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Wicked Dukes Society #5

Duke with a Duchess

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From USA Today bestselling author Scarlett Scott comes a scorching, angsty second chance romance between a scorned duchess and the duke who who won't let her go...

When Everett Saunders, Duke of Riverdale, needed to marry in haste, he found the perfect duchess. One who would grant him an heir and a spare and rusticate quietly at his estate, allowing him to carry on with his life of debauchery. At least, that was the woman he thought he’d married. Instead, he unwittingly leg-shackled himself to a cunning, fortune-seeking liar. The only solution to his woes is abandoning the conniving baggage and simply carrying on as if he doesn’t have a wife at all.

Nothing in her life has ever gone according to plan, and her hasty marriage is no different. But Sybil, Duchess of Riverdale, isn’t about to meekly allow her rakehell husband to abandon her and go on with his life. When her letters to him remain unanswered, she takes matters into her own hands, determined to obtain a divorce by any means, fair or foul.

Riverdale, however, is unwilling to let her go unless she gives him an heir. Sybil has no choice but to accept the sinful arrangement proposed by her husband. She’ll submit to his desires in the bedchamber, but he’ll never have the power to break her heart again. All she has to do is keep herself from falling back in love with the merciless rogue she married...

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

Don't miss the Wicked Dukes Society
Book 1 Duke with a Reputation
Book 2 Duke with a Debt
Book 3 Duke with a Secret
Book 4 Duke with a Lie
Book 5 Duke with a Duchess
Book 6 King's story, TBD

320 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 29, 2026

234 people are currently reading
132 people want to read

About the author

Scarlett Scott

124 books1,576 followers
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

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5 stars
284 (60%)
4 stars
126 (26%)
3 stars
43 (9%)
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15 (3%)
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4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for Aspoon.
732 reviews2 followers
January 30, 2026
OMG talk about frustrating. The hero was as horrible as this book. He was horrible to his wife, horrible to his friends, horrible to his sister etc… The entire book was his obsession of a LIE he told himself. He accused his wife of having a lover with NO real proof and refused to ask her or confront her for the truth but instead tell these self lies to other people as if it’s a FACT that she has a lover.

The rest of the book was spent with him being a complete jackass to the heroine yet having sex on top of sex with her. I passed up majority of the sex scenes because it just didn’t seem right or authentic and his dirty talk sounded like something you’d hear on pornhub (so I been told lol) very modern. I only finished it so I could add to my book goal. Just utter rubbish.
Profile Image for Pam  Bereznak.
1,847 reviews141 followers
January 30, 2026
This is my 83rd 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. Although to be honest and this has never happened, I actually didn't read her Maid for the Marquess book that she wrote with another author. It was in first person, which she has never done and I HATE first person views. So it was sad but I couldn't even get past the Prologue. I have LOVED this series though. Book 3 and 4 have been my favorites so far, especially Book 4. It was fantastic.

I really liked this story. I liked Everett and Sybil. I love that heart wants, what the hearts wants whether that be good or bad. The story flowed really well and I finished it in one day. As I said, I have been loving this series and so glad more there is another book coming.
Profile Image for Siham.
165 reviews6 followers
February 5, 2026
I'm a sucker for pathetic obsessed husbands, with yearning for their wife, former playboys who can't see anyone other than their bane of existence. Found my new fav author for sure. can't wait to read King's book
Profile Image for Nicole.
943 reviews17 followers
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January 27, 2026
So dam good! This was a book that I read through the night..

Sybil and Everett thought they knew each other in the beginning of their relationship but things just went out of control the day of the wedding, he lets his past cloud his judgement and she wasn't sure how to bring up a taboo subject of her brother who was born on the wrong side of the blanket..

However 3 months apart and Sybil wants to know why he married her or a divorce.. and he still thinks she betrayed him like someone in his past.. they spend time fussing and fighting outside of the bedroom but in the bedroom it's like fireworks.. even though they try to fight it those fireworks come outside of their bedroom and into their hearts for each other..

Sadly it takes a tragedy for them to finally realize that they only needed to communicate with each other and that they lost 3 precious months.. but now they won't waste a single second telling each other how they feel or what they think and many other things..

This story shows that communication is the key to making a marriage, relationship or any type of relationship work..

This story was feeled with sadness, laughter and steam! And of course a happily ever after..

