants money would not be acceptable to her. Will the two of them figure out a solution to this problem? Will he go ahead and marry a woman he cares for who can offer no dowry? Or will he do what is expected of him and fix the disastrous mess his father made by giving up on love and accepting his duty?
This was an interesting situation where we see the older generation throwing honor and fairness away in a desperate attempt to fix the poor judgment of Harry’s father who lost a fortune with his risky investment. Nothing else mattered, they did not concern themselves with Harry’s future happiness. Yet Harry was trying to stay honorable and find a way to resolve this to everyone’s satisfaction. He cared about the tenants as well, so he had much to consider. How will he decide to resolve this problem? And will it be Claudia by his side to help?
June 25, 2024
Well written, full of love, drama, society, romance, intrigue, suspense, secrets and adventure. Henry (Harry) is called back to England by his Father and Mother. Unsure of what they wanted, he has a few things to do before going to them. They are at his estate , not their own and not in London. It's in London that he meets Claudia. According to society, she is a poor daughter with no dowry to speak of. Society wants their peers to marry rich heiress to help them with their homes and businesses Harry falls foe Claudia after spending time with her and hopes to court her and ask for her hand in marriage. first he needs to see his parents and why the rush back home. When meeting his parents , he finds out that the Earldom is in trouble. They need him to marry the Duke's daughter- Dorinda, who has gotten into some trouble. He refuses but they decide that he is going to do this. Claudia host a house party so that they can find a way out of this mess. Has lots of action and upset when the parents of both decide to announce the engagement at the house party. Harry then again refuses to the marriage. Together they work to fine an answer to this problem. Keeps you wanting more from this fabulous author. What an excellent read. Would recommend to everyone.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 4, 2024
Harry Fitzwilliam, the carefree Viscount Harcourt, is summoned urgently to save an earldom in financial distress. His mother has a solution: marriage to the disgraced daughter of a duke with a generous dowry. The only problem is Harry is smitten with Lady Claudia de Rossi, the sister of an Italian count. And common knowledge is she is without a dowry.
Harry must fulfill his duty to the earldom. Will that mean giving up on love? Claudia may desire Harry, but she won’t marry a fortune hunter. Where does this end?
Thoughts:
It is a clean, slow-burn regency romance with a strong female lead. The LGBTQ representation and the ethnic diversity in characters were pleasantly surprising.
However, the dialogue-to-description ratio was off. While dialogue richness did help us relate more to the character, the minimal description failed to establish a sense of place.
Claudia is a strong woman who could have handled a more complex situation. Putting her in this puny trouble, with the solution coming so easy, I felt she wasn’t challenged as a character.
I did enjoy the book, but I wish Claudia had done more.
I thank NetGalley and Historical Hearts Press for the eARC of this book.
Harry must fulfill his duty to the earldom. Will that mean giving up on love? Claudia may desire Harry, but she won’t marry a fortune hunter. Where does this end?
Thoughts:
It is a clean, slow-burn regency romance with a strong female lead. The LGBTQ representation and the ethnic diversity in characters were pleasantly surprising.
However, the dialogue-to-description ratio was off. While dialogue richness did help us relate more to the character, the minimal description failed to establish a sense of place.
Claudia is a strong woman who could have handled a more complex situation. Putting her in this puny trouble, with the solution coming so easy, I felt she wasn’t challenged as a character.
I did enjoy the book, but I wish Claudia had done more.
I thank NetGalley and Historical Hearts Press for the eARC of this book.
June 30, 2024
Summonsed back to England by his father the Earl of Matlock, Harcourt is introduced to Lady Claudia de Rossi and finds himself attracted to her instantly. Intelligent and witty, she is everything he could want in a future wife, even though her stepfather has given her no dowry. Not reliant on his father's estate for income Harcourt asks her stepfather if he could court her before he goes to meet his father. When he sees his father he is shocked to be told that his father has lost money in an investment and that Harcourt will have to marry an heiress to save the estate and that his parents were on the verge of agreeing a contract. Angry and unhappy he is suspicious of the reason why the dowry is so high until he discovers why. With his future at stake both Harcourt and Claudia work to find an alternative solution while trying to escape the machinations of his parents. A beautiful prelude to Pride and Prejudice. Heartwarming and jam-packed with drama, if you like Pride and Prejudice variations then you will love this story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 1, 2024
What an original story line. I was caught up with the plot from the first page. Harry Fitzwilliam, Viscount Harcourt comes home to a big problem with the earldom. His father has put the family into bankruptcy. and entered him in a marriage contract to a woman with a large dowry. Dorinda, the disgraced daughter of a duke, a long time friend of the family is the pawn. Neither of them wants to marry the other. Harry meets and falls in love with Lady Claudia de Rossi, she has no dowry. The dilemma is does he marry for love or money, Harry and Claudia spend their time trying to find a way out of the mess so they can marry. This is the beginning of a funny, sometimes emotional and surprising journey to their HEA. The wonderful cast of characters helps to keep you turning pages and rooting for the couples. I was surprised and delighted by the twists and turns of this book. It is well written and a great read. I recommend this book.
TG
I received an ARC of this book and I am giving this review voluntarily.
TG
I received an ARC of this book and I am giving this review voluntarily.
January 1, 2024
What an original story line. I was caught up with the plot from the first page. Harry Fitzwilliam, Viscount Harcourt comes home to a big problem with the earldom. His father has put the family into bankruptcy. and entered him in a marriage contract to a woman with a large dowry. Dorinda, the disgraced daughter of a duke, a long time friend of the family is the pawn. Neither of them wants to marry the other. Harry meets and falls in love with Lady Claudia de Rossi, she has no dowry. The dilemma is does he marry for love or money, Harry and Claudia spend their time trying to find a way out of the mess so they can marry. This is the beginning of a funny, sometimes emotional and surprising journey to their HEA. The wonderful cast of characters helps to keep you turning pages and rooting for the couples. I was surprised and delighted by the twists and turns of this book. It is well written and a great read. I recommend this book.
TG
I received an ARC of this book and I am giving this review voluntarily.
TG
I received an ARC of this book and I am giving this review voluntarily.
February 8, 2024
A quick read featuring Henry Fitzwilliam and Claudia.
Henry returns from the continent to find his father has bankrupted his estate and to save face he is to marry a ruined daughter of a duke. But before he comes by this knowledge, he finds Claudia and is totally smitten and gets an agreement with her and her family to court her.
There is a house party, where they all gather to sort out the mess created by 2 fathers with no thought to their children happiness.
Henry is s sweet guy, he tries so hard to find a solution that works for everyone. His unwavering admiration for Claudia and resolve to win her was such a major winning point for him.
Claudia on the other hand seemed a bit too interfering and really could have put Henry put of his misery if she was not so influenced by her mother. She is portrayed as a strong, take charge personality, but I just found her a little devious.
The writing was very modern and seemed a bit too unrealistic for a historical b9ok. However, the storyline was intriguing enough to keep the audience engaged.
Henry returns from the continent to find his father has bankrupted his estate and to save face he is to marry a ruined daughter of a duke. But before he comes by this knowledge, he finds Claudia and is totally smitten and gets an agreement with her and her family to court her.
There is a house party, where they all gather to sort out the mess created by 2 fathers with no thought to their children happiness.
Henry is s sweet guy, he tries so hard to find a solution that works for everyone. His unwavering admiration for Claudia and resolve to win her was such a major winning point for him.
Claudia on the other hand seemed a bit too interfering and really could have put Henry put of his misery if she was not so influenced by her mother. She is portrayed as a strong, take charge personality, but I just found her a little devious.
The writing was very modern and seemed a bit too unrealistic for a historical b9ok. However, the storyline was intriguing enough to keep the audience engaged.
March 7, 2024
I always enjoy Ms. Duke's variations on Pride and Prejudice, and this was especially fun to read since it is more of a prequel than a variation. The story centers around Colonel Fitzwilliam's parents and their courtship. Harry Fitzwilliam is the heir to an earldom and returns from his travels to learn that the earldom is in dire financial states, thanks to his father. To save them from financial ruin, Harry's father has arranged for him to marry the disgraced daughter of a Duke, Dorinda, for her generous dowry. But he is already in love with Claudia. But his parents would never allow him to marry her because it would seem she has no dowry. Harry must decide whether to fulfill his duty or be true to his heart.
I enjoyed this easy, quick and sweet read with its charming and delightful characters. It was nice to get a glimpse of the world before Darcy and Elizabeth. It looks like this is the beginning of a series, so I am really looking forward to reading more!
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
I enjoyed this easy, quick and sweet read with its charming and delightful characters. It was nice to get a glimpse of the world before Darcy and Elizabeth. It looks like this is the beginning of a series, so I am really looking forward to reading more!
