Arabella and the Reluctant Duke

by Sofi Laporte

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A rebellious lady, a grumpy blacksmith, and a clash of worlds that sparks an unexpected romance

Everything was a lie ....until it all unravelled.

Lady Arabella is done with embroidery and simpering suitors! She craves adventure, not a husband chosen by her father. So, she trades her ballgowns for plain skirts and answers an advertisement for a governess. What she doesn't expect is the gruffly handsome Philip Merivale, a blacksmith with a brood of mischievous children and a deep distrust of the aristocracy.

Philip, still reeling from loss, believes Arabella is just another pampered lady playing at common life. He's determined to teach her a lesson in hard work and humility. But her wit and spirit charm him despite his best efforts, and soon, their playful sparring turns into something far more tender: a blossoming affection.

Amidst playful pranks and heartwarming family moments, Arabella discovers a secret that could deeply complicate their budding relationship. Can she bridge the gap between their vastly different lives, or will her hidden identity create an insurmountable obstacle to their growing fondness?

★ Enemies to lovers ★ Hidden identity ★ Widower with children ★ Fish-out-of-water heroine ★ Found family ★ Sweet and swoony Regency romance

Arabella and the Reluctant Duke is a delightful Regency romance filled with laughter, tender moments, and a sweet, satisfying happily-ever-after.

Dive into the charming Wishing Well series, where each standalone story is a promise of love and enchantment.

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Book Details

Genre

Historical Romance

Series

Wishing Well Series • Book 2

Audience

Upper YA

Bell Peppers

🫑🫑

Profanity

2 Mild

Violence

1 None

Drugs, Alcohol, Tobacco

2 Mild

Publication Date

April 27, 2021

Language Versions

English

Narration Type

Human

Fiction Form

Novel

Sensitive Themes

Arranged or forced marriage, Child abuse/endangerment, Grief or loss of a loved one, Kidnapping or abduction, PTSD or trauma recovery, War or battle scenes

Representation

Single-parent or widowed-parent protagonist

Editorial Reviews

"Jane Eyre meets Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in this delightful clean Regency romance." -Mandyharpist

"Come along as Sofi weaves her spell of adventure, intrigue, and wishes. You will see rich characters and defined writing." -Lady Moon

"This story is not just delightfully romantic and achingly sweet, but it also stands out for allowing the characters to be recognised for their skills and talents and loved for themselves and not for their wealth and status." -Reader on Amazon

Great story

Loved it. Would have preferred it without the odd Americanisms that crept in. I am pretty sure that ‘gotten’ was not used back in the day!

when reality hits…

Arabella wanted an adventure so she became a governess. Even though she was a Duke’s sister, that did not stop her. She found herself in a remarkable household where the reality of life was exposed. She had to learn to cook, clean and be a governess. Phillip despite being an Earl and refusing to accept it was also forced to be realistic. There begins Arabella’s and Phillip’s adventures together and see how they face reality together. A great story.

Delightful and charming

The second book in the Wishing Well series by Sofi Laporte is an absolute delight. Arabella, the sister of the Duke hero in the first book, has in essence run away from home to become a governess to three charming seemingly middle class children. Their widowed father Philip is a blacksmith and an inventor but is there more to the family’s story? Can two people with family secrets form a relationship? I loved this sweet, entertaining romance and especially appreciated the pluckiness of Arabella as portrayed by the author. Of course, a Lady formerly pampered by servants can manage lighting a stove and cooking breakfast. The scene was delightful. I enjoyed the mystery and the romance and can’t wait to read book three.

Delightful!

Not as funny as the first book but still deserves top marks. Very entertaining and interesting story. Looking forward to reading the following stories: four girls shared the same wish. I can’t wait to find out what is going to happen next