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Dukes in Disguise #3
Scoundrel Take Me Away
Lady Lucy Lively despises the Duke of Thornecliff. Arrogant, cruel, and dangerously seductive, Thorne is the exact opposite of The Gentle Rogue, the mysterious highwayman Lucy adores. She has no idea they are one and the same man…and when Thorne suffers a terrible accident after a masked night of stolen passion with Lucy, neither does he.
Now Thorne has no memory of her—nor of lying about his secret identity. Furious and betrayed, Lucy introduces herself…as his fiancée. She intends to punish his deception, and she is desperate to Who is the real Thorne?
As they uncover Thorne’s past, Lucy finds herself falling for the man behind the mask. But The Gentle Rogue’s enemies are circling, threatening all he holds dear. Thorne will have to battle his darkest demons to win a chance at a future with the woman who sees every broken piece of him…and loves him for all that he is.
Now Thorne has no memory of her—nor of lying about his secret identity. Furious and betrayed, Lucy introduces herself…as his fiancée. She intends to punish his deception, and she is desperate to Who is the real Thorne?
As they uncover Thorne’s past, Lucy finds herself falling for the man behind the mask. But The Gentle Rogue’s enemies are circling, threatening all he holds dear. Thorne will have to battle his darkest demons to win a chance at a future with the woman who sees every broken piece of him…and loves him for all that he is.
393 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 28, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
September 6, 2025
I've been salivating for this book since Thorne made his appearance in the second book (I'm a chaos goblin and read out of order) and couldn't wait to get this in my eyeballs. Lucy leaves for the continent for a few years (I guess she had to be aged up) She comes back to find her arch nemesis Thorne had beguiled his way into her brother's family. She's extremely against it until her mysterious highwayman tells her to date another dude so she can be sure it's him she wants. And things just happen to work out where Thorne ends up showing her the things proper ladies should not see and do. And there's all this ragey I Hate You foreplay that was hot af. And oh this is why I love HR sm because where else could you have a highwayman mask wearing Duke, a plucky heroine who is super smart but can't recognize he's the same man because he's wearing a mask 🤣 Ah, Historical Romance, never change your bonkers ways!
I'm so torn on this book because on the one hand it had every trope and microtrope I die for, it was well written and the hero is a DUKE AND A HIGHWAYMAN 💀 Unfortunately, the execution was a bit lacking and the pacing was really wonky. But my biggest complaint is what do you mean the hero is a highwayman but there's like zero highwaymanning going on? Ughhhh.I also didn't care for the bad Uncle backstory. It took a lot of space and it really was a big nothing burger.
(I say bring back true villains in books, I'm tired of the villains being sanitized and turning out to actually be good...yawn). The amnesia plot line is actually not a huge part of the book but I really enjoyed it because in true classic HR fashion after Thorne regained his memories he reverted to factory settings and was once again allergic to feelings. I really wish that level of angst and romantic conflict had been sustained throughout but while I adored most of the scenes of Lucy and Thorne together, they didn't flow right and made the romance feel disjointed.
Overall I've enjoyed this series, it's been a little uneven but still probably one of the best written ones I've read this year.
This author is perfect for fans of Elisa Braden and Lisa Kleypas.
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
🔥🔥🔥/5
Tropes:
Amnesia
Fake Identity
Rivals to Lovers
I'm so torn on this book because on the one hand it had every trope and microtrope I die for, it was well written and the hero is a DUKE AND A HIGHWAYMAN 💀 Unfortunately, the execution was a bit lacking and the pacing was really wonky. But my biggest complaint is what do you mean the hero is a highwayman but there's like zero highwaymanning going on? Ughhhh.I also didn't care for the bad Uncle backstory. It took a lot of space and it really was a big nothing burger.
(I say bring back true villains in books, I'm tired of the villains being sanitized and turning out to actually be good...yawn). The amnesia plot line is actually not a huge part of the book but I really enjoyed it because in true classic HR fashion after Thorne regained his memories he reverted to factory settings and was once again allergic to feelings. I really wish that level of angst and romantic conflict had been sustained throughout but while I adored most of the scenes of Lucy and Thorne together, they didn't flow right and made the romance feel disjointed.
Overall I've enjoyed this series, it's been a little uneven but still probably one of the best written ones I've read this year.
This author is perfect for fans of Elisa Braden and Lisa Kleypas.
