O duque implacável: Romance histórico vitoriano

Rogue's Guild #1

by Scarlett Scott

Um romance repleto de mistérios e desejos.



Trevor Hunt, duque de Ridgely, frequentemente é descrito como um homem sedutor, ardiloso e um completo canalha — a má fama, em grande parte, tem um fundo de verdade. Desprezado por sua família e detestado por muitos, ele forjou sua reputação nas sombrias ruas de Londres. Entretanto, combater inimigos mortais e maridos enfurecidos nunca o preparou para o desafio mais caótico de sua tornar-se tutor de uma jovem dama inocente e enigmática.

Lady Virtue Walcot tem sido assombrada pela solidão ao longo de sua existência. Negligenciada e abandonada, ela transformou sua infeliz sorte em uma vantagem — mergulhou em livros e conhecimento —, desejando construir uma vida com independência. Porém, seu mundo é virado de cabeça para baixo com o falecimento súbito de seu pai, que a deixa sob os cuidados de Trevor.

Para o duque, Lady Virtue rapidamente se torna um estorvo indesejável. Durante doze meses, até ela atingir a maioridade, ele se empenhará ao máximo para encontrar um marido adequado para ela e honrar as últimas vontades do homem que lhe confiou o destino da filha.

No entanto, uma intensa paixão surge entre os dois, fazendo com que o desejo se torne uma força incontornável cada vez que se aproximam. Mas Trevor ainda enfrenta outros ele é caçado por um adversário que jurou sua ruína, o que o obriga a proteger Virtue dos perigos que seu passado sombrio traz consigo. Para ele, estes são problemas completamente um, sedutoramente atraente e o outro, mortalmente perigoso.

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical, Romance, Regency, Historical Fiction, Enemies To Lovers, Marriage Of Convenience

332 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 14, 2023

About the author

USA TODAY bestselling author Scarlett Scott writes steamy Victorian and Regency historical romances with strong, intelligent heroines and sexy alpha heroes. She lives in Pennsylvania and Maryland with her Canadian husband, their adorable identical twins, a demanding diva dog, and one zany cat.

For Scarlett's latest releases, exclusive excerpts, contests and more, visit her website, http://www.scarlettscottauthor.com

Reviews

[Lady Nilambari Reads HR · Rating 5 out of 5]

5-Rogues-Are-Super-Sexy-Stars

I received an ARC from the author. All views expressed below are my own.

Ratings
Overall - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot/ Storyline - 📖📖📖📖
Romance - 💖💖💖💖💖
Feels - 🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth - 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension - ⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️
No of Sex Scenes - 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥+
Sex Scene Length - 🍆🍆🍆🍆🍆

My Thoughts
- To begin with, my sincere thanks to Scarlett Scott for sending me an ARC even though I had missed the deadline for the sign-up. Had she not done that, I would have had to wait until the release to write a glowing review as opposed to now encouraging readers to purchase and read this fun, sweet, romantic and sexy tale.
- Oh, how I enjoyed this story. I read it in a single setting; thank God for a free weekend!
- I was ecstatic reading this prickly-turned-sweet romance between a rouge and his fiesty ward. Trevor and Virtue had such a sizzling chemistry that I couldn't help but love them.
- This story was perfectly couple-centric, with the subplot adding just the right amount of intrigue that helped solidify the relationship. And I loved that. It made the reading experience lighter and happier. So I will not even complain about the lack of detailed character histories.
- Virtue, an unusually named heroine with an opposite character. Ah, how I relished her wantonness, curiosity, sharp tongue, resilience, caring nature and utter goodness. I would dearly love to befriend her.
- Trevor proves that reformed rakes do make the best husbands. Boy, did this scoundrel fall hard! I assure you it was all utterly adorable. He was ruthless, witty, mushy, gooey, sexy, hopelessly in love, protective and unafraid of his emotions. He was a classic fantastical hero.
- A delicious romance that will make you sigh, smile and laugh. Their chemistry was off the charts, full of sensuality, loving tenderness and passion. This might be the steamiest book Ms Scott has ever written.

*Yes, yes and more, please.

[Christi (christireadsalot) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Ruthless Duke was so much fun and a new favorite for me from Scarlett Scott! This is the first book in her new Rogue’s Guild series and it is a guardian/ward historical romance.

Trevor William Hunt, Duke of Ridgely and former spy, finds his hands full with an unexpected and unwanted ward. Lady Virtue, the daughter of his late friend, a Marquess, is said ward whom he describes as the “bane of his existence”. Virtue pushes all of his buttons with her spirit and sass, so his plan is to get her married off as quickly as he can.

“She was wild and wayward, and he suddenly, very badly, wanted all that energy focused upon him. He wanted to lose himself in her, with her. To worship her as she deserved.”

These two were such a delight! I loved how spirited and curious Virtue is, she’s not afraid of giving all the sass to Ridgely and not listening to his guidance. Their chemistry and passion for one another was just so good! After kinda-sorta compromising her, Ridgely informs Virtue they need to marry. This has a bit of an age gap (she’s 20, he’s 30) and we also see a good setup for the next book in the series that follows his sister! I just loved Virtue and Ridgely and couldn’t get enough of them.

“Ruin me, she thought as his tongue tangled with hers…
Ruin me as he kissed a path to her jaw…
Ruin me as he dragged his lips down her throat and then found a particularly sensitive place in the crook of her shoulder where he sank his teeth into her for a nip that she felt between her legs.”

[Vashti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable,liked both H/h.

[Sonia N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 1 in the delicious The Rogue’s Guild Series! I absolutely loved this book so very much! I am not going to give too much away because you just have to read it!
The gorgeous Duke of Ridgely finds he has a troublesome and beautiful ward.
Lady Virtue is beautiful, sassy and fierce. I loved her so much, I laughed at their dialogue!
Main characters, Lord Trevor and Lady Virtue. Their attraction is on fire 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
“You’re not marrying anyone except for me. Because you’re mine. And I’m going to kiss you now.” 65%
They act on their attraction and get caught by the Duke’s sister. She reminds him that he is a rake and a scoundrel and she is innocent and has to get married.
Later at a beautiful ball she, Virtue dances with one of her admirers and of course Trevor gets jealous.
I got goosebumps from reading this book, it’s storyline is amazing! Also, there’s someone trying to kill the Duke.
This is a wow I don’t want it to end book. It will definitely keep you engaged. I was so invested in this book!
The attention to details and the narrative, I found myself laughing. The plot in the book was a good one. The epilogue was so very beautiful! I definitely recommend this book!

[Aou · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice and hot!

[busyreadingwithASD⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 out of 5 stars rounded up:) Thank you so so much to the author for this wonderful ARC!!

My favourite book by Scarlett Scott is "Nobody's Duke" because it's just like Lisa Kleypas' "Again the Magic", so that's incredible. I've been searching for a book by this wonderful author that matched that energy and what do we have here!! That energy!! It was fantastic. Trevor is Virtue's roguish guardian >>>>>
We had a "my god I could eat you up" from Trevor... so that was everything.
We also had arse/pussy spanking... so that was, again, everything.

I love how Virtue literally went from being told off by Trevor at the beginning of the book that she did not know how to kiss and that she was pathetic at it to having her pussy spanked by him. Incredible.🥹

Make sure you read this book when it releases on March 16! And while you're at it, read Nobody's Duke too!

[Michelle Brashars · Rating 5 out of 5]

“She was the minion of Beelzebub who refused to marry and leave him in peace. She was delicious. “
What a way to start a new series🥵Her Ruthless Duke is book one of Scarlett Scott’s new Rogue’s Guild series. Trevor Hunt is the Duke of Ridgely and after his friend dies he unexpectedly becomes guardian to his friend’s 20 year old daughter, Lady Virtue. Lady Virtue is a stubborn bluestocking who has no desire to marry and just wants to return home to her estate and spend her days with her books. The two are at each other’s throat constantly and the bickering is the best kind of foreplay 😮‍💨This has to be one of Scarlett Scott’s hottest books!🔥It’s giving taboo, age gap, forbidden romance and I am HERE FOR IT! I loved that the plot focuses on the couple first and foremost. Such a good spicy historical romance! Can’t wait to read the next book in the series!

[Missy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t enjoy the romance but the intimate scenes were spicy! 🌶️ 🔥🥵 So for that, I guess I can give the book an additional star. I don't usually list the spicy scenes, but why not?

38% - hot make-out scene (my heart was pounding as I read this scene), breast play, and fingering in the library (on a setter, maybe) but she takes over because his pace wasn’t fast enough for her (🤭 you go, girl!)
53% - kissing, breast play (I believe), and cunnilingus on a window seat in the music room
69% - kissing, some breast play with her seated on the dining table. A little bit of fingering but he pulls his hand away and leaves the room.
- marriage consummation, he spills inside her (% is not in my status updates, and I'm too lazy to look it up)
83% - role play from The Tale of Love, bondage and pussy spanking, he spends inside her
- references of him taking her in any room at any time. One specific example was him pleasuring her while she was standing on the ladder in the library. Reminded me of Simon and Daphne from season 1 of Bridgerton.
92% - blow job, 69, then her on top. I can’t remember if they switched positions. He cums inside her again.

I'm sure I've missed a few.

Another series completed.✔️

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uhm what a delicious way to start a new series!

Scarlett has put together yet another an amazing story that has the forbidden romance, sparks flying between the characters and you can just feel them coming alive!!


A forbidden romance

He is her guardian and he is a rake at that, determined to never marry or fall in love ever but when his ward comes into his life, despite his life being in danger he can't resist her, she has a fiery spirit, she isn't afraid to stand up to him, and she's intelligent.

She is his ward and she's wanting nothing more than to leave London and go back to get back her old life in the country to the place she loves, never marry and away rake who is her guardian but despite fighting him at every turn she finds that she can't resist him or forget the way he makes her feel.

They realize that they are meant to be after a simple kiss despite the fact they shouldn't and no matter how much they try to fight it.

I loved this story from beginning to end

I loved seeing some characters from previous series along with future characters.

I look forward to the rest of the rest of this series!

I received this a gift from the author in exchange for an honest review and these are purely my own personal opinions.

[Debbie DiFiore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had a hard time starting it but then it took off

I truly love this authors books. I had A hard time starting it buy then I was intrigued. There were lots of salacious scenes and I did skim some of then but they were pretty hot. I loved how he fell in love first really. He could not stay away from her. He was a pretty great hero. The death threat against him was a hood premise and it was successfully dealt with at the end but the magic of this author is her ability to reform a rake and make you believe it. It was definitely swoon worthy and Trevor is one of my favorite heroes. She was a pretty naughty heroine too. Lol it was definitely spicy!

[Monika · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ruthless Duke is an age gap, forbidden historical romance, and it was a good time! Trevor William Hunt, the Duke of Ridgely is a former spy and the disgruntled guardian of Lady Virtue, the daughter of his late friend. Virtue is more of a free spirit who pushed Trevor’s buttons. The clashed a way that was foreplay. The chemistry between Virtue and Trevor is undeniably hot. The subplot was interesting and I couldn’t put it down.

[Viv “BookVixen” Gutierrez · Rating 3 out of 5]

WAYYYYY too many mentions of his past

This could’ve been so much better, but the swoon was killed by repeated mentions of the hero’s slimy std-riddled past every few pages. I will never understand why some women find syphilis sexy, but here we are! Another romance with a zero for a hero. The only good thing is that at least he was faithful after meeting heroine.

I loved the heroine; she was defiant and yet still sweet, mischievous in her attempts to thwart the duke. She was innocent and sassy.

Not safe. Hero is a manwhore, which is mentioned ad nauseum to the point i was nauseous. Heroine is a virgin and belongs only to her hero, gives him the gift of claiming all her firsts for himself. OW DRAMA!!! No sex scenes between hero and OW, but she causes trouble. Very minor OM. hea with epilogue

[A Romance Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

*4.5 stars*

Loved it!! This was such a fun, sexy Historical Romance. Loved Trevor and Virtue, their banter and chemistry was amazing!

[Carolyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just okay

If you are a big regency era reader, then you know Kindle has many stories out there in this genre. This book caught my eye on an IG ad, it was on the spicier side of the regency romance books so I thought I'd give it a try.

I was particularly disappointed in the inconsistency with the main female character. She spoke loud and proud how all she wanted was to return home / save it from ruin yet when that was taken from her she forgave the main H in like the next 3 pages (all because she has the hot and heaves for him?). Ugh eyeroll.

Please, if you are going to develop a character who has a past like Virtue (ie lonely, isolated woman, who just wants to go home) but when that's ripped away from her just rolls over and is okay with it cause "he's hot". Is a joke of a reason. I think the author tried to save it when our main H asked like two questions about her past after he basically forced her to marry him. That "oh maybe I'm an a-hole and I need to fix this". So now the main H was on a pathetic redemption arc.

I would have liked to see less spice (which was repetitive) and more in the start of the story. Of him learning her past, understanding her more, or if not that more scenes after there forced marriages of her not giving in. I mean her name is literally Virtue. Make her hold out on him until he redeems himself or something. Ugh!

Ok done ranting. Despite the regency setting this is a very contemporary trope of "instant love" and "he's a dominant alpha male who controls me but that's okay cause he's hot".

