The Scottish Duke: First in the Dukes Trilogy Series – A Passionate Cinderella Historical Romance

Duke Trilogy #1

by Karen Ranney

New York Times  bestselling author Karen Ranney returns with the first novel in a new series about dashing, charismatic dukes—and the women who tame them… Though raised as a gentleman’s daughter, Lorna Gordon is obliged to take a position as an upstairs maid at Blackhall Castle when her father dies. Alex Russell, the Duke of Kinross, is the most tempting man she’s ever seen—and completely unattainable—until, at a fancy dress ball, Lorna disguises herself as Marie Antoinette and pursues an illicit tryst…with scandalous consequences. Months after his mysterious seductress disappears, Alex encounters her again. Far from the schemer the distrustful duke assumed her to be, Lorna is fiercely independent and resourceful. She’s the one woman capable of piercing his defenses. But when danger threatens Lorna, Alex must prove himself not just the lover of her fantasies, but the man who will fight to protect her.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Audiobook, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Scotland

384 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published November 29, 2016

About the author

I’m a writer who’s been privileged to have attained the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller Lists.

Although I've primarily written historical romance, I've also written contemporary romantic suspense, a murder mystery, and I'm having a wonderful time writing about a vampire who is being challenged by her new state of being. (The Montgomery Chronicles: The Fertile Vampire and The Reluctant Goddess coming March 12, 2015.)

I believe in the power of the individual, the magnificence of the human spirit, and always looking for the positive in any situation. I write about people who have been challenged by life itself but who win in the end.

Newsletter: http://karenranney.com/subscribe-warm...
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WriterKarenRa...
Website: http://karenranney.com
Email: karen@karenranney.com
Twitter: @Karen_Ranney

Reviews

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can never find a KR book that I love! They're not bad books. They start out with such great potential then fizzle out into nothing special. Not bad just ordinary. Maybe I haven't found the right book!

That said, I did like this book. It was a nice story. It was a little predictable but still an okay, light read.

[Somia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maid Lorna Gordon decides to attend the masked ball of her employee Alex Russell, the Duke of Kinross, thinking to just have some fun, she has no idea the events of the night will change the course of her life – an accidental pregnancy, a Duke afraid to feel, and a jealous sister-in-law, someone trying to kill Lorna, and a kidnapping mean the route to her HEA is not an easy one.

The Duke’s sister-in-law Mary Taylor – urgh - the her very first moment she was introduced she was a character I distained – she’s a jealous, self-serving and arrogant woman who seems to think her noble blood gives her leave to belittle and judge others (never mind that she’s a cruel gossip, one that seems to forget she is living where she is simply because of the kindness of her brother-in-law).

I must admit that once Alex bought Lorna back with him, I wasn’t happy with the fact that he decided to avoid Mary in order to dodge a lecturer and her tantrum – I would have much rather he told her to sod off! And then when she comes to him, the fact he doesn’t put her in place really peeved me off – he may have thought Mary was a ‘narrow-minded bigot’ but I would have rather he said it to her!

I really liked how Alex’s mum the Duchess treated Lorna, she’s kind and considerate from the get go – treating Lorna as an equal. The fact the Duchess wasn’t like the nightmare banshees that Duke’s mothers can be in most HR reads, when it comes to the women, they deem improper/inferior, was one of the components of the book I really liked. Lorna is a tad naïve at the beginning but overall as a heroine I enjoyed her. I liked the fact that despite being a virgin, she was not embarrassed to acknowledge the pleasure she had felt – she doesn’t let the Duke’s behaviour after ruin that for her.

Also, after Lorna and Alex are married, and he runs away for nearly half a year, I wish the Dowager Duchess had kicked Mary to the curb. I had such high hopes for Alex, but honestly he wasn’t the HR hero I hoped he would be, he redeemed himself somewhat towards the end. He wasn’t an epic jerk throughout the book, and once he accepted, he was the father he was kind to Lorna, but his behaviour and actions were not profoundly endearing nor did he have me sighing in delight. I wanted him to be more protective, to make sure those around Lorna whether his in-laws or servants knew to treat her well and keep any negative opinions firmly locked away. Finally, at 66% Alex gains some sense, he goes back and he starts putting people in their place – a hallelujah moment for sure.

Overall despite some of my above comments this was a nice enough read, I found myself reading on wanting to know how things would turn out. I do think I’ll re-read this sometime in the distant future, when I want something easy.

[Lover of Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

I just flew through this beautiful book pretty quickly, and quite frankly way faster than I thought I could even read...yep that is how much I truly enjoyed this book. I really have no idea why I waited so long to read this one, but I am so glad that I decided to grab this one up from the library because it was definitely worth it. Our wonderful story begins with our heroine who is a maid in a Duke's home. Lorna isn't your typical maid though. She was a gentleman's daughter, but when her father died, she had to become a maid. And when a masqued ball occurs, she decides to dress up as a mysterious lady of the Ton, to catch the attention of the Duke. Lorna is drawn to him, just like every female is. But on this mysterious night she catches his attention and curiousity, and they share a night of lovemaking and passion. Alex, the Duke of Kinross, doesn't recognize Lorna as his mysterious lady. Now time has passed over six month, and Lorna is heavily pregnant with Alex's child. And when Alex and his mother learn of this development, Alex seeks out Lorna to see that she and his child are taken care of.

I honestly didn't see the accidental pregancy angle happening from the beginning, but I honestly felt like it just fit for this story. I did like that Lorna wanted to attempt to take care of the situation on her own, yet at the same time I felt she needed to be honest with Alex. He deserved to know that he was going to be a father. Especially when she is barely making enough to get by, let alone raise a child. Both Alex and Lorna are very stubborn in many ways so their relationship is a bit rocky while they work through kinks. But it was fun seeing them work through these rocky slopes and find the smooth ride down...eventually. Now I will say that Alex's mother was enchanting, I adored every bit of her character, but most especially in the wonderful way she is so accepting of Lorna.

