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The Heart of a Duke #1
For Love of the Duke
After the tragic death of his wife, Jasper, the 8th Duke of Bainbridge buried himself away in the dark cold walls of his home, Castle Blackwood. When he’s coaxed out of his self-imposed exile to attend the amusements of the Frost Fair, his life is irrevocably changed by his fateful meeting with Lady Katherine Adamson.
With her tight brown ringlets and silly white-ruffled gowns, Lady Katherine Adamson has found her dance card empty for two Seasons. After her father’s passing, Katherine learned the unreliability of men, and is determined to depend on no one, except herself. Until she meets Jasper…
In a desperate bid to avoid a match arranged by her family, Katherine makes the Duke of Bainbridge a shocking proposition—one that he accepts.
Only, as Katherine begins to love Jasper, she finds the arrangement agreed upon is not enough. And Jasper is left to decide if protecting his heart is more important than fighting for Katherine’s love.
With her tight brown ringlets and silly white-ruffled gowns, Lady Katherine Adamson has found her dance card empty for two Seasons. After her father’s passing, Katherine learned the unreliability of men, and is determined to depend on no one, except herself. Until she meets Jasper…
In a desperate bid to avoid a match arranged by her family, Katherine makes the Duke of Bainbridge a shocking proposition—one that he accepts.
Only, as Katherine begins to love Jasper, she finds the arrangement agreed upon is not enough. And Jasper is left to decide if protecting his heart is more important than fighting for Katherine’s love.
309 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 9, 2014
About the author
Christi Caldwell
125 books2,451 followersUSA TODAY Bestselling author CHRISTI CALDWELL blames Judith McNaught's "Whitney, My Love!" for luring her into the world of historical romance. While sitting in her graduate school apartment at the University of Connecticut, Christi decided to set aside her notes and pick up her laptop to try her hand at romance. She believes the most perfect heroes and heroines have imperfections, and she rather enjoys torturing them before crafting them a well deserved happily ever after!
Christi makes her home in Charlotte, North Carolina where she spends her time writing her own enchanting historical romances, and baking surprisingly good cakes (almost 2 years in lockdown will do that) with her courageous son and twin daughters, each who with their daily antics provides limitless source material.
Christi makes her home in Charlotte, North Carolina where she spends her time writing her own enchanting historical romances, and baking surprisingly good cakes (almost 2 years in lockdown will do that) with her courageous son and twin daughters, each who with their daily antics provides limitless source material.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 433 reviews
November 6, 2017
Review to come.
March 29, 2016
I went in knowing the H was an ass, however, constantly being reminded that he only loved his wife was not pleasant...Poor Katherine - like a lost puppy she keeps begging him for love and for what? All he says is...
“Katherine, ours is a marriage of convenience. I’ve told you before. I loved my wife and she is dead. I’ve nothing left to offer you, and I certainly don’t want your love.”
It's not all bad especially towards the end. I just wished it wouldn't have taken 95% of the book for Jasper to make amends.
“Katherine, ours is a marriage of convenience. I’ve told you before. I loved my wife and she is dead. I’ve nothing left to offer you, and I certainly don’t want your love.”
It's not all bad especially towards the end. I just wished it wouldn't have taken 95% of the book for Jasper to make amends.
November 19, 2016
Wonderfully told story about the Duke who was determined to remain an impenetrable fortress to the rest of the world following the tragic death of his beloved wife during child birth. Turns out it didn't take an army to knock down his carefully erected walls, but a mere slip of a girl who did not know the meaning of respect. The thawing of the duke was a gradual process, thoroughly enjoyable for the reader to see how this giant scowling Mad Duke was left perplexed by his encounters with the maddening heroine, who made him feel again where he has been numbed for the longest time (including but not limited to his heart). Hugely captivating blend of humour and angst by an author previously unknown to me, a fact I intend to rectify presently.
January 3, 2015
ROMANCE WAS OVERSHADOWED BY THE FIRST WIFE!!
For Love of the Duke is yet another 3 star book that could have been 5 stars. Have you ever had a nice crisp salad that you poured to much dressing on? an it wilted the crisp greens? Well this is what I felt happen in this book. To much of the deceased wife Lydia wilted the story.
Jasper the 8th Duke of Bainbridge lost his wife an son in the child bed. This was so common for this era. Women died a lot from trying to give birth. Sanitation being the primary cause or bleeding a pregnant women, but Jasper is blamed for her death and is called the Mad Duke none of this made any real sense. Anyone would have know the high chances of a women dying while giving birth. As horrible as this was there is to much despair by Jasper for his deceased wife Lydia and his son. She has been dead 4 yrs, but Jasper refuses to even try and move on.
Lady Katherine Adamson is the daughter of a deceased Earl and a twin, her sister is Lady Anne Adamson. Anne convinces Katherine to attend the Frost Fair with her unchaperoned, in search of a pendent. Katherine falls in the Frozen Thames only to be save by the Duke, Jasper. Katherine and Anne believe that if they find this heart shaped pendent it will grant them the heart of a Duke. A titled husband. Katherine does get the legendary pendent and proceed to fall in love with Jasper.
Herein, was the problem with the story the H/H married about 60% into the story and Jasper is so dour and mean to Katherine. He is angry and rude to her and her family. The mother deserved it. He refuses to consummate the marriage as it is in name only. He doesn't want to get her with child. The whole story is over doused with Lydia the deceased wife. I don't like 3rd party HR stories. It goes on and on. Lydia as sad as her dead was just wore me out. At the very end of the story when Jasper does make love to Katherine she still feels inferior to the Lydia and Jasper does nothing to help her overcome her fears. Between Katherine's mother and Jasper she is always made to feel second best so she come to believe it, expect it and except it. Katherine is the best part about the story, she is intelligent and kind and very forgiving of Jasper and her mother. I believe she was very beautiful although she was made to feel plain, she wasn't. Her mother was unbelievable because she wanted Katherine to marry her 3rd cousin a mere Mr. and a horrible person instead of a Duke!! Really We are suppose to believe this!! The story was good.becasue of Katherine. Her sisters Aldora and Anne do love her and support her through out the story. I was glad for that. I will read Anne's story" More Than a Duke". Her love interest is introduced toward the end of the story Harry the Earl of Stanhope and Katherine has given Anne the legendary pendent to help her find the heart of a Duke or husband.
For Love of the Duke is yet another 3 star book that could have been 5 stars. Have you ever had a nice crisp salad that you poured to much dressing on? an it wilted the crisp greens? Well this is what I felt happen in this book. To much of the deceased wife Lydia wilted the story.
Jasper the 8th Duke of Bainbridge lost his wife an son in the child bed. This was so common for this era. Women died a lot from trying to give birth. Sanitation being the primary cause or bleeding a pregnant women, but Jasper is blamed for her death and is called the Mad Duke none of this made any real sense. Anyone would have know the high chances of a women dying while giving birth. As horrible as this was there is to much despair by Jasper for his deceased wife Lydia and his son. She has been dead 4 yrs, but Jasper refuses to even try and move on.
Lady Katherine Adamson is the daughter of a deceased Earl and a twin, her sister is Lady Anne Adamson. Anne convinces Katherine to attend the Frost Fair with her unchaperoned, in search of a pendent. Katherine falls in the Frozen Thames only to be save by the Duke, Jasper. Katherine and Anne believe that if they find this heart shaped pendent it will grant them the heart of a Duke. A titled husband. Katherine does get the legendary pendent and proceed to fall in love with Jasper.
Herein, was the problem with the story the H/H married about 60% into the story and Jasper is so dour and mean to Katherine. He is angry and rude to her and her family. The mother deserved it. He refuses to consummate the marriage as it is in name only. He doesn't want to get her with child. The whole story is over doused with Lydia the deceased wife. I don't like 3rd party HR stories. It goes on and on. Lydia as sad as her dead was just wore me out. At the very end of the story when Jasper does make love to Katherine she still feels inferior to the Lydia and Jasper does nothing to help her overcome her fears. Between Katherine's mother and Jasper she is always made to feel second best so she come to believe it, expect it and except it. Katherine is the best part about the story, she is intelligent and kind and very forgiving of Jasper and her mother. I believe she was very beautiful although she was made to feel plain, she wasn't. Her mother was unbelievable because she wanted Katherine to marry her 3rd cousin a mere Mr. and a horrible person instead of a Duke!! Really We are suppose to believe this!! The story was good.becasue of Katherine. Her sisters Aldora and Anne do love her and support her through out the story. I was glad for that. I will read Anne's story" More Than a Duke". Her love interest is introduced toward the end of the story Harry the Earl of Stanhope and Katherine has given Anne the legendary pendent to help her find the heart of a Duke or husband.
August 19, 2021
Twas draining to read. The author just kept going round in circles, I mean we get it already. The hero lost his first wife to pregnancy (nothing new in HR) and he blamed himself for getting her pregnant, okay.
So why is it that in every sentence that the hero talks or thinks, we always have ourselves coming back to this particular event in his life? Why the constant reminder? Every discussion or thought he has about the heroine, he just automatically thinks of his dead wife and begins his self pitying, oh I couldn’t be assed. I’m sure the story progressed nicely….ain’t sticking around to see it 🤠 🐎
Dnf at 40%
So why is it that in every sentence that the hero talks or thinks, we always have ourselves coming back to this particular event in his life? Why the constant reminder? Every discussion or thought he has about the heroine, he just automatically thinks of his dead wife and begins his self pitying, oh I couldn’t be assed. I’m sure the story progressed nicely….ain’t sticking around to see it 🤠 🐎
Dnf at 40%
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April 25, 2017I'm going to return to this one at a later date... I think.
Right now, DNF with no rating. I couldn't track the audiobook narrator at all, and she lost me multiple time with her rushed reading style and a lack of vocal differentiation between characters. A rough listen.
Read as part of my RT reading challenge, my quest to read new authors before the convention (https://www.rtconvention.com).
Right now, DNF with no rating. I couldn't track the audiobook narrator at all, and she lost me multiple time with her rushed reading style and a lack of vocal differentiation between characters. A rough listen.
Read as part of my RT reading challenge, my quest to read new authors before the convention (https://www.rtconvention.com).
July 11, 2017
DNF 26%
I am tired of stories with plucky heroins and grief-stricken surly dukes. It is fairly ordinary.
I cringed at the beginning, when the heroin called him a 'monster' repeatedly even though he hadn't said anything insulting and after he SAVED her from icy cold water.
I am tired of stories with plucky heroins and grief-stricken surly dukes. It is fairly ordinary.
I cringed at the beginning, when the heroin called him a 'monster' repeatedly even though he hadn't said anything insulting and after he SAVED her from icy cold water.
August 26, 2017
Lady Katherine Adamson falls through ice and is rescued by Jasper Waincourt, 8th Duke of Bainbridge. He's been "icy" and "aloof" ever since his first wife perished in childbirth four years ago. After a series of meetings that escalate from angry shouting to second base gropings without so much as a by-your-leave, they get married and then fight about what "marriage of convenience" means.
For one of them, it's boners. For the other, it's no boners.
1. This needed a serious and significant editing. There were misplaced commas, misused punctuation, and repeated words on almost every page. It was distracting.
2. Editing might have addressed this as well, but the "character ticks" were repetitious to the point of frustration. For example, Kat's preferred method of argument is poking Jasper in the chest with her finger: there are SEVEN separate arguments that end with her "jabbing" him in the chest MULTIPLE TIMES. When Kat doesn't understand something, she "angles" her head: she does this THIRTY-FIVE TIMES. And, of course, no one can ever truly smile, so there are EIGHTEEN "lip twitches" to hide how amused everyone secretly is, with other characters always wondering if they're amused.
ARGH.
3. Moving on from purely surface level complaints, the romance itself just didn't do it for me.
4. I had a huge problem with the handling of Jasper's first wife. At first, the text presents Kat as a "replacement" for Lydia, as Jasper struggles to remember what Lydia looked like, instead picturing Kat. This seems to carry on through the book until the very end when Jasper apologizes to Lydia's portrait/memory and says that he's got to continue on and "lay her to rest". I must say that I liked that Lydia wasn't every truly villainized or compared negatively to Kat; she was her own woman (albeit one left as a cutout propped in Jasper's backstory), but that doesn't excuse the clumsy handing of finding second love while honoring the memory of their first love.
5. Jasper's "Mad Duke" spiel was ridiculous.
6. This just wasn't my particular cup of tea; the characters were a bit flat, the lack of editing detracted from the story, and I found most of the emotional development to be ham-handed and forced. A pass from me.
For one of them, it's boners. For the other, it's no boners.
1. This needed a serious and significant editing. There were misplaced commas, misused punctuation, and repeated words on almost every page. It was distracting.
2. Editing might have addressed this as well, but the "character ticks" were repetitious to the point of frustration. For example, Kat's preferred method of argument is poking Jasper in the chest with her finger: there are SEVEN separate arguments that end with her "jabbing" him in the chest MULTIPLE TIMES. When Kat doesn't understand something, she "angles" her head: she does this THIRTY-FIVE TIMES. And, of course, no one can ever truly smile, so there are EIGHTEEN "lip twitches" to hide how amused everyone secretly is, with other characters always wondering if they're amused.
ARGH.
3. Moving on from purely surface level complaints, the romance itself just didn't do it for me.
4. I had a huge problem with the handling of Jasper's first wife. At first, the text presents Kat as a "replacement" for Lydia, as Jasper struggles to remember what Lydia looked like, instead picturing Kat. This seems to carry on through the book until the very end when Jasper apologizes to Lydia's portrait/memory and says that he's got to continue on and "lay her to rest". I must say that I liked that Lydia wasn't every truly villainized or compared negatively to Kat; she was her own woman (albeit one left as a cutout propped in Jasper's backstory), but that doesn't excuse the clumsy handing of finding second love while honoring the memory of their first love.
5. Jasper's "Mad Duke" spiel was ridiculous.
6. This just wasn't my particular cup of tea; the characters were a bit flat, the lack of editing detracted from the story, and I found most of the emotional development to be ham-handed and forced. A pass from me.
June 29, 2019
This is an enjoyable read if a bit contrived... We have the brooding, reclusive duke (Jasper) and the wallflower-esque/described as not very classically pretty lady (Katherine) who encounter each other at a snow fair where the h falls through the ice, and the H reluctantly saves her, but I like this one more than most with this similar plot line.
Jasper is a widower who lost his wife as many seemed to do in HRs --- in childbirth; thus, he blames himself for her death and the death of his heir. Katherine is a lady from a gentile family who has seen some harder times financially speaking. Because of his, her mother pressures her to accept an offer from one of her cousins: the one who would inherit should anything happen to her younger brother. The cousin is described as repulsive, so it is not hard to understand why Katherine begins to feel desperate to find a way out.
Though Jasper has clearly stated on many occasions that he does not want to remarry nor spend any time in a woman's company, especially the one he had to haul from a frozen lake, he finds himself unable to forget about Katherine. They begin a lighthearted communication exchange and banter, and share a passionate kiss during one of them. Katherine then comes up with an idea that would help them both --- they could get married, and she would not have to marry her cousin while Jasper could gain an heir. At first, the duke is incredulous that this imp is asking for HIS hand in marriage, but he eventually succumbs as he cannot seem to deny her. BUT he tells her that it will be a marriage in name only as he has no desire to have his current marriage end in the tragic way his first marriage did. Katherine is taken by surprise by this fine print item as she knows that there is passion there, but Jasper seems resolute in his stance. What he doesn't count on is Katherine's feisty spirit and refusal to bow to his wishes. Will Jasper risk it all to love again, and if he finally realizes what he has, will it be too late?
Plot --- 4/5
Main Characters --- 4/5
Supporting Cast --- 4/5
Steam Level* --- 3/5
Violence --- nothing stands out
Language --- not egregious
POV --- 3rd
(*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild; 2/5 - sensual but nothing descriptive; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere; 4/5 - yes please! ; 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all)
Jasper is a widower who lost his wife as many seemed to do in HRs --- in childbirth; thus, he blames himself for her death and the death of his heir. Katherine is a lady from a gentile family who has seen some harder times financially speaking. Because of his, her mother pressures her to accept an offer from one of her cousins: the one who would inherit should anything happen to her younger brother. The cousin is described as repulsive, so it is not hard to understand why Katherine begins to feel desperate to find a way out.
