A Duke for All Seasons

Must Love Scandal #3

by Fenna Edgewood

A marriage of convenience becomes an affair of the heart as a newly made duke offers his hand to a maid. A delightful new series, perfect for fans of Bridgerton!


Featuring some of your favorite tropes...
Marriage of Convenience
Rags to Riches
Protector Hero
Secret Pregnancy


A Tainted Estate…

Summoned back to England after the deaths of his uncle and cousin, Lance Carlisle has unexpectedly inherited a dukedom he does not want. Bound by duty to claim the title, he soon discovers an estate that is tarnished and haunted by dark deeds. As the new duke picks up the pieces, he is startled to discover one of them is the bruised and battered Miss Maggie Mackenzie.

Stirred to righteous indignation one intoxicated night, he determines to right the wrong perpetrated upon Maggie Mackenzie—and makes her his new duchess.

Her Strong Protector

An utterly different woman from the one she once was, Maggie never expected a savior to come through the door and set her world to rights. Desperation forces Maggie to accept the duke's proposal. Unexpected desire keeps her by his side. But as her heart’s defenses begin to weaken towards her husband, her dark secrets threaten to destroy all she holds dear once more.

Duchess of His Heart

What Lance feels for Maggie is far more than mere desire. She may be ruined and yet she's the purest woman he's ever known. Once kindled, his love for her runs deep and true. He's willing to risk everything to keep her safe, but how will he react when all of Maggie's mysteries are finally revealed?



Book Details

Please note: A Duke for All Seasons is a standalone-romance with a happy ending. However, it may feature cliff-hangers relating to secondary characters as part of the overarching mystery plot of the Must Love Scandal series.


Heat Level: Slow Burn / Steamy

Content Warning: Mention of SA (Off-Page)

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical, Regency, Romance, Historical Fiction, Amazon, Audiobook

329 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 30, 2022

About the author

USA TODAY bestselling author Fenna Edgewood writes steamy, swoon-worthy stories of love, family, and adventure. Fenna lives on the Canadian Prairies with her husband and two tiny tots (who are adorable but generally terrible research assistants). She is an award-winning retired academic who has studied English literature for most of her life. Before becoming a full-time author, her last "real" job was teaching high school students above the Arctic Circle. After a long hiatus from writing make-believe as a twelve-year-old, she has returned to the genre with a bang!

For a FREE book from Fenna, join her NL: https://fennaedgewood.com/newsletter/
And be sure to follow her on Bookbub for the latest deals! https://www.bookbub.com/authors/fenna...

Reviews

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy from BookSprout and this is my freely given opinion.

I think Fenna Edgewood may now be on my list of must-read authors; she really knows how to spin an intriguing and engaging story that has elements of suspense, romance, adventure, and menace.

This is the story of Maggie Mackenzie and Lance Carlisle. She is the daughter of a vicar, one of three orphaned sisters entrusted as wards to the Duke of Trent on the death of their father. But instead of being treated with respect and gentleness, as young ladies, they were very sadly used and abused. The story opens after the death of the Duke of Trent, as a continuation of a story arc from The Duke Report. Maggie is a maid in the household, abused by the duchess, and is pregnant with the prior Duke's child.

Lance, the new Duke, arrives back to Feagan Hall, the home of his uncle, with reluctance, as he was not treated well there, and chose to leave to become a soldier at a young age. He never expected to inherit and he does not have good memories of the family or the estate, other than of his childhood friends, his dead cousin, and a neighbour's son. He is appalled by what he is finding out about the goings ons at the hall, including what may be his family's involvement in the abuse of and trafficking of women and children. He feels obliged to offer assistance to Maggie, including marrying her when he finds out the level of abuse she and her family have suffered at the hands of his uncle.

They have many obstacles in their path to HEA, including overcoming her history of abuse and distrust of the Duke and his family, kidnapping, the history of human trafficking and who is involved, betrayal. But the development of the relationship between Maggie and Lance was lovely. Lance was portrayed as a sensitive, patient, and incredibly understanding man.

There was also a continuation of the arc of David's story, considering he escaped the dungeon in The Duke Report, and then disappeared, not making it to London.

This was a very good story that I fully enjoyed with engaging characters, interesting story lines, and intrigue. But there is the mention of sexual assault in Maggie's history several times, and the theme of children and women being trafficked as sex slaves - so if that is triggering, be warned!

