Deserted

The Duel #3

by Mary Lancaster

Abandoned by all, saved a cold-hearted rake…

Sophia, once betrothed to Major Giles Butler, who shot the Duke of Cuttyngham in a duel, has become the companion of the widowed duchess. In theory, at least. But when the duchess also abandons Sophia at Cuttyngs, her past catches up with her in the shape of her bullying cousins. Sophia finds herself indebted to the late duke’s second, the haughty Earl of Frostbrook, whom she remembers only too well from a previous shocking, and secretly pleasurable, encounter.

Frostbrook, pursued by every matchmaking mama and hounded by his own mother to accept a bride of her choosing, decides to play a trick on them all by producing his own pretend engagement to the beautiful but prickly Sophia. Their charade at his mother’s country house party sets off a string of unforeseen events such as falling in love, and a dangerous abduction.

Frostbrook pursues Sophia across the sea and as far as Brussels, where Wellington’s troops are amassing to face Bonaparte’s army.

Here, among the scandal-loving British visitors, he and Sophia must unite to overcome their pasts and find a chance of happiness.

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The Duel
Entangled
Captured
Deserted
Beloved

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical, Regency, Romance

252 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 20, 2023

About the author

Mary Lancaster is a USA Today bestselling author of historical fiction and historical romance. She lives in Scotland with her husband, one of three grown-up kids, and a small dog with a big personality.

Her first literary love was historical fiction, a genre which she relishes mixing up with romance and adventure in her own writing. Several of her novels feature actual historical characters as diverse as Hungarian revolutionaries, medieval English outlaws, and a family of eternally rebellious royal Scots. To say nothing of Vlad the Impaler.
Her most recent books are light fun Regency romances, with occasional forays into Victorian mystery.

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Reviews

[Pooja Peravali · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sophia thinks she's escaped the clutches of her tyrannical cousins when she comes to be companion to the Duchess of Cuttyngham, even if it's under strange circumstances. But when her employer makes her escape to Brussels and her family pursues her to her new home, Sophia is forced to turn to the icy but beguiling Earl of Frostbrook for help.

This is the third book in The Duel series, which follows the fallout of the Duke of Cuttyngham's death in a duel on the brink of Waterloo. Though the leads in this book are more tangentially tangled up in the overarching plot than those of the other books, the series should definitely been read in order.

I'd been looking forward to Sophia's book for a little while now - her setup as Giles's not-quite-fiancée and her prickly character promised an interesting story. While her romantic past is somewhat shafted in the book itself, I still enjoyed her dynamic with the closed-off Frostbrook, and how they were both able to soften and open up to each other.

However, while I did enjoy the subplot of Sophia's cousins, it was a little predictable - I've seen that inheritance grab plenty of times before! That the main characters are on the outer edges of the duel plot also meant that I felt like this book didn't really move the plot forward much beyond briefly introducing a new character who we learn much more about in the final book.

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Gloria · Rating 2 out of 5]

***spoilers***

I loved the first half of this book. Sophia has a quick wit and an unfiltered and slightly bitter mouth and takes no prisoners. I totally understand why Frost is attracted to her. But then the author starts relying on the easy cliches: Frost’s overbearing mother (a) insta-hates her, (b) plots to destroy her, for (c) no reason. Except as a lame plot device. Then more oft-used plot devices: evil family kidnaps and drugs her and attempts a forced marriage, only to discover their chosen officiate has removed to Brussels, along with the rest of the characters from the first two novels in this series. So they drag their captive to Brussels too.

Based on this novel and the previous two, a reader can only surmise that crossing the water to Belgium causes massive brain damage: formerly intelligent and attractive men start saying and doing the exact wrong thing in every situation, formerly intelligent and adventurous women start suffering qualms and insecurities and start wringing their hands and making horrible decisions. Misunderstandings abound unnecessarily. It’s all very tedious.

Even more disappointing, wrong doers go scot free. I suspect it’s just so much easier for an author to breezily dismiss them after they’ve served their purpose than to actually devise a clever way to punish them, but it doesn’t serve the reader at all. The evil family should be shackled and dragged away for trial. The evil mother should to banished to Outer Mongolia, kicking and screaming the whole way. See? Consequences. I love me some consequences.

