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Diamonds in the Rough #5
The Forgotten Duke
He never imagined he'd be the man he was born to be, or that one woman's faith in him would change his life forever…
When Carlton Guthrie, the Scoundrel of St. Giles, encounters a runaway bride, he offers to help her. Not out of kindness, but because she's the Earl of Hedgewick's daughter. Using Regina to exact his revenge on her father seems like the perfect plan. Until Carlton starts to fall for the innocent beauty.
Seeking refuge with a notorious crime lord, was never part of Regina's plan. But in her blind attempt to escape the fate her parents have planned for her, options are limited. What she doesn't expect, is to pull aside Carlton's facade, and to find a tormented man who makes her feel safe and cherished – a man she can easily love, if he'll let her.
When Carlton Guthrie, the Scoundrel of St. Giles, encounters a runaway bride, he offers to help her. Not out of kindness, but because she's the Earl of Hedgewick's daughter. Using Regina to exact his revenge on her father seems like the perfect plan. Until Carlton starts to fall for the innocent beauty.
Seeking refuge with a notorious crime lord, was never part of Regina's plan. But in her blind attempt to escape the fate her parents have planned for her, options are limited. What she doesn't expect, is to pull aside Carlton's facade, and to find a tormented man who makes her feel safe and cherished – a man she can easily love, if he'll let her.
388 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 5, 2020
About the author
Sophie Barnes
69 books1,758 followersUSA TODAY bestselling author Sophie Barnes writes historical romance novels in which the characters break away from social expectations in their quest for happiness and love. Having written for Avon, an imprint of Harper Collins, her books have been published internationally in eight languages. With a fondness for travel, Sophie has lived in six countries, on three continents, and speaks English, Danish, French, Spanish, and Romanian with varying degrees of fluency. Ever the romantic, she married the same man three times—in three different countries and in three different dresses.
When she’s not busy dreaming up her next swoon worthy romance novel, Sophie enjoys spending time with her family, practicing yoga, baking, gardening, watching romantic comedies and, of course, reading.
For all the latest releases, promotions, and exclusive story updates, subscribe to Sophie Barnes’ newsletter today: www.sophiebarnes.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews
October 16, 2021
Heroine an absolute nincompoop.
Are all Sophie Barnes' books like this??
Are all Sophie Barnes' books like this??
January 15, 2020
Series: Diamonds in the Rough #5
Publication Date: 1/28/20
Number of Pages: 311
We met Carlton Guthrie, The Scoundrel of St. Giles, in the earlier books of the series and developed a love/hate relationship with him. Was he saint or sinner? Now, we get to meet the real man and we can decide for ourselves. There was a lot going on in this book and while I was left with questions about some things, none of them really had to do with the HEA, the mystery, or its resolution. You don’t have to have read the earlier books in the series to enjoy this one, but it is a great series and I can’t imagine why you’d want to miss out on those books – besides – you’ll get a better feel for Guthrie because he’s threaded throughout the series.
Carlton has many secrets and I’ll not share all of them with you – but – I mean – you did read the title of the book. Carlton’s one deep abiding goal for the last twenty years has been to punish (meaning causing the death of) Charles Berkly, Earl of Hedgewick. The Earl is a wily fellow and has managed to guard himself well during that time – and Carlton has only had a couple of instances where he might exact his revenge. Sadly, none of those came to fruition. Then, the perfect revenge presents herself to him – almost on a silver platter. Who is he to say no to such a providential gift?
Lady Regina Berkly has always been a biddable, dutiful daughter. She diligently studied the pianoforte though she disliked it, she learned to embroider, to manage a household, to speak correctly, to dance without flaw, all of those things at which her parents said she should excel. She knew it was her duty to marry and to marry well for the betterment of her family. She was fine with all of that. At least she was fine with it until her father returned one day and announced she was going to marry the Marquess of Stokes the following morning at eight AM. She was aghast! She had never even met this person and she was expected to marry him. Her father would not be dissuaded, but did tell her that the groom and his family would be coming over that evening for them to meet. Surprise, shock, dismay – all of those and many more words could be used to describe her feelings upon meeting the potential groom. He didn’t want this any more than she did – and he was still a child. She liked him and he would be a good man someday, but not the man for her. When she told Stokes that she’d get them out of the arrangement, he was grateful to her.
Regina spent most of that night thinking and thinking, but she couldn’t think of any way out – except to just leave – and that is what she did. Just before dawn she snuck out the door and began running – and running – until she was totally lost and not in the best part of town. She ran right into a wall – well – a man who seemed like a wall. He steadied her and she told him who she was and that she was running away. Then, she went on her way – only to run into dire trouble. Again, the man showed up to rescue her. He offered her sanctuary until she could decide where she wanted to go and then he’d help her. Reluctantly, she accepted his off to stay at The Black Swan in his accommodations – as long as he didn’t make any demands of her. Admirably, he didn’t – the tension was there on both sides – but he didn’t.
“Who would have thought that she, the dutiful daughter of an earl, would be entertaining a bawd in a crime lord’s parlor?”
Lots of things happen – from kidnappings to betrayals – and Guthrie and Regina manage to become closer and closer through it all. Each knows that they love the other, but neither feels free to actually use the words. Then, when Regina is discovered and Guthrie’s deceit is revealed, Regina is devastated. Regina refuses to believe that her father has done what Guthrie says – but – she truly believes that Guthrie is honorable – so there must be another explanation. Can their relationship survive Guthrie’s deceit? Is her father guilty? If he is, can she keep Guthrie from exacting his revenge? Read the book to find out – you’ll love it.
This was a well-written book and a very enjoyable story with characters that I came to really like as I got to know them. I could feel Regina’s determination to take control of her own life and I could sympathize with Guthrie’s need for revenge. They were truly a very well-matched pair. It was a busy story that kept me engrossed from the first page to last. It also nicely set up the next story featuring Ida Strong and Fielding (from A Most Unlikely Duke). I assume Fielding will redeem himself in that book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Date: 1/28/20
Number of Pages: 311
We met Carlton Guthrie, The Scoundrel of St. Giles, in the earlier books of the series and developed a love/hate relationship with him. Was he saint or sinner? Now, we get to meet the real man and we can decide for ourselves. There was a lot going on in this book and while I was left with questions about some things, none of them really had to do with the HEA, the mystery, or its resolution. You don’t have to have read the earlier books in the series to enjoy this one, but it is a great series and I can’t imagine why you’d want to miss out on those books – besides – you’ll get a better feel for Guthrie because he’s threaded throughout the series.
