Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

The Wayward Yorks #5

Duke Around and Find Out

Rate this book
In the heart of London, notorious rake and society scandal, Lord Leo Wyndham, finds himself entangled in an unexpected venture. Determined never to succumb to the chains of matrimony, Leo, known for his devilish charm and disregard for social norms, takes on the challenge of transforming the demure and overlooked Miss Arabella Hall into the toast of the ton. A wealthy heiress with a hidden past in service, Arabella, despite her beauty, languished in the shadows of high society. With a devil-may-care attitude, Leo embarks on a mission to showcase her allure, to thrust her into the spotlight.

As Leo delves deeper into his self-imposed mission, he finds himself ensnared by Arabella’s quiet strength and genuine spirit. Unbeknownst to him, his heart betrayed his aversion to commitment, and he longs for more than just a matchmaking triumph. However, Arabella, acutely aware of Leo’s reputation, remains oblivious to his growing affections. Convinced that he could only see her as a social project, she’s resolved to secure a suitable match for herself, all the while grappling with the stigma of her humble origins. Amidst the glittering ballrooms and scandalous escapades, a tale of unexpected love unfolds, challenging both hero and wallflower to defy societal expectations and embrace the possibility of a future they never imagined.

182 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 15, 2024

244 people are currently reading
88 people want to read

About the author

Tamara Gill

122 books1,010 followers
Tamara is an Australian author who grew up in an old mining town in country South Australia, where her love of history was founded. She loves to write romance novels in an array of genres, including regency, medieval, and time travel.

https://linktr.ee/tamaragillauthor

Buy direct from my store - now open!
https://www.tamaragill.com

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
364 (57%)
4 stars
188 (29%)
3 stars
57 (8%)
2 stars
17 (2%)
1 star
8 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
375 reviews9 followers
November 21, 2024
I can't say it's original, I can't say it's realistic, I can't say it's bad, but I can't say it's good either.

I liked the title, it fits the plot!
Profile Image for Pam  Bereznak.
1,773 reviews127 followers
April 30, 2024
I read one of Tamara Gill's books back in 2014 but didn't start reading her regularly until late 2018. This is my 56th book by her. She is one of my favorite authors. Her stories are well written and she always has such good yummy sex. I wish they were longer reads. I forget how good she really is until I start reading a new book. This has been a fantastic series. I have loved each book. I put book 3 on my favorite books read list.

I am also putting this book on one of my favorite reads for February list. I LOVED Arabella and Leo. I loved their personalities and their chemistry. Sex was super hot. I love this trope. I always like when a good women can bring a man to his knees. SO DAMN GOOD!
Profile Image for Elaine.
4,260 reviews92 followers
March 14, 2024
The Wayward Yorks stories are so raunchy. This is book 5, and the sex is very explicit with Leo and Arabella - and I loved it! 5☆
Profile Image for Bridget Love to read Lewis.
2,373 reviews31 followers
March 21, 2024
This one was kind of hard for me to read! The story of Leo and Arabella was all over the place!
It starts with Arabella sneaking into a party and his office to steal her brothers gambling vowels she is caught!
Leo still basically tells her it’s her problem then later feels bad because of her paying the debts and her servitude background!
They strike up a partnership where he will use his influence as a heir to a Duke to get her a husband! But he has a terrible reputation as a rake and whore!? This will help!
He also is not sure he would ever want just one woman!?
The brother thing got resolved then Arabella strikes up a partnership with another Lord to make Leo jealous. Leo is a mess emotionally and mentally there are only a few clues initially on why he’s that way!
The jealousy thing worked for the other Lord not Arabella!
Then there is a scare based on repercussions of their intimacy!
Then the Duke passes away and Leo assumes the title still not sure he actually be a good person he’s not! He says cruel and unjust things to Arabella!
Arabella eventually forgives him after a brief and I do mean brief grovel period!
Leo pouts and spouts love and all is forgiven umm no mam!
But they do get a HEA and there is a brief interaction with Lady Reign who I love!
Profile Image for Janet.
5,119 reviews63 followers
February 8, 2024
Lord Leo Wyndham, heir to a dukedom, is known for his charm and disregard for social norms, he also hosts scandalous parties. During a party he finds a woman rifling through his desk drawers. Miss Arabella Hall is a wealthy heiress with a hidden past in service, whose brother is intent on gambling away her fortune, hence her search for a marker at Leo’s party. Leo decides to pretend to court her after seeing her accosted by a young lord wanting her to pay her brother’s debt.
The finale of the series & it’s easily read on its own. I loved both Leo & Arabella, he’s determined not to marry after an abusive childhood, she wants to be loved. The chemistry between them sizzled but they also became friends. A very well written, well paced book which I read straight through. I was drawn in from the first page & left with a smile on my face at the end as I thoroughly enjoyed their rocky journey to a HEA.. A fitting finale to this lovely series
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Profile Image for Nicole.
899 reviews16 followers
March 27, 2024
Loved it

