Marrying the Icy Scarred Duke: A Clean Historical Regency Romance Book (Regency Marriages of Convenience 1)
? deep cut in the face defines the life of an icy duke.
A heartless stepfather rules the life of a romantic, kind hearted young lady.
An arranged marriage seems to be the escape they are both looking for according to logic. But little do they know….Will the heart be the winner of the mind in this eternal conflict?
Charlotte Ainsworth is a young woman with few prospects for marriage, but she is determined to avoid an arranged marriage to the horrid Earl of Westwood, a man twice her age. When she meets James Radcliffe, the brooding Duke of Rutherford, she sees an opportunity to escape her precarious situation. They enter into a marriage of convenience, but as they navigate their new life together, they must confront the obstacles that come with being strangers forced to build a life together.
As they struggle to build a life together, James’s tragic past and a vengeful enemy threaten to tear apart their fragile union. Charlotte is determined to break through James’s icy exterior and uncover the kind-hearted man beneath, but as they confront their deepest fears, they must fight to protect their love and prove that true love knows no bounds.
*If you like engaging characters, heart-wrenching twists and turns, and lots of romance, then you’ll love ”Marrying the Icy Scarred Duke”! A captivating love story that can not miss from any library.
Also available with Kindle Unlimited!
Customer Reviews
R*****a
Can 2 people who don’t know each other help to save themselves
Charlotte’s step father makes arrangements for her to marry an earl that is much older and has an unsavory character so he can get out of debt, all she wanted was fairy tale love, what can she do. James the duke of Radcliff has been absent from society since he was injured and his mother died, but his cruel father sets a clause in his will if he doesn’t marry in a specific time frame he will loose his entire inheritance. The duke and Charlotte see each other at an event and are drawn to each other. Can they help each other with an arranged marriage? This story tired to break my heart many times, the things they go through could break them, will they survive and find love? Well if you want to know get this book. I found it entirely engaging and enjoyable, also kept me on the edge of my seat at times. I highly recommend this book.April 23, 2025
S**************z
a happily ever after
James has to find a wife to get his inheritance and charlotte needs to find a husband in order not to marry Richard. James and Charlotte get married but James does not tell chalet his back story It all comes back when Richard breck into chariots old house and tells her the whole story about James. James has to face Charlotte and explain it all and they Fall in love end of storyJuly 20, 2024
K*************r
Hidden Secrets
James had a difficult life prior to the death of his cold and rigid duke father. Charlotte had a cruel and self centered stepfather After a difficult start to their marriage they found love.May 6, 2024
E*******h
Poorly written and researched
The book starts with a fairly rushed narrative that does not get fully developed and then becomes incredibly repetitive and its description of the characters inner turmoil. Characters spend paragraph after paragraph angsting over the exact same issue without ever moving forward and without adding anything to the overall narrative. The author clearly researched nothing about the Regency Era leaving aspects of the story kind of hazy and ill-defined as if the author didn’t know what to write. For example the Duke is constantly involved in business while this business is never elaborated on nor is it explained why a Duke would be involved in any sort of business in this time period. If you know anything about history this can be somewhat painful to read and even if you don’t it just seems confusing and unnecessarily vague.April 13, 2024
J*********e
Poor writing
Obviously written by a person who doesn’t have control of good writing skills such as suspense, character development, sentence structure and more. I suffered thru this book as quickly as possible, but no more. There are so many other authors to enjoy that it’s easy to avoid this one.April 6, 2024
K*****h
Nice Read
The storyline was interesting, and the book was a good read. I do not recall any curse / cuss words / bad language, or any inappropriate scenes, i.e. no sex scenes, etc. I always enjoy a clean read and a story that keeps your attention!March 31, 2024
V*****k
A fast read
The story is a basic romance but enjoyable. There is nothing special about the story. In parts it is tedious.March 18, 2024
S*****t
Starts ok then s bunch.of grovel fur yhe rest of the book
101 way to repeat a bunch of useless word over and over again! Not worth the time or even the.little money it costsJanuary 29, 2024
K*************r
Repetitive
I’m going to be kind & giv this 2 stars. The plot itself is a decent one. The marriage happens almost immediately in the story. The rest of the book, until close to end, is repetitive with each of them constantly questioning the marriage. Then the Duke gets a letter. The letter makes him secretive. His bride keeps questioning her decision to marry him, based on that, as well as other things. Then a little bit of action happens at the end. The book ends with bride telling her friends that her marriage is good. The book was as boring as my summary. The only interesting point was the identification of the mysterious writer.December 13, 2023
K*************r
Marrying the ice Scarred Duke
This was a captivating book. I was keep wondering what would happen next! I did not want to put the book down.November 8, 2023
K*************r
Terrible writing
The language is too modern. The grammar is bad. The over all story line is okay, but the author has not studied the manners and ways of the era.November 1, 2023
J*********e
new to me author
I enjoyed this story of Charlotte and James. However, I could only give three stars as the grammar was pretty awful in places. Also, the modern phrases were numerous. With some better editing and using language and phrases more appropriate for the era this was based on, this story could’ve been so much better.October 30, 2023
Could not finish
This was such a waste of time. I could only get halfway before I gave up. There was absolutely no dialogue between the main characters- it was all internal thoughts. So boring. Plus a lot of proofreading errors.October 27, 2023
V*****G
Love can come quietly.
