The Poetry Affair

Dashing Rogues and Ruined Librarians #3

by Sandra Sookoo

When an unlikely couple falls into bed after reading salacious poetry, what could go wrong?

There are two things in life that Nathaniel Grossbeck, Viscount Holdcraft, is passionate about. One is bedding enthusiastic, willing women, and the other is collecting romantic works of poetry. Though he’s never tried his hand at writing his own lines, when a certain lady comes back into his life, he might put pen to paper. Trouble is, she’s five years his senior and his best friend’s sister besides, but would she consider a heated affair with him?

Two years widowed, Lady Diana Woodbine—Viscountess of Adderbury—is ready to marry again, because anyone would be better than her dead husband in every aspect of life. When she stumbles into her brother’s best friend during a society rout, attraction flares, and she’s quite interested, even if he doesn’t wish to wed. She agrees to a carnal fling between them, for she has been woefully cheated of satisfaction from her husband, but will it be enough?

As the days go by and life events temper the heated desire, the relationship that was supposed to be temporary suddenly… isn’t, yet he isn’t the storybook, romantic hero she’d always wanted and she’s not the sweet, biddable innocent he’d assumed he’d eventually take to wife. Not to mention the potential match is forbidden by her brother on principal, yet scandal persists, so something must be done. The pair will need to throw out old ways of thinking if they’re to move forward into a love neither thought they’d find.

Tropes You'll

✔ Best Friend’s Sister
✔ Widow Romance
✔ Friends with Benefits
✔ Older Woman / Younger Man
✔ Forbidden Love
✔ Temporary Affair
✔ Reformed Rake

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Dashing Rogues and Ruined Librarians
Book 1 - Of Dukes and Forbidden Words
Book 2 - Scandal Amidst the Stacks
Book 3 - The Poetry Affair
Book 4 - Trysting with a Poisoned Pen

196 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 14, 2026

About the author

Sandra Sookoo is a bestselling author who firmly believes every person deserves acceptance and a happy ending. Most days you can find her creating scandal and mischief in the Regency-era, serendipity and happenstance in Victorian America or snarky humor in the contemporary world. Reading romance is a lot like eating fine chocolates—you can’t just have one. Good thing books don’t have calories!

When she’s not wearing out computer keyboards, Sandra spends time with her real life Prince Charming in central Indiana where she’s been known to goof off and make moments count because the key to life is laughter. A Disney fan since the age of ten, when her soul gets bogged down and her imagination flags, a trip to Walt Disney World is in order. Nothing fuels her dreams more than the land of eternal happy endings, hope and love stories.

Reviews

[Petula · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very steamy historical romance. Our lead characters are older than we usually see, both in their 40s. Our heroine is a widow who was pushed aside by her husband in favour of his mistress.
Our hero is slightly younger, and had a crush on his best friend's elder sister as a young man.
A wonderful set of characters and lots of lighthearted fun. There is a story behind the steamy scenes.
Good fun.

[Slwd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diana and Nathaniel

“The Poetry Affair” is book three in the series Dashing Rogues and Ruined Librarians written by the extremely talented historical romance author Sandra Sookoo. The title pretty much says it all. The book is centered around an affair between widow Diana and rake Nathaniel, both titled nobles. This is a second chance for Diana. Diana’s marriage was lonely and unfulfilled. She ached to experience true passion with a man. Surprisingly, that man turned out to be her brother’s best friend, a man five years her junior, who had a crush on her when he was just eighteen. This story sparked with immediate chemistry between Diana and Nathaniel. The intimate scenes were sensual, erotic, passionate, fueled by lust and desire. These two characters were both wonderfully written. You can feel their simmering desire on the pages as their affair gains momentum. I was glad that Diana didn’t hold back and was enthusiastic during bedsport. I liked that their time together began to change each of them, especially rake Nathaniel. A great romantic story that is entirely character driven. I enjoyed the older woman/younger man trope in this Regency setting and wish there were more stories with this idea. I also liked that it was Nathaniel who was the fan of poetry, who collected tomes, and traveled through Italy because of his love of verse. There was more to the man than being a mere rake, he had a sensitive side that most people never saw. Diana saw and was intrigued. So was I. If you are looking for a historical romance with plenty of fire and spice with a couple who find their way back to one another after many years, look no further, “The Poetry Affair” is that and much more. This fits into Dragonblade’s Flame Line quite well. Definitely recommended.

I received an ARC from NetGallery, I also preordered and purchased a copy, my thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

[Lyn D Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This third book in the Dashing Rogues series was a steamy best friend's sister and friends with benefits historical romance. The characters were absolutely wonderful and had depth of feelings and emotions that were engaging. Their delicious passion and heartfelt moments were captivating. I really enjoyed this entertaining, spicy age gap love story. The ending was lovely. I highly recommend reading!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful spring read.

Lady Diana Woodbine aka Viscountess of Adderbury is back in society after her husband of 22 years passed away now she wants to marry for love nothing more nothing less.. and that gentleman will have to spark something deep in her from the beginning before she even considers marriage again.. however when that one person gives her that instant spark happens to be her brother's best friend.. and he is younger than her... What should she do?

Nathaniel Grossbeck aka Viscount Holdcraft is one of London's biggest rakes but he is bored with everything in his life except for poetry.. he wants to settle down but he has been hurt so many times before.. not to mention the fact that the most women of society are empty headed and he doesn't want that, he wants a woman he can not only desire but hold a conversation with about not only poetry but everything in life.. and when it turns out that only woman that sparks his interest is his best friend's oldest sister.. what can he do?

These two characters only wanted a fling or a mutual passionate affair however their feelings for one another spark instantly and they can't deny how they feel about each no matter how they try..

This book is filled with love laughter understanding and of course poetry.

I can't wait to read more from Sandra Sookoo!!

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love that Diana was always of interest to Nathaniel, and that the secret of their relationship from her brother creates so much tension.

This is a mature relationship between adults, and it’s thoughtful, sweet, spicy, and romantic. It starts with sex but moves on to something quite beyond that.

I received a free copy of this ARC, and am offering my opinions freely.

[Reading Adventures · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love your Regency romances with wit, heat, and a dash of deliciously forbidden longing, The Poetry Affair is going to make your bookish heart very, very happy. Sandra Sookoo is one of my favorite authors for a reason—her dynamic characters, her unique storylines, and her absolute mastery as a storyteller shine in every chapter.

Nathaniel and Diana are the kind of couple that sneak up on you. One moment they’re reading scandalous poetry, the next they’re tumbling into a “temporary” affair that has absolutely no intention of staying temporary. Their chemistry is instant, wicked, and so much fun, but what really hooked me was how their emotional connection deepened in those quiet, unexpected moments.

The story is a delicious tangle of tropes—best friend’s sister tension, a widow finally claiming the passion she deserves, a friends‑with‑benefits arrangement that refuses to stay casual, and that irresistible older‑woman/younger‑man spark. Add in a reformed rake who never expected to fall, a forbidden love her brother would definitely frown upon, and a “temporary” affair that keeps slipping into something deeper, and you’ve got a romance that hits every one of my favorite buttons in the most satisfying way.

Diana—older, wiser, and finally ready to claim joy after a miserable marriage—is a heroine you root for from page one. And Nathaniel, the younger best friend with a rake’s reputation and a poet’s heart he doesn’t quite know he has yet? Irresistible. Their dynamic is playful, tender, and full of that slow‑building vulnerability I adore.

Sandra does what she always does—gives us characters with depth, backstories that matter, and a romance that feels both swoony and grounded. I loved every minute of this story and truly didn’t want it to end. Who knew poetry and bookstores could be this hot and this heartfelt at the same time.

A new favorite. Truly.

[Bonnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this ebook and this is my freely given opinion.

This is book 3 of the series and features a reverse age gap, best friend's sister romance. Viscount Holbrook, Nathaniel Grossbeck appears to be at a bit of crossroads and reevaluating his life as a rake when he discovers that the object of his youthful adoration, the sister of his best friend, is coming to London, after her period of mourning for her husband is over.

Lady Diana has decided to re-enter the marriage market. After a disappointing marriage, one that was done out of duty to her parents, Diana has decided that she does want to try again, but this time with her own wishes at the forefront.

When she crosses paths with her brother's old friend, sparks kindle a fire and they decide to indulge in an illicit affair, of a temporary nature. Diana wants a chance to explore pleasures she has been long denied, and indulges in her attraction to the young and handsome viscount, and Holbrook gets a chance to have an affair with his youthful crush. They both enter the affair with eyes open to the fact that it is supposed to be temporary, but as time passes, they discover they want more than secret affair and fleeting passion with each other.

Generally an enjoyable story, but, likely to fit into the series, some of the bits that connect to the book-loving aspects, seem tacked on, and not very connected to the story, such as somehow in the end they acquire a bookstore.

3 stars out of 5

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

We have a known rake in the form of one Nathaniel Grossbeck, Viscount Holdcraft! There is some things he is passionate about. One is bedding enthusiastic, willing women, and the other is collecting romantic works of poetry.
Until Lady Diana, Woodbine, Viscountess Atterbury certainly changed Nathaniel’s perspective on the willing women!
Nathaniel is very open about the incident where a young Miss takes him in the grade of a party for a liaison! Diana sees it as a challenge and makes Nathaniel’s eyes cross and roll back in his head in a public setting no less!
This book is about heartache, disappointment in relationships and life! Nathaniel didn’t handle his disappointments in love well at all!
But when he is reintroduced to Diana he is open, honest and just mind blown on how well they get on together physically and emotionally! They laugh together and take chances on possible discovery during their heated interludes!
There is a lot of intimate scenes and very little poetry until the end!
So it you want a whole lot of steam and some very quick growing up if a forty year marriage of man? Well then this story is for you!
Bravo
I received an ARC copy from Netgalley for my unbiased opinion!

[Lynnie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

If you want steamy more than plot, than this novel is for you.

