Unveiling the Duke’s Heart: A Clean Historical Regency Romance Book

Customer Reviews

• C***l

  Rating: ⭐⭐

  Awful
  
  The plot itself is a good one, the characters equally so, however the writing is dire & the research poor. There is a plethora of irrelevant information imparted throughout the book taking up valuable space and dragging the pace to barely a stumble. There is also too much unnecessary and un-needed description. All in all, with an editor’s scalpel brought to play, a good 6 to 10 chapters could have been cut. Totally yawn-worthy.

  January 30, 2024

• C*****n

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

  A Bit Disappointing
  
  While it was a sweet story there was very little dialogue. I found this to be disappointing that the story was one long narrative. I would have enjoyed more dialogue as the characters unfolded in their conversations and thoughts.

  October 18, 2023

• D*****p

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

  Difficult to get through the poor grammar
  
  Sweet story bu I would have liked the book more if the grammar and syntax were better. There was a lack of commas, strange phrasing and the run-on and choppy sentences made for a difficult read. I constantly wanted to correct the grammar.

  September 24, 2023

• p***********l

  Rating: ⭐⭐

  Had the makings of a good novel.
  
  I loved the story line. Hated the way it was written. I skimmed most of it. I never realized how important dialogue is in writing until this book. paragraph after paragraph of descriptions, of the narrator telling us what they said.. It was very difficult to read.

  August 7, 2023

• s**********r

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  A Companions Past
  
  A delightful story of love at first sight. After being treated horribly by an older brother and having her money stolen by him, he decides to marry her to a vile elderly man. She decides to become a ladies companion far away and hopes her brother never finds her. Little did she know that the lady to whom she works for has a very handsome, kind son. The rest is their story.

  August 6, 2023

• D*******r

  Rating: ⭐⭐

  Show, don’t tell.
  
  I dislike giving it a critical review to a fairly nice story, but I’m being generous with a 2 star rating. I’m surprised this book was even published, the writing is so amateur. Any editor worth his or her salt would have pointed out the grievous errors, this story was told from several points of view almost entirely in narrative, even narrating dialogue, and in many cases more than one POV was contained in the same paragraph. Some incorrect grammar also. The plot is worth being redone in a more professional manner. I hope the author will seek some assistance, maybe take some creative writing classes..

  August 2, 2023

• K*************r

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

  Irrespective..
  
  Please find a new word. The use of Irrespective 19 times in only 29 chapters is absolutely overkill. The story was not bad. The characters could have been given a bit more depth. This is a developing author whom I believe will be worth following at the end of the day.

  July 24, 2023

• R********e

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  A Little Poet in All of Us
  
  Martha this was a very good book. Thank you for sharing it with us. I loved all of the characters and was happy to see all of the love in this story. Sophia was an extraordinary person and I enjoyed seeing you weave her into the book.

  July 13, 2023

• T**s

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Mischievous Mother nurtures son to marry for love
  
  What an engrossing story! Immersed in this dramatic romance from the beginning to the Extended Epilogue, I throughly identified with the mother’s intuition and determination Lady Cynthia shows as she gently guides her son. By their eye contact during the interview, she recognizes the attraction between Duke Edward (Ned) and Sofia. Ned wants to obtain a new companion for his frail mother before he goes on his business trip. Since Sofia has escaped from her elder brother, she is eager to leave London as soon as possible. In the three days they travel together, Sofia and Cynthia establish a close relationship which pleases Ned as he observe them. However, he is puzzled by his strong attraction to a servant. Lucas is Sofia’s older brother who is hostile, cruel, and greedy. He forcefully arranged a marriage for her with a much older, rich man. Fortunately, her beloved younger brother made it possible for her to interview for the position which needed to be filled quickly. Owen and Sofia’s best friend, Hannah, helped her pack. However, Sofia felt guilty she had not been honest with Cynthia and Ned. By this worries that Ne’s sense of duty will cause him to choose a wife in their class. His mother devises many opportunities for Ned to appreciate Sofia’s qualities. When he shows interest, Sofia fears her past could bring scandal to his family. Yet she is prevented from telling her secret each time she tries. So avoids him. His mother is a darling character who provides humor and unconditional love for their tender romance. Many twists and turns are handled by Cynthia using her influence in the ton to enable Ned and Sofia to develop mutual affection. She shows a powerful protective nature – even taking action to confront villains. There is also a dramatic assault by Lucas in which Ned demonstrates he can keep Sofia safe. At the very end, Sofia asserts a very surprising fact which can remedy the crisis. Ned shows himself to be a very generous man,. He makes sure that everyone who helped Sofia gain good positions with his family. This is a tremendously enjoyable book !!!

  July 6, 2023

• R*********e

  Rating: ⭐

  Horrible.
  
  I don’t even have the words! Every single detail. More thinking than talking. Even the ladies maid had a thought or two . I am sorry but there has to be something that makes the reader want to turn the page.

  July 4, 2023

• L**************s

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Sweet Romance
  
  I enjoyed the plot, the characters and HEA. A simply delicious Regency Romance with a satisfying ending. I would have liked a little more show than tell.

  June 27, 2023

• K*************r

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Love at its best
  
  Hard to put down. I read it in one day top to bottom. You bet I loved it with wine.

  June 27, 2023

• M**B

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

  so so
  
  For me I felt the book was slow. I almost stopped reading but I hate to give up on a book. It did get better and by the end it went from so so to OK. Just my opinion.

  June 26, 2023

• T**********m

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  The heart wants who it wants
  
  I really enjoyed this Regency romance. The storyline was quick to grab my attention, and held it throughout. Just because you weren’t part of the Ton, didn’t matter in terms of love. I look forward to reading more books from Ms. Barwood.

  June 23, 2023

• J***b

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Love Wins!!!!
  
  I enjoyed this book so much! It was full of romance and drama. I was on the edge if my seat waiting for the drama to explode. It was very well written and the characters were well developed. After the death of her father, Sophia, a beautiful young woman thinks she has avoided the marriage mart by showing disinterest to the suitors.presented to her. She will be of age shortly and with her dowry, she will be in charge of her own life. Then her domineering older brother, Lucas, her guardian informs her he has arranged an engagement to Lord Dilys. He is a Lord with a vile reputation and is more than twice her age. Her brother Lucas only cares for the wealth he will gain and the business contacts he will make with the liaison! Sophia has no escape. Lucas has also stolen her dowry. Edward, the Duke of Canfield is waiting to marry for love. He had the opportunity to marry his best friends sister, but after the death of his friend it wasn’t meant to be. He meets Owen, Sophia’s younger brother in a club, accidentally. Edward mentioned his mother needed a Companion and Owen jumped at the chance to arrange an interview for Sophia. It was Love at first sight. His mother recognized it and hired her immediately. Hannah, her best friend and Owen arranged to help her leave. It is a delightful read. Don’t miss it.

  June 22, 2023

• D************e

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Sophia and Ned
  
  Loved this regency romance! Love at first sight for Sophia and Ned!

  June 21, 2023

• N***y

  Rating: ⭐

  Did not open after downloaded
  
  I never got this book to open up after I downloaded it! I don’t know what happened

  June 21, 2023

• B*******w

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

  Nice clean novel.
  
  Sweet story, with very likable characters. Would have liked to have seen more conflict into the plot, and less about the non essential characters. Maybe the author could have added more storyline with twists and turns and less transparency of the main characters feelings at the beginning. Other than a few grammar errors, it was an enjoyable story.

  June 21, 2023

• N********n

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Escape
  
  She must escape before her older brother marries her off for his financial gain. She becomes a companion to Duchess Cynthia. That is a relationship that is very meaningful. Her son finally agrees that it is time to marry – does he marry for love or for social standing? He is slow to commit himself but when he does he stands up for her against her brother. I felt that the epilogue tried to tie up many loose ends without a good timeline. Other than that, I enjoyed the read.

  June 21, 2023

• r*************d

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Martha Barwood … Unveiling the Duke’s Heart
  
  Duke Edward hired Sophia as a companion to his aging mother. Sophia didn’t tell the Duke or his mother that she was escaping her older brother that is her guardian and has betrothed her to a mean, wealthy, ugly man three times her age. They are leaving early the next morning to travel three days to his country seat. Edward has fallen in love with his employee, the daughter of a merchant. Should he propose marriage to Lady Lucy, daughter of a neighboring Earl or flirt with slander and propose to the employee he loves? A good read.

  June 21, 2023

• T*********s

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Unveiling The Duke’s Heart
  
  This is a great book and it was a page turner and the suspense was amazing. Sophia and Lucas were siblings . Lucas were protective over his sister a lot. Sophia liked to do things without consequences. It was a thrill ride for her. But Sophia was post to be married to this young man name Edward. Sophia wanted to be free to have fun and do other things in her life. I highly recommend this book and you might want wanted to read it for yourself. Cynthia was Edward sister she was a wild thing herself. Their parents wanted them to get married and started their life. It has fun, drama, and more. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a honest review. Trina Jones

  June 20, 2023

• L************y

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

  No fireworks
  
  The characters were good but there wasn’t any fireworks (I don’t mean sex) everyone was to busy being polite. I did feel the emotions of Sophia on how frightened she was to leave everything she knows.

  June 20, 2023

• B*******l

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

  A Way to Love
  
  Sophia Barlow is determined to make it to her 21st birthday when she will be granted her inheritance and become an independent woman. But her apointed guardian and older brother, Lucas, has decided to arrange Sophia a marriage to further his wealth and business. Sophia feels trapped until her younger brother, Owen, and friend, assist in getting her a position as a lady’s companion. Edward, Duke of Carlisle , has a need of a lady’s companion for his mother suddenly but needs to leave soon on a business trip. He crosses paths with Mr. Barlow and arranges for him and his sister to come to his home for a lady’s companion interview. From the first moment both Edward and Sophia discover attraction between them. Yet Sophia needs to stay out of the public eye and Edward doesn’t want a scandal around his family’s name. Can they find a way to love? Or too many opstacles in the way? I loved the storyline and characters yet was a little difficult with point of view because it didn’t flow together with transitions of people and I felt we knew too much in all the characters’ minds.

  June 20, 2023

• R*********e

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Mom knows best!
  
  With the help of her friend, Hannah, and her brother, Owen, Sophia runs away to escape a dreadful betrothal. She becomes the companion of Lady Cynthia and falls in love with her son, Edward, a duke, at first sight. They both try to deny their feelings for each other but Lady Cynthia is having none of that nonsense! She puts forth every effort to make sure her son marries the woman he loves, Sophia. The friendship between Sophia and Lady Cynthia is heartwarming. Owen’s determination to rescue his sister from Lucas’s evil plans is admirable. Spoiler: I loved how Owen and Hannah ended up marrying and Owen ending up with everything Lucas had (it was so fitting after all the destruction Lucas had caused).

  June 19, 2023

• S********g

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Very entertaining novel.
  
  I couldn’t put it down. Very entertaining, and I loved the characters. Kept my interest.

  June 19, 2023

• J***e

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Must Read
  
  Such a well written book. Truly loved it.

  June 19, 2023

• c***l

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Nice read
  
  Edward and Sophia meet when he is looking for a companion for his mother. Edward is not aware of the unfortunate circumstances behind Sophia seeking employment and finally when they become betrothed all is revealed when her oldest brother Lucas, finds her. In the end Edward shows himself to be her protector and the man she finds her hea with. Be aware this story does not follow entirely in the proper protocol of the regency England ton but it’s a sweet and simple plot that leave you having enjoyed a nice easy read with a happy ending and all villians paying the consequences of their nasty ways

  June 19, 2023

• J***.

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

  She’s running from an arranged marriage to a horrible man twice her age
  
  Sophia Barlow is under the control of her awful older brother Lucas until she is 21. He has continually tried to marry her off with no regard to her feelings in order to increase his fortune. Finally losing patience, he informs her that she is to marry the vile Lord Dilley. Helped by her best friend and her younger brother, Owen, she runs away to become companion to the Duchess of Carlfield. Her son, the Duke, is attracted to Sophia, but tries to ignore his attraction as she is the daughter of a merchant, and therefore not a suitable match for him. I liked the story very much, and it was lovely to read a story where the language was used correctly and was not full of modern terms. My only quibble is the punctuation. There were many times where a sentence apparently ended with a full stop, but the next sentence was actually a continuation of the previous one. I found this a bit disconcerting , but was able to ignore it as the story progressed. I received an ARC, but this is my honest opinion, freely given.

  June 19, 2023

• C***************s

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Love how this one ended.
  
  I adored Owen everyone needs a caring brother like him. Another character I really enjoyed was Lady Cynthia and the friendship between her and the heroine was lovely to see. There is also a bit of poetic justice at the end that was outstanding. It is a good book that I highly recommend.

  June 19, 2023

• c**********3

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Romance
  
  Well written. Love the characters.

  June 18, 2023

• B***Y

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Good fun reading
  
  Really enjoy Martha barwood’s books. I’ve liked everyone of her books that I’ve read, and liked this books as much as all the others. Very entertaining. Characters are well portrayed and liked how each one got what they deserved in the end. Beginning and ending were very good. I love happy endings.

  June 18, 2023

• a**********n

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Cool
  
  Fun

  June 18, 2023

• J*d

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Great read!
  
  Sofia is under the mercy of her wicked older brother, Lucas. He arranged a marriage for her to Lord Dilley. A marriage that benefits Lucas financially but disastrous for Sofia. Fortunately her younger brother., Owen, helps her discover a way out. Great love story, well written.

  June 18, 2023

• g********e

  Rating: ⭐⭐

  Just couldn’t continue
  
  I think the story had potential but the writing was poorly done and the bad grammar unpalatable to me. Maybe with a good editor, this could be saved. As is, don’t bother.

  June 18, 2023

• B********a

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Really good book
  
  I really enjoyed reading this book a very good story enjoyed the characters a very good novel

  June 18, 2023

• r**e

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Win to Love
  
  Excellent storyline, well written book. Full of drama, action, intrigue, love, romance, kindness, society, twists and turns. Sophia is under the control of her oldest brother who wants her to marry a man twice her age and a bully like him. She tries to refuse but he tells her it is to happen and nothing will stop it. So she and her other bother, Owen, find a way to escape this unwanted marriage, She becomes a companion to a Duchess, found by Owen. This is where she meets the Duke- Edward, and knows that there could be something for them if only things were different or she turns 21 . Her bother finds her and then everything start to change. Has a group of well defined characters that fit the need of the book. What a great book to read, just keeps you wanting more and more, What happens to them in 25 or 50 years. Would recommend this book and author to everyone, fantastic book. I am an ARC and leave this unbiased, honest review.

  June 18, 2023