Though Jasper has clearly stated on many occasions that he does not want to remarry nor spend any time in a woman's company, especially the one he had to haul from a frozen lake, he finds himself unable to forget about Katherine. They begin a lighthearted communication exchange and banter, and share a passionate kiss during one of them. Katherine then comes up with an idea that would help them both --- they could get married, and she would not have to marry her cousin while Jasper could gain an heir. At first, the duke is incredulous that this imp is asking for HIS hand in marriage, but he eventually succumbs as he cannot seem to deny her. BUT he tells her that it will be a marriage in name only as he has no desire to have his current marriage end in the tragic way his first marriage did. Katherine is taken by surprise by this fine print item as she knows that there is passion there, but Jasper seems resolute in his stance. What he doesn't count on is Katherine's feisty spirit and refusal to bow to his wishes. Will Jasper risk it all to love again, and if he finally realizes what he has, will it be too late?
Plot --- 4/5
Main Characters --- 4/5
Supporting Cast --- 4/5
Steam Level* --- 3/5
Violence --- nothing stands out
Language --- not egregious
POV --- 3rd
(*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild; 2/5 - sensual but nothing descriptive; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere; 4/5 - yes please! ; 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all)
August 4, 2019
3,5 rounded to 4
Jasper lost his wife and son during child birth and since then he became a recluse afraid of ever love anyone again.
Lady Katherine is the “not so pretty” of the family and her mom wants to marry her to a cousin who is known to be a pervert.
This two unlikely characters meet by change during a frost fair and end up in a marriage of convenience.
The plot is not very original, but it is well done. Jasper and Katherine are both interesting characters and they pulled me into their story.
The side characters are also good and I can’t wait to read more about the Earl of Stanhope or the Marquess of Gilford.
The language was a little repetitive at times and the love declarations a little cheesy (in my humble opinion), but overall it was a good read.
Jasper lost his wife and son during child birth and since then he became a recluse afraid of ever love anyone again.
Lady Katherine is the “not so pretty” of the family and her mom wants to marry her to a cousin who is known to be a pervert.
This two unlikely characters meet by change during a frost fair and end up in a marriage of convenience.
The plot is not very original, but it is well done. Jasper and Katherine are both interesting characters and they pulled me into their story.
The side characters are also good and I can’t wait to read more about the Earl of Stanhope or the Marquess of Gilford.
The language was a little repetitive at times and the love declarations a little cheesy (in my humble opinion), but overall it was a good read.
September 23, 2018
All the feels! I laughed and cried. This was my first Christi Caldwell book. Boy am I glad I picked this up! I could see myself reading this one again.
Can't wait to start up the next book in the series.
A marriage of convenience. A wounded seemingly heartless man with a hidden tenderness. A woman who cannot be bested (that's my favorite kind).
Can't wait to start up the next book in the series.
A marriage of convenience. A wounded seemingly heartless man with a hidden tenderness. A woman who cannot be bested (that's my favorite kind).
January 14, 2018
DNF.
Couldn’t get very far. Why is it that I adore all four books from Caldwell’s most recent series, but all her prior books drive me bonkers?!
Couldn’t get very far. Why is it that I adore all four books from Caldwell’s most recent series, but all her prior books drive me bonkers?!
September 23, 2018
3.5/5 Stars.
In all honesty, it was better than I expected it to be. I picked up this expecting to not like it as much as I did. If you're a fan of a good old marraige of convenience plot, mixed with a man-pain laced Duke and a sprighty heroine, then this book is right up your alley.
It wasn't up my alley for sure, but yet I did not find myself rolling my eyes more than a few times.
Katharine Adamson, with her fear of water and all the dangers that come with it, in circumstances she had no control over falls into the icy thames and is rescued by our hero, Jasper. She later learns to her amazement that he's a duke, the mad duke as they all call him. At first they do not even like each other, love is far far away.
They form a tenous friendship of sorts, inpired by her ability to amuse him with her boldness and his cold exterior with just a hint of the true man inside intriguing her. Jasper lost his wife and son more than 3 years ago and is unable to return to normalcy post that, choosing to hole himself into his countryside estate rather than join the ton at London. Katharine hated London, and does not wish to marry a terrible man she must to ensure her and her sister's future.
From this is born the marraige of convenience. There was a ton of miscommunication and inability to articulate simple guidelines while agreeing to the terms that irked me. I do however, love their initial interactions, way before there was any hint of emotion or love. It was when I truly loved both characters and rooted for them.
Post marraige is when the angst really started. And let me assure you, there's a lot of it. So prepare yourself. Jasper is withdrawn and wishes more than anything to not feel a modicum of concern for his wife, and while the reasoning for all this is layed out quite extensively by the author, the logic behind it fails miserably. I'll leave it for you to interpret yourself. That one singular moment of angst was quite impactful and I felt myself groan while reading. So, that was definitely well done on the author's part.
I loved Katharine for the most part, but she gave me whiplash. One moment she was sad and miserable, then fiery and stubborn and almost instantly resigned and depressed. There was no continuation to her emotional journey, and that stops you from truly feeling the depths of her pain. Jasper, was alright. Not a hero I'll be swooning over at all. But, I did slightly understand why and what made him behave the way he did. I do still however think, any individual can be smarter than that.
What stops me from giving it 4 stars is two facts. The epilogue is way too short, and the conclusion of the whole angst ends in literally pages. We need more than that, it feels incomplete. The second, is the constant use of repetitions in the forms of metaphors, emotions, patterns and words in the writing style.
Overall a good read, and I'm glad I read it. I'd like to read other works from the author.
In all honesty, it was better than I expected it to be. I picked up this expecting to not like it as much as I did. If you're a fan of a good old marraige of convenience plot, mixed with a man-pain laced Duke and a sprighty heroine, then this book is right up your alley.
It wasn't up my alley for sure, but yet I did not find myself rolling my eyes more than a few times.
Katharine Adamson, with her fear of water and all the dangers that come with it, in circumstances she had no control over falls into the icy thames and is rescued by our hero, Jasper. She later learns to her amazement that he's a duke, the mad duke as they all call him. At first they do not even like each other, love is far far away.
They form a tenous friendship of sorts, inpired by her ability to amuse him with her boldness and his cold exterior with just a hint of the true man inside intriguing her. Jasper lost his wife and son more than 3 years ago and is unable to return to normalcy post that, choosing to hole himself into his countryside estate rather than join the ton at London. Katharine hated London, and does not wish to marry a terrible man she must to ensure her and her sister's future.
From this is born the marraige of convenience. There was a ton of miscommunication and inability to articulate simple guidelines while agreeing to the terms that irked me. I do however, love their initial interactions, way before there was any hint of emotion or love. It was when I truly loved both characters and rooted for them.
Post marraige is when the angst really started. And let me assure you, there's a lot of it. So prepare yourself. Jasper is withdrawn and wishes more than anything to not feel a modicum of concern for his wife, and while the reasoning for all this is layed out quite extensively by the author, the logic behind it fails miserably. I'll leave it for you to interpret yourself. That one singular moment of angst was quite impactful and I felt myself groan while reading. So, that was definitely well done on the author's part.
I loved Katharine for the most part, but she gave me whiplash. One moment she was sad and miserable, then fiery and stubborn and almost instantly resigned and depressed. There was no continuation to her emotional journey, and that stops you from truly feeling the depths of her pain. Jasper, was alright. Not a hero I'll be swooning over at all. But, I did slightly understand why and what made him behave the way he did. I do still however think, any individual can be smarter than that.
What stops me from giving it 4 stars is two facts. The epilogue is way too short, and the conclusion of the whole angst ends in literally pages. We need more than that, it feels incomplete. The second, is the constant use of repetitions in the forms of metaphors, emotions, patterns and words in the writing style.
Overall a good read, and I'm glad I read it. I'd like to read other works from the author.
July 24, 2024
Review from 2015
B- for narration / content, so that's a solid 3.5 stars.
For Love of the Duke was a new-to-me listen in terms of both author and narrator, but the book seems to have been fairly well received so I decided to give the audio a try.
Twin sisters Lady Katherine and Lady Anne Adamson are shopping at a frost fair on the Thames in the run-up to Christmas when disaster strikes. Katherine literally steps onto thin ice, plunging into the frigid water beneath – and would have drowned but for the quick thinking and actions of Jasper, the Duke of Bainbridge, who dives in and pulls her out.
