Debt of dishonour by Lillian Marek

A reasonably well written historical book . A quick easy read the friendship that grew between the woman in this book was part of this and the duke the main character was really annoying as he didn’t gave a clue about Kate the main female character but there many other parts that make up for it. 3.5/5

It's truly hard to love a romance book when you dislike one or both of the main characters.
In this case, it was the MMC, duke of Ashleigh. He really was dislikeable, from his possessive, traditional ways to his fallacious sense of honor.
He was one of the reasons why I rated the first book 4 stars, instead of 5.
His character also made it uncomfortable to read their romance scenes, their banter at the beginning was fun to read, however, when their feelings started to grow, my inhibitions rose further.
A certain situation happened that made me think Kate deserved way better, I still can't understand how she managed to move on, but the plan was a HEA.
The plot itself was compelling, and the writing made it so easy to be hooked from start to finish.
Overall, I thought the main character was miswritten. That said, I'm definitely not giving up on the author because her writing is truly superb.
*I received an ARC of this book through netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

I enjoyed this book and read it quickly. The friendships formed between the ladies was a very nice touch. However, the Duke of Ashleigh was so clueless about women and relationships that I found him to be a bore.

***Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
Though this started off a little slow, I nevertheless loved the premise and enjoyed the story.

The heroine Kate is a strong, resourceful, intelligent young woman who has to flee home because her reprobate brother has sold her to the Earl of Farnsworth for his debts. She goes to live with her aunt, and makes the acquaintance of his grace, the Duke of Ashleigh. There is a definite mutual attraction but her position in society is nowhere near the duke's level so it seems like a hopeless case for them both. Meanwhile, duke's sister has a love affair of her own, and they all have to decide how they feel about protecting and patronizing women versus giving them information, choice and independence. When Farnsworth's minions find her, the situation grows dangerous, despite the duke's protection, and everyone's problem solving skills come in handy.

I liked everything about this book except the duke, some of the time. He does redeem himself but for a part of the book he is not very likeable.

I got a digital review copy from Netgalley, and I'm leaving a voluntary, honest review.

After Katherine's mother's death, her brother became her guardian but he paid his debt to Farnsworth, A Earl by promising him his sister. Kate was angry but she ran away and ended up with her only aunt who was disowned by her grandfather for marrying a man without a title. Her aunt was friends with the duke of that town, Peter. Kate and Peter found themselves attracted to each other. But there's a problem that she'd hidden her real identity and Farnsworth was still determined to collect Kate. Peter was astonished with Kate's wit and vision but both of them were hotheaded. After the first time they confessed their love and made love with each other, Peter messed their relationship up. By the time he realized his mistake, the damage was done. Meanwhile, Alice, Peter's widowed sister finally proposed a marriage offer to Stephen, Peter's steward. Anyway, Peter accepted their relationship after Alice gave him a piece of his mind. Then Farnsworth happened. And Peter did everything in his power to protect his love. They finally had their happy ending with their family and friends support.

I am a lover of all kinds of romantic fiction, bust especially Duke meets battered girl and rescues her fiction. For that reason, I was excited to read the book.

First, it started off rather slow. We had a lot of internal monologues happening and what should have been a daunting escape scene fell a little flat. But it progressively got better! There were parts in the middle where my eyes glazed over because the author was trying to prove too hard to the audience that her heroines were independent women (without the equality and laws). And I do think that the anti-scandal Duke wouldn’t suddenly de flower a woman or become romantic with his sisters friend, but I can explain that away with obsession.

Yet, the ending of this book was action packed with drama and lots of twists and turns.

Kate's world is tossed upsidedown after the death of her mother. Overhearing her brother's nefarious plot for her future, she takes matters into her own hands and goes into hiding. Having grown up in poverty and never having met her disowned aunt Franny, Kate has no idea what to expect when she arrives at the large Sussex home of her mother's estranged sister. She suddenly finds herself in a world quite different from her own - yet that is the least of her worries.

With the vile Farnsworth on her trail, Kate must decide just who to trust and how much of her truth to tell. Yet she soon learns that half-truths can be just as dangerous as secrets.

I really liked that the secondary characters, including Alice and Stephen, had their own strong storyline, rather than just existing as supporting characters that occasionally appear on the sidelines. The deeper interactions of so many characters helped make the story more well-rounded. They even call each other out for their faults, often echoing the reader's own opinions.

Kate is fiercely independent, which I love to see in these novels. She is tired of people having a say in her future and wants to control her own life. Even when danger strikes, she resists playing the damsel in destress, preferring to fight her own battles.

I did find that Ashleigh's initial protectiveness towards Kate didn't quite fit. He asserts himself into her life and future plans early on and feels that he has the right - responsibility, even - to protect Kate, when he really has no claim on her whatsoever. They're pretty much strangers at this point and for all he knows she's living safely and comfortably under her aunt's roof.