This is the weakest book in this series, and added nothing to the mystery surrounding the death of the duke except to introduce a new character…presumably to be seen in the next book?

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophia, once betrothed to Major Giles Butler, who shot the Duke of Cuttyngham in a duel, has become the companion of the widowed duchess. In theory, at least. But when the duchess also abandons Sophia at Cuttyngs, her past catches up with her in the shape of her bullying cousins, The Wests. Sophia finds herself indebted to the late duke’s second, the haughty Aaron Earl of Frostbrook, whom she remembers only too well from a previous shocking, and secretly pleasurable, encounter. Frost, pursued by every matchmaking mama and hounded by his own mother to accept a bride of her choosing, decides to play a trick on them all by producing his own pretend engagement to the beautiful but prickly Sophia. Their charade at his mother’s country house party sets off a string of unforeseen events
The third book in the series & I’d recommend reading in order as there is the strong thread of the duel & it's consequences going through the books. Another engrossing, enthralling read I loved both Sophia, who I thought was going to become a duchess! she's strong, courageous & used to looking out for herself & Aaron who was a revelation the man was nothing like the persona he gave to society. I loved how Sophia came to love Aaron not the title. As well as a lovely love story, there’s deceit, kidnapping & a chase to the continent. Roll on book four
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Tina Miles · Rating 5 out of 5]

That. Was. Wonderful! I really enjoyed this story. I liked the cold, distant Lord Frostbrook who was a confirmed rake, an eligible male with many débutantes scurrying after him. And then we have the deceptively calm, biddable Sophia as our heroine. She is, like so many, an impoverished daughter whose father had died and who has become a companion to a widowed lady.
We watch as Sophia’s male cousin embarks upon a campaign to have her come ‘home’, even resorting to violence. And we watch the false engagement to Lord Frostbrook thaw the icy aristocrat as he comes to realize his passion for the feisty Sophia.
With no surprise to anyone we are happy to see them achieve a n HEA, although the road is paved with many twists and turns and surprising obstacles.
I really enjoy Lancaster’s books, although this one had less steam in it than others. That being said, she writes some very passionate love scenes with just a kiss in it.
I haven’t read the other books in the series. I was able to enjoy this one although I was confused on a few things. So I am now going to read the other books so I can enjoy the whole series, not just this one book.
UPDATED: I have finished reading the first book in the series, Entangled, and this book makes more sense now. I find I quite enjoy seeing the same scene from the point of view of the different characters.

[Rainelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book and I have to say that I was very fascinated with it. The direction of the story is not at all of what I anticipated for how the main characters were to come together. My favorite without a doubt is Aaron Loman, Earl of Frostbrook. The name alone sounds intimidating and intriguing. I love that. I admit that I was rather confused as to who was to be Sophia’s love interest. There are so many characters at the beginning that had connections to one or the other. I had to read read the page just to understand the connections. Eventually later in the book I was able to start to read the shaping of Frostbook and Sophia’s relationship. There the story transforms to one of romance and passion. I give this story two snaps and a twist. Until next time my fellow readers. Read on! I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
#Deserted #Netgally #Goodreads #Bookbub

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

The mystery of the late Duke of Cuttyngham's death in a duel has yet to be solved. Sophia Wallace was able to get away from her family where she was forced to be a an unpaid servant. Now she is a companion to the late Duke's wife. It was inevitable that she meet the man who gave her a kiss one night six months ago. What follows is a passionate relationship pretending to be the Earl of Frostbrook's betrothed. Only the more they are together as a united front, the more they find they want the betrothal to be real. But her family refuses to take no as her answer to go back into their clutches. The heart of the Earl who hides behind the mask must let it melt to win her heart. A series I recommend reading in order with characters continuing in each book. The backdrop of Napoleon still at war. An excellent series that never stops looking for answers. Some light descriptive open bedroom.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Layne · Rating 5 out of 5]

From start to finish

This series kept me turning the page to see what happened next. From a dual with the death of a Duke to a companion deserted to find her own way, Mary Lancaster has a masterpiece of a series. But, I would love to add Victor to the series. He needs a hea

[Olga Godim · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars
A fast-paced historical romance. I think it was too fast-paced (the first time in my book-reviewing experience I say that about any work of fiction). The author skimmed over many events and even emotional factors that should've been described in way more details. The entire novel seemed sketchy. Not bad, exactly, but sort-of undone, half-baked at best. Maybe it was a rush job?