Jasper is a massive bear of a man with a demeanour to match. Having encountered Katherine earlier in the day, he’d taken an instant dislike to her pertness and lack of awe at being in his presence, and can’t wait to wash his hands of her. Since the death of his beloved wife in childbed nearly four years before, Bainbridge has lived as a recluse at his country estate, and is widely dubbed “the Mad Duke”. Not only has he withdrawn completely from society to wallow in his grief, there are rumours he actually murdered Lydia, rumours he does nothing to dispel because he believes that’s exactly what he did by getting her pregnant.
Jasper and Katherine’s immediate antagonism is, of course, riddled with a frisson of unwanted attraction, and it’s well done – although the way he persists in thinking of her as a “vixen” is a bit jarring at this early stage in the story. I understand that the author is trying to show us the attraction lying behind his protestations of displeasure, but I felt like I was being hit over the head with a flashing neon sign to tell me that he was being grumpy because he fancied Katherine and didn’t want to.
Some days later, the pair encounters each other again, this time in a book shop. Following an altercation over the last available copy of a Wordsworth poem, Bainbridge not-so-graciously concedes it to the lady. Once home, Katherine realises that the poem must have meant more to the duke than he’d let on and returns it to him with a note – and thus they strike up a correspondence which ends with their agreeing to share the book. Katherine is starting to understand that there is more to this forbidding mountain of a man than meets the eye – he likes Wordsworth, so he can’t be all bad! – and to find herself far more interested in him than is probably wise. For his part, Jasper is desperately trying to set aside the reluctant attraction he feels for this spirited, intelligent and aggravating young lady and puts the stirrings of long-buried emotions down to the lust for an attractive woman felt by a man who has been too long without female companionship.
The sisters live with their mother, who is anxious to get them both married off. Their wastrel father died leaving them un-provided for, and although their eldest sister’s recent marriage has helped keep the wolf from the door, Lady Adamson is anxious to find husbands for the twins. Beautiful, vivacious Anne is sure to make an advantageous match, whereas Katherine, with her unflattering hairstyle and gowns, will be married to anyone who will have her. When she discovers that her mother intends to betroth her to someone unpleasant, Katherine thinks the unthinkable – and, armed with a list of reasons “why I would make you a good wife”, asks Jasper to marry her.
Astonished – but unwilling to see Katherine forced into marriage with a man known for his unpleasant sexual proclivities, Jasper agrees – he thinks – to a marriage in name only, and is later blindsided when he learns that Katherine had expected to be a true wife to him. Even though he wants her desperately, he is still haunted by his first wife’s death and unwilling to take such a risk again.
I rather enjoyed this story of the emotionally walled-off duke and the young woman who gradually breaks through his defences to show him that while his beloved wife may have died, his life did not end with hers. Katherine is an engaging heroine – she refuses to bow down before Jasper’s angry frowns and isn’t prepared to put up with too many of his fits of the sullens or let him ride roughshod over her. She’s spirited and determined – but not stupid or insensitive. She is well aware of the things that trouble her new husband, but while she wants to find a way to bring him back to the land of the living, she doesn’t attempt it by offering empty platitudes or telling him to cheer up!
Jasper is a difficult character to like, because he’s so determined to wallow in self-pity. Even as he’s starting to feel an attraction to a woman for the first time in years, he ruthlessly supresses it, his guilt over Lydia’s death having led him to believe he doesn’t have the right to be happy ever again. But this makes him a selfish man, because he continually refuses to see how his behaviour and his words affect others; throughout the story he says and does things to show Katherine that she can never hold his affection the way Lydia did, and he does it deliberately. His not caring about anyone or anything else has become his default position, and although he knows what he’s doing is wrong, he doesn’t seem prepared to make the effort needed to stop himself twisting the knife in Katherine’s heart as well as his own.
Morag Sims delivers a more than competent performance in this audiobook, and I would definitely consider listening to her again. Her voice has a light, pleasing tone and a slight huskiness that makes it attractive and easy to listen to. Her pacing and diction are both very good, although I did notice a handful of mispronunciations throughout which, fortunately, weren’t enough to spoil my enjoyment of the story. She differentiates well between the characters, making Katherine sound appropriately youthful, and easily distinguishable from Anne and their mother. Her performance of the male characters was fairly successful, and again, they were clearly differentiated, but Ms Sims sounds a little uncomfortable in the register she has chosen to adopt for her portrayal of Jasper, and she sounds as though sustaining the lower pitch she uses is a bit of a strain. I also felt that she was somewhat emotionally distanced from the characters in the early stages of the story; for instance, when the text said “he barked” or “he snarled” – she didn’t act that at all, speaking instead in a measured, more normal-sounding tone. That said, however, she seemed to settle into it as the audio progressed and by the final stages, was far more in tune with the emotional nuances of the story.
All in all, For Love of the Duke is an entertaining and undemanding listen. It may be a little heavy on the angst for some, but I enjoyed it and would give it a qualified recommendation to anyone looking for an accomplished re-tread of a story that follows a familiar path.
B- for narration / content, so that's a solid 3.5 stars.
For Love of the Duke was a new-to-me listen in terms of both author and narrator, but the book seems to have been fairly well received so I decided to give the audio a try.
Twin sisters Lady Katherine and Lady Anne Adamson are shopping at a frost fair on the Thames in the run-up to Christmas when disaster strikes. Katherine literally steps onto thin ice, plunging into the frigid water beneath – and would have drowned but for the quick thinking and actions of Jasper, the Duke of Bainbridge, who dives in and pulls her out.
Jasper is a massive bear of a man with a demeanour to match. Having encountered Katherine earlier in the day, he’d taken an instant dislike to her pertness and lack of awe at being in his presence, and can’t wait to wash his hands of her. Since the death of his beloved wife in childbed nearly four years before, Bainbridge has lived as a recluse at his country estate, and is widely dubbed “the Mad Duke”. Not only has he withdrawn completely from society to wallow in his grief, there are rumours he actually murdered Lydia, rumours he does nothing to dispel because he believes that’s exactly what he did by getting her pregnant.
Jasper and Katherine’s immediate antagonism is, of course, riddled with a frisson of unwanted attraction, and it’s well done – although the way he persists in thinking of her as a “vixen” is a bit jarring at this early stage in the story. I understand that the author is trying to show us the attraction lying behind his protestations of displeasure, but I felt like I was being hit over the head with a flashing neon sign to tell me that he was being grumpy because he fancied Katherine and didn’t want to.
Some days later, the pair encounters each other again, this time in a book shop. Following an altercation over the last available copy of a Wordsworth poem, Bainbridge not-so-graciously concedes it to the lady. Once home, Katherine realises that the poem must have meant more to the duke than he’d let on and returns it to him with a note – and thus they strike up a correspondence which ends with their agreeing to share the book. Katherine is starting to understand that there is more to this forbidding mountain of a man than meets the eye – he likes Wordsworth, so he can’t be all bad! – and to find herself far more interested in him than is probably wise. For his part, Jasper is desperately trying to set aside the reluctant attraction he feels for this spirited, intelligent and aggravating young lady and puts the stirrings of long-buried emotions down to the lust for an attractive woman felt by a man who has been too long without female companionship.
The sisters live with their mother, who is anxious to get them both married off. Their wastrel father died leaving them un-provided for, and although their eldest sister’s recent marriage has helped keep the wolf from the door, Lady Adamson is anxious to find husbands for the twins. Beautiful, vivacious Anne is sure to make an advantageous match, whereas Katherine, with her unflattering hairstyle and gowns, will be married to anyone who will have her. When she discovers that her mother intends to betroth her to someone unpleasant, Katherine thinks the unthinkable – and, armed with a list of reasons “why I would make you a good wife”, asks Jasper to marry her.
Astonished – but unwilling to see Katherine forced into marriage with a man known for his unpleasant sexual proclivities, Jasper agrees – he thinks – to a marriage in name only, and is later blindsided when he learns that Katherine had expected to be a true wife to him. Even though he wants her desperately, he is still haunted by his first wife’s death and unwilling to take such a risk again.
