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Unexpected Lords #1
The Detective Duke
He was never meant to be a duke. She was always destined to be a duchess.
Grit, determination, and a will of steel have propelled Hudson Stone through life. No case he faced as Chief Inspector at Scotland Yard went unsolved. But nothing could have prepared the implacable investigator for inheriting a dukedom. Even more maddening than his ducal obligations is Lady Elysande Collingwood, the previous Duke of Wycombe’s betrothed. Worst of all, the debts Hudson has been bequeathed along with the title mean he needs to marry an heiress to save his estates from ruin, and the cheerful, dazzling Lady Elysande is the only one he knows.
Elysande was aware the last Duke of Wycombe was marrying her for her immense dowry, and she has no doubt his grim successor wishes to wed her for the same reason. But she has motives of her own for accepting the new duke’s offer. Never mind that he is harsh and unsmiling, with a reputation for ruthlessness. Their marriage of convenience suits her perfectly fine.
However, there is absolutely nothing convenient about the feelings she begins to develop for the forbidding man she married. When the shadows of Hudson’s past emerge, bringing them closer together, desire sparks. But with a dangerous villain on his heels, Hudson can’t afford to get too close to anyone. Too bad his icy heart has other ideas…
Grit, determination, and a will of steel have propelled Hudson Stone through life. No case he faced as Chief Inspector at Scotland Yard went unsolved. But nothing could have prepared the implacable investigator for inheriting a dukedom. Even more maddening than his ducal obligations is Lady Elysande Collingwood, the previous Duke of Wycombe’s betrothed. Worst of all, the debts Hudson has been bequeathed along with the title mean he needs to marry an heiress to save his estates from ruin, and the cheerful, dazzling Lady Elysande is the only one he knows.
Elysande was aware the last Duke of Wycombe was marrying her for her immense dowry, and she has no doubt his grim successor wishes to wed her for the same reason. But she has motives of her own for accepting the new duke’s offer. Never mind that he is harsh and unsmiling, with a reputation for ruthlessness. Their marriage of convenience suits her perfectly fine.
However, there is absolutely nothing convenient about the feelings she begins to develop for the forbidding man she married. When the shadows of Hudson’s past emerge, bringing them closer together, desire sparks. But with a dangerous villain on his heels, Hudson can’t afford to get too close to anyone. Too bad his icy heart has other ideas…
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 18, 2021
2227 people are currently reading
1483 people want to read
About the author
Scarlett Scott
121 books1,563 followersUSA TODAY bestselling author Scarlett Scott writes steamy Victorian and Regency historical romances with strong, intelligent heroines and sexy alpha heroes. She lives in Pennsylvania and Maryland with her Canadian husband, their adorable identical twins, a demanding diva dog, and one zany cat.
For Scarlett's latest releases, exclusive excerpts, contests and more, visit her website, http://www.scarlettscottauthor.com
For Scarlett's latest releases, exclusive excerpts, contests and more, visit her website, http://www.scarlettscottauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 280 reviews
January 15, 2022
3.5 stars
▪️ Marriage of convenience.
▪️ Scientist/inventor heroine.
▪️ Scotland Yard Chief Inspector, turned Duke H.
▪️ Murder Mystery - H's framed for the murder of a former OW.
It's been a while since I've reviewed a Scarlett Scott novel, but I was drawn to this one, set during the late Victorian era, because of the H's unusual background story.
Hudson, the H in this novel, doesn’t enjoy the Ton’s social whirl, swanning around in luxurious idleness with other entitled aristocrats and he hates his newly inherited Duke of Wycombe title, as well as the huge debts and tedious responsibilities that accompany this role.
His exciting, adventurous and intellectually stimulating former job, as Scotland Yard’s Chief Inspector, was exactly what he’d always aspired to. So, at the start of the story, he’s down in the dumps, grumpy and cussing when he realises that he’s inherited an impoverished dukedom, complete with dilapidated properties and a scarcity of servants to fill important roles.
But his most pressing problem is one that's also inescapable: in order to put his new dukedom back on a solvent footing, he’s got no alternative but to marry an heiress.
This is the H, Hudson:
That’s where the heroine enters the picture.
Elysande (hereafter referred to as Ellie), is also an unusual MC. She’s interested in Science and Engineering and spends most of her time in her father’s workshop, trying to perfect her electric frying pan invention.
This is the heroine, Elysande/Ellie:
Aside: The author wrote an important note, at the end of the novel with regards to the heroine’s scientific pursuits etc. and basically said that, although the general factual basis for this part of the storyline is true, she did use a bit of creative licence in her storytelling.
Anyway, this wasn’t a very angsty novel, despite the marriage of convenience trope, because the MCs tried to get along, despite their preconceived notions about each other. Hudson was a more likable H, when compared to Scarlett Scott’s usual dukes and it’s probably because he’s less arrogant and has always had to work for whatever he wanted in his life. But this doesn’t make him any less alpha and I liked him a lot more than some of the author’s previous heroes.
Ellie is a pragmatist. She’s never had delusions of romantic splendour and happy ever afters with the ideal man of her dreams. All she wants is to get married to a suitable man who will not interfere with her scientific pursuits.
Furthermore, once she’s married, her parents will finally agree to her younger sister’s marriage; Izzy, her younger sister, is madly in love with some man and has been waiting for the heroine’s marriage to be settled, before she and her beau can get on with theirs.
But, since this is a Scarlett Scott novel, these MCs’ marriage of convenience is filled with lots of sexy erotic moments, despite the heroine’s initial suggestion that they wait 3 months before consummating their union.
The convenient marriage storyline then gets more complicated with a murder mystery plot twist: one of the H’s former OW, ends up murdered in the London bedroom of his bachelor’s lodgings and he is then framed for the crime. I won’t reveal the details of this murder mystery, but I will say that it’s not difficult for the reader to guess the identity of the villain.
I was surprised by how much I liked the heroine, because I’d assumed that she’d be one of those hard-nosed feminist types that annoy me. But I was delightfully surprised to discover that she’s not the type of intellectual historical heroine who shields her softer feminine side and gets preachy about women’s rights, just because she’s got unconventional aims and interests.
I must compliment the author for creating an unconventional, intelligent and strong heroine who’s likable and still feminine, in the traditional manner. Unlike most historical heroines with an interest in scientific pursuits, Ellie’s engineering abilities doesn’t mean that she’s the stereotypical loudmouth, *quirky* misfit, who’s incapable of fulfilling her other traditional *female* duties, like overseeing the organisation/refurbishment of her new dilapidated home, choosing appropriately beautiful clothing and fitting in well with the rest of the Ton etc.
Ellie also plays a key role in solving the murder mystery, because she’s right there at her man’s side, putting in her valuable two cents and eventually helping to save both their lives, when the unhinged villain decided to kill them.
Scott’s epilogue focused on the heroine’s scientific achievements, because her electrical frying pan and kettle are finally exhibited in London, and she’s started her own company to manufacture those products. The H is a proud, loving and supportive husband and a doting dad to their little daughter, Margaret.
The author also introduced quite a few characters and I’m guessing that they’ll eventually be given novels of their own; the first of these will feature Izzy, the heroine’s younger sister. I’m really looking forward to Izzy’s book, The Playboy Peer, because she finally finds true love with a sexy rake after being jilted by her fiancé.
Safety: No OM, no OW and no cheating. The OW who’s the murder victim, had been involved with the H a couple of years prior to his marriage and he didn’t take her up on her offer, after his marriage, when she propositioned him.