A love story with a bit of mystery along with excitement and some misery. A woman that takes control of her future but still finds hardships. Great read to keep you going.October 24, 2023
A*************r
I couldn’t finish this read
I tried, but couldn’t finish this novel. The characters were flat, and acted only in their heads. I could not determine the historical era this novel was set in. It was so lacking in detail, but then a word might be dropped in, and you think the era might be recognized from words such as Boater or Bustle but no. The writer’s phrasing and style really put me off. I couldn’t believe this novel passed any sort of editorial review.October 21, 2023
D******.
Nice clean romance
Nice clean romance. Self doubt and past deeds sometimes get us down, but we can bounce back. I recommend this book to anyone who loves romance and conflict.October 18, 2023
K*************r
Marrying the Icy Scarred Duke
This story did not have the action I was looking for. I was happy they ended up happy in the marriage but would have liked more conversations between the couple learning about each other.October 15, 2023
M*****s
Atrocious
Reads like a first draft; needs a good proofreading for style and basic English grammar.October 11, 2023
R********e
An Arranged Marriage
I would have given this story 5 stars but I had a problem with all of the information that the Duke was keeping from Carolyn. He knew she was an understanding person but he he was making a grievous error. I was also hoping that his father would have a letter that explained his sorrow in treating his son so poorly. Thank you Amanda.October 10, 2023
r******b
Gave up–too many errors–both grammatical and internal contradictions
The many glaring errors kept interfering with my ability to read this book. Me and your friends will of course help you…; Being greeted at a daytime garden party with Good Evening. I finally gave up.October 7, 2023
D*****a
scarred Duke
This book was 90% the main characters thoughts. Very little dialogue and interaction. I ended up skipping pages to get thru to the end.October 4, 2023
A*********r
Exceptional
A wonderful, wonderful story. James is reckless, and loves to gamble until it took an evil turn. His face was badly disfigured. After the death of his father he must marry in six months or loose everything. Charlotte Ainsworth is being forced by her evil stepfather to marry a much more crude older man. Can James the Duke of Rutherford be a hero, and save her, or can they save each other? A wonderful story where they have to learn to be truthful, honest, and hopefully learn to fall in love.October 1, 2023
L*****G
Good lessons
Really enjoyed this story! Certainly learned the truth can set you free! I really liked how well James treated Charlotte. Great book!September 30, 2023
M**B
Wonderful book !!
This was a wonderful story about Charlotte and James. James marries her to gain access to his inheritance and she marries him to avoid a marriage to an evil man. It was to be a marriage of convenience but we know how those turn out. There is much drama–deceit–lies–but in the end loves wins out. A nice quick read I enjoyed very much.September 30, 2023
M***e
Great read
I love to read a book that grand you in the first couple of pages. This is one of those reads. The characters are so believable just like people you might just have in your life now. Would and have recommended to family and friendsSeptember 28, 2023
k**********o
children should be loved and cherished
While engaging in behavior intended to defy his overbearing, controlling father, James received a facial scar that would make him undesirable in the eyes of the ton. His father, in a final act of derision, added a clause to his will that required James to marry within six months or lose his inheritance. He reluctantly attends a garden party, dreading the reaction people will have to his scar. While there he locks eyes with the most beautiful woman he has ever seen, the only one who dares to look him in the eyes. They don’t have a chance to speak, but he is captivated. He is disgusted and angry when he overhears her father gloating about marrying her off to a despicable earl in order to pay his debts. Charlotte has always dreamed of having a love match, and is distraught when her horrid father announces that she is to marry an even more horrid earl who is more than twice her age. When she sees James at the garden party she is immediately drawn to his beautiful green eyes. When she does notice the scar, she thinks it only accentuates his handsome features. When James proposes a marriage of convenience, she accepts. It’s not the love match she had dreamed of, but is far better than marrying the odious earl.September 28, 2023
TG
A wonderful book!