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mysteries unravel as love burns & unfurls so deliciously!
Continuing delightfully on with the underlining solving of the mystery surrounding the loathsome, late, Duke of Cuttyngham's duel that feeds into the something-not-quite-right about his death intrigue, another piece of the puzzle teasingly slots into place, that will no doubt prove vital and confirm all our suspicions in the last, highly anticipated, book when all is hopefully untangled and revealed. As we gratifyingly focus on two past subcharacters finally getting their time in the spot light and shining ever brighter as a result.
I knew if given the chance I was going to love Frostbrook and being able to dig beneath that cold-but-instinctively-you-can't-help-but-be-drawn-to-me facade he radiated so eloquently, made the minute reveal and emergence of Aaron, all the more rewarding. Especially, when he tried so hard to avoid Sophia's prickles, bring out the passionate women beneath and be the White Knight of fantasy she so desperately needed to rush in and rescue her from drudgery and harm.
An icy weariness freezes over, the aptly named, Frostbrook's dazzling charm, which makes the brief glimpses that shine and thaw the cold mask he adorns, to slowly reveal the deeply fun, family loving, protector that is Aaron, all the more potent. As just as lonely, half-defiant and half-proud, Sophia, who from all intents and purposes should be brimming with resentment from being repeatedly mistreated, abandoned and disregarded, has amiably and admirably grown with such a core of strength, resilience and a beguiling lack of artifice, that you can't help but love her and deeply want her to find true love and happiness. That together they just glow and compel you to keep reading as they muddle through mystery entwining roads of clue searching, attraction shimmering chemistry, frustratingly heinous scheming and a fake betrothal as misunderstandings abound.
The direction of the plot that unfurls with a well paced array of unexpected twists, yet with an edge of predictability in their turns, allows their relationship to blossom with this integral feeling of rightness. That blooms with friendship and seeds sparks of want and yearning that make for an enjoyable emotionally steeped read in all its absorbing subtly.
I just loved that Aaron sees her as a puzzle that can't be boxed, as tantalising moments of bubbling jealousy highlights a connection that simmers and crackles with deeply thrumming attraction, born of surprise and fascination, that can't help but build and grow into an intriguing desire to get to the bottom of who they are, one scrummy and statisfying layer at a time.
A great addition to the series that builds up and hints beautifully at the last pairing in the series. If even secretly I'm still hoping George gets a look in too!
Love this author; love this series!

~I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own~

[Winnifred D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars rounded up
Tropes: fake engagement
Steam level:1

Mary Lancaster is a fine, underrated HR writer (my favorite series of hers is the Pleasure Garden), and while I enjoyed aspects of this, it wasn't quite as smart or romantic as I'd expected by the end. Sharp banter along with a spark of mystery and sexual tension in the first half gradually give way to typical stock characters and events, the MC's separated too frequently by plot machinations. Since the central mystery won't be resolved until the last book, I honestly felt that this would have worked better as a novella.

Part of the issue is, admittedly, my decision to start reading this series midway through; based on a review that said this would work OK as a standalone I put it on my tbr list soon after it came out. However, it's not really a standalone, as most of the secondary characters that were in previous books play large roles early and then toward the end. Knowing who is who and their relationships becomes a bit tricky in places. I also found the narrative slightly wordy at times, which had the affect of keeping me emotionally distant from the MMC, in particular. His actions don't always seem to match his inner musings, and while I think his hot/cold behavior is meant to add a sense of mystery, at times it's frustrating.

For her part, I liked the MFC, and thought she had good chemistry with the MMC, although, just a personal preference, I would have liked a touch more steam.

