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Time for a Duke
Izzy Hodgkin just wants her vacation to London, England, to be an adventure. Who knew that involved being locked in a closet only to find it’s 1812 when the door is opened by a handsome duke?
Thrust into a life she didn’t ask for, Izzy struggles to come to terms with the fact she might be stuck in another century. There doesn’t seem to be an instructional manual for the rules of time travel. Everything is foreign. Clothes, accents, customs. For a girl from modern America, being told that women aren’t equal to men is hard to take. Although it does help that the duke, Charles, is the most gorgeous creature Izzy has ever seen.
Will Izzy stick with her plan to attempt to return to present day America to achieve her goal of financial independence? Or will she and Charles find happiness in 1812?
Thrust into a life she didn’t ask for, Izzy struggles to come to terms with the fact she might be stuck in another century. There doesn’t seem to be an instructional manual for the rules of time travel. Everything is foreign. Clothes, accents, customs. For a girl from modern America, being told that women aren’t equal to men is hard to take. Although it does help that the duke, Charles, is the most gorgeous creature Izzy has ever seen.
Will Izzy stick with her plan to attempt to return to present day America to achieve her goal of financial independence? Or will she and Charles find happiness in 1812?
118 pages, ebook
First published November 1, 2012
34 people are currently reading
218 people want to read
About the author
Ruth J. Hartman
55 books203 followersRuth J. Hartman spends her days herding cats, and her nights spinning mysterious tales that make you smile. She, her husband, and their cats love to spend time curled up in their recliners watching old Cary Grant movies. Well, the cats sit in the people's recliners. Not that the cats couldn't get their own furniture. They just choose to shed on someone else's.
Ruth, a left-handed, cat-herding, farmhouse-dwelling mystery writer uses her goofy sense of humor as she writes tales of klutzy women who find trouble without even trying. Ruth's husband and best friend, Garry, reads her manuscripts, rolls his eyes at her weird story ideas, and loves her in spite of her insistence that all of her books have at least one cat in them.
Ruth, a left-handed, cat-herding, farmhouse-dwelling mystery writer uses her goofy sense of humor as she writes tales of klutzy women who find trouble without even trying. Ruth's husband and best friend, Garry, reads her manuscripts, rolls his eyes at her weird story ideas, and loves her in spite of her insistence that all of her books have at least one cat in them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
December 5, 2019
Isabella Hodgkin is locked in a closet while touring an old home in England. When the door is opened, she finds herself face to face with a 19th-century duke. Neither of them knows how she managed to travel back in time, but Charles Wade, the Duke of Bramblewood Green {That name!}, sees her as the perfect solution to his need for a wife. I had to suspend reality for a few hours to get through this book and it wasn't due to the time travel element. We're supposed to believe that A DUKE and his family accepted a strange American woman as the future Duchess of Bramblewood Green without a fight. None of the usual concerns came up in this novel. She isn't British. She wasn't born into a noble family. No one knows who her people are or where they came from. She doesn't know how to run a large household or perform the duties of a duchess. She has no dowry. Add to that, Uncle Sebastian insisted they marry because Charles was seen coming out of Isabella's bedroom on Christmas morning. Since when does a duke have to do the honorable thing by a woman of the lower class?
There seemed to be a rush to get to the happy ending. The hero and heroine attended one ball and Charles is suddenly in love with Isabella. The next morning, he's told to do the right thing and marry her. I could have used a little more story and character development between their introductions and the profession of love. We're told Isabella had an abusive father and wanted to prove she was more than what her father said she was, but I didn't get a good sense of who Charles was at all.
There seemed to be a rush to get to the happy ending. The hero and heroine attended one ball and Charles is suddenly in love with Isabella. The next morning, he's told to do the right thing and marry her. I could have used a little more story and character development between their introductions and the profession of love. We're told Isabella had an abusive father and wanted to prove she was more than what her father said she was, but I didn't get a good sense of who Charles was at all.
November 20, 2012
I really wanted to like this novella, but there were several things I just couldn't get past, hence the relatively low rating. It had a lot of potential and the writing itself was pretty good, but there were too many things about the story that didn't make sense or drove me crazy for some other reason. First of all, why would a group of GROWN WOMEN lock Izzy in a closet at the beginning of the story? I know people can be petty and immature, but I had a hard time believing that adults would actually do such a thing. It would have made more sense to me if, for example, Izzy had accidentally locked herself in the closet as she was looking for a place to escape the women's snide comments.