What also added a bit more edge to the story, was the mysterious danger element. But I will say this portion of the story was slightly predictable but still added some dynamics to the story. The writing however, was superb. The author just pulled me so quickly into this book and I didn't put it down until I read it. When I can read a book in one sitting, it should tell you how much I truly enjoyed picking up this book. There is something that this author does more for a romance than others do, and she keeps this genre alive for me.  This story was sexy, emotional, dramatic and romantic.  A ENDEARING PAGE TURNER


Click To Buy On Amazon
[foogallery id="39259"]

[Edwina " I LoveBooks" "Deb" · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the Scottish Duke in one setting it was so good. Its a light hearted story that is very well written with wonderful characters especially the H/H.

Alexander/Alex Russell 9th Duke of Kinross, is hosting a dress up ball for The Scottish Society for Scientific Achievements. Alex is working on a project to fingerprint people. Something we take for granted in todays society. Alex is a widower and his wife died in childbirth. Alex was not sure if the child was his or not because his wife was unfaithful and slept with many other men during her marriage to Alex.

Lorna is a gentlemen's daughter but has fallen on hard times after her fathers death. He was a professor and studied the art of healing herbs and was trying to publish a book about herbs that heal or could poison. Lorna takes a job as a maid at Blackhall Castle the residence of the Duke of Kinross. Alex is very handsome and Lorna is attracted to him. She finds some dress gown in the attic and decided for once in her life she wants to go to the ball and she did. Despite her friend Nan another maid in the household telling her she could get caught.

Alex sees Lorna and is drawn to her they talk and walk but then start to kiss. Alex doesn't know Lorna is a virgin and he doesn't know she is one of his maids.

Months later Lorna is living in a rundown rooming house in the near by village and she is quite Pregnant.

This story is a true relationship building story were love comes from what seems to be nothing. Alex and Lorna and Alex's mother are beautifully written. The story is very interesting and touch's on the prejudices against women who get pregnant before marriage and the struggles they had to survive if they survived at all.

The Scottish Duke was a Enjoyable story that will make you feel good but does have a little suspense and a few villains in the story to make it interesting. But this story will grip you form beginning to end. I Highly Recommend The Scottish Duke!!

[Joanna Loves Reading]

I started to listen to this, but it kept checking my least favorite trope boxes. Very steep uphill battle to overcome my reservations and I don’t need to try.

[Ivy H · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was fairly good. I enjoyed it but not as much as I would have wished. The hero Alex was sexy but just a bit too stuffy. He was somewhat of a hypocrite too, because he had no problem deflowering the heroine but was at first reluctant to accept responsibility for her pregnancy. His mother had to convince him of the right thing to do. I suppose I must include, in his defence, the fact that he still felt betrayed by his late wife who had been infamous for her adulterous ways. The wife had died giving birth to a stillborn child that was most probably not even his. For these reasons, he is very cynical about women.

The heroine was wonderful though. She was strong, pretty and smart. She was educated by her late father who had been a botanist but had fallen into financial difficulties after his death. This had forced her to accept employment as a maid in the H's castle. She'd been working for there for 2 years and had developed quite a monster crush on the H. She saw him as her perfect romantic ideal but knew that her dreams had little chance of coming true because he never spared a glance towards the maids in his employ. Her one chance came when a big masquerade ball was being held at the castle. In her cleaning duties she managed to discover a hidden trunk in some attic; this contained a very old but still usable Marie Antoinette costume. The heroine, Lorna, decides to dress up as Marie A and attend the ball, just to get a chance to see Alex up close.

Lorna ends up getting more than she bargained for because Alex is enchanted by her beauty and immediately sets out to seduce her. I must insert here that he is not a man whore. He had actually being celibate for a while because he was too busy working on some scientific experiments about fingerprinting to make time for a mistress. He and Lorna end up having hot sex ( he just lifts his kilt since he's not wearing breeches for the party ) in the conservatory. He notices immediately that she's a virgin and he's a bit mad because he expected her to be an experienced woman. But does he stop or pull out ? Nope. He continues doing his thing and does not even "withdraw" like he usually does with strange women. Then, he ends the lovemaking session with the old hackneyed tried and tested stream of insults and accusations. He accuses Lorna of having a co-conspirator. Apparently, Lorna and this fabled sidekick of hers are supposed to have planned for her to use her virginity to blackmail and/or trap him into paying them lots of money. Lorna cusses out his ass and leaves. Lorna is definitely not a doormat with this man ! I feel sorry for her disillusionment in this scene because this was the man she had dreaming about for so long.

Lorna goes back to being an invisible maid but her discovery of her pregnancy forces her to leave her employment and move to the nearest village. She rents a small hovel type room from a witchy old woman called Mrs McDonald. This lady has 3 warts on her chin ! Lorna poses as a widow and she makes a small amount of money by selling the herbal treatments that her father had taught her to make. Her old friend Nan, who is still employed as a maid at the duke's castle, feels sorry for Lorna's plight and writes an anonymous letter to Alex's mother telling her that he has fathered a baby with Lorna. Alex's mother is disappointed with her son and lets him know it. He's shocked because he has only had sex with one woman in the past year and as far as he knew she was not a maid. But he still goes to see Lorna. They argue, he realizes she doesn't want to blackmail him or desire anything for him and the bastard just leaves her there. Of course the witchy landlady Mrs McDonald had been eavesdropping and soon tells the reverend and the entire village that Lorna is not a widow. Poor Lorna goes to market to sell her potions and herbal ointments and ends up being treated like Hester Prynne and Tess D'Urberville combined. It was awful ! The righteous reverend was thumping his Bible and spewing down the fury of Hell upon Lorna while all the villagers castigate her with judgmental glares. Things start getting desperate for Lorna until Alex turns up and saves her from the mob.