I rather enjoyed this story of the emotionally walled-off duke and the young woman who gradually breaks through his defences to show him that while his beloved wife may have died, his life did not end with hers. Katherine is an engaging heroine – she refuses to bow down before Jasper’s angry frowns and isn’t prepared to put up with too many of his fits of the sullens or let him ride roughshod over her. She’s spirited and determined – but not stupid or insensitive. She is well aware of the things that trouble her new husband, but while she wants to find a way to bring him back to the land of the living, she doesn’t attempt it by offering empty platitudes or telling him to cheer up!
Jasper is a difficult character to like, because he’s so determined to wallow in self-pity. Even as he’s starting to feel an attraction to a woman for the first time in years, he ruthlessly supresses it, his guilt over Lydia’s death having led him to believe he doesn’t have the right to be happy ever again. But this makes him a selfish man, because he continually refuses to see how his behaviour and his words affect others; throughout the story he says and does things to show Katherine that she can never hold his affection the way Lydia did, and he does it deliberately. His not caring about anyone or anything else has become his default position, and although he knows what he’s doing is wrong, he doesn’t seem prepared to make the effort needed to stop himself twisting the knife in Katherine’s heart as well as his own.
Morag Sims delivers a more than competent performance in this audiobook, and I would definitely consider listening to her again. Her voice has a light, pleasing tone and a slight huskiness that makes it attractive and easy to listen to. Her pacing and diction are both very good, although I did notice a handful of mispronunciations throughout which, fortunately, weren’t enough to spoil my enjoyment of the story. She differentiates well between the characters, making Katherine sound appropriately youthful, and easily distinguishable from Anne and their mother. Her performance of the male characters was fairly successful, and again, they were clearly differentiated, but Ms Sims sounds a little uncomfortable in the register she has chosen to adopt for her portrayal of Jasper, and she sounds as though sustaining the lower pitch she uses is a bit of a strain. I also felt that she was somewhat emotionally distanced from the characters in the early stages of the story; for instance, when the text said “he barked” or “he snarled” – she didn’t act that at all, speaking instead in a measured, more normal-sounding tone. That said, however, she seemed to settle into it as the audio progressed and by the final stages, was far more in tune with the emotional nuances of the story.
All in all, For Love of the Duke is an entertaining and undemanding listen. It may be a little heavy on the angst for some, but I enjoyed it and would give it a qualified recommendation to anyone looking for an accomplished re-tread of a story that follows a familiar path.
November 13, 2019
Katherine ha pasado su primera temporada con su hermana gemela sin haber encontrado marido. No es que ella lo esté buscando, hace tiempo que no cree en el amor y no cree en el matrimonio por conveniencia.
Jasper lleva años muerto por dentro. Desde la muerte de su esposa se ha recluido en su castillo para vivir la vida solitaria que se merece. Pero entonces su amigo Guilford lo empuja a ir a la feria y él acaba teniendo que salvar a una dama de rizos castaños. Lady Katherine puede parecer una dama frágil pero le dará más de una pelea si la busca.
MI PREFERIDO DE ESTE AÑO.
Así os lo digo y os lo confirmo. Me he enamorado perdidamente de este libro y sus personajes.
Cuando empecé la historia me enganchó ya la sinopsis, para que mentiros, pero cada palabra me mantenía más y más intrigada. El desarrollo de la historia de amor entre estos dos renegados a cualquier historia romántica ha sido estupenda. Una pensaría que al tomarse tanto tiempo en desarrollarla te acabarías aburriendo... PERO NO!!!!! La tensión de saber si al final sí o al final no me ha mantenido diciendo: un capítulo más. Y ya sabemos cómo es eso, que nunca es sólo uno más.
Jasper me ha roto el corazón varias veces en el libro. Con ciertos momentos duros con Katherine que me hizo llorar y sobre todo cuando le contó todo lo de su esposa. Aún en estos momentos tengo los ojos rojos de llorar.
En cuanto a Katherine quiero deciros que es una protagonista de las que me enamoran. Es luchadora pero dulce. Me encantó que intentase luchar por Jasper y también entiendo cuando se rindió, una puede soportar desprecios hasta cierto punto. Pero verla sentada en el parque incluso con alergia demuestra lo mucho que lo amaba incluso en la distancia ❤️
El caso es, que para resumiros: esta historia es una joya. Un tesoro que me encontré por casualidad y espero no perder nunca. Es maravillosa, tiene momentos tristes pero un final feliz que es lo que más se busca. Si que mi única crítica es que me habría gustado un capítulo más antes del epílogo o un epílogo un poco más largo. Por todo lo demás: os amo Jasper y Katherine habéis sido los protagonistas que siempre busco, tremendamente perfectos ❤️
Jasper lleva años muerto por dentro. Desde la muerte de su esposa se ha recluido en su castillo para vivir la vida solitaria que se merece. Pero entonces su amigo Guilford lo empuja a ir a la feria y él acaba teniendo que salvar a una dama de rizos castaños. Lady Katherine puede parecer una dama frágil pero le dará más de una pelea si la busca.
MI PREFERIDO DE ESTE AÑO.
Así os lo digo y os lo confirmo. Me he enamorado perdidamente de este libro y sus personajes.
Cuando empecé la historia me enganchó ya la sinopsis, para que mentiros, pero cada palabra me mantenía más y más intrigada. El desarrollo de la historia de amor entre estos dos renegados a cualquier historia romántica ha sido estupenda. Una pensaría que al tomarse tanto tiempo en desarrollarla te acabarías aburriendo... PERO NO!!!!! La tensión de saber si al final sí o al final no me ha mantenido diciendo: un capítulo más. Y ya sabemos cómo es eso, que nunca es sólo uno más.
Jasper me ha roto el corazón varias veces en el libro. Con ciertos momentos duros con Katherine que me hizo llorar y sobre todo cuando le contó todo lo de su esposa. Aún en estos momentos tengo los ojos rojos de llorar.
En cuanto a Katherine quiero deciros que es una protagonista de las que me enamoran. Es luchadora pero dulce. Me encantó que intentase luchar por Jasper y también entiendo cuando se rindió, una puede soportar desprecios hasta cierto punto. Pero verla sentada en el parque incluso con alergia demuestra lo mucho que lo amaba incluso en la distancia ❤️
El caso es, que para resumiros: esta historia es una joya. Un tesoro que me encontré por casualidad y espero no perder nunca. Es maravillosa, tiene momentos tristes pero un final feliz que es lo que más se busca. Si que mi única crítica es que me habría gustado un capítulo más antes del epílogo o un epílogo un poco más largo. Por todo lo demás: os amo Jasper y Katherine habéis sido los protagonistas que siempre busco, tremendamente perfectos ❤️
October 25, 2020
It was alright. Not a memorable book but a nice read to pass the time.
September 29, 2016
This was a very illogical book. Nothing made much sense except for a few things. I liked Katherine's stubbornness for the most part and I thought it was brave of her to get out while the getting was good instead of moping around until the straw broke the camel's back. I'm not sure why she had to have a special friend other than it being a trope. That didn't seem to be something she would've done prior to her marriage. The Duke's friend was like a carrier pigeon just there to bring news and they didn't even act like friends either. I gave this two stars because this book was really a clichéd novel with no spark that was passable.
February 9, 2019
3.5 Stars
I’m always looking for new historical romance authors. I’ll be honest and say I’m very cautious to reading non-traditionally published historical romance authors. I’m all for being independently published, but there’s a higher standard when it comes to being traditionally published, especially with historical romance authors. I need it to be accurate.
This is my first Christi Caldwell read. I see her books all over Amazon and I thought why not? I wouldn’t call her my favorite historical romance author, but I see the potential. I’m all for giving several books a good before I move on.
I liked the storyline of For the Love of the Duke, but I believe the kinks needed to be worked out of this one. The reviews are true. This isn’t a great book, but it isn’t a bad book.
There’s tension in this and I was highly disappointed on how low of the steam of the book had. I really hate sexy covers that don’t hold up to the truth of the book. I don’t need steam in every book, but I expect it when it’s advertised in the cover.
Lady Katherine Adamson doesn’t want to marry the man her mom has picked for her. Since she is not 25, she has little of choice in the matter. I liked her character and I felt like Katherine really carried out the story. She’s strong and independent and I thought her crying was cute.
