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The Duke Hunt #3
The Scoundrel Falls Hard
New York Times bestselling author Sophie Jordan is back with the enchanting third book in the Duke Hunt series about a marriage of convenience between a fierce female blacksmith and a handsome scoundrel.
A devil’s bargain burns the hottest….
For years, fiercely independent Gwen Cully has worked as the village blacksmith, keeping her family’s business going. But when a local rival threatens her livelihood, Gwen has nowhere to turn ... until a devastatingly handsome fugitive takes shelter in her shop and sparks fly.
Unrepentant rogue Kellan Fox’s entire existence has been a dangerous game of deception that leads him into a fight for survival—and straight into the arms of a tall, fiery beauty. When Gwen protects him from an angry mob of villagers, Kellan sees the perfect solution to both their troubles. A marriage—in name only—that will last a single year.
Only a marriage of convenience can’t hide their searing attraction. It glows hotter than Gwen’s forge and reaches deep below the tempting mask Kellan wears for the world. With every sizzling glance and scorching kiss, Gwen surrenders more of herself to the molten passion she finds in Kellan’s strong embrace. But can she ever truly trust her heart to a scoundrel?
A devil’s bargain burns the hottest….
For years, fiercely independent Gwen Cully has worked as the village blacksmith, keeping her family’s business going. But when a local rival threatens her livelihood, Gwen has nowhere to turn ... until a devastatingly handsome fugitive takes shelter in her shop and sparks fly.
Unrepentant rogue Kellan Fox’s entire existence has been a dangerous game of deception that leads him into a fight for survival—and straight into the arms of a tall, fiery beauty. When Gwen protects him from an angry mob of villagers, Kellan sees the perfect solution to both their troubles. A marriage—in name only—that will last a single year.
Only a marriage of convenience can’t hide their searing attraction. It glows hotter than Gwen’s forge and reaches deep below the tempting mask Kellan wears for the world. With every sizzling glance and scorching kiss, Gwen surrenders more of herself to the molten passion she finds in Kellan’s strong embrace. But can she ever truly trust her heart to a scoundrel?
378 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 23, 2022
365 people are currently reading
4593 people want to read
About the author
Sophie Jordan
83 books8,992 followersPseudonym:
Sharie Kohler
Sophie Jordan took her adolescent daydreaming one step further and penned her first historical romance in the back of her high school Spanish class. This passion led her to pursue a degree in English and History.
A brief stint in law school taught her that case law was not nearly as interesting as literature - teaching English seemed the natural recourse. After several years teaching high school students to love Antigone, Sophie resigned with the birth of her first child and decided it was time to pursue the long-held dream of writing.
In less than three years, her first book, Once Upon A Wedding Night, a 2006 Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Nominee for Best First Historical, hit book shelves. Her second novel, Too Wicked To Tame, released in March 2007 with a bang, landing on the USA Today Bestseller's List.
Sharie Kohler
Sophie Jordan took her adolescent daydreaming one step further and penned her first historical romance in the back of her high school Spanish class. This passion led her to pursue a degree in English and History.
A brief stint in law school taught her that case law was not nearly as interesting as literature - teaching English seemed the natural recourse. After several years teaching high school students to love Antigone, Sophie resigned with the birth of her first child and decided it was time to pursue the long-held dream of writing.
In less than three years, her first book, Once Upon A Wedding Night, a 2006 Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Nominee for Best First Historical, hit book shelves. Her second novel, Too Wicked To Tame, released in March 2007 with a bang, landing on the USA Today Bestseller's List.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 383 reviews
February 20, 2023
3.5/5 Okay I reread via audiobook and was a lot less bothered bc I knew everything that was going to happen at the end and it felt better paced than I originally thought. Still not perfect but a good fluffy read.
_______
Original review:
✨That anvil is a GARNISH✨
I enjoyed the first half of the book and I was on my way to enjoying it all thoroughly...but then it just ended. Literally the book just ended.