He takes her and lets her live in his caretaker's cottage on the estate. His mother visits her and is quite nice to her, because Lorna used to give her an ointment for her arthritis. Lorna's life settles down for a while and Alex visits her often as well. Their old chemistry starts to heat up but she's close to giving birth so he is very gentlemanly towards her. There's also a new problem for Lorna and that's Mary: Alex's late wife's sister. Mary is the wannabe OW. She is one of the few OW in romancelandia who is actually a plain Jane. But Mary is also delusional. She acts like the lady of the castle and puts on a lot of airs. However, neither Alex nor his mother really likes Mary because she's annoying, but they put up with her because she's the impoverished relative with nowhere to go. The Dowager Duchess even suggested that Mary join the marriage Mart to find a man but Mary refuses because she thinks she's too good to have to look for a man to marry. Mary's also obsessed with Alex and sees herself as his next wife. She also hates Lorna with a passion and uses every chance to insult her.

The Dowager Duchess puts an end to Mary's romantic delusions but encouraging Alex to marry Lorna before the baby is born. It was refreshing to see a nice mother in law for a change. Alex is happy to have a son and heir but he is confused about his growing feelings for Lorna so he takes the coward's way out and leaves on a visit to his other estates. This visit lasts a few months! This was the dumbest, shittiest thing he could have ever done because it gives Mary the viper more opportunity to spread gossip and cause havoc within the household. What frustrated me a lot was the fact that Alex's mother was the effing Dowager Duchess and she should have been able to control Mary or kick her evil ass out of the mofo' castle. This part of the novel had me tripping ! I was cussing, scowling, grumbling etc. Mary was the relative from Hell who really need a reality check. That bitch failed to realize that she would be destitute without these people yet she treats the new Duchess Lorna like shit. I was even mad at Lorna at this point too because she had been so strong earlier in the novel yet she is taking shit from Mary and from a few of the servants who hate her because she used to be maid. Wtf ? But to be fair to Lorna, she is depressed that Alex is gone for months and she has her baby boy to look after.

Eventually Alex returns and I must mention that he has been celibate all this time. That makes me hate him less. Things are not rosy between them immediately but he immediately bonds with his son and this helps break the ice with Lorna. As time passes their attraction builds and they are sleeping together and living in what's close to harmony. This pisses off Mary and Alex's valet. The valet also hates Lorna because he thinks a mere maid should not be a duchess. They scheme and gossip until things reach a point where Lorna's old potion-making equipment etc in the caretaker's cottage is destroyed. Alex suspects Mary and the valet. He fires the valet and FINALLY gives Mary her walking papers by telling her she will be moved to another location to live. Mary goes nuts, declares her everlasting love for Alex but he is adamant about his decision.

Mary's final act of vengeance is to kidnap the baby and take it with her. Alex and Lorna follow and are lucky to save the little boy before crazy Mary killed the child. Mary is then hauled off to jail where she will stay because she kidnapped and tried to kill a duke's heir. Alex declares his eternal love for Lorna and becomes a kind and loving husband.

Btw I must add that the cover for this novel is great.

[Caz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review from 2017

I've given this a B- for narration and a B for content at AudioGals, so I'll leave it rounded up to 4 stars.

The Scottish Duke is the first book in a new series from Karen Ranney, and is set in Victorian Scotland on the estate of the eponymous duke, Alexander Russell, Duke of Kinross. Alex is a scientifically minded gentleman – principally interested in the emerging science of fingerprinting – and on the day the book opens has suffered a big professional disappointment; his work was passed over by the Scottish Society for Scientific Achievement. His plan to hide away, sulk and get extremely drunk is going to be difficult to carry out given that he is hosting a grand, fancy-dress ball that evening, but he’s had enough of polite society and is well on the way to being half-cut when he notices the young woman dressed as Marie Antoinette and is immediately intrigued by her stillness. Unlike everyone else who is busy chatting, flirting and dancing, “Marie” is just taking stock of her surroundings, until their gazes meet and Alex decides it’s time to forego the drink and indulge in another of life’s pleasures.

The daughter of a renowned botanist, Lorna Gordon was forced to take work a maid at Blackhall Castle in order to support herself after her father’s death a couple of years earlier. She is infatuated with the Duke of Kinross, who is quite the handsomest man she has ever seen, and when she finds an old costume in the attics, decides to go to the ball in the hopes of seeing him. Her friend, Nan, tries to discourage her, but Lorna won’t be talked out of it; it’s her only chance of ever experiencing a society ball. And perhaps, getting to see the duke up close.

As things turn out, Lorna gets to do a lot more than see the duke up close; after that initial clash of gazes, he makes his way to her side and soon they’re out on the terrace kissing in the rain and inside on the sofa doing a lot more than kissing. Having realised Lorna was a virgin, Alex afterwards accuses her of targeting him for blackmail and she is aghast; her idol has well-and-truly fallen from his pedestal. With dignity, she puts him in his place, telling him that he must lead a sad, restricted life if he assumes that everyone he meets is out to do him harm – and leaves.

Skipping ahead, it’s some months later – almost nine, to be exact – when Alex’s mother discovers that Lorna is expecting Alex’s child. When she informs Alex that he is to become a father, at first he refuses to believe the child is his. But his mother is adamant, so he goes to visit Lorna – and recognises “Marie”. Heated words are exchanged and Lorna all but throws Alex out, seething at his high-handed questioning of her and their child’s paternity. But when word spreads of his visit, Lorna is shunned and labelled his whore – and it’s then that Alex faces the truth and takes her to live in a cottage on the Blackhall estate.