▪️ Marriage of convenience.
▪️ Scientist/inventor heroine.
▪️ Scotland Yard Chief Inspector, turned Duke H.
▪️ Murder Mystery - H's framed for the murder of a former OW.
It's been a while since I've reviewed a Scarlett Scott novel, but I was drawn to this one, set during the late Victorian era, because of the H's unusual background story.
Hudson, the H in this novel, doesn’t enjoy the Ton’s social whirl, swanning around in luxurious idleness with other entitled aristocrats and he hates his newly inherited Duke of Wycombe title, as well as the huge debts and tedious responsibilities that accompany this role.
His exciting, adventurous and intellectually stimulating former job, as Scotland Yard’s Chief Inspector, was exactly what he’d always aspired to. So, at the start of the story, he’s down in the dumps, grumpy and cussing when he realises that he’s inherited an impoverished dukedom, complete with dilapidated properties and a scarcity of servants to fill important roles.
But his most pressing problem is one that's also inescapable: in order to put his new dukedom back on a solvent footing, he’s got no alternative but to marry an heiress.
This is the H, Hudson:
That’s where the heroine enters the picture.
Elysande (hereafter referred to as Ellie), is also an unusual MC. She’s interested in Science and Engineering and spends most of her time in her father’s workshop, trying to perfect her electric frying pan invention.
This is the heroine, Elysande/Ellie:
Aside: The author wrote an important note, at the end of the novel with regards to the heroine’s scientific pursuits etc. and basically said that, although the general factual basis for this part of the storyline is true, she did use a bit of creative licence in her storytelling.
Anyway, this wasn’t a very angsty novel, despite the marriage of convenience trope, because the MCs tried to get along, despite their preconceived notions about each other. Hudson was a more likable H, when compared to Scarlett Scott’s usual dukes and it’s probably because he’s less arrogant and has always had to work for whatever he wanted in his life. But this doesn’t make him any less alpha and I liked him a lot more than some of the author’s previous heroes.
Ellie is a pragmatist. She’s never had delusions of romantic splendour and happy ever afters with the ideal man of her dreams. All she wants is to get married to a suitable man who will not interfere with her scientific pursuits.
Furthermore, once she’s married, her parents will finally agree to her younger sister’s marriage; Izzy, her younger sister, is madly in love with some man and has been waiting for the heroine’s marriage to be settled, before she and her beau can get on with theirs.
But, since this is a Scarlett Scott novel, these MCs’ marriage of convenience is filled with lots of sexy erotic moments, despite the heroine’s initial suggestion that they wait 3 months before consummating their union.
The convenient marriage storyline then gets more complicated with a murder mystery plot twist: one of the H’s former OW, ends up murdered in the London bedroom of his bachelor’s lodgings and he is then framed for the crime. I won’t reveal the details of this murder mystery, but I will say that it’s not difficult for the reader to guess the identity of the villain.
I was surprised by how much I liked the heroine, because I’d assumed that she’d be one of those hard-nosed feminist types that annoy me. But I was delightfully surprised to discover that she’s not the type of intellectual historical heroine who shields her softer feminine side and gets preachy about women’s rights, just because she’s got unconventional aims and interests.
I must compliment the author for creating an unconventional, intelligent and strong heroine who’s likable and still feminine, in the traditional manner. Unlike most historical heroines with an interest in scientific pursuits, Ellie’s engineering abilities doesn’t mean that she’s the stereotypical loudmouth, *quirky* misfit, who’s incapable of fulfilling her other traditional *female* duties, like overseeing the organisation/refurbishment of her new dilapidated home, choosing appropriately beautiful clothing and fitting in well with the rest of the Ton etc.
Ellie also plays a key role in solving the murder mystery, because she’s right there at her man’s side, putting in her valuable two cents and eventually helping to save both their lives, when the unhinged villain decided to kill them.
Scott’s epilogue focused on the heroine’s scientific achievements, because her electrical frying pan and kettle are finally exhibited in London, and she’s started her own company to manufacture those products. The H is a proud, loving and supportive husband and a doting dad to their little daughter, Margaret.
The author also introduced quite a few characters and I’m guessing that they’ll eventually be given novels of their own; the first of these will feature Izzy, the heroine’s younger sister. I’m really looking forward to Izzy’s book, The Playboy Peer, because she finally finds true love with a sexy rake after being jilted by her fiancé.
Safety: No OM, no OW and no cheating. The OW who’s the murder victim, had been involved with the H a couple of years prior to his marriage and he didn’t take her up on her offer, after his marriage, when she propositioned him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2022
5 Stars
I decided to re-read this before The Playboy Peer come out tomorrow!
Quick Review
- I shall never tire of reading Scarlett Scott books, ever. Her writing is fun, emotional, steamy, and her characters are adorable, most of the time. This new, Unexpected Lords series seems to be just the right mixture of all things I listed above if book #1 is any indication.
- Long story short, I loved reading this story. The marriage of convenience trope took on a lovely emotional turn and gave a pretty heartwarming romance.
- There is an element of criminal mystery that served to bring Hudson & Ellie together but never took away from the central love story. I have come to expect that of Ms Scott, her subplots never interfere with the romance, they only bolster it, and I love that.
- Ellie was a great heroine. I loved how intelligent, level headed and supportive she was. Never once faltering, she was a strong heroine. I admired greatly that she never gave up on her ambitions & professional pursuits just because she got married.
- Hudson was an amazing beta hero (with Ellie). Used to being in charge, it was a sweet change of pace to see him trying to fall into the Ducal role. What I loved most about him was how vulnerable he was with Ellie, especially for an alpha male (generally). The tough guy with a mushy heart, not afraid to cry, how endearing.
- Hudson & Ellie's romance was amazing and believable. They were well matched in all aspects. The quickness of their love worked here because these two were different from the societal set but fit in well with each other.
- Special Mentions - The straightforward plot, the development of the story & characters, honest conversations and eccentric family members.
My Recommendation
Loved it. And I cannot wait to read The Playboy Peer.
I decided to re-read this before The Playboy Peer come out tomorrow!
Quick Review
- I shall never tire of reading Scarlett Scott books, ever. Her writing is fun, emotional, steamy, and her characters are adorable, most of the time. This new, Unexpected Lords series seems to be just the right mixture of all things I listed above if book #1 is any indication.
- Long story short, I loved reading this story. The marriage of convenience trope took on a lovely emotional turn and gave a pretty heartwarming romance.
- There is an element of criminal mystery that served to bring Hudson & Ellie together but never took away from the central love story. I have come to expect that of Ms Scott, her subplots never interfere with the romance, they only bolster it, and I love that.
- Ellie was a great heroine. I loved how intelligent, level headed and supportive she was. Never once faltering, she was a strong heroine. I admired greatly that she never gave up on her ambitions & professional pursuits just because she got married.
- Hudson was an amazing beta hero (with Ellie). Used to being in charge, it was a sweet change of pace to see him trying to fall into the Ducal role. What I loved most about him was how vulnerable he was with Ellie, especially for an alpha male (generally). The tough guy with a mushy heart, not afraid to cry, how endearing.
- Hudson & Ellie's romance was amazing and believable. They were well matched in all aspects. The quickness of their love worked here because these two were different from the societal set but fit in well with each other.
- Special Mentions - The straightforward plot, the development of the story & characters, honest conversations and eccentric family members.
My Recommendation
Loved it. And I cannot wait to read The Playboy Peer.
Read
December 13, 2025Soft dnf.
