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From USA Today bestselling author Laura Lee Guhrke comes the story of a bargain, a marriage of convenience . . . and the chance for love to last a lifetime
They had a deal . . .
From the moment she met the devil-may-care Duke of Margrave, Edie knew he could change her life. And when he agreed to her outrageous proposal of a marriage of convenience, she was transformed from ruined American heiress to English duchess. Five years later, she's delighted with their arrangement, especially since her husband is living on another continent.
But deals are made to be broken . . .
By marrying an heiress, Stuart was able to pay his family's enormous debts, and Edie's terms that he leave England forever seemed a small price to pay. But when a brush with death impels him home, he decides it's time for a real marriage with his luscious American bride, and he proposes a bold new bargain: ten days to win her willing kiss. But is ten days enough to win her heart?
Anonymous
Posted Tue May 27 00:00:00 EDT 2014
This is a great story, with lovable multifaceted characters. You can't help but feel for them as they slowly let down they're guards and show they're vulnerabilities. I definitely want to read more from this author.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Prosperity for the fortunate few in America brought a new desire: the quest for the creation of, if not literally, a titled class for the privileged. From the Vanderbuilts and Astors down to the lesser-known daughters of industrialists, marrying well became code for setting your sights on a man with a title and grand house in England. These Gilded Age heiresses were commodities in the British marriage mills: their dowries and financial contributions to the estates far outweighed the slight tarnish of their unfamiliarity with how things are done, from that proper and stuffy British noble perspective.
The second book in Guhrke’s American Heiress in London series presents us with yet another potential scenario for a woman to search abroad for a husband. Edie has a reputation that is irretrievably tarnished in society, she is not pure. Sadly,, Edie was raped and her father, wanting to see her wed and happy, decides a search across the pond for a suitably needy titled man will be her salvation.
For her part, Edie wants little to do with men, and nothing at all to do with love. She is battered and bruised, and her experiences have her believing that men are particularly dangerous. She would be content to have a marriage that would keep her father from his continued interference, to a man that would be willing to allow her to live her own life.
Stuart, Duke of Margrave is an attractive prospect: handsome, impoverished, and seems completely amenable to her conditions for marriage. In return for the title of Duchess, her dowry will provide for his estate and family, and provide him an income to travel abroad. This marriage of convenience is her perfect solution, and Stuart doesn’t see a downside for his life either.
But, five years have passed: he has decided to return to England and deal with the wife that has only become more intriguing over his years away. Edie, for her part, has barely given her husband a thought: using the title as her shield and lance to enter society and establish her own life and interests, she has grown more confident and secure in her own abilities. You can’t help but admire her tenacity in moving forward even as she is ignoring the one thing that would truly let her bury her past trauma, as much as one could.
With Stuart’s return, Edie is faced with several unsettling thoughts, not the least of which is the attractive man in front of her, and his proposition is shocking and thrilling all at once. But her fear, both from her trauma and the upheaval that Stuart could cause her life and heart are almost more than she can face.
Ten days doesn’t seem like a long time to realize that your heart is already attached to the man you barely know, nor for him to realize that the enchanting means to an end fits every possible requirement that he could have for a mate. Guhrke manages to finesse their developing relationship and incorporate a real sense of the concerns that Edie would have after her earlier trauma, without overreaching for unnecessary emotional angst or perseveration. Readers can appreciate the careful pacing that Stuart employs to woo Edie and make her his, solidly and completely. While not a light read, the story is enchanting and engrossing, keeping the reader ready for the happy ending.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via Edelweiss for purpose of honest review with Tasty Book Tours. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
2 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.jeannie-cow
Posted Fri May 23 00:00:00 EDT 2014
i have read all of Laura Lee Guhrke's books. I loved this one too. It's worth reading. Couldn't put it down.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Fri May 23 00:00:00 EDT 2014
I really enjoyed this book, never wanted to put the book down. Now I am reading her first of the the series, just as good.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Tue May 20 00:00:00 EDT 2014
Nice Story
How to lose a duke in a 10 days is the story of a ruined American heiress and a duke desperately in need of money.It is a nice and sweet story although at the beginning of the book I did not like Edie, She was stubborn , cold and keep running away from her problems but by the end of the book I liked her. Stuart was such a patient, sweet, kind and charming Hero who treated his wife and her sister perfectly. Edie and Stuart is an enjoyable read. Thank you Mrs. Laura Lee Guhrke
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Mon Jul 21 00:00:00 EDT 2014
Is a great read, as always, not so crazy the ending, loved the hrro
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Tue Jul 08 00:00:00 EDT 2014
Good read
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Fri Jun 06 00:00:00 EDT 2014
Great read with fully developed characters that you feel and take this journey along with them. Highly recommend.
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Mon May 19 00:00:00 EDT 2014
Not quite what I expected based on the teaser information.
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Posted Sun May 18 00:00:00 EDT 2014
I enjoyed this book. I've read a few of this author's books and liked them. This is a good one. Likable characters,
good chemistry, good storyline.
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Fri May 09 00:00:00 EDT 2014
Edie made a deal with the Duke of Margrave years ago. She would pay off all his debts if he agreed to leave and never come back. She gets a title and he gets money. It has worked out perfect so far. She has lived with the title and helped rebuild everything the duke has. After five years Staurt has returned from Africa. He doesn't get a welcome like he thought he would. He has had a hard time in Africa and now is home to stay. This throws Edie off as she never expected to live with her husband. She liked things as they were. Now Stuart a new bargain. He has ten days to get her to want to kiss him. If she doesn't he will give her what she wants.