My biggest issue overall is the way things are left hanging at the end. I felt manipulated by a lack of comeuppance for a handful of characters. I'm a vengeful reader, and really don't like it when characters who are so nasty are just glossed over.

Overall, you'll probably like this book if you're into the series. I just don't feel quite compelled enough to back up to the first book.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Book 3 of intriguing and captivating series, The Duel. If you haven't read the previous books, I would definitely recommend doing so before starting this one, as the mystery of the death of the late Duke of Cuttyngham is continued in this installment. After Sophia's father passed, she lived with her cousins, who essentially treated her as a servant. She escaped her family's clutches and became companion to the late Duke's wife. But when her family finds her and have come to take her back and keep her under their control, she will need the help of the late Duke's second, the cold and haughty Aaron, Earl of Frostbrook. She and Aaron met months ago when Aaron had too much to drink one night and kissed her. Aaron is actively trying to avoid his mother's attempts at finding him a bride, and he thinks Sophia is just the woman to help him. She is witty, intelligent, and not afraid to stand up to him, so he puts a plan in motion to outwit his mother. He invites Sophia to his mother's house party, playing the part of his betrothed. Things escalate when the end up in Brussels, due to one of her cousins' machinations.
This was a very well-written story with an intriguing plot that captured my attention from the start and kept me turning the pages, anxious to see what happens next. Both Aaron and Sophia are strong-minded people and made an excellent pair and I enjoyed their interactions and dialogue. This is an excellent addition and I can't wait to continue the series with the next one.
I received a complimentary copy from Dragonblade Publishing via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*

Mary Lancaster did something that I have not experienced often with romance novels, she surprised me. I was so sure that Sophia was going to end up with Victor. What a delight it was to get this story instead (and of course now I wait in eager anticipation to find out what does happen with Victor). Deserted is definitely the perfect title for this story and Sophia's life in general. It was so nice to see this woman who had been left with no friends and no one to help her for so long surrounded by a group of practical strangers willing to help her in any way they could. I loved the back-and-forth between her and Aaron - he was definitely right in his statement about never being bored with her as his wife. I was not at all a fan of Aaron's mother - even after learning how wrong she had been about the Wests she still couldn't find it in herself to be kind to Sophia or to offer even the smallest of apologies for how she treated her. The cousins were pretty repulsive, my only disappointment with them was that I did not get to know the full extent of their suffering after the events of this story. It's also been really interesting how each book so far has added a little to solving the mystery surrounding the former Duke's death. I am so looking forward to seeing how that mystery is resolved as well. Overall, this was a great addition to the series and can't wait to find out how everything is resolved in the next book!

[SH · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deserted, which is book three in the series, follows Sophia and Aaron, the Earl of Frostbrook as they try to uncover more about the death of the Duke of Cuttyngs. Sophia was once betrothed to Major Giles Butler, who shot the duke whilst Aaron, acted as the duke’s second. As the gunshot wound to the duke should not have been fatal, Aaron and Sophia work together to uncover the identity of the woman who viewed the duel and may have more information to help Giles’ case. Sophia also finds herself caught up in her cousin William’s plot to return her to his family, to which Aaron is determined to extricate her from. Meanwhile Aaron is captivated by Sophia, which throws him, especially as he has spent a lifetime avoid the matchmaking mothers of the ton.
I so enjoyed the characters of Aaron and Sophia, who are both strong minded people. Their past stories are gradually told throughout their time together. Whilst Aaron is thought to be the rake, his family has made him who he is. Meanwhile Sophia is straightforward and feisty, which Aaron finds refreshing. The plot is well paced and at the same time, allows for the relationship between them, to grow. Whilst this is a standalone book, I do feel that reading the previous books will help explain the events behind the duel. An enjoyable romance.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Elizabeth S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophia Wallace, Major Giles Butler's former fiancée, recruited by the widowed Duchess of Cuttyngham as her companion, is now left alone with the young duke. Rosamund is off on her adventure with Giles, and Hera with Dr. Rivers. She takes up residence in the dower house, supervising repairs. The cousin in whose household she was in involuntary servitude appears and tries to haul her back. Lord Frostbrook happens along and intervenes in the nick of time. A notorious rake, Frostbrook is quite intrigued by her. In spite of his cool and haughty demeanor, the result of many years of resisting the advances of women, he begins to let his guard down with Sophia. The two of them go searching for the young woman who was seen at the duel which killed the Duke of Cuttyngham. They are trying to determine what really happened that day, since the bullet which hit the duke could not have killed him instantly.