[Anna C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely perfect 🥰 Trevor William Hunt, Duke of Ridgely, has worked his way onto my list of best book boyfriends ever! Virtue is so lucky to have him, this book just smolders with the intensity of their attraction and seduction 🥵 Trevor is so drawn to Virtue, but as her guardian, he thinks it's just wrong, to want her so much, plus someone is trying to kill him, so how can he keep her safe and not seduce her in the process??? Such a great spicy read, with a wonderful hea!❤❤

[Sharon Spoden · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointed

The premise of the book had promise, but I couldn’t make myself like the characters. Hero was boorish and not relatable. Heroine was extremely disappointing. Definitely falls into the “too stupid to live category.”

[Lady Whitbrooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hate to say iit because I really love this author, but I didn’t love this book. I listened to the audio it’s set up in first person Trevor then first person Virtue, it just didn’t work for me. . The h was Little annoying. Plot 4(1-10?) steaminess 8 (1-10).

[BookishMya · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delicious romp! The wild antics of Trevor and Virtue steam up the page. Their chemistry is pure fire, and their magnetic attraction cannot be denied. Virtue’s tremendous ability to rile him up is a pure delight. She is the definition of spunk and sass and I am here for it. Despite being his ward, under his care and authority, she never fails to put him in his place. They are absolutely perfect for each other and so similarly drawn that their pairing is inevitable. Their tender affection is beautiful but their heat will keep you rapidly turning the pages, lighting a fire. A tremendous introduction to what is sure to be a wild series that I cannot wait to devour.

[shaira ✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

the ending was a bit rushed but had one heck of a fun time with this one 🥰

rating: 3.5 ⭐️

[Mama Needs to Read Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 stars!

I ADORED this book! I fell so hard for Virtue and Trevor, so perfectly matched, despite the fact that she starts out as his ward, and ten years younger to boot! The sparks fly in every way possible! The slow burn was fantastic, quickly turning into intensely spicy, but it really worked for me because it was imbued with so much tenderness and reverence. The only thing I'd change about this, if there was something to change, would have been a little more action and encounters with the villain. But I think Scott does a wonderful job focusing mainly on the relationship and incredible tension between our main characters. There are two more books in this series, and many people in our book club, Tea and Biscuits with Tara and Bea, want to read the rest of the series!! ❤️

trigger warnings: person breaking his neck after falling down the stairs, shooting/guns

[Cristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I honestly think this book is SO good was because of Virtue, our h. Such a kick-ass, will not back down, bold as heck heroine.
Although I enjoyed Trevor, and his possessiveness. I’ll admit Virtue made this story very interesting and will have to read about stories from this author.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trevor Hunt, the Duke of Ridgely, has been called many things, most of which are true. Reviled by his family, hated by many, he’s earned his reputation in the seedy streets of London and in more than his fair share of bedchambers. But battling deadly foes and irate husbands failed to prepare the duke for the most troublesome role he’s played yet: guardian to one maddening, beautiful, enticing hoyden.
Lady Virtue Walcot has spent most of her life abandoned, ignored, and forgotten by her father. When her father’s sudden death leaves her the ward of Trevor, her world is instantly upended, especially as the estate she grew up in has to be sold.
The wonderful start of a new series . I adored both Trevor & Virtue their verbal bantering was utterly delicious & the chemistry between them was off the scale. They goad each other but can't keep away from each other. There’s humour & there's danger as someone is trying to kill Trevor. The pages flew by & I devoured the book in two sittings, I just loved everything about it. There’s a delightful epilogue - I loved an epilogue but the icing on the cake are the cameos from characters from previous books. Once again the author has nailed it
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[🦉Maggie Whitworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

Another wonderful and passionate story from Scarlett, the Duke of Ridgley and his ward Lady Virtue Walcot, the daughter of his friend, are about to steam up your kindle with some very steamy interludes.
Very well written and a brilliant storyline.
It’s one you don’t want to miss.

[Judith Miguel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book of a new series and I already know that it’s going to be AMAZING!
Reviled by his family, hated by many, Trevor Hunt, the Duke of Ridgely has earned his reputation in the seedy streets of London and in more than his fair share of bedchambers. Lady Virtue Walcot has spent most of her life abandoned, ignored, and forgotten. She’s used her unfortunate circumstances to her advantage, filling her time with books and knowledge, yearning to build an independent life for herself. When her father’s sudden death leaves her the ward of a ruthless former spy, her world is instantly upended.
An innocent ward is a burden Ridgely never asked for, and he’ll do everything he can to see the chit wedded and his duties happily ended. There’s just one small problem. He can’t stop thinking of ways he might put the luscious Lady Virtue’s sharp tongue to better use than pointed barbs in his direction. And then there’s the matter of the unknown villain who’s trying to kill him. Best make that two small problems, one deuced enticing and the other downright dangerous…
OMG this book! Absolutely HOT and addictive. I fell in love with Trevor from the beginning and Virtue (what a perfectly ironic name for someone so open to placer) made me smile and adore her with her witty answers and her endearing rebellion. They could start a fire in every place with their simple attraction. I couldn’t stop reading, laughing and sighing with this story.
I always say that Scarlett Scott writes some of the best sex scenes in historical romance and every one of her books is different and sexy. And this one is no exception. I highly recommend this author and this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

...let me practice my seductive lean...

