Duke with a Secret

Wicked Dukes Society #3

by Scarlett Scott

From USA Today bestselling author Scarlett Scott comes a deliciously wicked tale of a morally gray duke who always gets what he wants and the bold, independent lady he's determined to claim...

Rhys Northwick, Duke of Whitby, has unabashedly devoted himself to a life of debauchery and hedonism. With his friends falling prey to the despicable institution of marriage, the responsibility of hosting the sinful Wicked Dukes Society house parties has fallen largely on his shoulders. Rhys doesn’t mind. He’ll happily seduce bored widows and wives out of their drawers any day. Until an encounter with a tempting divorcée leaves him longing for the only woman in London who is immune to his rakish charms…

After a scandalous divorce from a coldhearted earl, Lady Miranda Lenox is finally free to pursue her dreams of operating a school of cookery. If she wants to continue attracting a polite clientele, however, Miranda needs her reputation to remain above reproach. What she doesn’t need is a rakish duke determined to lure her into further disgrace.

But Rhys will stop at nothing to get what he wants—the delicious Miranda in his bed. He’s so assured of his success that he offers her a wager. If she can resist his seduction for the duration of the next house party he’s hosting, he will abandon his pursuit of her. But if she succumbs, she’ll be his mistress in secret for a month.

It’s the perfect bargain. Except that once Rhys wins, he realizes one month with Miranda will never be enough. Nothing less than forever will do. But Miranda refuses to marry again, even as each clandestine encounter with Rhys leaves her one perilous step closer to ruin.

Heat Scorching hot! Don't say you weren't warned.

Don't miss the Wicked Dukes Society series
Book 1 Duke with a Reputation
Book 2 Duke with a Debt
Book 3 Duke with a Secret
Book 4 TBD

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Audiobook, Historical

346 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 26, 2025

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

[Sonia N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Wicked Dukes Society Book 3 are a very handsome group of Dukes who are deliciously wicked!!
Rhys is the Duke of Whitby and is a rake and a scoundrel! He is a very handsome blond Adonis! He lives his life on his terms.
He tasted a delicious dessert from a Miss. Miranda Lenox who has a struggling school of cookery. Ever since her divorce from her cheating husband an Earl, her reputation has suffered.
But I love how strong and determined Miranda has had to become. Even if the gorgeous Rhys stalks her for a proposition until she relents. I just love how they are attracted to each other! Their chemistry is off the charts 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥. I so loved reading how they fell in love and the Epilogue was just perfectly beautiful.
I can’t wait to read the next book!
I absolutely loved this storyline! Each book is so much fun to read! Such a must read!
I was given an Advanced Readers Copy for a honest review.

[Olivia Watkins · Rating 1 out of 5]

The main male character says he doesn’t take unwilling women, but spends the whole first part of the book physically isolating, and financially entrapping a woman into being his mistress. That is a crazy way to write a character in 2025

[D.G. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Plot of this book in a nutshell:


This was a bit all over the place. We got a handsome, fun, spoiled and rich Duke who first gets enamored of the heroine's desserts and then has to have her. But she refuses to have anything to do with him because she was afraid it would damage her reputation and her business. Newsflash: being a divorcee in those days was ruinous and she shouldn't have been able even to start that business in the first place.

The heroine has a cooking school but in the book we never see her either cooking or teaching. We're just given a cursory description of where she learned to cook - which seemed wholly inadequate, she could have never gotten enough practice by sneaking into the kitchens as a girl...her mother would have found out! We also never know how she got the idea of the cooking school: she was the daughter (and wife) of a noble and got discouraged by everybody to be involved in cooking. Where would she have even the experience to find out that this was a need?