I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Debbie DiFiore.
2,775 reviews321 followers
February 3, 2026
One Simple Conversation

Could have cleared this all up. That frustrates me and yet MS Scott totally made it work. The sex scenes were hot and the hero was a total jerk. How could that be? But.it worked. He left her at the wedding breakfast because he saw het embrace a foot man and tell him she loved him. So he goes away to party with his old friends. For three months. She wakes him up by pouring a pitcher of water over his head. I liked that. But luckily he did not break his vows. He couldn't. He said there was no one else since the day they met. I liked that. They fight until the very end. But I still liked it very much. A faithful hero in books these days are hard to find. It was a pleasant surprise. Looking forward to Kings story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ann Gonzalez.
1,508 reviews15 followers
January 31, 2026
This book was a fantastic addition to the Wicked Duke Society series. The eye-catching cover draws one in and the captivating characters and story keeps them reading. It was hard to put down and wished I could have avoided life so I could have read it in one sitting.
Sybil and Everett's marriage got off to a rough start due to lack of communication and confusion. Both are very stubborn and headstrong so it took time to work it all out. They set the pages on fire while working on their marriage agreement. As spicy as this book was, there is also heartache. The book is well-written and the emotion pours off the pages.
This book is definitely five stars and I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.
Profile Image for CATHERINE  BURHANS .
832 reviews9 followers
January 31, 2026
Every wicked Duke story I read, I’m reminded just why Scarlett Scott is my favorite author! It is said that rakes make the best husbands, and Everett, the Duke of Riverdale, lives up to that proclamation. Of course, his marriage to Sybil did not get off to a very good start. A big misunderstanding had him abandoning her at the country estate on their wedding day with no explanation. After three months of that and the spitfire, Sybil goes after her errant husband. Then the sparks really start to fly. They have a love/hate relationship with each one giving as good as they got back! Lots of witty moments and clever banter make this a wonderful read!
78 reviews
January 30, 2026
This is my favourite of the series so far! Sibyl and Everett were so clearly meant to be together, and they loved each other underneath, despite all the misunderstandings. I really loved all of the side characters and I'm so excited for Verity and King's story - I have a feeling I'll love that one too! perhaps not a true enemies to Lovers, this book was so fun in getting to see the two main characters fall in love, despite all of the misunderstandings in their way.
Profile Image for Gloria Pastorino.
Author 83 books58 followers
January 30, 2026
Love a marriage in trouble! Especially if they are not apart for too long and of course they found a way to each other at the end.
This story was really great, very hot from the start because Sybil and Everett have an astounding physical attraction, but also full of feelings and angst, with some humor to counterbalance it all. Scott always delivers! Her characters are vivid and very real and the writing gorgeous. I can’t wait for King’s book!
Profile Image for Judith Miguel.
Author 4 books36 followers
January 31, 2026
I love Scarlett! Her books make feel all kind of amazing things and this was not an exception. The chemistry between them is of the chart! The secrets and all the things unsaid are the true villains in this story. I need Verity and King's story ASAP please!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Profile Image for Beth.
153 reviews2 followers
February 2, 2026
Amazing addition to a Wicked series!!

High angst, even Higher Steam and a wonderful worthwhile HEA!!

A secret wife, a secret half brother, a secret lover (who isn’t a lover at all) and secret feelings. A whole lot of misunderstanding and miscommunication that comes to an epic firey upheaval to all the characters!!

This story is well-crafted, characters are well- written and fully developed and if you love Scarlett Scott’s writing as much as I do, then you will love this story!!

One more Wicked Duke gets his HEA and “King”, the Duke of Kingham is next! Cannot wait!!
97 reviews2 followers
February 16, 2026
The book had so much angst, and for literally no reason! The hero Everett, is an idiot..so he sees his wife hugging another man on the day they get married..what would a normal man do?? He would confront his wife and ask wth is going on, right? But no, our hero storms out and leaves wih wife alone for months and she has no idea why! He holds onto all his anger and jealousy etc, never bothering to even talk to her about his misunderstanding! The only good deed he does is when he rescues her mother from her abusive husband. SO the heroine ends up living with him and having hot sex with him daily, even as he shows her no consideration and blows hot and cold. He was such a jerk that honestly, the h should have packed her bags and gone back to living alone. And in the end, the idiot says it my fault for not telling you that the guy I was hugging is my half brother! Like how and why would she even know why he was angry with her! The H should definitely have groveled much much more than he did and she should have not forgiven him so easily.
26 reviews
February 2, 2026
One by one, the Wicked Dukes are dropping like flies to love and marriage. This time, it is the Duke of Riverdale’s turn.

