The Duke's Accidental Wife: A Regency Romance

Erica Ridley

Mar 2016 · Dukes of War Book 7 · Intrepid Reads

About this ebook

Enjoy another witty, emotional book in New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Erica Ridley’s fan-favorite Dukes of War regency romance series!

Miss Katherine Ross is a wealthy, eccentric socialite who knows precisely what she wants: No husband. No children. No candlelit tête-à-tête with the insufferably emotionless Duke of Ravenwood. She's convinced his heart is ice — until she touches that chiseled chest for herself. One lapse in judgment is all it takes to turn both their lives topsy-turvy...

The Duke of Ravenwood isn't cold and haughty, but a secret romantic who has always dreamt of marrying for love. Instead, he gets Miss Katherine Ross — a headstrong hoyden intent on unraveling his carefully ordered world. He doesn't know whether to kiss her or throttle her. Can they survive each other's company long enough to turn a compromise into love?

Grab the first book in the series FREE: The Viscount's Tempting Minx!

Ratings and reviews

Whenever a new book from the Dukes of War series comes out, everything else gets brushed aside. I never worry when I pick up a book by Erica Ridley, because I know it will be splendid, and THE DUKE’S ACCIDENTAL WIFE is no less extraordinary than the previous six fabulous instalments in the remarkable Dukes of War series. At last, we get the story of the aloof and always proper Duke of Ravenwood. Katherine Ross is holding an auction soirée for a charitable cause, which The Duke must attend because this is what a duke must do, at least once in a while. Ravenwood would rather be himself, Lawrence Pembroke, at home without having to mingle, unlike Miss Ross, who thrives at her gathering. He cannot help but notice her beauty and charm, but she is not the kind of woman he would choose for his duchess; her behaviour borders on scandalous! However, Kate’s beloved Aunt Havens, who has raised her since Kate was orphaned at ten years old, had an “episode” at the soirée, which will have unforeseen consequences that proves that even The Duke could not have everything planned… Erica Ridley’s mastery of what makes an unforgettable historical romance knows no bounds! THE DUKE’S ACCIDENTAL WIFE is absolutely sublime! I laughed, I nearly swooned when the first bloom of the gorgeous romance manifests itself in a garden, and I cried several times, more than I have cried in a long time. Erica Ridley has created magnificent characters of such depth, where the love that happens is what true love is all about, where unconditional love and understanding prevail. Aunt Havens is an exceptionally endearing character, and her story broke my heart. THE DUKE’S ACCIDENTAL WIFE is flawlessly written, exhilarating, touching, and so captivating that I read it in one sitting; it never entered my mind to stop, except to wipe the tears away. This series could go on forever! I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Four left for war. One stayed home. The battle is just beginning… Lawrence Pembrook, Duke of Ravenwood, dislikes crowds. What an understatement – he despises crowds. A fact that has him rarely attending ton functions and when he does he avoids interacting with anyone as much as possible. A trait that has earned him the nickname “Frost King” by one beautiful hoyden. He’s a man very aware of his responsibilities and takes his duties very seriously but his greatest desire is to be treated as a man, not a title. Miss Katherine (Kate) Ross is dreadfully afraid of marriage. Marriage equates to the loss of freedom plus her knowledge that she and her babe could die during childbirth have fueled her desire to remain a spinster. A state she has worked hard to accomplish. Being unwed has allowed her freedom to open her beloved antiquities museum and associate with members of the arts and theatre crowd. Ambushed by his sister, the wife of a dear friend and the one woman he cannot abide, Miss Katherine Ross, Ravenwood reluctantly agrees to appear at a charity art function/soiree to be hosted at Kate’s museum. He knows his appearance will attract a large crowd thereby ensuring large donations for the charity. The event is indeed a huge success. Feeling the need to find a little peace away from the crowd, Ravenwood retreats into the inner part of the museum. Having Ravenwood ignore her after making eye contact has piqued Kate’s ire. Being ignored by the “Frost King” at her own event just will not do and she goes in search of him. Finding him at the entrance to her storeroom a battle of words ensues. Thinking she has the last word she invites him “into her lair” – knowing he will not follow. Ravenwood startles her twice – first when he does follow her into the small space and again when he speaks then and reaches to help her retrieve a wooden box on a high shelf. This attempt to help her sets off a series of events that will alter both their lives. An addled aunt, secrets and fears, duty and passion, and of all things a puppy help bring life to Ravenwood’s world. Secrets and fears, passion and compassion and most of all the desire to prove her worth are what drive Kate. They each take little steps to opening up to the other but it takes a near disaster to hit home what means the most to them. I adore Kate’s enthusiasm in everything she does and her ability to go with the flow, even when things don’t go the way she thinks they should. I loved seeing the ever stoic Ravenwood have a flaw, one that basically controlled his life. My intentions were to read The Duke’s Accidental Wife over a two night period; however, Ms. Ridley’s writing draws you into a story and engages your emotions – it was read in one night. I found myself wanting to knock sense into both characters while enjoying every minute of their interactions. Erica Ridley’s The Duke’s Accidental Wife is the seventh and final book in her Dukes of War series. As in the previous books in her series, Ms. Ridley has the character’s staying true to themselves all while evolving into more. Her writing style will draw you in and have you feeling each emotion the hero and heroine do. My only complaint – this book was not as angst ridden as the previous books in the series; therefore, it seemed to have a slower pace. Overall, it was still an excellent read and I highly recommend it.

Sadly, the last installment in the Duke's of War series, but once again, Erica does NOT disappoint. He struggles with the fact that his friends went to war, and came back "damaged", while he stayed home to tend to his responsibilities. He struggles with social anxiety, and the fact that he is "softer" than he appears but is afraid to show it. She is also not what she appears...flighty and irresponsible with not a concern for society, when actually she is concerned with those in lower status than she, and is a deeply caring woman, with real fears of her own. This story is a wonderful finish to a FABULOUS series. I can't wait to see what Erica comes up with next!

About the author

Erica Ridley is a USA Today and New York Times best-selling author of historical romance novels. Her most popular three series, The Dukes of War, Rogues to Riches, and The 12 Dukes of Christmas, feature roguish peers and dashing war heroes amid the splendor and madness of Regency England. When not reading or writing romances, Erica can be found riding camels in Africa, zip-lining through rainforests in Costa Rica, or getting hopelessly lost in the middle of Budapest.