4 stars out of 5.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you love a good scandal? A steamy tale of passion and heart?
Then step into the Duke and Duchess of Englefield's ballroom, where under the magical glow of a thousand gleaming candles, four scandalous love stories are about to be told… and the greatest scandal of all will unfold.
A Tainted Estate…
Summoned back to England after the death of his uncle and cousin, Lance Carlisle has unexpectedly inherited a dukedom he does not want. Bound by duty to claim the title, he soon discovers an estate that is tarnished by dark past deeds. As the new duke picks up the pieces, he is startled to discover one of them is the bruised and battered Miss Maggie Mackenzie.
Two years ago, Maggie Mackenzie made a devil's bargain and sacrificed her virtue, her freedom, and any hope of happiness. Now an utterly different woman from the one she once was, Maggie never expected a savior to come through the door and set her world to rights.
Her Strong Protector
The new Duke of Trent is horrified to find a vulnerable young woman trembling with fear is part of his so-called inheritance. Stirred to righteous indignation one intoxicated night, he determines to correct the wrong perpetrated upon Maggie Mackenzie—by making her his new duchess.
Desperation forces Maggie to accept the duke's proposal. Unexpected desire keeps her by his side. But as her heart's defenses begin to weaken towards her husband, her secrets threaten to destroy all she holds dear once more.
Duchess of His Heart
What Lance begins to feel for Maggie is far more than mere desire. She may be ruined and yet she's the purest woman he's ever known. Once kindled, his love for her runs deep and true. He's willing to risk everything to keep her safe, but how will he react when all of Maggie's mysteries are finally revealed?
This is an awesome book full of trepidation and love.
Lance and Maggie are a marvelous couple. She is ruined but yet she loves him. Full of abductions and treachery this book is good.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Debbie DiFiore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly good but tragic

Human trafficking has basically been here since the beginning of time, and unfortunately this book deals with it, and its aftermath. Maggie was a young Vicars daughter whose Father was tricked into turning her, and her two sisters over into the care of a very evil man. two were sexually and physically abused. Then One was murdered, one kidnapped, and one was left broken and pregnant. But she was saved by a really good man. The new duke comes in and immediately starts putting things right. But the evil didn't die with the deceased Duke, it had tentacles reaching out all over the country. And it is waiting to take the new Duke down. Trust no-one. I loved this book. I liked the characters and the trope good conquers evil. The ending made me a little sad because there is still people out there trading children but hopefully that will be distinguished by the end of the series. Just know the topic is a grim one but there are no scenes in the book, just the memories left behind.

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always try to let you guys know when I read a new author. I do spend quite a bit of time researching every new author I read. If I like their book covers, then I check to make sure it is my Regency genre, it’s not sweet and innocent and has sex and strong language. My favorite. 😊 With all that being said, this is a new author for me. I just finished Book 1 and 2 and really liked them a lot so went and downloaded the remainder books in the series.

I loved Lance and Maggie. I loved their personalities and their story. Especially Lance. What a guy! I've loved all the suspense and intrigue thrown into the mix. This has been my favorite of the 3 so far. So glad I picked up Book 1 from Fenna.

[Space Cowgirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dirty Deeds👺🔫🔪💀, Done Dirt Cheap
ADULT Historical Recency Romance 💕and . With Betrayal and Murder💀🔪🔫

This book has it all but the kitchen sink🚽 and it's probably in there, too. There is a lot of romance💕, but at the same time violence💀🔪🔫 and betrayal. Through it all, there is a happy ending.

ARC Provided by Book 📚Sirens 💃
I also got this ebook from Amazon 📚with KU

[Lorraine Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disgusted with what he finds out about his uncle, he tries to repair the wrongs, and evil wrongs they were. Who could be trusted? His uncle's death was suspicious, but who had killed him? There is murder, treachery and arson all in this book which makes for an exciting, enthralling tale. A must read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[JenReviews4U · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written, this book has it all - mystery, romance, humor, children, secret baby, darkness, evil, learning to love. I have really enjoyed Fenna Edgewood's books, she writes great mysteries with lots of suspense and sweet romance.
This book is the third of this series and carries on with the overarching story arc that began in the first book of disappearing girls and the abduction of David and Edith. In the last book, we met Maggie Mackenzie and her sisters and now we get Maggie's story.

She's been used and abused but she will not rest until she has figured out who killed her older sister and now where the youngest one has run off to. But there's just a slight complication now and she just didn't expect the new lord of the manor to suddenly be the man from her childhood dreams. Lance Carlisle the new Duke of Trent doesn't want the manor, the title, and most importantly the responsibility but upon seeing Maggie, a girl from his past, and the state of everything he has inherited including her, he must make a life-changing decision.

From the very start of the book, Ms. Edgewood draws you right into the story and the action. Your heart goes out to Maggie and everything she has gone through and is dealing with. And you will sigh over the chivalrous nature of Lance, who truly is a white knight. While dealing with many heavy and traumatic situations, the author does a splendid job of weaving the tale of this story. There is a mystery to solve and bad guys to find all the while, Lance has to figure out how to handle Maggie as well. We also meet Gervais who brings some much-needed lightness to the story along with his pregnant cat Annette. And we catch up with David who is still trying to get home.
I think this book so far has been one of the best ones that I have read of Fenna Edgewood's. I wouldn't change a thing to it and I cannot praise it high enough. A really marvelous addition to this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Adriana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strong and passionate charaters

The author introduces us to the reluctant new Duke of Trent, Lance Carlisle, who returns to Fagaen Hall, ready to restructure the administration of the property, to uncover the secrets connected with the place, including those related to the death of Margery Mackenzie and also those connected to a destiny. gloomy for women and even children

Upon arriving, he comes across Maggie Macckenzie, the pastor's daughter, who has had feelings for him since she was a child and who, after her father's death, was forced to work as a servant on the property. She had her older sister murdered, younger sister missing, was a victim of sexual assault, and became pregnant by the former duke.

With the justification of repairing the mistakes made with the Mackenzie family, Lance proposes a marriage of convenience to Maggie, who accepts, to protect the baby she carries in her womb.

It is a couple who love each other but do not reveal their love due to all the problems that surround them, including the trauma to which she was exposed.

Little by little, they seek to get closer physically and emotionally in search of the moments of love and passion they desire.

Story that touches on difficult themes and holds the reader's attention with strong main characters, has good moments of relief with Gervais' character, a good integration with the serious and great chemistry of the main couple.

[Viper Spaulding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story of healing

If you've read the previous book in this story, then you well remember that horrible home where Edith and David were held captive. This book gives us the entire story behind that setting, as well as what happened to Margery, the girl murdered in that book. For those reasons alone, this book is a must-read if you're already invested. However, reading the earlier book is not at all required to enjoy this one. We're given enough of the continuing facts so we're not left wondering, and each book in this series is a standalone romance.

Lance is the new duke after the death of his uncle, and what he finds when he returns to the ducal estate is shocking. It only gets worse as he slowly comes to understand the corruption and criminal activity that his family was involved in, and he sets out to make amends as quickly as possible.

Maggie has scars and secrets and more than a little PTSD. She remembers Lance from her girlhood crush, but can't be sure he's any different than the rest of his family now. Her reaction to and subsequent relationship with Lance is beautifully written as she learns to trust and hope once more. Lance is the epitome of a good man determined to set his world to rights.

We also get the follow-up story with David and the cart he found, and I loved the way that played an instrumental part in Maggie and Lance's story. I was surprised by the unlikely villain-turned-hero, though his quest remains unfulfilled and will presumably be addressed in the next book.

This is a terrific series with fascinating couples. As much as I loved Cross and Cherry, I have to say that Lance and Maggie are my absolute favorite. I highly recommend this series. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[BookishMya · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a young girl, Maggie MacKenzie saw a young man ride across the field. A dark, handsome prince of a man. She was smitten. Years later when Lance Carlisle returned to Faegan Hall, a new duke, he saw a young maid and was instantly smitten. And so begins a love strong enough to heal.
The things Maggie has endured would scar not person, but she has an immense strength of survival. She is a beautifully written character of beauty, but even more beauty in her character. I was immediately drawn to the purity of Lances character, a true knight in shining armour. I do love the ongoing intrigue in the underlying mystery. Though this is a romance story, the continuing thread through the series of the Black Lodge draws you in to the inner turmoil of each character. It also provides the opportunity for redemption of some of the darker characters. Well written, edge of your seat storytelling at it’s best. A great read, can’t wait for the next chapter in this saga.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder! Betrayal! Trauma! Spice! Sister bonds! Emotionally supportive men! Consent and boundaries! Mystery!

