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Cocky Duke

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Two weeks touring art galleries in London—that's what my Uncle Stig promised. It was going to be a nice quiet trip with my favorite relative who also happens to be the US Ambassador to England. The only problem? It's a little too quiet. I crave something more than four o'clock tea and crumpets.

Which is how I end up at Jayvee's, a London nightclub. While my uncle discusses politics with diplomats, I'm on the other side of town, heating up the dance-floor. I capture the attention of Lord Fernborough and he corners me in the nightclub.

He's arrogant. Opinionated. And devastatingly handsome.

Just as I'm about to be swept off my feet by his icy blue eyes, he tells me how he insulted the US Ambassador on national TV. I return the favor by throwing my Cosmopolitan in his face.

No one disses my uncle.

His Grace (that’s how his employees refer to him) calls twenty-six times before I toss my phone in the Thames. I don’t care who he charmed to get my number. I don’t care if every muscle in my body thrums with lust within two seconds of meeting him.

The cocky duke can go to hell because I’m flying back to the West Coast at daybreak.

It’s not like he can stop the plane...

***
Cocky Duke is a 52,000-word contemporary romance novel with no cliffhanger ending.

163 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 15, 2017

333 people are currently reading
488 people want to read

About the author

Sara Forbes

13 books236 followers

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5 stars
115 (34%)
4 stars
132 (40%)
3 stars
55 (16%)
2 stars
16 (4%)
1 star
12 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
Profile Image for Emily.
5,866 reviews546 followers
November 22, 2020
Hayley is visiting her Uncle Stig in England and planning to absorb her time looking at the museums and galleries. She gets a bit bored though at night and decides to hit a club where her Uncle has gotten her VIP status. When she meets Alex she thinks he is handsome and quite cocky, but when he ends up making remarks about her Uncle she throws her drink at him. She didn't expect to become an overnight sensation and when she ends up in trouble she finds herself getting help from Alex. What will happen once these two are thrown together again?

This was a fun book. Brought a smile to may face and I really enjoyed the plotting on Alex's part, it just added more to the story. I also liked the way that Hayley is portrayed, she is down to earth and a delight to read about.
Profile Image for Kathleen R..
1,407 reviews43 followers
February 7, 2017
Title: Cocky Duke
Author: Sara Forbes

4 unexpected stars



I had taken a chance on this book - I'll admit that the cover had grabbed my attention and then when I read the blurb, I knew that I had to read it to find out what would happen between the political princess and the cocky englishman. My curiosity was piqued and my attention absolutely captivated as I read along, laughing as Hayley and Alex's antics reach new heights every time they meet.

4 breath taking dreams



I loved how Sara Forbes made sure that these two characters were believable - they fought, teased and threw punches at one another that were all too familiar. Cocky Duke was a great surprise that I'm more than happy I read and i'd be more than happy to read more from this author in the future.

*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Kathleen, The Small Girl from A small girl, her man and her books







50 Book Reviews
 Professional Reader

Profile Image for Elizabeth Edwards.
5,548 reviews9 followers
December 19, 2018
do you ever read a synopsis and just know you will love a book??! not so sure about the cover though, would love a more cooler dude. not that the guy is not hot but it is kind of cheesy looking? i don't mean to sound harsh ...but the guy in this book is so much more refined, a classical man or so it seems? a bit mysterious. this read a unlikely pair meet at a bar, which will and does change their destiny. Such a page turner. light hearted ...fun read. maybe change the cover? please?
Profile Image for Rebecca Grove.
3,492 reviews26 followers
January 25, 2017
Haley's uncle is the Us ambassador to Great Britain and he invited her to come to London with him for the summer so she can study all the great art. Soon after her arrival, she is out at an exclusive bar and a gorgeous and cocky man approaches and buys her a drink. He lets it slip that he had a run in with the US ambassador and it went viral on you-tube. When Hailey sees the video, she throws her drink on Alex bot knowing he is a Duke and that someone is filming her run-in and posting it. Over night Hailey is famous so her uncle is planning on sending her back home. However some shady doings of her uncle's has come to a head and dangerous men are after them. Hailey's only safe place to hide is at Alex's the Duke's estate.
Alex is the new Duke after his dad died a couple of months ago. Alex would rather continue being a pilot than running the family business, His older half-brother who has been in charge has suddenly disappeared and Alex is left to take full responsibility of the dukedom, tenants, employees and pay off a hefty tax bill. Hailey and her uncle at first are just another problem. After spending time with Hailey, she gives him ideas to help raise money and she shows faith that he will be a great Duke. They make a great team and great lovers until his older brother comes back.
This is a good story. At first I thought Alex was a cocky jerk but the more you got to know him, you saw he was just struggling to do his best. I voluntarily received a copy of this book and this is my review.
164 reviews1 follower
January 28, 2024
A quick read though it took me about 20 days to read it, if that makes sense. It was not a book I was looking forward to read when I woke up in the morning or when I came home from work. I was just able to read a few pages a day to get through it, though it was not so bad I thought to DNF it, if was just low content and a whiplash of "I hate him but I yearn for him" and suddenly on one page Hayley decides he's worth her attention and that was that, then his personality turned on a dime. Very weird...

