The Duke’s Loveless Bargain: A Historical Regency Romance Book (Marriage and Duty 2)
A beast of a man. A woman taught to be silent.
He rules from the shadows cold, ruthless, untouchable. A Duke shaped by cruelty, haunted by words he could never master.
She moves through society a picture of grace, unseen and unheard. A lady trained to be perfect, yet never enough.
When fate binds them together, their scars collide.
Silence. Tension. A battle neither can afford to lose.
But in the quiet, something stirs. A spark. A question.
Can love find a way through the walls they’ve built or will the past drag them both into the dark?
* If you like historical romance with strong characters and a touch of redemption, The Duke’s Loveless Bargain is for you. It’s a heartfelt story of love, hope, and marriage of convinience trope that will captivate you.
No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a strong happily ever after.
Also available free with Kindle Unlimited.
Customer Reviews
C******r
Doesn’t read like a period novel
I couldn’t get into it sadly even though this was supposed to have tropes I like. The tagline is inaccurate. He is a nervous guy which isn’t attractive. Certainly not the arrogant beast trope. And she is a confident take charge type and nothing like woman taught to be silent. The characters don’t behave according to Regency period social norms either, so i ouldnt get along with the novel at all. Gave up after a chapter or so. If you like authentic Regency romance then you won’t like this.June 1, 2025
K*******************e
loved it
I always love Dorothy Sheldon‘s books. This was one of my favorites. It had mystery,romance and loyalty in it. A great read.May 6, 2025
A*****a
The Duke’s Loveless Bargain
Delightful. Two very human humans make a marriage of convenience. Our H comes from a miserable background and it seems inevitable he’ll grow up as bad as his own parents. Our h’s imprudent father leaves his wife and two young daughters impoverished. But the younger, ravishingly beautiful daughter will marry a wealthy man and save the day….or will she? This is a quick, fun read. Lots of lovely characters and a few nefarious scoundrels. A plot we have no doubt read before. But it’s cleverly and charmingly told.April 29, 2025
A*************r
The Dukes Loveless Bargain
Great book. It unbelievably how cruel parents can be. The two ladies in this story were far superior people than their mother could ever be.April 28, 2025
y**f
Great Read
I was really drawn into this story. I felt so many different emotions while reading The Duke’s Lifeless Bargain. At times I was on the edge of my seat in anticipation of what would happen next. If you enjoy romance and intrigue, you will greatly enjoy this book!April 24, 2025
A*g
Great
Wonderful read with continue suspense through out the book. It was great how sadness turned in to smiles leading to happily ever after.April 5, 2025
S***K
wonderful story
This book really kept my interest with unique and unexpected twists. Jasper and Margaret are well written characters with real depth and interesting backgrounds.April 5, 2025
B****y
Clean Regency Romance
The storyline picked my heart. My son has dyslexia and struggled for several years. Fortunately, his learning disability was recognized and he now lives a much better life, including reading for pleasure and to his young son. Four stars for book needing editing. You get thrown off your reading pass when wrong names are used.March 28, 2025
L*****G
Interesting
Captivating story with two broken souls coming together with unexpected results! Great story!March 23, 2025
L**************s
a delightful read
Not too predictable and exciting l but with cozy moments. Sweet romance, really bad baddies, and a HEA. I recommend.March 23, 2025
M**B
Love this book
This book grabbed me right away. It was so good I could not put it down—-until 2 AM when I could not keep my eyes open. Wonderful characters and a GREAT story line. A well written clean story that I highly recommend.March 21, 2025
P*********************e
Wonderful and engaging story
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The characters were so likable and yet they kept me guessing as to what would happen next. I was intrigued which kept me flying through the story. A wonderful ending to a great series.March 17, 2025
G******s
Hard times to a better life. Love a happy ending
Wish I was better at writing my reviews, doesn’t seem enough to say another great story. The characters in the book are navigating interesting life choices. It will be interesting to see if Marigold can find a life partner even with her bluestocking ways.March 17, 2025
K*************r
Good plot but …
I did enjoy the story but, oh, the edits! The author names these books as historical Regency romance, yet the language is constantly whisking the reader out of 19th century England and straight into 21st century America. I am not sure if I can brave going on the read the next book in the series.March 17, 2025
C*************r
Page turner, it will keep you hoping for a happy ending!