The ex-husband and the male friend who helped her get a divorce came at the last minute to add the semblance of a conflict who got solved in a few minutes. **rolls eyes**

We also got a sneak peak of the next book's couple with this hero's sister and one of his friends. The "best friend's little sister" trope only works for me in Historical Romance - I was aghast that the friend didn't inform the hero about the sister's shenanigans. And what kind of servants does this place have that anybody can sneak into a supposed super exclusive party? I'll likely read the next one though...this writer has the level of steam that I like in my HR.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rhys Northwick, Duke of Whitby, has unabashedly devoted himself to a life of debauchery and hedonism. With his friends falling prey to the despicable institution of marriage, the responsibility of hosting the sinful Wicked Dukes Society house parties has fallen largely on his shoulders. After a scandalous divorce from a cold hearted earl, Lady Miranda Lenox is finally free to pursue her dreams of operating a school of cookery. If she wishes to continue attracting a polite clientele, however, Miranda needs her reputation to remain above reproach. What she doesn’t need is a rakish duke determined to lure her into further disgrace.
Six Dukes who met at Eton have formed The Wicked Dukes Society & each one is handsome, charming, a rake & very loveable. Rhys is just toe curlingly gorgeous, Miranda never stood a chance even though she’s no push over. Their chemistry is electric, their banter a delight & their encounters almost set the page alight. Once again the author has knocked it out of the ball park. One of her best yet
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Ann Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. It is a book that is hard to put down and took me longer to read than I would have liked due to life getting in the way.
Rhys is a character I quickly came to adore. He was charming and witty. Miranda was strong and independent but also needed help. The divorce scandal kept her from succeeding in her cookery school and enjoying life. The spark between Rhys and Miranda could set the book on fire. The book is quite steamy and definitely not for the faint of heart. I loved the book, and the previous books in the series are amazing as well. Scarlett Scott has an extraordinary writer and never fails to astonish me. I look forward to more books in this series.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story captured my attention from chapter one and didn’t let go. Scarlett Scott knows how to write a well-honed story with well-developed, smart, strong characters with plenty of wit, charm, snark and determination.

Miranda is known as the fallen countess and she can't afford any type of scandal if she wants to keep her cooking school open and expanding and publish her cookbook but when a rake shows up at her door and turns her world upside down, she's willing to take something for herself even it's a bit risky because he makes her feel alive for the first time!

Rhys is used to always getting what he wants with just his charm and his looks, so when he wants a delicious dessert to be served at his wicked house party, he never expected to be turned down! The beautiful lady that does the unthinkable of turning him down isn't so easily charmed. He certainly hadn't expected to have such strong passionate feelings for her and as time goes on he is willing to think long term with Miranda which he has never done before.

Miranda finally falls for Rhys one month plan and the sparks fly off the page!

This story has spiiice, twists, a few good turns and wonderful HEA!!

I definitely can't wait to read the next book in this series be cause I know it's going to be just as fun, spicy and the amazing Scarlett Scott touch!!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scarlett Scott knows how to write a story that captures your attention from the beginning to the end..

Miranda is known as the fallen countess and she can't afford any type of scandal if she wants to open the school of her dreams and publish her cookbook but when a rake shows up at her door and turns her world upside down she's willing to take just something for herself even it's a bit risky because he makes her feel alive.

Rhys is used to always getting what he wants with just his charm and his looks, so when he wants a delicious dessert to be served at his wicked party he never expected to be turned down, except the beautiful lady that runs the place isn't so easily charmed.. and he certainly hadn't expected to feel such strong passionate feelings for her.. and to only crave her..

Rhys and Miranda hit it off instantly and you can feel the sparks fly off the pages with this story..

I definitely can't wait to read the next book in this series cause I know it's going to be fun!

I received this book from the author as an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest voluntary review and this is purely based upon my own personal opinion and that of no else..

[Kelly S. Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series isn't called Wicked Dukes Society for nothing. Rhys, Duke of Whitby, is part of the illustrious group of friends committed to debauchery. When these guys find something or someone they want, they're relentless, and we can't help but fall for them along with their heroines. I love that Miranda is trying to run her own business, and it's not your usual "ladies' hobby," but a school of cookery. Rhys falls hard for Miranda as well as her amazing desserts and it's delightful to watch him have to really make an effort to wear her down. This is a steamy, fun series and this is my new favorite!

[CATHERINE BURHANS · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is an absolute delight! Rhys and Miranda, are by far my favorite story couple of the year! There is such wonderful dialogue and clever banter contained on every page of this book that you won’t want it to come to an end. Rhys is the perfect book boyfriend and Miranda, his complimenting match! Together they sizzle! He loved eating her delicious ices and so much more! Don’t miss this one! Looking forward to Rhiannon’s story ( Rhys’s rebellious sister)

[HMU95 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book!! this is definitely my favorite of the series! I love a second chance romance, and for Miranda, she really deserved a second chance at love after such an awful first go. I loved how stubborn she was, and how Rhys was also stubborn in his own way, clinging to his bachelorhood. it was clear from the beginning that they were meant to be! plus I loved the sneak peek at the next book and Aubrey and Rhinnon's story - can't wait for the next one!

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my 78th book by Scarlett Scott. She is definitely one of my top favorite authors. I have been reading her since 2016. I love her stories and her writing and she writes such damn good, yummy, hot sex scenes. I know I will always get a good read from her.

Damn Rhys sounded so hot. I really liked Rhys and Miranda. I loved this story. I loved their chemistry. Damn if Scarlett doesn’t write a fucking awesome sex scene. Pages and pages of one scene that is just scorching hot. Even me, who doesn't blush about anything was thinking DAMN! and I may have been a little bit read. 😉

Really great read. I also loved that it was basically just them together. No balls, no Almacks, no Gunter's. Just them. Just loved. Added to my favorite reads list for June, 2025.

[Laura Braley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wickedly delicious!

Duke with a Secret is the third installment of Scarlett Scott’s Wicked Dukes Society - a series about six dissolute Dukes and the women who revel in their wicked ways.

In this book, we become further acquainted with Rhys Northwick, the Duke of Whitby a licentious Duke whose penchant for scandal is well known amongst the ton. With the recent weddings of two of his friends, the duty of hosting one of their infamous house parties has fallen to him - a duty he is more than happy to fulfill, especially if he can procure the services of the chef who had created the delectable cream ice dessert he had recently at a dinner party. Despite his best efforts, he is repeatedly rebuked in his attempts to hire the chef, and resorts to visiting the cookery school where the chef teaches. Instead of a garrulous older man, he instead finds the beautifully elegant Miranda Lennox, the former Countess of Ammondale.

Miranda has survived a loveless marriage, a scandalous divorce, and being disowned by her family. Despite that, she has gained the one thing she desired above it all - freedom. The Freedom to live her life on her own terms, and to pursue the dreams her family and ex-husband disparaged and shamed her for - opening a cookery school and placement service, while also being able to publish her own cookbooks. The last thing she needs is the further stigma of her name being associated with an unrepentant rake and a week long house party in his company.

Rhys isn’t used to being told no, however, and makes her an offer she can’t refuse - three thousand pounds for a week’s worth of desserts, more than enough to solidify the success of her school. And then there’s the matter of the secondary offer - he’ll spend the next week attempting to seduce her, and if she succumbs, she’ll agree to be his mistress for one month for the sum of ten thousand pounds. Surely a month would be more than enough time for him work his desire for Miranda out of his system. And surely the possessiveness and tenderness he feels toward her is nothing out of the ordinary, despite his never having experienced those feelings toward any of his previous lovers.

This might truly be my favorite book of the series thus far. Miranda is a quietly strong, determined character with enough life experience to make her cautious and aware of how tenuous her position in society is, especially as a divorced single woman. And while she acknowledges the precariousness of her respectability, she still is willing to allow herself to indulge in the pleasure Rhys promises, even if it will only be short lived. She rejects his offer of being a kept woman, insisting that she doesn’t want their relationship to be transactional, even when his offer would ensure she’d never have to worry about her finances again.