I forgot to write down notes most of the times, so unfortunately there's only very few:

Chapter 1
First Mr handsome asks for a Gin. Tanqueray, but when he gets asked again he says cucumber and ice. It was not clear if it was on purpose he changed his mind or if the author forgot.

Chapter 11
Why is she riding a 2-year-old horse!!! That, as a horse person, made me unreasonably angry about a fiction book!!

Page 124
The dad says her flight is tomorrow, but earlier it was that same day so... confusing.

Page 164
Hayley says she's an "adrenaline machine these days" but it should have been dopamine. She's doing something she loves, nothing dangerous or anything.
Profile Image for Em Taylor.
Author 28 books188 followers
November 26, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the characters and their reason for getting together. the plot was interesting and the whole cast of characters brought the book to life. I'm a fan of Regency novels and Billionaire romances so modern aristocrats was a nice twist to both those genres.

The book is well written and engaging and kept my interest throughout. I was totally rooting for both Alex and Hayley.

The book seemed to be well researched. There was one niggling error and having now got to book 4, and the error travels throughout the series, I hope the author can go back and correct it. Alex's mother would be the Duchess until he married and the Dowager Duchess thereafter. She would always be referred to as Her Grace, Your Grace or the (Dowager) Duchess. Never Lady Belgrave. But I hate people who take off a star for a simple mistake. That's a nit picky thing and most wouldn't pick up on it. The book is still easily a 5 star read. it's entertaining and leaves you with the warm fuzzies. that's what romance is all about.
Profile Image for Scrap.
882 reviews6 followers
January 28, 2017
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book

Hailey has gotten to take the vacation of her dreams all thanks to her Uncle Sig. She is spending a week in London getting to go to all the art museums and have a great time, that is until her uncle Sig gets her a VIP pass at one of the exclusive clubs, Where she meets Alex. They hit it off immediately that is until he tells her about his day where he bashed one of the American Ambassadors with words. Little did Alex realize that Hailey was the niece to that ambassador. Hailey had no idea that Alex was actually a Duke until she became famous on YouTube the next day.
This book has a great story line with action and intrigue and HOT HOT HOT chemistry between Alex and Hailey
Profile Image for Shelly Celli.
2,248 reviews6 followers
February 4, 2017
This was a cute story with adventure, a little danger, and a lot of Hotness. Hayley has basically been sheltered from her mothers side of the family's business for her whole life. When she meets a guy at a bar and he shows a video of him going off on her uncle, she flips out and pours her drink in his lap. Things take an interesting twist from there. The more time Alex spends with Hayley, the more he wants her. They each help the other learn where their true place in life and business is and grow stronger together....until Seb, Alex's lost brother, comes back home and takes over the position of Duke. I voluntarily received and reviewed an ARC from the author.
Profile Image for J.
270 reviews
February 19, 2017
I loved this so much.

FYI The cover (at the time I am writing this) says "Volume" 1 which is a bit misleading as that is usually associated with serials (which I refuse to read). It should say "Book" 1 as it is the first in a series of books with connected characters but each book having different MC's. This book is Alex and Hayley's story and it looks like Book 2 will be Seb and Mara's story. Thought I would clarify in case anyone else shares my extreme dislike of serials.

I'm excited to find a new author I love and can't wait for the next book in the series!!
Profile Image for Jennifer Oloughlin.
878 reviews3 followers
November 1, 2017
Hayley and Alex have the most amazing first meeting and, that sets the story from there.

Hayley was very American compared to Alex’s very royal upbringing. She wanted to make changes and never wanted to settle for less. While Alex knew his way around certain areas, we were waiting for this mysterious brother to return. I loved the Countess and Viscount. They were the lighter, and happy go luck out of the four siblings but, I am dying to read Seb’s book. I love broody characters.