The story opens with a bang. Sybil, Riverdale’s duchess, has come to Wingfield Hall for the latest Wicked Duke’s house party. She’s there to confront her husband, Everett, who abandoned her at his country estate immediately after their wedding breakfast. To announce her unexpected arrival, Sybil dumps a pitcher of cold water over his head while he’s abed. Husband and wife square off, ultimately making a devil’s bargain that would lead the pair to divorce after Sybil gives Riverdale an heir.

What happened at the wedding breakfast? Why did Everett disappear? What has he been doing while they’ve been apart?

Scarlett Scott takes us on a merry chase as these two battle. Despite their rage at each other, it’s clear that Sybil and Everett have unfinished business. Whatever happened at the wedding breakfast failed to douse the intense passion between them, and those flames are only burning hotter as their agreement plays out.

And let’s not forget the grotto scene with Everett emerging from the pool, water sluicing down his body. The details in that scene are hot, spicy, and unforgettable.

Their journey back to one another is a long and emotional road filled with lots of steamy interludes, unfortunate misunderstandings, and heartbreaking moments.

This is another fantastic book in an incredible series. I cannot wait for Kingham’s story - it is sure to be a barnburner!

I read this book as an advanced reader copy.
Profile Image for Lana Birky.
1,718 reviews23 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 28, 2026
Everett, Duke of Riverdale: A man who thought he’d married the perfect duchess… right up until he panicked, bolted, & left her at his country estate like an abandoned houseplant.

Sybil, Duchess of Riverdale: Sunshine with a spine of steel. She’s done being ignored, done being patient, & absolutely done waiting for her absentee husband to remember she exists.

Everett and Sybil’s marriage begins with a bang - and not the fun kind. One disastrous incident sends Everett fleeing, without even a wedding night. which leaves Sybil to stew, strategize, & after three months, she decides if her husband won’t come home, she’ll march herself straight to him & demand a divorce.

This book was the perfect escape; witty, steamy, & packed with the kind of emotional punch that makes you grin at your Kindle like a fool. Everett & Sybil are magnetic together, their journey equal parts hilarious & heart‑squeezing. Scarlett Scott once again proves she knows exactly how to deliver a romance that hits every pleasure point.

I devoured it, adored it, and already want to reread my favorite scenes. If you love runaway dukes, determined duchesses, and second‑chance sparks that turn into a full‑blown inferno, this one is a must‑read. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own. 
Profile Image for Janet.
5,231 reviews66 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 26, 2026
Everett Saunders, Duke of Riverdale, found the perfect duchess. Or so he thought but an incident on their wedding day had him leaving her at his country seat. Nothing in her life has ever gone according to plan, and her hasty marriage is no different. But Sybil, Duchess of Riverdale, isn’t about to meekly allow her husband to abandon her and go on with his life. When her letters to him remain unanswered, she takes matters into her own hands, determined to obtain a divorce by any means, fair or foul. They come to an arrangement!
The fifth book in the series & yes it could be read on its own but why not read the whole series – it’s seriously good. Once again the author has knocked it out of the ballpark, wonderful characters, electric chemistry, witty, steamy, some angst. Danger. This book came at just the right time for me, I could plunge into a wonderful story & escape reality. I found it very hard to put down. I loved both Everett & Sybil, I loved their chemistry & their banter & how they realised their feelings. An engrossing, captivating, enthralling romance
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
49 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 26, 2026
Starts with a splash and is so steamy

Sybil, the Duchess of Riverdale, can’t forgive her husband for abandoning her since their wedding three months ago. So, she goes to one of his Wicked Duke’s Society house parties to confront him and demand a divorce. Everett is not happy to see her, but he refuses to give her a divorce. This leads to a wet & fiercely witty confrontation where they reach a compromise.

Like all the couples in Wicked Dukes Society series, Everett and Sybil are hot & sexy. They want to hate each other, but their connection is too strong. However, Everett never told any of his family or friends that they were married and Sybil isn’t ready to forgive him.

This is such a great book in the wonderful Wicked Dukes Society series, and it also gives you some insight into what will happen in book six with the Duke of Kingham. I can’t wait for King’s story!!
Don’t worry if you haven’t read the first five books in the series, you will still enjoy this one … then go read those five books because they are just as great.

I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for ChasingLeslie.
472 reviews109 followers
January 30, 2026
Everett Saunders, Duke of Riverdale, thought he found the perfect duchess...until he saw her embracing another man on their wedding day. Abandoned and without a word from her husband, Duchess Sybil takes matters into her own hands, determined to obtain a divorce. Riverdale, however, is unwilling to let her go unless she gives him an heir.

This is the fifth book in the Wicked Dukes Society series, featuring a group of dukes who run a secret society for scandalous house parties. While the book can stand alone, I recommend reading the previous two stories which take place during the same house party where Everett and Sybil get reacquainted.

I have loved every book in this series, and the good times keep chugging along in this one. Misunderstanding tropes tend to be frustrating and can go on too long, but the banter and sexy scenes kept that frustration at bay. I thought there was a good balance and a dramatic ending that brought everything together (including set up for King and Verity for the next book)

Tropes: Marriage in Trouble, Sex Bargain-ish

Steam: 5

* I received an ARC and this is my honest review
173 reviews
January 30, 2026
Sybil, the Duchess of Riverdale, wants out of her brief marriage to Everett Saunders, the Duke of Riverdale, who disappeared shortly after their wedding. Sybil wants no part of a marriage without love and seeing no effort on Everett's part to be a loving husband, decides not to put up with his abandonment and wants a divorce.

Everett thought he married the perfect Duchess who could provide him with a son and a spare but now is under the impression that Sybil is in love with someone else because of what he thought he saw and decides to carry on with his life as if he were still single. After Sybil confronts Everett with her demand for a divorce, Everett offers her a bargain in exchange for her freedom, to provide Everett with a son. Their steamy, intimate chemistry together is undeniable and passionate and Everett soon finds himself falling for her.

Sybil and Everett's romantic journey is filled with lots of angst, passion and hot sexy steam. Loved it and the set-up to Lady Verity and King's story! Highly recommend!
50 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 25, 2026
Another great addition to the Wicked Dukes Society series!!! It is my favorite in the series so far. The other dukes have no idea that Everett, the Duke of Riverdale is married. This is because he has abandoned her on his country estate due to a misunderstanding after they marry. Sybil, the Duchess of Riverdale will not let her abandonment stand and seeks out Everett at his house party to ask for a divorce. Both have their terms and so starts a slow seduction. But the bitter hurt they both feel stands in the way of their lasting happiness. The characters are well developed and you can't help but root for them to finally resolve their differences. Their chemistry is undeniable and their love scenes are off the charts steamy!!! I also love the set up for the next in the series where we finally get the Duke of kingham's story. You will absolutely love this book!!! I received an ARC of this book and is my honest review.
Profile Image for Sonia N..
1,005 reviews65 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 28, 2026
This is such a beautiful and emotional love story! It’s a second chance and angst filled romance. Another 5 Star ⭐️ read from Scarlett Scott!
Book 5 in The Wicked Dukes Society series. Each book features a gorgeous Duke with a beautiful lady.
This is Everett Saunders the Duke of Riverdale and Lady Sybil’s story. He needed to marry for an heir. Lady Sybil is the beautiful woman he marries. But unfortunately something goes terribly wrong after the wedding!
Everett leaves her at his country estate until he feels like going to her for an heir. But Sybil is tired of waiting for him and a strong willed lady and decides to go find him and confront him.
The storyline is so well written and wow the love scenes are scorching hot 🔥. I loved the secondary characters, especially King!
I’m so happy that they got their beautiful and much deserved happily ever after.
2,467 reviews28 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 29, 2026
This story started with a bang! Sybil, Duchess of Riverdale was determined to put an end to her short marriage to Everett, Duke of Riverdale. They were both very determined to get what they wanted. I just felt like saying to them just talk honestly to each other! I did find the way Everett’s fellow duke and friend, Kingham, really teased and wound him up very amusing. There are plenty of hot, passionate scenes and some danger. The reader also meets Verity, Everett’s sister, who features in the next book, which is something I look forward to reading. There is quite a dramatic event that makes them realise what is important. This was an entertaining read with some misunderstandings but it has a satisfying ending. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Liz Ranne.
1,152 reviews28 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 29, 2026
I loved this! It's Everett & Sybil's story & it was awesome! He was absent from their marriage for the 1st 3 months; something had happened that he completely misinterpreted & he left for one of the house parties; when she tracks him down, she has the idea of a divorce. Needless to say, that didn't sit well with him & he instead struck a bargain with her. Their chemistry is undeniable, but he has kept her a secret from everyone & she doesn't realize it. They don't get along at all at first; but they can't stop the attraction to each other & finally they quit trying. But he has hang-ups & they haven't talked about what happened the day they got married, which causes many issues & their feelings for each other deepen. It was awesome seeing them grow & finally talk about things. I loved the spice & the story was awesome! Highly recommend this book & author!
Profile Image for Julie Ambrose.
237 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy
January 25, 2026
Oh what can I say …this story sure has the wow factor …another great addition to the wicked dukes society and a must read .
Total misunderstanding from the start and neither parties willing to address the problem untill……….
Not going to give the story away as I have had the pleasure of reading it as an ARC but this is such a fabulous read and Everett and Sybil well what a pair !
Full of doubt and misgivings these two make a bargain but what a bargain it turns out to be ..A duty …lust …passion well maybe but there sizzling passion can not be ignored even though the mistrust does not go away or ignored forever .
Thanks again Scarlett for a stunning read .

781 reviews11 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 26, 2026
I just love this series. I love each book in this series more and more. This book is about Everett and Sybil. They were married 3 months ago, and no one knows. But on their wedding day, Everett saw something and decided to leave Sybil at his house in the country. Sybil was tired of waiting for him, so she went to the wicked house party to ask for a divorce. From the first paragraph I was hooked. I read this book in 1 day, during the New Jersey snowstorm and wished I had the next book. This book teases you about the next book and I cannot wait. Scarlett Scott please write faster. Lol.
I received an ARC of this book, and I am leaving my honest opinion.
199 reviews3 followers
January 29, 2026
Easily consumed in one sitting.
The Wicked Dukes are hosting another scandalous party at Wingfield Hall.
Riverdale the Duke is enjoying his sleep when his long abandoned wife Sybil storms into his room.
He has not seen her for three months since he walked away on their wedding day.
Sybil is determined to change her lonely life with a divorce.
A devil’s bargain is struck and their marriage resumes with angst and trials.
The banter and the steamy scenes are irresistible.
Characters are written with depth and care, enjoy the family interventions.
Another intriguing addition to the series.
I received an ARC but the honest opinion is my own.
15 reviews
January 29, 2026
Sybil, Duchess of Riverdale, crashes a debauched house party to confront her husband who had the nerve to leave her on their wedding day three months ago. Everett is under the mistaken impression she's had an affair and is in love with someone else. Sometimes misunderstandings or miscommunication can be frustrating and drag on, but Scarlett wouldn't do that to us. Sybil and Everett's second chance is a fun romp, worthy of this terrific series. I have to say I do appreciate a good second chance within a marriage and this one is really satisfying. If you haven't started this series yet, you're missing out--great characters, stories and lots of heat!
Profile Image for Maria Dariotis .
785 reviews17 followers
January 30, 2026
Duke with a Duchess
by Scarlett Scott

Duke with a Duchess is a deliciously angsty historical romance packed with passion, regret, and second chances. Scott delivers her signature blend of emotional intensity and steam as a once-fractured marriage is forced back into close proximity, letting old wounds—and undeniable chemistry—resurface. With a strong, wounded duchess and a proud duke who must finally face his mistakes, the story is fast-paced, heartfelt, and deeply satisfying for fans of marriage-in-trouble and reconciliation romances. Perfect if you like your Regency reads dramatic, sexy, and emotionally rich. 💕📖

Received an advanced copy, this is my free unbiased opinion.
43 reviews
February 12, 2026
Fantastic

As always, Scarlett doesn’t disappoint! What a wonderful story and with so much heat! The two characters had an amazing twist in trying to find their happily ever after and I thoroughly loved going on that journey with them. I’ll never tire of Scarlett Scott’s stories and anxiously awaiting the next. My only problem is that I read her books so fast as I can’t put them down. This story won’t disappoint!
2,442 reviews22 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 25, 2026
This second chance romance (sort of) was just what I needed. It was flirty, angsty, sexy and had all kinds of witty banter that I love. I am not one for a misunderstanding to go on and on but in this story it worked. Everett was a delight. I wouldn’t throw him out of bed. I read this in one sitting, the writing was so good and I read it so fast. Signs of a good book. I loved it!
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