Scarlett Scott does an incredible job in writing the growing feelings between Rhys and Miranda, and you will fall in love with them while they fall in love with each other.

Thank you to Scarlett Scott for the opportunity to advance read a copy of Duke with a Secret. All opinions in this review remain my own.

[Winnifred D. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tropes: opposites attract; MFC wants to run a cookery school; MMC is an unrepentant rake
Steam level: 3+. Graphic open-door.
Language: plenty of "f-bombs", "c-word" usage, etc.
Part of a series, fine on its own.

I think I liked this a bit better than the last book in the series (which, tbh, I don't remember much) but this is another 3.5 stars I can't round up. The writing is fine, the editing smooth, the research good enough, the banter sharp, the smut is just what you'd expect from this author. But, it could be better character- and plot-wise.

The MFC is easy to like, a titled woman trying to get back on her feet due to a Regency-period divorce, but I wanted her to have more agency. So much of her identity is just lust for MMC Rhys from page one. Admittedly, that is standard for the author, as well as a "my mind says no, my body yes" vibe, but really not much of a chance for Miranda to do things on her own.

Then there's Rhys. He's humorous at times, and has moments of sweetness, but basically he's your typical insouciant HR duke who's done nothing but sleep around. He moans about MFC working too hard and not spending enough "quality" time with him, and she has to remind him constantly about the reality of what she does and the importance of her reputation. He pushes his way into her school (I didn't like the alpha vibe from him in the first few chapters, but I'm not really into MMC's who refuse to take no for an answer) and manages to bribe her into preparing food for a sexy house party he's planned. From there, things happen as you'd expect. The best thing you can say about the dynamic is that Miranda initiates some of the the steam.

Characters aside, I wanted a conflict of substance or twist of some kind. There's a ton of internal lusting, but by the end of the first half I was kind of getting bored. Meanwhile, there could have been a confrontation scene with the nasty ex. An argument about the kind of person Miranda really is; there are nasty rumors from the beginning that not only does she have a lover who broke up her marriage, she's slept around. Rhys seems to believe these rumors, in fact it seems to be a reason he has no qualms pressuring Miranda into working his party. POSSIBLE SPOILER AHEAD......................... Then you have a love triangle that pops up at the very end and only exists to make Rhys realize he's in love. I actually felt bad for the other male character and felt he could have been featured in the plot sooner.

This is one of those set-ups where the romance is super steamy and even cute at times, but irl the guy's emotionally immature and would eventually drive his wife crazy. And, I'll admit it, I'm a little duke-d out. I'm hoping Scarlett Scott will feature a gaming hell owner, sweet, or stuffy hero in her next series.

But, if you're a fan of this author and like her formula, you'll probably like this book.

[ChasingLeslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a scandalous divorce, Lady Miranda Lenox is finally free to pursue her dream of operating a school of cookery. In order to attract a polite clientele, she needs her reputation to be above reproach. But Rhys Northwick, the rakish Duke of Whitby, is determined to lure her further into scandal.

This is the third book in the Wicked Dukes Society series, featuring a group of dukes who run a secret society for scandalous house parties. Rhys is introduced as a background character in the previous books.

Miranda was married off at a young age to an older earl and had a dreadful marriage. She managed to escape through divorce after faking an affair with a friend. I feel like there could have been a little more focus on Miranda's past, as I don't remember if it was brought up in the previous story and I felt like this was an area that was light on detail.

Miranda loves to cook and create spectacular desserts. She is hoping to train students at her new school but is quickly running through funds. Rhys makes her a too tempting offer to cater desserts for his week-long house party, and an even more outrageous bargain to continue as his mistress for an additional month. The chemistry between these two characters was great from the start! At first, I was really hoping Miranda would find Rhys too smug and confident and really make him wait...but of course he turned up the charm and broke down her walls. I would have liked a little more "teeth" to the third act storyline, but overall this was another great addition to the series and I can't wait for the next one!

Tropes: Anti-Heroine/Divorced Heroine, Working Heroine, Opposites Attract, Forced Proximity/House Party

Steam: 5+

* I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Judith Miguel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m such a fan of Scarlett Scott! All her books are SOOOO GOOD!
This series keeps getting better and better! Rhys Northwick, Duke of Whitby, has devoted himself to a life of debauchery and hedonism. With his friends falling prey to the despicable institution of marriage, the responsibility of hosting the sinful Wicked Dukes Society house parties has fallen largely on his shoulders. Rhys doesn’t mind. Until an encounter with a tempting divorcée leaves him longing for the only woman in London who is immune to his rakish charms…
After a scandalous divorce from a coldhearted earl, Lady Miranda Lenox is finally free to pursue her dreams of operating a school of cookery and for that, she needs her reputation to remain above reproach. What she doesn’t need is a rakish duke determined to lure her into further disgrace. But Rhys will stop at nothing to get what he wants—the delicious Miranda in his bed.
I had such a great time reading this romance! It just has everything I love: amazing banter, so much chemistry, a brave smart heroine and a deliciously decadent duke who would stop at nothing to enjoy her in his bed. Preferable with some ice cream cones dripping all over her. They are amazing together and I enjoyed a lot the way they take care of each other. The protectiveness. The natural friendship. The sweetness mixed up in all the hottest moments. Absolutely beautiful.
Another great book from an outstanding author. I highly recommend this author and this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Debbie Steed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow! The Wicked Dukes Society is becoming my favourite book series with each story I read. I’m so invested in the characters and plots.

Lady Miranda Lenox and Rhys Northwick, the Duke of Whitby’s love story is a fantastic read. He falls first and fast, while she is more resistant to his charms due to her divorce and her reputation being ruined but he offers her a huge amount of money to make desserts for a secret, scandalous house party being held by the Wicked Dukes Society. The money will be a great help to the cooking school she is trying to develop. She reluctantly agrees to go but no one at the party can know she’s there.

Once the house party begins, Rhys and Miranda’s attraction becomes intense. There’s plenty of spicy scenes in this book that will require a cold shower to recover from but it is not just about the spice. These two characters feel so real and their developing feelings and emotions are a joy to read. I really cared about the couple and was cheering them on constantly. They found in each other something that neither of them knew they were missing.

I love Scarlett Scott’s writing style and how she develops her stories. They are so well written and entertaining. I just can’t get enough of her work. I cannot wait for the next wicked duke’s story. I will be rereading the previous books while I wait.

I received a special copy of this book from the author. I’m voluntarily leaving this review.

[Lana Birky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scarlett Scott ignites the pages in Duke with a Secret, delivering a sensual, whip-smart romance that sizzles with chemistry and never takes its foot off the gas. Rhys Northwick, the charmingly debauched Duke of Whitby, meets his match in the fierce and independent Lady Miranda Lenox. What starts as a daring wager becomes a deliciously tangled web of desire, defiance, and emotional unraveling. Their every encounter crackles with tension, and once Miranda gives in to Rhys’ pursuit, the result is a heart-thumping blend of passion and vulnerability.

From flirtatious banter to scorching encounters, the story glides at a pace that makes it impossible to put down, with no scene wasted and no emotion left unexplored. Miranda’s post-divorce strength and Rhys’ reluctant surrender to love make this a tale of redemption as much as seduction.

Scarlett Scott proves once again that historical romance can be both fiercely modern and timelessly swoony. Her writing dazzles with elegance and edge, and her heroes? Utterly devoted, thoroughly undone. A must-read from an author at the top of her game. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Pamela Blatter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Third book in the Wicked Dukes Society highlights Rhys the Duke of Whitby.
Now that his friends are getting married, he is responsible for hosting their debauched parties.
Rhys tastes a delectable dessert at a dinner party and determines to have the pastry chef at his party.
But Miranda who owns the cooking school and developed the dessert recipes is not interested.
Rhys thinks offering her money will do the trick but she worries about her reputation after a divorce from a useless husband.
Miranda finally accepts and they travel to the party together. Rhys is fascinated by her looks, her strength and character. Miranda too is highly attracted to him.
As they dance around each other, there is chemistry and sparks that turn steamy.
Lots in their past to overcome before their romance can come to fruition.
Perfect epilogue.
Highly recommend.
I received an ARC but the honest opinion is my own.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Miranda Lenox takes center stage in Duke with a Secret, Scarlett Scott’s latest entry in the Wicked Dukes Society series. Having taken extreme measures to divorce her former husband, Miranda has left society to start a cooking school. Out of the blue, Rhys Northwick, Duke of Whitby, offers Miranda an exorbitant amount of money to make her hallmark dessert - cornets à la crème - for the next Wicked Dukes Society house party.

Rhys falls for Miranda hard and fast, while Miranda tries to fight her attraction to the wicked Duke, that is, until she cannot. They make a fantastic pair. Miranda is strong and determined to succeed on her own terms, and Rhys is Miranda’s biggest supporter. As with the first two books in this series, I was deeply invested in the story and characters. I cannot wait for book three. I received this book as an ARC.

[Wendy N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!
Scarlett Scott hit a home run with this one! I'm not a big fan of historical romance where the heroine is a widow or divorced, nor am I partial to the "playboy" type of hero. I find myself struggling to believe in the love stories. I feel like Scarlett Scott said, "Challenge accepted," and wrote this book! I was drawn in immediately! The way Miranda's and Rhys's characters and the storyline were written was very believable for me. I was lured in from the start. I loved the innocence Miranda conveyed and held. Rhys was so very believable in his yearning and fall for Miranda. This was a book I truly wished I could jump into and be there physically with the H and h. We got to meet the rest of the Wicked Dukes in this book and I CAN'T wait to read their stories now! One of Scarlett's finest! You won't be disappointed!

[Stacie Irwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why did I let this sit on my TBR so long?!

I just loved this story. Rhys has to be in my top 5 MMC of all time. I adore his quick whit and incessant charm. He knew how to “work a room” and say the right thing at the right time and push boundaries. I loved that he plainly stated what he wanted and forced others to do so as well. And him calling Miranda “Kitten” just to rile her just did something for me. His character was utter perfection.

I quite enjoyed Miranda as well. I loved that she was an accomplished cook and that she wanted to work to support herself and help others. It was a lovely change from the typical aristo lady. She was warm and “real,” but she wasn’t nasty and totally jaded.

Last, I just want to say that I hope we see Warring get a book too!!

On to the next!

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I love every book I have read by Scarlett Scott, and this book is no exception. This book deals with the subject of divorce and how a woman survives the aftermath. Miranda is divorced and bakes the best goods. Rhys is a Duke who wants Miranda to bake for his house party. The house party is not a tame party; it is hosted by the Wicked Dukes Society. Once Rhys meets Miranda, he wants her, and he always gets what he wants. I enjoyed this book so much, it had hot scenes between these two and they were written wonderfully. I cannot wait for the next book in this series and when I get it I am sure I will read it as quickly as I read this one.
I received an ARC of this book, and I am leaving my honest opinion.

[Josee A · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been so looking forward to this book and it certainly did not disappoint. At first, I was a bit apprehensive about Rhys and his pushing the boundaries. However, his fall for Miranda was epic. From notorious rake to devoted to Miranda was 100% magical. I totally fell in love with Miranda as well. Strong woman in a time where women were expected to only marry. After her divorce, her trying to make it on her own and struggling was what created who she was in this story. A strong, willful, determined woman who fights for what she wants and she gave Rhys a run for her money. I loved how Rhys supported Miranda and how she loved him for who he was and truly saw Rhys. This book is one where you can't put it down. I totally loved it.

