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Scandalous Society Brides #3
The Duke's Forbidden Ward
Her unattainable guardian
The man she secretly yearns for!
This season, Eleanor Jennings must find a husband. Her guardian, Hugh, the autocratic and devastatingly alluring Duke of Kendal, has made that abundantly clear. The only flaw in his plan? Eleanor’s scandalous longing for him! Hugh might consider her off-limits and dangerously innocent, but Eleanor can see the pain and secrets he hides. Can Eleanor also be brave enough to make Hugh see the passion that exists between them?
The man she secretly yearns for!
This season, Eleanor Jennings must find a husband. Her guardian, Hugh, the autocratic and devastatingly alluring Duke of Kendal, has made that abundantly clear. The only flaw in his plan? Eleanor’s scandalous longing for him! Hugh might consider her off-limits and dangerously innocent, but Eleanor can see the pain and secrets he hides. Can Eleanor also be brave enough to make Hugh see the passion that exists between them?
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 13, 2022
8 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 5, 2022
Sexual tension and chemistry are very prevalent in this Historical romance.
Eleanor has been in love with Hugh since she was a young teenager. She know's nothing can come of it, she is a merchant's daughter. Hugh's father was a reprobate and caused the family much shame. Hugh was determined to live above reproach to gain respect back for his family. And that means the attraction and feelings he has for Eleanor will never come to fruition. Both these two lived in denial.
The first half of the book was full of sexual tension between these two MC. Very well written and palpable. And what I appreciate about the second half is once they give into their feelings and desires their relationship evolves and communication becomes key . They are honest and forth coming with their attraction and feelings. Eleanor is a very strong and sweet heroine that strives to support and be there for her Duke. And Hugh, he goes all in for his wife and will fight for his Duchess.
I didn't give it a five star because I think the transition from Hugh denying himself Eleanor and being proper, to switching to I am all in was too quick. It needed a little more thought story behind it in my humble opinion.
I highly recommend this author, love most of her books. She also writes for the harlequin presents line.
Eleanor has been in love with Hugh since she was a young teenager. She know's nothing can come of it, she is a merchant's daughter. Hugh's father was a reprobate and caused the family much shame. Hugh was determined to live above reproach to gain respect back for his family. And that means the attraction and feelings he has for Eleanor will never come to fruition. Both these two lived in denial.
The first half of the book was full of sexual tension between these two MC. Very well written and palpable. And what I appreciate about the second half is once they give into their feelings and desires their relationship evolves and communication becomes key . They are honest and forth coming with their attraction and feelings. Eleanor is a very strong and sweet heroine that strives to support and be there for her Duke. And Hugh, he goes all in for his wife and will fight for his Duchess.
I didn't give it a five star because I think the transition from Hugh denying himself Eleanor and being proper, to switching to I am all in was too quick. It needed a little more thought story behind it in my humble opinion.
I highly recommend this author, love most of her books. She also writes for the harlequin presents line.
February 28, 2023
This was only EVERYTHING I'VE EVER WANTED IN A HARLEQUIN but NEVER GOT. Until now. I have never enjoyed a Hqn this much (thank you Sarah). It was romantic and smutty, but not only that, a bit kinky as well. My faith has been restored. I found the writing a bit choppy at times, but didn't mind because I was enjoying the story too much. I will definitely be checking out the other books in this series, and most likely more from this author as well.
August 8, 2024
Here it could not be more clear. Especially when he stepped inside behind her and removed his gleaming black top hat from his head, looking like he might have been fashioned out of the same fine materials as his home. Cold marble and priceless gold. Untouchable. Beyond reach. Even with this gulf between them, she felt drawn to him. And that was the most absurd thing. Why should she feel a pull towards a man who occupied the stars?
I really enjoyed this one. :) Hugh & Eleanor were waiting patiently in the background of MARRIAGE DEAL WITH THE DEVILISH DUKE, & I’d have been sad if their tension wasn’t explosive. Thankfully, Millie Adams didn’t try to pretty up Hugh’s rough touch or Eleanor’s hunger for his tightly-wound manhandling—they start slow, gradually wearing away control to uncover their complimentary lust, which culminates in a scene I’d never expected to find in a Harlequin Historical. 😈 Let’s just say a bodice is ripped. Literally. With an erotic chokehold to follow.
It was Eleanor who created this uncontrollable fire in him. Eleanor who made it all impossible. Even if she were not his ward, she was not the woman he would choose. Control was everything. The fact that he had sent her away last night was a testament to his. He had felt her burning in his arms. But she did not really know what she asked.
So…yes. It’s vanilla bean. 🖤
If you liked Briggs & Bea’s story, you should like this one too. Hugh’s tendencies are somewhat similar to Briggs, though Hugh’s kink is to cut loose in bed, finally relaxing his ironclad self-control to play rough, whereas Briggs dominates because he so often feels out of control beyond sex & orchids. Likewise, while Bea begins so sweetly guileless re: the dangers inherent in sex with Briggs (or anyone else), Eleanor is fully cognizant of why she can’t afford to desire a man like Hugh. Briggs has the patience to nurture Bea’s innocent lust into submission, but Hugh doesn’t suffer fools—Eleanor might be a virgin, but she enters their relationship with eyes open, deliberately provoking him because it excites her to fan his anger. They fit together very well. 💞
4.5/5 stars. The final act introduced a totally unnecessary stumbling block—a token effort at schmoopy romance that felt out of step with the remainder, so I wish the author had left that out, but eh…certain tropes have become ingrained in romance culture. *dismissive gesture* Otherwise, this was a fun, gently spicy romance, & I REALLY hope Ms Adams continues to push Harley’s envelope with her vanilla bean Historicals. 😗
I really enjoyed this one. :) Hugh & Eleanor were waiting patiently in the background of MARRIAGE DEAL WITH THE DEVILISH DUKE, & I’d have been sad if their tension wasn’t explosive. Thankfully, Millie Adams didn’t try to pretty up Hugh’s rough touch or Eleanor’s hunger for his tightly-wound manhandling—they start slow, gradually wearing away control to uncover their complimentary lust, which culminates in a scene I’d never expected to find in a Harlequin Historical. 😈 Let’s just say a bodice is ripped. Literally. With an erotic chokehold to follow.
It was Eleanor who created this uncontrollable fire in him. Eleanor who made it all impossible. Even if she were not his ward, she was not the woman he would choose. Control was everything. The fact that he had sent her away last night was a testament to his. He had felt her burning in his arms. But she did not really know what she asked.
So…yes. It’s vanilla bean. 🖤
If you liked Briggs & Bea’s story, you should like this one too. Hugh’s tendencies are somewhat similar to Briggs, though Hugh’s kink is to cut loose in bed, finally relaxing his ironclad self-control to play rough, whereas Briggs dominates because he so often feels out of control beyond sex & orchids. Likewise, while Bea begins so sweetly guileless re: the dangers inherent in sex with Briggs (or anyone else), Eleanor is fully cognizant of why she can’t afford to desire a man like Hugh. Briggs has the patience to nurture Bea’s innocent lust into submission, but Hugh doesn’t suffer fools—Eleanor might be a virgin, but she enters their relationship with eyes open, deliberately provoking him because it excites her to fan his anger. They fit together very well. 💞
4.5/5 stars. The final act introduced a totally unnecessary stumbling block—a token effort at schmoopy romance that felt out of step with the remainder, so I wish the author had left that out, but eh…certain tropes have become ingrained in romance culture. *dismissive gesture* Otherwise, this was a fun, gently spicy romance, & I REALLY hope Ms Adams continues to push Harley’s envelope with her vanilla bean Historicals. 😗
March 20, 2024
Duke Emotionally Constipated and His Silly Little Feelings
April 26, 2022
I love scandals…
This story was amazing like actually. I’ve been waiting for this since November and I am very pleased with what I’ve read because I could not put this book down for the life of me. It fulfilled my expectations and my favorite tropes like one bed, ball rooms, him seeing her in a pretty dress, jealousy, angst, temptations. Everything was delivered as it was supposed to be, nothing was rushed which is something that I really appreciate.
Hugh and Eleanor’s relationship was amazing. He was broken and only thought of others. Eleanor is probably my favorite heroine in this trilogy just because she is badass.
The spice was … *chief kiss*.
My thanks to the author once again because she did an amazing job at delivering not one or two, but THREE amazing stories with incredible sweet and passionate couples. Now I’m going to patiently wait for her next book hoping that it will be in this same genre.
This story was amazing like actually. I’ve been waiting for this since November and I am very pleased with what I’ve read because I could not put this book down for the life of me. It fulfilled my expectations and my favorite tropes like one bed, ball rooms, him seeing her in a pretty dress, jealousy, angst, temptations. Everything was delivered as it was supposed to be, nothing was rushed which is something that I really appreciate.
Hugh and Eleanor’s relationship was amazing. He was broken and only thought of others. Eleanor is probably my favorite heroine in this trilogy just because she is badass.
The spice was … *chief kiss*.
My thanks to the author once again because she did an amazing job at delivering not one or two, but THREE amazing stories with incredible sweet and passionate couples. Now I’m going to patiently wait for her next book hoping that it will be in this same genre.
March 1, 2023
GUYSSSSSSSSSSSSS I am heartbroken this didn't work for me!
I wish I had an answer because this should have been a new favorite for me, but it just didn't sparkle like I had hoped it would.