Edie seems like the type who has it all together. She has did things the way she wants and everything is on her schedule. She has her sister to look after and she is trying to do the best for her as well. She has a secret in her past and she keeps it buried deep down. She really has one fear and she doesn't want anyone to know about it. Stuart almost lost his life in Africa and he did lose a friend. He found out what is important in life and he is ready to join his wife even if she doesn't want him she thinks. He can be hard at times but it is at good times so no worries.He does have a fun side that Edie seems to bring out at times.
These two clearly belong together and while they may not have had time to have a good start they do now if Edie can get over her fear. I was surprised a little by her secret and what she had been through and it made me see she wasn't just a title hunter but just scared. She has to learn to trust Stuart and see the man he really is. Stuart has his work cut out for him as she doesn't want a husband. I like how these two really heal each other and help each other move on. Stuart really won my heart when he does something to get payback for Edie. It shows how much he does care for her. For a fantastic read about two wonderful characters try this one.
Anonymous
Posted Thu May 08 00:00:00 EDT 2014
Be warned that this story deals with some difficult subjects and is not for all readers. This is a historical novel set in Victorian England near 1896. There are some inconsistencies in the story for the time period but, they do not detract from the tale.
The protagonists in the tale have flaws both emotional and physical that help draw the reader into the story but, those flaws can also be emotionally challenging for the reader.
Edie is dealing with the emotional and physical scars from rape as a debutante in wealthy New England. Stuart, has emotional scars from neglect by his family as well as being mauled by a lion while on safari in Africa.
This story involves a lot of discussion between the two characters about building walls for emotional defenses and then trying to remove those walls to build bridges of trust. Had I known what this story was about from the beginning I might not have read it. Having met women who suffered similarly to Edith I found myself comparing their reactions to Edith's. They are similar but, it made reading this story that much harder. I think I would have felt better about going into the story had the teaser been much more explicit about the content.
I did feel the ending was emotionally satisfying. It did pull me all of the way to the end very quickly.
I will probably read something from this author again.
4.5 stars – Oh, Such Sweet Serendipity! Kindness, Respect, and Love...Loved the Hero!
Ruined American heiress Edie Jewell flees to England hoping to find a suitable aristocratic husband. She knows exactly what she wants or - to be more precise - what she doesn’t want in a marriage. Edie’s almost out of time. She’s desperate. Returning to New York would be unbearable. Her matchmaker has been unsuccessful. What Edie wants in a husband seems impossible to find. Then, across a crowded ballroom, she sees her way out of hell.
Adventure-seeking Stuart is a duke. He’s penniless too. (It’s kismet!) The Duke of Margrave possesses reckless good looks and charm aplenty. Weighted down by debt and spendthrift relatives - desperately longing to continue his travels in Africa - he responsibly carries out his role as duke. Stuart dutifully attends a ball; unfortunately, it’s a dull event. Until,across a crowded ballroom, he sees the most intriguing girl he’s ever met.
Then, Stuart and Edie marry. They go their separate ways. He goes to Africa. Edie becomes the perfect duchess, lonely and safe. Five years and a lion attack later is where fate reunites them and their love story begins.
If you’ve ever felt that zing, lightning strike, or spark when meeting someone special – if you can remember what the clothes that person wore or the music that was playing in the background or the specific thoughts and feelings they invoked in you - you’ll adore the way this story’s hero engages his heroine. Stuart sees Edie’s beauty. He needs her love. He shares himself willingly. Don’t assume the title ”How to Lose a Duke in Ten Days” indicates a light romantic historical. Developing a memorable romantic couple is primary. The ‘ten days’ is not the timeframe of the book, so be at ease that nothing is forced in the characters or plot.
From across a crowded ballroom, Stuart sees Edie and she’s imprinted on his soul. Oh, Stuart! That all men should have a way with words. The fortress around Edie’s heart never stood a chance against him. Stuart is sensitive, but he also possesses a quick wit, keen intellect, strong will, and steadfast heart. Edie’s issues stemming from events of the oft-mentioned 'Saratoga' resolves in a very rewarding manner. Stuart helps her move forward. Edie gets her power back. Vulnerable revelations and sensual imagery mark the beginning of Stuart’s bid to win his wife’s love and respect. Happenstance leads two good people to find something valuable they deeply needed when they were not looking for it. Their meeting of the eyes was definitely a serendipitous moment.
”How to Lose a Duke in Ten Days” is a poignant historical romance and another beautifully crafted book by Laura Lee Guhrke. It’s a delicious seduction of the senses and an endearing love story. (Keep some tissues handy!) It was such a rewarding read that one can only hope that Ms. Guhrke continues the American Heiress in London series; perhaps, matchmaking other ‘Eton men.’
ARC courtesy of Avon (HarperCollins) via Edelweiss
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Wed Apr 30 00:00:00 EDT 2014
This book, this author, reminds me how to be happy in a marriage. Sometimes you loose faith, and sometimesyou have to remember to try.
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Posted Thu Oct 09 00:00:00 EDT 2014
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Overview
From USA Today bestselling author Laura Lee Guhrke comes the story of a bargain, a marriage of convenience . . . and the chance for love to last a lifetime
They had a deal . . .
From the moment she met the devil-may-care Duke of Margrave, Edie knew he could change her life. And when he agreed to her outrageous proposal of a marriage of convenience, she was transformed from ruined American heiress to English ...