“Marrying the Icy Scarred Duke,” is a wonderful sweet read. A good plot with a little villainy thrown in. Both the Hero and heroine were sweet together, but had a lot of baggage, which made this interesting. The reason for the 4 rating was that there was a bit too much of repeating the same thing. All and all a good book. TG I received an ARC copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.September 27, 2023
K*************r
Convenient Marriage
Love this book. It started with a foolish young Duke and ended in a fairy tale. Great writing. True to the period. Definitely recommend this writer. Hope to read more of her books.September 27, 2023
K*************e
Started out great
The beginning seemed to hold the promise of a good story; however, I felt the story line declined in interest as the story unfolded. It seemed a bit disjointed. I also was disappointed his the H personality as the story lined progressed and the h character didn’t stay as interesting either. That said, though, I still read it all the way through because I generally enjoy this authorSeptember 27, 2023
C***********s
THE ICY SCARRED DUKE
This novel was full of laughs and a fiesta heroine. I could not put it done.September 25, 2023
D******n
Will The Past Catch Up
James finds himself in a situation upon his father’s death. It is stipulated that he must marry in 6 months to receive his inheritance. He doesn’t know what he is going to do as he has scar on his face that he received when he was younger and rebelling. He goes to a ball and is attracted to Charlotte and wants to get to know her. He overhears that the Earl of Westwood is working on an arrangement with Charlotte’s father to marry her. James sees an opportunity to intervene and ask Charlotte to a marriage of convenience. She decides to accept because marriage to James will have to be better than a marriage with the Earl. Unknown to each other, they want more than a marriage of convenience, but they are afraid to admit that afraid the other person doesn’t want it. And the Earl is not happy he has been bested and is determined to bring scandal on them. ARC ReviewSeptember 24, 2023
C*m
Sweet story
This is a sweet clean romance. I love how the two main characters learn to trust each other and fall in love!September 23, 2023
P******b
They Did Not Know They Were in Love
The two main characters, Charlotte and James, the Icy Scarred Duke, had an immediate attraction at first sight. James background information was very exciting and I thought for a page or so he was toast. That scene paved the way for the extreme character changes James made. Charlotte’s family was a mess and I had steam coming out of my ears over her stepfather’s cruelty and lack of familial feelings. There were times during the marriage when I felt the characters were just coasting along making the book become slow and ponderous to meet the author’s allotment of words. I gave this book 4 stars.September 23, 2023
J*d
Great read!
Charlotte’s father betrothed her to the Earl of Westwood to pay his debts. Unfortunately he was not a man she desired to marry and she spurned his advances making him very angry.. Entered the Duke of Rutherford who need to marry to collect his inheritance. Would they be able to help each other out? They encountered many obstacles in their path to love. The Duke had a past he wasn’t proud of.September 22, 2023
r**e
Love wins out
Very well written, full of intrigue, love, revenge, romance, emotions, society with interfering family and others and a marriage of convenience. Charlotte is a young girl under the care of her stepfather, who wants her to marry a man older than her, which she is refusing. James, a Duke, has a scar on his face so together they make a agreement to marry. Together they both have issues to deal with and an outside inference to destroy their chance of happiness. Charlotte and James have to try to find a way to work thru these issues so that they get to their happily ever after. All the characters are well developed and defined to fit the storyline/plot of this book. Curl up in your favorite chair and enjoy this book. Loved it. Would recommend to others. I am an ARC and leave this unbiased, honest review.September 22, 2023
R*********e
Cowardly Scarred Duke?
If you are looking for a book with a lot of conversations and interactions between the main characters, this is not the book for you. There were several times James wished to speak to his new wife but he just could never get past small talk and instead spent most of his time worrying about his past in his mind. Charlotte kept feeling very confused by her husband’s actions. She thought he found her distasteful. Blackmail made everything even worse. Sometimes I thought Charlotte and James were finally going to at least learn something about each other in conversation but then, James would literally walk away. It was frustrating. The book ended not long after they finally had a conversation so I was left feeling sort of unsatisfied.September 22, 2023
G**.
saving each other
In a marriage of convenience not only love is missing but you also get to know your spouse after the deal is sealed, if you are lucky you married a kind hearted person and eventually love can grow, as is the case with James and Charlotte. I liked how the book shone a light on the struggles two strangers are facing when they live together without knowing anything about each other, it takes a lot of courage to built trust and share your darkest secrets. But with the right partner, salvation might be just around the corner.September 21, 2023
C***y
Ice Ice Baby?
What a delicious book written expertly by a author new to me Amanda Stones. Marrying the Icy Scarred Duke was such a emotionally charged story. A must read!September 21, 2023
a**********n
Cool
FunSeptember 21, 2023
c**********3
Romance
Well written. Love the characters.September 21, 2023
l********r
That night changed his life
This is the story of an optimistic young lady, full of life and a man of ice, who, in need of a wife and to save her form marriage to a hateful man, proposes a marriage of convenience. She is pleased, as this will save her from a disastrous marriage. He has secrets which it seems someone has discovered. A secret he doesn’t know how to tell his wife How truth finally prevails makes the basis of this entertaining tale.September 21, 2023
Jo
Intensity plus
Charlotte and James are two complete strangers who marry for convenience. This was not uncommon during those times yet the author takes us through the anguish, trials, conflict, confusion and joy of these two people who are trying to blend their lives into one family. They both have outside family issues to deal with as well as past issues that raise up to further complicate their lives. Very well written with many twists, turns, drama and tears. A clean story for young and old and a pleasant way for non married girls to see some of the realities of married life.September 21, 2023
