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In Need of a Duke
Charlotte Gairdner has been trapped in a cold marriage with the Duke of Dandridge since he abandoned her on their disastrous wedding night. Years later and desperate for freedom, Charlotte is finally ready to escape her estranged husband’s icy grip on her heart.
But just as freedom seems within reach, the duke returns with a demand for an heir, sparking a seductive game of cat and mouse. As old wounds are reopened and buried secrets come to light, their undeniable chemistry reignites, blending passion and betrayal.
Navigating a thin line between hatred and desire, can the duke and duchess heal their fractured union, or will their past destroy their second chance at love?
But just as freedom seems within reach, the duke returns with a demand for an heir, sparking a seductive game of cat and mouse. As old wounds are reopened and buried secrets come to light, their undeniable chemistry reignites, blending passion and betrayal.
Navigating a thin line between hatred and desire, can the duke and duchess heal their fractured union, or will their past destroy their second chance at love?
272 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 10, 2024
105 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 15, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
4½ stars.
➕ What I liked :
Curvy/full-figured heroine. 👍
Second chance romance.
A little tiny bit “older” heroine (29)
When the heroines body type/body size/shape is mentioned in any way it is either done so in a neutral way or more often in a positive or good way.
There is No inferiority complex and no negative comparison to other women when it comes to her looks or body.
The heroines issues has nothing to do with her looks or her body… but about her being a “wallflower” because she is considered “odd” because she was kind of a bluestocking and interested in plants etc. and also that she does not like balls and keeps mostly to herself at balls… but also some other things.
The curvy heroine is more or less written like any other heroine…like any other heroine of any other size...which is a really good thing.🙌👏👍
That the heroine realized she deserved more and better… in other words her own self-worth.
Rather interesting main characters.
(Especially the heroine.)
Rather interesting side characters.
( Especially the heroines friends.)
Good plot.
Good steam.
Not a willfully ignorant heroine or a OTT naive heroine.
Good romantic build-up and chemistry.
Rather good grovel.
Botanist/horticulturist heroine.
Having a curvy/full-figured model on the cover… for a curvy/full-figured heroine. 👍
(Good representation.)
➖ What I disliked:
The hero was too much of a jerk towards the heroine.
The hero was way too prideful even for a Duke.
The heroes daddy issues and trust issues and how easily the hero believed everybody but the heroine about the heroine only being interested in him because he was a duke.
Even with the heroes trust issues… he had no reason to believe the rumors or gossip about the heroine… she had not done anything wrong or behaved in a suspicious way… he believed the rumors/gossip just because they had sex before marriage.
And that he left her the way he did on their wedding night was really low and cowardly… and so was him not being there for the heroine when she had a miscarriage.
But also to keep staying away for 8 years and behaving like he did during those 8 years and not trying to atone/make amends during that time was really inexcusable and weak.
The couple really needed to work on their communication… and also they never really truly talked things through about what happened and what the hero did and his issues… they only scratched the surface.
Too much misunderstandings.
Sensitive issues are written/handled in a rather glossed over way.
(Emotional neglect, miscarriage etc.)
4½ stars.
➕ What I liked :
Curvy/full-figured heroine. 👍
Second chance romance.
A little tiny bit “older” heroine (29)
When the heroines body type/body size/shape is mentioned in any way it is either done so in a neutral way or more often in a positive or good way.
There is No inferiority complex and no negative comparison to other women when it comes to her looks or body.
The heroines issues has nothing to do with her looks or her body… but about her being a “wallflower” because she is considered “odd” because she was kind of a bluestocking and interested in plants etc. and also that she does not like balls and keeps mostly to herself at balls… but also some other things.
The curvy heroine is more or less written like any other heroine…like any other heroine of any other size...which is a really good thing.🙌👏👍
That the heroine realized she deserved more and better… in other words her own self-worth.
Rather interesting main characters.
(Especially the heroine.)
Rather interesting side characters.
( Especially the heroines friends.)
Good plot.
Good steam.
Not a willfully ignorant heroine or a OTT naive heroine.
Good romantic build-up and chemistry.
Rather good grovel.
Botanist/horticulturist heroine.
Having a curvy/full-figured model on the cover… for a curvy/full-figured heroine. 👍
(Good representation.)
➖ What I disliked:
The hero was too much of a jerk towards the heroine.
The hero was way too prideful even for a Duke.
The heroes daddy issues and trust issues and how easily the hero believed everybody but the heroine about the heroine only being interested in him because he was a duke.
Even with the heroes trust issues… he had no reason to believe the rumors or gossip about the heroine… she had not done anything wrong or behaved in a suspicious way… he believed the rumors/gossip just because they had sex before marriage.
And that he left her the way he did on their wedding night was really low and cowardly… and so was him not being there for the heroine when she had a miscarriage.
But also to keep staying away for 8 years and behaving like he did during those 8 years and not trying to atone/make amends during that time was really inexcusable and weak.
The couple really needed to work on their communication… and also they never really truly talked things through about what happened and what the hero did and his issues… they only scratched the surface.
Too much misunderstandings.
Sensitive issues are written/handled in a rather glossed over way.
(Emotional neglect, miscarriage etc.)
March 18, 2025
Marriage in trouble is one of my absolute favorite tropes and this DELIVERED!
For some reason I love the angst of a marriage in trouble or second chance romance more than any other angst. Rebecca Paula knocked this out of the park.
Charlotte and Ian married for love. But on their wedding night, he deserted her and left her for eight years. He's ready to return now, claiming he needs an heir for his title. Instead, Charlotte asks for a divorce. When he refuses, she runs and Ian gives chase with disastrous consequences.
I absolutely adored the process of Charlotte realizing her own self worth. Ian's months-long grovel was so well written. It's so nice when a grovel doesn't leave the reader feeling like the story is lacking. I also appreciated that there are descriptors that indicate Charlotte being a plus size heroine, but it's never anything that's ever mentioned by society, her family, her peers. It's only ever mentioned with appreciation from Ian. Beautifully done.
This book just had so many things we love about historicals: sickbed scenes, relationship angst, and a feisty heroine. If you liked Sarah MacLean's 'The Duchess Deal,' then this is a great choice!
For some reason I love the angst of a marriage in trouble or second chance romance more than any other angst. Rebecca Paula knocked this out of the park.
Charlotte and Ian married for love. But on their wedding night, he deserted her and left her for eight years. He's ready to return now, claiming he needs an heir for his title. Instead, Charlotte asks for a divorce. When he refuses, she runs and Ian gives chase with disastrous consequences.
I absolutely adored the process of Charlotte realizing her own self worth. Ian's months-long grovel was so well written. It's so nice when a grovel doesn't leave the reader feeling like the story is lacking. I also appreciated that there are descriptors that indicate Charlotte being a plus size heroine, but it's never anything that's ever mentioned by society, her family, her peers. It's only ever mentioned with appreciation from Ian. Beautifully done.
This book just had so many things we love about historicals: sickbed scenes, relationship angst, and a feisty heroine. If you liked Sarah MacLean's 'The Duchess Deal,' then this is a great choice!
July 7, 2024
Ian, the Duke of Dandridge falls for Charlotte Gairdner. They marry but he leaves on their wedding night only to reappear eight years later with a burning desire for an heir.
Why do author’s always keep the story you’re waiting for until last? I loved Ian & Charlotte’s second chance romance & questions raised in earlier books were answered. Strong characters, a well paced story & great chemistry made for a very enjoyable read. It tugged at my heart strings & brought a tear to my eye. A fitting finale to the series
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
Why do author’s always keep the story you’re waiting for until last? I loved Ian & Charlotte’s second chance romance & questions raised in earlier books were answered. Strong characters, a well paced story & great chemistry made for a very enjoyable read. It tugged at my heart strings & brought a tear to my eye. A fitting finale to the series
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
June 13, 2025
Goodness, this book is all over the place. Even hours after reading it I still don’t know why he left her for 8 freaking years. Like? Huuu━━(◕言 ◕✿)━━uuh?
The reasoning was so shit And the push and pull (of being an idiot or idiots). I was promised a good grovel but what did I get? Some confusing apologies and stunted love confession.
Like, Duke, make up your mind and be honest with yourself!
Some parts hit the spot but were ruined by other parts. Would’ve been a good book (probably a 4-star) if the writing was better and not all over the place.
Duchess was kinda a doormat with BBS.
And worse, they didn’t even resolve the main thing that made him leave. It happened again near the end, but the source of conflict was not addressed fully and then they lived happily ever after? O-kay…
The reasoning was so shit And the push and pull (of being an idiot or idiots). I was promised a good grovel but what did I get? Some confusing apologies and stunted love confession.
Like, Duke, make up your mind and be honest with yourself!
Some parts hit the spot but were ruined by other parts. Would’ve been a good book (probably a 4-star) if the writing was better and not all over the place.
Duchess was kinda a doormat with BBS.
