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Bewitching the Forbidden Duke
She never really craved attention, until she tasted his…
Melissa Alford, youngest daughter of the Duke of Greyfield, has always been the black sheep of her family. When her mother arranges a betrothal for her older sister, her life changes in the most unexpected way.
Patrick Dutton, Marquess of Bergon, takes pride in being a very responsible young gentleman. But even though his word is his bond, he immediately falls for the rebellious, youngest daughter of the Duke instead of his intended, whom he finds completely dull.
When Melissa suddenly disappears into the woods, people realize this is not one of her usual games. With wolves as the least of her problems, Patrick is determined to find her before the night is out.
Soon it becomes apparent that someone is behind the disappearance and that the key to the riddle just might lie in a birthmark...
Melissa Alford, youngest daughter of the Duke of Greyfield, has always been the black sheep of her family. When her mother arranges a betrothal for her older sister, her life changes in the most unexpected way.
Patrick Dutton, Marquess of Bergon, takes pride in being a very responsible young gentleman. But even though his word is his bond, he immediately falls for the rebellious, youngest daughter of the Duke instead of his intended, whom he finds completely dull.
When Melissa suddenly disappears into the woods, people realize this is not one of her usual games. With wolves as the least of her problems, Patrick is determined to find her before the night is out.
Soon it becomes apparent that someone is behind the disappearance and that the key to the riddle just might lie in a birthmark...
509 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 10, 2019
922 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
About the author
Scarlett Osborne
96 books78 followersBorn in the Sunshine State of Florida, but of both British and Nordic descent, Scarlett Osborne grew up reading historical romances from the land of her ancestors. Fascinated with the British society of the 1800s and armed with a wild imagination, she obtained a degree in Creative Writing and immediately started her career as a Regency romance author.
A daydreamer extraordinaire, Scarlett likes to jump in the shoes of her heroines, immersing herself in her own stories, living the adventures that she wished she had experienced as a child. An avid reader and fan of the outdoors, Scarlett spends her free time either reading or going on long horseback rides along with her two sons.
Get lost in a land of enchantment, where adventure and love await around every corner...Scarlett hopes that through her heroes, you too will get to live a whirlwind romance in the Regency era, when fairytales were real and all dreams possible!
A daydreamer extraordinaire, Scarlett likes to jump in the shoes of her heroines, immersing herself in her own stories, living the adventures that she wished she had experienced as a child. An avid reader and fan of the outdoors, Scarlett spends her free time either reading or going on long horseback rides along with her two sons.
Get lost in a land of enchantment, where adventure and love await around every corner...Scarlett hopes that through her heroes, you too will get to live a whirlwind romance in the Regency era, when fairytales were real and all dreams possible!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
September 6, 2019
Perfect love story, with perfect H/H
Patrick Dutton, Marquess of Bergon and heir to the Duke of Chesmill is told by his father to marry the eldest daughter of the Duke of Greyfield. Rose is the eldest daughter of the powerful Duke of Greyfield. Patrick falls in love with her young sister Melissa 19 years of age. This brings on all types of problems for Melissa. As her there mother doesn't care for her as much as she does the older sister Rose. She is the Just the first born. The Duchess of Greyfield is being blackmailed by the Duke of Chesmill Patrick's father It's the older daughter Rose he wants Patrick to marry his. I wonder Why?
This story is full of mystery and secrets and lies. Who is trying to kill or harm Melissa and stop her from marry Patrick? Why does Melissa's mother seem so indifferent and even cruel towards Melissa? But highly praises Rose the older sister?
I really like that Melissa and even her mean sister were young of marriageable age and Not old worn down spinisters. Melissa and Rose are young, beautiful and rich. From a very Powerful father. Melissa's character is true to the era. I loved that Patrick and her fought through every obstacle thrown at them. They never fell for the traps, tricks and lies that were told to seperate them. I really like Byrnn Melissa's Ladies Maid and best friend and Henry Patricks footmen.
This story is true to the era of Regency England. I couldn't put it down! I read it straight through. The story is pretty clean there is no sex scenes. Some heavy petting. I would have like some sex scenes and there are a few inconsistency in the writing But Sill it was a very good story!!
Patrick Dutton, Marquess of Bergon and heir to the Duke of Chesmill is told by his father to marry the eldest daughter of the Duke of Greyfield. Rose is the eldest daughter of the powerful Duke of Greyfield. Patrick falls in love with her young sister Melissa 19 years of age. This brings on all types of problems for Melissa. As her there mother doesn't care for her as much as she does the older sister Rose. She is the Just the first born. The Duchess of Greyfield is being blackmailed by the Duke of Chesmill Patrick's father It's the older daughter Rose he wants Patrick to marry his. I wonder Why?
This story is full of mystery and secrets and lies. Who is trying to kill or harm Melissa and stop her from marry Patrick? Why does Melissa's mother seem so indifferent and even cruel towards Melissa? But highly praises Rose the older sister?
I really like that Melissa and even her mean sister were young of marriageable age and Not old worn down spinisters. Melissa and Rose are young, beautiful and rich. From a very Powerful father. Melissa's character is true to the era. I loved that Patrick and her fought through every obstacle thrown at them. They never fell for the traps, tricks and lies that were told to seperate them. I really like Byrnn Melissa's Ladies Maid and best friend and Henry Patricks footmen.