That criticism aside, I enjoyed the novel and the relationships and interactions between all of the different characters. I also appreciated the evidence of the author's research and historical knowledge, as well as her very detailed descriptions of buildings and decor. It really makes you feel as though you've been transported through time into the room along with the characters.

Dissolute Lords, a Lady of Courage, and a Duke in Need of Redemption

If your scoundrel brother agreed to sell you to a dissolute lord, what would you do? Why, you would run, of course. This was what Kate chose to do. When she ran to her aunt for shelter, she had no idea she would meet a duke that would steal her heart. However, because of being ashamed by her family of dishonorable men, she did not think they had a future. Then, the duke did something unforgiveable. Someone must bring the Duke of Ashleigh down, a peg or two. Could Kate be up to the task? You thought he was honorable; you thought he was kind, but he did something dishonorable. Could Kate ever forgive him? He did not think she was a lady he could marry. Could love humble him? After all, love brought mightier men to their knees. Faced with a broken heart, a depraved brother, and a dishonorable man obsessed with possessing her, Kate was running out of options. Could she find happiness? You must read the book to find the answers. What did the duke do that was so unforgiveable, and could Kate escape the depravity that was chasing her? If you like historical romance with a healthy dose of treachery and deceit, you might enjoy this story.

When Lady Kate Russell overhears her brother offer Kate to pay off his gambling debts, she does the only thing she can - she runs to her Aunt and takes a new identity.
When Kate meets Peter, Duke of Ashleigh, there is instant chemistry. However, there is an initial misunderstanding or two as well. This is a great story, and I loved all the twists and turns.
I have not read much by Lillian Marek, but she is an author I will definitely be watching for in the future.

I absolutely loved the first book in the series! I had actually already pre-ordered this one before I received the wonderful opportunity to get an advanced review copy. I was so excited I didn't have to wait for the actual release date.

I enjoy Marek's unusual and adventurous storylines. This is no exception. The story jumps in immediately with a strong heroine - Kate Russell - taking action and control of her life. I loved this female lead.

Unfortunately, I did not like the Duke much at all. He was selfish and could not see himself or others clearly. He loved his sister and was responsible to the title; but in spite of these good qualities, I wasn't sure he could be redeemed. In the end, I decided to forgive him since Kate did; and he showed some character growth. He is the reason, I couldn't rate this book 5 stars like the first one.

I do still recommend reading and will be continuing the series though.

Kate Russell over hears her brother giving her hand in marriage to a disgusting Earl to pay off his gambling debts. Kate decides to run and hide where he’ll least to find her. She arrives at her Aunt Franny Darling’s house where she encounters the Peter the Duck of Ashleigh. She’s quite attracted to Peter, but she knows there’s no future for them. Peter is a respectable man who cares for his family and their happiness and he becomes quite intrigued by Kate. He feels she’s hiding something, she says she’s not a lady but she acts like a lady not a commoner and is determined to find out what that is. An enchanting story of two people falling in love who discover love can conquer all if they both fight for their love! I have voluntarily read and reviewed the excellent book.

London 1818
Miss Katherine Russell had escaped. She had heard her brother talking and was selling her off to a disgusting man to pay his debts. Her mother had just passed and she was use to being left with hardly anything.

Kate is strong and determined, and makes her way to her Aunt Franny, who takes her in and begins to help her. She is introduced to the neighbors, Peter, Duke of Ashleigh and his sister and niece. There is a definite attraction between them, although Peter tries to downplay and not let his heart get away!

However, Kate's brother is hunting for her and the journey begins. Lillian's writing was fabulous and a little more in the classic tone I felt. With wonderful characters, including several beside the main ones, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to more!

All in in, this book's story line flowed like what I've come to expect in a PBS regency romance movie. We were given instant attraction despite a mistaken identify first meeting between a beautiful damsel in distress (Kate) and a protective, hardworking, all about duty Duke (Ashleigh), who after a HUGE jumping to wrong conclusions, knucklehead moment, would move Heaven and Earth to make her his wife. Thankfully, a great cast of his supportive family and friends had their backs the entire time, as well.

Kate showed she had spunk despite her outwardly fragile, angelic appearance. On the run in the dead of night, she's proven she's not stupid enough to let the betrayal of a family member be the end of her. She rolls with the punches and refuses to accept defeat, all while being mindful of the danger that is hunting her. She finds sanctuary but further plans must be carefully cemented into place to put a final end to the evil villains who threaten her very life and future.

We get a two for one deal here, my fellow romance book loving friends. Ashleigh's sister and a perfect for her, great stand up kind of guy find their HEA within the pages, too. They each play pivotal sub character roles that add not detract from the main couple's unfolding romantic tale.

Here's to hoping the previous and any future books of this series is just as engaging as this one. I certainly would love to read each and every one of them.

Title: Debt of Dishonor, Series: Lords of Sussex (Book 2), Author: Lillian Marek, Pages: 229, pub date: 2/11/21, new to me author, stand-alone but part of a series, damsel in distress heroine, protective Duke good guy hero, knucklehead moment, instant attraction, some steamy scenes, evil villain, good cast of sub characters, has to grovel apologize hero, virgin heroine, HEA.

Book 1 - The Earl Returns
Book 2 - A Debt of Dishonor
Book 3 - The Winds of Change

(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not compensated in any form for this review. There is no affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author, publisher, PR firm, or NetGalley.)

I was looking for a quick, cute romance to read and "Debt of Dishonor" fit the bill! Written by Lillian Marek, this book is the second novel in the "Lords of Sussex" series. Kate has grown up in almost poverty and has suffered the deaths of both parents. Her older brother, looking to repay his debts, has tried to sell her into a loveless marriage and Kate runs away. Seeking solace with a long-lost aunt, she meets the Duke of Ashleigh and quickly falls for him. But what will happen once he finds out about her past?

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

A Debt of Dishonor by Lillian Marek is the second in the Lords of Sussex series and is a pleasant departure from the typical Regency romance. True, the Duke of Ashleigh is reluctant, although not in the typical fashion: she thinks she is inappropriate as a duke's wife...not that he doesn't want to marry. She also believes she is an inappropriate wife for a duke. Ashleigh is bossy, and as is the custom of the day, cannot believe that a woman could know better than he, be it his sister, or the woman he loves. He wants to care for everyone...not a bad trait but one, which may sometimes interfere with the lives of others. The plot is a good one about dissipation and selfishness and just how far a crazy person will go once he sets his sights on something, or someone.

Kate Russell's dissolute brother has basically given in her lieu of paying a debt. She's having none of it and sneaks out of the house and runs to an aunt she's never even met, who coincidentally is has been the victim of her father, who tried to give her to a man who wanted her simply for her diary. No worries. He would take her sister instead. Hence, Kate, who saw her father perhaps a half dozen times in her life. When Kate meets him, she thinks he's a farmer; that's how he is dressed. When her meets her he thinks she's a servant; that's how she's dressed. It isn't all up hill from there, I'm afraid. Kate has friends, all of whom help her in her quest to remain free. It was fun and entertaining and worth the read. They are a terrific couple and they are not the only terrific couple in this novel! Way to go, Ms. Marek. I loved it!

I was invited to read a free ARC of A Debt of Dishonor by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All opinions contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #adebtofdishonor

I enjoyed reading “Debt of Dishonor”. I liked the “story telling” way that it was written. Ashleigh was an ass early in the story but he redeemed himself in many ways. 4 stars.

I almost lost interest in the book. I say almost because after picking it up again the third time to finish what I started, I found myself embroiled in everything that was happening in the book. I enjoyed the characters so much. i could be friends with. This was a very enjoyable read!

Kate Russell has not led the most enchanting life. Her father and brother, Viscount Humphrey, went to London, leaving her and her mother at the estate. Not caring and not wanting either of them in their lives. Her mother dies and her brother decides that she must come to him in London. How wonderful, finally wanted at last! But when she overhears her brother’s plan to use her to pay his gambling debts, she packs a small bag and runs away to her aunt. Thankfully, her aunt takes her in and introduces her as her late husbands’ niece. As she begins to know the neighbors, she meets The Duke of Ashleigh, and soon becomes comfortable around him. However, the Viscount is searching for her as he still has not paid his gambling losses. I enjoyed reading about these two characters and the plot grows remarkably interesting. The Debt of Dishonor is an incredibly good read and you soon love the characters and hope for the best.

Kate Russell & her mother were left on a northern estate in virtual poverty whilst her viscount father gambled & lost everything now her dissolute brother wants to use her as payment for his debts to the repugnant Earl of Farnsworth. She runs away to her Aunt Franny, determined to make her way so that she will never again be at the mercy of powerful men. Then she encounters the Duke of Ashleigh. He has overcome the shame of his parents’ scandalous lives and has a well-deserved reputation for honourable behaviour. Then he encounters Kate, the niece of an old friend. There is some mystery about her background. She is not the sort of well-bred lady of impeccable reputation that he plans to marry someday, but he can’t get her out of his mind.
This is the second book in the series & is very easily read as a stand alone. I did like that we caught up with Tom & Miranda. I loved the plucky, feisty Kate who like a true Yorkshire woman called a spade a spade. I also loved Peter who liked to be in control & was extremely protective of women, suffocatingly so at times. The chemistry between Peter & Kate sizzled from their first meeting. Their verbal bantering was hugely entertaining. The road to their HEA wasn’t smooth with her brother & Farnsworth determined to find her & misunderstandings between the pair but it did make for a page turning read. I also liked the secondary characters & loved that they also found happiness
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read