*Read through Kindle Unlimited.
Profile Image for Patricia.
676 reviews2 followers
July 12, 2019
Hayley The Snarky American Tourist Takes On Alex, The Cocky Duke

I believe that this is my first book I've read from this author, and it won't be my last. This was an excellent start to a series. I can't wait to read the next book in this series. Hayley is a college student studying art, is in England with her Uncle who is the American Ambassador to . England. She's scheduled to visit the museum's while visiting with her Uncle. She meets Alex in a club and that's when the story starts and it is good! Don't miss out on this story!
Profile Image for Jill K. Davis.
1,451 reviews12 followers
January 5, 2021
Duke and the wet t-shirt

Alex definitely needed to be brought down a peg or two, and it was a good thing that Hayley was there to do so! I enjoyed the back and forth with this couple, and was really glad that Hayley just didn't fall in to his bed. I didn't care for his mom a whole lot, but hey.. mother-in-laws and such. I am not sure I want to read book #2, not because this wasn't great, but because I'm not necessarily a fan of the brother.. I'm sure that will change once I start reading.
945 reviews7 followers
February 6, 2017
I really enjoyed this story. How can you not like a book that starts with the main character vaulting over a bar, flashing her hello kitty underwear? I loved Hayley and Alex together from the beginning. I do wish we found out more about where the uncle went and what had happened to Seb, the MIA older half brother, while he was away - but I'm looking forward to reading his story next.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book and voluntarily provided this honest review.
26 reviews
November 14, 2018
Not What I Thought It Was...

This book was displayed when searching for interracial romance. I was a bit disappointed that it took so long into the story to actually find out that Hayley was not African American. There were not a lot of descriptive facts about any of the characters that put me (virtually) face to face with each person. And the sexy scenes could have had a bit more zest and realism.
268 reviews
January 22, 2017
This book was really good. I love when bad boys are taken down by a strong heroine. This Duke is given a reality check, and if he doesn't he will lose the love of his life. This is my first book by Sara Forbes but it will not be the last. This book is a first in a series but is a standalone with HEA. I highly recommend this book. I received this book for my honest opinion.
95 reviews
January 26, 2017
She really threw a drink at his pants lol. How does one mistake snow ball into the likes of this story. Well I am glad it did. Hayley was refreshing and strong. Love that in a leading lady. And Alex may have had his issues but he he finally got his act together. Sometimes it takes losing the one yoh love for things to finally make sense. Read worthy
28 reviews
May 20, 2017
Really good read

I LOVE how the main characters meet each other! Also enjoyed the interaction between them throughout the book. Kind of wish there was a better conclusion where the uncle is concerned.
Profile Image for Nancy.
431 reviews
June 2, 2018
What a great story! I really enjoyed the witty banter and snappy come backs between Rush and Gia. Rush is really a romantic even if he never thought himself one. I can't wait to see what happens next.
14 reviews
June 6, 2018
Just read your book

I love 'ed it was fun to read , you have a great story to tell ,I was with you all the way .can t wait to read your next book,thanks Elizabeth p.s.off to the next book looks like no sleep to night:
76 reviews
December 30, 2018
Thoughly Enjoyable!

This was fun and enjoyable read. Alex and Hayley had great written chemistry, plot had an interesting twist with a HEA ending. Look forward to more if Sara Forbes writing.
Profile Image for Jean.
1,600 reviews1 follower
September 16, 2019
Fantastic read

Cocky arrogant duke meets his match in a feisty artist. All caught on video and shown on You Tube. That's only the beginning. Loved this book. Can't wait to read the second book.
Profile Image for Kenn Goslin.
800 reviews7 followers
April 30, 2021
Delightful story with a hint of danger, intrigue, relatives with questionable actions, etc. Etc. Etc.!!!

Hayley is finally about to be free of the dominating males in her life,but doesn't count on U-tube! Such a shame!!!
June 2, 2021
That was a sweet story. Not as suspenseful as it could’ve been (the whole threat just kind of disappeared?), but enjoyable nonetheless. Even though there was some insta lust, the actual romance was slow burn. Nothing spectacular, but a nice book to pass some hours with ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Angala Fox.
662 reviews15 followers
February 1, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I loved this book. It was a great first book by Sara Forbes. I could not put this down and can't wait to read more from this author.
Profile Image for Nate.
24k reviews19 followers
January 25, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. I really enjoyed This story between Hayley & Alex. Kept me on the edge of my seat...
52 reviews
March 20, 2017
LOVED it

Enjoyed a bit of light reading. Fun characters,fun story line. Looking forward to see how this series progresses. Recommend the book.
Profile Image for Leslie.
513 reviews8 followers
March 4, 2019
Could not finish as story did not hold my attention.
2,511 reviews13 followers
November 11, 2019
Cute

I really enjoyed reading this story. Very entertaining and very romantic. Loved all the different personalities. The HEA was adorable.
2,427 reviews2 followers
November 12, 2019
Loved it

I absolutely loved it. Their first meeting was anything but forgettable. Every character was great and added their own part to the story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews

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