Season of the Scoundrel

by Christy Carlyle

A determined lady journalist. A powerful duke. A passion neither of them expected.

As the sister-in-law of a duke, Ivy Bridewell is expected to follow in her older sisters' footsteps and make a fortuitous match. But Ivy doubts she’ll ever find a man who can tolerate her quirks and relentless curiosity. Tenacious to the point of obsession, she’s set on becoming a lady journalist, driven to uncover dastardly crimes and expose the social issues that weigh on her heart.

Ross Emerson, Duke of Blackbourne, is a forward-thinking duke focused on diversifying his investments to avoid the financial pitfalls of his peers. His latest a London newspaper. When his friend, Griffin, Duke of Edgerton, asks him to offer his sister-in-law an internship at the paper, Ross reluctantly agrees.

Ivy eagerly seizes the opportunity to prove herself, but she soon clashes with the formidable Duke of Blackbourne. Convinced the dangerously handsome industrialist might be corrupt, she launches an investigation of her own. Yet as her search for the truth takes an unexpected turn, she finds herself allied with her enigmatic boss—and discovers the greatest threat he poses is to her heart.

Genres: Historical Romance

144 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 29, 2025

About the author

Fueled by Pacific Northwest coffee and inspired by multiple viewings of every British costume drama she can get her hands on, USA Today bestselling author Christy Carlyle writes sensual historical romance set in the Victorian era. She loves heroes who struggle against all odds and heroines who are ahead of their time. A former teacher with a degree in history, she finds there's nothing better than being able to combine her love of the past with a die-hard belief in happy endings.

Reviews

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Bridewell series. I’m not sure why it’s not categorized that way on Goodreads.

This is Ivy’s book. In prior novels, she is definitely the vocal, overly curious, unorthodox, and fearless character. She doesn’t disappoint here. But what I liked is she acknowledges she wants different things but doesn’t belittle those who excelled or wanted the traditional things (like her two older sisters).

Ivy and Ross had excellent chemistry, listened to each other, and came across as great partners. They were both unorthodox and were content to be unorthodox together. It just worked. Ross was also an excellent hero in my opinion. He was strong and masculine, but had no problem listening to Ivy and making her feel like she mattered. He was a balance of willing to listen to others’ ideas but never was weak or a doormat.

What I struggle with in this book was how Lily and Griffin were such lax guardians. Ivy was allowed everywhere with Ross and also out on her own for her reporter stuff even in dangerous places. It just didn’t make sense. That combined with the built up mystery that wasn’t fully resolved an how Ivy and Ross would deal with the fallout of their marriage with their different ideas…it just needed more page time to feel complete.

Overall though I find these to be cozy, uncomplicated reads and will be continuing the series. I’ve already preordered the next book and am eagerly anticipating it.

[Amelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very gentle, low angst series- comfort read material. Prickly, suspicious Ivy, the 3rd sister has shifted her goal from private investigator to wanting to become an investigative journalist. Her brother in law Griffin sets up a meeting with Ross, a fellow duke who has recently purchased a newspaper to go with his other business ventures. When Ivy and Ross spark rumors while investigating the suspicious activities of another nobleman, they embark on a false engagement that quickly gives way to deeper feelings.

[Sarah]

best of the series and should have been longer