An Arranged Betrothal with an Icy Duke: A Historical Regency Romance Book (Marriages Under Conditions 7)
He’s a beastly duke with a heart of ice, she’s a kind-hearted beauty who melts his defenses…
Miss Edith Tidemore, a gentle soul with a passion for music and a love for the less fortunate, has always dreamed of finding true love and happiness. But when her ambitious father arranges a marriage to the notorious Duke of Fairglen, Edith finds herself thrust into a world of wealth, power, and dark secrets. Determined to make the best of her new life, Edith sets out to uncover the gentleman behind the beastly facade, never imagining the depths of love and devotion she would find within his wounded heart.
Henry Fitzhugh, the Duke of Fairglen, is a gentleman haunted by his past, his heart hardened by betrayal and pain. Known for his fierce temper and beastly demeanor, he has long since given up on the idea of love, content to live a life of solitude and duty. But when Edith enters his world, her gentle spirit and unwavering compassion begin to chip away at the walls he has built around his heart, forcing him to confront the demons of his past and the promise of a brighter future.
As secrets threaten to tear them apart and the ghosts of Henry’s past loom large, Edith and Henry must learn to trust in the power of their love and the strength of their bond. Together, they’ll need all the courage and devotion they can muster to unravel the web of deceit that surrounds them and claim the happiness they both so richly deserve. In the face of adversity, they discover that their greatest treasure is the love they share, which has the power to heal even the deepest of wounds and transform the coldest of hearts.
An Arranged Betrothal with an Icy Duke is a historical romance novel you will love. Get ready to be whisked away this month by a delightful historical regency romance.
No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a happily ever after full of romance.
Also available with Kindle Unlimited!
Customer Reviews
G******************t
Truly wonderful
As I was reading some of it became expected but it was still enjoyable. Worth the read. If only things could really happen this way.March 4, 2025
K*******************B
Such unexpected delights
This is one very interesting book. I was so proud of Henry and Edith. They had much to overcome. Henry especially experienced much personal growth. I was very glad when relationships were mended and plots foiled. I read this is one go. Worth it.November 2, 2024
K*************r
Extraordinary well written. Book
It held your interest from the. Beginning to the end. It was a very clean written book that anyone could read and a d pass onto a friend.September 28, 2024
R********e
Love and family all in once
Thank you, Sally. This was a very interesting story about love for children and the fight happen. it was truly a fantastic story and it was well written.September 25, 2024
A*************r
Great love.
Enjoyed it so much. Wonderful story. Great characters and of course a happy ending. So enjoy your story telling. Keep up the great work.September 14, 2024
K*************r
A weak 3 ?
This is the only one of the author’s books I will read. I’m sorry but I’d rather watch paint dry.August 10, 2024
K*************r
Very Enjoyable Story
I enjoyed the story very much. It is amazing how a good woman can change a man’s demeanor. I enjoyed the writing, the characters, and the antagonist.July 29, 2024
e***5
Henry and Edith’s Story!
I really enjoyed this book. It was a very unusual tale and it kept you guessing. The characters were well developed.July 28, 2024
L***********z
Absolutely wonderful love story
Amazing work and great character development. I absolutely found myself captivated by the icy duke and his heartfelt story. I absolutely loved this amazing love journey I definitely enjoyed and highly recommend this beautiful book.July 20, 2024
M***********n
awesome
Great book!! Wow so much fun to read!!! It was so interesting and so many twists and turns. It really keep my attention!!July 12, 2024
K*************r
Very good!
Well we all figure out pretty quick that the Duchess is evil so it was trying to figure out what she would do to Edith was definitely on my mind. I enjoyed the love of the orphanage Edith had and kind of thought somehow all the little ones should have spent some time under the same roof as the Duchess. Just to tick her off.. Oh well..July 7, 2024
B***********n
An arranged betrothal with an icy Duke
Wonderful book wonderfully written I loved every second of reading it . The Duke ,Henry and Edith are truly wonderful, They definitely belong together, you will definitely enjoy reading this bookJuly 6, 2024
K***y
Unexpected love!
They were not expecting love but oh the things love can bring! Loved this book!July 5, 2024
D***********s
a beautiful story
A wonderful story of love overcoming lies and evil. There is much courage and strength in the characters . The story shows what such courage and honor can accomplish.July 4, 2024
A**.