I needed a palate cleanser after some heavy books but this was grinding my nerves like nails on a chalkboard.
All her “no sex ever” in her marriage contract was the last straw. She is marrying a Duke, the whole point is heirs!
I needed a palate cleanser after some heavy books but this was grinding my nerves like nails on a chalkboard.
All her “no sex ever” in her marriage contract was the last straw. She is marrying a Duke, the whole point is heirs!
June 21, 2023
The Detective Duke was a pretty good read. A case of a former Scotland Yard detective, now a reluctant duke, who needs a wife with a generous dowry to help him restore his newly inherited holdings. The young lady must marry so her younger siblings can marry. Match made in logic.
There isn’t anything earth shattering about this one but it was entertaining. I enjoyed the common man becoming a peer but as an American that will always appeal. 😂 I liked the relationship between the two leads as they get to know each other. I really wanted the murder mystery to be a much larger part of the story. It had so much potential!! Sadly, it was relegated to second or third priority. I think having it be more important would have elevated this to a four or five star read. It was still a good way to spend a couple of afternoons.
There isn’t anything earth shattering about this one but it was entertaining. I enjoyed the common man becoming a peer but as an American that will always appeal. 😂 I liked the relationship between the two leads as they get to know each other. I really wanted the murder mystery to be a much larger part of the story. It had so much potential!! Sadly, it was relegated to second or third priority. I think having it be more important would have elevated this to a four or five star read. It was still a good way to spend a couple of afternoons.
June 22, 2024
Another hard one to rate but I'll settle for 2.5 stars since I was more interested in the murder mystery than the romance. The murder mystery was weak but I was still interested in the murderer's reasons. Although the romance wasn't the main focus, you can count on Scarlett Scott to deliver hot and steamy scenes. I believe there were about five in total.
Additionally, we need more “I’ve missed you’s” from both the H/h in HRs. I didn’t realize how much I craved it till this book.🥰
Side note: I listened to the audiobook, which is 8 hours long. The audiobooks for the other books in this series are each 10 hours long. I plan to listen to the next installment. 10 hours seems daunting but I shall persevere.
Additionally, we need more “I’ve missed you’s” from both the H/h in HRs. I didn’t realize how much I craved it till this book.🥰
Side note: I listened to the audiobook, which is 8 hours long. The audiobooks for the other books in this series are each 10 hours long. I plan to listen to the next installment. 10 hours seems daunting but I shall persevere.
December 8, 2021
3.5 stars
Pleasantly decent, after picking up The Detective Duke for the most trivial reason (One of the cover models happens to be a personal friend), I was confronted with an rather unique premise, and expertly written prose; even though the story ended up unfolding in a very ordinary manner.
Scarlett Scott has a way with words; her writing style strives a good balance between mounting mood and atmosphere, as well as being easily comprehensible. It definitely has a glaring modern flair, while often not completely period correct, the lack of historical accuracy is not distracting and actually makes The Detective Duke an easily 'bingeable' book.
With a premise about a detective inheriting an unwanted title, and entering into a marriage of convenience unwillingly, I was expecting a heavy emphasis on his 'fish out of water' journey as a duke, as well as a 'strangers to lovers' progression to the relationship. But both aspects ended up being quickly brushed over, with the hero and heroine confessing their mutual feeling at around the 15% point, and the remaining romance advanced just like any basic, vanilla historical romances. I do however thoroughly enjoyed the dominant detective subplot (even though the villain's scheme was ultimately quite lame if you analyze it).
I had no expectation going into The Detective Duke, so while it didn't blow me away, and the simplistic plot shied away from the more enticing potentials of its setup, I still had an inoffensively good time with it.
**Historical Romance Readathon 2021: Holiday Edition | Bingo Board Prompts: 2021 Release / In a Series / New to You Author / Marriage of Convenience**
Pleasantly decent, after picking up The Detective Duke for the most trivial reason (One of the cover models happens to be a personal friend), I was confronted with an rather unique premise, and expertly written prose; even though the story ended up unfolding in a very ordinary manner.
Scarlett Scott has a way with words; her writing style strives a good balance between mounting mood and atmosphere, as well as being easily comprehensible. It definitely has a glaring modern flair, while often not completely period correct, the lack of historical accuracy is not distracting and actually makes The Detective Duke an easily 'bingeable' book.
With a premise about a detective inheriting an unwanted title, and entering into a marriage of convenience unwillingly, I was expecting a heavy emphasis on his 'fish out of water' journey as a duke, as well as a 'strangers to lovers' progression to the relationship. But both aspects ended up being quickly brushed over, with the hero and heroine confessing their mutual feeling at around the 15% point, and the remaining romance advanced just like any basic, vanilla historical romances. I do however thoroughly enjoyed the dominant detective subplot (even though the villain's scheme was ultimately quite lame if you analyze it).
I had no expectation going into The Detective Duke, so while it didn't blow me away, and the simplistic plot shied away from the more enticing potentials of its setup, I still had an inoffensively good time with it.
**Historical Romance Readathon 2021: Holiday Edition | Bingo Board Prompts: 2021 Release / In a Series / New to You Author / Marriage of Convenience**
June 29, 2022
I want to premise this by saying I adored this book. It was fun, the couple had great chemistry and were endearing to the core; loyal to each other despite their painfully arranged marriage (truly the stuff of nightmares). But amongst my giggles were bounds of me yelling or talking to my bookshelves about the pee poo poo actions of these main characters.
Because, oh boy, they were so STUPID!
At first, I was lured by a sense of security, hence why I wasn’t ready for their level of well intended dim-wittednesses. The title says: Detective Duke! So the man must be smart, right?
WRONG.
I didn’t even notice at first, I was enamored of the hero’s admiration of the heroine, and his instant dislike of her:
“He cast a glance in her direction, studying her profile. Everything about Lady Elysande was faultless. Almost too perfect. Her voice was well-modulated and sweet. Her gown was demure, her figure delightfully curved in all the right places. Her face was undeniably lovely.
He did not like her.”
Isn’t this cute? Don’t you want him to fall head over hells in love with her now so that he may rue the day he ever said this?
Then, there was the heroine. A inventor, smart and fully dedicated to her goals of getting her electric frying pan on point for an exposition.
She had to be the somewhat voice reason at some point right? NOPE.
(Okay, maybe towards the end where she lights this evil dude on fire. Not important, I’m focused on the romance here.)
They get together because both of them are obsessed with their jobs and want to pursue their careers without the annoyance of feelings and a real marriage. Yet, they are bound by duty, hence why they need a “real” marriage, in the sense a priest slaps them with some holy words and an Amen when they say “I do”.
The downfall begins when the heroine doesn’t want children or consummation of the marriage in the first 3 months. She wants to work on her frying pan and get to know her new husband better. At that point I was like, heck yeah! Make him work to woo you + get that thing working so you can live your inventor dreams.
Not a day after they are married this woman and her horny cuties are already rolling along a river bend with her new husband. I get it that he is hot BUT where the heck did all that dedication go? At that point I was not that affected, it was a pretty hot scene and seeing a naked man as a Victorian woman must have been overwhelming, especially when said man was your wickedly good-looking husband. I’m not a Victorian lady and even I was overwhelmed by the description 🤧. It is understandable she was taken by him, especially when he could kiss well. I was willing to forgive the insta lust.
But, ha you are going to see so much of this word, the hero leaves her to go back to London. This dangerous guy he put in prison got out again. He doesn’t care it’s no longer his business nor that he is leaving a very vulnerable wife who is clearly shaken by the intimate moment they had that morning. The guy uses his marvelous deductions skills ignoring all the red flags and obvious cues.