Izzy's relatively calm acceptance of the fact that she had been thrown two centuries into the past also bothered me. The only time she panicked or thought about what she would do if she couldn't get home was at the very end, after she had refused to marry Charles because her "dream job" was waiting for her in the future. She and Charles kept acting like it was entirely Izzy's choice whether or not she stayed in 1812. The story was already halfway over before either of them considered the possibility that the closet might not be a two-way portal.
Another thing that bothered me was that Charles, the hero, came across as too much of a paragon. First, he accepted Izzy's time travel story without question, which was surprising because most people weren't very open-minded in 1812. Second, he was far too much of a martyr towards the end of the story when he tried to act like a jerk so that Izzy would decide to go back to the "dream job" waiting for her in 2012. I could see him being hurt/angry after she refused his marriage proposal and initially rejecting her attempts to make amends, but why wouldn't he let her explain herself later on? Instead of giving her the freedom to make her own choice, which is what he supposedly wanted, he basically forced her to try and return to 2012 because he refused to accept that she loved him and wanted to stay in his time.
I also think the author needs to do a bit more research on the Regency before writing another story set in this time period. I am by no means an expert myself, but based on what I've read previously, single gentlemen (especially the wealthy and titled ones!) would be very welcome at a ton party regardless of whether or not they had a female "escort." Despite his Uncle Sebastian's assertions, I don't think it would have been considered scandalous for Charles to attend the Kringles' ball on his own since he had received an invitation and would have been expected to dance with the young ladies present regardless of whether one in particular was his "escort" for the evening. Also, there is no way his uncle or anyone else would have believed Charles when he introduced Izzy as "Lady" Isabella and invented a titled relative for her. Members of the ton grew up studying Debrett's and would have known that there was no such person. Furthermore, it is my understanding (though I could well be wrong) that only daughters of earls, marquesses, and dukes are granted the courtesy title "Lady." Since Izzy was supposedly only a niece or some other distant relative of the invented nobleman (and an American to boot!), she should have been addressed as Miss Hodgkin.
Overall, I think Ms. Hartman's writing shows promise, but there were too many holes in this story for me to really enjoy it. I'd probably try another one of her books in the future if the price were right, though.
Izzy's relatively calm acceptance of the fact that she had been thrown two centuries into the past also bothered me. The only time she panicked or thought about what she would do if she couldn't get home was at the very end, after she had refused to marry Charles because her "dream job" was waiting for her in the future. She and Charles kept acting like it was entirely Izzy's choice whether or not she stayed in 1812. The story was already halfway over before either of them considered the possibility that the closet might not be a two-way portal.
Another thing that bothered me was that Charles, the hero, came across as too much of a paragon. First, he accepted Izzy's time travel story without question, which was surprising because most people weren't very open-minded in 1812. Second, he was far too much of a martyr towards the end of the story when he tried to act like a jerk so that Izzy would decide to go back to the "dream job" waiting for her in 2012. I could see him being hurt/angry after she refused his marriage proposal and initially rejecting her attempts to make amends, but why wouldn't he let her explain herself later on? Instead of giving her the freedom to make her own choice, which is what he supposedly wanted, he basically forced her to try and return to 2012 because he refused to accept that she loved him and wanted to stay in his time.
I also think the author needs to do a bit more research on the Regency before writing another story set in this time period. I am by no means an expert myself, but based on what I've read previously, single gentlemen (especially the wealthy and titled ones!) would be very welcome at a ton party regardless of whether or not they had a female "escort." Despite his Uncle Sebastian's assertions, I don't think it would have been considered scandalous for Charles to attend the Kringles' ball on his own since he had received an invitation and would have been expected to dance with the young ladies present regardless of whether one in particular was his "escort" for the evening. Also, there is no way his uncle or anyone else would have believed Charles when he introduced Izzy as "Lady" Isabella and invented a titled relative for her. Members of the ton grew up studying Debrett's and would have known that there was no such person. Furthermore, it is my understanding (though I could well be wrong) that only daughters of earls, marquesses, and dukes are granted the courtesy title "Lady." Since Izzy was supposedly only a niece or some other distant relative of the invented nobleman (and an American to boot!), she should have been addressed as Miss Hodgkin.