Carlton has many secrets and I’ll not share all of them with you – but – I mean – you did read the title of the book. Carlton’s one deep abiding goal for the last twenty years has been to punish (meaning causing the death of) Charles Berkly, Earl of Hedgewick. The Earl is a wily fellow and has managed to guard himself well during that time – and Carlton has only had a couple of instances where he might exact his revenge. Sadly, none of those came to fruition. Then, the perfect revenge presents herself to him – almost on a silver platter. Who is he to say no to such a providential gift?
Lady Regina Berkly has always been a biddable, dutiful daughter. She diligently studied the pianoforte though she disliked it, she learned to embroider, to manage a household, to speak correctly, to dance without flaw, all of those things at which her parents said she should excel. She knew it was her duty to marry and to marry well for the betterment of her family. She was fine with all of that. At least she was fine with it until her father returned one day and announced she was going to marry the Marquess of Stokes the following morning at eight AM. She was aghast! She had never even met this person and she was expected to marry him. Her father would not be dissuaded, but did tell her that the groom and his family would be coming over that evening for them to meet. Surprise, shock, dismay – all of those and many more words could be used to describe her feelings upon meeting the potential groom. He didn’t want this any more than she did – and he was still a child. She liked him and he would be a good man someday, but not the man for her. When she told Stokes that she’d get them out of the arrangement, he was grateful to her.
Regina spent most of that night thinking and thinking, but she couldn’t think of any way out – except to just leave – and that is what she did. Just before dawn she snuck out the door and began running – and running – until she was totally lost and not in the best part of town. She ran right into a wall – well – a man who seemed like a wall. He steadied her and she told him who she was and that she was running away. Then, she went on her way – only to run into dire trouble. Again, the man showed up to rescue her. He offered her sanctuary until she could decide where she wanted to go and then he’d help her. Reluctantly, she accepted his off to stay at The Black Swan in his accommodations – as long as he didn’t make any demands of her. Admirably, he didn’t – the tension was there on both sides – but he didn’t.
“Who would have thought that she, the dutiful daughter of an earl, would be entertaining a bawd in a crime lord’s parlor?”
Lots of things happen – from kidnappings to betrayals – and Guthrie and Regina manage to become closer and closer through it all. Each knows that they love the other, but neither feels free to actually use the words. Then, when Regina is discovered and Guthrie’s deceit is revealed, Regina is devastated. Regina refuses to believe that her father has done what Guthrie says – but – she truly believes that Guthrie is honorable – so there must be another explanation. Can their relationship survive Guthrie’s deceit? Is her father guilty? If he is, can she keep Guthrie from exacting his revenge? Read the book to find out – you’ll love it.
This was a well-written book and a very enjoyable story with characters that I came to really like as I got to know them. I could feel Regina’s determination to take control of her own life and I could sympathize with Guthrie’s need for revenge. They were truly a very well-matched pair. It was a busy story that kept me engrossed from the first page to last. It also nicely set up the next story featuring Ida Strong and Fielding (from A Most Unlikely Duke). I assume Fielding will redeem himself in that book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 2, 2021
The Forgotten Duke
Diamonds In The Rough Series #5
Sophie Barnes
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSophie...
Release date 01/28/2020
Publisher Sophie Barnes
Blurb :
He never imagined he'd be the man he was born to be, or that one woman's faith in him would change his life forever...
When Carlton Guthrie, Scoundrel of St. Giles, encounters a runaway bride in the London slums, he offers to help her. Not out of kindness, but because she's the Earl of Hedgewick's daughter. Using Regina to exact his revenge on her father seems like the perfect plan. Until Carlton starts to fall for the innocent beauty.
Seeking refuge with a notorious crime lord, was never part of Regina's plan. But in her blind attempt to escape the fate her parents have planned for her, options are limited. What she doesn't expect, is to pull aside Carlton's facade, and to find a tormented man who makes her feel safe and cherished - a man she could easily love, if he'll let her.
My review :
When revenge driven for most of his life, what a man to do when a mean is offered on a plate but it may cost him more than he bargained ...
As it is my first read in this series, everyone was new to me, so I was not influenced by their previous appearances.
Regina is a prim and proper miss, always the obedient daughter until she reached her rupture line and ran away to avoid her father scheme and the fate he had selected for her.
While she has growing up and her own personality to draw, she is a sweet miss discovering a side of life and its edges when she has always been kept sheltered and unaware of what lies outside Mayfair.
Yet, she shows a strength I did not expected from her, I imagined she would crumble in tears at every hardship when in fact she comes out even stronger every time. Sure, she is naive and innocent but she does not shy away for adversity and reality of life. She is open and is accepting, ready to forgive when she knows someone’s right has been trampled, she is about justice whomever is the culprit.
Carlton is much more complex, full of layers as his scheme and goal are very slowly revealed as the why. During a time, I was flying blind, as Carlton was called with the most awful adjectives, yet at any moment did he show an once of badness, he is a supporter of the weakest and the abused.
Still, his thirst for revenge while at the beginning looked like it consumed all his thoughts, soon became secondary when he was close to Regina.
She awakens his deepest desires and dreams, makes him wish for more, but he is certain there is no future between them as his plan is in motion.
I loved the author took the time to portray the characters’ changes, the shift in their moods and feelings and with it, their hopes for a different outcome. And along the road, they encounter dents and holes, and from them they rise stronger.
While I am not a great fan of revenge plot, so angsty and hurtful, Mrs Sophie Barnes managed to bring her characters to life with reason and cleverness, painting them with wits and sensibilities.
5 stars
I was granted an advance copy by the author through Netgalley, and preordered my own.
Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
Diamonds In The Rough Series #5
Sophie Barnes
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSophie...
Release date 01/28/2020
Publisher Sophie Barnes
Blurb :
He never imagined he'd be the man he was born to be, or that one woman's faith in him would change his life forever...
When Carlton Guthrie, Scoundrel of St. Giles, encounters a runaway bride in the London slums, he offers to help her. Not out of kindness, but because she's the Earl of Hedgewick's daughter. Using Regina to exact his revenge on her father seems like the perfect plan. Until Carlton starts to fall for the innocent beauty.
Seeking refuge with a notorious crime lord, was never part of Regina's plan. But in her blind attempt to escape the fate her parents have planned for her, options are limited. What she doesn't expect, is to pull aside Carlton's facade, and to find a tormented man who makes her feel safe and cherished - a man she could easily love, if he'll let her.
My review :
When revenge driven for most of his life, what a man to do when a mean is offered on a plate but it may cost him more than he bargained ...