You know when you're getting to the end of a book and there don't seem to be enough pages left to adequately cover all the bases left to fill? Well, I didn't think I had that issue here...until I did. I was at 80% of the digital arc file and was super excited to see the villains vanquished, happily ever after achieved, and our happy couple happy in love. But then 6% later the book was over and I was absolutely flabbergasted. I had zero time to prepare for the end of the book! I couldn't make peace with my demons! I couldn't bargain! or beg! or steal!
It turns out, the end of the file included 14% of pages from the first two books in the series. Pages I'd already read. Pain. I simply don't understand how this book was so short. The terrible rival blacksmiths never got their true public humiliation and his father just gets to...still be terrible? I'm sorry we were simply not shown enough of him to even THINK about redeeming him in that short time.
✨
The relationship between Gwen and Kellan was fairly instalove/lust but it worked for the plot, at least for the first half. There was tension and pining and sparks. But my feelings towards them did hinge on a greater emotional payoff at the end which we didn't get. The steam was another confusing part. Book two was HOT. But here, our poor blacksmith never adequately got to fan the flames.
For ONE, when you put an anvil on the cover of a book and put two beautiful people on said anvil on said cover...............the book MUST include anvil ravishment. NOT an interrupted kiss (especially after multiple other previous kisses had also been interrupted). The phantom pains I still feel knowing we never got our anvil scene will haunt me for the rest of my days. Tessa Dare was able to deliver a nice anvil fuck in a NOVELLA. With a cover that absolutely did NOT promise steamy anvil sex. My biggest pet peeve is undelivered sexual promises and I'm sorry but this is an egregious Tour de Tease.
There was a hot voyeurism scene that heated the iron in my blood and I did like their one night together, but emphasis on ONE. We got some hot foreplay and their Scene, but then the book just ended along with any hope of scorching chemistry. There was epilogue sex but epilogue sex is a garnish not where you shove a penis because you realized your book only had 1.5 sex scenes. You cannot use the epilogue to fill *holes* in the sexual body of work. (Yes I am too proud of that sentence.) The epilogue is a treat, not part of the main course when it comes to sex scenes. It was also only like half a page at best.
✨
I will say, the father didn't lead to the third act breakup exactly how I thought he would, and I was pleasantly surprised. I understood both sides to the breakup and it was over quickly (although this happened at the end so....it was all over quickly. Gwen handled it like a champ and I was a fan. Kellan's "familial blade of self sacrifice" wasn't too sharp here and I was able to handle it pretty well. I also didn't mind that he was a con artist. It was fun and unique and to be quite honest, there are bigger fish to fry.
I still love Sophie's writing and FLEW through this book. I was super happy with the set-up for the book. I'll admit I was confused in book two when the new duke was said to be an older gentleman because...my romance brain is not wired for that lol. But turns out I was not malfunctioning and I'm feeling pretty smug about it not gonna lie.
Anyways, the premise was super fun and the book did deliver on a pretty light and breezy book, but the passion and heat never got past lukewarm. I love a low angst book, with the stipulation that the couple can carry the plot. We needed a cool 20% more development from Gwen and Kellan at the end for them to shoulder the weight of the summary and badass setup.
Overall, I just don't understand how the book just ended. I wouldn't have been so alarmed if the arc percentage left had been accurate...but I can't change the fact that I lost my mind. I fundamentally think a part of this book got lost in translation or accidentally deleted somewhere along the way because it feels nowhere near Final Draft.
⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶🌶🌶/5
Many moons ago, my mom and I rented and watched the DVD copy of movie Morning Glory (Harrison Ford, Rachel McAdams). We got to the end and literally looked at each other in silent disbelief. It wasn't...anything? It's hard to recreate but the movie just didn't feel complete. So we watch the special features to understand what we just watched. About halfway through the behind the scenes, we realized they were referencing a whole section of the movie we straight up didn't watch. It turns out the DVD had a scratch on the exact PIVOTAL romcom moment of the film. The climax if you will. Our copy just skipped right over the meat and potatoes and left us high and dry with nary but a Wet-Nap. We had to get another copy of the movie to cross check and sure enough, the entire movie was different with that one scene included. Where did that scene go in this book? Who swiper no swiped it??????