Overall, I think Ms. Hartman's writing shows promise, but there were too many holes in this story for me to really enjoy it. I'd probably try another one of her books in the future if the price were right, though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2012
Ruth J. Hartman, does such a fantastic job with this book. I've always wondered what would happen if a modern girl was thrown back into Regency times. I mean, would the iPhone work? Would people think you were insane and send you to Bedlam? Or would you fall in love?
In my mind it would be very difficult to mesh the two worlds together. How do you stay true to regency while at the same time throwing in modern words and customs? Miss Hartman weaves a beautiful tale, balancing the two worlds so effortlessly that I felt like I was experiencing it right along with Izzy. She was everything an independent woman should be. Feisty, strong, and opinionated.
Charles, our Duke, is everything I love about regency heroes. He's tall, dark, handsome, dashing--totally perfect, and of course a gentleman. I don't want to give the story away. It was a fun quick read that left me smiling.
No open door sex or cursing.
I gave it four and half stars
In my mind it would be very difficult to mesh the two worlds together. How do you stay true to regency while at the same time throwing in modern words and customs? Miss Hartman weaves a beautiful tale, balancing the two worlds so effortlessly that I felt like I was experiencing it right along with Izzy. She was everything an independent woman should be. Feisty, strong, and opinionated.
Charles, our Duke, is everything I love about regency heroes. He's tall, dark, handsome, dashing--totally perfect, and of course a gentleman. I don't want to give the story away. It was a fun quick read that left me smiling.
No open door sex or cursing.
I gave it four and half stars
December 21, 2012
At first I enjoyed this time travel Christmas novella. I found the ball especially exciting and then wham--the main characters sleep together. I was totally broadsided because this was recommended on the Goodreads Clean Reads list. And granted, there are no explicit or detailed scenes. But the fact that they had sex just soured the entire story for me. First of all, it turned their budding love into lust and then their relationship just wasn't believable to me. If Charles was a true gentleman and truly cared for Izzy, he would have done everything in his power to save her reputation. It was also very out of character. I can't imagine Mr. Darcy, Edmund, Mr. Knightley or any other Austen heros acting in such a selfish and irresponsible manner. Okay, rant over.
November 19, 2012
I don’t often read fantasy-type novels, but when I read the synopsis for Time For A Duke it reminded me of Kate & Leopold. That alone gave me enough reason to give it a go, so here’s what I thought.
Time For A Duke follows Izzy Hodgkins, an American who has travelled to England alone to trace her ancestors. She takes a guided tour of an old country estate and ends up locked in a closet. When the door opens, she finds that she’s been transported back from 2012 to 1812, and the Duke who owns the house (Charles) is on the other side of the door wondering what this strangely-dressed woman is doing is his house. It doesn’t take the two of them long to figure out (from their joint love of reading novels about time travel) what has happened, the problem is they don’t know how to fix it. Charles is under pressure from his uncle to find a bride and settle down, so Charles decides that the best way to get his uncle off his back and to keep Izzy busy while they figure out how to get her home is to invite Izzy as his date to the ball. He keeps her in hiding for the two weeks before the ball, teaching her how to act, dance and dress in 1812. Neither is expecting the effect that their time spent together will have on them, and it comes down a decision for Izzy whether or not she can leave behind all that 2012 offers her for a less complicated life with a man she’s come to love in 1812.
The interactions between the two characters throughout this novel were great; they had a natural chemistry and their relationship was very easy to read. Watching the two of them discuss each other’s time period was entertaining, but it seemed too easy at times. Neither protagonist seemed to struggle for very long with the fact that time travel was in fact possible, and that it was happening in their lives. I found that a little hard to swallow as a plot-point, as I believe that anyone (even a fictional character) would struggle for longer than a few pages with the fact that either they had just travelled 200 years into the past, or that someone from the future was stood in front of them.
Despite this, I think the time difference that was supposed to exist between the two characters was handled very well. At no point did either character give way to the other; Izzy was opinionated and inappropriate throughout, while Charles never let up on propriety and society. These two very opposite characters came together very well in spite of their differences, showing talent in the author’s writing style.
This was a new take on the regency romances that I’m used to reading, and on the whole it was fairly well done.
Time For A Duke follows Izzy Hodgkins, an American who has travelled to England alone to trace her ancestors. She takes a guided tour of an old country estate and ends up locked in a closet. When the door opens, she finds that she’s been transported back from 2012 to 1812, and the Duke who owns the house (Charles) is on the other side of the door wondering what this strangely-dressed woman is doing is his house. It doesn’t take the two of them long to figure out (from their joint love of reading novels about time travel) what has happened, the problem is they don’t know how to fix it. Charles is under pressure from his uncle to find a bride and settle down, so Charles decides that the best way to get his uncle off his back and to keep Izzy busy while they figure out how to get her home is to invite Izzy as his date to the ball. He keeps her in hiding for the two weeks before the ball, teaching her how to act, dance and dress in 1812. Neither is expecting the effect that their time spent together will have on them, and it comes down a decision for Izzy whether or not she can leave behind all that 2012 offers her for a less complicated life with a man she’s come to love in 1812.
The interactions between the two characters throughout this novel were great; they had a natural chemistry and their relationship was very easy to read. Watching the two of them discuss each other’s time period was entertaining, but it seemed too easy at times. Neither protagonist seemed to struggle for very long with the fact that time travel was in fact possible, and that it was happening in their lives. I found that a little hard to swallow as a plot-point, as I believe that anyone (even a fictional character) would struggle for longer than a few pages with the fact that either they had just travelled 200 years into the past, or that someone from the future was stood in front of them.
Despite this, I think the time difference that was supposed to exist between the two characters was handled very well. At no point did either character give way to the other; Izzy was opinionated and inappropriate throughout, while Charles never let up on propriety and society. These two very opposite characters came together very well in spite of their differences, showing talent in the author’s writing style.
This was a new take on the regency romances that I’m used to reading, and on the whole it was fairly well done.
November 30, 2012
I don’t always read the excerpts of other books after I’ve finished a story, but recently I read I did take that time to read an excerpt and found this little gem, Time for a Duke. It is a short-ish story of an accidental time traveler who finds herself locked in a closet in 2012 and escapes from the closet into the arms a duke in 1812. Izzy struggles as any an ordinary career-minded woman of this century might, if she found herself suddenly 200 years in the past in the midst of British upper society. At first I thought I would just give this story only 3 stars- shorter stories and/or novellas I always leave me feeling there could have been a little bit here or there that would have been nice to see the author expand. However, Izzy’s internal struggle to choose between the life she planned and the life she never could have dreamed, as well as, the overall feel of the story pushed me to give this one 4 stars.
November 26, 2014
This one one of those quick reads that is not only a lot of fun, but will have you shaking your head and laughing out loud. At first, I wasn't sure if I would enjoy this novel or not, having attempted my own version of a "time travel" novel some time ago, however I was more than pleasantly surprised.
The characters were fun and quirky, and I thought the fact that they could find enjoyment in each others company given the huge gap in time periods both unique and refreshing. I also loved how overprotective Charles was of Izzy when he took her to the ball. For a short novel, I thought the story was wonderfully executed, however I do wish there would have been an epilogue to see how the future turned out for them. I would definitely want to read more about this couple in the future, such as how did the ton react to news that Charles had in fact married an American woman?
I would definitely recommend this novel.
The characters were fun and quirky, and I thought the fact that they could find enjoyment in each others company given the huge gap in time periods both unique and refreshing. I also loved how overprotective Charles was of Izzy when he took her to the ball. For a short novel, I thought the story was wonderfully executed, however I do wish there would have been an epilogue to see how the future turned out for them. I would definitely want to read more about this couple in the future, such as how did the ton react to news that Charles had in fact married an American woman?
I would definitely recommend this novel.
October 28, 2015
YOU ARE MY DREAM
I absolutely loved this time travel romance, with its charming cast of characters, witty and entertaining dialog and sweet romance. I was laughing out loud so many times while reading this story of the various antics described, especially at the Kringle’s Ball. Ms Hartman has a wonderful way of spinning a tale, adding cats, birds and various animals, entertaining us with delightful characters and a clean sweet romance. The plot kept me captivated and the pages turning. I love a story with an HEA ending. Disclosure: I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions, and ratings are my own.
I absolutely loved this time travel romance, with its charming cast of characters, witty and entertaining dialog and sweet romance. I was laughing out loud so many times while reading this story of the various antics described, especially at the Kringle’s Ball. Ms Hartman has a wonderful way of spinning a tale, adding cats, birds and various animals, entertaining us with delightful characters and a clean sweet romance. The plot kept me captivated and the pages turning. I love a story with an HEA ending. Disclosure: I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions, and ratings are my own.
November 13, 2012
Ms. Hartman has garnered a fan. I was impressed with how she carried off having a woman from 2012 transport in time back to 1812 and stayed true to how different the characters would think and act throughout. Up to the end, she held fast to the fact that these people were not only from different worlds (he from England, she from America) but from two different times. Her humor was the best! Well worth the read!
September 19, 2013
I was unaware when I started reading this book it had some time travel involved. I haven't read one in awhile and realized that I missed reading them. I enjoyed the connection that Charles and Isabella (Izzy) shared. Sarah was truly a gem on so many levels. Uncle Sebastian was a riot, in and out of his cups. I laughed out loud at so many parts in this story. A quick, light read that will leave you smiling, like Henrietta the cat.
September 28, 2013
Great novella! I wish it had been longer but thus is the curse of a novella! It was something a little different than I normally read but I did enjoy it. I have always wondered what it would be like to go back in time and be a part of the society that I love to read about. I love Izzy's choice in the end and I honestly did wonder what her choice was going to be!
November 24, 2012
Cute storyline. It is a novella so a quick read. The main characters fell for each other a little quickly leaving only the conflict of whether or not the heroine would opt to go back to her own time left for the resolution. With a novella though, that has to happen fast. Good evening read.
November 21, 2014
Such a sweet, cute and lighthearted romance. Even within the shorter format, Hartman is able to create loveable characters and spin a tale that is so engaging and entertaining. This is only the second story I've read by this author, but she is quickly becoming a favourite.
June 16, 2020
1.5 stars. So bad! 😂 I did enjoy it, but it’s soooo bad lol
Want to read
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September 21, 2017
Storyline, plot unbelievable
I love time travel stories but this one had too many really unbelievable holes in the plot. Hard time figuring how she was kept hidden for two weeks. He supplied her with all her new dresses and no one noticed them being delivered . The maid helped and served her for hours every day and no one noticed she was not around. Assume she was also bringing her food since she did not leave her room. Once again, no one noticed. She and the Duke talked for a few minutes when he found her in the closet and they both just accepted her situation.
I love time travel stories but this one had too many really unbelievable holes in the plot. Hard time figuring how she was kept hidden for two weeks. He supplied her with all her new dresses and no one noticed them being delivered . The maid helped and served her for hours every day and no one noticed she was not around. Assume she was also bringing her food since she did not leave her room. Once again, no one noticed. She and the Duke talked for a few minutes when he found her in the closet and they both just accepted her situation.
January 28, 2020
Avoid
I read a large number of independent, self-published authors. My expectations are for a good story, reasonably written, that engages the imagination and interest.
With this book I tried,I really, really tried to stick with it. Even when I hit a supremely cringeworthy, WTF moment with the lines “Lord and Lady Kringle’s Christmas Eve Ball at Holly Hall”, I stuck with it. Shortly after, however, I had to give up.
Sadly, the writing and ‘style’ are appalling.
Just avoid this one.
I read a large number of independent, self-published authors. My expectations are for a good story, reasonably written, that engages the imagination and interest.
With this book I tried,I really, really tried to stick with it. Even when I hit a supremely cringeworthy, WTF moment with the lines “Lord and Lady Kringle’s Christmas Eve Ball at Holly Hall”, I stuck with it. Shortly after, however, I had to give up.
Sadly, the writing and ‘style’ are appalling.
Just avoid this one.
May 3, 2019
WE MAY NOT BE WHERE WE BELONG
I don't usually read time travel, but it's by Ruth Hartman, so...
It's a lovely book, a happily ever after, uncomplicated with a nice day and all the proper trimmings. It is the kind of book you can read when you have just a mild headache, or a heartache, and it'll help.
I don't usually read time travel, but it's by Ruth Hartman, so...
It's a lovely book, a happily ever after, uncomplicated with a nice day and all the proper trimmings. It is the kind of book you can read when you have just a mild headache, or a heartache, and it'll help.
November 13, 2019
Good book
I enjoyed this book. It's a different kind of love story, the characters don't spend half of their time trying to find a reason not to love each other. Try it, I think you will like it.
I enjoyed this book. It's a different kind of love story, the characters don't spend half of their time trying to find a reason not to love each other. Try it, I think you will like it.
March 12, 2020
Satisfying Short Story
It has been a long time since I read a time travel book, and this one gave me the inclination to revisit them. All of the characters were interesting, although Charles wasn't as well defined as Izzy. Short, sweet, and funny. I only wish there was an epilogue.
It has been a long time since I read a time travel book, and this one gave me the inclination to revisit them. All of the characters were interesting, although Charles wasn't as well defined as Izzy. Short, sweet, and funny. I only wish there was an epilogue.
May 19, 2020
Through the closet to 1812
Can a career driven, computer using woman find a happy life in 1812 England? Petticoats, corsets, long full dresses, servants to dress her, society's rules to follow. Is there a place for an independent woman?
Can a career driven, computer using woman find a happy life in 1812 England? Petticoats, corsets, long full dresses, servants to dress her, society's rules to follow. Is there a place for an independent woman?
February 21, 2021
The writing was horrible and the characters were idiots. The two combined made it even worse
August 5, 2013
It was very short, I actually finished it at work on a break. No strong conflicts I don't get how this was published e-book or not. I honestly thought near the end that was the rising plot but turns out I was completely wrong. What happened with her purse and its contents? Had his Uncle intentionally got her drunk to find out more about her since she is american? As for a romance novel this had nothing seriously pulling them apart. The only thing "threatening" to pull them apart was her desire to return to her own time to return to a job that she would receive a promotion at and at this point would prove her father wrong. Which that wouldn't have mattered anyways considering her father was an alcoholic who never loved her anyways!
The story is this: Izzy or Isabella goes to England to have an adventure of sorts by visiting some of her ancestral homes (more or less trying to connect with them) and some mean companions on the tour of this beautiful home trap her in a closet. Then she finds herself in 1812 in a Dukes closet. They both realize what is going on she is from the future he is of the current time. But as he discovers her his Uncle Sebastian has been harping Charles (The Duke) about finding a suitable wife and that he should attend a Christmas Ball. Charles hates them because mothers shove their daughters at him and none seem to interest him. But as his uncle keeps harping him he finally concedes and says he is attending with someone already and when his uncles to inquires of whom he will attend with he blurts out that he is going with Isabella. Isabella agrees to help Charles get his Uncle off his back, so they spend nearly 2 weeks preparing her debut to the "ton" you know learning dances, clothing and what should be said and what should not. Time comes and people of the "ton" are not too pleasant, tolerable not exactly pleasant though. They leave. When they return home they end up being too hot for each other and get caught the morning after by none other than Uncle Sebastian. So they are expected to marry, but Izzy hasn't realize that going back to get the promotion at her job is just a obsession not her dream. But after arguing with Charles after finding out they are expected to marry she tells him that her dream is to go back and find her independence with that job promotion. He gets angry and tells her that she was his dream and leaves. She realizes that the promotion was an obsession and not dream and is determined to fight for Charles. He tries to push her away because he doesn't want her to remain and then blame him later for not being able to go back for her dream of reaching financial independence. Uncle Sebastian (same day of being caught) bring her into kitchen and they offer a toast their engagement and she has a low intolerance to Alcohol and she now is drunk and Charles finds out she is smashed so he takes her to her room and has the maid change her into something more comfortable. She wakes the next morning realizes what happened the day before and goes to speak to Charles. Meanwhile Charles was speaking to handyman about a renovation to the closet that he had found Isabella in (he had intended on it before she had arrived) so when Isabella came to talk to him he informed her she must leave that night or she would lose her window of opportunity to return home. In the end she couldn't do it. The end.