As it is my first read in this series, everyone was new to me, so I was not influenced by their previous appearances.
Regina is a prim and proper miss, always the obedient daughter until she reached her rupture line and ran away to avoid her father scheme and the fate he had selected for her.
While she has growing up and her own personality to draw, she is a sweet miss discovering a side of life and its edges when she has always been kept sheltered and unaware of what lies outside Mayfair.
Yet, she shows a strength I did not expected from her, I imagined she would crumble in tears at every hardship when in fact she comes out even stronger every time. Sure, she is naive and innocent but she does not shy away for adversity and reality of life. She is open and is accepting, ready to forgive when she knows someone’s right has been trampled, she is about justice whomever is the culprit.
Carlton is much more complex, full of layers as his scheme and goal are very slowly revealed as the why. During a time, I was flying blind, as Carlton was called with the most awful adjectives, yet at any moment did he show an once of badness, he is a supporter of the weakest and the abused.
Still, his thirst for revenge while at the beginning looked like it consumed all his thoughts, soon became secondary when he was close to Regina.
She awakens his deepest desires and dreams, makes him wish for more, but he is certain there is no future between them as his plan is in motion.
I loved the author took the time to portray the characters’ changes, the shift in their moods and feelings and with it, their hopes for a different outcome. And along the road, they encounter dents and holes, and from them they rise stronger.
While I am not a great fan of revenge plot, so angsty and hurtful, Mrs Sophie Barnes managed to bring her characters to life with reason and cleverness, painting them with wits and sensibilities.
5 stars
I was granted an advance copy by the author through Netgalley, and preordered my own.
Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
October 8, 2020
A run away bride, revenge and a scoundrel of a hero, all this should have led to a tantalising little read but this was missing something.
Lady Regina has always done whatever her family asked of her, but when her marriage is arranged to an ailing child/teen she runs (Wish she had put some plans in place rather than escaping just in her wedding dress). Carlton Guthrie known as the scoundrel of St. Giles can't believe his luck when he comes across Regina - she is his key to revenge against her father.
Dual POV was a good thing in this book.
Wish Regina has more oomph to her as a MC and a heroine.
Not sure I'll pick this up again.
99p on amazon.
Lady Regina has always done whatever her family asked of her, but when her marriage is arranged to an ailing child/teen she runs (Wish she had put some plans in place rather than escaping just in her wedding dress). Carlton Guthrie known as the scoundrel of St. Giles can't believe his luck when he comes across Regina - she is his key to revenge against her father.
Dual POV was a good thing in this book.
Wish Regina has more oomph to her as a MC and a heroine.
Not sure I'll pick this up again.
99p on amazon.
July 9, 2021
The runaway bride is found by the scoundrel of St Giles. She just happens to be the daughter of the person he hates and wants to kill.
January 28, 2020
Desperate times call for desperate measures!
The trope is familiar. A powerful man having come from nothing is now a force to be reckoned with in the infamous St Giles.
Carlton Guthrie holds many secrets and he's sworn to take his revenge for a dardastardly deed that destroyed his childhood.
Lady Regina Berkly, the daughter of the Earl of Hedgewick, flees from an unwanted marriage foisted on her by her usually doting father. Of course there's something havey cavey about the whole affair. Her future bridegroom is the Marquess of Stokes. He is fourteen and suffers from a continuing illness. I liked this young person whose life has been one of constant pain, who's just as much a pawn of his father's desperation for the family line to continue, as Regina is of her father's scheming. I was touched by Stoke's forthright words to Regina, "as I deteriorate with time, you will regret being my wife, just as much as I will regret ruining your life.” The wedding is to be quickly done, within a couple of days.
Early on the day of her wedding, backed into a corner Regina bolts. Garbed in her bridal dress and bonnet, she runs away from Mayfair into unknown parts--St Giles. Where she literally stumbles into Guthrie, The Scoundrel of St. Giles. Guthrie seizes the chance to avenge himself against Hedgewick, 'the man who’d haunted [Carlton's] nightmares for two long decades, offering Regina sanctuary. The story flows from here as Regina and Carlton struggle with different purposes that in the end meld into one.
Flawlessly executed and a scintillating read! Loved the cover BTW!
An ARC from the author via NetGalley
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
The trope is familiar. A powerful man having come from nothing is now a force to be reckoned with in the infamous St Giles.
Carlton Guthrie holds many secrets and he's sworn to take his revenge for a dardastardly deed that destroyed his childhood.
Lady Regina Berkly, the daughter of the Earl of Hedgewick, flees from an unwanted marriage foisted on her by her usually doting father. Of course there's something havey cavey about the whole affair. Her future bridegroom is the Marquess of Stokes. He is fourteen and suffers from a continuing illness. I liked this young person whose life has been one of constant pain, who's just as much a pawn of his father's desperation for the family line to continue, as Regina is of her father's scheming. I was touched by Stoke's forthright words to Regina, "as I deteriorate with time, you will regret being my wife, just as much as I will regret ruining your life.” The wedding is to be quickly done, within a couple of days.
Early on the day of her wedding, backed into a corner Regina bolts. Garbed in her bridal dress and bonnet, she runs away from Mayfair into unknown parts--St Giles. Where she literally stumbles into Guthrie, The Scoundrel of St. Giles. Guthrie seizes the chance to avenge himself against Hedgewick, 'the man who’d haunted [Carlton's] nightmares for two long decades, offering Regina sanctuary. The story flows from here as Regina and Carlton struggle with different purposes that in the end meld into one.
Flawlessly executed and a scintillating read! Loved the cover BTW!
An ARC from the author via NetGalley
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
April 16, 2020
DNF 20%. Nonsensical actions of protagonists. Heroine particularly foolish.
January 31, 2020
Regina is a dutiful daughter. She has known forever that she will marry for the convenience of her parents. She is disappointed in their choice however, and finds the nerve to run away the morning of her wedding.
The Scoundrel of St. Giles is well known for his dastardly deeds, even by sweet and innocent Regina. Yet, he provides her safety, food, comfort and isn't at all the villain she thought he was. But Regina doesn't know Carlton's past and why he is so determined to keep her with him.
I haven't read any of the other books in the series, but it was fine as a stand alone. But I have read that Carlton is found in other stories in the series, and the series seems to be well loved, so perhaps start at the beginning for the full effect.
This book has such high reviews from all of my goodread friends. I think I just had bad luck with this book. There was something about it that did not pull it together for me. I have so many questions and complains and am just left asking, “Why?”. Why was this happening? Why was that happening? WHY are they falling in love? I don't know. But it happened. And it's not a bad book at all, it was just missing something for me. And there was a lot of action and chaos going on, which is not something I love. But you might! So, everyone else give it a try.
My favorite part of this book was that he had a mustache, which I think are hideous, and the heroine thinks it's hideous. Lol. Is that random?? Just kidding, there were a lot of really cute scenes in this book, and the hero's love is powerful for the heroine. I think truly one of my favorite parts was when he found out she'd never had cake and makes sure to get her one to try.
I was able to receive an ARC copy complimentary from netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own
What follows are SERIOUS SPOILERS and my random questions, thoughts and wonderings.
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The Scoundrel of St. Giles is well known for his dastardly deeds, even by sweet and innocent Regina. Yet, he provides her safety, food, comfort and isn't at all the villain she thought he was. But Regina doesn't know Carlton's past and why he is so determined to keep her with him.
I haven't read any of the other books in the series, but it was fine as a stand alone. But I have read that Carlton is found in other stories in the series, and the series seems to be well loved, so perhaps start at the beginning for the full effect.
This book has such high reviews from all of my goodread friends. I think I just had bad luck with this book. There was something about it that did not pull it together for me. I have so many questions and complains and am just left asking, “Why?”. Why was this happening? Why was that happening? WHY are they falling in love? I don't know. But it happened. And it's not a bad book at all, it was just missing something for me. And there was a lot of action and chaos going on, which is not something I love. But you might! So, everyone else give it a try.
My favorite part of this book was that he had a mustache, which I think are hideous, and the heroine thinks it's hideous. Lol. Is that random?? Just kidding, there were a lot of really cute scenes in this book, and the hero's love is powerful for the heroine. I think truly one of my favorite parts was when he found out she'd never had cake and makes sure to get her one to try.
I was able to receive an ARC copy complimentary from netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own
What follows are SERIOUS SPOILERS and my random questions, thoughts and wonderings.
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March 14, 2020
When Carlton Guthrie, infamous as the Scoundrel of St. Giles, stumbles upon a runaway bride wandering the Dials at dawn, it turns out to be his lucky day. The runaway happens to be Lady Regina Berkly, daughter of the Earl of Sedgewick, the man on whom Carlton seeks to have revenge for his father's murder. Carlton offers help and shelter to Regina, but not out of the kindness of his heart. Using the daughter to get to the father seems perfect until Carlton begins to fall for her.
Regina's options are quite limited and her flight so quick that she has no real plan, though she certainly never would've thought to seek refuge with a crime lord. But the more she interacts with him, the more she begins to notice that Carlton Guthrie's persona is very much a facade and that she could love and heal the damaged man beneath it, if only he would let her close enough. Even if he does, their tentative feelings may not survive his revenge plans.
I couldn't put this one down. Carlton was such a good tortured hero, almost an anti-hero really, with so many layers. Regina was young and sheltered, but she showed a pleasantly surprising maturity and a willingness to alter her opinions. Both Carlton and Regina demonstrated a lot of character growth and there was enough going on in this book to hold my attention while they got to know each other. There's really no steamy goodness here, which is usually a deal-breaker for me, but there was a great deal of sensuality and I liked the characters so much that this worked for me regardless. I'm glad we got Carlton's story and I hope this series continues with more.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
Regina's options are quite limited and her flight so quick that she has no real plan, though she certainly never would've thought to seek refuge with a crime lord. But the more she interacts with him, the more she begins to notice that Carlton Guthrie's persona is very much a facade and that she could love and heal the damaged man beneath it, if only he would let her close enough. Even if he does, their tentative feelings may not survive his revenge plans.
I couldn't put this one down. Carlton was such a good tortured hero, almost an anti-hero really, with so many layers. Regina was young and sheltered, but she showed a pleasantly surprising maturity and a willingness to alter her opinions. Both Carlton and Regina demonstrated a lot of character growth and there was enough going on in this book to hold my attention while they got to know each other. There's really no steamy goodness here, which is usually a deal-breaker for me, but there was a great deal of sensuality and I liked the characters so much that this worked for me regardless. I'm glad we got Carlton's story and I hope this series continues with more.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
February 7, 2020
When informed of her impending marriage the day before, Lady Regina is surprised but resigned… until she meets the groom and discovers he’s a sickly 14-year-old who’s much more horrified by the idea of marriage than she is. Running away is the only escape option she has.
Except it absolutely wasn’t, since she had a loving older brother who would totally have helped her out. Regina was the literal epitome of the too-stupid-to-live heroine and I wanted to strangle her pretty much continuously throughout the book. She was naive and foolish, and not only that, totally disrespectful, repeatedly violating Guthrie’s privacy even after he’d asked her not to just because of her curiosity. I genuinely couldn’t imagine what a man in his thirties (Guthrie is 15 years older than Regina, who’s 18) would see in her. She was a burden he had to continually rescue, not a romantic interest, and I felt really icky about their age gap considering her childlike behaviour.
What kind of nitwit tries on her wedding dress in the middle of the night and then decides to run away with it and absolutely nothing else? And then, weirdly, apparently she couldn’t get out of the dress on her own, even though she’d gotten INTO it on her own. This made about as much sense as the rest of the plot, also riddled with continuity errors and impossible, anachronistic events.
I’ve enjoyed previous works by this author, but I really can’t recommend this one. Two stars.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
Except it absolutely wasn’t, since she had a loving older brother who would totally have helped her out. Regina was the literal epitome of the too-stupid-to-live heroine and I wanted to strangle her pretty much continuously throughout the book. She was naive and foolish, and not only that, totally disrespectful, repeatedly violating Guthrie’s privacy even after he’d asked her not to just because of her curiosity. I genuinely couldn’t imagine what a man in his thirties (Guthrie is 15 years older than Regina, who’s 18) would see in her. She was a burden he had to continually rescue, not a romantic interest, and I felt really icky about their age gap considering her childlike behaviour.
What kind of nitwit tries on her wedding dress in the middle of the night and then decides to run away with it and absolutely nothing else? And then, weirdly, apparently she couldn’t get out of the dress on her own, even though she’d gotten INTO it on her own. This made about as much sense as the rest of the plot, also riddled with continuity errors and impossible, anachronistic events.
I’ve enjoyed previous works by this author, but I really can’t recommend this one. Two stars.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
January 23, 2023
The Forgotten Duke is the fifth book in Diamonds in the Rough series by Sophie Barnes.