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
December 27, 2023
This is the story of Harry Fitzwilliam, Viscount Harcourt. Harry Fitzwilliam has returned from a three year tour only to find out his father has emptied the coffers by investing all the money in a risky investment. He learns his sister Catherine has recently married sir Lewis de Bourgh as he agreed to marry without her dowry. His other sister Anne has not been allowed to come out yet as she also has no dowry due to their father’s risky investment. His parents want him to marry a dukes daughter for her dowry not caring who is the father of her baby.
The story is well written and brings to life the characters providing insight to their thoughts and wishes. Although the older generation in this book has a warped sense of family honor, the younger generations differs by wanting to do better and be better humans. This is a love story that shows hope for the future generations.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story is well written and brings to life the characters providing insight to their thoughts and wishes. Although the older generation in this book has a warped sense of family honor, the younger generations differs by wanting to do better and be better humans. This is a love story that shows hope for the future generations.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 29, 2024
Harry Fitzwilliam is off on his journey on his grand tour through when he is suddenly called back only to be told devastating news. His family is broke and he must marry well ASAP in order keep his father’s title and to keep the family afloat. And his family has decided that he has to marry a disgraced daughter of a Duke – whether he wants to or not.
Lady Dorinda has become ruined and her father has doubled her dowry to get her married ASAP, before her choice becomes known and, in turn, makes her sister become ruined as well.
Lady Claudia de Rossi is a beautiful and smart woman who Harry really wants to get to know more.
This book was good, and I enjoyed reading it and watching Harry figure out what to do and how he can get out of marrying someone he doesn’t want to marry and who doesn’t want to marry him.
Characters are fleshed out well, story flows wonderfully and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
Lady Dorinda has become ruined and her father has doubled her dowry to get her married ASAP, before her choice becomes known and, in turn, makes her sister become ruined as well.
Lady Claudia de Rossi is a beautiful and smart woman who Harry really wants to get to know more.
This book was good, and I enjoyed reading it and watching Harry figure out what to do and how he can get out of marrying someone he doesn’t want to marry and who doesn’t want to marry him.
Characters are fleshed out well, story flows wonderfully and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
June 18, 2024
The really positive aspects of this book are in the depiction of the main characters. The women are educated and able to h9ld their own in conversation. The men are not chauvinistic. The book is conscious of women’s rights and speaks out against slavery and homophobia. The action is limited in scope, focused mainly on the events of a house party though there is a dialogue on the merits of marriage for honour compared to a marriage of love. I was surprised towards the end when the male lead was a paragon of conscience and consideration until the end when he seemed to descend from those laudable sentiments and become self centred and self conscious.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 7, 2024
I thought starting the series with a prequel about Fitzwilliam Darcy's uncle was a great and a very original idea. I liked Harry and Claudia. They are wonderful and complex characters and I wanted their story to have a happy ending. I loved the close brotherly relationship between Harry and his cousin Thad, and the banter between George Darcy and Anne Fitzwilliam, Fitzwillaim Darcy's parents. The story was romantic, realistic, entertaining, easy to read and charming. I can't wait to read the next books in the series, about Harry and Claudia's sons, James and Richard Fitzwilliam!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 22, 2024
4.25*
This set in the Pride and Prejudice Universe, but pre-canon. Oh but what dramatic a pre-canon tale it is. It is a Generation ahead of P&P; dealing with the Matlocks (Darcy's Uncle the Earl, here the earl-to-be) so if you're looking for a story about the P&P principals, you will be disappointed. Keep an open mind because this is a very good story. Is some of it perhaps anachronistic? Yes, in some sensibilities, but not so much that it bothered me (in this case, it probably made me like it more given some of the mores of those times). The story and character development more than made up for it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This set in the Pride and Prejudice Universe, but pre-canon. Oh but what dramatic a pre-canon tale it is. It is a Generation ahead of P&P; dealing with the Matlocks (Darcy's Uncle the Earl, here the earl-to-be) so if you're looking for a story about the P&P principals, you will be disappointed. Keep an open mind because this is a very good story. Is some of it perhaps anachronistic? Yes, in some sensibilities, but not so much that it bothered me (in this case, it probably made me like it more given some of the mores of those times). The story and character development more than made up for it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 27, 2024
Like a P&P Prequel.