The story involves a widow, Lady Diana, looking to marry again after a 22-year unsatisfying marriage, in more ways than one. Her first husband spent more time with his mistress than her. Now she wanting to explore the more sensual side of herself and gain a true partner in the process.

Enter Viscount Holdcraft, the best friend of her younger brother, five years her junior. He is a known rake about town, but is pondering taking a wife, after all he is 40...time to do his duty and provide an heir. He is looking for a lady who is not too demanding of him or his time.

Things I found problematic:
1. From the get go, I did not like the Viscount. Within 10 pages, the reader gets an unflattering sense
of his callous behavior toward women, and it IS off putting.
2. Their reasoning for keeping their affair to themselves -- for goodness sake, they are in their
forties. It is not like they have to keep secrets from their parents.
3. The weak plot... it seemed to focus on steam rather than story.

I would like to say, it was nice to read from the point of view of persons in their forties. I also appreciated the MMC's passion for poetry, and his desire to share this with Lady Diana.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Poetry Affair by Sandra Sookoo is part of her Dashing Dukes and Ruined Librarians series. Nathaniel Grossbeck, eleventh Viscount of Holdcraft kept to himself. He wasn’t a social person who preferred to sit in his library with a glass of brandy and a book of poetry. On this night he had given in to the pressure and found himself at a ball where he met Miss Julia Delaney, who also had a love for poetry. Through a series of trails, this one fact brought them together.

Both excellent characters, Sookoo has put together an entertaining story of the ton and its workings as well as unlikely people who find one another. Both characters are just a bit quirky and off the norm. It is a talent that Sookoo uses liberally. It was an entertaining read.

I was invited to read The Poetry Affair by Dragonblade. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #SandraSookoo #ThePoetryAffair

[Cherie S · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Romantically Gripping Love Story
The beginning of this thrilling story has the most shocking situation that happens to the hero Nathaniel that I have ever read.
That beginning sets the pace for this passionate story which turned out to be extremely enjoyable and had the pages exploding with passion between two very interesting characters that captured my time for the duration of this love story.
The romance captured my heart and had the pages almost in flames to the very all-encompassing heart pounding ending that was like no other I have read before. 
What a terrific finish to this startling romance story.
The cast of characters are outstanding and add depth to the story.
Mature Advosry:4/5
Favorite Character: Nathaniel was just too hard to resist.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book sizzler from the first page Diana is back in society and meets an old friend that is her brothers best friend Nathaniel. He,secretly was enamoured with her as a young man and when they meet again Diana is now a widow coming from a loveless marriage is desperate for some lov.e. They both are attracted to each other and soon the romance starts.. Diana feels that she would not be right for Nathaniel as she is to old to bear children but he persuaded her and they are happy.
This is a fast paced very romantic book and is well worth reading
Thanks to Netgalley and Dragonblade publishing for my arc copy

[Lynds · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Poetry Affair tells of a romance between a rake and widow that is right for all the reasons it should be wrong. Diana is the sister of Nathaniel's Best Friend, a widow who is ready to move on and take all she can from life for herself. Nathaniel is a rake among society who doesn't see the same woman a second time. This is a shorter read but I thought the pace was perfect for the story and didn't feel rushed as what started as an affair turned into more. I actually thought I would have liked a more story to be in their world a little longer!

eARC given from Dragonblade Publishing through Netgalley for honest review without monetary gain.

[Alexia · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Poetry Affair" was pretty good! It had a rough start when Nathaniel was introduced. Him receiving fellatio from some random Lady was not a good look. If I'm correct, that was like the first chapter or so. Almost made me dnf. However, once Diana came into the picture, we didn't have to worry about any ladies or pending scandals about him, so I was able to just enjoy them discovering each other. This book is heavily filled with sex scenes, but I do think they were well done. The development between Nathaniel and Diana was quite beautiful. They had chemistry and actually had mature conversations. The ending was good too. I really liked this one.

Thank you NetGalley for this arc!

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked Diana and Nathaniel. Diana didn't have the most fulfilling marriage, so she is hoping widow good will be better. I like how she takes control of her life and refuses to be held back by denigrating comments from her time with her husband. Nathaniel, as a bored rake is very stereotypical. The book moves very fast and is heavy with sex scenes. I would have enjoyed more emotional engagement between the characters, but it was an enjoyable story.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A steamy regency romance that I enjoyed reading. The characters are very interesting, and I like how they decided to go after what they wanted. Nathaniel is a world class rake and only wanted to bed willing women. Diana wanted to marry again and experience the passion that she didn't receive from her late husband. This book was spicy from the beginning, and the passion is hot between the characters. This book was good from beginning to end and it was worth reading.

[Ly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this romance. I loved the main characters, Diana and Nathaniel. They are older than usual. They know what they want, and that results in a sparkling romance. The plot is something out of the ordinary.
It is a passionate and steamy romance.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands up for older characters in stories. Mine is way up. I absolutely loved everything about this story. Sandra writes these characters with such love that you cannot help but feel their feelings and enjoy their emotions. It is romantic and sexy. We all need a little Nathaniel in our lives.