3.5

This was my second Scarlett Scott novel and I was pleasantly surprised! For some reason, the other novel I read by this author I didn't rate very well. However, this one hit at the right time and was quite enjoyable!

I liked the dynamics between Trevor and Virtue. (yeah..the heroine's name is odd, but she's cool) Virtue is Trevor's ward, so there was a bit of a taboo aspect here. Not huge, but it was a part of their conflict. The chemistry between the two was on point. I also liked that it didn't take Trevor long to realize that he cared deeply for Virtue.

What stopped me from giving this book a higher rating was the sub-plot. Trevor is attacked a few times and so there's a bit of a mystery as to who is behind them and why. While the romance was strong, this was weak. I think a re-work of that into the story line would really add to this story and make it a 4 star read.

Overall though, happy to have given this author another chance!

Reading Challenge 2023
Month: April Letters: G/H

[Josee A · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great emotional journey for Trevor and Virtue. Both learning how to love and to depend on someone when neither have had that experience before. There was angst and simmering tension at the beginning but as they grew to know each other, they developed an emotional connection where they were allowed to be vulnerable, loved, and thus freed of any past chains holding them back. Virtue was very strong in her own way even in the midst of her whole life being turned around. Trevor’s love and dedication to her was a revelation to him and to Virtue and probably to all others who knew them. The heat in this book is intense just as the emotions involved are. I loved the ability of Scarlett to allow you to see and feel while you read her stories. You won’t be disappointed for sure! I never miss on of Scarlett’s books as she is one of my favorites! I definitely get lost in them in the best of ways! Even though I received an ARC, I will definitely be purchasing this book.

[Daniela Tavares · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25/6.
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5.

Trevor Hunt, the Duke of Ridgely, got a ward all of the sudden but he just didn't quite knew what to make of her and his attraction towards her so she had to get married except no Lord would do since Trevor couldn't help himself and end up "enjoying" his ward.
Lady Virtue Walcot wanted nothing more than return to her home which was to be sold by decree of her late father so she did everything in her power to be a nuisance to Trevor so he would send her back except things didn't go according to plan.
I loved their banter although Trevor was a bit annoying when calling her an infant however i understood why he did it.
I liked them together and i'm glad i'm caught up with the series. I can't wait for the next one to release.

[Rainelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Virtue and Trevor are a mess, but in a good way. Never have I read two people who argued and despise one another as these two. And that is how good of a writer this author is. I enjoyed the humor and the sentiment and the romance. The romance was exceptional. I was entertained by the compassion and the pleasure. I will say I would take offense to at being called an infant. Virtue is a grown woman, treat her as one. The background story was a great read. It offered great excitement to the love story. I for one can not wait for the next great read from this author. Until next time my fellow readers… read on! I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Ruthless Duke is the first entry of Scarlett Scott’s new “Rogue’s Guild” series, one which immediately follows Logan’s story in Sutton’s Secrets. Quite unexpectedly, Trevor Hunt, Duke of Ridgely, is left with a young female ward, who promptly turns his life upside down in the best of ways. While Virtue adores hanging out in the library and sneaking out alone for early morning rides in the park, she also has a great deal of passion hidden inside. Together, Trevor and Virtue are truly explosive, so much so that I read it twice in 24 hours. They have definitely become one of my all-time favorite couples among the Scarlett Scott universe. I received this book as an ARC.

[Maria Dariotis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trevor Trevor, here’s a man complaining all the way to the alter! For a spy he was completely taken over cover blown. These two are oil and water but boy oh boy when the chemistry melds together the explosion is hot! I so loved Virtue she wasn’t a pushover she’s witty and has humour everything that Trevor didn’t know he needed.

Scarlett Scott is a wonderful story teller. Her writing is magnificent. I was glued to each page. It had drama. It had suspense. It had action. It had humor. And it had romance. All that in this little book. A great smoking hot start to a new series.
Can’t wait to read Beasts story! I received a complementary copy from the author this is my honest opinion.