It was fun seeing how the (eventual) Lord and Lady Matlock initially met along with all the complications that went with it. Seeing the dynamics within the Matlock family and the friendships between all the cousins was particularly satisfying – especially knowing their connections later in life. It’s always disheartening to hear how reputations, financial standing and hat is perceived as “honourable behaviour” according to the fickle ton could have so much influence on so many lives. Overall, this this was a great story for this time period.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It was fun seeing how the (eventual) Lord and Lady Matlock initially met along with all the complications that went with it. Seeing the dynamics within the Matlock family and the friendships between all the cousins was particularly satisfying – especially knowing their connections later in life. It’s always disheartening to hear how reputations, financial standing and hat is perceived as “honourable behaviour” according to the fickle ton could have so much influence on so many lives. Overall, this this was a great story for this time period.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 29, 2024
Much like Harry's and Claudia's love for one another, this book caught me off guard. But in such a good way. Reading Pride and Prejudice variations and spin offs quite regularly, I had some set expectations for this. I did not expect Andrea Duke to weave in societal issues into this I such a skilled way. It was lovely to read about how the two main characters fell in love but it was equally lovely to learn organically about all the other characters, their hopes and dreams.
All in all, it has certainly made me want to read more about the Fitzwilliams such as they are presented here.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
All in all, it has certainly made me want to read more about the Fitzwilliams such as they are presented here.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 21, 2023
1780. A Pride and Prejudice prequel where Henry Fitzwilliam, Viscount Harcourt, is recalled home from his Grand Tour by his father, the Earl of Matlock. Who has virtually bankrupted the Earldom meaning that Henry must marry an heiress, and not the recently met dowryless Lady Claudia de Rossi.
Can he have his happy ending with the intelligent Claudia, and save the Earldom.
An entertaining and well-written historical romance with its very likeable main characters supported by a cast of varied personalities.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Can he have his happy ending with the intelligent Claudia, and save the Earldom.
An entertaining and well-written historical romance with its very likeable main characters supported by a cast of varied personalities.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 26, 2023
I did enjoy this story, it moved along at a good pace and had likeable characters. I did feel for Harry, Viscount Harcourt, having such dreadful, selfish parents. However, Harry was his own man and knew what he wanted. Lady Claudia de Rossi was a beautiful woman and she and Harry were very attracted to each other. However, her mother guided her and warned her about certain types of men. Harry and Claudia are determined to be together but other people have different ideas. There is a secret that may also make a difference to how they feel about each other. There are a number of interesting secondary characters.This is the first in a series and I will look out for the next book. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 18, 2024
New Take on Jane Austin's World
It took me a while to get into this book. The characters were those of Jane Austen written long ago and read by me several times over the years. Andrea Duke has certainly done a good job of making these characters fresh and alive in their salad days and she has captured the time perfectly. I loved what she did with the whole book.
I gave the book 4 stars. I also intend to read more of her books of this type.
It took me a while to get into this book. The characters were those of Jane Austen written long ago and read by me several times over the years. Andrea Duke has certainly done a good job of making these characters fresh and alive in their salad days and she has captured the time perfectly. I loved what she did with the whole book.
I gave the book 4 stars. I also intend to read more of her books of this type.
June 30, 2024
This is the sweet love story of Harry and Claudia. Harry is infatuated with Claudia from the moment he see her. Harry’s parents lose their fortune in a risky investment and want Harry to marry a heiress to replenish the family’s fortune. Harry has other plans. This story has that’s and turns and a HEA. You won’t be sorry you read this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 10, 2024
An historical romance in the style which we love, whereby the person hunting a fortune gets 'caught' unexpectedly.
He needs a fortune as his father has bankrupted the family and he falls in love with a woman who has no fortune.
So let the fun begin.
Ai enjoyed this storyline but the solution to the conundrum was always evident. Didn't spoil the fun though..
He needs a fortune as his father has bankrupted the family and he falls in love with a woman who has no fortune.
So let the fun begin.
Ai enjoyed this storyline but the solution to the conundrum was always evident. Didn't spoil the fun though..
January 9, 2024
A very gripping read.
I really enjoyed this book. It is historical fiction at its best.Detail was paid to the period. The two protagonists were a delight. It really was a page turner. I look forward to reading another one in the series.I received an advance review copy...
I really enjoyed this book. It is historical fiction at its best.Detail was paid to the period. The two protagonists were a delight. It really was a page turner. I look forward to reading another one in the series.I received an advance review copy...
June 29, 2024
What a truly unique and original love story. It was full of drama, intrigue, suspense, and mystery that had me extremely entertained throughout. I enjoyed the delightful characters and the beautiful romance that occurs despite so many obstacles to end very happily. I highly recommend reading!
December 2, 2023
Loved it! Wonderful story and so nice to see a smart woman as the heroine!
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