The dowager duchess is pleased at this turn of events; she likes Lorna and thinks she is good for Alex and decides to encourage a match between them for the good of their child, who could, after all, be Alex’s heir. I had to ask myself at this point why a duchess would ever conceive of and promote such a thing – a match between her son and a mere maid – but this is mostly glossed over for the sake of the plot.

In the month she has lived on the estate, Alex has visited Lorna regularly and they are coming to know each other better. The dowager suggests the idea of marriage to Lorna, who is against it, but at the end of her long labour, she gives in, and she and Alex are married just minutes before their son, Robbie, makes his way into the world.

The Scottish Duke is principally a character-driven story that details Alex’s emotional journey from the aloof, mistrustful man he is at the beginning of the book to one who can open himself up to love and allow others to get close to him. He has strong reasons for being the way he is – he was utterly devastated when his father, brother and sister all died in an influenza epidemic when Alex was sixteen, which naturally left him fearful of those he loved leaving him; plus his first wife was regularly unfaithful to him and died giving birth to a child (who also died) he was not sure was his. His feelings for Robbie and his growing affection for his new wife are completely terrifying and overwhelming, so much so that he scurries away immediately after the birth and remains away from Blackhall for months. He doesn’t want to care so much for anyone else, not after the losses he has suffered, but eventually goes home and realises what he’s missed in not being there for his wife and for his son’s first months. Lorna isn’t about to let him get away with his abandonment and calls him on it, but he eventually admits his mistake and asks to start again so he can do things properly this time.

There is a small sub-plot concerning Alex’s sister-in-law, who is so obsessed with him that she resorts to extreme measures to get his attention, but the book is mostly concerned with the relationship between Alex and Lorna and Alex’s gradual transformation. They’re a likeable, well-matched couple, and I liked Lorna’s openness and strength of character – she certainly needed it sometimes, in the face of Alex’s emotional reticence and inability to trust.

I’ve listened to and reviewed Tim Campbell a couple of times in the past. He’s an experienced narrator – a search at Audible shows 135 titles to his credit, and quite a few of those are historical romances set in the UK. But his performance here is a mixed bag, and I’m sorry to say that my criticisms of this are exactly the same as the ones I made of the other audiobooks I reviewed. On the plus side, he’s an excellent voice actor; he imbues both narrative and dialogue with just the right amount of expression, his pacing is very good, and he differentiates effectively between all the characters of both sexes without pitching the females too high. I was also very pleasantly surprised by the quality of his Scottish accents; for a non-Brit, he does a pretty good job with them overall, although the rolled “r”s are overdone. The biggest problem though, is the sheer number of mispronunciations throughout. Here’s what I said in my review of  What a Rogue Wants  in October 2014:

As I listened, I realised that these [mispronunciations] tend to focus around certain letters and sounds. When words contain the letter “A” – pronounced as in “cat” – it is incorrectly pronounced “AH”; so instead of “fancy”, we get “fah-ncy”; “dash” comes out as “dahsh” and “grand” as “grahnd”. And words containing the letter “U”- pronounced as in “tug” – are instead pronounced using the “oo” sound as in “pool”. So “pulse” sounds like “poolse” and “gulp” sounds like “goolp”. And then there are the words which are commonly mispronounced, such as “Aunt”, which is pronounced “ont” and “Calm”, which comes out as “com” or “colm”.

It took me ages to work out what a “Comfrey Bomb” was, and why it was good for arthritis – until I realised it was actually Comfrey BALM.

And the same things apply here. I’m convinced these problems stem from the fact that while Mr. Campbell does a very good English accent, he’s not British (American, I’m guessing?). He manages to get it right 80% of the time, but it’s frustrating to be levelling exactly the same criticisms – two years on – at a narrator who is otherwise very good and whose acting ability is actually much greater than my final grade would suggest.

Once I’d adjusted my expectations and was prepared for the mispronunciations, I did enjoy listening to The Scottish Duke, and would cautiously recommend it to historical romance romance fans. The story is a simple one, but it’s well put-together and strongly characterised; and while the narration is flawed, Mr. Campbell’s pleasant voice and acting talent are a definite plus.

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Due to pecuniary woes, Lorna Gordon had to seek a position, and she has been a maid at Blackhall Castle for the past two years. All that time, she has been lusting after Alex Russell, the duke of Kinross. She contemplates him in secret, and Lorna is quite enamoured of the very handsome duke, as are every female of the staff. She has been saving her money to attend a masked ball that will be held at the Castle, in hope of meeting and getting acquainted with the duke, and hope no one discovers who she is. Her best friend Nan, also a maid, had advised Lorna against doing such a foolish thing Alex is angry because he felt he should have earned a medal from the Scottish Society for Scientific Achievement for his work with fingerprinting, but it was not to be, and so the surly duke intends to get thoroughly soused. He’s well on his way to oblivion, when he sees a gorgeous woman dressed as Marie Antoinette, and he saunters her way. And they get much, much better acquainted indeed!

And THE SCOTTISH DUKE did not go as expected, but not at all! Ms. Ranney has penned a most extraordinary romance, that has more to do with the classics – except for the sex scenes – than with most historical romances on the market. Alex and Lorna are both extremely interesting characters: Lorna is fearless, accept the consequences of her actions – good or bad; she goes with the flow, and I, just as Nan, thought Lorna was quite foolish, but it’s her strength of character that made her so captivating. Alex brandishes his title as a weapon, he hides behind it as if it were a shield. Lorna is brave, while Alex is self-absorbed, aloof, and rather unsympathetic at first glance; let’s be honest: he’s a coward. Alex is especially afraid of feeling, of truly living, while Lorna wants to feel, need to feel, and what a couple they make!

THE SCOTTISH DUKE is rather slow-paced, but by no means is it slow: the author takes the time needed for the relationship to evolve, for the characters to grow, and I thought it wonderful that both characters were intellectuals, as Lorna is working on a book by her late father. When I saw the blurb, and at the very beginning of the book, I thought THE SCOTTISH DUKE was be a pleasant and somewhat mindless piece of enjoyable froth, and it is anything but. It’s somewhat of a Victorian twist on a one-night stand, and so, so much more. THE SCOTTISH DUKE is a wonderful story about being human, about letting oneself live, and accepting the consequences of one’s follies. THE SCOTTISH DUKE is a mesmerising story, superbly told, I was thrilled with the care Karen Ranney treated the subject, and made familiar tropes gloriously new and realistic.

If Lorna and Alex are exceptional characters, they are not the only ones: Nan, Lorna’s friend is wonderful, the Dowager duchess of Kinross is superb, as are Mary – Alex’s sister-in-law, and Matthews, Alex’s valet, and let’s not forget Thomas, Alex’s uncle, whom I seriously hope to see again in a future book. In turn, every character surprises us. THE SCOTTISH DUKE is an exceptional book that should be read by anyone who enjoys historical romance that is strongly anchored in facts, and Karen Ranney did an admirable job of entertaining me, and making me think at the same time.


I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[ChasingLeslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tropes: Class Difference, Masquerade, One Night Stand, Oopsie Baby, Marriage of Convenience

Steam: 3

[Aou · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the story and the narrator.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actual Rating: 4.5 Stars

The Scottish Duke was a Victorian era romance that truly exceeded my expectations. I thought it would be a dependable novel between a duke and a commoner on their path to love. And while that was true, the characters were quite different than I thought at first glance, with issues that put them at odds through a good deal of the story. But it was their relationship that evolved slowly over the course of a year or so that ultimately had me captivated.

It’s a little bit difficult to describe this story without giving too much information away. But it basically boiled down to one magical evening between Alex and Lorna that altered their lives forever after and how they dealt with everything that their tryst set into motion. I liked how right away author Karen Ranney showed us that neither Lorna nor Alex were perfect or that they even thought they were perfect in any way.

Read More
_________________________
Original Notes:

The Scottish Duke exceeded my expectations with its charming characters and nicely paced storyline. I thought the hero and heroine had a strong connection even though they were at odds for a good portion of the story--but for legitimate reasons. The secondary characters held their own and enhanced scenes here and there. A lovely Victorian romance overall. Full review to come.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book with an unusual plotline. Lorna is the daughter of a gentleman who has fallen on hard times since her father's death. She takes a position of a maid at Blackhall Castle where she becomes intrigued by the Duke. She takes advantage of a costumed ball to dress up and meet him, and maybe have a chance to dance with him. Alex is in a rotten mood the night of the ball. He has just suffered a professional disappointment and is well on the way to drowning his sorrows when he spots Lorna. There's something about her that immediately draws him to her.

Neither one expects the desire that hits them, and they are helpless to resist the passion that overtakes them. But Alex has been burned by passion before and his ability to trust women severely damaged. He accuses Lorna of using her innocence to trap him. She flees, but not before telling him exactly what she thinks of him. Alex is unable to forget her, and spends a fair amount of time looking for her, never noticing that she lives under his roof. However, their encounter has consequences, and when Lorna discovers she's pregnant, she leaves Blackhall, determined to raise her child on her own.

Lorna is very stubborn and independent. Her life after leaving Blackhall is not easy, especially as she is not married. I loved her friend and fellow maid, Nan, who worries about Lorna's safety. I loved how she took matters into her own hands and ratted out Lorna to Alex's mother. The scene between Alex and his mom was hilarious, as she takes him to task. He doesn't want to believe what he's told but eventually, goes to see Lorna. It doesn't go well for him, and I loved how Lorna stood up to him, his attitude, and his accusations. But she is also guilty of a bit too much pride and doesn't want to admit she needs help. That becomes especially obvious when she runs afoul of the more puritanical townspeople. Alex arrives just in time to save her from danger.

I loved the development of their relationship. Alex's fascination with her has not abated, and it has him rather freaked out. He moves her into a cottage on the estate grounds to take care of her. He can't stay away from her and finds himself spending more and more time with her. He's intrigued by the way her mind works, her independence, and the talent he sees in her artwork. He discovers that he likes spending time with her and wants to share so much of his life and thoughts with her. What disturbs him the most is that the emotions he had walled off since his late wife's betrayal and death are starting to resurface. Lorna also finds that her feelings for him are changing. Before she had been infatuated, but what she feels now is deeper and stronger. When Alex's mother convinces them both that they should marry for the sake of the child, they agree.

I got a bit frustrated with Alex here because as soon as the wedding was over (just in the nick of time), he runs away. He can't handle the torrent of emotions that he's experiencing and leaves to bury himself in his work. This leaves Lorna to deal with her new circumstances without his support. I loved that she had his mom and her maid thoroughly on her side. She spends the next several weeks settling in, and I loved the changing and maturing that she experienced. I completely enjoyed that Alex was miserable. He redeemed himself a little with his reaction to what his gossipy valet told him. The surprise arrival of his uncle was an additional motivator.

There are great changes once he arrives back at Blackhall. I loved seeing Alex become enchanted by his son. There are several really sweet moments between the two of them as Alex's emotions continue to reassert themselves. He and Lorna grow closer as he begins to accept the way she makes him feel, though he still refuses to put it into words. I also liked that Lorna lets him know that disappearing again isn't an option.