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
🔥🔥🔥/5
Tropes:
Amnesia
Fake Identity
Rivals to Lovers
April 6, 2026
this was cute and the chemistry between them was so good. i'd been looking forward to this one since the prior book and although it's been a min and i'm fuzzy on details, i feel like it picks back up well.
thorn gets to have many layers to him for lucy to peel away besides his outer rake persona and his gentle highwayman mask by night. there's also a trope that's usually not my thing but i felt like was utilized well in this for the story and the relationship development. and the bedroom scenes 🥵
i didn't look at the blurb bc i already wanted to read this since book 2, but i've heard it has quite a spoiler in it, so skip it and just pick this up!
and ofc the amazing mary jane wells absolutely smashes the narration.
thorn gets to have many layers to him for lucy to peel away besides his outer rake persona and his gentle highwayman mask by night. there's also a trope that's usually not my thing but i felt like was utilized well in this for the story and the relationship development. and the bedroom scenes 🥵
i didn't look at the blurb bc i already wanted to read this since book 2, but i've heard it has quite a spoiler in it, so skip it and just pick this up!
and ofc the amazing mary jane wells absolutely smashes the narration.
January 9, 2026
This book has EVERYTHING: Masked highwayman, dukes, amnesia, and family drama. i was a fun time, and I enjoyed the audiobook narrator. [Read with Kobo Plus Read + Listen].
✔️ Dual POVs (Gabriel x Lucy)
✔️ Set in Regency England
✔️ Open-door historical romance (4/5 🌶️)
💔 Why they can’t be together: He is emotionally closed off until he loses all his memories
✔️ Tropes: Family trauma; amnesia
✔️ Dual POVs (Gabriel x Lucy)
✔️ Set in Regency England
✔️ Open-door historical romance (4/5 🌶️)
💔 Why they can’t be together: He is emotionally closed off until he loses all his memories
✔️ Tropes: Family trauma; amnesia
July 18, 2025
A top-tier Regency capital-R Rake with a secret identity gets hit with amnesia and has to reckon with the mess he made—while falling hard for the woman he betrayed.
Gabriel de Vere, Duke of Thornecliff (aka Thorne, aka The Gentle Rogue) starts this book as the villain we loved to hate and ends it as a man who’s earned his redemption one raw, vulnerable moment at a time. Beneath the swagger is a man cracking under the weight of his trauma, his secrets, and the roles he's forced himself to play—duke, scoundrel, masked vigilante.
And Lucy? She’s no doe-eyed miss. She’s bold, with worldly experience that comes from seeing the actual world on her travels and she gives as good as she gets. Watching her outwit, outlast, and ultimately choose to love a man so splintered by his past? It was everything.
The amnesia twist could’ve gone full melodrama, but instead, it gives us the perfect lens to see Gabriel unguarded — before the layers of performance hardened into cruelty and self-loathing. It’s rare that a romance makes space for this much character excavation without veering into angst-for-angst’s-sake, but Darling does it with grace and heat.
This book was sexy and deeply satisfying. I closed it with a happy sigh and a full heart.
I highly recommend the entire series! Thank you to the author for an advance copy!
Gabriel de Vere, Duke of Thornecliff (aka Thorne, aka The Gentle Rogue) starts this book as the villain we loved to hate and ends it as a man who’s earned his redemption one raw, vulnerable moment at a time. Beneath the swagger is a man cracking under the weight of his trauma, his secrets, and the roles he's forced himself to play—duke, scoundrel, masked vigilante.
And Lucy? She’s no doe-eyed miss. She’s bold, with worldly experience that comes from seeing the actual world on her travels and she gives as good as she gets. Watching her outwit, outlast, and ultimately choose to love a man so splintered by his past? It was everything.
The amnesia twist could’ve gone full melodrama, but instead, it gives us the perfect lens to see Gabriel unguarded — before the layers of performance hardened into cruelty and self-loathing. It’s rare that a romance makes space for this much character excavation without veering into angst-for-angst’s-sake, but Darling does it with grace and heat.
This book was sexy and deeply satisfying. I closed it with a happy sigh and a full heart.
I highly recommend the entire series! Thank you to the author for an advance copy!
August 4, 2025
Is the MMC both a Duke AND a highwayman? Yes, yes he is.
Does the FMC have complicated feelings about both (without knowing of the secret identity)? Yes, yes she does.
Does the MMC then get amnesia and forget everything that happened in the last decade or so? Yes, he absolutely does!
Does it all work out? Obviously.
Very entertaining and I can't wait to see what she writes next.
Does the FMC have complicated feelings about both (without knowing of the secret identity)? Yes, yes she does.
Does the MMC then get amnesia and forget everything that happened in the last decade or so? Yes, he absolutely does!
Does it all work out? Obviously.
Very entertaining and I can't wait to see what she writes next.
January 27, 2026
Unfortunately as excited as I was about this book, ready to see what Thornes redemption arc would be like, I was left thoroughly disappointed.