This story is true to the era of Regency England. I couldn't put it down! I read it straight through. The story is pretty clean there is no sex scenes. Some heavy petting. I would have like some sex scenes and there are a few inconsistency in the writing But Sill it was a very good story!!
August 15, 2019
I hate to give any book a bad review, but this one has some issues that I had a hard time dealing with.
I will address the story first. Melissa Alford somehow, somewhere fell in love with Patrick Dutton, Marquess of Bergon. I understand how they met and even appreciate it, but I didn't see them and definitely didn't feel them fall in love. She captivates him, but when Melissa's sister, Rose, corners Patrick and he willingly kisses her and her mother busts them, it makes me wonder why he even did it. Regardless, the girls' mother has decided that Rose has been dishonored and Patrick, the ever-willing wimp that he is, decided he'd go along with the forced betrothal, despite how he feels about Melissa. He has to please his father and Rose's parents, don't you know? No brass about this guy at all.
Melissa is downright stupid at times. She flip-flopped more than a fish stuck on the beach. She knew she wanted Patrick and he'd made every indication he wanted her, too, but he was betrothed to the pretentious older sister. Ugh! I got tired of Melissa sending notes to Patrick asking dumb questions and demanding explanations, even after she'd told him she couldn't see him anymore. Her mother was angry that she still held a torch for him when he was engaged to Rose. But in all fairness to her mother, Rose didn't tell her that Patrick had called it off.
I kind of felt bad for Melissa, though. Her mother and sister treated her like she was a second-class citizen. Melissa was the wild one (if you can call her that. I didn't see it) and her mother wanted prim and proper girls. There's more to the story there that does add some lift to the end.
Some banal things happen between page one and the end, but I'm headed right for the conclusion of the book. I've never heard of a book having an epilogue then an extended epilogue after that. Why couldn't it all be tied up into one stunning conclusion? The ending was predictable and I got little satisfaction from it.
The characters were flat, uninteresting, and unintelligent--both of them. I've already mentioned that Melissa was annoyingly dull-witted, but Patrick was a freaking doormat. He did everything his father told him to do without question. He was blind to the nefarious business dealing his father was behind and never doubted the guy for a second. He just did as he was told and never made waves. I like my male characters to be bold, brave, and strong. Those three words are opposite of what Patrick was. I wanted to like him. I waited and waited for him to put on his big boy pants, but it just didn't happen.
Odds and ends:
-Patrick started out with blue eyes. By the time I got mid-way through the book, probably not even that far, they were gray. It's a simple thing, but it bothered me,
-Aside from the eye color thing, there was an instance where Caroline and Patrick were conversing (where did Caroline come from anyway? She appeared then disappeared for no apparent reason), and she snorted at something Patrick said. But it didn't say Caroline. It said Melissa and Melissa wasn't even in the scene.
-Steamy? No. Not at all. I'd let my grandmother read this and I doubt she'd raise an eyebrow. There were two love scenes in the entire book, both at the end. The first one was okay, but didn't really do much for me. The second one was lackluster as well and was just gratuitous. There were a few kisses, but they weren't much to write home about, either. This borders on being a clean romance. The two love scenes didn't make an impact on the story and changed nothing. They certainly weren't enough to have the book labeled as steamy. I'm not looking for porn in the books I read, but when "steamy" is a selling point in the title, I expect more than what I got. With that being said, there's nothing wrong with a clean romance. Just don't deceive the readers by calling it steamy when it isn't.
-Who are those people on the cover? They look nothing like the characters in the book. Melissa had dark hair and Patrick was a blonde. Sorry, but that's a pet peeve for me. I want at least a resemblance to the characters I'm reading about and the people on the front are strangers.
I hate to be so rough on a book. I know how hard it is to write one. I understand the blood, sweat, and tears that go into it, but I have to be honest. I didn't like the book, but that doesn't mean others won't love it. It just wasn't for me.
*I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily left a review. I won't review anymore for this author. It isn't personal. I just don't enjoy her style.
I will address the story first. Melissa Alford somehow, somewhere fell in love with Patrick Dutton, Marquess of Bergon. I understand how they met and even appreciate it, but I didn't see them and definitely didn't feel them fall in love. She captivates him, but when Melissa's sister, Rose, corners Patrick and he willingly kisses her and her mother busts them, it makes me wonder why he even did it. Regardless, the girls' mother has decided that Rose has been dishonored and Patrick, the ever-willing wimp that he is, decided he'd go along with the forced betrothal, despite how he feels about Melissa. He has to please his father and Rose's parents, don't you know? No brass about this guy at all.
Melissa is downright stupid at times. She flip-flopped more than a fish stuck on the beach. She knew she wanted Patrick and he'd made every indication he wanted her, too, but he was betrothed to the pretentious older sister. Ugh! I got tired of Melissa sending notes to Patrick asking dumb questions and demanding explanations, even after she'd told him she couldn't see him anymore. Her mother was angry that she still held a torch for him when he was engaged to Rose. But in all fairness to her mother, Rose didn't tell her that Patrick had called it off.