Jasper is a Duke and he is a widow. He loved his wife and he can’t bare to live a life of happiness. The book basically was a downer because of this man. Oh boy could he hold a grudge! I think if the Hero was a little more open this book could have easily been 5 stars. But he went on and on about his beautiful wife and it was just SAD.
There’s a lot of tension between Jasper and Katherine and I have never been fond of the Heroine chasing after the Hero. I did skim a few boring scenes that didn’t involve the couple.
Overall, it was a decent first book for the series and I will continue on, hoping it will get better. I have a feeling it will.
I’m always looking for new historical romance authors. I’ll be honest and say I’m very cautious to reading non-traditionally published historical romance authors. I’m all for being independently published, but there’s a higher standard when it comes to being traditionally published, especially with historical romance authors. I need it to be accurate.
This is my first Christi Caldwell read. I see her books all over Amazon and I thought why not? I wouldn’t call her my favorite historical romance author, but I see the potential. I’m all for giving several books a good before I move on.
I liked the storyline of For the Love of the Duke, but I believe the kinks needed to be worked out of this one. The reviews are true. This isn’t a great book, but it isn’t a bad book.
There’s tension in this and I was highly disappointed on how low of the steam of the book had. I really hate sexy covers that don’t hold up to the truth of the book. I don’t need steam in every book, but I expect it when it’s advertised in the cover.
Lady Katherine Adamson doesn’t want to marry the man her mom has picked for her. Since she is not 25, she has little of choice in the matter. I liked her character and I felt like Katherine really carried out the story. She’s strong and independent and I thought her crying was cute.
Jasper is a Duke and he is a widow. He loved his wife and he can’t bare to live a life of happiness. The book basically was a downer because of this man. Oh boy could he hold a grudge! I think if the Hero was a little more open this book could have easily been 5 stars. But he went on and on about his beautiful wife and it was just SAD.
There’s a lot of tension between Jasper and Katherine and I have never been fond of the Heroine chasing after the Hero. I did skim a few boring scenes that didn’t involve the couple.
Overall, it was a decent first book for the series and I will continue on, hoping it will get better. I have a feeling it will.
June 30, 2017
* big sigh* Not much of a review on this one, it was just perfect.
It might be that it just suited my mood, but it made my heart ache at times. Lovely romantic story (I do love my men dark and broody....)
It might be that it just suited my mood, but it made my heart ache at times. Lovely romantic story (I do love my men dark and broody....)
July 25, 2017
My Disclaimer:
I was provided a free copy of this book for joining the author’s newsletter. I am providing an honest review for which I am receiving no compensation of any kind. All opinions are fully my own.
~ Judi E. Easley for Blue Cat Review
My Review: ✭✭✭✭
I don’t know about you, but I started out with historical romances, and they have remained my favorite genre to this day. If this first book in the series is what the rest of them are like, I have twelve more to read, because this is just like the classic historical romances I cut my teeth on. A heroine with a head on her shoulders. A handsome hero with his own set of problems. And friends and family interference to complicate things.
I’m not saying that this blew me out of the water because that would mean that it would have five stars up there and there are only four. It is a typical storyline with typical characters…but I cried! There was something in the way Ms. Caldwell wrote of Katherine’s love, of his letting her go and the pain in it. OMG, yes, I was in tears. So poignant. I would have liked more at the ending, but it was neatly tied up. That seems to be the style currently.
Up there at the top of the page is a list of the rest of the thirteen books in this series, which I must now add to my poor overburdened TBR list. But what fun! I’ll cry, and laugh and fall in love another dozen times! Christi Caldwell has delivered up a baker’s dozen of great reading, what’s wrong with that? Absolutely nothing. Historical romance is a fast read because they have a certain formula and style. But they are such a comfort to the reader for that familiarity. When you pick up a new historical romance, you know what you have in your hands. And don’t we love it!
I was provided a free copy of this book for joining the author’s newsletter. I am providing an honest review for which I am receiving no compensation of any kind. All opinions are fully my own.
~ Judi E. Easley for Blue Cat Review
My Review: ✭✭✭✭
I don’t know about you, but I started out with historical romances, and they have remained my favorite genre to this day. If this first book in the series is what the rest of them are like, I have twelve more to read, because this is just like the classic historical romances I cut my teeth on. A heroine with a head on her shoulders. A handsome hero with his own set of problems. And friends and family interference to complicate things.
I’m not saying that this blew me out of the water because that would mean that it would have five stars up there and there are only four. It is a typical storyline with typical characters…but I cried! There was something in the way Ms. Caldwell wrote of Katherine’s love, of his letting her go and the pain in it. OMG, yes, I was in tears. So poignant. I would have liked more at the ending, but it was neatly tied up. That seems to be the style currently.
Up there at the top of the page is a list of the rest of the thirteen books in this series, which I must now add to my poor overburdened TBR list. But what fun! I’ll cry, and laugh and fall in love another dozen times! Christi Caldwell has delivered up a baker’s dozen of great reading, what’s wrong with that? Absolutely nothing. Historical romance is a fast read because they have a certain formula and style. But they are such a comfort to the reader for that familiarity. When you pick up a new historical romance, you know what you have in your hands. And don’t we love it!
February 7, 2015
Wow! I love this book.
I felt every emotion of Katherine & Jasper's whilst reading this book. When Katherine cried, I cried. When she was angry at Jasper, so was I, but I felt so much sympathy for Jasper.
I don't know how Christi does it every time.
This read was beautiful in the writing and in the reading.
As a footnote: Christi you owe me a box of Kleenex!
An honest 5+ from me.
I felt every emotion of Katherine & Jasper's whilst reading this book. When Katherine cried, I cried. When she was angry at Jasper, so was I, but I felt so much sympathy for Jasper.
I don't know how Christi does it every time.
This read was beautiful in the writing and in the reading.
As a footnote: Christi you owe me a box of Kleenex!
An honest 5+ from me.
June 1, 2022
This book was fine but it just was missing something for me…
Jasper’s beloved first duchess died in childbirth and he blames himself so he is insistent on living a miserable, cold existence. One day he saves Katherine when she falls through the ice and it turns out she is the one who saves him…
I’ve read better tellings of the grieving widower. Jasper did seem a bit mad to be so caught up in blaming himself. I liked Katherine’s stubborn personality but she seemed a little inconsistent.
Jasper’s beloved first duchess died in childbirth and he blames himself so he is insistent on living a miserable, cold existence. One day he saves Katherine when she falls through the ice and it turns out she is the one who saves him…
I’ve read better tellings of the grieving widower. Jasper did seem a bit mad to be so caught up in blaming himself. I liked Katherine’s stubborn personality but she seemed a little inconsistent.
September 26, 2019
it was a cute one time read
October 15, 2014
I have loved historical romances since I was 13 when I picked up my very first book. But no book has moved me, made me cry or made me laugh as much as this book. I can honestly say that Christi Caldwell has fast become one of my favorite authors.
This is a story of two hurt people. Katherine was hurt but her fathers drinking and gambling and her mothers indifference towards her. Jasper is hurt by his now dead, selfish and callous parents and the death of his wife. One fateful act bring these two together, but can they survive together, or with the past destroy everything before it can start.
As I said before, this book is wonderful, beautifully written, the plot it seamless and you really just get caught up in the magic of the book. I love Jasper and Katherine’s characters, they are not perfect, which I find refreshing. I also love Anne and Guilford, hopefully they get their own books too
This is a story of two hurt people. Katherine was hurt but her fathers drinking and gambling and her mothers indifference towards her. Jasper is hurt by his now dead, selfish and callous parents and the death of his wife. One fateful act bring these two together, but can they survive together, or with the past destroy everything before it can start.
As I said before, this book is wonderful, beautifully written, the plot it seamless and you really just get caught up in the magic of the book. I love Jasper and Katherine’s characters, they are not perfect, which I find refreshing. I also love Anne and Guilford, hopefully they get their own books too
May 27, 2019
4.5 Stars
October 13, 2014
For Love of the Duke (The Heart of the Duke Series) by Christi Caldwell
As a reader you know when you are reading something very special. You know when the story begins to unfold that this is not a story that will have loose ends or holes in the plot. You anticipate how your emotions are going to be engaged and eager to read as quickly as possible because you just know that this is a story that will deeply satisfy.