This follows the pattern in the series: class distinction vs attraction, a kidnapping, escape, and rescue. It also continues the story line of what really happened in the duel in Book 1, and we are reunited with the characters in both Book 1 and Book 2 in Brussels. These aren't standalones. The dialogue between Frostbrook and Sophia is often witty, and prickly on her part, as she refuses to believe his interest in her is genuine. Well-written, with rich character development and a fast-moving plot. I couldn't put it down.

[Linda J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read all the books in this series to date. Book 1 was a strong 4 stars, book 2 and 3 full 5 stars because had tension, suspense, great characters and nasty villains to round out the story.

The h has been living with cousins since her family died and she was like Cinderella - more of a servant than family. The h finally escapes and lands a plum job as a companion to a young duchess. The story does build from the previous stories and has cross over characters.

This is a story of a nasty Duke, who dies in a duel and how this effects everyone from family to acquaintances. The way the H/h meet was by chance and how both their lives changed because of the pettiness of the h's cousin.

Lovemaking mostly off page, within marriage - heat level 1.5 out of 5. I loved this couple and felt a connection to them from the start.

Nasty villains, and who figure out quickly what their motives are. An ex mistress that doesn't cause as much problem as she hoped, because of the honesty of the H. I loved how their journey to HEA was not based on lies.

No cheating, no cliffhanger, enjoyed the h speaking her mind to her family, romance builds slowly, HEA, and bedroom door only opened lightly. I can't improve on the blurb. Just giving you some tidbits to decide whether to purchase this story and series, which I recommend. (ljb)

[Mary Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

This intriguing series is definitely worth a read. This is the third book and though I think you could read it as a standalone you will get so much more from reading the others. This story concentrates on the Duke's second, Aaron Lord Frostbrook and Sophia, the ex-fiancee of the man who killed the duke in the duel. There's something fishy with the duel and the mystery moves on a little bit as we learn the identity of the female watcher. Sophia has escaped her horrible cousins once but now they are making moves to get her back under their control. Aaron first meets Sophia when he's had too much to drink and they kiss. Sophia doesn't suffer fools lightly and has a sharp witty retort that he finds intriguing. Aaron's mother is trying to force a betrothal so Aaron persuades Sophia to play the part of his betrothed, unfortunately the catty cousin is also present. Due to cousin William's machinations they end up in Brussels and the ex-Duchess and her friends help out our couple. Loved the denouement when Sophia stands up to William. Eagerly awaitng book 4. I loev Mary's work :)

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Suong Doan · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first read from Mary Lancaster, and I enjoyed it immensely.

Deserted tells the story of Aaron, the Earl of Frostbrook and Miss Sophia Wallace, and their very intense and beautifully woven love story. After the death of her father, Sophia ends up being taken in by her cousins, who treat her like a servant. On one such occasion, she meets our hero Aaron.

This story is wonderfully written. The plot is intricate and keeps you in suspense. These days, I find so many stories predictable, but I'm happy to say this plot while not new was written in a way that kept me riveted.

I loved prickly Sophia, so amazing with her sharp words and comebacks, and I enjoyed reading along as Sophia worked through Aaron's layers. Their love story was well paced and had some swoon worthy moments.

This, unfortunately, should not be read as a stand-alone (which was what I did), but I look forward to going back and reading the prequels. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for the sequel as well. I loved the underlying mystery and can't wait to see more questions answered in the next instalment.