[Norma Mojica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rhys, the Duke of Whitby, is the charming rake who hosts the sinful Wicked Dukes Society House scandalous parties. Rhys is waiting outside a cookery school to hopefully hire a student for his next house party. Miranda Lenox is the owner of the Lenox School of Cookery and refuses any monetary offer made to her by Rhys for her delicious confections. After a scandalous divorce, Miranda needs to make sure her reputation remains above reproach but Rhys desires Miranda and will stop at nothing to get what he wants. Miranda and Rhys' chemistry is undeniable and very steamy.

This well written, page-turning, passion-filled romance is filled with witty banter, very hot, sexy steam and a vindictive ex-husband. Loved Miranda and Rhys! Highly recommend.

[Marla Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miranda is a beauty with a ruined reputation from her divorce. The Duke Rhys doesn’t care but she does! She’s trying to repair her reputation and run a cooking school. She won’t have any young women taking her classes if her reputation isn’t spotless.
Rhys tastes her delicious desserts and when he proposes that she makes them for his houseguests at his week long house party she can’t refuse the money for her school.
He sets out to make her his lover and she is fighting a losing battle against her will.
The steamy secret liaisons are full of graphic, hot sex! Scarlett is well versed in hot and steamy. You won’t be disappointed by this twisty steamy story!

[Nancy Yohe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great chemistry.

Rhys, the Duke of Whitby is one of the Dukes of the Wicked Dukes Society. Miranda is a a divorced countess, known in the ton as the Fallen Countess. Trying to rebuild her life in a meaningful way, she opens a school of cookery which is her passion. Rhys reached out to her to prepare her famous ices for his scandalous house party. She reluctantly agreed after much financial persuasion. I loved Rhys so much. His wit and charm and dirty mouth kept me turning pages. I loved the development of their relationship and how the story unfolded. Scandal. Passion, humor and so much more in this book.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most romantic book Scarlett has written, so far, in my opinion. I have read all but four of her first series of books, on my TBR list, and there are a few others but I feel this one moves to the top. It is romantic, sexy, heartwarming, kind, and did I say romantic. If only we could have more Rhys in our lives. He is perfect and perfectly suited for the stunning Miranda. The banter is off the charts funny and quite sexy. Give me the banter any day, every day. The love story is one for the books. Applause for you, Scarlett.

[Liz Ranne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this! It's Rhys & Miranda's story & it was awesome! She got a divorce which is indeed a scandal & ruins reputations. But he is still attracted instantly to her when they finally meet. He invites her to his naughty house party & she doesn't know what kind of party it is. OMG!! I freaking loved this! She gave him a run for his money & it was hilarious!! He had to work extra hard to capture her & I loved it! The banter between them was awesome & the spice was next level. Highly recommend this book & author!!

[Catherine Dow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always look forward to a new book by Scarlett Scott, and this one was no exception. I found Lady Miranda Lenox as a divorcee trying to find her own way in the world such a relatable character. When she meets Rhys Northwick, Duke of Whitby, she tries to maintain her tough exterior, but Rhys is a determined charmer. When he hires her to make desserts for a house party, the sparks just fly. The sizzling sexual tension was hot, hot, hot. I highly recommend this book. I am now impatiently awaiting the next one!

[June Karen Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m loving this series. Miranda and Rhys. She with a nickname of Fallen Countess and he a member of the Wicked Dukes. Trying to overcome her reputation Miranda starts a cookery school while Rhys is charged with arranging parties for the Wicked Dukes when he comes across one of Miranda’s desserts. Miranda agrees to provide desserts and sweets for the party at a fee she cannot refuse. But Rhys has other ideas too. Well written. Has one waiting for the outcome of this romance from the first pages. If you like steamy romances. This is for you