I can forgive a toxic, emotionally stunted MMC if he does the work to seek forgiveness and try to make up for all of the hurt that he has caused. However, Thorne went through none of that and the book was just cycles of him acting out, causing harm and being forgiven by Lucy without any proper apology from him.
I love Lucy so much but this book made her out to be pathetic and desperate for a man who treated her like absolute garbage. Where were his apologies about all the harm he caused to her family!? In fact I don’t think he genuinely apologized for any of his actions once in the entire book!
Funnily enough I thought that I was going to dislike the book because of the amnesia trope but that was the least of its problems. This is a story about a toxic man acting like a toddler and throwing tantrums and still getting everything he wants with little to no consequences. Lucy deserves better.
I can forgive a toxic, emotionally stunted MMC if he does the work to seek forgiveness and try to make up for all of the hurt that he has caused. However, Thorne went through none of that and the book was just cycles of him acting out, causing harm and being forgiven by Lucy without any proper apology from him.
I love Lucy so much but this book made her out to be pathetic and desperate for a man who treated her like absolute garbage. Where were his apologies about all the harm he caused to her family!? In fact I don’t think he genuinely apologized for any of his actions once in the entire book!
Funnily enough I thought that I was going to dislike the book because of the amnesia trope but that was the least of its problems. This is a story about a toxic man acting like a toddler and throwing tantrums and still getting everything he wants with little to no consequences. Lucy deserves better.
November 10, 2025
I just love this new author. It was a joy to watch Lucy and Gabriel mature and grow over the course of the series.
January 31, 2026
This was beyond cringe. Just yikes.
May 24, 2026
Had a lot of fun with this one!
February 3, 2026
This was the first romance I've read in a while that had me staying up late to finish it AND getting teary eyed at the end.
October 25, 2025
Louisa is a master bc tell me how I loathed this bastard for 2 books and was wary about him going into this one and now I'm crying over him
January 28, 2026
The first chapter of this is such an excellent set up for Lucy’s character and her naivety when it comes to her feelings toward the masked rogue. She’s fantasized about him for years and after a heated kiss he dismisses her and tells her to grow up. So she does- and the next chapter we’re thrust five years forward after she’s done some polishing with trips abroad. The Duke of Thornecliff, Thorne, has been a literal thorn in her side since they met years ago. She doesn’t know he’s the masked rogue and he’s determined to seduce her as himself, so he sets about a rouse to set this up. Making a bargain with her as the rogue, she promises to spend more time with people of her own station aka the Duke.
This one was almost hard to listen to on audio because I was so invested and didn’t want to put it down. But I’ve listened to the full series so I wanted to do it this way and MJW provides excellent narration. Although I’d heard of the big twist (that’s in the synopsis so not that twisty) I still was jaw dropped to read it. So well executed and made this book that much more interesting! Getting to the depths of Thorne/Gabriel’s personality and past was so intriguing and the way it sorted out was so satisfying. Lucy’s conflicting emotions regarding her feelings for his different personas felt so real and genuine.
This author nails the bonkers plots that historical romances are known for and I loved the wild ride this one took me on (especially in the last 40%). Not to mention the chemistry and banter between these two really paid off from that first moment they met in the first book. They were a highly anticipated couple and the wait was worth it! And those last few chapters had me tearing up. I can’t wait to see what Louisa has cooked up for us next!
5/5
This one was almost hard to listen to on audio because I was so invested and didn’t want to put it down. But I’ve listened to the full series so I wanted to do it this way and MJW provides excellent narration. Although I’d heard of the big twist (that’s in the synopsis so not that twisty) I still was jaw dropped to read it. So well executed and made this book that much more interesting! Getting to the depths of Thorne/Gabriel’s personality and past was so intriguing and the way it sorted out was so satisfying. Lucy’s conflicting emotions regarding her feelings for his different personas felt so real and genuine.
This author nails the bonkers plots that historical romances are known for and I loved the wild ride this one took me on (especially in the last 40%). Not to mention the chemistry and banter between these two really paid off from that first moment they met in the first book. They were a highly anticipated couple and the wait was worth it! And those last few chapters had me tearing up. I can’t wait to see what Louisa has cooked up for us next!
5/5
April 16, 2026
After listening to the audiobook I did a reread with my eyes haha!
I absolutely adore this novel! It just hit all the right tropes for me in all the right ways! And yes, some may say that Thornecliff is an absolute arse, which he is (no doubt about that) but there's just something about that bad boy that makes me swoon. Lucy is also one of my fave heroines so far!