Thank you, netgalley and the publisher, for this ARC. Opinions are my own.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of a series, this novel picks up the quest to find the missing woman who witnessed the duel that appeared to cause the death of the Duke of Cuttyngham. Sophia has managed to escape her overbearing and cruel family members, who will take whatever measures they can to get her back under their control, but she has a champion in the cold and somewhat austere Earl of Frostbrook. Aaron has spent his adult life avoiding his mother's machinations to have him marry a woman of her choice, thereby earning him the moniker of Frost. However, in Sophia, he finds a woman who is not afraid to stand up to him, is witty, and to some degree, self-sufficient. Thinking to outwit his mother, Aaron invites Sophia to his mother's house party, but unfortunately, her relatives are somehow included in the mix. The plot takes off at a rapid pace bringing all the main players once again to Brussels where Wellington is preparing for the face-off with Bonaparte. Here Aaron and Sophia's story reaches its climax and comes to a good conclusion. I received a copy of this novel as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Marti · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful story!

I thoroughly enjoyed this third book in the series built around a duel. I love how all the characters and their stories are intertwined, yet unique. The fact that they are connected simply by family, friendship or social interactions is enough to create deeper and, often, more meaningful and intimate connections. Sophia and Frostbrook (an Earl) get off to a very rocky start but Frostbrook finds Sophia refreshingly straightforward and easy to be around. Deciding to outmaneuver his mother’s matchmaking schemes with a faux betrothal to Sophia turns out to be both a blessing and a curse, as love and villainous relatives make both their lives much more complicated than they expected. I have fallen in love with each of the major characters in these books, as well as the vast supporting cast; they are all so real and believable. The story flows well and is hard to put down, as Ms Lancaster is a masterful storyteller.

[June Calvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A worthy third in a wonderful series!

Deserted (Book 3 of The Duel) by Mary Lancaster, is a wonderful Regency romance. It is part of a series, and I have also read the first two. I have enjoyed them all, but I do believe this is my favorite. I think one could begin the series here, but you will want to go on to read the others. What a plotting tour de force! I didn't see how the author would get this pair to Brussels as she did the other two, but she managed it!

The hero is delicious, a classic Regency bad boy who turns out to have a vulnerable side, and the heroine is a feisty, downright prickly young woman who sees him, not his wealth or title or physical beauty. Their growing love is admirably well-written. There are a few passionate scenes but never of the vulgar and highly detailed sorts which would earn it the title "steamy. " Just the right amount of heat, I thought.

[Jeanie's Kindle · Rating 4 out of 5]

When she was betrothed from the cradle to Giles Butler, Sophia had thought her live was mapped out. Giles joined the military and she was forced to wait. She and Giles agreed no ignore the betrothal since his life was to be in the military. After her parents death, her home was entailed and she went to live with cousins. They put her in worse than servants quarters and she was treated poorly. Giles came to see if she could help his friend a duchess by pretending to be her companion. Sophia was thrilled for the chance to be free of the oppression of her cousins. She went to the duchess' estate. The duchess quickly left her to restore the dowger house while she went to warn Giles of an impending danger. Hers the duchess' stepdaughter soon left to become a companion. Sophia was alone again. So her saga continues until her cousins come to take her forcefully home. That's when Lord Frostbrook rescues her and asks for her to assist him.

[Me Meshelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deserted
by Mary Lancaster

I have fallen in love with Mary Lancaster. Deserted, tells the story of Aaron, the Earl of Frostbrook and Miss Sophia Wallace and their very intense and beautifully woven love story. After the death of her father Sophia ends up being taken in by her cousins, who treat her like a servant, on one such occasion she meets our hero Aaron.

This story is wonderfully written and the plot keeps you in suspense. These days I find so many stories predictable but I'm happy to say this plot while not new was written in a way that kept me riveted. I loved prickly Sophia, so amazing with her sharp words and comebacks and enjoyed reading along as Sophia worked through Aaron's layers. Their love story was well paced and had some swoon . I plan to read the others.

I received a copy for an honest review.

[DD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book three, not the hero/heroine I was expecting. When Sophia, was left alone after the death of her father, she was taken in by cousins, and became a recency Cinderella. After years of mistreatment Sophia accepted a job as companion to the Rosamund widow of the duke killed in the duel (the central plot of the series) only to find herself not only face to face with a gentleman she met at a ball and hoped never to see again, but that Rosalind leaves her at the ducal estate when she follows her heart to Brussels.
Frost - Earl of Frostbrook, rake,political ally to the late duke, recognises Sophia when he sees her again at the Dukes funeral, and finds he's still intrigued by her, and can't stay away.

