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The Daring Duchess
A SCANDALOUS STRATAGEMMary Marshall, the beautiful young Duchess of Runceford, had a problem. Although her noble title and vast wealth attracted a swarm of suitors in the London Marriage Mart, they repelled the handsome, hot-tempered Charles Leigh, the Earl of Leighford, a country gentleman who was as proud as he was poverty-stricken. Thoroughly disenchanted with fortune hunters, Mary donned a governess disguise behind which she hoped to hide her lofty and privileged status. Fortuitously, the earl's household was in need of such service and he brought Mary into his home. So it was somewhat of a dilemma when Mary discovered that her infuriatingly independent employer was just the kind of suitor she would want. And even when she did manage to work her way into his proud heart, how long could she stay there when he discovered she had deceived him-- for love... ?
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 2, 1988
32 people want to read
About the author
Norma Lee Clark
20 books6 followersPseudonym: Megan O'Connor
Born in Jefferson City, Missouri, Clark began her career in show business with the Pittsburgh Children’s Theater and later acted at the Rochester Arena Theater. In the late 1940s, she moved to New York to take the female lead in the Buck Rogers TV series, “Captain Video and His Video Ranger,” which ran 1949 to 1955.
Her marriage to lighting designer David Clark ended in divorce.
She is survived by husband, Dimitri Vassilopoulos, her two daughters, Megan Clark and Emily Carvajal, and two grandchildren.
Born in Jefferson City, Missouri, Clark began her career in show business with the Pittsburgh Children’s Theater and later acted at the Rochester Arena Theater. In the late 1940s, she moved to New York to take the female lead in the Buck Rogers TV series, “Captain Video and His Video Ranger,” which ran 1949 to 1955.
Her marriage to lighting designer David Clark ended in divorce.
She is survived by husband, Dimitri Vassilopoulos, her two daughters, Megan Clark and Emily Carvajal, and two grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 30, 2018
After a very slow start, The Daring Duchess came into its groove around chapter six. Her grace, Mary Marshall, was an orphaned young lady. She was raised by an over-protective aunt, Lady Hyde. Mary could have easily been written as a vain, shrewish peeress; my compliments to the author for portraying her in a likable fashion.
Mary finds her way into the household of Lord Charles Leigh, an impoverished earl and gentleman farmer. She represents herself as simply Mary Marshall: governess. She takes under her wing Leigh’s orphaned nephew, Robin. The two kindred spirits develop a special relationship.
The H and h spend a good portion of time away from each other. For some reason, this factor stood out to me like a sore thumb. Then I searched my other reviews of Ms. Clark’s romances and noticed she wrote in a similar fashion. Apparently I forgot. :((
When Lord Leigh found out that Mary was a duchess, he felt betrayed and sent her away. Except by now, he knew he was in love with her.
This makes the ninth book that I have read by Ms. Clark. Known for a few romances with shock and retorts, I was expecting something more. As far as The Daring Duchess, I simply rolled along until serendipity came into play.
Mary finds her way into the household of Lord Charles Leigh, an impoverished earl and gentleman farmer. She represents herself as simply Mary Marshall: governess. She takes under her wing Leigh’s orphaned nephew, Robin. The two kindred spirits develop a special relationship.
The H and h spend a good portion of time away from each other. For some reason, this factor stood out to me like a sore thumb. Then I searched my other reviews of Ms. Clark’s romances and noticed she wrote in a similar fashion. Apparently I forgot. :((
When Lord Leigh found out that Mary was a duchess, he felt betrayed and sent her away. Except by now, he knew he was in love with her.
This makes the ninth book that I have read by Ms. Clark. Known for a few romances with shock and retorts, I was expecting something more. As far as The Daring Duchess, I simply rolled along until serendipity came into play.
May 24, 2011
Norma Lee Clark writes regency romances that are sweet, clean and absolutely adorable. I found this one very enjoyable, with a H/H that I liked and a storyline that was interesting and satisfying.
Clark, along with Barbara Hazard and Sylvia Thorpe, write some of my favorite regency romances. Nothing to compare with Georgette Heyer, mind you, but very good nonetheless.
**Somewhat interesting sidenote:
Author Norma Lee Clark was a private secretary to actor/director Woody Allen.
How weird is that??
Clark, along with Barbara Hazard and Sylvia Thorpe, write some of my favorite regency romances. Nothing to compare with Georgette Heyer, mind you, but very good nonetheless.
**Somewhat interesting sidenote:
Author Norma Lee Clark was a private secretary to actor/director Woody Allen.
How weird is that??
August 21, 2013
h is Duchess in her own right. Beautiful, wealthy and titled, she attracts a swarm of suitors in the London Marriage Mart.
Thoroughly disenchanted with fortune hunters, h wanted to experience normal life and under set of circumstances when H rescued h she donned a governess disguise behind which she hoped to hide her lofty and privileged status. H is poverty striking earl who works very hard on reviving his estate and needs governess for his little nephew
Great story. The whole duchess to governess to duchess was done very well.
Thoroughly disenchanted with fortune hunters, h wanted to experience normal life and under set of circumstances when H rescued h she donned a governess disguise behind which she hoped to hide her lofty and privileged status. H is poverty striking earl who works very hard on reviving his estate and needs governess for his little nephew
Great story. The whole duchess to governess to duchess was done very well.
January 28, 2018
4.60 stars - mild pg13
Loved this wonderful regency romance. Mature, down-to-earth, slightly taciturn, honorable Hero makes other suitors seem like silly boys. No annoying "big misunderstanding". Sweet little child helps bring H & h together. Chapters 1-4 a bit slow, but by chapters 6-7 Hero finally comes into story and it starts to get really good.
(Note to self: Some of Clark's other books are "darker" and less clean, so be careful when choosing.)
Loved this wonderful regency romance. Mature, down-to-earth, slightly taciturn, honorable Hero makes other suitors seem like silly boys. No annoying "big misunderstanding". Sweet little child helps bring H & h together. Chapters 1-4 a bit slow, but by chapters 6-7 Hero finally comes into story and it starts to get really good.
(Note to self: Some of Clark's other books are "darker" and less clean, so be careful when choosing.)
February 22, 2021
Mary was an endearing character who grows up in the novel. I liked Lady Hyde, Mary’s aunt, and Mrs Heaven, Lord Leigh’s housekeeper.
March 20, 2018
The plot reminded me of Pushkin's The Squire's Daughter (Барышня Крестьянка). Lovely secondary characters like the housekeeper and the child.
September 11, 2012
Sweet little gem of a book. No idea why I decided to mooch this one, but very glad I did, and now might pursue more by this author.
Read this first on January 7, 2011.
Now it's been mooched, and as I was about to parcel it I realized I didn't remember it much...
Enjoyed it as much as I did the first time. I'll be sending it off now.
Read this first on January 7, 2011.
Now it's been mooched, and as I was about to parcel it I realized I didn't remember it much...
Enjoyed it as much as I did the first time. I'll be sending it off now.
November 11, 2017
Regency
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews