Review: The Duke's Blackmailed Bride

Author submission in exchange for an honest review.

Title: 

The Duke's Blackmailed Bride

Author: 

Leigh D'Ansey

Release Date:

September 14, 2011

Publisher:

The Wild Rose Press

Word Count:

approx. 12,000

Purchase Links:  

The Wild Rose Press 

Amazon

Author's Website:

www.leighdansey.com

Description:  

In such dire straits she must bathe in the kitchen, Vanessa Fitzwilliam has just stepped into her bath when Ashton, the Duke of Northbridge steps across her threshold.

 

Hardened by the ravages of warfare, Northbridge is seeking an alliance that will provide him with descendants but make no demands on his emotions. The beautiful but scandalously experienced Vanessa seems a suitable choice.

 

With a handful of old retainers relying on her for support Vanessa is considering Northbridge's offer when he devastates her with one foul blow.

 

To fulfil his desires Northbridge is prepared to be ruthless, but can he bend Vanessa to his will or has the Duke met his match?

Deniz’s Review:

 

Such a sweet tale!
 

You can’t help but empathise with the down-at-heel lady reduced to taking a bath in her kitchen, and caught there by the handsome duke next door as he barges in to propose marriage.
 

Historicals with feisty heroines are always a pleasure to read, and this story features something deeper as well; the ties of a connection forged in childhood, which lead the reader to hope for more than just a passing encounter between hero and heroine. D’Ansey delivers, with impeccable timing.

Also, I learned something new! I wondered if the duke’s “Gadzooks!” was anachronistic, and was pleasantly surprised to find that one of the earliest quotations in the Oxford English Dictionary comes from Dickens’ Nicholas Nickleby. I love it when stories lead to more. Looking forward to exploring other works by this author!

Deniz's Rating: