A Duchess Replaced by Emma Linfield

The Middle Daughter Steals the Show

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The plot kicks off when the "Stone Cold" Duke’s eldest daughter, Abigail, flees to avoid her arranged marriage. In her place stands Bridget, the middle child, whose stern demeanor and solid backbone actually impress the Duke enough to go through with the wedding.

The central conflict involves Anthony’s step-family attempting to seize his Dukedom, while Anthony shortsightedly plans to abandon his new Duchess in England for a permanent move to America. Fate intervenes when a villain named Edwin brings forged documents before the House of Lords.

While the plot is well-conceived, the execution falters; it’s never quite clear how the family uncovers Anthony’s plans. Furthermore, Anthony remains an enigma even in his own POV chapters. It is difficult to empathize with a lead when the author keeps his motivations a secret until the final climax. It is a solid Regency read, but it suffers from a hero who stays in the shadows a bit too long for comfort.