That important ingredient was missing and I can't tell you what it was, but that it lacked flavor. Possibly has to do with me putting high expectations on this book...that's never a good way to start. Either way, I didn't jam with these characters and while I doooo love the kink in this book, it seemed a little forced. I am bummed.
I wish I had an answer because this should have been a new favorite for me, but it just didn't sparkle like I had hoped it would.
That important ingredient was missing and I can't tell you what it was, but that it lacked flavor. Possibly has to do with me putting high expectations on this book...that's never a good way to start. Either way, I didn't jam with these characters and while I doooo love the kink in this book, it seemed a little forced. I am bummed.
July 24, 2022
I wanted to like this book. However, Hugh was a pretty unlikable 'hero.' He was rude to several people during the story and he didn't seem to have the sense to see that, or change it. Being a duke did not excuse his ill treatment of others. I didn't like the way Eleanor felt indebted to him. Yes, she was his ward, but the passiveness which she came at their relationship was wrong. I also didn't understand Hugh's need to choke her during intimacy. And the way Eleanor just accepted it. It really bordered on an abused partner who was so in love with their mate that they were willing to put up with anything in order to be with them. Eleanor may have been a good partner for Hugh, but I had serious doubts as to whether Hugh was a good partner for her, even at the end of the book.
March 18, 2023
This was a light, nice detour from some of the long books I have been working on all month. It wasn't as steamy or as forbidden as the online recommendation that led me to it described, but it was written well and entertaining and I enjoyed it enough I will be going back to read the others by this author at some point.
3.5-4
3.5-4
May 4, 2022
Loved this book
I was hooked immediately on this book. I could not put it down. I could feel the passion between the characters. I will definitely read more books by Millie Adams.
I was hooked immediately on this book. I could not put it down. I could feel the passion between the characters. I will definitely read more books by Millie Adams.
May 26, 2025
You know, I think I might have to write a formal apology to Harlequin. I used to make so many jokes at their expense when I was younger. But after reading over ten of them this month, from the 70s all the way to the 2010s, I have come to the rather strikingly embarrassing conclusion that maybe I was just reading the wrong ones, because almost all of them have been pure delicious brain candy. So I'm sorry, Harlequin. You keep doing you.
Speaking of doing you, this book-- THE DUKE'S FORBIDDEN WARD-- was so good. Between Millie Adams and Caitlin Crews, I'm amazed that the editing department of HQN isn't constantly ablaze, because these authors know how to do SPICE. And despite the silly-ish sounding title, this is such a richly emotional story. Eleanor is the ward of Hugh, a duke. Her father was a merchant so this sudden rise in station is a huge boon that allows possibilities for her that she never would have had otherwise. And she knows this and is grateful for it, but it's still not enough, because what she wants above all else is Hugh.
Hugh is the eldest son of a libertine. His whole childhood was spent watching his sickly younger sister be ignored by his father, who also just as eagerly ran around on his mother. Because of this, he has vowed to never be like his father and kept his kinkier side closely under wraps, beneath multiple sheets of icy restraint. But Eleanor tests this restraint. Because she is beautiful, yes, but also because she sees him in a way that nobody else really has: not for his money or his title, but as the lonely, caring man he is, who locks himself away because he can't stand to be loved by the people he loves in return.
This is no Fifty Shades of Grey but there is definitely some mild BDSM. The author fits it into the story really well, and the sex is part of the characters' emotional development for one another. Eleanor is quite feminist, but in a way that feels realistic. She knows a lot about sex because her father's mistress confided in her out of kindness. Being so perilously close to ruin makes it feel easier for her to ruin herself with Hugh. All of her behaviors made sense within the context of the story. I also liked how the OW drama resolved (very mild). It was bittersweet and satisfying, and I loved that. The peek at the other relationships in this book, established in books one and two, were super fun and made me desperate to read the rest of this trilogy (spoiler: I already bought book one).
4.5 stars
Speaking of doing you, this book-- THE DUKE'S FORBIDDEN WARD-- was so good. Between Millie Adams and Caitlin Crews, I'm amazed that the editing department of HQN isn't constantly ablaze, because these authors know how to do SPICE. And despite the silly-ish sounding title, this is such a richly emotional story. Eleanor is the ward of Hugh, a duke. Her father was a merchant so this sudden rise in station is a huge boon that allows possibilities for her that she never would have had otherwise. And she knows this and is grateful for it, but it's still not enough, because what she wants above all else is Hugh.
Hugh is the eldest son of a libertine. His whole childhood was spent watching his sickly younger sister be ignored by his father, who also just as eagerly ran around on his mother. Because of this, he has vowed to never be like his father and kept his kinkier side closely under wraps, beneath multiple sheets of icy restraint. But Eleanor tests this restraint. Because she is beautiful, yes, but also because she sees him in a way that nobody else really has: not for his money or his title, but as the lonely, caring man he is, who locks himself away because he can't stand to be loved by the people he loves in return.
This is no Fifty Shades of Grey but there is definitely some mild BDSM. The author fits it into the story really well, and the sex is part of the characters' emotional development for one another. Eleanor is quite feminist, but in a way that feels realistic. She knows a lot about sex because her father's mistress confided in her out of kindness. Being so perilously close to ruin makes it feel easier for her to ruin herself with Hugh. All of her behaviors made sense within the context of the story. I also liked how the OW drama resolved (very mild). It was bittersweet and satisfying, and I loved that. The peek at the other relationships in this book, established in books one and two, were super fun and made me desperate to read the rest of this trilogy (spoiler: I already bought book one).
4.5 stars
January 22, 2023
Best of the trilogy.
Hugh, since he became duke has worked hard to rebuild his family, their fortune, their dignity, their honour and their standing in society. On the whole he has succeeded except for his inappropriate attraction to his ward Eleanor. After taking her to London to marry her off, High finds he can't watch her dancing and flirting with other men, but his honour means he cannot marry a woman who is daughter to a merchant, and his ward, so he becomes betrothed to a suitable woman. But after turning down a young earl who wants to marry Eleanor, Hugh faces an impossible decision.
Again very wordy could have been The same book in half the words, it gets distracting.
One of two errors plot and actual, the worst being travelling to London to Gretna Green overnight, barely doable now with decent roads and a good car. Doing it then in the dark with no lights, on rough roads and in a carriage is impossible.
Hugh, since he became duke has worked hard to rebuild his family, their fortune, their dignity, their honour and their standing in society. On the whole he has succeeded except for his inappropriate attraction to his ward Eleanor. After taking her to London to marry her off, High finds he can't watch her dancing and flirting with other men, but his honour means he cannot marry a woman who is daughter to a merchant, and his ward, so he becomes betrothed to a suitable woman. But after turning down a young earl who wants to marry Eleanor, Hugh faces an impossible decision.
Again very wordy could have been The same book in half the words, it gets distracting.
One of two errors plot and actual, the worst being travelling to London to Gretna Green overnight, barely doable now with decent roads and a good car. Doing it then in the dark with no lights, on rough roads and in a carriage is impossible.
December 27, 2022
An Enjoyable read!
This Historical title from Mills & Boon was the first title I have read from this author and on the strength of it I will be reading her books again. The main characters were engaging and the plot, was sufficiently interesting from the outset and as Mills & Boon[s] always have a satisfying climax, it was about the journey the hero and heroine went on that keeps readers engaged.
I found the frequency with which sentences began with the word "And" unusual as this isn't something I have seen in books, but it in no way detracted from the enjoyment of the novel and
Millie Adams has demonstrated her literary talent, with this novel, and others that I will come to
enjoy in the future.
This Historical title from Mills & Boon was the first title I have read from this author and on the strength of it I will be reading her books again. The main characters were engaging and the plot, was sufficiently interesting from the outset and as Mills & Boon[s] always have a satisfying climax, it was about the journey the hero and heroine went on that keeps readers engaged.
I found the frequency with which sentences began with the word "And" unusual as this isn't something I have seen in books, but it in no way detracted from the enjoyment of the novel and
Millie Adams has demonstrated her literary talent, with this novel, and others that I will come to
enjoy in the future.
January 6, 2023
"Love changes Everything"
This quote spoken by Hugh to Eleanor on the day of the birth of their son, is why I gave this book 5 stars. First time reading this author and I do believe I will be reading the other books in this series. At first the story seemed predictable, but the deciding difference was the sizzling, hot sex. I was not prepared for it being so steamy.💃😋 You rock Lady Millie.
This quote spoken by Hugh to Eleanor on the day of the birth of their son, is why I gave this book 5 stars. First time reading this author and I do believe I will be reading the other books in this series. At first the story seemed predictable, but the deciding difference was the sizzling, hot sex. I was not prepared for it being so steamy.💃😋 You rock Lady Millie.
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April 2, 2022Categories
Historical Fiction, Sagas, Regency Romance
Miniseries
Scandalous Society Brides (Book #3)
Historical Fiction, Sagas, Regency Romance
Miniseries
Scandalous Society Brides (Book #3)
February 7, 2023
3,5 ⭐⭐⭐
October 15, 2024
hace tanto que no me leía un romance donde se casaban en gretna green
March 7, 2023
The Duke's Forbidden Ward: ★ ★
Millie Adams (Scandalous Society Brides #3)
Could have been really good but it just really wasn't.
Millie Adams (Scandalous Society Brides #3)
Could have been really good but it just really wasn't.
March 14, 2025
This had everything from the incessant adamance that they cannot be together due to their differing positions in society to the angst that comes with thinking the one they desire will have to wed another.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews