The Reluctant Duke's Dilemma: A Regency Era Romance (The Hope Clinic Book 1) Kindle Edition

Dr Harry Radcliffe is a dedicated doctor in Boston, who resigned his commission as Captain after the bloody Battle of Waterloo. He never planned on going back to England - until a letter arrives that he is now the Duke of Ashton after the death of his brother. Although identical twins, they could not be more different - George was a bully, callous, unfeeling without an ounce of compassion or kindness - which Harry had in abundance. Thinking his brother married a woman exactly like him, Harry is shocked at the beautiful Margaret, who the tenants nicknamed "angel". Finally free of her abusive and cruel husband, Margaret faints at her first look at Harry. To further her shame, there is gossip that Margaret pushed George to his death. Even from the grave, his ability to hurt her is a reality when he leaves her penniless. Harry soon is convinced of her innocence and is unwillingly drawn to Margaret. Under English law at that time, it was illegal to marry an in-law even though there was no blood connection and children would be considered illegitimate. Being a young and handsome duke, every unmarried lady is thrown in his path. Although he tries, no one can compare to his growing feeling for Margaret. Her initial fear of him is soon diminished and her years of misery and pain a memory. Harry is gentle and caring, not just of her, but of the needs of his tenants which were ignored and they lived in fear. But Harry is not content just to be a duke and care for his people. He loves being a physician and wants to make a difference for the poor now that he has a title behind him. He finally admits his love for Maggie and his promise to his mother to find a wife to share his life. She is reluctant to agree in spite of her falling in love with him because of the shame of having to be wed in another country. Just when things seem to be resolved, Harry in entrapped in a compromising situation with a young lady. Declaring his innocence to no avail, he is forced to offer for her and his dreams of happiness disappear. There is intrigue and kidnapping and his dream of opening a free clinic for the poor is in jepodary. This story is full of loyalty, plots, responsibility, honor, the worst traits of man and the best - how love is all encompassing and that love can overcome adversities and be stronger. I could not put it down and though this was offered free, and my first from this very talented author, I have ordered the three others in this wonderful and enjoyable series!

The reason this book didn’t earn 5 stars from me is that it lacks originality in some ways. Otherwise, the book is well done and has a satisfying ending.The protagonists are likable and compassionate characters whom I would enjoy knowing if they were real people. They care about folks who are struggling and do what’s right.The antagonists are stereotypical in their personalities and behaviors, and they lack dimension, which makes them predictable and unoriginal. They need to have more background so they have believable motives.The setting details, clothing, dialog, and food descriptions are nicely done and add to the enjoyment of the story.There is a secondary character who appears briefly in the beginning and again, with suddenly more personality, at the end, and while this seems contrived for a spin-off novel, he does intrigue me. Just wish he had more evident personality at first.There is physical violence toward women in this book that may be triggering for some readers. The death of family members is a key element in the story. There is a lot of brandy consumption, and there is mention of gambling and mistresses. The premarital sex scene, which occurs toward the middle of the book, is passionate and somewhat detailed. Readers could stop at that point without missing much, other than the major setback that must be overcome in order for the HEA to occur. This setback is rather unoriginal, but there is a pleasant mild twist at the denouement that provides a satisfying conclusion.The writing is mostly error free, but there are a handful of awkward sentence constructions that cause the reader to stumble and require rereading to clarify the author’s intent.

I enjoyed the characters and the plot lines. It was an interesting and enjoyable book and I didn't want to pit it down. I do like to have all loose ends wrapped up and these were covered as much as needed regarding that story. I just bought the prequel to read next as I didn't know about it.

This was the second novel I have read by this author. Both were very enjoyable. I will definitely continue the Hope Clinic series. It is a refreshing change from the usual books concerning the ton, with its arrogant people and rigid rules.

This book proved to be a very good read. The characters have distinct voices and personalities and the story line allows us to see their growth. Set in the 1800s, a bit different take in the plot line (widow and brother of late husband) was interesting. Along with our expected romance with get a good look at life at the time and the impact rigid societal norms had. All in all, a book I enjoyed. I'll be reading more in the series.

I enjoyed this book. I could not put it down. I loved the characters both good and bad. The plot was well developed and kept my attention.

I liked very much this book but I couldn't finish reading it. After the main character clearly knows about a debutant plotting over and over, he anyway, gets tricked by her and he "compromise" her. This is ridiculous! It is unbelievable! I am sorry, but it looks like the author wanted to extend the book and found this.Actually, I liked so much the first part of this book that I bought two more of the series. I hope that they have better endings.

Loved this book! Loved how he came into her home and slowly helped her trust him after years of emotional, physical, and financial abuse from her dead husband.

I absolutely loved this book. The characters were so well rounded out and the love story very believable. This story had villains, heroes, ghosts, conniving mamas, and a hard won HEA. The 2 main protagonists were so likeable, and both had been through their fair share of suffering. They were so well matched as a couple. The secondary characters added a lot to the story as well, especially Manny, who will pick pocket his way into your heart. Very enjoyable read, I highly recommend it.

I give this book a good rating as it is very enjoyable. Well written with great characters and an interesting story along with the romance. Will definitely read more from this author. Would recommend this book.

Got this book for free but really really liked it! Am not one for writing long reviews. It was sweet, interesting and enchanting! Tempted to read the other books in this series.

I simply adored this book. I could not help but root for Harry and Margaret. They have weathered so much to fight for the deep love they shared with each other. Although similar plots have been used in many books, this one stands out as more genuine, more believable, and with a much better narrative. I bought this book outright as I intend to keep it included in my Faves Collection of Historical Romance. The downloadable Extended Epilogue 11 years into the future of Harry and Margaret is a wonderful bonus. Do yourself a favour, and get this book, you'll be glad you did. In my case, I've barely slept electing to continue reading through the wee hours of the morning. I have sunken eyes presently, and screaming for more shut eye, but giddy after reading the extended epilogue, but all the same grinning like an idiot at the ceiling of my bedroom. There are no boring bits of the story to complain about, it captures you from the start and for my part, did not let me go. I may have to read it again right away.

This story was ambitious and complex. I lived Messmer's ability to weave the back story with the present love story. It would have been 5 stars for me if it hadn't been a bit slow at the 2/3'ds mark and their was more passion between the main characters.