But there is someone at Blackhall who isn't happy about Lorna's place there. Someone destroys her supply of herbs and so on, and later tries to poison her. Alex is determined to discover who it is. There are several possibilities. Could it be Thomas, angry that he is no longer Alex's heir? Maybe Matthew, Alex's valet, who has made no secret of his disdain for the maid turned duchess? Or could it be Mary, sister of Alex's late wife, who was hoping to snag Alex for her own? Things get very intense when the baby disappears, and they must find him before it's too late. The final confrontation was the catalyst that opened Alex's eyes at last.

The secondary characters were all very well done. Thomas was an interesting character that kept me guessing as to his real intentions. I love to see him get a story of his own. I loved Alex's mom, Louise. She was a such a warm-hearted woman, and her immediate acceptance of Lorna was great. I also liked the way that she had of straightening Alex out. Mary was a straight up bitch of the first order. She was selfish, mean-spirited, and ultimately quite vicious. Definitely a character I loved to hate. Lorna's friend and fellow maid Nan was wonderful. She was a good balance to Lorna at the beginning, trying to keep Lorna out of trouble. She also proved herself to be a true friend when she overrode Lorna's wishes and informed the duchess of Lorna's pregnancy.

[Olnega · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad but not great either, slightly improbable wall-papery romance; Duke has some good time with maid, maid gets pregnant, Duke marries the maid and they live happily ever after….the end

[Coral · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plot: 4/5
Characterisation: 4/5
Prose: 3/5
How much I enjoyed it: 4/5

[D.G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know what kind of sixth sense I have for stories because the book I read prior to this one - Beyond Scandal and Desire - had a plot point which I had never heard about, even with all the historical romance I read...and then I picked up The Scottish Duke and the same plot point shows up again! This isn't the first time this has happened to me but it never ceases to amaze me.

I really enjoyed this book. Loved the heroine, her strength and determination to go after what she wanted. I really liked how the author got this book to feel really Victorian without relying on lots of mentions of trains or gas lamps. I think that Alex' scientific interests and Lorna's passion for herbs gave you that feeling of discovery and change which I sort of associate with the period. Again, we had clear examples of how unwed mothers were really treated and how hard it was to be illegitimate. I love stories that give me a sense of the time and place - it's the reason I love historical romance to begin with!

This is also one of those books where the servants in the household play a pivotal role in the story. They weren't around only to make the life of the rich folks possible, but they were people with feelings, interests and yearnings, both good AND bad. It made for a better read.

I originally picked up this book after I discovered Tim Campbell as a narrator. His Scottish voices are good but I think I prefer him with his British accent. I'm glad that I picked up this book because it made me rediscover an author I liked in the past but which I stopped reading.

Definitely reading the next in the series.

[Melody May (What I'm Reading) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Posted on What I'm Reading"

I knew I needed to start this book soon, but when I started it I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! The only reason I had to stop reading was NYQIL kicked in and that stuff knocks me. Had my cold not been a hindrance I would have read this in a day. Yes, it was that good. The Scottish Duke is probably my favorite book Karen has written. Seriously, she had me at page one. I was a little worry about the story, because I thought it was going to be a Cinderella story. I'm not a big fan of Cinderella stories. There are a few that I do love, like EverAfter. The one with Drew Barrymore. In someways, The Scottish Duke reminded me of that movie.

Anyway, Lorna is a dreamer and she never really thought she would catch the duke's attention however she did and lets say it didn't go according to plan. Yes, there were consequences, but she was willing to live with the consequence of her action. Good thing she has a good friend, Nan, who decided to make her realize she needs more help. Anyway, Alex has been burned before, so he doesn't know if he could trust Lorna. Yet, he's taken aback by Lorna reaction to him. He believes she's after his money, but she's stubborn and refuses to take his help.

All right, The Scottish Duke is filled with characters that you will grow to love as they help Lorna. We have Alex's mom, Louise. She's super kind and develops a friendship with Lorna. There is Uncle Thomas. He's something else, but I do like how he grows in the story. Mary. You always have one crazy relative. A beautiful written that has you wanting to continue. The pace of the story seemed just right. Overall, one of my favorite reads of the year.

Copy provided by Avon via Edelweiss

[Sophie Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This plot captivated me from the very beginning. I absolutely LOVE a good Cinderella trope so this turned out to be the perfect read for me :)

Lorna Gordan is a servant at Blackhall Castle and she's been smitten by the dashing Duke of Kinross for years. She knows he's out of her reach, but wouldn't it be nice if he'd at least notice her for once? Dressed in an old gown and wig, she attends the costume ball that he's hosting. There, she finds herself engaged in a passionate tryst which goes completely awry when the duke finds out that he's bedded a virgin. This eventful evening will determine Lorna's future as she decides that the duke is not the man whom she thought him to be, and that she must make a new life for herself somewhere far away from his castle.

Alex Russell is convinced that Lorna was trying to entrap him. Why else would an innocent young woman lure him with sensual kisses and more? But when she vanishes from his life without a trace, he cannot seem to stop thinking about her or the insults that she threw his way when they parted. What he hadn't counted on was the possibility that he might have gotten her with child, so when news of her pregnancy reaches him, he sets out to find her, offering her a cottage on his estate so he can ensure her well-being. The only problem is that Lorna doesn't want anything from him and she certainly doesn't want him to take care of her.

Alex's inability to trust and Lorna's stubborn demand for independence, made this an interesting read. Throw in a villain for intrigue and you have a story that is well worth diving into. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Originally posted on http://sophie-barnes.blogspot.com/

[Jeriann Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lorna and Alex Create a Family

I am continuing my tour through slightly older, historical romances and thoroughly enjoyed this surprise baby romance.

A gentlewoman fallen on hard times, Lorna is an upstairs maid in the household of the handsome young duke of Kinross. She throws caution to the wind and done a disguise to attend a masked ball at the home. Enamored of a mystery woman, the duke does something out of character and has a wild tryst with her.

Then she vanishes. Months later a mysterious note informs him that a woman will soon give birth to his illegitimate child. Alex brings Lorna back to the estate. That's all in the first 25%. What follows is a delightful romance between these two who are accidentally so right for each other.

It was nice to read about marriage and both adaptive g to each other and impending Parenthood. Nice to read about the infant.

[Romancebooksandmore · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was not impressed by many things in this book including both the duke and future duchess though I did love the dowger duchess. I was also not impressed by what brought the hero and heroine together. The middle of the book got a bit better which I guess was its saving grace.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars!

[T from Istria 💛💚 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5. Good book but not a great hero.

[Lisarenee · Rating 4 out of 5]

>>>>>> My synopsis (actual review follows): <<<<<<
Lorna Gordon just wanted to have a little fun. To go to the ball like Cinderella. She already had her Prince Charming picked out, and when she found a beautiful old dress and wig in a trunk in her employer's attic she took it as a sign. So with costume on, she slipped in unnoticed with all the other guests. The problem was she didn't really go unnoticed. The gentleman of the ton noticed her quite well, or rather her nicely displayed decolletage, but, thankfully, no one realized she was just a lowly house maid. Two years before when her father was still alive, she might have ended up at such a party as this, but those days were gone.

What Lorna was doing was improper. What Lorna was doing was forbidden. What Lorna was doing could get her fired, but the head strong chit did it anyway. She'd had a tendre for the handsome young nobleman for some time. So when the ninth Duke of Kinross joined her on the terrace and later led her away by the hand she went with willingly....

Much to her regret she soon learned real life is not a fairy tale. Confound it.

>>>>>> My Review: <<<<<<
This was a fun read where the main male character started off being more of a cad than a hero. It took quite some time for him to redeem himself in my eyes, but he was a man who had some major issues. Dukes are notoriously sought after by conniving young misses and their families trying to better their positions. He's already been a victim of one such liaison and refuses to be one of another. The experience left him bitter, so much so that his mother fears he'll never remarry. Described as being devastatingly handsome, aloof, and unapproachable he was somewhat of a mystery to the household staff.

Lorna is an independent, bold, proud, strong, and intelligent young woman who finds herself in a precariously dangerous position, After her night with the Duke, she finds herself with child. Instead of approaching the Duke for help, she leaves and tries to make her own way in the world. Unfortunately or perhaps fortunately, depending on your perspective, a close friend of Lorna's reveals all to the Duke's mother who then confronts her son. What ensues makes for an extremely delightful read. There is a depth to this story that I truly loved.

Overall, I gave this one 4 out of 5 roses. There is mystery and suspense associated with an attempt on Lorna's life. There is plenty of drama associated with the predicament Lorna and the Duke find themselves in. Although this one didn't follow the traditional order of love, marriage, and a baby in a baby carriage, it did have a happy ending. As we begin to find out more about the main characters and their stories, I realized these two were just what the other needed. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one earned a STEAM rating--too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed. I definitely enjoyed this one, and loved the Duke's mother.

Notes: I received an eARC loan from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Bambi Unbridled · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was totally excited to see that Karen Ranney was starting a new Victorian-Era historical romance series. This is a rag-to-riches love story for our heroine who transcends classes to find true love with a princely duke.

Lorna Gordon was forced into service by circumstances after the death of her beloved father. Having become fascinated with the Duke of Kinross, Lorna risks her position for one night at a costume ball to get closer the duke. That decision has unexpected and long-reaching consequences for Lorna, the duke, and everyone in the Kinross household. Lorna was a great heroine... she was a hard worker and determined to be independent and not take anyone's charity. She was dedicated to her father even after his death when many would have given up his work as a lost cause. I really liked that she was able to keep her head and demonstrate quick thinking in a crisis, and she wasn't an annoying heroine in any sense.

Alex Russell the ninth Duke of Kinross is jaded and untrusting after his late wife's infedility and a seeming betrayal from the scientific society who reviews his work. Uncharacteristicly, he is drawn to Lorna in her guise as Marie Antoinette and he quite loses his head. The effect that encounter has on Alex's life does nothing to allay his suspicious nature, and he makes a muddle of things with Lorna. I enjoyed watching the closed-off duke start living in the light and realizing that its okay to trust some people. He had a penchant for escaping when things got tough, so that was an interesting turn of the tables as its usually the heroine that's running off. The duke was a decent hero... he just had a few bad habits. In addition to being a runner, he also did nothing to curb the toxic people in his life. As a autocratic member of the nobility, I was surprised at what he tolerated in his household. But everyone deals with conflict differently I suppose.

I was happy with the plotting of this romantic entanglement. I liked that the marriage came about unconventionally, and that the dowager duchess played such a big part. She was a great secondary character. This one did make me teary eyed a few times, mostly that came from Lorna's situation and things she encountered, so I think I had a pretty good connection to her character. The antagonist was also developed really well... she was such a vile and annoying person! I am definitely looking forward to future books in this series.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher, Avon.

[Jessica Grogan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first title I've ever read by Karen Ranney, and I've already preordered the next title.

Forced to become a maid after her father's death, Lorna Gordon has admired Alex Russell, the Duke of Kinross from afar. When he hosts a ball in his home, Lorna grabs a chance to sneak into the ball and have a scandalous encounter with Alex that leads to even more scandalous consequences.

Alex has had trouble trusting others his entire life. When he learns of the results of his night with a beautiful stranger he assumes she only wants money or his title. He soon learns, however, that Lorna wants neither and that she is an enigma he desperately wants to understand. Each will have to learn that sometimes a little trust in another is required for a happy ever after.

I really enjoyed this title. I wasn't bothered by the early sex scene but I was quite happy that the rest of the book was not spent with Alex not knowing who Lorna was. I'm reading another title with a similar beginning and the hero still doesn't know who the heroine is. It would get tiresome reading two books like that at once.

Lorna was a fantastic heroine. Sure, she had a TSTL moment at the beginning but she ended up paying for it and it was her only moment like that. I loved her independence and spirit. I really appreciated the fact that she didn't just fall into being a duchess like she was born to do it like you sometimes see in historical romances.

Alex was a bit harder to get to know, which was appropriate because he was harder for Lorna to get to know too. He was capable of being quite a jerk when he wanted but who isn't? Happily, his turnaround wasn't a whiplash inducing quick one at the very end. His coming to care for Lorna was slow and believable.

I found this title to be very entertaining and am looking forward to the next!

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure I was going to like the hero, Alex Russell (Duke of Kinross), in this book, but as his past was explained I became more sympathetic to a young man who lost his father and siblings. He did not make a good choice when selecting his first wife and as such does not want another. He spends his time on his scientific studies.

On the other hand, I loved the heroine, Lorna Gordon. When her father dies, she is determined to finish his work, and takes a job as a maid at Blackhall Castle. While the servants there are well treated, and known by Alex’s mother, the Duke pays very little attention to his staff unless he is conducting one of his studies.

Lorna falls in love with Alex and sneaks into a costumed ball. She catches his attention and they go to the conservatory and make love, but when he discovers she was a virgin he thinks she plans to blackmail him. He never recognizes her as one of his maids. When her pregnancy is too far to hide, she moves into a nearby village. She uses her knowledge of herbs to make balms to sell at the market.

He learns of her pregnancy and takes her to live in one of the estate’s cottages. As he gets to know her, he starts to care for her. When his mother insists she doesn’t want her grandchild born a bastard, he agrees to marry Lorna. While he loves his son, he is not sure about Lorna and spends much time away from home, though he misses her.

There are several very good secondary characters, some good and some bad. There are other things going on at Blackhall, evil and good, that I don’t wish to spoil. This book starts slowly and improves as it goes along. I enjoyed it.

[Loucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Histoire toute mignonne même si pas toujours très réaliste pour l'époque il me semble. J'ai aussi aimé les personnages. Pas de malentendus qui durent des plombes entre les héros.

[Francoise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story, set in the Victorian era, is a character-driven romance in which the aloof, wounded hero meets a daring and sweet heroine who will change his life. It also depicts in a realistic manner the class relations and the distant relationship between aristocrats and servants. Although the plot may not be considered overly original, I found myself engrossed in this story.

It is centered around Lorna Gordon, the daughter of a well-respected botanist, who has been forced into service by circumstances. A maid at Blackhall Castle, residence of Alex Russel, the Duke of Kinross, she has been admiring him from afar. Playing Cinderella at the castle’s masquerade ball will change her life forever. Lorna is attracted to Alex like a moth to a flame and after a passionate, forbidden tryst, she finds herself with child. Independent and strong-willed, she intends to raise the child on her own and wants nothing from Alex. But when the Dowager Duchess is informed of Lorna’s condition, she confronts her son with Lorna’s allegations. Although he considers the whole thing as a ploy, he intends to provide for Lorna and their child. Alex is not a bad man or even a rake, but he has a sorrowful past and huge trust issues. He is a loner and tends to live in a virtual ivory tower, surrounded by servants he hardly sees. He is a scientist in his own right, though, and is passionate about his study of fingerprints.

Although an unlikely pairing, Alex and Lorna have a lot in common and I enjoyed the slow burn building of their relationship. Alex definitely grew on me as he discovers parenthood and starts to let his guard down, encouraged by his lovely mother. But some evil-minded castle hosts will put their relationship to the test.

This book grabs you from the first page and the author did a great job of tying up all loose ends and giving me the happily ever after I wanted for the characters. This book is the first in the author’s new series and can be read as a standalone. If you enjoy sexy and twisty historical romances, this novel is a great pick.

An advance copy of this book was provided by the publisher, via Edelweiss.

[Kimia Safavi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Scottish Duke by Karen Ranney is a wonderful historical romance. The story of a beautiful maid, Lorna Gordon, who disguises herself as Marie Antoinette in a fancy ball to dance with the Duke of Kinross. But the night doesn't end with the dance......
Alex Russell, the Duke of Kinross, still can't forget the mystorius seductress several months after her disappearance. When he encounters her again, he must prove himself that he is not an arrogant, heartless duke.
The Scottish Duke is absolutely a delightful and enjoyable love story with a great plot.
Thank you Karen Ranney

[Amarilli 73 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avevo letto alcuni anni fa un volume di questa serie e mi era sempre rimasta la voglia di completarla: sono volumi autonomi, collegati da un unico elemento (la presenza di un duca), ma tutti a loro modo strepitosi.
Come dicevo, le ambientazioni sono differenti, ma troviamo nobili intriganti e particolari, che hanno ottenuto il titolo senza volerlo e che non ne sono ossessionati.
Il duca scozzese di Kinross è vedovo e vive in solitudine, pensando soltanto alla propria terra e ai bisogni del clan, finché scandalizza tutti riconoscendo un figlio illegittimo e accogliendo la madre nonostante ogni contraria aspettativa.
Una Scozia fredda, cupa e umida, e pure diffidente e bigotta, ma rischiarata da una donna con il talento della pittura e amante delle erbe medicinali.
Ho amato Lorna e la sua resilienza: più che ai duchi ribelli, questa serie dovrebbe essere dedicata alle duchesse anticonformiste 😎

[Melann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Autant le scénario est plutôt irréaliste pour l'époque, autant on s'en moque un petit peu.
Histoire mignonne, où il aura peut être manqué un peu de punch parfois, et une envie de secouer le héros. Mais ça fonctionne. Je lirai la suite.