The story is this: Izzy or Isabella goes to England to have an adventure of sorts by visiting some of her ancestral homes (more or less trying to connect with them) and some mean companions on the tour of this beautiful home trap her in a closet. Then she finds herself in 1812 in a Dukes closet. They both realize what is going on she is from the future he is of the current time. But as he discovers her his Uncle Sebastian has been harping Charles (The Duke) about finding a suitable wife and that he should attend a Christmas Ball. Charles hates them because mothers shove their daughters at him and none seem to interest him. But as his uncle keeps harping him he finally concedes and says he is attending with someone already and when his uncles to inquires of whom he will attend with he blurts out that he is going with Isabella. Isabella agrees to help Charles get his Uncle off his back, so they spend nearly 2 weeks preparing her debut to the "ton" you know learning dances, clothing and what should be said and what should not. Time comes and people of the "ton" are not too pleasant, tolerable not exactly pleasant though. They leave. When they return home they end up being too hot for each other and get caught the morning after by none other than Uncle Sebastian. So they are expected to marry, but Izzy hasn't realize that going back to get the promotion at her job is just a obsession not her dream. But after arguing with Charles after finding out they are expected to marry she tells him that her dream is to go back and find her independence with that job promotion. He gets angry and tells her that she was his dream and leaves. She realizes that the promotion was an obsession and not dream and is determined to fight for Charles. He tries to push her away because he doesn't want her to remain and then blame him later for not being able to go back for her dream of reaching financial independence. Uncle Sebastian (same day of being caught) bring her into kitchen and they offer a toast their engagement and she has a low intolerance to Alcohol and she now is drunk and Charles finds out she is smashed so he takes her to her room and has the maid change her into something more comfortable. She wakes the next morning realizes what happened the day before and goes to speak to Charles. Meanwhile Charles was speaking to handyman about a renovation to the closet that he had found Isabella in (he had intended on it before she had arrived) so when Isabella came to talk to him he informed her she must leave that night or she would lose her window of opportunity to return home. In the end she couldn't do it. The end.
January 1, 2020
A Beautiful Story
What a beautiful story. Modern woman goes to England and is transported back in time. This is a nice clean book. It reads quickly. A great story for all. Loved the characters and of course, Henrietta.
What a beautiful story. Modern woman goes to England and is transported back in time. This is a nice clean book. It reads quickly. A great story for all. Loved the characters and of course, Henrietta.
October 29, 2015
TIME FOR A DUKE by Ruth J. Hartman is a sweet, quick, quirky, fun Regency Historical time romance. A Novella that is well worth the time to read.
Well written with engaging,and charming characters. A welcome change from the routine Time Travel Romance. Set during the Regency Historical Romance era. This story has a 2012 American Heroine and a 1812 Duke Hero. Romantic drama at it's best! A welcome change! A great Evening read! A must read for Time Travel Historical Romance fans, and/or Historical Romance fans at large.
*Received for an honest review from the author*
**Cross posted on My Book Addiction Reviews**
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Sweet
Reviewed by: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
Well written with engaging,and charming characters. A welcome change from the routine Time Travel Romance. Set during the Regency Historical Romance era. This story has a 2012 American Heroine and a 1812 Duke Hero. Romantic drama at it's best! A welcome change! A great Evening read! A must read for Time Travel Historical Romance fans, and/or Historical Romance fans at large.
*Received for an honest review from the author*
**Cross posted on My Book Addiction Reviews**
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Sweet
Reviewed by: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
October 19, 2016
While there were some things I couldn't really wrap my head around, this was a beautiful story. It was filled with hope and compassion. I really adored the characters in it. I do wish that certain characters had a little more active of a role though, but it didn't really matter too much. Without going into too much details and spoiling it, I wish I could see a scene or two from five years later to see how all the characters turned out. The narrator did a great job with this as well! If you are into historical/time travel romances and stories, this is a great book for it! I fully recommend!
December 29, 2012
This is a fun story that I couldn't put down. I read it all in one evening. I liked the time travel and watching the two characters from different eras learn to relate to one another. Loved the kitty too. I was disappointed when the characters slept together. That kinda spoiled the whole thing for me. It was not graphic at all, however it just seemed out of character, at least for Charles. I also prefer squeaky clean reads.
January 6, 2013
Poorly written. No story arc or character develop. Only thing that happens in book is characters go to a ball. Never question ability to time travel or concern about ability to return. Female character is abused and belittled by father but seams to instantly forgive when male character speaks rudely to her. If her dream is to be more independent then tell Charles off. There are a lot better time travel romances.
March 3, 2013
Maybe bec this was a short read but I somehow felt detached from this. Idk, There were important reasons/explanations left out, uncharacteristic situations/reactions and abrupt ending. shrugs. Plus I felt that the ball which was made into such a big deal upon her arrival in the past, what's the word, was unexciting for me. I did enjoy reading about their comparisons with the past & present, still, things seemed rushed yet uneventful.
September 13, 2013
This story sets modern day Izzy into the past where she meets a duke--Charles. At first it was kind of enjoyable, but got kind of unbelievable and irritating near the end. Izzy is a floozey (which made me dislike her and think less of the duke as well), and the thoughts and emotions of the characters flipflopped too much to seem realistic.
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