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The Duke’s Daughter - Lady Amelia Atherton: A Regency Romance Novel (Ladies of Bath Book 1) Kindle Edition

4.3 out of 5 stars 1,360 ratings

A Duke’s Daughter and a Navy Commander …a tragic accident, a secret cypher, and a clandestine engagement. A strange twist of Fate brought the unlikely pair together… now nothing will keep them apart.

Lady Amelia Atherton is not a woman to be trifled with. Known as the diamond of the Ton, she is beautiful, witty, and the only daughter of the Duke of Ely. The men of the Peerage see her as a prize to be won, and perhaps a way to obtain her father’s influence.

Commander Samuel Beresford is the brash, sometimes rude, younger son, of the Earl of Blackburn. A Royal Navy Commander who has little time for the affectations of Society.

Two people have never been so mismatched, but when Amelia’s father, The Duke of Ely, dies under mysterious circumstances, and Samuel’s elder brother is poisoned within a mere day of the Duke’s death, both Lady Amelia and Commander Beresford find themselves forced to work together in a desperate search for the culprit.

Amelia was always careful to guard her feelings, that is until she met Samuel Beresford. Now everything Lady Amelia once took for granted has been shattered, and with the Dukedom in the hands of her odious Uncle Declan, Amelia and Samuel plan an elaborate ruse, in the hope of drawing out the murderer.

Lady Amelia Atherton considered herself as tough as a diamond, but somehow Samuel Beresford has found his way into her heart…

Neither could imagine falling in love … now it seems they cannot imagine loving anyone else.

A Sweet and Wholesome Clean Read Regency Romance

A Full Length Novel
From the #1 Amazon Bestselling Author of
Dream of a Duke from Love's Harvest: A Regency Romance Harvest Collection


Don’t Miss the Passion and Excitement of Regency Romance by Isabella Thorne
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Editorial Reviews

Review

Excerpt from - Music of Love: Fate's Design (Book one of the Collection)

"Oh really,
Commander?"said Percy, brow furrowed in the way that meant he was trying to hold back laughter. "If you are so skilled at 'taming the willful seas' let us see you manage a single dance out of her."

"Me?" said Samuel, poking himself in the chest. "I have no desire for a wife."

"But if you demonstrate these skills, perhaps I can learn from you. Go on now, what are you frightened of? For a man with your looks and... what was it, bravado? She should be sweet butter in your hands."

The challenge held little appeal for Samuel. She was pleasing to look at, but he would get nothing more from her than a dance, which was hardly worth his while. Still, if it would demonstrate to his insecure brother than confidence was the crux of the matter,it would be worth it.

"Fine," said Samuel at last.He drained his glass and handed it off to Percy. With a hand through his already disheveled locks, he said, "Watch and learn, brother; though she will be ruined for you, once she has met me."

"Samuel, you cannot," Percy argued looking for a place to set down the two glasses he now held. "You are not introduced." He took a long suffering breath as if steeling himself. "Come,I will introduce you."

"You will not; you will ruin everything," Samuel said as he headed straight for the woman.

Percy stood open mouthed,but watched with avid interest and not-quite-hidden horror as Samuel marched over to the Lady Amelia Atherton. She was turned away at the moment, conversing with another gentleman. Samuel stepped up beside her, a step closer than the other man, just inside the amount of space considered polite, and the other man quite naturally backed up. Her hazel eyes flashed, and Samuel half-expected a slap.

"Dear God man, you are boring the woman to death; can you not see that? Run along now," Samuel said,waving a dismissive hand at the fellow.

~.~

It was not the rudeness of the man that intrigued Lady Amelia, though that was part of it, she supposed.Nor was it his appearance, which was aggressively masculine from the strong prominence of his nose to the ferocity of his brow. She generally liked finer men, but he was amusing. If she had to pinpoint what it was about him that persuaded her to accept his offer of a dance, it was that he gave her no opportunity to say no. He seemed to assume she would say yes, and because he could imagine no reason for her refusal, she was forced to agree. It did help the man's appeal that he had sent the doddering Lord Cornishe on his way, and his hand was very warm under his glove...warm and large, she thought.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0722K42Z9
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Mikita Associates
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 26, 2017
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4.0 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 304 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 3 ‏ : ‎ Ladies of Bath
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 1,360 ratings

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Isabella Thorne
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Isabella Thorne is an author of Regency and Georgian Romance. The first grown-up books she read were historical, authored by Georgette Heyer, Victoria Holt and Anna Seton. Unfortunately, for her own daughters, the beauty and hallmark of Regency Romance, witty dialogue and the manners of the time, have been overshadowed by explicit books instead of true Regency Romance. Regency Romance includes a more formal language, longer sentences and ballrooms instead of bedrooms.