The plot is a little contrived and convoluted, and in some ways predictable. I started not enjoying this book as much as the previous two in the series, but by the end was enjoying it.

[Katja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophia has been treated as a Cinderella type of drudge by her cousins and is happy to escape and be her grace's companion. Only the duchess has gone away with her new lover and Sophia's cousins contact her again. Lord Frostbrook intervenes and Sophia finds herself on an adventure with him. But her cousin does not give up and there is some danger to come. I liked the dialogue and the book was a quick, entertaining read that kept my interest. The romance stands alone but the series has some overlapping backstory and an overarching mystery subplot that does not get resolved here so this would be more enjoyable read in a series.
Steam level: a short wedding night scene
I received a netgalley copy and this is a voluntary review.

[Pat Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 3 of The Duel series and it just doesn’t get any better than this! What a thrill ride Sophie goes through! It was hard reading about the bully tactics her family did to her, but see her get up, dust herself off and keep going is a testimony of strength and endurance. I loved how the author described Aaron and his path to falling in love. The shenanigans they pulled on his mom was priceless, the trap they set for her family was hilarious and the fright Sophie goes through was very emotional. All are signs of a good novel when so many emotions are put into play! Hopefully, the clues in this book will lead to the end of the mystery of the Duke’s death will finally be revealed in the next book !

I received this ARC copy for free and these are my own opinions.

[Copper78 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked Deserted, the writing is good and the characters are likable. The story is a bit convoluted at the beginning especially, with a childhood betrothal, a fiance who killed a duke in a duel but then ran off with the duchess, but his fiance was the duchess's companion. And then there's an earl who was the 2nd in the duel but is trying to clear the man of a murder charge. It gets even weirder but things start to make more sense after the first 30% or so.  The H/h are openly in love which is sweet and refreshing, but it makes for lower angst.  There is also only 1 sex scene and it's at the very end and not very detailed. I just find that unusual for this genre. I would have liked to see detailed karma of what happened to the cousins. 3.5 stars, rounding up to 4.

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the death of her father, Sophia goes to live with her cousins. After several years of abysmal treatment she jumps at the chance to escape, even though she knows nothing of the lady in question who employs her as a companion. Before too long the lady abandons her and her cousin reappears trying to bully her to return to his home. An unlikely hero in the shape of the Earl of Frostbrook saves her and despite their previous encounters a prickly friendship develops and maybe something deeper. Matters of the heart seem to be going well, until the villain strikes yet again…
Best read after the other stories in this series.

[Barty · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. really enjoyable book that starts with the tropes of 'he forgot her after kissing her months ago' when the 'icy starchy earl mmc thought she was a servant and propositioned her' when the 'fmc is mistreated impoverished relation and now working as a companion' and progressed to a fake engagement scenario. it was fast paced and I loved it. but for me the whole mad dash to Brussels was too contrived and dragged a bit as it was clearly just a way to link this story to other stories and couples in the series and I disliked it because plotwise, it was too contrived. but oh well, ya can't have it all. I adored the lovely sweet developing romance between this couple.

[Avril Hemingway · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well written, the plot is intricate and keeps you in suspense. It is not at all predictable and kept me riveted. The character's were well written but the books do need to be read in order as an intriguing mystery concerning the duel in book 1 and the death of the Duke of Cuttyngham is interwoven throughout all the books in the series. Great read can't wait for the last book to see the ending of the mystery. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Petula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophia has been deserted yet again. This time at least she is in a safe place. She hopes.

The Earl of Frostbrook protects himself with a very haughty appearance. Luckily for our heroine, that is a smoke screen. 

This historical romance is a grand adventure filled with secrets and lies. It is part of a series that is much better read in order, but each book could be read alone. There are all linked by one pivotal event. All the characters are unusual and good fun. There is obviously at least one more person to have his own story told. I look forward to reading it.