I kind of felt bad for Melissa, though. Her mother and sister treated her like she was a second-class citizen. Melissa was the wild one (if you can call her that. I didn't see it) and her mother wanted prim and proper girls. There's more to the story there that does add some lift to the end.
Some banal things happen between page one and the end, but I'm headed right for the conclusion of the book. I've never heard of a book having an epilogue then an extended epilogue after that. Why couldn't it all be tied up into one stunning conclusion? The ending was predictable and I got little satisfaction from it.
The characters were flat, uninteresting, and unintelligent--both of them. I've already mentioned that Melissa was annoyingly dull-witted, but Patrick was a freaking doormat. He did everything his father told him to do without question. He was blind to the nefarious business dealing his father was behind and never doubted the guy for a second. He just did as he was told and never made waves. I like my male characters to be bold, brave, and strong. Those three words are opposite of what Patrick was. I wanted to like him. I waited and waited for him to put on his big boy pants, but it just didn't happen.
Odds and ends:
-Patrick started out with blue eyes. By the time I got mid-way through the book, probably not even that far, they were gray. It's a simple thing, but it bothered me,
-Aside from the eye color thing, there was an instance where Caroline and Patrick were conversing (where did Caroline come from anyway? She appeared then disappeared for no apparent reason), and she snorted at something Patrick said. But it didn't say Caroline. It said Melissa and Melissa wasn't even in the scene.
-Steamy? No. Not at all. I'd let my grandmother read this and I doubt she'd raise an eyebrow. There were two love scenes in the entire book, both at the end. The first one was okay, but didn't really do much for me. The second one was lackluster as well and was just gratuitous. There were a few kisses, but they weren't much to write home about, either. This borders on being a clean romance. The two love scenes didn't make an impact on the story and changed nothing. They certainly weren't enough to have the book labeled as steamy. I'm not looking for porn in the books I read, but when "steamy" is a selling point in the title, I expect more than what I got. With that being said, there's nothing wrong with a clean romance. Just don't deceive the readers by calling it steamy when it isn't.
-Who are those people on the cover? They look nothing like the characters in the book. Melissa had dark hair and Patrick was a blonde. Sorry, but that's a pet peeve for me. I want at least a resemblance to the characters I'm reading about and the people on the front are strangers.
I hate to be so rough on a book. I know how hard it is to write one. I understand the blood, sweat, and tears that go into it, but I have to be honest. I didn't like the book, but that doesn't mean others won't love it. It just wasn't for me.
*I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily left a review. I won't review anymore for this author. It isn't personal. I just don't enjoy her style.
Want to read
August 13, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/13/2019)! 🎁
August 17, 2019
A Tale📚 Of Two Sisters💃💃
A sordid tale of blackmail, adultery, human trafficking and a lifelong criminal in the middle of it all. How can innocent love💕 find a way through?
Melissa💃💋 is the second, unappreciated daughter of the Duke of Greyfield. Her mother, Thalia, is exasperated by her and much prefers her older sister 🌹Rose. Her mother's sour and controlling disposition has made the two young women always at odds and always vying for her approval.
It is Melissa's 🎂birthday and she is forced to attend a ball in her honor, even though she would much rather just have ☕tea with her best friend and lady's maid, Brynn.
Unknownst to her family and the rest of the household, Melissa💃💋 and Brynn sneak out very early almost every morning to go to the produce and flower market. The visits are her only source of happiness and her only getaway from her oppressive mother. Melissa💃💋 dresses in servants garb and covers her hair, so she will not be recognized.
But someone does see her one morning. It is Patrick, Marquess of Bergon, and the son and heir of Herbert Dutton, the Duke of Cheshmill. He doesn't know her but he realizes she is not a servant, so she must be a peer. Would he, could he recognize her if he sees her at a ball?
ARC Received from Bookfunnel🌀
I also got this book with Amazon Free.
I liked this very interesting and well thought out story but The constant back and forth angst between Patrick🐺🍆⛲ and Melissa💃💋 proved to be too much for me. If you like one angsty moment after another, you will like this book.
The book has a few continuity problems. Patrick's stallion suddenly turns into a mare after his midnight dash to try to see Lady Melissa.
A sordid tale of blackmail, adultery, human trafficking and a lifelong criminal in the middle of it all. How can innocent love💕 find a way through?
Melissa💃💋 is the second, unappreciated daughter of the Duke of Greyfield. Her mother, Thalia, is exasperated by her and much prefers her older sister 🌹Rose. Her mother's sour and controlling disposition has made the two young women always at odds and always vying for her approval.
It is Melissa's 🎂birthday and she is forced to attend a ball in her honor, even though she would much rather just have ☕tea with her best friend and lady's maid, Brynn.
Unknownst to her family and the rest of the household, Melissa💃💋 and Brynn sneak out very early almost every morning to go to the produce and flower market. The visits are her only source of happiness and her only getaway from her oppressive mother. Melissa💃💋 dresses in servants garb and covers her hair, so she will not be recognized.
But someone does see her one morning. It is Patrick, Marquess of Bergon, and the son and heir of Herbert Dutton, the Duke of Cheshmill. He doesn't know her but he realizes she is not a servant, so she must be a peer. Would he, could he recognize her if he sees her at a ball?
ARC Received from Bookfunnel🌀
I also got this book with Amazon Free.
I liked this very interesting and well thought out story but The constant back and forth angst between Patrick🐺🍆⛲ and Melissa💃💋 proved to be too much for me. If you like one angsty moment after another, you will like this book.
The book has a few continuity problems. Patrick's stallion suddenly turns into a mare after his midnight dash to try to see Lady Melissa.
August 13, 2019
Lies, deceit, secrets, blackmail, jealousy, backstabbing, twists and turns....this story has it all! With all that going on, there is also the burgeoning love between Melissa and Patrick. Their love story is not an easy one, though, and throughout the book you wonder if they will ever end up being together!!
Melissa Alford is only 19 and has never been in love but when she first sees Patrick Dutton, she knows he's the one for her. Unfortunately, Patrick's father is demanding he marry Melissa's sister, Rose!! My heart really went out to Melissa, never feeling loved by her own family and never seeming to fit in anywhere. As for Patrick, he's a good son and looks up to his father but slowly learns the truth of what kind of man his father really is.
There's a ton of drama in this story and many of the other characters in the story have their thoughts written into the storyline which makes it quite interesting.
I was given an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Melissa Alford is only 19 and has never been in love but when she first sees Patrick Dutton, she knows he's the one for her. Unfortunately, Patrick's father is demanding he marry Melissa's sister, Rose!! My heart really went out to Melissa, never feeling loved by her own family and never seeming to fit in anywhere. As for Patrick, he's a good son and looks up to his father but slowly learns the truth of what kind of man his father really is.
There's a ton of drama in this story and many of the other characters in the story have their thoughts written into the storyline which makes it quite interesting.
I was given an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
August 14, 2019
Great, multi-faceted characters. Very interesting plot. Vivid descriptions. I felt every emotion. Just steamy enough. Kept me intrigued from the first page to the last. Simply a GREAT read!
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
December 3, 2020
The title did not fit the book at all. "Bewitching the Forbidden Duke"? He was a Marquess and his father was the Duke, so who was being bewitched: his father, her father or the Marquess himself? Not to mention that HE wasn't the one forbidden...SHE was.
The story line was interesting. However, the wishy-washy attitude of Melissa and the 100% badness of the sister and the attitude of the mom was totally.. surreal. No one is 100% anything and yet that's how this story was. Throughout the story, everyone says how "wild" Melissa was...yet that never showed in her character at all. Sure, she didn't conform to some of the societal rules for young ladies of the time, but not all girls did (still don't), yet that doesn't make her a "wild child".
The Marquess was...well while he was handsome and endearing he was a total wuss. He stood up to no one, and had more of a school boy attitude than a 24 year old man. He let everyone...and I do mean everyone...push him around and keep him lost and confused. He was entirely too trusting. He saw no guile or deceit in anyone and accepted what was said as the truth without ever doing any investigating of his own.
The story was way too long. It took too many chapters to finally divulge why things were the way they were for the star-crossed lovers. There also was a point in the book where the Marquess asked someone to investigate something...but we never learned the outcome of it so...why was it important to start the investigation and for it to be written about if the results were never to be revealed?
The story line was interesting. However, the wishy-washy attitude of Melissa and the 100% badness of the sister and the attitude of the mom was totally.. surreal. No one is 100% anything and yet that's how this story was. Throughout the story, everyone says how "wild" Melissa was...yet that never showed in her character at all. Sure, she didn't conform to some of the societal rules for young ladies of the time, but not all girls did (still don't), yet that doesn't make her a "wild child".
The Marquess was...well while he was handsome and endearing he was a total wuss. He stood up to no one, and had more of a school boy attitude than a 24 year old man. He let everyone...and I do mean everyone...push him around and keep him lost and confused. He was entirely too trusting. He saw no guile or deceit in anyone and accepted what was said as the truth without ever doing any investigating of his own.
The story was way too long. It took too many chapters to finally divulge why things were the way they were for the star-crossed lovers. There also was a point in the book where the Marquess asked someone to investigate something...but we never learned the outcome of it so...why was it important to start the investigation and for it to be written about if the results were never to be revealed?
December 12, 2020
Interesting story - 3 1/2 stars
While I have read other books by Ms. Osborne and enjoyed them, this one just sit seemed to drag on and on. Perhaps it was partially due to the two main characters. I simply could not warm up to them. Melissa's immaturity was over the top and beyond believable, while Patrick, too, seemed overly gullible and too easily manipulated for a man in his mid twenties who had been running a shipping business for several years. The continual back and forth of the engagement to the wrong sister and the parents' manipulation on both sides just seemed to drag on, interfering with the development of the story. Once the end came, it came rather abruptly, leaving me feel like the author decided to just end it while leaving several action/people dangling. I am hopeful that other books by Ms. Osborne will be better, as I know she can write delightful stories.