And worse, they didn’t even resolve the main thing that made him leave. It happened again near the end, but the source of conflict was not addressed fully and then they lived happily ever after? O-kay…
December 11, 2024
I am in a mood and that probably helped but I teared up multiple times reading this story. My heart just broke for Charlotte. It is so hard to let go of a true break in trust and this man broke her trust. Oh Ian, I have no empathy for you. Listening to people who never even actually loved or cared about you over the person that did? Shameful. Charlotte, was just so sympathetic of a character and Ian so pig head-ish until he decided what he wanted was Charlotte and he would do anything to make her happy. His brother added an interesting layer to both of their characters, Charlotte having a friend that understood loneliness and to Ian someone that understood the loneliness that was ingrained in both of them. I hope Nathaniel gets his happy ending some day, he truly deserves it. Second chance love stories are not my favorite, but even now writing this my heart just aches for Charlotte.
Thank you to the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you to the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
October 6, 2025
2.5 🌟
I was hoping this would be similar to Julie Ann Long's The Beast Takes a Bride. It's a marriage-in-trouble story with the hero leaving the heroine on their wedding day and returning to London years later having to deal with the estrangement. But unlike in the Beast, this story was a huge disappointment. The MCs don't seem to know whether they're coming or going. There is so much ambiguity over why they were originally estranged and the lack of communication between them is astoundingly irritating.
One minute they hate each other, she wants a divorce, next minute he's demanding she stay and give him an heir, then his POV tells us that though he thought he hated her, he's always loved her and regrets his last 8 years abroad, she thinks he's cold and arrogant, then she 'might' be in love with him again, then he says the wrong thing and she's back to demanding a divorce... what a headache!
This book contains descriptive love scenes.
I was hoping this would be similar to Julie Ann Long's The Beast Takes a Bride. It's a marriage-in-trouble story with the hero leaving the heroine on their wedding day and returning to London years later having to deal with the estrangement. But unlike in the Beast, this story was a huge disappointment. The MCs don't seem to know whether they're coming or going. There is so much ambiguity over why they were originally estranged and the lack of communication between them is astoundingly irritating.
One minute they hate each other, she wants a divorce, next minute he's demanding she stay and give him an heir, then his POV tells us that though he thought he hated her, he's always loved her and regrets his last 8 years abroad, she thinks he's cold and arrogant, then she 'might' be in love with him again, then he says the wrong thing and she's back to demanding a divorce... what a headache!
This book contains descriptive love scenes.
November 22, 2024
4.5
Whew Charlotte and Ian wanted to read but knew it was going to be an emotional rollercoaster!
Ian was very complex, stupid at times and could not keep his foot out of his mouth! If saying the wrong thing was a person=Ian!
Charlotte has watched her friends have children and the Ton saying cruel and mean things about her for 8 long years!
Her parents also had a hand in loosing Ian’s trust despicable!
Ultimately Ian did not grovel enough to me! Turning point was for him loosing his mother and finding out secrets and deciding I need an heir! What!!!
I love Charlotte’s response didn’t think she had it in her!
Do they fix what’s broken between them or do they cause my heartache?
Can they with the Ton and her friends caution yet hopeful as they watch Charlotte fragile yet strong trying to be brave!
It all appears hopeless when Ian messes up AGAIN! Like dang Man get it together but he is human and fallible!
But to be fair when you are happy and decide to trust are you in the back of your mind is it too good to be true after literal years of heartache!?
Can these two broken hearts mend them not for a season but forever? Get out a hanky! Bravo
But we need Nathaniel story!
I received an ARC copy for my unbiased opinion!
Whew Charlotte and Ian wanted to read but knew it was going to be an emotional rollercoaster!
Ian was very complex, stupid at times and could not keep his foot out of his mouth! If saying the wrong thing was a person=Ian!
Charlotte has watched her friends have children and the Ton saying cruel and mean things about her for 8 long years!
Her parents also had a hand in loosing Ian’s trust despicable!
Ultimately Ian did not grovel enough to me! Turning point was for him loosing his mother and finding out secrets and deciding I need an heir! What!!!
I love Charlotte’s response didn’t think she had it in her!
Do they fix what’s broken between them or do they cause my heartache?
Can they with the Ton and her friends caution yet hopeful as they watch Charlotte fragile yet strong trying to be brave!
It all appears hopeless when Ian messes up AGAIN! Like dang Man get it together but he is human and fallible!
But to be fair when you are happy and decide to trust are you in the back of your mind is it too good to be true after literal years of heartache!?
Can these two broken hearts mend them not for a season but forever? Get out a hanky! Bravo
But we need Nathaniel story!
I received an ARC copy for my unbiased opinion!
August 4, 2024
Ian and Charlotte ‘Lottie’, the Duke and Duchess of Danridge have been separated since their wedding night when Ian walked out on her. Ian believed the rumors that Lottie only married him for his title. Lottie is heartbroken since she married Ian for love and does not understand why he left. Ian comes back to claim his wife and to have an heir. Lottie is angry with her husband and wants a divorce. Can they both move on from the past?
Wow!! This was such an emotional story with plenty of twist and turns before they got to their happy ending. Rebecca Paula did a great job of writing their story and you could feel all of the emotions of the characters as they went through their journey back to each other. I absolutely loved this book and it was a great way to end the series!! I highly recommend this book!!
Wow!! This was such an emotional story with plenty of twist and turns before they got to their happy ending. Rebecca Paula did a great job of writing their story and you could feel all of the emotions of the characters as they went through their journey back to each other. I absolutely loved this book and it was a great way to end the series!! I highly recommend this book!!
November 24, 2024
The story has all the ingredients for making a fine movie jealousy, heartbreak,stupid idiotic manners of the hero seperation due to misunderstanding,a horse accident finally bringing the hero to his senses . A beautiful slow burn romance.The heroine stuck to her marriage and endured the pain of meaningless separation and unwarranted gossip of the ton because it was regency period. If it was today she would have divorced long back via mail.Thank you madam Rebecca Paul and bookfunnel for the arc copy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 5, 2024
Emotional, Second Chance, Historical Romance
He walks out on her on her wedding night. Eight years later, he comes back to sire an heir. Does their marriage stand a chance?
Ian believed unfounded rumors, and his damaging childhood was to blame. Could Charlotte forgive him? Ian would have much groveling ahead of him. By alienating his wife for years, he broke both their hearts. Could love put their hearts together once more? I enjoyed this emotional, rollercoaster ride and would recommend the story to those who enjoy second chance, historical romance.
He walks out on her on her wedding night. Eight years later, he comes back to sire an heir. Does their marriage stand a chance?
Ian believed unfounded rumors, and his damaging childhood was to blame. Could Charlotte forgive him? Ian would have much groveling ahead of him. By alienating his wife for years, he broke both their hearts. Could love put their hearts together once more? I enjoyed this emotional, rollercoaster ride and would recommend the story to those who enjoy second chance, historical romance.
December 3, 2024
Trust is the issue here and Ian doesn’t have enough of it in Charlotte. Leaving her on her wedding night was devastating and then abandoning her for years is unconscionable. I totally agreed with Charlotte’s desire to divorce and in my opinion, Ian needed to get on his knees and beg for forgiveness ! Every emotion is played on here, not the least of which was hearts broken. A wonderful ending to a great series!
I received this story for free and these are my own views
I received this story for free and these are my own views
December 11, 2024
A rollercoaster of emotions surround and are woven into this amazing story. A second chance for Ian ( a idiot of major proportion) and Charlotte, who is just amazing. If my husband had left me right after the wedding and then came back years later wanting an heir, I might be seriously tempted to remove vital parts. But, Charlotte is beyond words tolerant of a man she loves completely. Wonderfully written, twists, turns and more fill this story to the brim. The entire series is fantastic!
October 9, 2025
Believe your heart!
A gut wrenching story of so much loss, grief and suffering because he believed gossip instead of his heart! And when he’s left her on his wedding night, leaving the country and too much pride and guilt, because he didn’t trust his heart! Never stopped loving her, returning after eight years and demonstrating an heir! As you can expect nothing goes right! Good story of loss of trust and hard to regain!
A gut wrenching story of so much loss, grief and suffering because he believed gossip instead of his heart! And when he’s left her on his wedding night, leaving the country and too much pride and guilt, because he didn’t trust his heart! Never stopped loving her, returning after eight years and demonstrating an heir! As you can expect nothing goes right! Good story of loss of trust and hard to regain!
October 17, 2025
This was free from Amazon ; and I needed something fun and quick to read whilst I waited for a library hold. It wasn’t terrible, but it was a bit all over the place. Sometimes I wondered if the plot had been reworked and the author had neglected to update other parts that contradicted the new story. We never really understand why the Duke abandoned his bride for eight years; nor why she agrees to take him back.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2024
Charlotte and her husband the Duke of Dandridge have been estranged since their wedding night due to a misunderstanding. She has been living in the country on his estate.
He has decided it is time for an heir, and she wants a divorce.
This is a very interesting and entertaining read with a lot of twists and turns and some very steamy scenes.
A five-star read.
He has decided it is time for an heir, and she wants a divorce.
This is a very interesting and entertaining read with a lot of twists and turns and some very steamy scenes.