What I adored about the story:
1. Both the female lead and male lead were EXCELLENT characters. Lucy Lively has always been such a fiery girl, even from the previous books in the series and I've always wanted to read a book focused on her. I was not disappointed! Yes, she seems like a naive little girl in the beginning, but damn I love how headstrong she is, how focused she is on the Gentle Rouge and later, Gabriel. She goes for what she wants, strong and firm. Yes, she may seem dumb at times, but I think that's just human nature, we can't always make the right decisions (like the incident at Sharpes.) She's just such a bright character and I love how she heals Thorne with her kind, determined nature without being too sacrificing of her own needs. She's the naughty girl the bad boy needs.
2. Gabriel de Vere, Thorne, Thornecliff. A scoundrel to his core. No excuses there! He's a bad boy, through and through and damnit, I still like him. He's self-destructive. He's doing all sorts of things to ruin himself because of a deep hurt that he's been holding onto. A grudge. He's really... petty imho. So anyway, he's a red flag. He loves the girl but doesn't want to show it, doesn't want to hurt himself, and so... he hurts her to push her away. Stupid, really. Still, I enjoyed the journey that he undertakes. There was never any real apology for what he did but I'd like to think that it went behind-the-scenes because the novel does focus more on his push-pull tension with Lucy. I just really liked how we, the readers, were able to find out more about Thorne without a huge info dump, just gradually unveiling his trauma through his amnesia. It's really a great story flow. Honestly, a 11/10 bad boy.
3. THE SEXUAL TENSION ahhhhhhhhh. Gosh, enemies-to-lovers vibe that went so well. No abrupt falling in love here. Lucy did really like him eventually, but the way the author wrote how she fell in love was excellent. Thorne has always liked her even if he denied it, and I love how he held onto that obsession with Lucy (denying that it was love) all those years. The bed scenes were also really hot.
4. The amnesia arc! It could've been bad, could've been melodramatic, but it was a perfect set-up for the novel. Kudos to the author, cause damn, I love it.
5. The way the story flowed was smooth. I was so captivated by the story and the tension throughout.
Overall, I highly enjoyed this novel and would recommend.
I absolutely adore this novel! It just hit all the right tropes for me in all the right ways! And yes, some may say that Thornecliff is an absolute arse, which he is (no doubt about that) but there's just something about that bad boy that makes me swoon. Lucy is also one of my fave heroines so far!
What I adored about the story:
1. Both the female lead and male lead were EXCELLENT characters. Lucy Lively has always been such a fiery girl, even from the previous books in the series and I've always wanted to read a book focused on her. I was not disappointed! Yes, she seems like a naive little girl in the beginning, but damn I love how headstrong she is, how focused she is on the Gentle Rouge and later, Gabriel. She goes for what she wants, strong and firm. Yes, she may seem dumb at times, but I think that's just human nature, we can't always make the right decisions (like the incident at Sharpes.) She's just such a bright character and I love how she heals Thorne with her kind, determined nature without being too sacrificing of her own needs. She's the naughty girl the bad boy needs.
2. Gabriel de Vere, Thorne, Thornecliff. A scoundrel to his core. No excuses there! He's a bad boy, through and through and damnit, I still like him. He's self-destructive. He's doing all sorts of things to ruin himself because of a deep hurt that he's been holding onto. A grudge. He's really... petty imho. So anyway, he's a red flag. He loves the girl but doesn't want to show it, doesn't want to hurt himself, and so... he hurts her to push her away. Stupid, really. Still, I enjoyed the journey that he undertakes. There was never any real apology for what he did but I'd like to think that it went behind-the-scenes because the novel does focus more on his push-pull tension with Lucy. I just really liked how we, the readers, were able to find out more about Thorne without a huge info dump, just gradually unveiling his trauma through his amnesia. It's really a great story flow. Honestly, a 11/10 bad boy.
3. THE SEXUAL TENSION ahhhhhhhhh. Gosh, enemies-to-lovers vibe that went so well. No abrupt falling in love here. Lucy did really like him eventually, but the way the author wrote how she fell in love was excellent. Thorne has always liked her even if he denied it, and I love how he held onto that obsession with Lucy (denying that it was love) all those years. The bed scenes were also really hot.
4. The amnesia arc! It could've been bad, could've been melodramatic, but it was a perfect set-up for the novel. Kudos to the author, cause damn, I love it.
5. The way the story flowed was smooth. I was so captivated by the story and the tension throughout.
Overall, I highly enjoyed this novel and would recommend.
April 16, 2026
After listening to the audiobook I did a reread with my eyes haha!
I absolutely adore this novel! It just hit all the right tropes for me in all the right ways! And yes, some may say that Thornecliff is an absolute arse, which he is (no doubt about that) but there's just something about that bad boy that makes me swoon. Lucy is also one of my fave heroines so far!