melt a heart of ice
this was a wonderful story. A duke who has been hurt in love before seeks a marriage that is all convince, so far as to say that he barely wants to have a conversation with the woman he has decided that he wants to marry. The darling woman in this story, Edith, will go along with the betrothal as is her duty, but she will not sit idly by an be ignored. Edith breaks the spell of the icy dukes heart, and he even come to love one another. Full of realistic fears about arranged marriage, a heart that is guarded because it has been broken, true love, and even a nefarious family member….July 3, 2024
C**********k
Hard to put down
This was a very good book to read. I really feel that the characters had more personality than most characters in an historical romance. It was difficult getting past the Duke’s stubbornness at the onset but I soon found I could not quit reading the book, often being awake until 2:00 am. I would definitely recommend this book! Great job!!July 1, 2024
G****K
Love Learned
This book was a fast, engaging, interesting story. The twists in the plot were very imaginative and different than what one usually gets from a Regency book. I enjoyed it and it is worth a read.July 1, 2024
D******n
Betrayed By Those Close
Where two unlikely candidates seem not to suit, after a time Henry is drawn to the sweetness of his bride. Henry Fitzhugh, the Duke of Fairglen, is excited for it is his wedding day. However, his bride does not show up. Being devasted Henry takes his hurt and anguish and becomes hard and icy. After a few years he is encouraged to find someone to be his bride as he needed an heir. Upon meeting Miss Edith Tidemore, he has decided she will be his bride and approached her father for an agreement. He arranges for a house party where she and her family can become familiar where he finds her character welcoming to what he wants in a wife. He should be very cautious because there is someone close to him that has other ambitions. ARC ReviewJune 30, 2024
S**************z
a love well earned
Henry has had his betroved Rachel stowel at the last minute by his brother. He becomes very angry and goes to his estate for three years. He finally decides to gook for a wife. He puts an ad in the paper. A viscount has a daughter and invites him to come and lister to her play her violin. Her does and decides he will make an offer for marriage. He is rude to her but eventually they do fall in love And marryJune 30, 2024
A*************r
Sweet Read
This was a sweet book to read. The ending was a little choppy but overall a good read.June 30, 2024
C******F
Excellent Author
Highly recommend this book & the seriesJune 29, 2024
B***y
Actions speak louder than words
Emotionally, at first, this book was difficult to read. Henry was living in the past and refused to listen to any excuses. If/When he married again, he would want to vet the Duchess candidate through an extended betrothal. Enter Edith at a musical night hosted by her parents. Edith plays the violin beautifully and was accompanied by her sister. When the Dowager stepped up to insist upon an encore, Edith stated no as her sister was not prepared to do an encore. Henry stepped up to assist Edith by playing the piano to accompany Edith for the encore. After this was completed, Henry requested to marry Edith in a private conference with Edith’s father. This is when the book started to become difficult as the Dowager would not listen to Henry and Henry would not listen to Edith or the Dowager. He insisted she learn how to be a Duchess with no guidance except via the Dowager and she did not like Edith (spoiler). Through Edith’s actions, Henry started to see someone who surprised him, and he approved of. Thus begins the rocky (!!) road to Edith’s and Henry’s HEA. Along the way there are issues regarding how to treat estate tenants; communication issues; a healing of a damaged relationship; and a life-threatening fire. Thank you, Ms. Forbes, for an interesting book. It is difficult to put down. It is also thought provoking – something I normally do not find in a historical romance.June 29, 2024
P****s
Edith and Henry
Edith and Henry This book surely lives up to its name and offers the reader so much more. A strong storyline and an impressive plot and an unexpected connection, and a unique romance.June 27, 2024
W******j
Engaging Story!!
This was a fine and clean book. It has a straightforward plot that has been used quite often, but the characters are engaging. The hero, Henry (Duke of Fairglen), seeks out a marriage of convenience after having his heart broken when his first betrothal is ruined. Edith is hoping for a love match but understands she might not get it. There is a lot happening and I found the pace to be very good. This couple went through a lot and they definitely deserved a happy ending. Overall, a very enjoyable read! Normally I don’t care that much whether there is an Extended Epilogue, but I kind of wish there was one for this story. I did receive an ARC, but this is my honest review.June 27, 2024
M*******H
Clean romance!
This author always writes a great, clean romance, and that’s very important to me. I don’t like smut or a lot of foul language, and I know I don’t have to deal with that when I read her books! The characters are relatable and the love story is sweet. Thanks for another wonderful book!June 26, 2024
R**o
Great book
I just finished the book and love it.June 26, 2024
S******.
LOVED it!
Couldn’t put it down and read it straight through. Loved the orphanage piece – so very sweet!!!June 26, 2024
JJ
Great book
Love the strength of Lady Edith as she tames the Icy Duke by not only being of strong character, but also being a loving and giving woman. Through adversity the two grow closer together helped by two darling imps.June 26, 2024
I********s
Very enjoyable
I found Edith very sweet and was rooting for her right away. With her kind personality she slowly melts the ice. Believable characters and realistic interactions make this enjoyable story.June 26, 2024
A*************r
Wrongly Jumping to Conclusions
This book is well written and demonstrates a trait that happens more often than one might expect. When jumping to conclusions, much time can pass before the realization of the truth may be learned. This situation is what occurs in this story, and the author weaves a fine story using these parameters. This is a fast read and quite enjoyable.June 26, 2024
KB
Great Story!
Sally Forbes does it again! Great story, loved it!June 25, 2024
G**********y
Loved the story
I absolutely loved the story. Couldn’t put the book down. A new twist in a love story and family dynamics. Really enjoyed the plot twists.June 25, 2024
J*d
Excellent read!