What an excellent story to end this series with.

This story has it all from the rags to riches to wallflower, to reformed rake, to a rich heiress.

He is out to help save her reputation and to help keep her brother from gambling and she is going to help keep the marriage minded mamas at bay for him however even though he's determined to not feel anything but friendship for her once he has a sample of her kiss, he knows he must have her and she knows no one else will do but him. It took one kiss and their fate was sealed by falling in love with each despite trying to fight how they felt for each other.


I thoroughly enjoyed this story from beginning to end..

I definitely can't wait to see what Tamara has in store next.
Profile Image for Margaret.
3,157 reviews32 followers
March 19, 2024
Lord Leo Wyndham, the Marquess of Wyndham, "is a cad, a rake and a rouge.' The last man in London Arabella Hall should know or trust. She hopes this is her last season to find a husband. A fake courtship and a promise as a friend, Leo offers his help to find one, until passionate kisses and carriage rides bring out the worst of his personality. How can Arabella love such a man? Very descriptive sex.
Profile Image for AmazingJ.
958 reviews7 followers
March 9, 2024
Absolutely Wonderful Delightful, Entertaining & Romantic.

The last book in this series was Absolutely Wonderful.

Arabella & Leo's were wonderful characters.

I loved his reaction towards the end.
So sD the series is over but look forward to reading more books from Tamera Gill.
2,290 reviews7 followers
February 9, 2025
„Vom Schurken zum Duke“ von Tamara Gill ist der fünfte Band ihrer unterhaltsamen Reihe The Wayward Yorks.
Trotz ihres enormen Erbes ist Miss Arabella Hall in den Londoner Ballsälen eine Ausgestoßene und bleibt unbeachtet. Ihre Vergangenheit als Dienstmädchen und ihr spielsüchtiger Bruder lassen scheinbar jeden Gentleman zurückschrecken und so scheint eine passende Heirat aussichtslos. Als sie von Lord Leo Wyndham in seinem Arbeitszimmer erwischt wird, wie sie einen der zahlreichen Schuldscheine ihres Bruders vernichten will, ist er unfreiwillig beeindruckt. Leo ist ein berüchtigter Schurke, aber trotzdem macht er Arabella ein Angebot. Er täuscht als zukünftiger Duke Interesse an ihr vor, so dass auch andere Bewerber aufmerksam werden. Arabella willigt ein, aber keiner von beiden hat damit gerechnet, dass sich ihre ungewöhnliche Freundschaft bald zu etwas viel Tieferem entwickeln könnte.

Der Schreibstil von Tamara Gill liest sich leicht und flüssig und die beiden sympathischen Hauptfiguren lassen keine Langeweile aufkommen. Die Bücher der Reihe hängen nur lose zusammen, so dass man keine Vorkenntnisse benötigt. Erneut treffen hier große Standesunterschiede aufeinander, die erst überwunden werden müssen.
Arabella ist wunderschön und vermögend, aber sie bleibt trotzdem ein unbeachtetes Mauerblümchen. Ihr Traum von einer Liebesheirat verschwindet immer mehr, denn die Spielsucht ihres Bruders und ihre niedere Herkunft lassen alle potenziellen Bewerber verschwinden. Der Plan von Leo klingt unkonventionell, aber logisch, so dass Arabella einverstanden ist. Doch Herzschmerz ist vorprogrammiert, denn schnell wird deutlich, dass sie ihr Herz ausgerechnet an den größten Heiratsmuffel Londons verschenkt hat.
Leo versteckt hinter seiner charmanten und unverbindlichen Fassade ein großes Herz, welches immer stärker für Arabella schlägt. Er hat jedoch seine Gründe, warum er sich niemals ernsthaft binden will.
Die Chemie zwischen den beiden Hauptfiguren funktioniert richtig gut und ich mag ihre amüsanten Schlagabtausche. Es ist unterhaltsam, die beiden bei ihrem Hin und Her zu beobachten, auch wenn der Ausgang natürlich vorhersehbar ist.

Mein Fazit:
Ich gebe gern eine Leseempfehlung!
Profile Image for Tina M..
17 reviews3 followers
February 25, 2024
This novel is the last in The Wayward Yorks series. This is the first complete series of Tamara’s that I’ve read. This last novel revolves around the main characters of Leo and Arabella.
Leo is a complete and utter rake when the novel begins. He throws parties full of debauchery and flitters from one woman to the next, never committing to anyone. Arabella, on the other hand, is an innocent who comes from a service background. She has inherited a vast sum of money from a relative. Seemingly, the fact that she’s worth a great deal of money should cause suitors to line up at her door but they do not.
It comes to Arabella’s attention that her lack of success in the marriage mart has less to do with her background and more to do with her wastrel brother and his gambling problems. Leo comes to her aid by pretending to be a serious suitor so that, hopefully, others will follow his lead.
While Leo and Arabella are “pretending” to court, they both start to develop real feelings for the other. Being a rake and having had a less than loving upbringing, Leo pushes back against his burgeoning feelings.
The remainder of the novel goes into their increasingly physical relationship and potential repercussions. Leo strikes out at Arabella horribly and she, in turn, pulls away from him. This being a historical romance, they will of course end up together. It’s the path they take, specifically Leo, that makes the difference.
This is a short novel so we don’t really get to delve too deeply into the nitty gritty of the backstories of our hero and heroine. There is plenty of open door sex, mainly after the halfway point of the novel.
If you want a quick read with some spice and sweet, you’ll enjoy this novel.
I was given the opportunity to review this novel prior to its release date. My opinions are, therefore, my own.
222 reviews3 followers
February 12, 2024
*Spoilers ahead*


Arabella, a former housemaid, is now an heiress thanks to an inheritance she received from a distant relative. Her feckless brother is racking up gambling debts all around town and in an effort to help him, she sneaks into Lord Leo Wyndham’s library to steal back the vowels. She is of course caught by Leo.

“Just before their lips touched, he set her back, shaking his head. "I did not say I wanted you to kiss my lips…"

“He deserved the stinging slap that landed across his face a moment after he uttered the words. Of course, he knew a little prim-and-proper miss would never kiss him where he really wanted her to, but it was always worth a try.” This whole scene made me laugh and is indicative of the verbal sparring between the two early on.

After witnessing Arabella being ostracised at a ball and also being accosted by a man her brother owes money to, he resolves to help her by pretending to woo her in order to attract the attentions of a possible future husband. He starts to have feelings for her himself however, culminating in him taking her virginity in a carriage! Although we know about Leo’s scandalous parties full of gambling, orgies, and rutting, I am glad none of this was overtly portrayed especially of him partaking in these activities. The half star off is for his treatment of Arabella after she believes herself to be pregnant. What did he think would happen if he didn’t withdraw or use a sheath? Maybe he could have grovelled more after he comes to his senses and realises he loves her but I was happy for their happy ending and the epilogue is just lovely and joyous. 4.5/5 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Debbie Steed.
203 reviews4 followers
February 19, 2024
This is another fantastic book by Tamara Gill! 🎉🎉 Each book I read of hers becomes my favourite, until I read the next one! All her books are so well written and this one is no exception. This book reads well as a standalone book.

It follows the relationship between Arabella Hall, who is an heiress from very humble beginnings. She inherited a fortune from an uncle she had never met. Her younger brother Fredrick received nothing so he relies on Arabella to pay his bills and also his debts. He owes a lot of money to gambling hells. Including a debt to Lord Wyndham’s (Leo Carnarvon) gambling hell.

Leo is a duke who is intent on remaining single and not siring an heir so the ducal line will end with him to spite his father. Arabella goes to see if she can get Leo to help her with brother’s debt and the meeting doesn’t end well. They meet again later at a ball and after finding out that Arabella’s prospects of marriage were bleak, Leo suggests to Arabella a fake courtship between them to improve her prospects. The plan seems to work but as Arabella is getting more attention from other suitors, Leo, against all he believes about love and marriage is finding it difficult to let her go. Even when they do get together, the path to their happy ending is very bumpy. There’s steamy open door scenes of intimacy which are very well written.

I devoured this book in almost one reading. Ms Gill writes with depth and detail I did not want to put it down. The character growth of both characters was a delight to read, especially Leo’s. There were some lovely secondary characters and a delightful epilogue to finish the story with. I would recommend this book anbd this author to anyone who enjoys historical romance with steamy scenes and a happy ending. I’m now going to fill my shopping cart with the previous books in this series.

I received a special copy of this book from the author. I’m leaving this review voluntarily. All views and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Rainelle.
2,164 reviews121 followers
February 21, 2024
Duke Around and Find Out. My fellow readers. I like to say thank you to my favorite character in the book, Leo. His outstanding performance in, Duke Around and Find Out” was one that had my heart melting for him. The authors writing is truly supreme. The book is made with a whole lot of sweetness that you will enjoy. While reading such a romantic novella, I found it very easy to tune out my surroundings and simply read. Arabella’s is a lady who is just marvelous. I believe that she had Leo’s number from the first moment that they met. The two spend most of their time challenging one another over the simplest acts or conversations.
When the two go beyond those challenges. When they meet that level something is ignited one night by a scorching, hot kiss. Ladies Leo has a dangerous mouth when it comes to dirty talk before, during and after he has filled you with his juices. Read the book. How Arebella sat at that breakfast table the next day, and not throw herself on the table, offering herself up to Leo’s as his breakfast tray, I do not know.
I had a fantastic time with the two main characters and their incredible love story. It was the passion. The truth. And someone taking that leap into the carriage when it clicked. Then out of no where he was knocked over by a ball fabric. If you love a sweet, charming and some very passionate kissing, touching, licking and sucking, then you are sure to enjoy this book.
I did. I give this book two snaps and a, “lay down and scream my name as I take you hard and fast. Leo! Until next time my fellow readers. Read on!
Profile Image for Lana Birky.
1,678 reviews22 followers
February 16, 2024
This was such a delightful and charming historical romance, which features a notorious rake and a wallflower heiress. Lord Leo Wyndham, known for his scandalous parties, outrageous exploits & aversion to marriage, agrees to help Miss Arabella Hall, a wealthy but overlooked beauty, find a suitable match in the ton. However, as he spends more time with her, he discovers that she is not as timid & plain as he thought, but rather a spirited & intelligent young woman who captivates his heart. Arabella, on the other hand, is unaware of Leo’s growing feelings for her, & believes that he only sees her as a social project. She also struggles with the stigma of her humble origins & the secrets of her past. Will Leo be able to convince Arabella that he loves her for who she is, & not for her fortune? Will Arabella be able to trust Leo and overcome her fears of rejection?

This was a well-written & engaging story that explores love, trust, & social expectations. I loved Leo & Arabella from the beginning as they were both so likable & I rooted for their HEA. The chemistry between them was sizzling-sweet, & their banter witty & amusing. The plot moved along a good pace & kept me turning pages to see what would happen next. Duke Around and Find Out was a very enjoyable conclusion to the series & I highly recommend it & the entire series! I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for JenReviews4U.
475 reviews
March 1, 2024
Leo Wyndham is on the verge of becoming a duke pending his father's death which can't happen soon enough. Leo had a horrible childhood and so he thinks the only way to reverse those repressed feelings is by being a notorious rake and having as much pleasure as he can, and he does. Suddenly he stumbles across overlooked Miss Arabella Hall. She's recently come into the ton by way of money but no one pays her any heed. Leo decides to be charitable and find her a husband but what starts out as a mission soon turns into possession as Leo struggles to let Arabella go to another man.

While I enjoyed this story very much, I was very turned off with how Leo treated Arabella towards the end and then made up with her. So as to not give it away, I will just say that Leo should have been made to do way more than just what he did to make up. It felt like Arabella gave in and the message being that intimacy can just cure all. It also felt a rushed way to end the story after all this build up.

Story line was very good, characters could have used more in development (this is one area where it felt rushed), steamy- oh yes! But with some scenes being unnecessary. Stand-alone- yes. I do recommend this book despite my feelings on the ending. The epilogue was cute.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,031 reviews11 followers
February 14, 2024
Another great book from a fabulous author. Leo is a rogue who throws lavish, wild and wicked parties that the Ton all clamour to attend. Arabella is wealthy young lady with a gambler for a brother who is running up debts all over London, debts he expects her to pay. Arabella sneaks into Leo's house and study to destroy his IOUs only to be caught red handed by Leo himself. Leo refuses to relinquish the debt and Arabella refuses to pay anymore of his debts, but when Leo witnesses an altercation between Arabella and a peer that her brother owes money too, Leo steps in and they have words. Words that stop the doors opening to her brother and creditors at her door with her brother sent to cool his heels in the country. Arabella is left with Leo offering to help her find a husband whilst pretending to court her. Can Leo stop the attraction he feels for her as she invades his every waking thought not to mention his nightly ones as well. Arabella wants a husband, but only if he is Leo, will Leo break her heart or make her dreams come true.
Profile Image for Ghazal.
430 reviews9 followers
February 10, 2024
Wow! Wow! Wow! Tamara Gill has blown me away. Duke Around and Find Out is without a doubt, my favorite book. Sadly, this is the last book in the Wayward Yorks series, but I am definitely looking forward to any and all of her future books. Arabella Hall, once a housemaid, now an heiress, is hoping to marry. Lord Leo Wyndham, future Duke of Carnavon, meets Arabella for the first time when she is ruffling through his desk. The immediate attraction he has to her leads him to pretend to fake a courtship so both benefit, one by not being hounded by society mothers, and for Arabella, she hopes that when she is seen in the company of a duke, that it will attract wanted suitors. Arabella and Leo have such memorable personalities and theit mutual attraction, though helpless is hopeful... Great story!
346 reviews2 followers
February 15, 2024
Miss Arabella Hall, an heiress from Brighton, is trying to help her brother with his gambling debts when she enters the home of the Lord Leo Wyndham, a Marquess and heir to the Duke of Carnavon to steal them back. She is caught by Leo while fumbling through his desk but he refuses to release her brother from his debt. After learning that Arabella is having to pay her brother's debts and this is preventing the men of the ton from approaching her, Leo agrees to pretend to court Arabella in an attempt to provide competition for the eligible bachelors. Of course the best laid plans often go awry and both Arabella and Leo must fight the attraction they are developing for each other. What a hot and steamy addition to the Wayward Yorks series.

I received an ARC from Tamara Gill and Bookfunnel and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,388 reviews20 followers
February 11, 2024
It’s okay to cry. Damn, Tamara, I read that and was balling. Fantastic story. I swear I say this every time I read a new Tamara book, but this one was just WOW. My favorite of this series. I love that Leo was an unrepentant rake. There was no wishy washy about it. But…and this is a big but, he cannot help himself from feeling. Arabella and Leo’s story is filled with snarky banter, unrequited feelings and amazing love. Don’t worry, unrequited feelings are requited. I feel as if I am gushing and am not ashamed of it at all.

This story has a good grovel scene, which was deserved on Arabella’s part. Leo did good.
387 reviews3 followers
February 9, 2024
Leo had such a horrible childhood that he is determined never to marry or have children. His life is about being joyous and having fun. Anabelle because an heiress from a commoner and is looking for love and marriage. Two truly opposite people who are drawn together. This is their journey and what a journey it is. The last of a series, the icing on top of a delicious cake! This author puts her all into her stories and this one is filled with deep emotions below the surface. A lovely read, that moves along at a decent speed.
551 reviews6 followers
February 18, 2024
FRIENDS TO LOVERS

Arabella and Leo were such a cute couple. Their love was built from friendship and kindness. They really just enjoyed spending time together and the love just built from there. Leo said he never wanted to marry so Arabella thought it was impossible for him to love her, but she was still willing to try a d make it happen. They did have an obstacle at the end that they needed to get through, but ultimately they talked it out and she forgave, and they got their happily ever after.

This was a sweet story with relatable characters that were easy to love.
Profile Image for Wendy Crawford.
163 reviews2 followers
February 19, 2024
Arabella & Leo

Leo, Lord Wyndham, is a notorious rake, a rogue and all around disreputable gentleman. When Arabella's brother signs a voucher to Leo, trouble ensues, as Frederick doesn't have any money to pay up. Arabella decides to sneak into Lord Wyndham's townhouse and steal the IOU, saving everyone a lot of trouble. When she gets caught, by Lord Wyndham himself, bargains are struck, and shenanigans ensue. Will Leo realize that he does deserve love and happiness, or will he run, fleeing from his own insecurities?

Another fabulous read from Tamara Gill!
Profile Image for CATHERINE  BURHANS .
817 reviews8 followers
February 19, 2024
Arabella was a maid who becomes an heiress but she never feels accepted by the ton. Leo, heir to a Dukedom, decides to help her find a good match, since he himself is a renowned Rake and has no intentions of marrying himself. As they spend time together, their relationship grows, as they try to deny their love for one another. The reader is treated to charming dialogue and delightful romance, although at times it was hard to like the Duke as he said very cruel things to Arabella, as he tried to push her out of his life. Altogether, it was a very enjoyable read!
Profile Image for Belinda Magro.
218 reviews4 followers
February 29, 2024
I just love sitting down and devouring another Tamara Gill book. They are like a warm comforting hug. I love how I feel when I read her books and this one was no different. It is always guaranteed to be full of steam, wonderful characters who make you laugh, swoon and fall in love with.

I loved Arabella and Leo, the cheeky rake. I loved their banter, the "fake" courting amd how they both tried so hard to deny their attraction for each other.

My only criticism is I wish this book was longer!

I received an arc and my opinion is my own and review is submitted voluntarily.
262 reviews8 followers
February 22, 2024
This book had enjoyable storyline I finished it in just one day. The charming Leo is just a little bit rakish that you can't help but falling in love with his character just meets his match Arabella who has just entered the Ton a little bit naive but wants a love match. The intimacy scenes were really hot I loved the authors ability to write such emotional connection between her characters. Loved the happily ever after epilogue.
456 reviews2 followers
May 18, 2024
What a wonderful end to the series,

Arabella was out to save her brother Frederick from his gambling debts and found herself in the company of Leo. They reached an agreement to assist her in finding a husband and nothing went as planned. The book took several turns and some left you wondering about his character. I loved them both and will not spoil the story. Great book with some spice and wonderful author. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Aj.
2,469 reviews
February 14, 2024
A beautifully crafted romance, I loved the characters and the writing. Leo, a notorious rake meets his match with the quiet and assured Arabella. I loved their chemistry and banter, and their journey is passionate and heart felt. An unexpected love that leads to a much deserved happily ever after for both Leo and Arabella.
Profile Image for Brenda.
3,394 reviews44 followers
February 24, 2024
Meant To Be
In the heart of London, notorious rake and society scandal, Lord Leo Wyndham, finds himself entangled in an unexpected venture. Determined never to succumb to the chains of matrimony,
Arabella and Leo are meant to be together. Unless their arguments change all that.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.
85 reviews
September 24, 2024
Ugh ….. such plain and simplistic writing, stringing words together like a middle-schooler. The plot developed heavy-handedly. When I came to chapter six, I was wondering if this story took a chapter out of the “Duke and I” by Julia Quinn. I know there are tropes … and then there are …. copies. Overall a very disappointing read.
Profile Image for Shelly.
401 reviews2 followers
February 10, 2024
Leo and Arabella are wonderful together! They dance around each other all season long, along with dancing around their feelings for each other. Such fun!

I received a free copy of this book from the author. The thoughts and opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.