Why do Regency gentlemen always have to die and leave their wives and daughters nearly destitute? And why does the widow feel like it’s her duty to marry the daughters off to the first person they can find that is willing to take them on? There’s usually more to the story and in this novel boy is there more of the story don’t start reading this if you have something you need to get done because you’re gonna have trouble putting it down. The question you have to answer with this novel can two people scarred by their parents find true love? Additionally, can they protect the ones they truly love from disaster? I couldn’t put it down until I found the answer to those two questions. I really enjoyed the book.March 16, 2025
O*****1
Couldn’t finish this book
This book seemed interesting at first, but it the characters were both the wimpiest simpletons. I kept reading thinking surely I would like one of them eventually, but I gave up out of boredom three-quarters through. It is rare for me to not finish a book.March 15, 2025
m***t
Loved the story
I loved this book. It is filled with intrigue and warmth as a love story should. I liked that there was no bad language or sexul content! Good for you, Dorothy Sheldon. Good Book!March 15, 2025
M**V
A Mother/Her Daughters/Deceit
Debts & more debts pertain to a family & one way out is an arranged Marriage- but a mystery man stands in the way of another & many secrets are discovered & uncovered. But true love awaits for the Duke.March 14, 2025
R*****a
lovely read
This book was just how you would expect a Regency era story to be. I always enjoy this author and she is very talented. So don’t miss this bookMarch 11, 2025
B***Y
Good reading
Entertaining! Interesting characters. Liked reading.March 9, 2025
K*************r
Jasper and Margaret transform to an enviable couple
Margaret Molyneaux and Jasper, Duke of Stonehaven start their marriage barely knowing one another. Although it’s a marriage of convenience, they slowly find it not convenient at all in light of falling in love. Slowly overcoming past neglect, abuse, shame and mistrust, their feelings of admiration and appreciation for each other leads to a HEA. Interesting well developed characters in a plot that keeps twisting engage a reader until a very satisfying end.March 9, 2025
A*************r
Another great story
Great storyMarch 9, 2025
C***n
Jasper and Margaret
Jasper grew up the son of a Duke, but suffered abuse at the hands of his father. Thus when it came to marriage, he came with hurt. Meanwhile, Margaret grew up in the shadow of her younger sister’s beauty, and also grew up with hurt. Jasper and Margaret’s marriage of convenience started rocky with two people that needed to learn how to love each other. Meanwhile, Margaret’s younger sister faced a dangerous arranged marriage that they helped free her from. This is a clean, sweet story with a happy ending.March 9, 2025
E****************y
This one will hold your interest for hours
Wonderful story. What some people will do to either get their own way or to get out of a situation. Very well written.March 8, 2025
G**********y
Great story
I had a hard time putting this book down. I really liked the story and how the characters interaction developed. A different twist of bringing a reading disability to light .March 8, 2025
K**e
Great entertaining read!
A great blend of comedy and suspense. Wonderful characters, who faced their own adversities. Women’s right’s at the time were abhorrent!March 7, 2025
L*********d
Loved It!
Jasper, Duke of Stonehaven suffered from dyslexia as a youth. Being unable to read or write, he was labeled as simple minded by his father and tutors and beaten regularly. Lady Margaret was constantly told she was plain and unfit for marriage unlike her younger sister Marigold, who was stunningly beautiful and musically talented. Their mother was a widow who was left heavily in debt by her husband. She wanted to sell both her daughters in marriage to cover her debts. Margaret was married to Jasper. Marigold was promised to the older and lecherous Lord Tumulus. Margaret was determined to save her 17 year old sister. Throw in a few more villains and you have a wonderful read!March 6, 2025
A*************r
A wonderful read.
I love to read Dorothy Sheldon books, she developed her characters so well. This story brings characters that have heart and depth of forgiveness. Arranged marriages certainly bring unique circumstances that are always interesting to see how Dorothy will bring the couples together.March 6, 2025
G**.
shades of lonely
My heart broke for Jasper and Margaret, I was so happy when fate brought those lonely souls together and gave them a chance for their HEA, of course not without hard work but isn’t it worth it?March 5, 2025
c**********3
Romance
Well written. Love the charactersMarch 5, 2025
K********************a
Great book
I absolutely loved this book. I loved the characters and felt this was well written. It was not my usual genre but I did enjoy it. I recommend this book.March 5, 2025
B**********i
Dorothy Sheldon deserves applause for this story!
This story kept me reading from start to finish, I enjoyed the characters and the story line. I fell in love with jasper and Margaret, I loved his back story the most. It’s about a widowed wife who her husband left her in debt and she has nothing left but her own daughters. Once a creditor comes calling she is given a choice , either pay or marry one of her daughters. I am excited to read the next in this series. I received this as a advanced copy and this is my review.March 5, 2025
K*************r
Story could have been more cohesive
I was really into this book for the first half. It seemed like the focus would be on Jasper’s difficulty with reading and writing as well as the abuse he had suffered because of it growing up and that his wife, Margaret, would learn his secret and then help him get better at it while they both fell in love and built mutual trust. Instead, Margaret’s mother became a huge problem out of nowhere and Margaret had to protect and rescue Goldie (her sister). It seemed like the story suddenly focused too much on Goldie and their horrid mother while the love building between Margaret and Jasper was shoved way into the background. Therefore, when the story was ending with Jasper and Margaret suddenly being very in love, it felt disjointed. It felt like too much of their story was left unwritten. I loved Goldie but I wanted more of the story to be about how Jasper and Margaret fell in love.March 5, 2025
Jo
Enjoyed
Fully engaging and entertaining. Good characters.March 5, 2025
W***********r
nice regency read
This was a nice read. I found it to be interesting how the male lead character slowly changed throughout the story. I really appreciated how his growth was realistic. I think it added to the believability of the characters and plot.March 5, 2025
L******s
From loveless bargain to fascinating
My favourite story so far. I could not stop until I finished the story and read it nearly in one swoop. Adding the struggle with dislexia gives this story a unique twist.March 4, 2025
B************i
Great story, great bond between sisters…wondereful Duke
I enjoy all of the books this author has written but this one is probably my favorite. It had a different feel about it. It wasn’t all about parties, dresses, scoundrels and gentlemen clubs. It was about two sisters and their horrible mother with an addition of a duke. The sisters had a great bond and even with a horrible mother trying to dictate how they live, the older sister Margaret, stood her ground. After marrying the Duke, Jesper, she still helped to keep her sister safe. I really enjoyed every bit of this story. It had some mystery to it and I couldn’t put it down. It was a great read.March 4, 2025
T********l
Overcoming Childhood Trauma
Jasper and Margaret both had difficult upbringings. When they found each other they were able to comfort one another and rescue Goldie. A very good read with a HAPPILY EVER AFTERMarch 4, 2025
J*d
Great book!