😐
IT GETS BETTER
The hero says he will just stay a couple days. Instead, he stays away for weeks without giving any plausible explanation. He thinks of the heroine and pines after her while away. The same is said for the heroine back home, who can barely focus on her life project because of this guy she married and spent probably 2 whole days with.
🫠
*deep breaths*
Then, one night after denying his ex lover in a club, the hero goes back to his BACHELOR pad and finds said ex mistress on his bed. Dead. Blood everywhere. The heroine hears from the hero for the first time because of this.
“Elysande found Hudson awaiting her in the salon of the Belgravia residence she had yet to visit. How strange for the occasion of her first stay as the Duchess of Wycombe to have been forced by the news that another woman had been found murdered.
In her husband’s bed.”
My face at that particular moment was something along the lines of: 🙂🔪.
I would have been FURIOUS. Fire breathing dragons would have nothing on me. Smaug would have needed to get another job because I would be the big bad fire breathing keeper of the mountain.
I knew he was innocent because I read the point of view of the hero, and even then, I was fuming.
The heroine, however, could read the POV I did. The picture was jarring, she barely knew her husband before he abandoned her and now such an situation was sure to cause so turmoil- not because of the implication her husband might have murdered someone but had also been actively cheating one her.
Guess how long it took her to calm down and believe him? To take his word for granted and not even be furious by the horrible situation he put her in?
A FULL CONVERSATION!
That’s how long it took.
*screams into a pillow*
I was yelling at her at that point. Full on having a conversation with a dead piece of paper that could not answer back.
Like: BRO YOU COULD NOT BE THIS NAIVE, I KNKW THE TRUTH BECAUSE I WAS THERE BUT LITERALLY WHAT THE HECK. WERE YOU NOT MEANT TO BE SMART? INQUISITIVE? HAVE ONE FUNCTIONING BRAIN CELL?
Apparently not!
She was doing so well before too:
“Why should she feel remorse for questioning him? He deserved to be questioned. He deserved far worse, in fact. What had he done other than marry her and leave her, only to draw her into this dangerous web of his own making?”
EXACTLY!
Five second later though, she was like this:
“She was surprised by how much his words mattered. By how strong the emotions were surging through her. “I believe you.”
Huh?????
Couldn’t be me, that’s for sure.
Then, she has a bound of horny again:
“No, the reason she had sought out her husband, who was seated in the library in nothing but his shirt sleeves and the trousers he had worn at dinner, was not because she was displeased with her room. It was because she could not seem to stay away.”
From which I was thinking: don’t do it. He left you behind, Literally just a day since you thought he was cheating on you.
“What was the matter with her? She should not be so weak for this man, so vulnerable.”
I was asking the same question. I swear I was looking for useful answers too.
I was a firm believer that she would not allow for any intimacy, at least not yet. She was completely aware of how little she knew of this man, even if he was her husband:
“As she said the words, she realized she was saying far more, that there was a deeper story lurking beneath the surface. Reuniting with him, even with the terrible death of Mrs. Ainsley looming over them like a pall, had shown her how much she had longed for him.”
Guess what? He gets to practice his ABC’s on her after this. While it was all very hot and all…
A DAY!!
A day for her to fall for his butt and get eaten AGAIN into submission. It was all it took!
“Foolish, weak-willed creature, she chastised herself.”
Yeah, you are!
The heroine and her horny genes were so stupid. One good looking man looks at them and boom 💥 no brains.
After that it was a smut fest. A very heart-warming one, full of feelings that I enjoyed but there were times I was dragged back by the characters on remarks about their previous stupid attitudes:
“She did not care that they were gone or where they fell. Her own hand slid from his shoulder, her left hand, the one bearing his ring. The symbol of their union which had mocked her every day since he had left. ”
so I was half standing there going: “yay” 🎉🥳 and 👹 “And it’s still there mocking your weak butt”.
As the investigation progressed, the hero was being framed and the couple was trying to prove his innocence. So, any peace after such a horrible scandal was no where to be found.
At some points I was just standing there thinking: I can’t believe Ellie is over here, having to go through this shiii, abandoning all her aspirations, her inventions that she so longed for and even her 3 month clause for a man who married her, left the next day for longer than he said he would, it is involved in a murder scandal because his EX MISTRESS was found in his bed with stab wounds.
All this heroine can manage is HORNY.
I know he is not guilty! But like !!!!!!!
WHAT IN THE EVER LOVING f***
How can one just take this at face value? She doesn’t know him. The hero can be kind but he can be a cad and all she can do is be sweet!
I understand he is going through a lot of pain! But what about her???? She didn’t choose this! Why the heck am I being the one feeling the pain she is supposed to be feeling.
The hero is bloody lucky he is so loyal and devoted to the heroine. He is lucky she is a forgiving sort that loves him very much and that brushes off in the narrative. He is lucky because I should hate him, but I actually like him.
I don’t know how! But he has those qualities I admire in any good hero; honesty, resilience, deep appreciation for his wife, commitment, a sense of protectiveness and good character growth.
He loves the heroine so much it comes out of his pores. It’s hard to hate a guy who was accidentally bad because he was accidentally DUMB. He tried to remedy everything, as soon as possible and to let his wife know how she is the light of his life.
Ugh, so cheesy but also adorable.
4 very wild stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Because, oh boy, they were so STUPID!
At first, I was lured by a sense of security, hence why I wasn’t ready for their level of well intended dim-wittednesses. The title says: Detective Duke! So the man must be smart, right?
WRONG.
I didn’t even notice at first, I was enamored of the hero’s admiration of the heroine, and his instant dislike of her:
“He cast a glance in her direction, studying her profile. Everything about Lady Elysande was faultless. Almost too perfect. Her voice was well-modulated and sweet. Her gown was demure, her figure delightfully curved in all the right places. Her face was undeniably lovely.
He did not like her.”
Isn’t this cute? Don’t you want him to fall head over hells in love with her now so that he may rue the day he ever said this?
Then, there was the heroine. A inventor, smart and fully dedicated to her goals of getting her electric frying pan on point for an exposition.
She had to be the somewhat voice reason at some point right? NOPE.
(Okay, maybe towards the end where she lights this evil dude on fire. Not important, I’m focused on the romance here.)
They get together because both of them are obsessed with their jobs and want to pursue their careers without the annoyance of feelings and a real marriage. Yet, they are bound by duty, hence why they need a “real” marriage, in the sense a priest slaps them with some holy words and an Amen when they say “I do”.
The downfall begins when the heroine doesn’t want children or consummation of the marriage in the first 3 months. She wants to work on her frying pan and get to know her new husband better. At that point I was like, heck yeah! Make him work to woo you + get that thing working so you can live your inventor dreams.
Not a day after they are married this woman and her horny cuties are already rolling along a river bend with her new husband. I get it that he is hot BUT where the heck did all that dedication go? At that point I was not that affected, it was a pretty hot scene and seeing a naked man as a Victorian woman must have been overwhelming, especially when said man was your wickedly good-looking husband. I’m not a Victorian lady and even I was overwhelmed by the description 🤧. It is understandable she was taken by him, especially when he could kiss well. I was willing to forgive the insta lust.
But, ha you are going to see so much of this word, the hero leaves her to go back to London. This dangerous guy he put in prison got out again. He doesn’t care it’s no longer his business nor that he is leaving a very vulnerable wife who is clearly shaken by the intimate moment they had that morning. The guy uses his marvelous deductions skills ignoring all the red flags and obvious cues.
😐
IT GETS BETTER
The hero says he will just stay a couple days. Instead, he stays away for weeks without giving any plausible explanation. He thinks of the heroine and pines after her while away. The same is said for the heroine back home, who can barely focus on her life project because of this guy she married and spent probably 2 whole days with.
🫠
*deep breaths*
Then, one night after denying his ex lover in a club, the hero goes back to his BACHELOR pad and finds said ex mistress on his bed. Dead. Blood everywhere. The heroine hears from the hero for the first time because of this.
“Elysande found Hudson awaiting her in the salon of the Belgravia residence she had yet to visit. How strange for the occasion of her first stay as the Duchess of Wycombe to have been forced by the news that another woman had been found murdered.
In her husband’s bed.”
My face at that particular moment was something along the lines of: 🙂🔪.
I would have been FURIOUS. Fire breathing dragons would have nothing on me. Smaug would have needed to get another job because I would be the big bad fire breathing keeper of the mountain.
I knew he was innocent because I read the point of view of the hero, and even then, I was fuming.
The heroine, however, could read the POV I did. The picture was jarring, she barely knew her husband before he abandoned her and now such an situation was sure to cause so turmoil- not because of the implication her husband might have murdered someone but had also been actively cheating one her.
Guess how long it took her to calm down and believe him? To take his word for granted and not even be furious by the horrible situation he put her in?
A FULL CONVERSATION!
That’s how long it took.
*screams into a pillow*
I was yelling at her at that point. Full on having a conversation with a dead piece of paper that could not answer back.
Like: BRO YOU COULD NOT BE THIS NAIVE, I KNKW THE TRUTH BECAUSE I WAS THERE BUT LITERALLY WHAT THE HECK. WERE YOU NOT MEANT TO BE SMART? INQUISITIVE? HAVE ONE FUNCTIONING BRAIN CELL?
Apparently not!
She was doing so well before too:
“Why should she feel remorse for questioning him? He deserved to be questioned. He deserved far worse, in fact. What had he done other than marry her and leave her, only to draw her into this dangerous web of his own making?”
EXACTLY!
Five second later though, she was like this:
“She was surprised by how much his words mattered. By how strong the emotions were surging through her. “I believe you.”
Huh?????
Couldn’t be me, that’s for sure.
Then, she has a bound of horny again:
“No, the reason she had sought out her husband, who was seated in the library in nothing but his shirt sleeves and the trousers he had worn at dinner, was not because she was displeased with her room. It was because she could not seem to stay away.”
From which I was thinking: don’t do it. He left you behind, Literally just a day since you thought he was cheating on you.
“What was the matter with her? She should not be so weak for this man, so vulnerable.”
I was asking the same question. I swear I was looking for useful answers too.
I was a firm believer that she would not allow for any intimacy, at least not yet. She was completely aware of how little she knew of this man, even if he was her husband:
“As she said the words, she realized she was saying far more, that there was a deeper story lurking beneath the surface. Reuniting with him, even with the terrible death of Mrs. Ainsley looming over them like a pall, had shown her how much she had longed for him.”
Guess what? He gets to practice his ABC’s on her after this. While it was all very hot and all…
A DAY!!
A day for her to fall for his butt and get eaten AGAIN into submission. It was all it took!
“Foolish, weak-willed creature, she chastised herself.”
Yeah, you are!
The heroine and her horny genes were so stupid. One good looking man looks at them and boom 💥 no brains.
After that it was a smut fest. A very heart-warming one, full of feelings that I enjoyed but there were times I was dragged back by the characters on remarks about their previous stupid attitudes:
“She did not care that they were gone or where they fell. Her own hand slid from his shoulder, her left hand, the one bearing his ring. The symbol of their union which had mocked her every day since he had left. ”
so I was half standing there going: “yay” 🎉🥳 and 👹 “And it’s still there mocking your weak butt”.
As the investigation progressed, the hero was being framed and the couple was trying to prove his innocence. So, any peace after such a horrible scandal was no where to be found.
At some points I was just standing there thinking: I can’t believe Ellie is over here, having to go through this shiii, abandoning all her aspirations, her inventions that she so longed for and even her 3 month clause for a man who married her, left the next day for longer than he said he would, it is involved in a murder scandal because his EX MISTRESS was found in his bed with stab wounds.
All this heroine can manage is HORNY.
I know he is not guilty! But like !!!!!!!
WHAT IN THE EVER LOVING f***
How can one just take this at face value? She doesn’t know him. The hero can be kind but he can be a cad and all she can do is be sweet!
I understand he is going through a lot of pain! But what about her???? She didn’t choose this! Why the heck am I being the one feeling the pain she is supposed to be feeling.
The hero is bloody lucky he is so loyal and devoted to the heroine. He is lucky she is a forgiving sort that loves him very much and that brushes off in the narrative. He is lucky because I should hate him, but I actually like him.
I don’t know how! But he has those qualities I admire in any good hero; honesty, resilience, deep appreciation for his wife, commitment, a sense of protectiveness and good character growth.
He loves the heroine so much it comes out of his pores. It’s hard to hate a guy who was accidentally bad because he was accidentally DUMB. He tried to remedy everything, as soon as possible and to let his wife know how she is the light of his life.
Ugh, so cheesy but also adorable.
4 very wild stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2022
Marriage of Convenience with a side of Murder
This was a very good romance as only Scarlett Scott can do. I enjoyed it but not as much as I did with her other series'. The hero was very nice and I really liked Ellie but something was missing for me. I put it down twice and read other books because I just wasn't engaged. The steamy scenes were very steamy and I loved the whole murder mystery part of it. I figured out early on of course, but it was still good. I liked how she stood beside him even though his ex lover was found dead in his bed and she believed in him. The epilogue is great and this book is safe and free in KU.
This was a very good romance as only Scarlett Scott can do. I enjoyed it but not as much as I did with her other series'. The hero was very nice and I really liked Ellie but something was missing for me. I put it down twice and read other books because I just wasn't engaged. The steamy scenes were very steamy and I loved the whole murder mystery part of it. I figured out early on of course, but it was still good. I liked how she stood beside him even though his ex lover was found dead in his bed and she believed in him. The epilogue is great and this book is safe and free in KU.
December 18, 2024
Hudson Stone was the Chief Inspector at Scotland Yard until his unlikely inheriting of a dukedom...and a bride. Lady Elysande Collingwood was the previous Duke of Wycombe’s betrothed. She knew the last Duke was marrying her for her impressive dowry, and she has no doubt his successor wishes to wed her for the same reason. But their marriage of convenience quickly goes awry as the sexual tension between them ramps up.
This is the first book in the Unexpected Lords series. Hudson will grudgingly marry to save his estates from ruin, and Elysande is both convenient and beautiful. She has her own motives though: a husband who will leave her alone to work on her invention and won't force his urges on her. Little does she know how bad she's going to come to want him! Besides the delicious physical intimacy, I really enjoyed the criminal mystery plot associated with one of Hudson's last investigative cases. 4.5 stars rounded to 5.
Tropes: Marriage of Convenience, Working Heroine (inventor), Spy/Govt Work
Steam: 5
This is the first book in the Unexpected Lords series. Hudson will grudgingly marry to save his estates from ruin, and Elysande is both convenient and beautiful. She has her own motives though: a husband who will leave her alone to work on her invention and won't force his urges on her. Little does she know how bad she's going to come to want him! Besides the delicious physical intimacy, I really enjoyed the criminal mystery plot associated with one of Hudson's last investigative cases. 4.5 stars rounded to 5.
Tropes: Marriage of Convenience, Working Heroine (inventor), Spy/Govt Work
Steam: 5
November 16, 2021
I AM HERE FOR HUDSON STONE AND HE IS MY NEW BOOK DUKEFRIEND!
So...Scarlett Scott announces she has a new series with a focus on the lords. I was excited. Because #fangirl. It is not unknown that the League of Dukes is one of my favorites. Besides a love story, she intermingles a bit of mystery to keep the pages turning.
Hudson and Elysande have a match of convenience. He has inherited a crumbling dukedom, and she has a dowry. Although one would never give a second look to the other, because who really wants to get married. *wink* I loved that Hudson was this stoic hero who couldn't help but be captivated by this smart lady. I loved she didn't give her true self up and they found to fall in love with their unusual but best qualities.
Once again, Scarlett Scott has launched a series I cannot wait to get my hands on more. She delivers smart characters, mystery intertwining, and the best in the spicy scenes.
Five stars and highly recommend you devour it!
So...Scarlett Scott announces she has a new series with a focus on the lords. I was excited. Because #fangirl. It is not unknown that the League of Dukes is one of my favorites. Besides a love story, she intermingles a bit of mystery to keep the pages turning.
Hudson and Elysande have a match of convenience. He has inherited a crumbling dukedom, and she has a dowry. Although one would never give a second look to the other, because who really wants to get married. *wink* I loved that Hudson was this stoic hero who couldn't help but be captivated by this smart lady. I loved she didn't give her true self up and they found to fall in love with their unusual but best qualities.
Once again, Scarlett Scott has launched a series I cannot wait to get my hands on more. She delivers smart characters, mystery intertwining, and the best in the spicy scenes.
Five stars and highly recommend you devour it!
November 8, 2021
This is such a wonderful beginning to a new series of the Unexpected Lords Book 1! Victorian England 1886.
Hudson Stone is the new Duke of Wycombe after the fatal accident of the former Duke. He was not expecting this Dukedom due to the fact that he was content as Chief Inspector Stone at Scotland Yard. He inherited debts and crumbling estates and the former Duke was betrothed to an heiress. Lady Elysande Collingwood who agrees to marry the serious and very handsome Hudson.
Elysande and Hudson’s attraction is so sensually hot 🔥
As the storyline progresses Hudson finds out something has happened to a violent criminal he helped place in jail.
He fears for the safety of his Duchess and the citizens of England.
The action and mystery keeps you gripped to the book and the characters are interesting. But through all of the suspense in the book, Elysande and Hudson find time for romance and the attraction between them is very steamy 🔥♥️.
There are other interesting mentions in this book, the electric frying pan and the possible use of fingerprints being used to identify criminals. The author used her own view on this to fit the storyline and it was very well done and interesting.
I absolutely loved this book and I love Epilogues 💗 this is of course a happy one.
I was given an Advanced Readers Copy by the author for an honest review.
Hudson Stone is the new Duke of Wycombe after the fatal accident of the former Duke. He was not expecting this Dukedom due to the fact that he was content as Chief Inspector Stone at Scotland Yard. He inherited debts and crumbling estates and the former Duke was betrothed to an heiress. Lady Elysande Collingwood who agrees to marry the serious and very handsome Hudson.
Elysande and Hudson’s attraction is so sensually hot 🔥
As the storyline progresses Hudson finds out something has happened to a violent criminal he helped place in jail.
He fears for the safety of his Duchess and the citizens of England.
The action and mystery keeps you gripped to the book and the characters are interesting. But through all of the suspense in the book, Elysande and Hudson find time for romance and the attraction between them is very steamy 🔥♥️.
There are other interesting mentions in this book, the electric frying pan and the possible use of fingerprints being used to identify criminals. The author used her own view on this to fit the storyline and it was very well done and interesting.
I absolutely loved this book and I love Epilogues 💗 this is of course a happy one.
I was given an Advanced Readers Copy by the author for an honest review.
December 18, 2021
Scarlett Scott has a magical quality to her writing. I enjoyed this story. It doesn’t have a ton of angst like some of her earlier books do. I enjoyed the inventor h, even though her request in the marriage contract for no children seemed outlandish. Wonder if anyone ever did that? Was that a thing? I really liked the H. He was a genuinely good man who did his best by the h. There was a lot of passion. Overall, it was entertaining. The suspense at the end was pretty predictable. I liked the epilogue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2022
Amazing marriage of convenience to perfect love story. Hudson Stone, former Chief Inspector at Scotland Yard, now the Duke of Wycombe is a rather harsh, no nonsense kind of person, unhappy to have had to leave his former life. Lady Elysande Collingwood was betrothed to the former Duke, and sees no reason not to marry the new one as she has only wishes to marry to gain more freedom. Loved these characters and watching them come out of their expected personas and move towards each other. The mystery they must solve is intriguing and will keep you turning the pages. Definitely a 5+ star read.
January 29, 2022
I like Scarlett Scott but this was not one of my favorites. It was a worthy enough read but 4 stars is generous. Plot 5.5(1-10) steaminess 8(1-10)
March 4, 2022
It’s boring when everyone is perfect!
June 13, 2022
Slow moving. It’s my first book by this author and I don’t know if I’ll do any others. There is a lot of superfluous scenes and dialogue that slow the books down.
January 17, 2023
I was looking for some good historical romance on KU and this turned out to be not what I was looking for. Because I was looking for something good and this was awful.
Ellie and Hudson have a marriage of convenience. Ellie was engaged to the previous duke. Duke dies. Hudson is the heir who never wanted to be duke and why wouldn’t he just marry the dead duke’s fiancé and take her nice dowry?
I don’t even want to explain anymore. I’m too bored to care. This book has two characters with zero chemistry. There’s no falling in love in this book. It’s two people in a marriage of convenience who end up in love somehow. Don’t ask me how. I read the book and couldn’t tell you when and how it happens. They just *poof* are in love after some sexy times and working together to prove Hudson’s innocence in the most boring murder plot of all time. Ellie asks for space for three months while she works on an electric frying pan (what…?) and when Hudson gives her said space is absolutely bereft. I’m sorry…what? Why were they both so miserable from being apart from complete strangers? Because they went to second base outdoors? That’s why? It just felt so odd to me that they were both independently driven before the wedding, Hudson to his detective work and Ellie to her engineering, but then right after are mad panting over each other?
Skimmed the last 25%, so it could even be a DNF.
Ellie and Hudson have a marriage of convenience. Ellie was engaged to the previous duke. Duke dies. Hudson is the heir who never wanted to be duke and why wouldn’t he just marry the dead duke’s fiancé and take her nice dowry?
I don’t even want to explain anymore. I’m too bored to care. This book has two characters with zero chemistry. There’s no falling in love in this book. It’s two people in a marriage of convenience who end up in love somehow. Don’t ask me how. I read the book and couldn’t tell you when and how it happens. They just *poof* are in love after some sexy times and working together to prove Hudson’s innocence in the most boring murder plot of all time. Ellie asks for space for three months while she works on an electric frying pan (what…?) and when Hudson gives her said space is absolutely bereft. I’m sorry…what? Why were they both so miserable from being apart from complete strangers? Because they went to second base outdoors? That’s why? It just felt so odd to me that they were both independently driven before the wedding, Hudson to his detective work and Ellie to her engineering, but then right after are mad panting over each other?
Skimmed the last 25%, so it could even be a DNF.
February 8, 2025
1/5 ⭐️ *Rezensionsexemplar
Leider nichts neues, kenne hunderte solcher Bücher. Kein Tiefgang nur Oberflächliches. Nur Sex und Verlangen keine wirkliche Liebe und die Spannung die mit dem Mord aufgebaut werden sollte ist langweilig und unpassend gewesen. Mit den Charakteren wurde ich auch nicht warm. Schade manchmal können historische Romane echt schön sein.
Danke an NetGalley und Aufbau Verlage GmbH & Co. KG
Leider nichts neues, kenne hunderte solcher Bücher. Kein Tiefgang nur Oberflächliches. Nur Sex und Verlangen keine wirkliche Liebe und die Spannung die mit dem Mord aufgebaut werden sollte ist langweilig und unpassend gewesen. Mit den Charakteren wurde ich auch nicht warm. Schade manchmal können historische Romane echt schön sein.
Danke an NetGalley und Aufbau Verlage GmbH & Co. KG
October 11, 2022
Took my final chance with this author, but once again the writing didn't work well for me. Heavy on Telling and melodrama. Each character was an emotional mess, the ex policeman H was not at all clever. The h who is a thinker, loses her mind to lust even though she demanded a three month delay to their wedding night. The OTT drama spoiled what could have have a been a good plot.
November 7, 2021
Hudson Stone is handsome bachelor, gruff & very serious. He is the former Chief Investigator of Scotland Yard & most recently has become ninth Duke of Wycombe - not by choice but duty, as the eighth Duke of Wycombe had died after being thrown from his horse. Now he is facing a run-down estate, numerous debts & empty coffers - he preferred solving crimes which he had wanted to do since he was a child. The answer to some of his problems is to find a bride with a substantial dowry & the former duke's betrothed would be the solution.
Elysande Collingwood is a lovely bluestocking who prefers working on electrical inventions with her father, who was the Earl of Leydon. She had become betrothed to the previous Duke of Wycombe because she was the oldest daughter & needed to marry before her younger sister could marry the man she loves, plus the marriage would be one of convenience & she could continue working on her inventions & he would have the money to repair his estate - then he died.
Elysande still needs to marry & Hudson still needs her money, so a marriage of convenience is arranged but things never go as planned - we have a murder plot against Hudson, a wife who is very intelligent & wants to help, attraction that pops up between husband & wife, danger & murder committed - adventures that will keep you turning pages & root for the couple to be safe & fine a HEA. This was an exciting, well written romantic mystery that I highly recommend. I voluntarily read & reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts & opinions are my own.
Elysande Collingwood is a lovely bluestocking who prefers working on electrical inventions with her father, who was the Earl of Leydon. She had become betrothed to the previous Duke of Wycombe because she was the oldest daughter & needed to marry before her younger sister could marry the man she loves, plus the marriage would be one of convenience & she could continue working on her inventions & he would have the money to repair his estate - then he died.
Elysande still needs to marry & Hudson still needs her money, so a marriage of convenience is arranged but things never go as planned - we have a murder plot against Hudson, a wife who is very intelligent & wants to help, attraction that pops up between husband & wife, danger & murder committed - adventures that will keep you turning pages & root for the couple to be safe & fine a HEA. This was an exciting, well written romantic mystery that I highly recommend. I voluntarily read & reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts & opinions are my own.
March 24, 2022
Chief Inspector Hudson Stone of Scotland Yard. Has recently resigned his position because he is now the new 9th Duke of Wycombe. Hudson has inherited and improvised dukedom with a shabby rundown country manor home and a shabby rundown townhouse in London. He must marry a rich heiress with a very large dowry.
Lady Elysande is the daughter of an Earl. She also was betroth to the deceased Duke of Wycombe. Ellie as she is know likes to invent things. She is presently working on an Electric Fry Pan. She has learned to invent items from her father.
Hudson and Elysande marry with the understanding he will not take her to his bed for 3 months. Giving her time to finish the work on her Electric Fry Pan.
The story takes place an the end of the 1800 just before the turn of the centry.
Hudson is being investigated and accused of murder. This part of the story didn't really make sense and moved slowly. There are some erotic sex scenes. In which I didn't mind reading. The story was slow moving and felt very modern.
Lady Elysande is the daughter of an Earl. She also was betroth to the deceased Duke of Wycombe. Ellie as she is know likes to invent things. She is presently working on an Electric Fry Pan. She has learned to invent items from her father.
Hudson and Elysande marry with the understanding he will not take her to his bed for 3 months. Giving her time to finish the work on her Electric Fry Pan.
The story takes place an the end of the 1800 just before the turn of the centry.
Hudson is being investigated and accused of murder. This part of the story didn't really make sense and moved slowly. There are some erotic sex scenes. In which I didn't mind reading. The story was slow moving and felt very modern.
May 13, 2022
Before he became a Duke, Hudson Stone was a detective. He travels to London to find a murderer that had escaped from prison. He also finds a former lover dead in his bed.
Well, at this point, I'm thinking that perhaps the escaped murderer killed Hudson's former lover and would now go after his wife, Elysande. I was so wrong.
I really got into this story. Loved all the twists and turns. Good characters, especially the Duke and his wife. Great storyline. 5☆
Well, at this point, I'm thinking that perhaps the escaped murderer killed Hudson's former lover and would now go after his wife, Elysande. I was so wrong.
I really got into this story. Loved all the twists and turns. Good characters, especially the Duke and his wife. Great storyline. 5☆
November 18, 2021
❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
💋💋💋
Another wonderful series beginner from Scarlett.
A Bow Street Detective has a Dukedom thrust upon him when he never expected it.
Then after he’s required to marry, for a dowry to shore up the dilapidated and broke estate, he returns to London to solve an outstanding case.
That’s when it get very interesting and tense.
His new wife is left in the country to wait for him.
Things are not going to run smoothly I can tell you now, this is steamy, chemistry driven and so riveting you won’t want to put it down.
Five stars for a brilliant beginning to the series.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
💋💋💋
Another wonderful series beginner from Scarlett.
A Bow Street Detective has a Dukedom thrust upon him when he never expected it.
Then after he’s required to marry, for a dowry to shore up the dilapidated and broke estate, he returns to London to solve an outstanding case.
That’s when it get very interesting and tense.
His new wife is left in the country to wait for him.
Things are not going to run smoothly I can tell you now, this is steamy, chemistry driven and so riveting you won’t want to put it down.
Five stars for a brilliant beginning to the series.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
August 3, 2023
Barbara’s rating: 4.3 out of 5 Stars
Series: Unexpected Lord’s #1
Publication Date: 11/18/21
Period: Victorian – 1886 – London and Buckinghamshire
Number of Pages: 318
I thoroughly enjoyed this first-in-series book by a new-to-me author. The title and premise sounded intriguing, so, of course, I was excited to read the book. We have Hudson Stone, a very successful Detective Chief Inspector at Scotland Yard who absolutely loves his profession – yet, out of the blue, he finds out he’s now the Duke of Wycombe. Bummer that! Then, we have Lady Elysande Collingwood, who was betrothed to the previous duke, not because it was a love match, but because her parents said she had to marry and he was as good as any other male. So, in her view – the new duke will do just fine as well.
I liked Elysande who was brilliant, independent, determined, and at the same time vulnerable and insecure. I really liked Hudson also - because the poor guy just had his whole world turned upside down when they tracked him down as the heir to a Duchy. He didn’t care for aristocrats – and suddenly he was one - and a penniless one to boot. Can he and Elysande make a go of it? You’ll just have to read it and see.
Making a go of it won’t be easy when Hudson takes off to London to help capture an escaped criminal – his last case. Then, he is accused of murder – and another – and … Elysand can just walk away and let it be – or she can believe in him and help prove his innocence. Which will it be? You’ll just have to read it and see.
This was fast-paced, well-written, very spicy, and romantic. I absolutely loved the supporting characters – especially Elysande’s family – and I believe several (maybe all) of them will be featured in future books in the series. I enjoyed the read so much that I purchased the second book as soon as I finished this one. Happy Reading!
Series: Unexpected Lord’s #1
Publication Date: 11/18/21
Period: Victorian – 1886 – London and Buckinghamshire
Number of Pages: 318
I thoroughly enjoyed this first-in-series book by a new-to-me author. The title and premise sounded intriguing, so, of course, I was excited to read the book. We have Hudson Stone, a very successful Detective Chief Inspector at Scotland Yard who absolutely loves his profession – yet, out of the blue, he finds out he’s now the Duke of Wycombe. Bummer that! Then, we have Lady Elysande Collingwood, who was betrothed to the previous duke, not because it was a love match, but because her parents said she had to marry and he was as good as any other male. So, in her view – the new duke will do just fine as well.
I liked Elysande who was brilliant, independent, determined, and at the same time vulnerable and insecure. I really liked Hudson also - because the poor guy just had his whole world turned upside down when they tracked him down as the heir to a Duchy. He didn’t care for aristocrats – and suddenly he was one - and a penniless one to boot. Can he and Elysande make a go of it? You’ll just have to read it and see.
Making a go of it won’t be easy when Hudson takes off to London to help capture an escaped criminal – his last case. Then, he is accused of murder – and another – and … Elysand can just walk away and let it be – or she can believe in him and help prove his innocence. Which will it be? You’ll just have to read it and see.
This was fast-paced, well-written, very spicy, and romantic. I absolutely loved the supporting characters – especially Elysande’s family – and I believe several (maybe all) of them will be featured in future books in the series. I enjoyed the read so much that I purchased the second book as soon as I finished this one. Happy Reading!
October 9, 2023
This book has been on my TBR for a long time. It was a nice surprise. I liked the relationship between the main characters and the mystery they had to solve to prove Hudson's innocence. The spicy scenes were also good.
Unfortunately, I don't give it a 5 because, like other series I've read by the author, at times I found the writing a bit boring and predictable; it wasn't exactly a book I was desperate to finish.
Unfortunately, I don't give it a 5 because, like other series I've read by the author, at times I found the writing a bit boring and predictable; it wasn't exactly a book I was desperate to finish.
January 30, 2024
Rating: 3.75 stars
I definitely enjoyed this story. I was so captured from the beginning that it was honestly like a breath of fresh air. It did get very predictable, but then again, this is more romance than a murder mystery. I liked that Ellie was an inventor. I do wish I would have seen more of it though. Overall, this was well written and a really good marriage of convenience.
I definitely enjoyed this story. I was so captured from the beginning that it was honestly like a breath of fresh air. It did get very predictable, but then again, this is more romance than a murder mystery. I liked that Ellie was an inventor. I do wish I would have seen more of it though. Overall, this was well written and a really good marriage of convenience.
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November 27, 2022Premissa engraçadinha, mas não lerei outro da autora ✨
November 18, 2021
Grit, determination, and a will of steel have propelled Hudson Stone through life. No case he faced as Chief Inspector at Scotland Yard went unsolved. But nothing could have prepared him for inheriting an almost bankrupt dukedom. So he needs to marry an heiress to save his estates and the cheerful, dazzling Lady Elysande is the only one he knows. Elysande was aware the last Duke of Wycombe was marrying her for her immense dowry, and she has no doubt his grim successor wishes to wed her for the same reason. But she has motives of her own for accepting the new duke’s offer so their marriage of convenience suits her perfectly fine. However, there is absolutely nothing convenient about the feelings the both begin to develop. When the shadows of Hudson’s past emerge, bringing them closer together, desire sparks. But with a dangerous villain on his heels, Hudson can’t afford to get too close to anyone.
The start of a new series & once again the author has delivered an engrossing, captivating, enthralling read. I was intrigued by Hudson when we met him in a previous book & thrilled that he’s had his story. I loved both Hudson & Ellie, they were like chalk & cheese but perfect for each other. They were attracted to each other from their first meeting & the chemistry between them was off the scale. I also loved the mystery, which drew Hudson back to London & loved how the pair began to work as a team. A brilliant start to the series & I loved every page
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
The start of a new series & once again the author has delivered an engrossing, captivating, enthralling read. I was intrigued by Hudson when we met him in a previous book & thrilled that he’s had his story. I loved both Hudson & Ellie, they were like chalk & cheese but perfect for each other. They were attracted to each other from their first meeting & the chemistry between them was off the scale. I also loved the mystery, which drew Hudson back to London & loved how the pair began to work as a team. A brilliant start to the series & I loved every page
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
October 16, 2022
Let me start by saying what a sexy fun way to start new series! And Scarlett does such a wonderful job at making a new series fun romantic and sexy along with having you in the edge of your seat for the rest of the book
He is a former member of Scotland Yard. But he suddenly finds himself a duke after a long lost relative passes away that he knew nothing about.. It's a penniless estate along with that the former duke was set to marry a heiress for her dowry to help solve the money problems well he only planned to marry her and then go back to his life in London.. But he begins to realize he feels a strong desire for his wife.
She wants a marriage of convenience with any of the Duke of Wycombe and as soon as possible so that her sister can marry the man she loves.. But when she meets the new duke she finds out he is nothing like the previous one and she feels things for the new Duke of Wycombe. But she needs to focus on her invention.
But some tragic events happen in London and a marriage of convenience turns into a marriage of love and desire.
I received this book as a gift from the Author in exchange for an honest review and these are purely my thoughts and no one else's views
He is a former member of Scotland Yard. But he suddenly finds himself a duke after a long lost relative passes away that he knew nothing about.. It's a penniless estate along with that the former duke was set to marry a heiress for her dowry to help solve the money problems well he only planned to marry her and then go back to his life in London.. But he begins to realize he feels a strong desire for his wife.
She wants a marriage of convenience with any of the Duke of Wycombe and as soon as possible so that her sister can marry the man she loves.. But when she meets the new duke she finds out he is nothing like the previous one and she feels things for the new Duke of Wycombe. But she needs to focus on her invention.
But some tragic events happen in London and a marriage of convenience turns into a marriage of love and desire.
I received this book as a gift from the Author in exchange for an honest review and these are purely my thoughts and no one else's views
November 8, 2021
Let me tell you why I love this book. Scarlett does not let Elysande fall into the trap of the big misunderstanding. Elysande is intelligent, faithful and stands up for what is right. She did not pout or stomp her feet. I really like how Scarlett wrote her to be so strong and never flinch on her feelings. Her parents did not stifle her education, a huge plus for me. She is the perfect partner for Hudson (the Detective Duke). There is a little mystery which you can figure out but the true story is how Elysande did not believe what was being said about her husband but let her heart lead her. Man, I wish some other stories would go this route instead of the women pouting for half of the story. One of my favorite stories from Scarlett.
I received a complimentary copy from the author.
I received a complimentary copy from the author.
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