The Reluctant Duke's Dilemma

The Hope Clinic, Book 1

De: Trisha Messmer

Narrado por: Duke DeFoix, Duchess DeFoix

Bound by duty. Torn by desire.

Contented serving as a physician in America, Dr. Harry Radcliffe never imagined he'd return to England as the Duke of Ashton. Inheriting the title upon his brother's untimely death, Harry is nothing like his cruel twin. Yet, his resemblance to the late duke makes his brother's beautiful widow wary.

Left destitute by her abusive husband, Margaret Radcliffe remains resilient and struggles to rebuild her life. Yet she can't ignore the uncanny likeness Harry bears to the man who tormented her. And even if her heart whispers that Harry is different, her mind remains cautious.

As Harry navigates the treacherous waters of society to find a bride and secure his dukedom, he finds himself irresistibly drawn to Margaret. Battling their growing feelings, their forbidden attraction risks scandal and the legitimacy of any future children.

In a world where duty and desire collide, can Harry and Margaret overcome the shadows of the past and find a love strong enough to withstand the trials ahead?

©2020 Trisha Messmer (P)2024 Trisha Messmer

Lovely and heartwarming!

Two identical men couldn't be more different. Identical twin brothers, one cruel and the other kind. When Margaret's horrible husband George, the Duke of Ashton died, his twin brother, Harry Radcliffe, returned from America where he served as a physician, to inherit the title as the new Duke of Ashton. She is stunned to see a man who looks just like her husband, but is nothing like him at all. She is thrilled to think that he won't harm her and that he treats other people almost as equals. As she falls for Harry, he falls equally hard and their future together seems like the perfect match, but the norms of the society in which they live, have rules to keep them apart. Harry and Margaret fight for each other knowing that what they have is real. This is a heartwarming, intelligent story that shows the goodness and empathy for others, regardless of their station in life.
The narration by Duke and Duchess DeFoix is very well done. The dynamic voices blend well together and they bring the story to life.

A Riveting Tale of Redemption & Resilience

A Riveting Tale of Redemption, Resilience, and Romance

The Reluctant Duke's Dilemma by Trisha Messmer is an absolute triumph in historical romance. From the very first chapter, I was drawn into the emotional depth of Harry and Margaret’s story. Messmer masterfully portrays Harry’s struggle to step into a role he never wanted and Margaret’s journey of healing after a harrowing past. Their forbidden connection is beautifully written, with a slow-burn romance that feels both authentic and heart-wrenching.
The narration by Duke DeFoix and Duchess DeFoix is superb. Their voices perfectly capture the nuances of each character’s emotions, drawing the listener deeper into the story. The palpable tension between duty and desire is heightened by their performances, making every scene resonate.
Messmer balances poignant themes of grief and resilience with moments of hope and tenderness, creating a story that is both moving and satisfying. If you love rich character development, historical authenticity, and a romance that tugs at your heartstrings, The Reluctant Duke's Dilemma is a must-listen. I can’t wait to explore more of The Hope Clinic series!

I received a free copy of this audible book. My review is honest and based on my interpretation of the story and narration. My review has not been influenced by the author, producer nor narrators.

Love it!

Dr. Harry Radcliffe was a Brithish doctor in American, forced to go back home and becoming the Duke of Ashton at the death of his brother and expecting to deal with an arrogant woman like his brother.. He was wrong.

Margaret Radcliffe, never having met her brother-n-law was in shock when he arrived., for he and her deceased brother ware identical twins. She expected that he was just as cruel as her decased husband. She was wrong.

This is a great stor of two individuals who slowly discover who each other were and the twist and turns of signle young ladies and their mothers who wanted to snag a Duke for their daughs. In the end they did not.

Must read so you kow what happened. And I loved the fact that there was two narrators in the telling of the story.

𝑰𝒏𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒖𝒍 𝒂𝒖𝒅𝒊𝒐𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒂 𝒇𝒖𝒍𝒍 𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒕!

𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒂 𝒇𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒄 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒊𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒈𝒖𝒚𝒔!! 𝑰 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒎𝒂𝒈𝒈𝒊𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒚 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒙 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒃𝒐𝒕𝒉 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒑 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒖𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒆. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Exceptional

Most audios have one narrator doing both male and female voices, while this is ok it's also distracting. In this audio there are two narrators which makes all the difference in the listen experience. The story alone is thrilling, entertaining and fantastic then add in the two narrators and it brings the entire book to and exceptional unique level that will thrill the listener. A 10+ for an exceptional experience.

2 Dukes and Margaret

Often identical twins are polar opposites in personality. In this book The Duke, and his heir apparent, are identical twins who could not be more different. The Duke is all that is bad, but is still part of the ton. Harry is a doctor living in the Americas. The Duke has a fatal fall, forcing Harry to return to England and assume the role of Duke. Margaret is the first Dukes wife, and is better off not having to live with him, however he leaves her nothing in his will. Forced proximity, and these two develop a romance. The story was well written, and characters were likable. The story moves at a good pace, and has romance and suspense. I received a free copy of the audiobook, and am voluntarily leaving my review.

Liked the narrators

I really enjoyed having male and female narrators. It made the story really come alive. The storyline was interesting with a twin (who is a doctor) inheriting a dukedom and his brother’s widow realizing he is not her abusive husband. I think it was frowned upon at that time having a marriage between a widow and her brother-in-law. It was nicely done.

Rediscovering My Favorite Historical Romance

This is probably my favorite historical romance novel. The story is an emotional roller coaster. The widowed Margaret, finally free of her abusive husband, is awaiting the arrival of his brother, the new duke. To her horror, the man is her husband's identical twin! Only time will tell what other similarities they might share.
This audiobook is unique in that it uses both a male and female narrator. This really adds to the story. The few other books I've listened to have been just a single female voice. I think this format is much better. I'm several chapters in, and I'm having a hard time keeping my listening confined to my commuting time.
I received a free download from the author and this is my honest opinion.

Exciting Romance

This story has so much that happens in it. it's really a roller coaster ride, but in a good way. just when you think the main characters are in the clear, something else happens. normally, in a romance novel one one challenge happens, but this book had at least four. There is a HEA and all the characters ended up doing the rright thing at the end.

A Beautifully Written Forbidden Regency Romance!

This was my first Trisha Messmer book — and definitely not my last! This is the first book in The Hope Clinic, a Regency Romance series. Harry and Margaret’s forbidden love story is beautifully written and deeply engaging. Harry, a physician in America, returns to England to take on the title of Duke of Ashton after his identical twin brother’s untimely death. Unlike his late brother, Harry is kind, handsome, and patient. Margaret, George’s widow, is beautiful, strong, and resilient. I loved the slow-burn romance. Duke and Duchess DeFoix are absolutely perfect as Harry and Margaret. They bring the characters to life with elegance and emotion. I truly enjoyed this story and look forward to listening to A Doctor for Lady Denby, the next in the series. If you enjoy Regency romance, this one is a must-listen! #StoryOrigin