Sophia and the Duke: Forever Yours, Book 7

1835, Hampshire, EnglandMiss Sophia Knightly, a vicar's daughter, was in love with William Astor, heir to the dukedom of Wycliffe. William was ready to defy Society to marry the woman he loved, but disaster struck and everything changed. When they meet again several years later, William is determined to pick up where they left off, he still loves Sophia, but does she still want him?SOPHIA AND THE DUKE is a lovely story, low on angst and high on romance. The tone is very intimate as Sophia and William get reacquainted through heart-to-heart conversations. Sophia, over the years, has become quite independent, but she's more wary of getting close to anyone, even William. I loved how she chose to honour the ones she lost, it was very moving. Her stubbornness, however, tried my patience at times, even if I understood her position. But William, oh William! What a marvellous hero! So kind, caring, charming, and patient. I love Stacy Reid's male characters: they are true gentlemen, respectful, and don't push the heroine in any way. I find it so restful to be able to enjoy a romance without having to keep my fingers crossed that the hero will not behave as a complete cad at some point. William is one such hero; being a good man doesn't make him a wimp, it's what makes him strong, and much more endearing than a thoughtless rake.I give 4 1/2 stars.

After years apart, can two young persons whom loved each other find a way back to one another heart.When I realized this book was the immediate sequel from the last one, A Prince Of My Own, I was over the moon. I just adore Mrs Stacy Reid style, she has a way with words, she transports me to her world, feeling and arching with her brought to life heroes.When I complained about the lack of epilogue in the previous installment, she wonderfully closed the door of the Astors’ siblings stories.Sophia has to rebuilt herself after the loss of her whole family and her young love. She became someone more daring but also wary of deep emotions. By throng to fulfill her late parents dreams and wishes, she has built a wall around herself, a gilded cage to avoid hurt at all cost.William thought he had lost the love of his life, so he left, only to stumble years later on the very one woman he believed dead. When the deceit is reveled, he only wants to discover who is now the woman he always loved, when she refuses to engage again her heart.When Sophia is running away from life, only living it through the memories of her kin, but not allowing herself to feel again, William is an astounding lover, he is so certain of his feelings, he is ready to risk everything to win back the love of the only woman he ever loved.At time I was angry at Sophia to be blind to the gentleness of William, as giving her time to rekindle with him, to see who he has become when he accepted the more bold Sophia.But as it was more than time that tears them apart, their griefs having left indelible scars. Will they find in them again the courage to risk losing the other or will they close their heart to any deeper emotion.5 stars for this awesome read.

Sophia and the Duke is a wonderful second chance story with compelling and realistic characters. Six years after tragedy and a deceitful mother tore William Astor, Duke of Wycliffe and Sophia Knightley apart, they find each other at a ball in London. William thought Sophia had died along with the rest of her family in the epidemic that swept their small village. Sophia thought he had abandoned her. William wants them to be together, but Sophia resists, fearing a loss she cannot bear. They do still love each other, but will it be enough? Can William persuade Sophia to take the risk for love? Let’s hope so. I really enjoyed William and Sophia’s story. I happily recommend it.

Spoiler alert. Did not like this book at all. H could not marry h because she was below his station. Yet her aunt was a countess. So he makes her his mistress instead for much of the book. Not one of Stephanie's better ones.

Sophia and the Duke was beautifully written as well as a sweet and believable second chance romance. I felt their pain and anguish of separation but live did prevail as William work so hard to regain Sophia’s love and trust.

A powerful love that was denied by lies is rediscovered after several years apart. What a shock when William sees Sophia alive after all these years. Only the carefree young woman he fell in love with is not the same woman today. William will have to play close to his chest to win the woman of his heart. ♥️This one made my heart ache.

For six years following his father's death and that of the Vicar's daughter William left England to mourn and escape. Sophia spent those years wondering why William never said goodbye. What happens when William returns? Will there be forgiveness or have they both moved on? Are individuals opposed to their reuniting? Quick read.

I love stories where I can actually feel the emotions of the characters. This story did not disappoint! Sophia and William were very believable characters. Their story was touching and I couldn't wait to see how everything was resolved!

I was underwhelmed by the previous book A Prince of my own but have thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's a heartbreaking story of loss and second chance. Stacy is a must-read author for me and I'm glad this book met my expectations. Well written, romantic and naughty. I'm starting the next book in the series now.

Started out like a true love story, but when they finally find each other again they are not interested in love, just sex...how disappointing. The lead males attitude when he finally talks to ‘the love of his life’ was disappointing too he says “I do not believe I mentioned marriage”, then suggests she be his lover till they find out what the future holds. The lead female lowers herself and accepts his degrading proposition. It was also sad that their first real time being intimate he treated her like whore (won’t go into detail, but this really changed my feelings on the lead male - not feeling the love).This could have need a great love story, but it followed the cookie cutter historical romance pattern during times where the lead characters are separated...he goes on to have numerous lovers, while she remains a virgin. Honestly, getting really sick of these faithless men who can’t control their needs, while the women are expected to remain above reproach.Needless to say, the ending was decent - loved the lead males mothers set down, but was really hoping for better.

Enjoyable, easy read.