Carlton Guthrie, the scoundrel of St. Giles finds a woman in a wedding dress in the alley and takes her under his protection. She turns out to be Lady Regina, daughter of Earl of Hedgewick and a runaway bride escaping an unfavorable match. He sees this as an opportunity to seek vengeance upon the earl for his sins from years ago but finds himself enamored by Regina and soon they start falling for one another.
I have quite liked Guthrie's character from whatever was shown of him in the previous books and that had me really excited to read this one giving him his own romance story. I think the book did justice to it overall considering I absolutely loved the slow burn and Guthrie and Regina fit so well together.
I loved the setting and the sub plot for the book. It really put focus on the dire conditions some of these people face in St. Giles and how those wealthy and poweful though decent in society had such nefarious vices behind everyone's backs. One particular detail disgusted me quite a bit and I wish the story took a different angle than what it actually did - there could have been so many other reasons for Hedgewick to do what he did but the one the author went with made me a tad bit uncomfortable.
Other than that, the story was a fun and engaging one and I greatly enjoyed the romance between a scoundrel and an innocent lady.
4 stars.
Carlton Guthrie, the scoundrel of St. Giles finds a woman in a wedding dress in the alley and takes her under his protection. She turns out to be Lady Regina, daughter of Earl of Hedgewick and a runaway bride escaping an unfavorable match. He sees this as an opportunity to seek vengeance upon the earl for his sins from years ago but finds himself enamored by Regina and soon they start falling for one another.
I have quite liked Guthrie's character from whatever was shown of him in the previous books and that had me really excited to read this one giving him his own romance story. I think the book did justice to it overall considering I absolutely loved the slow burn and Guthrie and Regina fit so well together.
I loved the setting and the sub plot for the book. It really put focus on the dire conditions some of these people face in St. Giles and how those wealthy and poweful though decent in society had such nefarious vices behind everyone's backs. One particular detail disgusted me quite a bit and I wish the story took a different angle than what it actually did - there could have been so many other reasons for Hedgewick to do what he did but the one the author went with made me a tad bit uncomfortable.
Other than that, the story was a fun and engaging one and I greatly enjoyed the romance between a scoundrel and an innocent lady.
4 stars.
January 28, 2020
Regina has always known her father would arrange a marriage for her and that although no a love match, her future husband would be approved by her father and that love could grow from a marriage of convenience. What she didn’t see coming was her father agreeing to marry her to a sickly child of 14!
Seeing no way out, Regina runs away. Sheltered and with no real idea what to expected out in the real world, Regina finds herself in St. Giles and accepting help from the least likely of people, notorious criminal, Carlton Guthrie.
One look at Regina and Carlton recognizes her as the daughter of his sworn enemy. The man who destroyed his family and changed to course of Carlton’s life for good. What better way to repay his enemy than taunting him with his own daughter? Except Carlton didn’t count on finding Regina’s innocence so tempting. Will he forsake a chance at love for the bitter bit of revenge? Lol, it a romance so you can bet he’ll go for the former :) But how he gets there is the fun part!
This is a first by the author but I really liked her writing style. The flow of the story was good, the characters were well written and even though Regina came off as a bit too naive and too easy to trust in others, the way everything panned out for her, it worked. It helped that her Hero, Carlton (ugh, not my favorite name!) was so smitten with her, almost right from the start.
This is why I love dual POVs, because I loved Regina and liked that she was such a genuinely nice person. But getting inside Carlton’s head and knowing from the get-go what he felt for Regina made it easy to forgive him for his stubbornness and single-mindedness when it came to avenging his family. I liked seeing the good and the bad when it came to both MCs and it added layers to the story.
*** ARC provided for an honest review ***
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
SAFETY INFO:
Seeing no way out, Regina runs away. Sheltered and with no real idea what to expected out in the real world, Regina finds herself in St. Giles and accepting help from the least likely of people, notorious criminal, Carlton Guthrie.
One look at Regina and Carlton recognizes her as the daughter of his sworn enemy. The man who destroyed his family and changed to course of Carlton’s life for good. What better way to repay his enemy than taunting him with his own daughter? Except Carlton didn’t count on finding Regina’s innocence so tempting. Will he forsake a chance at love for the bitter bit of revenge? Lol, it a romance so you can bet he’ll go for the former :) But how he gets there is the fun part!
This is a first by the author but I really liked her writing style. The flow of the story was good, the characters were well written and even though Regina came off as a bit too naive and too easy to trust in others, the way everything panned out for her, it worked. It helped that her Hero, Carlton (ugh, not my favorite name!) was so smitten with her, almost right from the start.
This is why I love dual POVs, because I loved Regina and liked that she was such a genuinely nice person. But getting inside Carlton’s head and knowing from the get-go what he felt for Regina made it easy to forgive him for his stubbornness and single-mindedness when it came to avenging his family. I liked seeing the good and the bad when it came to both MCs and it added layers to the story.
*** ARC provided for an honest review ***
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
SAFETY INFO:
January 30, 2020
London, 1820
Regina had always been "the dutiful daughter, the proper young lady who never who never strayed from protocol and always behaved with decorum. She could simply walk out the front door and vanish." Runaway bride Regency style! Of course it was going to be a forced marriage by her father and it just could not be....
So she did run without thought and literally ran into her fate. Not that she would know that for awhile, but Carlton Guthrie, known as the Scoundrel of St. Giles saw his opportunity. She would be the key to extract the revenge on her father that he had been waiting for...
Regina seemed very naive in some ways due to her being so sheltered, but she seemed instinctive on seeing the true Carlton. Carlton had a lot of secrets and he had perfected his "persona" which really held a tortured soul underneath. Whether he could resist her or not and she maintain her innocent soul took them on a journey not soon forgotten!
Sophie Barnes is a wonderful writer and I always enjoy her stories and this was no exception!! Looking forward to the next in this series!
Regina had always been "the dutiful daughter, the proper young lady who never who never strayed from protocol and always behaved with decorum. She could simply walk out the front door and vanish." Runaway bride Regency style! Of course it was going to be a forced marriage by her father and it just could not be....
So she did run without thought and literally ran into her fate. Not that she would know that for awhile, but Carlton Guthrie, known as the Scoundrel of St. Giles saw his opportunity. She would be the key to extract the revenge on her father that he had been waiting for...
Regina seemed very naive in some ways due to her being so sheltered, but she seemed instinctive on seeing the true Carlton. Carlton had a lot of secrets and he had perfected his "persona" which really held a tortured soul underneath. Whether he could resist her or not and she maintain her innocent soul took them on a journey not soon forgotten!
Sophie Barnes is a wonderful writer and I always enjoy her stories and this was no exception!! Looking forward to the next in this series!
January 30, 2020
I really couldn’t connect to this book so it was a DNF at 25%. I really struggled to connect with the characters, the storyline and the writing (although I have read and enjoyed this author before).
For me the believability of what I read so far was very low. The heroine literally is running away from home to escape an arranged marriage to a 14 year old boy when she happens upon a man she recognised as the Scoundrel of St Giles and he offers her residence to escape her situation and she accepts. After a 2 minute conversation with a stranger. I was absolutely baffled but decided to keep going.
My next issue was that I just really couldn’t connect to the writing.... there was no flow, and it felt rather stagnate and forced- anyone else ever felt like this? I was intrigued by the hero but the way he acted around the heroine made no sense, and the heroine herself was you long and foolish but also not in a way that made no sense to me.
For me the believability of what I read so far was very low. The heroine literally is running away from home to escape an arranged marriage to a 14 year old boy when she happens upon a man she recognised as the Scoundrel of St Giles and he offers her residence to escape her situation and she accepts. After a 2 minute conversation with a stranger. I was absolutely baffled but decided to keep going.
My next issue was that I just really couldn’t connect to the writing.... there was no flow, and it felt rather stagnate and forced- anyone else ever felt like this? I was intrigued by the hero but the way he acted around the heroine made no sense, and the heroine herself was you long and foolish but also not in a way that made no sense to me.
January 22, 2020
After a great meet cute, the story took a bit to pick up. But it was well worth it once it did and I’m glad I stuck with it. Carlton was a great almost anti-hero and I loved his backstory. Regina was a great heroine for him and I was glad to see them get their HEA.
*I received an eARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
*I received an eARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Want to Read
May 2, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/2/2021)! 🎁
October 23, 2023
First time I have read this author
And I really liked it. I love the old I am a duke in hiding part. At times the way they described how he dressed it made me laugh. It sounded clowning to me and the way she described his moustache was odd also. But the story itself was very good. I loved the heroine and the hero and all the side characters in it. Want to read the rest now. There is a mystery running through the book and the denouement really surprised me. There is a background mystery about missing women that was really awful even though I know that happened and still happens for that matter. It was great that the hero championed the cause and fought against it. I look forward to reading this author again!
And I really liked it. I love the old I am a duke in hiding part. At times the way they described how he dressed it made me laugh. It sounded clowning to me and the way she described his moustache was odd also. But the story itself was very good. I loved the heroine and the hero and all the side characters in it. Want to read the rest now. There is a mystery running through the book and the denouement really surprised me. There is a background mystery about missing women that was really awful even though I know that happened and still happens for that matter. It was great that the hero championed the cause and fought against it. I look forward to reading this author again!
Did Not Finish
May 13, 2026The writing is very rich. The plot is a bit shaky though.
She meets him in an alley, an innocent 18 year old, she knows he's a criminal, a thief and a scoundrel yet she trusts him to protect her for the foreseeable future.
It's insta infatuation from his part. Insta lust from hers. There's a 15 years age gap which I am not a fan of. And then there's this 👇:
"I've 'ad whores, widows, actresses... ye name it. Women by the 'undreds. Most of whom I don't remember."
Oh goodie 🤗... How utterly romantic! 🤢🤢🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️
"Has he made an attempt to seduce you into his bed?"
"No. I mean, I sleep in it every night but he stays in here on the sofa."
"Which means that he cares enough about you to put you ahead of his own needs. Which is rather remarkable when considering his sexual appetite."
She blinked upon seeing Regina's startled expression. "Forgive me. I know you do not wish to hear about that. It is just that I've known Guthrie such a long time."
"Please. You mustn't apologize. I..." Regina pressed her lips together and forced her shaky voice under control. "I don't just want to learn about the...um...sexual act itself and what it entails. Part of the reason I asked you here was also because of the vast experience Guthrie has with women who know what they're doing. And if he and I were to...um...you know...". She took a deep breath and then said, "Well, I'd hate for him to be disappointed."
Thank you, NEXT!!
She meets him in an alley, an innocent 18 year old, she knows he's a criminal, a thief and a scoundrel yet she trusts him to protect her for the foreseeable future.
It's insta infatuation from his part. Insta lust from hers. There's a 15 years age gap which I am not a fan of. And then there's this 👇:
"I've 'ad whores, widows, actresses... ye name it. Women by the 'undreds. Most of whom I don't remember."
Oh goodie 🤗... How utterly romantic! 🤢🤢🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️
"Has he made an attempt to seduce you into his bed?"
"No. I mean, I sleep in it every night but he stays in here on the sofa."
"Which means that he cares enough about you to put you ahead of his own needs. Which is rather remarkable when considering his sexual appetite."
She blinked upon seeing Regina's startled expression. "Forgive me. I know you do not wish to hear about that. It is just that I've known Guthrie such a long time."
"Please. You mustn't apologize. I..." Regina pressed her lips together and forced her shaky voice under control. "I don't just want to learn about the...um...sexual act itself and what it entails. Part of the reason I asked you here was also because of the vast experience Guthrie has with women who know what they're doing. And if he and I were to...um...you know...". She took a deep breath and then said, "Well, I'd hate for him to be disappointed."
Thank you, NEXT!!
its-a-no-for-me-dawg
May 12, 2026Not Interested - 🧼 (surprisingly - I thought this author wrote 👐🏻🚪)
December 10, 2019
The Scoundrel of St. Giles, Carlton Guthrie has had to work his way up from nothing and has always held tight to his street morals… He has been toiling for a very long time to get his perfect revenge… until the answer to his dilemma runs straight into him!
Lady Regina needs to take control of her own destiny before her father marries her off to better situate himself. Without any options, she takes her feet to the street and runs… and ends up in the arms of one of London’s most notorious criminal scoundrels, Mr Guthrie! Is she safer with this renowned rake and outlaw than her own father?
This is the Storie of Carlton Guthrie’s redemption that I didn’t know I needed! He never appealed to me in the past books of this series, but phew, he surpasses all the other dukes in my books now! I adored learning of his background and seeing how he treated his people. In the past books he was not always sketched in the best of lights, but I feel like this answered many questions and turned him easily in to the handsome hero.
The character of Lady Regina could have easily become monotonous or annoying, but she was relatable and held on to her own truth without flip-flopping. Her character and the love and respect she emanated helped carry the story.
I am eager to a glimpse of Carlton and Regina in future additions to the Diamonds in the Rough series.