The Duke of Fairglen is clouded with darkness over the pain of betrayal by his brother and fiance. He would never trust again. Miss Edith’s father arranged for her to marry the Duke. What was her father thinking he promised she could marry for love. Could she find love with the Icy Duke. This is an excellent love story filled with surprises. Definitely worth the read.June 25, 2024
M*B
The redemptive power of a gentle spirit
A wonderful story with both positive and negative lessons. This story shows both the power of negative emotions and positive emotions. There is deception, hurt, anguish, steadfastness, gentleness and love. The characters are likable and believable. There was intrigue and an exciting ending. I stayed up late to finish reading and see how it ended!June 25, 2024
R*********e
This duke was definitely cold as ice but love thawed his heart!
Feeling betrayed by his brother and his betrothed, Henry becomes a recluse and feels he can trust no one. He becomes very cold. When his mother urges him to marry, he only wants a woman he can trust, not caring about love. He picks Edith after her father insists she is dutiful and honest. He invites her to his estate so he can observe her for any hint that she is not what she seems to be. Seeing her generosity, he develops affection for her. They fall in love. The truth about the past is revealed and it shatters everything Henry believed about his former betrothed and his brother. The ending was very sweet and happy indeed!June 25, 2024
r*b
A highly recommended read!
Such an excellent example of how a truly kind heart can see someone through a difficult situation. I found myself reflecting on it a great deal as I myself would’ve had a hard time dealing with so much rejection and coldness. It was interesting to see the story and the characters develop. A truly wonderful story!June 25, 2024
N***********n
Quick, clean read
This book was a quick read for me that I enjoyed. Watching as the relationship between Edith and Henry grow was great. Regarding betrayal of Henry, I had figured out who the culprit was well before it was announced. Which I had hoped might give the reader some backstory as to why but that part of the story wasn’t told. And that is why this book got 4 out of 5 stars.June 25, 2024
J**n
Good clean story with engaging characters!
I received an ARC. I was invested in the characters. Edith relatable and smart as she navigated a marriage that had not been of her choosing. Henry was jaded from a bad experience, but I liked his growth throughout the book. I rooted for them as a couple. There were clues to a surprise twist later in the book which I liked. I appreciated a clean romance–free of language and graphic scenes. This was my first Sally Forbes novel. I will definitely read more of her work.June 25, 2024
r**e
Sweet read
Well written, full of love, drama, fears, passion, romance, secrets, mystery, betrayal, intrigue with lots of twists. Henry is a Duke who has had a terrible relationship in his past that left him with a cold heart hardened to love. Edith is a young lady who is looking for love but her father arranges a marriage for her to the Duke. She learns that he is not what she wanted but cold and hard to live with. She is given no choice but to marry him. He watches her and how she quietly changes things in his household. Edith also manages to help thaw him and even gives him so hope. Together they make their life to be what they both have needed. Happy to see she has the patience to help him get there. Curl up and enjoy this sweet read of love. Would recommend to others. I am an ARC and leave this unbiased, honest review.June 25, 2024
M***********r
Keep reading 3½ stars
The first half of the book might make you want to quit as the Duke is by no means a hero. In fact, he is downright unlikable. But keep reading. The heroine is far more likeable and courageous and the 2nd half of the story sees lots of interesting things happening, including a change between Henry and Edith. Beautiful ending. It is beacause of the 2nd half that I upped my rating to 3½stars, despite the first half of the book being a slow read due to the Duke’s behaviour. There is very little to no character development when it came to the secondary characters., imo Overall, it is a clean read and the 2nd half has some enjoyable moments, including the ‘villain’ being dealt with.June 24, 2024
J**********e
Superb
What did I like about this book? Oh, everything! This romance unfurls as a bud transforms into a breathtaking rose.June 24, 2024
C****e
Betrayal
Betrayal makes Henry, the Duke of Fairglen, cold hearted to love. How the truth comes out as his heart thaws. You have to read for yourself. Enjoy!June 24, 2024
T******.
This is the story of Edith and Henry.
I loved reading this book. I became interested early on and then could not put it down. It’s about a Duke who was hurt by his first Betrothal. After years of grieving, Henry decided he was not going to talk and get to know the woman he wanted to marry the next time. He picked her out after her father told him about Edith. He watched her play the violin. She seemed obedient, and he saw how beautiful she was. Her father agreed to the arrangement. Edith had no say to this future. Edith was hurt right away bec Henry showed no interest in her. He talked but did not ask or listen for her to speak. He brought Edith and her family to his country manor. If she acted trustworthy, they would marry. There is a lot that happens in the family. This is their story, and It has a great ending. I loved it.June 24, 2024
Jo
Good
Nice read, good charactersJune 24, 2024
P***a
Only pure love can dispel the shadows of distrust….
If you’re hurt badly you can land in a very dark place. That happened to Henry. His loved ones lost to him under tragic circumstances, he was still fighting his demons of distrust. The one to pay was his lovely wife of convenience… Edith appears on the scene… She didn’t let the shadows of distrust mar her view. She had true friends and she was determined to help her man out of the dark hole he was in. How that sweet girl was able to do that and master her own destiny is at the heart of this moving story. Grab your cup of tea and plop into a comfortable armchair and enjoy, dear reader!June 24, 2024