While I have read other books by Ms. Osborne and enjoyed them, this one just sit seemed to drag on and on. Perhaps it was partially due to the two main characters. I simply could not warm up to them. Melissa's immaturity was over the top and beyond believable, while Patrick, too, seemed overly gullible and too easily manipulated for a man in his mid twenties who had been running a shipping business for several years. The continual back and forth of the engagement to the wrong sister and the parents' manipulation on both sides just seemed to drag on, interfering with the development of the story. Once the end came, it came rather abruptly, leaving me feel like the author decided to just end it while leaving several action/people dangling. I am hopeful that other books by Ms. Osborne will be better, as I know she can write delightful stories.
December 15, 2020
Learning to trust
Melissa and Patrick had a long journey to achieve the happiness they yearn for.
They had a lot of growing up to do, especially learning to trust each other. There were family secrets that threatened their young love, but at the end, they found their way. Life has many twists and turns, challenges, and choices. One must choose wisely especially your partner as our protagonists did.
Melissa and Patrick had a long journey to achieve the happiness they yearn for.
They had a lot of growing up to do, especially learning to trust each other. There were family secrets that threatened their young love, but at the end, they found their way. Life has many twists and turns, challenges, and choices. One must choose wisely especially your partner as our protagonists did.
February 3, 2021
So so
This story I think I have read before but under a different title. To be treated so bad by your mother and sister and not know in why. To find the man that was supposed to marry your her sister was her true mate.
This story I think I have read before but under a different title. To be treated so bad by your mother and sister and not know in why. To find the man that was supposed to marry your her sister was her true mate.
October 11, 2019
DNF at 61% (chapter entitled "A Series of Misunderstandings")
I really hate to be so hard on a book, but in the spirit of honesty, if I could rate Scarlett Osborne's "Bewitching the Forbidden Duke" zero stars, I would. I found this book to be poorly researched, written, and edited, with unlikable, unintelligent characters and a mostly nonsensical plot. Even the book's title doesn't really make sense; the male main character, Patrick, is the son of a duke and uses the courtesy title of marquess, but is not a duke himself. (To be fair, perhaps he inherits the title at some point after I stopped reading, but even so, he definitely was not a duke for more than half the book, so I think they could have come up with a better title.)
My biggest problem with this book was that I did not like the main characters, Melissa and Patrick. Melissa came across as immature and unintelligent, while Patrick seemed pretty spineless as he mindlessly obeyed his father's orders, almost without question, and turned a blind eye to the rumors about his father's unsavory business dealings. Melissa and Patrick's relationship development was basically nonexistent, and I had a difficult time figuring out why they wanted to be together so badly. It seemed like a case of "insta-love" on Patrick's part coupled with Melissa's determination to pursue Patrick as revenge on her mother and sister, Rose, because her mother blatantly favored Rose, and Rose wanted Patrick.
Aside from the awful main characters, there were a lot of things about the plot that didn't make sense to me. For example, after they decided to elope, Melissa and Patrick spent an entire afternoon together unchaperoned in Hyde Park, and were seen by several members of the ton. They were incredibly indiscreet, with Patrick even dragging Melissa off the path to make out with her in the trees, which should have resulted in Melissa's total ruination in the eyes of Society. However, the next morning, Melissa has a change of heart and sends Patrick a note, telling him that since his engagement to Rose was never "publicly revoked," he can just go back to being engaged to Rose. I don't think it would have been that easy given their shenanigans in the park the day before! (Also, I don't think Patrick's engagement to Rose was ever officially announced, just discussed between the families, so there wasn't anything for him to "publicly" go back to. But that's beside the point.)
Further, it made no sense for Melissa to freak out about Patrick's father's planned hunt, and for that to be the reason she questioned whether Patrick was lying to her about breaking his engagement to Rose. She obviously didn't understand how an elopement was supposed to work since her lady's maid, Brynn, had to explain to her repeatedly that Melissa couldn't tell anyone about what she and Patrick were planning. Given the need for secrecy, why did Melissa think Patrick would tell his father about their planned elopement, when he would have tried to stop them from carrying out their plans? It makes total sense to me why Patrick would have wanted his father to believe that he still planned to marry Rose, and if Melissa wasn't so dumb, she would have realized that too.
Finally, there were a number of historical details in this book that the author just plain got wrong. For example, I don't think unmarried young ladies would have been permitted to correspond with gentlemen, other than close relatives, without their parents' permission. At first, before Rose's "engagement" to Patrick, Melissa and Brynn act like it's no big deal for Melissa to write to Patrick, but I'm pretty sure it would have been a huge breach of propriety. Similarly, it would have been a breach of propriety for Melissa to attend an overnight party unchaperoned. Her lady's maid would not have been considered a suitable chaperone since she wouldn't have been welcome to participate in the festivities.
In addition, the author didn't seem to be using titles correctly for the ducal characters or their offspring. For example, she referred to both Rose and Melissa as "Lady Greyfield" on several occasions, which is incorrect. Their father's title was the Duke of Greyfield, but their last (family) name was Alford. As his daughters, their full names would have been Lady Rose Alford and Lady Melissa Alford, and they would have been addressed as Lady Rose and Lady Melissa. Further, the author repeatedly referred to their mother as "Lady Greyfield," which is also incorrect. She might have been addressed as "Her Grace" or "Duchess," but never as "Lady Greyfield."
I almost never DNF books, but I have now done so twice in the past few months, and both of them were published by Cobalt Fairy. I don't think it's a coincidence.
*ARC provided by the author/publisher via BookFunnel. All opinions expressed are my own.
I really hate to be so hard on a book, but in the spirit of honesty, if I could rate Scarlett Osborne's "Bewitching the Forbidden Duke" zero stars, I would. I found this book to be poorly researched, written, and edited, with unlikable, unintelligent characters and a mostly nonsensical plot. Even the book's title doesn't really make sense; the male main character, Patrick, is the son of a duke and uses the courtesy title of marquess, but is not a duke himself. (To be fair, perhaps he inherits the title at some point after I stopped reading, but even so, he definitely was not a duke for more than half the book, so I think they could have come up with a better title.)
My biggest problem with this book was that I did not like the main characters, Melissa and Patrick. Melissa came across as immature and unintelligent, while Patrick seemed pretty spineless as he mindlessly obeyed his father's orders, almost without question, and turned a blind eye to the rumors about his father's unsavory business dealings. Melissa and Patrick's relationship development was basically nonexistent, and I had a difficult time figuring out why they wanted to be together so badly. It seemed like a case of "insta-love" on Patrick's part coupled with Melissa's determination to pursue Patrick as revenge on her mother and sister, Rose, because her mother blatantly favored Rose, and Rose wanted Patrick.
Aside from the awful main characters, there were a lot of things about the plot that didn't make sense to me. For example, after they decided to elope, Melissa and Patrick spent an entire afternoon together unchaperoned in Hyde Park, and were seen by several members of the ton. They were incredibly indiscreet, with Patrick even dragging Melissa off the path to make out with her in the trees, which should have resulted in Melissa's total ruination in the eyes of Society. However, the next morning, Melissa has a change of heart and sends Patrick a note, telling him that since his engagement to Rose was never "publicly revoked," he can just go back to being engaged to Rose. I don't think it would have been that easy given their shenanigans in the park the day before! (Also, I don't think Patrick's engagement to Rose was ever officially announced, just discussed between the families, so there wasn't anything for him to "publicly" go back to. But that's beside the point.)
Further, it made no sense for Melissa to freak out about Patrick's father's planned hunt, and for that to be the reason she questioned whether Patrick was lying to her about breaking his engagement to Rose. She obviously didn't understand how an elopement was supposed to work since her lady's maid, Brynn, had to explain to her repeatedly that Melissa couldn't tell anyone about what she and Patrick were planning. Given the need for secrecy, why did Melissa think Patrick would tell his father about their planned elopement, when he would have tried to stop them from carrying out their plans? It makes total sense to me why Patrick would have wanted his father to believe that he still planned to marry Rose, and if Melissa wasn't so dumb, she would have realized that too.
Finally, there were a number of historical details in this book that the author just plain got wrong. For example, I don't think unmarried young ladies would have been permitted to correspond with gentlemen, other than close relatives, without their parents' permission. At first, before Rose's "engagement" to Patrick, Melissa and Brynn act like it's no big deal for Melissa to write to Patrick, but I'm pretty sure it would have been a huge breach of propriety. Similarly, it would have been a breach of propriety for Melissa to attend an overnight party unchaperoned. Her lady's maid would not have been considered a suitable chaperone since she wouldn't have been welcome to participate in the festivities.
In addition, the author didn't seem to be using titles correctly for the ducal characters or their offspring. For example, she referred to both Rose and Melissa as "Lady Greyfield" on several occasions, which is incorrect. Their father's title was the Duke of Greyfield, but their last (family) name was Alford. As his daughters, their full names would have been Lady Rose Alford and Lady Melissa Alford, and they would have been addressed as Lady Rose and Lady Melissa. Further, the author repeatedly referred to their mother as "Lady Greyfield," which is also incorrect. She might have been addressed as "Her Grace" or "Duchess," but never as "Lady Greyfield."
I almost never DNF books, but I have now done so twice in the past few months, and both of them were published by Cobalt Fairy. I don't think it's a coincidence.
*ARC provided by the author/publisher via BookFunnel. All opinions expressed are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2019
Bewitching the Forbidden Duke is the newest entry from Scarlett Osborne. In this tale of new love found, we are introduced to Patrick, the Marquess of Bergon, and Lady Melissa Alford. The two meet during a major Ton event, and are instantly in love with one another. However, there is a fly in the ointment in the fact that her mother and his father, the Duke of Cheshmill, are pushing for Patrick to marry Melissa’s older sister. The two find that love at first sight is a hard thing to attain when everyone and everything is against them.
This book is my second Osborne book, and I do have to say that I found myself annoyed with the two lead characters more often than not. Melissa and Patrick seem to live off of the angst of being in their late teens/early twenties, and that shows in some of the decisions the two make. The constant back and forth of Melissa’s emotional state and Patrick’s brooding any time he was away from her, or with her sister Rose tended to bog down portions of the story and slowed the pacing to a crawl. This is a reversal from her previous release, where the leads were so incredibly human that their trials were emotionally gut wrenching. The saving grace was in the side characters this time around. Melissa’s best friend was a breath of fresh air for many of her scenes, as she tended to move the plot forward.
The villain of this book seemed to thrive on hatred and evil for the sake of being evil, and for the most part, I was okay with it. He kept finding new and improved ways to just be a scumbag to Melissa’s mother, his wife, his son, and the general populace. His end left me vindicated and jumping for joy. I just wish that I could feel the same for Melissa’s mother and sister. I wanted nothing more than to read that there was an out of nowhere carriage accident and that the two just died off page. Her sister was a shrill, endlessly whiny woman, and her mother is beyond deplorable.
In the end I did enjoy the world that was built around the two leads, but I found the two of them to be lacking. The descriptions are very vivid, the setting is perfect, and the surrounding cast of characters tend to carry the leads through to the major plot points of the book. In the end, I did enjoy the story by the time the epilogue had rolled around after the events of the last third of the book, but I wish that kind of pacing had been there through the entirety.
***This book was provided as an ARC. I was not compensated for my review.***
This book is my second Osborne book, and I do have to say that I found myself annoyed with the two lead characters more often than not. Melissa and Patrick seem to live off of the angst of being in their late teens/early twenties, and that shows in some of the decisions the two make. The constant back and forth of Melissa’s emotional state and Patrick’s brooding any time he was away from her, or with her sister Rose tended to bog down portions of the story and slowed the pacing to a crawl. This is a reversal from her previous release, where the leads were so incredibly human that their trials were emotionally gut wrenching. The saving grace was in the side characters this time around. Melissa’s best friend was a breath of fresh air for many of her scenes, as she tended to move the plot forward.
The villain of this book seemed to thrive on hatred and evil for the sake of being evil, and for the most part, I was okay with it. He kept finding new and improved ways to just be a scumbag to Melissa’s mother, his wife, his son, and the general populace. His end left me vindicated and jumping for joy. I just wish that I could feel the same for Melissa’s mother and sister. I wanted nothing more than to read that there was an out of nowhere carriage accident and that the two just died off page. Her sister was a shrill, endlessly whiny woman, and her mother is beyond deplorable.
In the end I did enjoy the world that was built around the two leads, but I found the two of them to be lacking. The descriptions are very vivid, the setting is perfect, and the surrounding cast of characters tend to carry the leads through to the major plot points of the book. In the end, I did enjoy the story by the time the epilogue had rolled around after the events of the last third of the book, but I wish that kind of pacing had been there through the entirety.
***This book was provided as an ARC. I was not compensated for my review.***
August 13, 2019
ONE INTENSE ADVENTURE!!!
OMG! Scarlett definitely nailed this bad boy 100% on point with such realism it brings this bad boy roaring life flawlessly. A whirlwind of emotions and events that feed from the excitement and nerve racking tension that brings this bad boy blazing together piece by piece. All the twists and turns, ups and downs, along with a few glitches and bumps here and there pull you deeper into this raging storyline and hard hitting plot. Throw in all the drama, intrigue, uncertainty, danger and suspense and you have one intense, page turning bombshell that grabs your attention and holds it from start to finish. The characters are authentic and so realistic it feels like you can just reach out and touch them. The scenes are so graphically detailed it really pulls this little jewel together beautifully. You have no trouble picturing each scenario as it plays out perfectly. Remarkable job Scarlett, thanks for sharing this bad boy with us.
OMG! Scarlett definitely nailed this bad boy 100% on point with such realism it brings this bad boy roaring life flawlessly. A whirlwind of emotions and events that feed from the excitement and nerve racking tension that brings this bad boy blazing together piece by piece. All the twists and turns, ups and downs, along with a few glitches and bumps here and there pull you deeper into this raging storyline and hard hitting plot. Throw in all the drama, intrigue, uncertainty, danger and suspense and you have one intense, page turning bombshell that grabs your attention and holds it from start to finish. The characters are authentic and so realistic it feels like you can just reach out and touch them. The scenes are so graphically detailed it really pulls this little jewel together beautifully. You have no trouble picturing each scenario as it plays out perfectly. Remarkable job Scarlett, thanks for sharing this bad boy with us.
August 12, 2019
Bewitching the Forbidden Duke by Scarlett Osborne makes you sit on the edge of your seat with bated breath for Patrick to choose.... but can he make up her mind! As with all Scarlettcs books, you just can’t put them down. From the first page and through out I was totally captivated. I literally could not put the book down. The pages fly as you become caught up in Patrick and Melissa's story and it does not disappoint! This is a suspenseful, sizzling romantic and intriguing story that is full of heartache, drama, family deceit, and with twist and turns. Remarkable emotions, and unforgettable characters. A must read!
August 14, 2019
This is the story of Patrick & Melissa. This is a great, great story with a great story line and with great characters. I loved the steaminess of it, too. He is originally to marry Melissa's sister, Rose, who is in love withh him. His father has a hold over her mother and this is what he wants to happen. Patrick falls in love with Melissa, and they can't understand why they can't marry. There are a lot of twists and turns to this story, which makes it a page turner. You just have to keep reading to find out what happens next. Scarlett Osborne is a great writer to hold the reader's interest that well. Looking forward to her next book.
August 16, 2019
Loved, loved, loved this story. You want instant attraction? ✔ You want jealousy and rivalry? ✔ Do you want favoritism? ✔ Do you want deep dark secrets? ✔ Do you want blackmail? ✔ Do you want deceit and lies? ✔ You want steamy romance? ✔ I absolutely adored the characters in this story. They each had a wonderful personality full of unique qualities. Except for three of the darker characters; they were very well portrayed. I will not give out any spoilers. However, this is a must read. One of Scarlett Osborne's best books so far. I really, really want to tell you all about it but I will restrain myself. Just know that I highly recommend this. Read this book you will not be disappointed.
August 12, 2019
Rose was such a vane, manipulative, mean creature. I hated her character and her lying mother from the first meeting! What worthless beings! Gad!!! There is underlying evil afoot (to keep true love apart) from nefarious self serving people! Will it work., or will love conquer all? I disagree with the decision to keep Rose in the dark. She should be told the truth, even though she loves lies!!! It seems Patrick's father's past finally caught up with him in the end.
August 17, 2019
Patrick and Melissa fall in love. Due to a black making scheme, he becomes betrothed to Rose, the older sister. What exactly is the family business? Who makes the attempt on Melissa's life? Find out all the answers in this steamy story of love and betrayal. I enjoyed the characters' interactions and the intrigue that brings out the truth. Sometimes love love does conquer all. I received this book from the author for a honest review.
August 26, 2019
This is a great book with plenty of romance, action and intrigue. Melissa is a very intriguing, interesting and endearing character. Patrick, the Marquess is a carefree bachelor trying to do his duty and please his father. A feat that turns out to be very difficult if not impossible. I can’t say more without ruining the story. Trust me and read it. You won’t be disappointed.
October 17, 2025
Two people on different paths. Can they find their way to each other? I love regency books and the pomp and circumstance. But when the girl he wants goes missing in the woods, he has to find her, because it's her he wants not the boring woman he's betrothed to. Excellent read. Excepted this book for an honest review.s
August 14, 2019
I received an arc for an honest review. I really love to read historical pieces - and Ms. Osborne truly writes like you are present in the past. Patrick and Melissa have a real connection - and though they face many problems with their being together. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from this author. I highly recommend this.
August 18, 2019
Constant page turner!
I started reading last night & before I knew it it was almost morning. I not only loved the relationship between Patrick & Melissa, I loved the friendship between Melissa & Brynn. Truly what a great book! So many different things, back stories to the main story, no getting bored with Scarlett Osborne's books and this one was my favorite so far!
I started reading last night & before I knew it it was almost morning. I not only loved the relationship between Patrick & Melissa, I loved the friendship between Melissa & Brynn. Truly what a great book! So many different things, back stories to the main story, no getting bored with Scarlett Osborne's books and this one was my favorite so far!
August 25, 2019
Scarlett has succeeded in another great storyline. This book has it all romance, betrayal and intrigue. Duty is insisted but the Marques is interested only in Melissa. Events seem to not be in their favor but he doesn't give up. I would recommend this book to anyone who is
interested in a good read. I received this ARC in exchange for a voluntary honest review which I have freely written here.
interested in a good read. I received this ARC in exchange for a voluntary honest review which I have freely written here.
September 3, 2019
Glad it was free
I had to make myself finish the book and feel like I totally wasted the time to finish. There was just too much happening throughout it. I skipped so much of mundane. I cannot tell you who I liked or didn't because one of the things that the author didn't do was much about the characters. I would never read anything else from this author.
I had to make myself finish the book and feel like I totally wasted the time to finish. There was just too much happening throughout it. I skipped so much of mundane. I cannot tell you who I liked or didn't because one of the things that the author didn't do was much about the characters. I would never read anything else from this author.
October 17, 2019
I’m giving it a very weak 2 stars. Started off promising and very quickly went downhill and never recovered. Not romantic. Melissa was whiny and Patrick was a wuss. All the dukes involved were ridiculous as were their wives. Not quite sure why I tried to finish. The end was a mystery. I think I’m amending this to 1 star.
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August 20, 2019Wonderful!
Absolutely loved it! So full of surprises with many twists and turns in this awesome book. Characters that you will love! And some you will hate. Lots of drama and romance!a definite must read.
Absolutely loved it! So full of surprises with many twists and turns in this awesome book. Characters that you will love! And some you will hate. Lots of drama and romance!a definite must read.
October 18, 2019
BEAUTIFUL STORYLINE
This was such a GREAT STORYLINE! So glad the good duke kept Melissa as his but left her get to know the earl! Patrick was so different than his father thank goodness. As for the bad duke who murdered him??? And rose well... That's another story!
This was such a GREAT STORYLINE! So glad the good duke kept Melissa as his but left her get to know the earl! Patrick was so different than his father thank goodness. As for the bad duke who murdered him??? And rose well... That's another story!
August 16, 2019
Loved it. Love, romance, intrigue. This was a free book but that did not affect my rating. I loved this book. I loved the interaction between the characters. The writing style was very smooth.
August 29, 2019
Romance
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novels series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful . Thank you
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novels series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful . Thank you
September 4, 2019
Ridiculous
Want a read where the characters are flat? Want to read a book where characters name switch? Then read this piece of drivel.
Want a read where the characters are flat? Want to read a book where characters name switch? Then read this piece of drivel.
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