As soon as I started reading this story, I sensed that it was going to be deeper than the usual plot line of grumpy duke and spritely young lady who fall madly in love. I was right. This story is so well developed, the characters become like intimate friends that you feel deep compassion for and want to see the very best happen for them.
The main character Jasper is a deeply haunted man. Although he is a young, widowed duke, he is not being chased by any marriage minded mama. He hides himself away in a self-imposed prison to wallow in the grief of losing his love and child. He is rude, gruff and sometimes downright nasty. The author develops this character well. You realise that this isn’t a bravado or shield – he really is a difficult individual who has retreated into his boorish behaviour. There is no glimmer of a man who lived life differently. He has but one friend who visits him regularly, and as the reader, you can’t understand why he tolerates this behaviour for something that very tenuously hints at friendship. As a Duke, Jasper has the power to keep the world away and be as miserable as he wishes.
Katherine is also a complex character that is very well developed. She knows what financial ruin feels like, having lived through the decimation of her teenage years by her father’s wastrel ways. Her sister, Aldora’s marriage has saved the family’s reputation and finances to a point. Katherine and her twin sister Anne are on the marriage mart. Her mother has great aspirations for Anne, but is resigned that Katherine should do the family duty and marry the distant relative who is next in line to the title. Katherine can’t abide by the odious man and is overwrought with the machinations of her mother and is deeply hurt that she means so little to her.
When Anne and Katherine slip away to the Frost Festival on the frozen Thames, they are searching for a necklace that supposedly brings luck in finding a duke to marry. Anne is effervescent and bubbles to Katherine’s quiet and knowing ways. Katherine is terrified to go as she is scared of water, after a traumatic incident as a child. But Anne gets her way and the stage is set for Jasper and Katherine to meet. Just as Katherine has found the necklace that she believes will satisfy Anne, she falls through the ice. Her rescuer is none other than Jasper. He saves her life, but is not happy to be playing this role. He wants nothing to do with the lives of the living and this young woman brings forth devastating memories of losing his wife.
From the moment they meet, it is not a love match, nor even polite interest. Katherine insults him and isn’t cowed by his ferocious manner. It isn’t a great start which as a reader makes the story so much more intriguing and fascinating. They can’t stand each other. And not in the manner of hatred turns to lust – they just plain dislike each other.
But after the incident, neither can get forget. They are interrogated by their families and both vehemently deny that it was more than a timely rescue. Katherine sets out to her daily routine, and visits her favourite bookseller. She has come in search of the latest and only copy of Wordsworth’s new book. Of course fate has a role in this and she encounters incredulous Jasper who has the audacity to ask her if she is following him and angling for the role of duchess. I really enjoyed their verbal sparring. Katherine is not intimidated by Jasper and that creates a tiny spark of interest in him.
After the incident in the bookshop, Katherine and Jasper begin a clandestine correspondence about books and the power of poetry. Between each missive, things are happening in the characters’ lives and minds to pull them together. Jasper is starting to crack beneath his icy façade. He is starting to feel emotions again, however unwelcome. Katherine is being deeply pressured to marry her cousin. They begin to meet at the Serpentine in London to exchange poetry books, when Katherine proposes an outrageous suggestion. She asks Jasper to marry her. She even compiles a list of all the reasons marriage to her would suit Jasper. Katherine isn’t a nitwit, she knows that Jasper is a good person deep down and that he feels something in his cold heart for her. They have shared two passionate kisses. These kisses are in some respects like ice cracking in regards to Jasper’s heart. For the first time in years, he feels something for another person – amusement, interest, lust and a slim sense of responsibility.
He agrees to the marriage. As the reader, this is a twist that is unexpected, but creates a whole exciting new chapter to the story. Jasper takes over much to Katherine’s family’s horror. He marries her within a week and immediately whisks her away to his dreary, cold castle that has served as his self-imposed prison for years. This is where things get interesting. This is what separates this book from others. Katherine is not going to be a silent partner in this marriage of convenience. She is incensed that she is refused a marriage breakfast and taken from her family right before Christmas. She actually slaps and hits him the moment they get into the carriage. This scene shows the development of depth between the characters and the story.
They arrive at his dreary, cold castle that is half covered in Holland Cloths. Katherine is now only beginning to understand the meaning of a marriage of convenience. There will be no consummation of the marriage. She is to live within the allowed areas of the castle and have minimal interaction with Jasper. She didn’t realize this was the extent of what she asked for. Katherine knows that Jasper deeply loved his wife and will never love her, but she can’t understand why he won’t consummate the marriage. Jasper actually longs to. He finds Katherine entrancing. He may tell himself that he entered into this marriage to save her from her cousin, but he feels the inexorable pull towards her. He desperately wants to bury his body in hers, but visions of blood and death stop him every time.
Katherine defies Jasper’s strict control of the castle. She removes Holland covers, decorates for Christmas and integrates herself with the staff. She is making his lair no longer a safe place. When her sister Aldora, husband Michael and daughter Lizzie show up to celebrate the holidays with her, it pushes Jasper over the edge. He takes Katherine passionately to his bedroom and shows her exactly what he wants from her. His self-imposed exile is over for a brief interlude, but comes rushing back as he realizes what he has done. Christmas is a solemn affair and although Katherine and Jasper find passion once again, it becomes clear that Jasper’s heart is still with his dead wife. He tells Katherine he will never love her and essentially wants to her live like a ghost in his home. We know that he really doesn’t want this, but it’s enough to push her away. His defences win and Katherine returns to London with her family, leaving her husband to his memories and haunted castle.
While Katherine flourishes in London, no longer under control of anyone, she lives her life on her own terms. Which includes friendship with a rake of the first order. When word gets to Jasper that his wife is possibly engaged in an affair, he storms to London to do what he must to get her back. It’s like the flood gates broke open and Jasper allows himself to truly be honest. He has longed for Katherine since she left. He longs for the love she offered him. He wants to have a real marriage again. I think one of my favourite scenes is when he storms into a ball and drags Katherine out and into his carriage. Something about Jasper acting like a cave man was perfect. For a man cold and frozen with disinterest for four years, he now burns hot.
This story was one of the books when you know you are reading something magical. I stayed up way to late reading because I was so invested in Katherine and Jasper. I wanted these wounded people to find solace and love in each other. My heart broke a little each time Katherine’s good intentions were ignored or rebuffed by Jasper. I gritted my teeth with frustration every time Jasper seemed on the cusp of displaying humour or emotion, yet only to pull back. It takes a skilled and truly gifted author to create and weave a story that has such well-developed character that make you feel as if you know their very next thoughts. This story was more than one of landing a duke; it was about reclaiming passion for life and love and seeing the potential in joining in the joys of living. Even with the heart wrenching scenes, the theme of hope was woven through every passage and chapter. As the reader, you never stopped hoping for this couple to find their way together. That is the sign of a book that is a fabulous read.
Reviewed by www.kiltsandswords.com
As a reader you know when you are reading something very special. You know when the story begins to unfold that this is not a story that will have loose ends or holes in the plot. You anticipate how your emotions are going to be engaged and eager to read as quickly as possible because you just know that this is a story that will deeply satisfy.
As soon as I started reading this story, I sensed that it was going to be deeper than the usual plot line of grumpy duke and spritely young lady who fall madly in love. I was right. This story is so well developed, the characters become like intimate friends that you feel deep compassion for and want to see the very best happen for them.
The main character Jasper is a deeply haunted man. Although he is a young, widowed duke, he is not being chased by any marriage minded mama. He hides himself away in a self-imposed prison to wallow in the grief of losing his love and child. He is rude, gruff and sometimes downright nasty. The author develops this character well. You realise that this isn’t a bravado or shield – he really is a difficult individual who has retreated into his boorish behaviour. There is no glimmer of a man who lived life differently. He has but one friend who visits him regularly, and as the reader, you can’t understand why he tolerates this behaviour for something that very tenuously hints at friendship. As a Duke, Jasper has the power to keep the world away and be as miserable as he wishes.
Katherine is also a complex character that is very well developed. She knows what financial ruin feels like, having lived through the decimation of her teenage years by her father’s wastrel ways. Her sister, Aldora’s marriage has saved the family’s reputation and finances to a point. Katherine and her twin sister Anne are on the marriage mart. Her mother has great aspirations for Anne, but is resigned that Katherine should do the family duty and marry the distant relative who is next in line to the title. Katherine can’t abide by the odious man and is overwrought with the machinations of her mother and is deeply hurt that she means so little to her.
When Anne and Katherine slip away to the Frost Festival on the frozen Thames, they are searching for a necklace that supposedly brings luck in finding a duke to marry. Anne is effervescent and bubbles to Katherine’s quiet and knowing ways. Katherine is terrified to go as she is scared of water, after a traumatic incident as a child. But Anne gets her way and the stage is set for Jasper and Katherine to meet. Just as Katherine has found the necklace that she believes will satisfy Anne, she falls through the ice. Her rescuer is none other than Jasper. He saves her life, but is not happy to be playing this role. He wants nothing to do with the lives of the living and this young woman brings forth devastating memories of losing his wife.
From the moment they meet, it is not a love match, nor even polite interest. Katherine insults him and isn’t cowed by his ferocious manner. It isn’t a great start which as a reader makes the story so much more intriguing and fascinating. They can’t stand each other. And not in the manner of hatred turns to lust – they just plain dislike each other.
But after the incident, neither can get forget. They are interrogated by their families and both vehemently deny that it was more than a timely rescue. Katherine sets out to her daily routine, and visits her favourite bookseller. She has come in search of the latest and only copy of Wordsworth’s new book. Of course fate has a role in this and she encounters incredulous Jasper who has the audacity to ask her if she is following him and angling for the role of duchess. I really enjoyed their verbal sparring. Katherine is not intimidated by Jasper and that creates a tiny spark of interest in him.
After the incident in the bookshop, Katherine and Jasper begin a clandestine correspondence about books and the power of poetry. Between each missive, things are happening in the characters’ lives and minds to pull them together. Jasper is starting to crack beneath his icy façade. He is starting to feel emotions again, however unwelcome. Katherine is being deeply pressured to marry her cousin. They begin to meet at the Serpentine in London to exchange poetry books, when Katherine proposes an outrageous suggestion. She asks Jasper to marry her. She even compiles a list of all the reasons marriage to her would suit Jasper. Katherine isn’t a nitwit, she knows that Jasper is a good person deep down and that he feels something in his cold heart for her. They have shared two passionate kisses. These kisses are in some respects like ice cracking in regards to Jasper’s heart. For the first time in years, he feels something for another person – amusement, interest, lust and a slim sense of responsibility.
He agrees to the marriage. As the reader, this is a twist that is unexpected, but creates a whole exciting new chapter to the story. Jasper takes over much to Katherine’s family’s horror. He marries her within a week and immediately whisks her away to his dreary, cold castle that has served as his self-imposed prison for years. This is where things get interesting. This is what separates this book from others. Katherine is not going to be a silent partner in this marriage of convenience. She is incensed that she is refused a marriage breakfast and taken from her family right before Christmas. She actually slaps and hits him the moment they get into the carriage. This scene shows the development of depth between the characters and the story.
They arrive at his dreary, cold castle that is half covered in Holland Cloths. Katherine is now only beginning to understand the meaning of a marriage of convenience. There will be no consummation of the marriage. She is to live within the allowed areas of the castle and have minimal interaction with Jasper. She didn’t realize this was the extent of what she asked for. Katherine knows that Jasper deeply loved his wife and will never love her, but she can’t understand why he won’t consummate the marriage. Jasper actually longs to. He finds Katherine entrancing. He may tell himself that he entered into this marriage to save her from her cousin, but he feels the inexorable pull towards her. He desperately wants to bury his body in hers, but visions of blood and death stop him every time.
Katherine defies Jasper’s strict control of the castle. She removes Holland covers, decorates for Christmas and integrates herself with the staff. She is making his lair no longer a safe place. When her sister Aldora, husband Michael and daughter Lizzie show up to celebrate the holidays with her, it pushes Jasper over the edge. He takes Katherine passionately to his bedroom and shows her exactly what he wants from her. His self-imposed exile is over for a brief interlude, but comes rushing back as he realizes what he has done. Christmas is a solemn affair and although Katherine and Jasper find passion once again, it becomes clear that Jasper’s heart is still with his dead wife. He tells Katherine he will never love her and essentially wants to her live like a ghost in his home. We know that he really doesn’t want this, but it’s enough to push her away. His defences win and Katherine returns to London with her family, leaving her husband to his memories and haunted castle.
While Katherine flourishes in London, no longer under control of anyone, she lives her life on her own terms. Which includes friendship with a rake of the first order. When word gets to Jasper that his wife is possibly engaged in an affair, he storms to London to do what he must to get her back. It’s like the flood gates broke open and Jasper allows himself to truly be honest. He has longed for Katherine since she left. He longs for the love she offered him. He wants to have a real marriage again. I think one of my favourite scenes is when he storms into a ball and drags Katherine out and into his carriage. Something about Jasper acting like a cave man was perfect. For a man cold and frozen with disinterest for four years, he now burns hot.
This story was one of the books when you know you are reading something magical. I stayed up way to late reading because I was so invested in Katherine and Jasper. I wanted these wounded people to find solace and love in each other. My heart broke a little each time Katherine’s good intentions were ignored or rebuffed by Jasper. I gritted my teeth with frustration every time Jasper seemed on the cusp of displaying humour or emotion, yet only to pull back. It takes a skilled and truly gifted author to create and weave a story that has such well-developed character that make you feel as if you know their very next thoughts. This story was more than one of landing a duke; it was about reclaiming passion for life and love and seeing the potential in joining in the joys of living. Even with the heart wrenching scenes, the theme of hope was woven through every passage and chapter. As the reader, you never stopped hoping for this couple to find their way together. That is the sign of a book that is a fabulous read.
Reviewed by www.kiltsandswords.com
March 22, 2017
This book did not work for me, and I’m having trouble formulating what the problem is. I’m guessing it just has too many weak points for it to form a solid, coherent whole.
I did not like Jasper. Of course, he was still grieving and battling guilt, but he treated Katherine quite badly and not very consistently. Katherine seemed very understanding about his past, but he never talked to her why he was struggling so much. He pushed her away to pull her close to push her away again. Better communication would have solved a lot between them.
Katherine was very sensible and mature for her 19 years, but that made it hard for me to like her. I wouldn’t have her being a bit less reasonable about Jasper’s first wife.
They were both attracted to each other from the start, and it developed very quickly into love. I couldn’t quite figure out how they got there in the little time they spent together.
The structure of the book was a bit strange as well. It had two parts, but the second part was only about 30 pages. It felt very unbalanced. I guess the entire book felt unbalanced. It was a relatively long lead-up to a marriage of convenience, and after that things moved more quickly.
For Love of the Duke isn’t necessarily a bad book; it just wasn’t for me. 2.5 stars.
I did not like Jasper. Of course, he was still grieving and battling guilt, but he treated Katherine quite badly and not very consistently. Katherine seemed very understanding about his past, but he never talked to her why he was struggling so much. He pushed her away to pull her close to push her away again. Better communication would have solved a lot between them.
Katherine was very sensible and mature for her 19 years, but that made it hard for me to like her. I wouldn’t have her being a bit less reasonable about Jasper’s first wife.
They were both attracted to each other from the start, and it developed very quickly into love. I couldn’t quite figure out how they got there in the little time they spent together.
The structure of the book was a bit strange as well. It had two parts, but the second part was only about 30 pages. It felt very unbalanced. I guess the entire book felt unbalanced. It was a relatively long lead-up to a marriage of convenience, and after that things moved more quickly.
For Love of the Duke isn’t necessarily a bad book; it just wasn’t for me. 2.5 stars.
July 9, 2020
3,75/4.0
I really enjoy the story but I found her writing to be repetitive. Caldwell's continued need to explain the connection between the two main characters and how they met, was annoying. Did she have to increase her word count, was that why? There was no point to it. It got in the way of a good story.
I really enjoy the story but I found her writing to be repetitive. Caldwell's continued need to explain the connection between the two main characters and how they met, was annoying. Did she have to increase her word count, was that why? There was no point to it. It got in the way of a good story.
February 4, 2018
Nett für Zwischendurch.
March 12, 2023
The first in this series Heart of a Duke. The h is Lady Katherine Adamson and the H is the Duke of Bainbridge. A beauty and Beast Tale.
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