This is a great love story filled with suspense and intrigue. A story of two people broken from their past seeking healing. Margaret’s biggest concern is her sisters happiness and when their mother allows Lord Tumnus, a cruel rake, to court Marigold her biggest fear was founded. A way out was to marry the Duke of Stonehaven. A marriage of convenience for her but it frees her sister to marry for love. Great story worth reading.March 4, 2025
3M
Captured me from start to finish
She is willing to sacrifice herself to a marriage of convenience to save her sister, but finds it a bigger challenge than she expected. But as she comes to know her husband, she finds a friend, supporter, a savior, and finally a lover. To avoid the trouble of courting in society, he offers to pay off the family debts to obtain a wife of convenience, only to find a woman of strong character, understanding, patience, kindness and forgiveness. So many moral lessons taught in this story!March 4, 2025
r**e
Sweet love
Very well written, full of drama, love, society, understanding, villains, abuse, dyslexia, debts, suspense, intrigue and twists. Jasper is now the Duke but has had a hard time of it as a child due to the fact he could not read. Both his father and tutors used physical abuse on him but he still is unable to read. Jasper finally shuts himself off from most but only keeps a few close to him. Margaret is a young lady whose mother has a mean streak and keeps telling her that she is not as good as her sister. She doesn’t have her beauty so when her mother needs money she uses Margaret as payment. Jasper and Margaret have made an agreement to a marriage of convenience that they both feel will serve them best. He later finds that he will have to protect her sister from any harm. Together they build a good life together and find all the love and kindness they never had. Curl up and enjoy this sweet story. Would recommend strongly to everyone. I received this story and leave this unbiased honest review.March 4, 2025
M***i
Love Grows
Margaret and Goldie lived with a mother who was addicted to gambling and trying to use her daughters to pay her debts. Jasper was a godsend for Margaret as he helped her battle, her mother and they found love.March 3, 2025
A*************r
A true love ending!
As life has a way of throwing rocks inourbpaths, so did the heroes of this book. As they struggle to begin their impromptu marriage yet they save her sister from a sinister marriage!March 3, 2025
A*********r
Uplifting
A captivating story from the very beginning, and a book that you can’t put down. Jasper Demeridge can’t read at 12 years old of age. Both his father and his teacher whip his hands with a switch till they are raw and swollen, and often beat him with a cane. To him the letters of words are all scrambled. As the Duke of Stonehaven he’s not looked upon kindly. You follow him as he takes on a wife, and protects her younger sister from an evil man. Such a great uplifting story.March 2, 2025
K***i
Great story
Twists and turns. Suspense. Sisterly love and devotion. A secluded duke. Debts. A great love story.March 1, 2025
S*H
A Clean, Sweet Story
Living with dyslexia as a child, Jasper was treated harshly by tutors and his own father for his inability to read well. This abuse led Jasper to shut out all but a few people in his life. Margaret, grew up living in a home where she was constantly reminded of how plain she was in comparison to her beautiful younger sister. What begins as a marriage of convenience between two damaged people becomes much more as they work together to protect Margaret’s younger sister from danger. This story has a couple of pretty cringy villains, and a good description of how awful life could be for children with learning disabilities in the 19th century. This clean, sweet story has a happy ending and can be read as a standalone.March 1, 2025
J**********e
Gripping tale
Gripping tale of the trials of Jasper and Margaret. Jasper was a timid boy with dyslexia, beaten and mocked by his father and tutors, ignored by his mother. Margaret was berated by her widow mother for not being as beautiful as her younger sister. Their marriage was a financial transaction but tured out to be the best thing ever for them, despite the dastardly actions of others.February 28, 2025
J*******s
A Sweet Story
This story was sweet and really uncomplicated but, for me, it lacked any real feeling. The premise was good but the author could have done more with it. There were a few grammatical errors and the language did not always fit the period. Other than that, I enjoyed reading this story…always wanting just a little more.February 27, 2025