Once again, Fenna Edgewood has sucked me into this world where the women of the 1700s are mistreated by the horrible patriarchy and a handful of wonderful men stand up for and empower them (in the limited ways that the 1700s allowed.)

Although most of Fenna’s books have had the disturbing mystery of The Black Lodge in the backstory, A Duke For All Seasons brings all of the implied horrors to the forefront and focuses on one of the victims, Maggie, and her trauma and healing.

This was a delicate topic to write about (see CWs below) but I think Fenna approached it well with a focus on consent and boundaries while allowing trauma victims to heal. There was some spice of course (and PHEW was it some good spice) but due to the nature of Maggie’s trauma, it was a slower build to the spice. I absolutely loved how she wrote it! If only all men were like Fenna Edgewood’s male leads.

Also in this book, Lance (the male lead) must learn his role in helping Maggie to heal while respecting her triggers and boundaries. It’s a great perspective from those of us whose loved ones have suffered and who feel helpless to do anything but be there for them.

Please look at my content warnings if you have any triggers

Side note: I LOVED seeing characters from the past books including the (1) adorably brave and (2) morally gray men from the past two books.

Tropes
- Love at first sight (kind of)
- Age gap
- Marriage of convenience
- Helping with healing/recovery
- Separated sisters
- Rags to Riches
- Protector Hero

Inclusion
- R*pe survivors / recovery
- Childhood polio survivor

Content warnings
- domestic ab*se
- Sexual assault/r*pe
- Human tr*fficking
- Child tr*fficking (mentioned)
- Murder
- Animal ab*se

[Cheryl Rosenwald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved that this is the second book with characters from the first book and new characters leading up to another. There are twists but also resolved conflicts from the first story.
So many secrets, twists and turns and mystery, keeps you wanting to keep reading until the end.
Loved the story of a military man who becomes a duke upon the deaths of his uncle and cousin. Although he doesn't want to come to the family seat he must on order to inherit. Lance, the new Duke knew there were strange things going on and it was a dark eerie place but when he saw an old friend working as a maid he went to say hi and she ran away he was concerned. When he finally got to talk to her she was skittish and afraid, when he finally got something out of her he found out there was something evil at work in the house and he was adamant to change it wanting to make it a either a happy place or burn it down and start over.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karen M · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Duke for all Seasons is a very well written book that has a wide of variety of characters. The story centers around three very different sisters caught up in the reality of abuse faced by children without family to protect them. Maggie is so lucky to meet The Duke of Trent, Lance Carlisle at a time when she is alone and facing an uncertain future. Her pain and fear are evident to Lance and the story gives hope that she will slowly recover if only they can sort out the evil around them and trust each other. Her youngest sister Maisie is such a spirited handful and I loved Gervais and his cat family. A good book that does not go soft on the hard facts of abuse and love healing many things. I read an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Shuvai]

I am really enjoying this series. The action seems to increase heat with each book.

An unlikely enemy makes the book more interesting, a real page turner.

Maggiee and Lance met under painful circumstances, but regardless their love blossomed into a big family.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Pat Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

MsEdgewood delivers again with this 3rd in the series. The pain and angst were palatable, the story very unique and the hero/heroine a great pair. I loved how the author allowed for the hero to be ready to sacrifice his all for his lady and the emotional ride Maggie had to endure. Being part of the#metoo scenario, it was very poignantly done and not hard to read through. Thank you Ms Edgewood for your beautiful writing and diplomacy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carolyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story

A very sweet love story with intrigue and mystery mixed in. Some difficult subject matter that was handled beautifully. Thumbs up for another delightful read from Ms Edgewood

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lance Carlisle is the new Duke of Trent, a reluctant duke. He is confronted with the unexplained death of his uncle and cousin. Fegean Hall holds more dark secrets. Missing children, murder, violation and his aunt full of hate. His only brightness is Maggie Mackenzie, one of the vicar's daughters he remembers as a young girl. An unexpected love and the evil machinations of an organization known as the Black Lodge. Interesting plot with more depth and mystery. Triggers.
. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[MR · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Like all of Fenna Edgewood's books, the characters are complex and likeable. In addition, this book has an underlying mystery continuing throughout the series that keeps you turning the pages and coming back for more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elodie’s Reading Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

🏰 A Duke for All Seasons 🏰
A Rags to Riches Marriage of Convenience Regency Romance
Must Love Scandal Book 3)
✒️ Fenna Edgewood
https://www.facebook.com/fennaedgewoo...
Release Date 03/30/2022
Publisher Starwater Press
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KX9BTNT/...

𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯

A marriage of convenience becomes an affair of the heart as a newly made duke offers his hand to a maid. A delightful new series, perfect for fans of Bridgerton!


Featuring some of your favorite tropes...
* Marriage of Convenience
* Rags to Riches
* Protector Hero
* Secret Pregnancy

A Tainted Estate…

Summoned back to England after the deaths of his uncle and cousin, Lance Carlisle has unexpectedly inherited a dukedom he does not want. Bound by duty to claim the title, he soon discovers an estate that is tarnished and haunted by dark deeds. As the new duke picks up the pieces, he is startled to discover one of them is the bruised and battered Miss Maggie Mackenzie.

Stirred to righteous indignation one intoxicated night, he determines to right the wrong perpetrated upon Maggie Mackenzie—and makes her his new duchess.

Her Strong Protector

An utterly different woman from the one she once was, Maggie never expected a savior to come through the door and set her world to rights. Desperation forces Maggie to accept the duke's proposal. Unexpected desire keeps her by his side. But as her heart’s defenses begin to weaken towards her husband, her dark secrets threaten to destroy all she holds dear once more.

Duchess of His Heart

What Lance feels for Maggie is far more than mere desire. She may be ruined and yet she's the purest woman he's ever known. Once kindled, his love for her runs deep and true. He's willing to risk everything to keep her safe, but how will he react when all of Maggie's mysteries are finally revealed?

𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄

Will he realize in time how much he has been duped to save her …

I was bit surprised by this book, i expected it to be very gloomy and dark due to the events leading the hero toward the heroine.
But I did not expect the hero to be so naive and gullible. Fro the moment he steps into this damned place, he is blind to any hint, forgiving people he knows to be guilty, unable to believe even with irredeemable proofs the involvement, and for a soldier falling in every trap sets for him is not much proof of cleverness.
Maggie is a survivor, she suffered the worst, and is still able to breath. So when an opportunity to save herself is offered, she struggles to believe it is true, that her nightmare is over. Her resilience is her strength, she does not take out her fall on the innocent life she bears.

I loved Lance’s kindness, his gentleness at everyone but for a man who survived war and its battlefield, he is very clueless and much too trusting. When the gloomy atmosphere, the evil deeds and the nastiness of people around them are all hints there is no redeeming for his “kin”. Yet he continues again and again to reject these proofs of evil deeds or find excuses for them. I accept there are angels who see good in everyone but the scheme devised by his family is just unforgivable, there is no salvation for such horrors.
4 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scene.

I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CcxLjaRj...

https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...

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[Elizabeth Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading The Duke Report, I was so anxious to read this one that I actually bought it. Ha-ha. I’m so overwhelmed by ARCs that I hardly ever buy books, but I made an exception because I just had to know what happened next. It’s definitely a good follow-up to The Duke Report, and I recommend reading it after that. That said, I’m giving it 5 stars, but it’s not quite as good as the other.

It’s a sweet story, featuring Maggie, a sweet, young girl who was repeatedly sexually abused by the now-deceased Duke, and Lance, the nephew of the deceased duke and current Duke. We’re treated to a memory of Maggie as a little girl dreaming of marrying her prince charming, who just so happens to be Lance. Lance also fondly remembers Maggie, but he still envisions her as an innocent little girl. He is appalled when he finds out what happened to her and pledges to protect. Secretly, he knows he is a little bit in love with her already. Because of the trauma she suffered, he is willing to keep their marriage platonic and wait for her to come to him.
At the same time, Maggie fights the attraction she feels for Lance because her only experience with intimacy was horrific. Over time, Lance proves himself to be gentle and willing to allow her to control the pace of things and she realizes she can trust him.

Meanwhile, we learn more about the Black Lodge, the clandestine society of wealthy and well-connected men who profit off of the trade of mostly young girls. We get the name of the man who seems to be the head of this organization, but there is no proof, which explains why his name is so well known in subsequent books as the Philanthropic Society for the Betterment of Girls and Women pursues evidence of his criminality. The connections made in this book are vital for the investigations to follow.

Why am I giving this 5 stars while believing it is worthy of, perhaps, 4.75? First of all, I found the relationship between Lance and Maggie may have built up a bit more quickly than felt natural. That’s not to say it was not realistic or that the relationship didn’t move in the direction I believe it needed to do; I just think there should have been more interactions between them to build the trust so necessary for Maggie to feel comfortable giving herself to him. Secondly, I felt as if Aunt Lydia disappeared and reappeared without enough context or clues as to what she was doing. If she was still coming around the main manor house, the staff would have known, and they should have told the new Duke, Lance. If he’d been notified, he should have exercised more care in leaving around sensitive information because he knew what a snake she was. And lastly, and this doesn’t necessarily detract from the story, there was one typo that made me laugh—Lane replaced Lance, and I was like, “Lane? Who’s that?” I’m not sure why it seemed so different to me since it was missing only one letter.

The pacing of the story was perfect and the intrigue kept me turning pages. I definitely recommend this book, but I suggest anyone embarking on this journey of reading the series should probably read the books in order. They can be read as standalone novels, but reading them sequentially is preferable.

[Elle Cheshire · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story follows Maggie and Lance, it’s a beautiful story full of heartache and trauma and pure sweet love. Maggie has experienced a lot of traumas (check the trigger warnings for this one!) and she was quiet and strong and I’m so happy she got to find her happiness in the end. Maggie was a survivor and when she is offered a way out she is hesitant to believe it after all she has been through but slowly to comes to accept that this time the nightmare is over.

Lance is also a survivor, he is a solider and spent many year at war. He doesn’t want to be a Duke but comes back to fulfil his duty. As Lance comes back to Faegan Hall to his claim his Dukedom, a place he abhors nearly as much as Maggie, he finds the hall is filled with the darkness wrought by the previous duke though he is hesitant to want to know the truth of it all. He changes things immediately and cares not one whit for decorum or whether something is socially acceptable. He was so kind and honourable and patient and determined to right the wrongs that were done by his relations. He was a bit too naïve - he needed to believe the best in people despite the evidence whereas I would have rather he stopped them immediately.

I loved the relationship between Lance and Maggie, it was soft and gentle and filled with love. I thought the author did a good job of handling Maggie’s trauma and her feelings about it and Lance was the perfect man to help Maggie with it. Their love story was very unqiue and I enjoyed seeing it unfold.

The mystery of the Black Lodge – which is an overarching theme that runs through each book and won’t be solved until the end of the series – was very prevalent in this story. After the previous book a lot was revealed, and I liked how the author linked it together in this book. Lance really got to uncover the truth of it all and expose it those who will continue to unfurl the mystery and try to stop the leaders. This book really took us into the horror of living with such an awful person. As I said, this story was certainly a change of pace, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. As I have read all of the books by this author, I really loved the little nods to past characters/ books/ series as well as seeing the storyline of this series move forward.

The story is essentially a marriage of convivence offered to a girl he once knew. If you like protector hero’s and survivor heroines overcoming their past, then this is the book for you. I very much enjoyed it and can’t wait for the next book in the series! (Though each book can be read as a standalone.)

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right from the beginning my heart went out to our heroine Maggie. She suffered from having an older beloved sister disappear and her youngest sister disappear. She also was a victim of repeated assaults which left her pregnant. With no family and a household filled with fear, dark sinister secrets and a dowager with no conscience who spewed her evil vitriol every chance she had, Maggie had nowhere to go and no hope. She was traumatized beyond belief. When the evil Duke's heir died and subsequently the duke died, a small part of Maggie was relived. She still worried for her sisters and feared the dowager duchess. When the new duke arrived, she shrank away in fear thinking he was like the rest of his family. Thankfully that was not so. However, it would take time and patience for her to trust anyone.

Lance never wanted to inherit the title. He hated Fagean Hall. It was a dark sinister place. The dowager duchess Lydia was as spiteful as he remembered. When he found out the history of Margery, Maggie and Maisie he was incensed. They were vicar's daughters gently bred and Lydia had cast them down. He intended to change Fagean Hall into a happy loving place against the wishes of the dowager. Lance wanted the dark specter that filled and surrounded the hall to go.

But there were forces against him. But with the help of some loyal servants he began putting the puzzle pieces together and what a shocking revelation it was.

Maggie did all she could to avoid Lance. When he was near, she shuttered with fear and paled as a ghost. When Lance found out why he was determined to make amends to her and her sisters. He realized after the many assaults she had endured she could not be near or touched by a male. Patience and love were his only recourse and he was determined to stay the course. He hoped one day Maggie would be able to slowly and gently recover from the trauma.

A very moving emotional story. In the end I wondered what happened to the dowager and Lady Phoebe. That was the only loose end that I found. Other than that, this is an excellent read. I highly recommend it.

Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Haunting
Happily Ever After
Informative
Inspirational
Page-turner
Realistic
Tragic
Twisted
Unpredictable
Wonderful characters

[Mia Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fenna Edgewood’s “ A Duke for All Seasons ” A Rags to Riches Marriage of Convenience Regency Romance (Must Love Scandal Book 3) is a delightful story in The Gardner Girls spin off series!

Lance was a good and honorable man, one of integrity, and kindness. He seemed a bit naive for a time but he stood up to the role fate dealt him and endeavored to right the wrongs that taint his hateful, evil family and turn Fagean Hall into a place of happiness. He was far too good for his family. He became Maggie’s knight in shining armor despite her initial fear of him. When he saw what she had suffered he was determined to make things right, to protect her. He was so patient with her, giving her time, hoping she could come to trust him, love him.

Maggie endured the worst horror’s, she was assaulted time and again, used and abused. My heart bled for her and yet through it all she was a survivor. The daughter of a vicar and a wonderfully warm and good person herself Maggie managed to hold on to a sliver of hope. She was a hero true heroine. I felt her anguish and her pain. She and Lance had known one another in the past and had always been drawn to one another. They were just perfect together!

While this book deals with some dark subject matter that draws your deepest emotions from within you the author handles it beautifully with sensitivity. As Lance and Maggie go about trying to get to the root of the evil that pervades Fagean Hall and remove the stench of it’s vile history she begins to see the heart of Lance.

With a well thought out and executed storyline and the overall plot of the series, the of hope of change, wonderful characters, intriguing mystery, and excellent writing the author brings this emotionally charged, inspirational story to life impressively. I loved Lance and Maggie and how perfect they were for one another. This book held me captivated from the start to finish. It was just amazing!

Thank you so much Ms. Edgewood for this inspiring love story. I am eagerly awaiting the next in the series!

[Gloria Pastorino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lance Carlisle has inherited a dukedom, a spiteful aunt and a house full of dark secrets. When he uncovers the truth behind the presence of a beautiful girl he used to know as a child in his ancestry home, he is prepared to right some of the wrongs that have been committed by his relatives and save her from shame and poverty, even if he’ll never have what he desires most… Her heart.
Maggie Mackenzie is broken and powerless, but she’s still willing to fight for her future. When her secret childhood crush offers to help her, she accepts. But when she starts to really care for him, will she be able to overcome her past and make a fresh start?
I’m following this series from the very beginning and I’m loving each and every book! This one was particularly emotional, because it centered on the abuse that was only touched on in the previous books. But the author dealt with the aftermath of Maggie’s ordeal with heartwarming delicacy and created a wonderful hero who is everything a wounded woman could ask for. I loved Lance with all my heart and I felt for Maggie, who despite her suffering remained strong and open to love. The overarching mystery plot is masterfully developed: it links all the books without being overwhelming and it still allows them to be read as standalones (but my advice is to read them all in order, because they are really worthwhile!). Now I look forward to seeing where the story will lead and when the real villain will finally be brought to justice.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[FD · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book that is best read in the series, because then you have a better understanding of the background and all the developments. I thought the beginning was incredibly good, It creates a dark gothic atmosphere. Lance unexpectedly inherits the title of duke and returns to the estate where he used to stay in his youth.
He has no good memories of that time, an unrequited love, but also a loveless household. It turns out that his uncle was responsible for a lot of suffering and he does everything he can to make things right. Maggie is one of his uncle's victims and he marries her. Then soon it appears that his uncle is not the only one who meant evil.
It has all the ingredients to be a good story, but after the strong start I found the story to lose a bit of its attraction. This is because I sometimes find the events and characters inconsistent. For example the lukewarm reactions to the disappearance of Maggie's sister, how does Lance actually know about the disappearance of Maisie, who told him that, where did Maggie's bruises suddenly go? Why is Lance's former love suddenly brought in, what's the point of that for the story? There were too many of those things that I started to wonder about, which made the story lose some of its power for me.
Still, I think it's a well written book by a talented writer.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Matteja LV · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Perhaps this is not a conventional proposal, but I must say, I feel like a stereotypical married couple already, don’t you?”

📖 A duke for all seasons, Fenna Edgewood

I like Fenna's writting style, you get caught in the story and need to know more. And she always bring romantic heroes in her books. So is the new duke, Lance, who inherits the title and land from his uncle. But he finds out many uncle's secrets too, which becomes now Lance's responsibility. One of them is vicar's daughter Maggie, who was abused by his uncle and is expecting his child. Lance suggest her marriage of convenience and Maggie eventually agrees. But she is so broken, that she doesn't want to be touched by a man again... Will the two of them make it through the marriage? Are there another secrets hidden in the dark?

___________
Overall, I liked it but it was too suspense and dark for me at the times... I like plain romance story, but this story had lots and lots of twists and secrets inside. :) BUT- the romantic part was great.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Putting Things Right . . .

I can’t say that this was a comfortable book to read. Lance Carlisle is forced to return to accept the dukedom and property he has inherited with the death of his uncle and cousin. He doesn’t want it, but duty calls for it. The horrible things that went on which cloud the estate with evil were the most uncomfortable to learn about.

Lance finds someone from his past, Miss Maggie Mackenzie, a bruised and battered maid. She is the daughter of a vicar and she and her sisters had gone to live with the old Duke of Trent as his wards when their father died. Apparently they were cruelly mistreated, Maggie working as a maid and abused by Lance’s aunt who tried to terminate her employment when Lance arrived but he put a stop to it. He also found that Maggie was pregnant by the old Duke who had drugged her and forced himself on her while she could not defend herself. He helps her in an unorthodox manner by marrying her, making her his duchess, even though she is not of his same social class.

There are murders and mysteries to be solved. Will the revelation of Maggie’s mysteries tear everything apart?

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third installment of the captivating series, Must Love Scandal. Ms. Edgewood has penned another brilliant story with this latest addition. The book can be read as a standalone, so no worries if you've missed the first couple. The story takes us to a tarnished dukedom which Lance has unexpectedly inherited after the deaths of his uncle and cousin. He works hard to make the wrongs all right again, and part of that mission includes helping Maggie. One night, having had a little too much to drink, he proposes to her, and in her desperate situation, she accepts. Though desire is a big part of their pull towards each other, they genuinely begin to care for one another. But secrets Maggie is harboring and an ugly past could tear them apart.

This was an engaging story that had elements of mystery, intrigue, and of course romance. The story captured my attention from the beginning and kept my interest till the end. The characters were well-developed and included both depth and personality and I enjoyed watching their relationship develop.
A lovely addition to the series!

I received a complimentary copy from BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Jayne Butcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lance had to sell his commission and return to England due to the deaths of his cousin and uncle. Now the Duke of Trent, he is faced with a nasty and vindictive aunt, a decaying mansion, and the new found knowledge of the horrors his uncle had perpetrated. One of those horrors was the rape and impregnation of a childhood aquaintance turned maid named Maggie. Although this story is a revelation of dark deeds, sinister acts, and greed, it is also the tale of young girl whose dream prince returns to save her. It is not an easy read. Even though most things turn out okay in the end, it is an emotional and distressing road getting there, driven by Lance’s determination to love and protect Maggie and her child. You will find some answers and conclusions to events that took place in the previous books, and a hint of what’s to come. This is a well written, well thought out, intricately related series of books that will evoke strong emotional responses and keep your interest.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sahar's Honest Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful Romance with Mystery

Maggie was brutalized and had her trust broken. Could she ever find it again? The monster who assaulted her was dead, and the new duke was nothing like the old one, but could she ever trust him? Lance would have to work hard to earn Maggie’s trust, and his gentle soul was up to the task. Maggie never, in her wildest dream, thought to become a duchess, but this was exactly what happened. Then, she found herself falling in love with the man who slowly restored her faith in humanity. Secrets, mystery, and intrigue still surround the new duke and duchess. The old duke might be dead, but his misdeeds were not. He was in the business of trafficking women and children, and he was not alone. There were monsters lurking in the background.

This lovely story pulled me in from the beginning and kept me turning the pages. I fell in love with Maggie and Lance. Their story is about the healing power of love. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to those who like historical romance with mystery and suspense.