The Forgotten Duke by Sophie Barnes is scheduled to release January 28th, 2020.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Sophie Barnes through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#TheForgottenDuke #SophieBarnes #NetGalley #pinkcowlandreads
Lady Regina needs to take control of her own destiny before her father marries her off to better situate himself. Without any options, she takes her feet to the street and runs… and ends up in the arms of one of London’s most notorious criminal scoundrels, Mr Guthrie! Is she safer with this renowned rake and outlaw than her own father?
This is the Storie of Carlton Guthrie’s redemption that I didn’t know I needed! He never appealed to me in the past books of this series, but phew, he surpasses all the other dukes in my books now! I adored learning of his background and seeing how he treated his people. In the past books he was not always sketched in the best of lights, but I feel like this answered many questions and turned him easily in to the handsome hero.
The character of Lady Regina could have easily become monotonous or annoying, but she was relatable and held on to her own truth without flip-flopping. Her character and the love and respect she emanated helped carry the story.
I am eager to a glimpse of Carlton and Regina in future additions to the Diamonds in the Rough series.
The Forgotten Duke by Sophie Barnes is scheduled to release January 28th, 2020.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Sophie Barnes through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#TheForgottenDuke #SophieBarnes #NetGalley #pinkcowlandreads
October 11, 2019
Enjoyed the story. Forced into a marriage to a 14 year old boy, Regina escapes the morning prior to her wedding and finds safety in St. Giles after being saved by Carlton from two street thugs. Carlton has his own agenda while she remains hidden from her family, trying to figure out what to do next. There are other minor stories which include kidnapping, human auctions and long ago murder being solved. The story is well written, entertaining and holds your attention. It is an unexpected love story that is a great read and .i would recommend this book.
February 2, 2020
Honestly, I needed some bubblegum for the brain. Any historical fiction romance usually does the job. The naughty 😉 parts really aren’t that graphic and the author focuses more on her characters and their growing attachment to each other, which I appreciate. Overall, just a nice way to spend a couple hours on a Saturday.
April 24, 2020
I found the leading man's dialect so cumbersome that I couldn't really keep the flow. Everytime I would get pulled into the story, he would start talking again and yank me right out of the book. I'm okay with dialects, usually, but this one just read like the author was trying too hard.
June 7, 2020
I imagined the final reveal/ultimate plot to be more dastardly, it was kind of a let down.
May 27, 2021
Didn’t hate it, but I don’t think they should have turned against their dad so easily.
February 25, 2020
London - 1820
Regina Berkly, 18, is the daughter of Charles Berkly, the Earl of Hedgewick. Regina is a lovely young woman who is well-educated and accomplished. Her father has just informed her that she is to immediately marry the Marquess of Stokes, age 14, and son of the Duke of Windham. When she meets the young boy, she is shocked at his adolescent appearance and obvious physical limitations caused by a form of gout. Knowing that her life would be a misery, she decides to flee in the night, where she runs into Carlton Guthrie, the Scoundrel of St. Giles. He knows her name and family connection and takes her to the Black Swan that he owns.
Carlton’s young life and family were ruined by Charles Berkly and now is his chance for payback. He has built up his wealth as a sort of crime boss and lives comfortably.
As Regina stays under the protection of Carlton, there is an instant attraction. Even though he is rough and speaks crudely, she sees his soft side.
Will her father find her and make her marry the young man he has chosen?
First off, I must say that I have long been a fan of Sophie Barnes and she is always at the top of my favorite authors. Unfortunately, I was not intrigued by this book because I did not like the violence and prostitution that the young and protected Regina was exposed to while she stayed with Carlton. Call me a historical romance prude, but I prefer stories to take place in the drawing room.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Regina Berkly, 18, is the daughter of Charles Berkly, the Earl of Hedgewick. Regina is a lovely young woman who is well-educated and accomplished. Her father has just informed her that she is to immediately marry the Marquess of Stokes, age 14, and son of the Duke of Windham. When she meets the young boy, she is shocked at his adolescent appearance and obvious physical limitations caused by a form of gout. Knowing that her life would be a misery, she decides to flee in the night, where she runs into Carlton Guthrie, the Scoundrel of St. Giles. He knows her name and family connection and takes her to the Black Swan that he owns.
Carlton’s young life and family were ruined by Charles Berkly and now is his chance for payback. He has built up his wealth as a sort of crime boss and lives comfortably.
As Regina stays under the protection of Carlton, there is an instant attraction. Even though he is rough and speaks crudely, she sees his soft side.
Will her father find her and make her marry the young man he has chosen?
First off, I must say that I have long been a fan of Sophie Barnes and she is always at the top of my favorite authors. Unfortunately, I was not intrigued by this book because I did not like the violence and prostitution that the young and protected Regina was exposed to while she stayed with Carlton. Call me a historical romance prude, but I prefer stories to take place in the drawing room.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
January 30, 2020
The Forgotten Duke, by Sophie Barnes, is available through booksellers 1-28-20. Forgotten is book 5 in Ms Barnes Diamonds In The Rough series. I believe this is my first read of Ms Barnes work. I must say I'm impressed. I wish it were possible to rate in half stars, I'd give Forgotten a solid 4.5. I intend to backtrack and try out the first 4 stories. I'm curious if they'd stand up to my expectations of Ms Barnes writing (high). I've found most historical romance books to be a bit of entertaining fluff. I like fluff, eat it up, love it. But, a steady diet of fluff leaves me more appreciative of a complex emotional plot.
Our hero, Carlton/Valentine has been dealt a rotten hand in life and lives for revenge. He's plotted it and thought about it ad nauseam. He doesn't seem to realize that he made his life so much more than only anger. His story moved me, the hurt, rage, longing, subterfuge, nature vs nurture. He's interesting and once I knew his background I became invested in his HEA. The balm to his soul arrives in one Regina Berkley. Her father has pledged her in marriage to an inappropriate teenager. That poor kid is just as miserable as Regina at the though of what was to come. He's very sick & she is overcome with sympathy & actually runs away to save them both. Her father and his machinations made me hurt & angry on her behalf. Regina is strong & sassy & basically saves herself with only a bit of help from Carlton. Theres a perfect ending, it made me happy, was satisfying. I'm interested to see where the Diamonds series goes from here.
I voluntairly read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
#SophieBarnes #Netgalley #DiamondsInTheRough #TheForgottenDuke #historicalromance
Our hero, Carlton/Valentine has been dealt a rotten hand in life and lives for revenge. He's plotted it and thought about it ad nauseam. He doesn't seem to realize that he made his life so much more than only anger. His story moved me, the hurt, rage, longing, subterfuge, nature vs nurture. He's interesting and once I knew his background I became invested in his HEA. The balm to his soul arrives in one Regina Berkley. Her father has pledged her in marriage to an inappropriate teenager. That poor kid is just as miserable as Regina at the though of what was to come. He's very sick & she is overcome with sympathy & actually runs away to save them both. Her father and his machinations made me hurt & angry on her behalf. Regina is strong & sassy & basically saves herself with only a bit of help from Carlton. Theres a perfect ending, it made me happy, was satisfying. I'm interested to see where the Diamonds series goes from here.
I voluntairly read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
#SophieBarnes #Netgalley #DiamondsInTheRough #TheForgottenDuke #historicalromance
January 31, 2020
Lady Regina has always done whatever her family asked of her. Even if she has detested something, she has done it. However, when her father arranges for her to be married to a mere child, Regina cannot go through with it. Regina sets off in the early morning to escape that fate.
Carlton Guthrie isn't called "the scoundrel of St. Giles" for nothing. When Regina runs into his arms, he cannot believe his good fortune. Once, long ago, Regina's father ruined him, and Carlton isn't about to pass up his chance at getting revenge. Unfortunately, the unthinkable happens and Carlton starts to care for Regina. Will he win her back or is it too late?
THE FORGOTTEN DUKE is part of the enthralling DIAMONDS IN THE ROUGH series by author Sophie Barnes. It consists of five novels to date: A MOST UNLIKELY DUKE, THE DUKE OF HER DESIRE, THE ILLEGITAMATE DUKE, THE INFAMOUS DUCHESS and THE FORGOTTEN DUKE. THE FORGOTTEN DUKE is Carlton's story. It is somewhat of an enemies to lovers story... at least from Carlton's side. I was up late burning the midnight oil with this one.
Carlton Guthrie isn't called "the scoundrel of St. Giles" for nothing. When Regina runs into his arms, he cannot believe his good fortune. Once, long ago, Regina's father ruined him, and Carlton isn't about to pass up his chance at getting revenge. Unfortunately, the unthinkable happens and Carlton starts to care for Regina. Will he win her back or is it too late?
THE FORGOTTEN DUKE is part of the enthralling DIAMONDS IN THE ROUGH series by author Sophie Barnes. It consists of five novels to date: A MOST UNLIKELY DUKE, THE DUKE OF HER DESIRE, THE ILLEGITAMATE DUKE, THE INFAMOUS DUCHESS and THE FORGOTTEN DUKE. THE FORGOTTEN DUKE is Carlton's story. It is somewhat of an enemies to lovers story... at least from Carlton's side. I was up late burning the midnight oil with this one.
January 28, 2020
I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. The Forgotten Duke by Sophie Barnes is the fifth book in her intriguing Diamonds in the Rough series. It can be read as a stand-alone but I have enjoyed reading the previous books and do recommend them. Carlton Guthrie the scoundrel of St. Giles is certainly not going to let opportunity pass him by when the bedraggled bride he rescues turns out to be the daughter of the man he's been planning revenge on since he was 12 year old. Unable to think of another way to avoid being forced into marriage with a child by her father Lady Regina Berkley fled with no plan other than escape. With a Dickensian twist Carlton Guthrie is not whom he seems to be and soon he will have to decide if the growing affection he feels for Regina is more important than revenge. Once again Sophie Barnes has written a book that will keep you avidly turning pages to see what happens next. Medium Steam. Publishing Date January 28, 2020 #TheForgottenDuke #SophieBarnes #NetGalley #HistoricalRomanceNovel #bookstagram
February 4, 2020
Who doesn't enjoy a story that is at least in part about a runaway bride? While not a completely common trope in Regency literature, we do I sometimes see an aspect of this in historical romantic fiction. While I enjoyed parts of this book, other aspects of it detracted from my enjoyment, namely issues with the heroine.
Let me tell you first what I liked. I thought the hero was very nuanced, a man who is tortured and conflicted by his somewhat dubious past. But there is more to him, certainly, than meets the eye. Deep underneath, he is a man with a good conscience and heart, even though he believes he has neither. That gives him a certain level of vulnerability that often seems lacking in romantic heroes. And, yes, he definitely has dubious plans for the heroine when they first meet as he sees her as a way to get back at the man, her father, who caused so much grief in his younger life.
The heroine, on the other hand, just didn't work for me. I actually was rooting for her to run away after seeing what her parents were attempting to do to her and her betrothed. But then things went a little sideways. The heroine is just too naïve. While she's contemplating her options the night before her marriage, she puts on her wedding gown and bonnet, and when she decides to flee, she goes out in that getup with little else. Seriously, didn't she have some pin money she could take with her? And she has absolutely no plan other than to run. How silly, especially for a gently bred young lady who has no clue about the dangers of the real world. And of course, she finds herself in a very bad neighborhood, requiring rescuing. Which she seems to need often, in one way or another.
I also found the age difference between the hero and the heroine to be just more than a little icky. She is a very sheltered and naïve, just-turned 18-year-old while he is a mature man of the world in his early 30s. She should be his ward, not his love interest. I'll have to admit, though, that this book, despite its flaws, did keep me turning the pages and keep me interested.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
Let me tell you first what I liked. I thought the hero was very nuanced, a man who is tortured and conflicted by his somewhat dubious past. But there is more to him, certainly, than meets the eye. Deep underneath, he is a man with a good conscience and heart, even though he believes he has neither. That gives him a certain level of vulnerability that often seems lacking in romantic heroes. And, yes, he definitely has dubious plans for the heroine when they first meet as he sees her as a way to get back at the man, her father, who caused so much grief in his younger life.
The heroine, on the other hand, just didn't work for me. I actually was rooting for her to run away after seeing what her parents were attempting to do to her and her betrothed. But then things went a little sideways. The heroine is just too naïve. While she's contemplating her options the night before her marriage, she puts on her wedding gown and bonnet, and when she decides to flee, she goes out in that getup with little else. Seriously, didn't she have some pin money she could take with her? And she has absolutely no plan other than to run. How silly, especially for a gently bred young lady who has no clue about the dangers of the real world. And of course, she finds herself in a very bad neighborhood, requiring rescuing. Which she seems to need often, in one way or another.
I also found the age difference between the hero and the heroine to be just more than a little icky. She is a very sheltered and naïve, just-turned 18-year-old while he is a mature man of the world in his early 30s. She should be his ward, not his love interest. I'll have to admit, though, that this book, despite its flaws, did keep me turning the pages and keep me interested.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
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