What I adored about the story:
1. Both the female lead and male lead were EXCELLENT characters. Lucy Lively has always been such a fiery girl, even from the previous books in the series and I've always wanted to read a book focused on her. I was not disappointed! Yes, she seems like a naive little girl in the beginning, but damn I love how headstrong she is, how focused she is on the Gentle Rouge and later, Gabriel. She goes for what she wants, strong and firm. Yes, she may seem dumb at times, but I think that's just human nature, we can't always make the right decisions (like the incident at Sharpes.) She's just such a bright character and I love how she heals Thorne with her kind, determined nature without being too sacrificing of her own needs. She's the naughty girl the bad boy needs.
2. Gabriel de Vere, Thorne, Thornecliff. A scoundrel to his core. No excuses there! He's a bad boy, through and through and damnit, I still like him. He's self-destructive. He's doing all sorts of things to ruin himself because of a deep hurt that he's been holding onto. A grudge. He's really... petty imho. So anyway, he's a red flag. He loves the girl but doesn't want to show it, doesn't want to hurt himself, and so... he hurts her to push her away. Stupid, really. Still, I enjoyed the journey that he undertakes. There was never any real apology for what he did but I'd like to think that it went behind-the-scenes because the novel does focus more on his push-pull tension with Lucy. I just really liked how we, the readers, were able to find out more about Thorne without a huge info dump, just gradually unveiling his trauma through his amnesia. It's really a great story flow. Honestly, a 11/10 bad boy.
3. THE SEXUAL TENSION ahhhhhhhhh. Gosh, enemies-to-lovers vibe that went so well. No abrupt falling in love here. Lucy did really like him eventually, but the way the author wrote how she fell in love was excellent. Thorne has always liked her even if he denied it, and I love how he held onto that obsession with Lucy (denying that it was love) all those years. The bed scenes were also really hot.
4. The amnesia arc! It could've been bad, could've been melodramatic, but it was a perfect set-up for the novel. Kudos to the author, cause damn, I love it.
5. The way the story flowed was smooth. I was so captivated by the story and the tension throughout.
6. The narration by Mary Jane Wells was excellent as always! Her intonations, exclamations and accent is just such a delight to listen to. She makes the characters feel so alive! Yes, Thorne's voice is not as masculine as I'd imagine it but she's already done such a great job. I really love her storytelling. The novel wouldn't be as great if I hadn't listened to the audiobook first.
Overall, I highly enjoyed this novel and would recommend.
I absolutely adore this novel! It just hit all the right tropes for me in all the right ways! And yes, some may say that Thornecliff is an absolute arse, which he is (no doubt about that) but there's just something about that bad boy that makes me swoon. Lucy is also one of my fave heroines so far!
What I adored about the story:
1. Both the female lead and male lead were EXCELLENT characters. Lucy Lively has always been such a fiery girl, even from the previous books in the series and I've always wanted to read a book focused on her. I was not disappointed! Yes, she seems like a naive little girl in the beginning, but damn I love how headstrong she is, how focused she is on the Gentle Rouge and later, Gabriel. She goes for what she wants, strong and firm. Yes, she may seem dumb at times, but I think that's just human nature, we can't always make the right decisions (like the incident at Sharpes.) She's just such a bright character and I love how she heals Thorne with her kind, determined nature without being too sacrificing of her own needs. She's the naughty girl the bad boy needs.
2. Gabriel de Vere, Thorne, Thornecliff. A scoundrel to his core. No excuses there! He's a bad boy, through and through and damnit, I still like him. He's self-destructive. He's doing all sorts of things to ruin himself because of a deep hurt that he's been holding onto. A grudge. He's really... petty imho. So anyway, he's a red flag. He loves the girl but doesn't want to show it, doesn't want to hurt himself, and so... he hurts her to push her away. Stupid, really. Still, I enjoyed the journey that he undertakes. There was never any real apology for what he did but I'd like to think that it went behind-the-scenes because the novel does focus more on his push-pull tension with Lucy. I just really liked how we, the readers, were able to find out more about Thorne without a huge info dump, just gradually unveiling his trauma through his amnesia. It's really a great story flow. Honestly, a 11/10 bad boy.
3. THE SEXUAL TENSION ahhhhhhhhh. Gosh, enemies-to-lovers vibe that went so well. No abrupt falling in love here. Lucy did really like him eventually, but the way the author wrote how she fell in love was excellent. Thorne has always liked her even if he denied it, and I love how he held onto that obsession with Lucy (denying that it was love) all those years. The bed scenes were also really hot.
4. The amnesia arc! It could've been bad, could've been melodramatic, but it was a perfect set-up for the novel. Kudos to the author, cause damn, I love it.
5. The way the story flowed was smooth. I was so captivated by the story and the tension throughout.
6. The narration by Mary Jane Wells was excellent as always! Her intonations, exclamations and accent is just such a delight to listen to. She makes the characters feel so alive! Yes, Thorne's voice is not as masculine as I'd imagine it but she's already done such a great job. I really love her storytelling. The novel wouldn't be as great if I hadn't listened to the audiobook first.
Overall, I highly enjoyed this novel and would recommend.
December 2, 2025
I highly recommend you go into this book without reading its blurb, which has a spoiler for a significant something that happens half way through the book!!! I had not read the blurb and cackled when I hit this part. Some of you may throw your book. Either way it is so much better not anticipating the event.
I do love a Romance where the MMCs appendage knows the FMC is the only one before he does and refuses to so much as twitch for anyone else. Realistic? Hell no. But I eat it up anyway.
I also love mess. And this book is hilariously messy because the Duke of Thornecliff is also The Gentle Rogue highwayman, one of whom Lucy thirsts after and the other she detests. It's a love triangle with only one MMC! So OTT ode to 90s rom-coms. Give me ten more. And then readers, it gets even more OTT with twists and turns, and it was just so fun. I read this via audiobook (narrated by Mary Jane Wells) and it was the perfect easy listen while doing other tasks. The Duke and Lucy's lives aren't perfect, but this isn't an angsty or heavy read.
My only very minor quibble, is that for a Rake and a Regency Lady who has done and seen things, I expected a lot more on-page horny action, even if it was just thoughts and feelings. All in all tho this still gave five star vibes (because I didn't read the blurb first, seriously, don't do it!)
I've enjoyed this whole series, and do recommend you read in order. We meet all of the MCs in the first book and their interactions there make this one so much more delicious. The entire series (eBook and audio) can all currently be found in Kobo Plus!
I do love a Romance where the MMCs appendage knows the FMC is the only one before he does and refuses to so much as twitch for anyone else. Realistic? Hell no. But I eat it up anyway.
I also love mess. And this book is hilariously messy because the Duke of Thornecliff is also The Gentle Rogue highwayman, one of whom Lucy thirsts after and the other she detests. It's a love triangle with only one MMC! So OTT ode to 90s rom-coms. Give me ten more. And then readers, it gets even more OTT with twists and turns, and it was just so fun. I read this via audiobook (narrated by Mary Jane Wells) and it was the perfect easy listen while doing other tasks. The Duke and Lucy's lives aren't perfect, but this isn't an angsty or heavy read.
My only very minor quibble, is that for a Rake and a Regency Lady who has done and seen things, I expected a lot more on-page horny action, even if it was just thoughts and feelings. All in all tho this still gave five star vibes (because I didn't read the blurb first, seriously, don't do it!)
I've enjoyed this whole series, and do recommend you read in order. We meet all of the MCs in the first book and their interactions there make this one so much more delicious. The entire series (eBook and audio) can all currently be found in Kobo Plus!
February 26, 2026
This really was just completely my cup of tea. There’s a masked highwayman, amnesia, deception, a rendezvous in a gaming hell, desperate kisses in the rain and a romantic grand gesture.
I’ve been infuriated by Thornecliffe through the series and couldn’t see how he could be a redeemable MMC that I actually want to win the heart of Lucy. But I’m a fool! Because of course Louisa Darling did exactly that - and I’m a shameless hussy, because it didn’t even take long for me to be all in.
Thorne is devious and manipulative and uncaring….but I’m a sucker for a villain with a complicated and traumatic past that made him that way. Seeing Thorne with amnesia, stripped of his cynicism and masks, was frankly glorious and Lucy never stood a chance.
Lucy has been such a fun character in the series and it was such a joy to read her story. I love that she goes away and travels on the continent before the start of the book - it means that she comes back with maturity and life experiences that make her a richer FMC to read about. But she’s still Lucy - impulsive and loving and just brimming with emotions.
I really struggled to put this down and gobbled it up as quickly as I could. The chemistry between Thorne and Lucy has been electric since they first met in book one. Their bickering banter masks a fierce attraction, one that is unwanted by both of them - at first. I absolutely eat up an amnesia plot line and this one delivered for me.
Louisa Darling is definitely an auto-buy author for me now and I can’t wait to read what she writes next!
I’ve been infuriated by Thornecliffe through the series and couldn’t see how he could be a redeemable MMC that I actually want to win the heart of Lucy. But I’m a fool! Because of course Louisa Darling did exactly that - and I’m a shameless hussy, because it didn’t even take long for me to be all in.
Thorne is devious and manipulative and uncaring….but I’m a sucker for a villain with a complicated and traumatic past that made him that way. Seeing Thorne with amnesia, stripped of his cynicism and masks, was frankly glorious and Lucy never stood a chance.
Lucy has been such a fun character in the series and it was such a joy to read her story. I love that she goes away and travels on the continent before the start of the book - it means that she comes back with maturity and life experiences that make her a richer FMC to read about. But she’s still Lucy - impulsive and loving and just brimming with emotions.
I really struggled to put this down and gobbled it up as quickly as I could. The chemistry between Thorne and Lucy has been electric since they first met in book one. Their bickering banter masks a fierce attraction, one that is unwanted by both of them - at first. I absolutely eat up an amnesia plot line and this one delivered for me.
Louisa Darling is definitely an auto-buy author for me now and I can’t wait to read what she writes next!
December 21, 2025
Oh wow! So good! There is so much going on in this book, it would be amazing on its own, but it also brings the series full circle by redeeming the worst scoundrel, Thorncliffe, with the whiny brat from book one, Lady Lucy Lively. It is so well done! Dramatic? Sure. Over the top? You bet. The reconciliation scene at the end is so outrageous it’s incomparable. Some authors couldn’t pull off this level of intensity without it becoming corny, but Louisa Darling does it beautifully. This is the second book I’ve read this week that has a head injury resulting in memory loss. As a plot technique it is very effective when it’s done well, especially in an Enemies to Lovers trope. My only complaint about the series is the terrible book covers. They don’t begin to do justice to the emotional depth found in these stories. Especially this one of Gabriel. He is supposed to be the image of perfection but the guy on this cover handed me my drive-through order yesterday, I swear. I hope the publishers decide to do better by her in future.
January 24, 2026
Feels good to come back from a dry spell of not finding books I like, and land on something that has me giddy and excited again. Tropes on tropes on tropes—this one was a blast! I loved the story, and enjoyed the entire book, but there were a few parts that felt silly. The rest of it was so good that it overshadowed anything that could have bothered me though.
The silly parts all felt near the end, where there was a lot of serious growth and buildup for both characters , yet then it kind of fizzled out with a shrug. Felt like all the buildup should have meant something, but didn’t since it was like “eh nevermind!”
It clearly wasn’t supposed to come across that way since the reasoning was treated as something incredibly serious and valid, but I guess it was just that I disagreed with however the author felt about what warranted what kind of response.
Anyway, there were times I was worried there would be a lazy follow up to a plot point, but then something interesting happened and that’s what made it so fun. Tropes on tropes yet still on my toes.
The silly parts all felt near the end, where there was a lot of serious growth and buildup for both characters , yet then it kind of fizzled out with a shrug. Felt like all the buildup should have meant something, but didn’t since it was like “eh nevermind!”
It clearly wasn’t supposed to come across that way since the reasoning was treated as something incredibly serious and valid, but I guess it was just that I disagreed with however the author felt about what warranted what kind of response.
Anyway, there were times I was worried there would be a lazy follow up to a plot point, but then something interesting happened and that’s what made it so fun. Tropes on tropes yet still on my toes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2026
4.5/5
Fun and slightly ridiculous in a way that I always enjoy when it comes to historical romance (particularly when it comes to the final book in a series). Thorne and Lucy's romance was very satisfying—I loved seeing her fall in love with three versions of the same man and I loved seeing him face his past and learn to move forward without his various masks.
This book has a lot packed into it—a significant time jump after the first chapter, the tragic and layered de Vere family backstory, a love triangle in which the heroine's love interests are actually the same person, an amnesia plotline, a highwayman being hunted by agents of the Crown—and while everything wrapped up well part of me wished this book was a bit longer just to dive a bit deeper into all the various angles of Lucy/Thorne's romance. Their romance could honestly be a whole trilogy on its own (but at least there were hints of it in this first two books of this trilogy).
Fun and slightly ridiculous in a way that I always enjoy when it comes to historical romance (particularly when it comes to the final book in a series). Thorne and Lucy's romance was very satisfying—I loved seeing her fall in love with three versions of the same man and I loved seeing him face his past and learn to move forward without his various masks.
This book has a lot packed into it—a significant time jump after the first chapter, the tragic and layered de Vere family backstory, a love triangle in which the heroine's love interests are actually the same person, an amnesia plotline, a highwayman being hunted by agents of the Crown—and while everything wrapped up well part of me wished this book was a bit longer just to dive a bit deeper into all the various angles of Lucy/Thorne's romance. Their romance could honestly be a whole trilogy on its own (but at least there were hints of it in this first two books of this trilogy).
August 21, 2025
I think the promise and premise of this book were a bit better than the execution. I was expecting a 5 star given my love for the first two books in the series and how much this one was set up previously. However, the pacing was all over the place.
February 7, 2026
I loved 90% of this book except
September 5, 2025
Again - what a nice book! 4.0 stars!
Thorne and Lucy were a long time coming and i enjoyed them a lot. Amnesia is not my favourite trope. That being said, it was very entertaining and emotional to follow Gabriel and Lucy. As with all the otther books in this series, I would have liked an even better and slower turnaround from him. The end seemed almost abrupt. Nonetheless I really recoomend I am so sad the series is over (I think?). Thus far we always got the setup of the next book in the previous one - and now no Dukes are left (that we know of). Looking forward to reading more of Louisas books in the future 💕
Thorne and Lucy were a long time coming and i enjoyed them a lot. Amnesia is not my favourite trope. That being said, it was very entertaining and emotional to follow Gabriel and Lucy. As with all the otther books in this series, I would have liked an even better and slower turnaround from him. The end seemed almost abrupt. Nonetheless I really recoomend I am so sad the series is over (I think?). Thus far we always got the setup of the next book in the previous one - and now no Dukes are left (that we know of). Looking forward to reading more of Louisas books in the future 💕
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2026
I’ve really enjoyed this series (number two being my favorite) and felt this was a strong ending. The banter was fun and this had the perfect amount of angst to keep things interesting. The author created relatable, complex characters that you really want to root for. I adored Lucy. She’s strong-willed and curious and an openness that’s endearing. Gabriel was my kind of brooding hero. It’s hard to strike the right balance between an angsty character and an insufferable character, but Darling manages to do so here.
Overall, this is a quick, fun little book that’s perfect for passing an afternoon.
May 15, 2026
This book was quite a bit of fun—I literally gasped out loud at some parts and laughed out loud at others. Not sure the laughing parts were necessarily meant to be funny though? lol
Overall, I think Lucy deserved better than the Thorne we got in the end. He could have done some good groveling and we really should have gotten that. For all he told her early on that she needed to grow up, well he definitely needed to as well!
And the final resolution was so dangerous, it really pissed me off and ruined the ending. Half a star off for that and a full star off for Thorne’s shittiness. Rounding up because the writing was so engaging.
Overall, I think Lucy deserved better than the Thorne we got in the end. He could have done some good groveling and we really should have gotten that. For all he told her early on that she needed to grow up, well he definitely needed to as well!
And the final resolution was so dangerous, it really pissed me off and ruined the ending. Half a star off for that and a full star off for Thorne’s shittiness. Rounding up because the writing was so engaging.
October 26, 2025
I loved everything about this book, I’ve been waiting for the Thorne book and this delivered. The set up was great, for the first half of the book we get the build up of tension between Thorne’s two identities and how Lucy feels about them both and then it’s all shaken up by his fall from the window and subsequent amnesia. Amnesia! Not sure if I’ve ever read it before but this worked for me even though it’s an absolutely ridiculous premise. Shout out to the amazing micro trope of “he’s jealous of himself.” This book was fun, sexy, and an excellent historical. Read it now.
December 7, 2025
4.25? I just love Louisa Darling. Her characters make me laugh and she does such a good job of making my heart ache for them even with the utterly ridiculous HR storylines. Similar vibe to Tessa Dare?
I did wish the third act breakup was a bit shorter and that Thorn got it together more quickly.
Mary Jane wells on the audiobook is phenomenal per usual! I adore her and I think she takes every book she narrates up a notch.
I did wish the third act breakup was a bit shorter and that Thorn got it together more quickly.
Mary Jane wells on the audiobook is phenomenal per usual! I adore her and I think she takes every book she narrates up a notch.
April 6, 2026
Couldn't decide if this is a solid 4 star or even 4.5 stars. This one is definitely my favorite book of the series. I absolutely loved it.
Currently I've given it 4 but I might come back to up it to 5 if I decide that it's definitely a 4.5 star. So depending on how many you see it will be 4 or 4.5 stars.
Currently I've given it 4 but I might come back to up it to 5 if I decide that it's definitely a 4.5 star. So depending on how many you see it will be 4 or 4.5 stars.
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April 28, 2026Fated Mates podcast named this one of their favorite books of 2025. I’m not as big a fan of amnesia plot lines as they are but it was amusing to watch the MMC be jealous of himself.
I’m excited that the author is planning a spinoff of the MMC’s family as I felt there were a lot of unanswered questions still.
I’m excited that the author is planning a spinoff of the MMC’s family as I felt there were a lot of unanswered questions still.
October 25, 2025
So much fun. I unironically love amnesia tropes so I’ve read a lot of them, and Louisa Darling understands how to deliver the best of the goods of this premise while also doing some fun, fresh things with it.
January 11, 2026
A little slow to start (maybe because I came in without having read the previous books in the series) but this was a great time. So many classic historical beats/topes, but done in a fresh and charming way.
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