A Duchess for a Vengeful Duke: A Historical Regency Romance Novel (Wives of Convenience Book 1)
If this marriage means anything to you, stop keeping secrets from me.
His Grace, the Duke of Ryewood, returns to London on a mission for justice, determined to avenge his father’s ruined legacy. But his plans are thrown into turmoil when he meets Lady Elaine Sutton, a woman as captivating as she is innocent in the schemes of her family.
Drawn to her in ways he never anticipated, Michael faces an impossible choice between duty and love, as secrets threaten to tear them apart.
”A Duchess for a Vengeful Duke” is the perfect escape if you love Regency romance novels with brooding dukes, forbidden passion, and dangerous secrets.
No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after. Approximately 65,000 words.
Get your copy today, free with Kindle Unlimited!
Customer Reviews
K*******************a
Forgiveness
A story of past hurts and suffering. Our past can bring much hurt. Forgiveness can bring much joy and peace. A beautiful story of loss,suffering and joy in forgiveness and much joy.May 29, 2025
B**************k
Touching!!
I loved it.May 10, 2025
C**********e
An Enjoyable Read
I enjoyed the story and the interactions. Now, on to The Duke’s Deliverance.May 9, 2025
A*************r
Great book!
Such a good book!!!April 19, 2025
A*************r
I look forward to reading more of your books.
I like your style – your writing style. I liked the story. I liked the characters. I look forward to reading more of your books.April 10, 2025
m***********y
A Wonderful Regency Read
My favorite Martha Barwood book to date. It plays on all of the emotions, and the characters are so lovable.March 12, 2025
K*************r
Not for me
I find it actions of the characters totally ridiculous. The setting was early 19th century, not 21st century and the morals were ingrained.January 16, 2025
K*************r
No sex! Nice story
The story could have flowed better. Good story what a time to have lived,with women no freedom. Men still have all the power.January 15, 2025
N******.
Great author
Scenes were well writtenJanuary 14, 2025
s**********r
A Story of Lies
This story starts with a search for revenge. The wrong man was thought to be the searchers accused but he fell in love with the man’s daughter. When the lady finds out that she was being used the love ended. A must read to find how this story ends.January 13, 2025
G***********e
Pure pleasure
A very easy to read and enjoy story!!December 31, 2024
a*s
Nice
Very nice bookDecember 27, 2024
S*************n
When Nicholas admitted his feelings
Loved itDecember 16, 2024
B**a
Very good!
It ended too soonDecember 15, 2024
K*************r
Love
I loved this story.December 11, 2024
A*************r
A Duchess for a vengeful Duke
A beautiful story as always, quite eventful and intriguing, you capture my interest from the start. Nice read thank you.December 3, 2024
B***********r
Love the cleanliness of the storyline.
Such a wonderful story. The Dukes finds love in his quest to prove his fathers innocence kept your interest while wondering if he will ruin his love and loose Elaine from the lies and being used in Michael’s quest.November 29, 2024
C***************g
A Duchess for a Vengeful Duke
Revenge,love, quilt,hate. This story keeps you wanting to know how it will turn out. You should read and enjoy.November 23, 2024
A**K
Dissapointing
Chapter 1 Micheal seeking revenge– The pain, anger and sorrow were tearing him to shred piece by piece. Chapter 3 Elaine There was no changing the past, however. …Elaine resolved to let her present dictate her future. Turning point– Chapter 14 But at what cost, ?Micheal By this point in book, I began to not care. The revelation of another insticator was stretching the story. And the conclusion didn’t ring true.November 23, 2024
N*****e
Love or Revenge
The Duke Michael is seeking revenge for a terrible wrong done to his father and has spent years trying to find the truth. He suspects that the FMC Elaine’s father may be involved so he decides to get to know her. As they get to know each other will Michael choose love or revenge? The story is nicely written and Michael and Elaine are appealing characters with good chemistry. I enjoyed getting to know them and wanted to see them get their HEA. The story held my interest and overall I enjoyed the book. My only criticism is that I didn’t quite know what the time period was and wished the author had given us more clues ( style of dress, king, queen, etc). I like a little more history facts in my books. Would recommend if you would enjoy a clean, interesting romance with a HEA. This is my honest review of a ARC given by the Author.November 23, 2024
D******n
Revenge to Love
Duke of Ryewood, Michael has every intention of getting revenge for his father’s scandal and death. He knew he was innocent and was very determined to prove it. However, his intention of revenge has turned to love as he meets the daughter of the man, he assumes turned false evidence against him. He didn’t count on falling in love with her making his revenge harder. Then he finds out the traitor was not who he thought he was. Can he make amends for his thoughts of the wrong man. ARC ReviewNovember 14, 2024
B***s
revenge and Love
The Duke was an interesting character. It was a enjoyable read had all the ingridents of love, revenge, and a happy ending which we all can relate to. He had a wild ride ending in love.November 13, 2024
R******************e
Revenge or Love
I loved this initial installment in the series! I like how love was found in an unexpected place. I highly recommend it to everyone.November 13, 2024
A**********n
Nice
CoolNovember 13, 2024
R*********e
Love trumps Revenge
Michael became obsessed with revenge after a web of lies labeled his father a traitor, leading to his death. He planned to use his enemy’s daughter to that end but then he met her and everything changed. Completely innocent to the treachery, Elaine won the duke’s heart. Michael’s need for revenge nearly destroyed the love between them but thankfully, he concocted a plan to take down the mastermind behind everything and win Elaine back. This was a well written story that conveyed how the need for revenge can damage a person’s life and how bearing false witness can eat at one’s soul, causing physical illness. The love between Michael and Elaine was sweet and enduring.November 13, 2024
E****n
An awesome book!
Martha is an excellent writer! I love her characters and the things they face to fall in love.November 13, 2024
A*************r
A Duchess for a Vengeful Duke
I liked the story line very much. I like the deepening growth of relationships. A very good read.November 13, 2024
L************y
Wow
At first the book was a little slow but picked up real quick. I got surprised when the real villain was exposed I should have know because of Isabella and the marquess snotty attitude. Good read !!November 13, 2024
K***************h
Revenge – a dish best served cold
This Regency novel is a great read. The characters are rich and the story arc complete. You know Michael will conquer his need for revenge but you are not quite sure how. Strength of character, the power of will power- or the love of a beautiful woman? Perhaps all three?November 13, 2024
J*d
Good read!
The Duke of Ryewood is seeking vengeance to the man who ruined his father. But a major problem arises. He didn’t plan on falling in love with the daughter of his enemy. This is a special love story with very engaging characters and an exciting plot. Definitely worth reading.November 12, 2024
R*****a
Such a beautiful story.
I love stories set back in historical times. This book had all the emotions and heartwarming feelings you want when you get a book like this. I loved everything about this story. I can’t wait to read more from this author.November 12, 2024
W***********r
Captivating
Loved it! The Duke was an interesting character & I enjoyed seeing his struggle with his feelings play out throughout the story. The ending was interesting as well.November 12, 2024
P*t
Martha Barwood Brilliant !
The author has once again presented a life like story in which the characters are real and i couldn’t stop myself from feeling empathy and concern. The Duke is so set on getting revenge But then Life and Love get in the way! Oh so much like real life ! The other characters in the story are so well portrayed that i felt concern for them and how things would affect them! All pieces of a jigsaw puzzle that could be damaged or move on into a happy space – directed by one Man’s possibly misguided ideas …the reader simply cannot abandon the book with ease ! The urge to read on and see how things turn out is undeniable !! Brilliant writing & such a good tale !! Plus the added bonus of being different from other Regency Stories & Better !!! Can’t wait for the next one. ! Thank You !November 12, 2024
D******h
The search for Truth
Duchess for a Vengeful Duke by Martha Barwood The search for the truth is complicated by secrets, past betrayals and the desire for revenge. The story keeps readers guessing who’s truly trustworthy. Michael and Elaine’s friendship, love and romance adds depth and heart to the drama. The ending both satisfies and surprises.November 11, 2024
M************g
Any one can read
Hate, revenge, Love and Happy ending. This is a light read and one you will enjoyNovember 11, 2024
D*********i
Revenge
Is revenge really the only motivation for this Duke. It was a wild ride but an awesome ending. You will definitely enjoy this book.November 11, 2024
M**V
Truth & Revenge/ Love & Hate/Families
Truth & Revenge is all one can wish for after a wrongful deed to a member of the family. After years of waiting & hunting for evidence he’s very close to finding his answer. But a sweet, fragile young lady steals his heart & he finally finds the truth to his quest & gives her is heart!November 11, 2024
L**********k
Revenge
This is another Martha Barwood Regency novel that is worth reading. It is hard to review this book without giving away too much of the story. The Duke is out for revenge for whomever it was that caused his deceased father’s conviction for a crime the Duke knew he did not commit. The Duke spent years researching and thought he had his culprit. But did he?November 11, 2024
m******x
Love this story!!
This was a great Regency story! I really enjoyed the little extra with Clarissa.November 10, 2024
c**********3
Romance
Well written. Love the characters.November 10, 2024
B***Y
Really good story
Liked the characters and storyline. Well written and kept my interest. Liked the ending.November 10, 2024
B********a
Great novel
I really enjoyed reading this book the author did a great job with this story I very much enjoyed reading this bookNovember 10, 2024
s**a
Revenge
Story of a boy who tried to clear his father name. He fell in love with enemy. He found guilty party at last. He clear his family name.November 10, 2024