With a return to romance, Isabella Thorne hopes you will enjoy her light fun books. You can share them with your daughters with the guarantee that although there is romance aplenty, and a bit of sexual tension and a kiss, there is nothing explicit in her books. They are clean and wholesome reads with lots of humor and upbeat "fun poking" at the English mannerisms of the time.

Because I love the pageantry of the period, I love to include true events or set stories during a war--the English were involved in so many of them at this time! You will find bits of history scattered through the books and an occasional historical figure, but these books are FICTION and not intended to be a definitive history. None of the Peerage of (any land) actually existed. I hope that all the British and the die-hard historical readers will please forgive this passionate American if I make any mistakes, and send an email off to isabellathorne@christianromancestories.com I will make corrections.

I endeavor to make the heros and heroines true to their time period. That means that many women may seem weak at first glance, but they soon find their inner grit. Unlike today's heroines, the Regency heroine could not openly defy convention at the time. Instead, she had to find a way around the convention. That is half the fun! Likewise, heros were expected to be chauvinistic. In fact, the etymology of chauvinism shows that the word chauvinism did not appear until the late 1800's and then was a pejorative term the English had for the French who continued to be slavishly patriotic to Napoleon. What we call chauvinistic, the Regency called masculine or virile. I will always choose to make my characters as historically correct as possible, even if that means they seem a bit politically incorrect to today's audiences.

I am a meticulous perfectionist who taught AP English for 20 years at the high school level before moving to teach at a community college because I was disheartened by the decline in American education, especially the decline of the reading level. Be forewarned that the longer sentences in my books cause an upward trend in the reading level, which settles at about seventh grade, instead of the fourth grade level found in newspapers and many, so called, adult books. An occasional typo may slip by me, but is usually caught by my editor, who is a fellow teacher, or by my Beta and ARC readers who are marvelous. You can expect long sentences in my books, just like they were in yesteryear. You may even learn a few new words. I hope so! I guess I am still a bit of a teacher at heart.

Stop by my website, www.isabellathorne.com for a free story and a notification of special sales.

If you love my books, PLEASE REVIEW and SHARE.

Air Kisses!

Isabella Thorne

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
1,360 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy the romance and mystery elements of this Regency romance novel, with one review highlighting its riches-to-rags storyline for the heroine. The book receives positive feedback for its readability and entertaining banter, though opinions about character development are mixed, with some finding them wonderfully developed while others say they're not likable. The writing quality receives criticism for being ridiculous, and customers find the pacing unappealing.

48 customers mention "Intrigue"46 positive2 negative

Customers enjoy the intrigue of this historical romance, appreciating both the romance and mystery elements, with the plot keeping them engaged until the end.

"...The mystery part of the book was also interesting." Read more

"Clean romance; perhaps a few 💋kisses; Percival and Samuel Beresford are at a ball...." Read more

"Enjoyed all the characters, historical setting & plot. The romance was wonderful. The mystery was suspenseful & neatly revealed...." Read more

"...Enter Commander Samuel Beresford. Mysteries are unraveled, romance is inevitable, and so is the happy ending." Read more

28 customers mention "Readability"28 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be a wonderful and fun read, with one customer noting it's a stand-alone story.

"...The mystery was suspenseful & neatly revealed. Very satisfying & believable ending. Sadly the errors disrupted the flow." Read more

"...chest, I'll say that the story (and it is A, as in ONE, story) was a good read...." Read more

"...Good read but quite a few typos." Read more

"...This wad a A great read.." Read more

4 customers mention "Humor"4 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the humor in the book, particularly its entertaining banter.

"...Known as the diamond of the ton, she is beautiful, witty and the only daughter of the Duke of Ely...." Read more

"...Would I read more of the series: yes I laughed from the start and throughout the whole book. I cried in other parts...." Read more

"...The banter in the book is quite entertaining as Amelia and Samuel seek to unravel the mystery of a code book, track down a criminal to the crown,..." Read more

"...This one has it all. Such delightful banter and sweet romance that develops between Amelia and her Commander as they work together to unravel the..." Read more

29 customers mention "Character development"20 positive9 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the character development in the book, with some praising the wonderfully developed characters while others find the hero and heroine ridiculous.

"...Aunt Ebba is quite a character and good support. Other minor characters are also good. Charity shows in a later book...." Read more

"Enjoyed all the characters, historical setting & plot. The romance was wonderful. The mystery was suspenseful & neatly revealed...." Read more

"...could be shared with a young teen, if you discussed the poor manners of the lead characters...." Read more

"This book has everything. From wonderfully developed characters to a fascinating plot that leaves one guessing. Couldn't put it down. A must read!..." Read more

15 customers mention "Writing quality"4 positive11 negative

Customers criticize the writing quality of the book, describing it as ridiculous, with one customer noting issues with punctuation and another mentioning editing errors that made it confusing.

"...Good read but quite a few typos." Read more

"...mind an occasional editing error here or there but the author made such glaring mistakes...." Read more

"I really enjoyed this book. It is well written with very few errors, well-developed characters, and a fast-moving story line that kept me interested..." Read more

"Sex: kisses Language: 0 F words, 2 Lord's name in vain, 0 S words Violence: not any that I think would be a trigger..." Read more

4 customers mention "Pacing"0 positive4 negative

Customers find the pacing of the book unappealing, with one customer describing it as uneventful.

"...Amelia and Samuel started out very unappealing. Toward the end, it became better. On a steamy scale, it's a pallid 1...." Read more

"Ridiculous! Samuel and Amelia are two of the most ugly mannered characters ever. Rude, uncouth, conceited, snobs!..." Read more

"It was long and kind of uneventful. The characters were a !it of fun though. I particularly liked her penchant for piano." Read more

"I am an avid Regency consumer and this book was very disappointing-none of the characters were the slightest bit likeable and it was a real chore to..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2020
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    The Duke's daughter is greatly sought after by the males of the ton but, so far, she is just not interested. She meets a ship captain (the 2nd son) the same night his brothe, the future Earl becomes very sick (it is discovered that he was poisoned). Soon after her father dies in a carriage accident (but was not an accident). She finds an odd book in a secret compartment in his office desk (at the summer home). By chance the ship captain sees what she has. It is identical to what his brother has but not water damaged - What do these words mean, it there a code. And does her uncle know anything about any of these. Keeps you reading.
    3 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 16, 2020
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    : Lady Amelia Atherton is not a woman with whom to trifle. Known as the diamond of the ton, she is beautiful, witty and the only daughter of the Duke of Ely. Men see her as a prize to win and perhaps a way to obtain her father’s influence. Commander Samuel Beresford is the brash, sometimes rude, younger son of the Earl of Blackburn. Being a Royal Navy Commander, he has little time for the affectations of Society. Two people have never been so mismatched. Amelia’s father dies under mysterious circumstances and Samuel’s elder brother is poisoned within a day of the Duke’s death. Lady Amelia and Samuel work together in a search for the culprit. They plan an elaborate ruse in hope of drawing out the murderer. Lady Amelia considered herself as tough as a diamond, but somehow Samuel found his way into her heart. – Lady Amelia and Samuel were truly mismatched. She thought she deserved someone titled and wealthy. He did not like the ton or the life they led. They clashed and argued a lot, but they were attracted to each other. The relationship between Samuel and his brother Percival was heartwarming. Patience was a good friend to Amelia and her attraction to Percival made the book more interesting. The mystery part of the book was also interesting.
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 4, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Clean romance; perhaps a few 💋kisses; Percival and Samuel Beresford are at a ball. Samuel boldly dances with a daughter of the Duke of Ely, Amelia Atherton. Her friend Patience, a shy redhead, likes Percival. The murder of the Duke of Ely and the poisoning of Percival who survives throw Amelia and Samuel together to solve the poisonings and a treasure. Uncle Declan is the new Duke of Ely. He has little regard for Amelia. Amelia and Samuel are the second couple to wed. Both Patience and Amelia are shortly expecting. Samuel definitely shows leadership. Amelia matures. Aunt Ebba is quite a character and good support. Other minor characters are also good. Charity shows in a later book. Amelia is also the name of Samuel's ship.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 9, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    In-between the dare given for Samuel to dance with Lady Amelia started an unlikely journey of mystery and murder. All the while falling in love with each other. The diamond in the rough falling for a commoner, Commander of the King’s Navy was not ideally the match to be had. But it worked out just fine.
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 21, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Enjoyed all the characters, historical setting & plot. The romance was wonderful. The mystery was suspenseful & neatly revealed. Very satisfying & believable ending. Sadly the errors disrupted the flow.
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 22, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Amelia had everything and anyone she wanted until all was lost. She knew circumstances weren't as they appeared, and she needed help uncovering the truth. Enter Commander Samuel Beresford. Mysteries are unraveled, romance is inevitable, and so is the happy ending.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 27, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This book has everything. From wonderfully developed characters to a fascinating plot that leaves one guessing. Couldn't put it down. A must read! Now on to the next......
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2017
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    While I will say up front that I enjoyed the story in this "set", it would be more honest to say that this isn't a set of books, but rather ONE ok abruptly divided in three spots. The publisher/editors should be flogged for chopping it into pieces this way.

    Now that that's off my chest, I'll say that the story (and it is A, as in ONE, story) was a good read. Romance, intrigue, very clean and one I would pick up and read again (because I actually enjoy rereading books and rewatching movies...). I think that the whole line of the cipher books could have been better developed and explained since so much time was spent by the characters discussing them - there are too many questions unanswered about them, in my opinion.

    Finally, I do appreciate that the book ending with a happy ending, wrapping up the story line nicely and leaving a nice little glows feeling for the casual reader.
    7 people found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Dukes Daughter
    Reviewed in India on January 28, 2020
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    A delightful regency romance with lot of witty dialogues and chatacters. I liked the plot of the story and the casts.
  • GYG
    5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 23, 2020
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I enjoyed reading this book from beginning to end. The characters were interesting, strong and romantic, this book is well written and would certainly recommend.
  • Winnie Robinson
    3.0 out of 5 stars OK but not great . . .
    Reviewed in Canada on November 7, 2019
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    It did keep my attention, but I just feel like there was lot missing. The plot of the story was good, but not so much the resolution. Samuel makes one trip to the docks and then when they meet with her uncle, the whole mystery is solved? That just happened way to quick. And they kept talking about the cypher and they did understand part of it, but never did break the code, so I feel that whole part was not well thought out. I think the relationship between Amelia and Samuel could have been better developed. Something was missing here as well. It's my first read by this author and I'm not sure I will try another.
  • Evelyn Tidman - historical fiction author
    4.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining, but a few errors
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 29, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I am half way through this book, and while I have a few gripes, I find the writing style easy to read, the story is good if a little far-fetched, and the characterisation is good. It is an entertaining read, clean (which always wins my vote) with a bit more to the story-line than man meets girl, they fall in love and after a few difficulties they reach their happy ever after. I like a bit of adventure and mystery with the romance.

    On the negative side, I do wish the author had done a little more research. The hero is a naval commander. Yet he aspires to captain his own ship. That is impossible. One who is working up to be a captain will be under the captaincy of another man, and probably a lieutenant. A commander will be captain of his own ship and also in overall command of other ships sailing with him, each of which will have their own captain subject to him, say, on an expedition or sortie. So every time I see the word commander, a red light flashes in my brain and I have to grit my teeth. Especially when he is described as aspiring to be a captain himself! Secondly, two young ladies, even chaperoned by an older lady, would never have gone to stay at a house with two single young men. If they had a mother, or married older sister, perhaps, but usually in company with others who have been invited. No chaperone would countenance such a thing. And it certainly would not happen when a person was in mourning. Not only that, but the houses were only ten miles apart. No need to stay. Even in the days of horse and carriage, ten miles can be accomplished in quite a short time. So again, I am suspending belief for the sake of finding out what happens.

    And please, author, get someone to check for typos. I know it is impossible to get everything right, and I've been pulled up on this one, but some are a bit glaring.

    Having said all that, I am enjoying reading the book, which is why it has four stars, and if others can get by the glitches, they will enjoy it too.
  • Lisa
    1.0 out of 5 stars Devastating bad writing
    Reviewed in Germany on December 11, 2019
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I do read a lot of books which are not the crown of decent literature but this...it truly hurts to read it.

    Incredible flat characters, nothing lovable at all.

    Do read the newspaper of last month, it's going to be more enjoyable.

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