A five-star read.
December 11, 2024
Charlotte and Ian were a love match until he left her on their wedding night. After eight years with only her friends to depend on, Ian is back for heirs. Filled with misunderstandings and mess ups this story is very interesting. Well written and steamy. I really enjoyed this story.
October 4, 2025
Second chance
Love happy endings, finally they find each other and have the happy ending: love, kids, future together, the author was able to show the deep feelings and fear Ian and Charlotte, how afraid we are to show remorse and ask for forgiveness, love conquers all
Love happy endings, finally they find each other and have the happy ending: love, kids, future together, the author was able to show the deep feelings and fear Ian and Charlotte, how afraid we are to show remorse and ask for forgiveness, love conquers all
January 7, 2025
This book is so good love it
March 13, 2025
love the story
I hate BookFunnel.
I cannot get the ending. Why must you do this. Send me the ending. It ruins everything.
I hate BookFunnel.
I cannot get the ending. Why must you do this. Send me the ending. It ruins everything.
October 13, 2025
The Duke falls in love with Charlotte but leaves her after their wedding. This book drags.
December 6, 2024
True love isn’t always easy, and this is a very emotional slow-burn romance - a difficult, painful and sometimes heartbreaking journey with a heartwarming and grand happy ending!
For Charlotte and Ian it was love at first sight eight years ago. A whirlwind fairytale courtship and an unexpected loss lead to a cold wedding, and an even colder wedding night… Ian left - and returned only once ever since. Now the duke is back, and demands an heir.
But Charlotte was the one left behind to face her parents who disowned her, and a vicious ton and their gossip. Never one to seek attention, she eventually retreated to their country estate. All she ever wanted was love and a family … and now she’s done. She wants a divorce.
Even though their love for each other survived time and distance, a second chance is not so easily bestowed… she’s too broken, he’s too prideful and hasn’t forgotten the rumour that drove him away.
This story is honest and raw. The characters, their feelings and the struggle feel genuine. Both sides of the ‘truth’ are well represented throughout the story, and I really enjoyed uncovering the different layers. He followed his head when he should have listened to his heart, and she’s just very cautious - understandably so - with her fragile heart. Is he the bigger jerk and his own worst enemy? Definitely. Being humble and grovelling are new to him, and he messes up plenty, but there were times I wanted to yell at her and say “Make up your mind, woman, and give the man a break!”
Rest assured, it’s not all doom and gloom! There’s a myriad of very endearing, sweet and funny moments as well, some delicious steam and a few charming interventions by her best friends - and their husbands - from the previous books.
Sadly this is the last book in this series, still, I can’t help but hope the author will consider writing Nathaniel’s, Liam’s and Monty’s stories as well… If not, I highly recommend reading The Society of Scandalous Brides series anyway! It’s fresh, passionate, original and simply marvellous!
For Charlotte and Ian it was love at first sight eight years ago. A whirlwind fairytale courtship and an unexpected loss lead to a cold wedding, and an even colder wedding night… Ian left - and returned only once ever since. Now the duke is back, and demands an heir.
But Charlotte was the one left behind to face her parents who disowned her, and a vicious ton and their gossip. Never one to seek attention, she eventually retreated to their country estate. All she ever wanted was love and a family … and now she’s done. She wants a divorce.
Even though their love for each other survived time and distance, a second chance is not so easily bestowed… she’s too broken, he’s too prideful and hasn’t forgotten the rumour that drove him away.
This story is honest and raw. The characters, their feelings and the struggle feel genuine. Both sides of the ‘truth’ are well represented throughout the story, and I really enjoyed uncovering the different layers. He followed his head when he should have listened to his heart, and she’s just very cautious - understandably so - with her fragile heart. Is he the bigger jerk and his own worst enemy? Definitely. Being humble and grovelling are new to him, and he messes up plenty, but there were times I wanted to yell at her and say “Make up your mind, woman, and give the man a break!”
Rest assured, it’s not all doom and gloom! There’s a myriad of very endearing, sweet and funny moments as well, some delicious steam and a few charming interventions by her best friends - and their husbands - from the previous books.
Sadly this is the last book in this series, still, I can’t help but hope the author will consider writing Nathaniel’s, Liam’s and Monty’s stories as well… If not, I highly recommend reading The Society of Scandalous Brides series anyway! It’s fresh, passionate, original and simply marvellous!
November 26, 2024
A passionate and emotional journey in this second chance love story. I love the slow burn, enemies to lovers romance for Lottie and Ian. A fractured union that develops into a blissful happily ever after.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews