Duelist for the Ton

Misfits of the Ton #8

by Emily Royal

A string to her bow—or a shot to her heart?

The masked duelist…
For Lady Portia Hawke, a Society marriage would be worse than a prison. A talented markswoman, she offers her services, anonymously, as a duelist. For a fee, she can fell opponents with little more than a scratch, preserving both their dignity and their lives. She has no desire to fall in love until she meets a colonel fresh from Waterloo, whose tormented expression touches her soul.

The soldier haunted by war…
Colonel Stephen Reid returned from Waterloo uninjured—at least on the surface. In his mind, he relives the battle and blames himself for surviving when others did not. Fearful of being declared insane, he conceals his suffering. But one woman sees beyond the façade of the war hero to the tortured soul within. Rather than condemnation, Lady Portia Hawke gives him comfort, understanding—and her heart.

Tormented by the memory of gunshots, Stephen abhors the notion of shooting for sport, and he makes clear his hatred of the mysterious masked duelist who’s the talk of White’s—an anonymous scoundrel who earns a living from the misery of others.

Until Stephen himself finds himself forced into a duel.

Confronted by the one opponent she fears above all, Portia must make the ultimate reveal her identity…or fight to the fateful end.

Tropes you'll Hidden identity / secret life heroineLady with unconventional skillsWounded soldier / hero haunted by warRedemption through loveForbidden love / love across social rulesStrong, independent heroineGrumpy, tormented hero
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Misfits of the Ton
Book 1 - Tomboy of the Ton
Book 2 - Ruined by the Ton
Book 3 - Thief of the Ton
Book 4 - Oddity of the Ton
Book 5 - Harpy of the Ton
Book 6 - Heartbreaker of the Ton
Book 7 - Doxy for the Ton
Book 8 - Duellist for the Ton
Book 9 - Taciturn in the Ton
Book 10 - Ghost of the Ton
Book 11 - Jilted by the Ton
Book 12 - Chaperone for the Ton

363 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 22, 2025

About the author

USA TODAY Bestselling Author Emily Royal is a mathematics geek who grew up in Sussex, England and has always had a passion for romance and bad boy heroes in need of redemption. Emily graduated from Oxford University with a Chemistry degree, but returned to her mathematical roots to work in financial services, while indulging in her dream of becoming a pilot, and enjoying a brief international sporting career.

She now lives near the Highlands, with her Scottish husband, two daughters and menagerie of rescue pets including Twinkle, an attention-seeking boa constrictor. When not working on algebra, dreaming about her heroes, or keeping Twinkle from slithering over her keyboard, Emily enjoys painting, playing the piano and keeping her family well stocked with cake.

Reviews

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily Royal is a new author for me. This is only my 9th book by her. I found her when I was searching for new authors and new books to read. When I read book one in Mar 2025, I had been reading some new authors and none were really exciting to me so was looking forward to reading her. Many of my favorite authors are published by Dragonblade which publishes her books so I knew that would be a good sign. I have really enjoyed this series.

I really enjoyed this book. It had me from page one. Since many of you know I don't read book descriptions anymore, at the beginning, I can truthfully say I wasn't quite sure which male characters was actually the main male character and the one that ends up with Portia. After about 25% I figured it out but it made for an interesting beginning. I really liked Portia and Stephen, especially Portia. I loved her independence and how when she talked she told you exactly what she thought. Especially towards her asshole of a brother. Yikes, what a dick. Really great read. I really liked it a lot. Definitely would recommend this book as well as the whole series.

[Alexandra G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Opiniated duke’s sister always at odds with her brother, skilled archer, hospital volunteer and secret duellist for the ton, Portia is well-aware her libertine arse of a brother wants her off his hands. But how can she when all men are buffoons?
Born a 2nd son, army veteran suffering severe ptsd from Waterloo, averse to lies and artifice, and devoted brother, Stephen despises the ton and its snobbery – but needs must if his little sister is to have her season.
Neither believes love is in their cards, still, something sparks when they first meet – too bad they got off on the wrong foot... or did they?

I adore this series for the original take on beloved tropes and its truly unique MCs, the mesmerising complexity and growth, and the heartrending and mending emotional journeys – and this story is no exception!

It’s sort of a slow burn, hidden identity, friends-to-lovers with a giant pothole in the middle.
Portia and Stephen are much alike, yet at opposite ends. The ton and its archaic beliefs irk them, neither is what the other expected, both have firm opinions, and compromise is not in their nature – but where she’s fluid, he’s rigid.
I loved her determination and loyalty toward her misfit friends and their families – and he’s this tormented underdog, a little macho but not arrogant.
Love binds them, pride tears them apart.

It’s really hard to review this gem without spoiling how marvellous it is. You just need to dive in and experience it!
It’s an enthralling twisty mess, heaven and hell all rolled into one, and that’s just the first half of the book. The other half is the heartbreaking part, and all I can divulge is that the grand gesture at end is one I’ve never read before, and a very moving moment that felt so very right for these MCs.
Loved it! All of it!

PS - If you hate her brother, stick with him, he has his own surprising arc and I certainly hope he returns for his own HEA later in the series!

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

For Lady Portia Hawke, a Society marriage would be worse than a prison. A talented markswoman, she offers her services, anonymously, as a duellist called The Farthing. For a fee, she can fell opponents with little more than a scratch, preserving both their dignity and their lives. Colonel Stephen Reid returned from Waterloo uninjured—at least on the surface. In his mind, he relives the battle and blames himself for surviving when others did not. Fearful of being declared insane, he conceals his suffering. But one woman sees beyond the façade of the war hero to the tortured soul within. Rather than condemnation, Lady Portia Hawke gives him comfort, understanding—and her heart. Stephen abhors the notion of shooting for sport, and he makes clear his hatred of the mysterious masked duellist who’s the talk of White’s. Until Stephen himself finds himself forced into a duel.
The eighth book in the series & it’s easily read on its own even though previous characters do make appearances. I really liked both Stephen & Portia & thoroughly enjoyed their rocky journey to a HEA. Of course it’s rocky when Portia keeps a huge secret from Stephen & of course he’s bound to find out & then things go pear shaped. Portia’s brother is the Duke of Foxton & he’s a character who’s intrigued me throughout the series & he certainly was a hindrance in this book, I really hope he has his story! A very well written, delightful romance with strong characters & a well paced story
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Caro · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book with an unconventional storyline, but that’s the charm of this book. I particularly loved the beginning. Portia is secretly posing as ‘The Farthing’, a gunman for hire to men who have been challenged to a duel. She’s an excellent shot so aims to save lives instead of men getting killed in duels. Colonel Sephen Reid was in the army and is suffering from PTSD so gunshots are a nightmare for him. I liked that Portia was a strong character, who never shied away from speaking her mind. Her fiery discussions with her brother the Duke of Foxton were always a joy to read. You always wonder: ‘How far can she go?’ Because she always pushed the limits, but although her brother seems like an arrogant person he is a good man deep down. So although he berates Portia for her frankness and she riles him up, he still doesn’t snap. The secondary characters are also interesting. There are quite a few couples that are love matches so I wondered if other books by this author might have been about them. Portia’s maid Nerissa is also very bold, I liked that. The book is about how a gun wielding sharpshooter like Portia and a gun shy soldier can ever get together. Especially since he abhorred any form of deception while Portia is living a secret double life. The pace is good and although I didn’t love every plot twist, it is all resolved in the end to satisfaction. They get their happily ever after and is a book I can recommend.
There is one intimate scene and some minor swearing.
Thank you Dragonblade Publishing, Netgalley and author for providing an advanced copy of this book. I voluntarily read and reviewed it; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
…

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really enjoyable historical romance with a fun twist on the duel trope. Lady Portia Hawke is not your usual Society lady—she’s secretly a masked duelist who protects people’s honor without killing anyone. I loved how capable and independent she is, especially in a world that wants to trap her in marriage and rules she never agreed to.
Stephen Reid, the hero, is a colonel haunted by Waterloo. His struggles with guilt and trauma felt sincere and handled with care. He’s grumpy, closed-off, and deeply uncomfortable with violence, which makes his hatred of the mysterious duelist especially interesting. The tension really works once you realize how connected their secrets are.
The hidden identity storyline kept me turning pages, and the emotional stakes rise nicely as Portia is forced to choose between protecting her secret and protecting the man she loves. Their relationship is built more on understanding and kindness than flashy romance, which I appreciated.
If you enjoy strong heroines, wounded heroes, secret identities, and redemption through love, this is a solid and satisfying read—especially if you prefer historical romance with a bit of drama and heart.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing and am voluntarily leaving my review. 

[NelleRenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this read. The FMC is very unconventional. Her brother is a duke and his very dominating, although underneath he real does love his sister. She, disgusted as a young man, is paid money to substitute in a duel. She only wings the opponent and the money goes to a doctor to help his patients. The MMC is a soldier without an outward wound, but has PTSD especially with load noises. They meet in the hospital when he visits a friend and then again when he is in a stressful situation due to some fireworks. She helps him through the episode. Their friendship turns to more, but then after a duel they separate. Later he realizes the error but has trouble finding her. The storyline was intriguing and had characters from previous books in the series.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley. Portia lives with her brother who has claimed he won't marry until she does But she has a way of making money for her friend the doctor to do things for the veterans who have come home with wounds they can't heal. She disguises herself has a young man and takes part in duels for members of the ton. Her brother does not know and she has to listen to negative tings about this young man. She meets Colonel Reid who she helps when he hears fireworks and thinks he is back on the battlefield. t becomes too much for her but she hates to give up the help she gives with the money.

[Petula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all of this historical romance series and the heroine in this one must the the naughtiest yet. She puts herself in incredible danger.
Our hero has returned from the war with PTSD . He's now trying to protect his sister as she prepares to enter society.
You will need tissues because there is quite a bit of emotion, but also a lot of fun. The characters are very interesting. We do meet some of the other misfits and their husbands but it will not spoil them for you if you haven't read it yet.
Great fun.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Portia Hawk has a secret. For a fee she will substitute a participant in a duel in disguise as the Farthing. An excellent shot, she always wounds the opponent and never kills. Visiting a hospital for wounded soldiers, she meets Colonel Stephen Reid, suffering from survivors guilt. A strong connection between Stephen and Portia leads to a commitment that could be destroyed by revealing her secret identity. Not an easy read with a lot of pain and misunderstanding.
Mild descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

[Lisa H · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a Farthing....

Lady Portia is a true markswoman. She hires out her dueling skills for money as she has no job and is firmly under her brother, a duke's thumb. Portia skills is such but she is an Annie Oakley.

Stephen Reid suffers from PTSD from the war. Gunfire is a trigger for him. I really liked this book. They are attracted to each other but at odds over her gun skills and his trauma over guns and war.
Recommend.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful read! She is wonderfully independent, rebellious, caring and perceptive. He is wounded but perfect for her until a secret came between them that almost put paid their HEA. Finished this book fast because it was hard to put down,

I received an ARC of this book and leaving my review voluntarily.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful story that will keep you reading! I appreciated all of the societal issues addressed within this book. Women being seen as ornamental and having no sense of a separate self was a big part of the story. But others were addressed as well which were very touching. I enjoyed this story.

[Denise Tocci · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of Ms Royal's best I adored all the characters old and new. I think she has "set" us for the remaining books ,new characters or one who needs a book of his own 'Adam'. I adore this series can't wait for next installment 😊

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

An emotional story that will leave the reader pondering it for days. Beautifully written with characters who are believable, relatable and determined. Excellent plot will keep you fully enthralled.

[Selma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adam was a dick through most of this book, yet all the scenes with him were probably my favourites. Cannot wait for his book to come out.

[Cherie S · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Most Unusual Romance Story Not to Miss:
Wow, what a journey this story took me on.
First off, I absolutely loved both Portia and Stephan's characters. She is quite brazen for the time period and
Stephan is a stalwart colonel with emotional damages from the war.
This deeply emotional story had me totally captured until the very end which is incredibly gripping with a
horrific twist that made me hate Portia's brother even more.
The ending will definitely grab at your heartstrings and take you to a beautiful and rewarding end.
🏆A bravo to the author for writing this deeply emotional story that exposed one of the travesties that happened to young girls of that era.
💋Mature Advisory 2/5