________
Take a moment with me to thoughts and prayers the memory of this glorious cover and the potential for dirty filthy anvil sex:
Thanks to the publisher for my advanced copy! All opinions are honest and my own as always ✨
________
Initial reaction:
A LOW THREE
I’m sorry but what the fuck was that ending you can’t just DO that and hit send to the printers???? We didn’t even get and anvil scene that had to have been history’s most rushed ending. Also the father is just FINE? He didn’t change at all? What the fuck I know I was angry at the end of book two but at least that ending was believable and ended like a book should. This is….a mess. What the fuck Richard????
But we got 15% of the arc file devoted to the first chapters of the first two books? I’m sick
⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶🌶🌶/5
_______
Original review:
✨That anvil is a GARNISH✨
I enjoyed the first half of the book and I was on my way to enjoying it all thoroughly...but then it just ended. Literally the book just ended.
You know when you're getting to the end of a book and there don't seem to be enough pages left to adequately cover all the bases left to fill? Well, I didn't think I had that issue here...until I did. I was at 80% of the digital arc file and was super excited to see the villains vanquished, happily ever after achieved, and our happy couple happy in love. But then 6% later the book was over and I was absolutely flabbergasted. I had zero time to prepare for the end of the book! I couldn't make peace with my demons! I couldn't bargain! or beg! or steal!
It turns out, the end of the file included 14% of pages from the first two books in the series. Pages I'd already read. Pain. I simply don't understand how this book was so short. The terrible rival blacksmiths never got their true public humiliation and his father just gets to...still be terrible? I'm sorry we were simply not shown enough of him to even THINK about redeeming him in that short time.
✨
The relationship between Gwen and Kellan was fairly instalove/lust but it worked for the plot, at least for the first half. There was tension and pining and sparks. But my feelings towards them did hinge on a greater emotional payoff at the end which we didn't get. The steam was another confusing part. Book two was HOT. But here, our poor blacksmith never adequately got to fan the flames.
For ONE, when you put an anvil on the cover of a book and put two beautiful people on said anvil on said cover...............the book MUST include anvil ravishment. NOT an interrupted kiss (especially after multiple other previous kisses had also been interrupted). The phantom pains I still feel knowing we never got our anvil scene will haunt me for the rest of my days. Tessa Dare was able to deliver a nice anvil fuck in a NOVELLA. With a cover that absolutely did NOT promise steamy anvil sex. My biggest pet peeve is undelivered sexual promises and I'm sorry but this is an egregious Tour de Tease.
There was a hot voyeurism scene that heated the iron in my blood and I did like their one night together, but emphasis on ONE. We got some hot foreplay and their Scene, but then the book just ended along with any hope of scorching chemistry. There was epilogue sex but epilogue sex is a garnish not where you shove a penis because you realized your book only had 1.5 sex scenes. You cannot use the epilogue to fill *holes* in the sexual body of work. (Yes I am too proud of that sentence.) The epilogue is a treat, not part of the main course when it comes to sex scenes. It was also only like half a page at best.
✨
I will say, the father didn't lead to the third act breakup exactly how I thought he would, and I was pleasantly surprised. I understood both sides to the breakup and it was over quickly (although this happened at the end so....it was all over quickly. Gwen handled it like a champ and I was a fan. Kellan's "familial blade of self sacrifice" wasn't too sharp here and I was able to handle it pretty well. I also didn't mind that he was a con artist. It was fun and unique and to be quite honest, there are bigger fish to fry.
I still love Sophie's writing and FLEW through this book. I was super happy with the set-up for the book. I'll admit I was confused in book two when the new duke was said to be an older gentleman because...my romance brain is not wired for that lol. But turns out I was not malfunctioning and I'm feeling pretty smug about it not gonna lie.
Anyways, the premise was super fun and the book did deliver on a pretty light and breezy book, but the passion and heat never got past lukewarm. I love a low angst book, with the stipulation that the couple can carry the plot. We needed a cool 20% more development from Gwen and Kellan at the end for them to shoulder the weight of the summary and badass setup.
Overall, I just don't understand how the book just ended. I wouldn't have been so alarmed if the arc percentage left had been accurate...but I can't change the fact that I lost my mind. I fundamentally think a part of this book got lost in translation or accidentally deleted somewhere along the way because it feels nowhere near Final Draft.
⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶🌶🌶/5
Many moons ago, my mom and I rented and watched the DVD copy of movie Morning Glory (Harrison Ford, Rachel McAdams). We got to the end and literally looked at each other in silent disbelief. It wasn't...anything? It's hard to recreate but the movie just didn't feel complete. So we watch the special features to understand what we just watched. About halfway through the behind the scenes, we realized they were referencing a whole section of the movie we straight up didn't watch. It turns out the DVD had a scratch on the exact PIVOTAL romcom moment of the film. The climax if you will. Our copy just skipped right over the meat and potatoes and left us high and dry with nary but a Wet-Nap. We had to get another copy of the movie to cross check and sure enough, the entire movie was different with that one scene included. Where did that scene go in this book? Who swiper no swiped it??????
________
Take a moment with me to thoughts and prayers the memory of this glorious cover and the potential for dirty filthy anvil sex:
Thanks to the publisher for my advanced copy! All opinions are honest and my own as always ✨
________
Initial reaction:
A LOW THREE
I’m sorry but what the fuck was that ending you can’t just DO that and hit send to the printers???? We didn’t even get and anvil scene that had to have been history’s most rushed ending. Also the father is just FINE? He didn’t change at all? What the fuck I know I was angry at the end of book two but at least that ending was believable and ended like a book should. This is….a mess. What the fuck Richard????
But we got 15% of the arc file devoted to the first chapters of the first two books? I’m sick
⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶🌶🌶/5
November 14, 2022
I think this is my favorite of the series so far! The heroine was so refreshing and I loved how she had a "man's" job and was never seen as beautiful because she's tall and has muscles from working as a blacksmith. The hero is about to be hanged because his father pretended to be nobility and stole a bunch of money. The heroine claims to be in love with this to save him, so they have to pretend to be together. It was such a fun concept and I loved how the hero was really into the heroine and really attracted to her. The story was short and went by really fast and I had a good time!
February 13, 2022
Well, this was a disappointment. I loved the first two in this series and dropped all things for my promised female blacksmith and it flopped.
Kellan Fox is a swindler. He impersonates people to steal from them and is generally a shady dude. Gwen is a badass blacksmith who takes care of herself. Why Gwen chooses to put her neck out to save Kellan was beyond my understanding. But hey, it’s the beginning of the book, I love marriage of convenience, forced proximity, bad boys becoming good, watching two people unwittingly fall in love. Let’s just roll with it, am I right?
Okay but two people don’t fall in love in this book. Kellan and Gwen do not share a single heart felt conversation with one another. There’s no, “How are you?” “Tell me anything about your life.” “Please help me understand who you are as a person so we can connect on an emotional level. Heck, any level!” This book is just two people who are lusty and attracted to each other. They’re forced together and immediately they’re fighting insane attraction. I’m sorry, if I had a man who could DIE FOR HIS CRIMES in my home I would need lots and lots of talking and soul searching and deep seeded connection in order to trust this guy. Kellan is a shady dude! At what point does Gwen decide to truly give him her trust?! What does he do to earn it?! How can she really believe that his doting is REAL?! How?!!!!
To me it wasn’t enough. The emotional component of the romance and of the action of falling in love did not happen. Oh there’s some steam in this book, but I was so emotionally detached from these characters, I didn’t care about it. Skim it, leave it, who cares. I neeeeeeed to feel characters falling in love and I just didn’t get that here.
The thing I love about Sophie Jordan is the quick pacing of her writing. I can read her books in a day and they’re usually pretty low drama and have good mature endings. This book didn’t have that. Drama. Stupid fight at the end. And not even a really satisfying love story to make me forget about all that.
Really sad about this one. I wish it had been better.
I received an ARC from the publisher, review is my own.
Kellan Fox is a swindler. He impersonates people to steal from them and is generally a shady dude. Gwen is a badass blacksmith who takes care of herself. Why Gwen chooses to put her neck out to save Kellan was beyond my understanding. But hey, it’s the beginning of the book, I love marriage of convenience, forced proximity, bad boys becoming good, watching two people unwittingly fall in love. Let’s just roll with it, am I right?
Okay but two people don’t fall in love in this book. Kellan and Gwen do not share a single heart felt conversation with one another. There’s no, “How are you?” “Tell me anything about your life.” “Please help me understand who you are as a person so we can connect on an emotional level. Heck, any level!” This book is just two people who are lusty and attracted to each other. They’re forced together and immediately they’re fighting insane attraction. I’m sorry, if I had a man who could DIE FOR HIS CRIMES in my home I would need lots and lots of talking and soul searching and deep seeded connection in order to trust this guy. Kellan is a shady dude! At what point does Gwen decide to truly give him her trust?! What does he do to earn it?! How can she really believe that his doting is REAL?! How?!!!!
To me it wasn’t enough. The emotional component of the romance and of the action of falling in love did not happen. Oh there’s some steam in this book, but I was so emotionally detached from these characters, I didn’t care about it. Skim it, leave it, who cares. I neeeeeeed to feel characters falling in love and I just didn’t get that here.
The thing I love about Sophie Jordan is the quick pacing of her writing. I can read her books in a day and they’re usually pretty low drama and have good mature endings. This book didn’t have that. Drama. Stupid fight at the end. And not even a really satisfying love story to make me forget about all that.
Really sad about this one. I wish it had been better.
I received an ARC from the publisher, review is my own.
January 18, 2023
Overall: 3.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥 (There are 4 scenes in this book. 3 of the scenes are crammed together within 5% of the book and the last is in the epilogue and is short. I wasn’t sure how to count this one, steam wise, so make your own decision about if the hotness will work for you. The scenes were great but I was sad with the placement of them :( )
Humor: A bit
Perspective: Third person from both hero and heroine
(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from The Ton and Tartans Book Club )
Should I read in order?
This is third in the series and the heroines from the previous two novels are mentioned here. Imogen has some page time (book 1, The Duke Goes Down) but overall this is fine to pick up as a stand alone (I did!)
Basic plot:
Gwen is minding her own business in her smithy, when a man comes in to hide from a mob that wants to hang him for his deception. She ends up pleading for his life and declaring her love to save his life. They begin a bargain to stay together for one year.
Give this a try if you want:
- 6 foot tall blacksmith heroine!
- Antihero – he’s a thief, liar, and pretender (raised by his father and roped into his schemes)
- A bit of fake relationship feel – they agree to stay together for a year before parting ways
- Slow-ish burn. There’s a number of kisses but all the steam is crammed in at the end.
- Marriage of necessity – to save the hero’s life from a mob
- One bed at the inn!
- Working class hero and heroine
- Country/small town setting
- Book 1 of the series is set in 1838 I believe, so this one is early Victorian time period
Ages:
- Both characters are 28
My thoughts:
This book could have been SO GOOD!!!! But I had a couple issues with it. Still, I loved some parts enough that I rounded up to 4 stars.
I loved the start of this story, loved the unique characters. Gwen is a 6 foot tall black smith and I just adored that. She’s recovering from the loss of basically her whole family and is trying to make a living on her own now and dealing with competition that moved into town. Our hero, Kellan, has been raised by his scoundrel father that’s always out to charm or scheme his way through life. I feel like I haven’t read an antihero in awhile and I’m always willing to give them a try.
So, like I said, I loved the beginning of this story. It was action filled and a bit emotional right out of the gate and I was just so eager to see what happened with these two. But the middle was a touch dry for me. I got kind of bored. Then, when they go on the small road trip and stay at the inn with one bed things got fun again. But I didn’t realize that was near the end of the story. The page count was deceiving, as I was only 70% in but really it was the finale. So I think I got it in my head that there was time for a lot more and it made the ending feel even more abrupt to me (though I think I would have had some issues with it even if I wasn’t looking at the percentage.)
The sexy scenes were so good to me – I just wish they were longer. I felt like these two had so much emotion under the surface and had waited so long to be together that I wanted more time because I was so, so invested in their emotional state when they finally came together. What I got, I loved. But I wanted more.
A few other notes:
Content warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes – NOTE: Book ended for me in this version at 88%
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥 (There are 4 scenes in this book. 3 of the scenes are crammed together within 5% of the book and the last is in the epilogue and is short. I wasn’t sure how to count this one, steam wise, so make your own decision about if the hotness will work for you. The scenes were great but I was sad with the placement of them :( )
Humor: A bit
Perspective: Third person from both hero and heroine
(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from The Ton and Tartans Book Club )
Should I read in order?
This is third in the series and the heroines from the previous two novels are mentioned here. Imogen has some page time (book 1, The Duke Goes Down) but overall this is fine to pick up as a stand alone (I did!)
Basic plot:
Gwen is minding her own business in her smithy, when a man comes in to hide from a mob that wants to hang him for his deception. She ends up pleading for his life and declaring her love to save his life. They begin a bargain to stay together for one year.
Give this a try if you want:
- 6 foot tall blacksmith heroine!
- Antihero – he’s a thief, liar, and pretender (raised by his father and roped into his schemes)
- A bit of fake relationship feel – they agree to stay together for a year before parting ways
- Slow-ish burn. There’s a number of kisses but all the steam is crammed in at the end.
- Marriage of necessity – to save the hero’s life from a mob
- One bed at the inn!
- Working class hero and heroine
- Country/small town setting
- Book 1 of the series is set in 1838 I believe, so this one is early Victorian time period
Ages:
- Both characters are 28
My thoughts:
This book could have been SO GOOD!!!! But I had a couple issues with it. Still, I loved some parts enough that I rounded up to 4 stars.
I loved the start of this story, loved the unique characters. Gwen is a 6 foot tall black smith and I just adored that. She’s recovering from the loss of basically her whole family and is trying to make a living on her own now and dealing with competition that moved into town. Our hero, Kellan, has been raised by his scoundrel father that’s always out to charm or scheme his way through life. I feel like I haven’t read an antihero in awhile and I’m always willing to give them a try.
So, like I said, I loved the beginning of this story. It was action filled and a bit emotional right out of the gate and I was just so eager to see what happened with these two. But the middle was a touch dry for me. I got kind of bored. Then, when they go on the small road trip and stay at the inn with one bed things got fun again. But I didn’t realize that was near the end of the story. The page count was deceiving, as I was only 70% in but really it was the finale. So I think I got it in my head that there was time for a lot more and it made the ending feel even more abrupt to me (though I think I would have had some issues with it even if I wasn’t looking at the percentage.)
The sexy scenes were so good to me – I just wish they were longer. I felt like these two had so much emotion under the surface and had waited so long to be together that I wanted more time because I was so, so invested in their emotional state when they finally came together. What I got, I loved. But I wanted more.
A few other notes:
Content warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes – NOTE: Book ended for me in this version at 88%
February 12, 2022
Imposter Kellan Fox hides in Gwen Cully's blacksmith shop, trying desperately to escape a village mob. Unable to stop the angry townspeople from attempting to hang him, Gwen stakes her own reputation by declaring she loves him. Choosing matrimony to save his neck is an easy choice for Kellan, but both see advantages to a short-term marriage of convenience. But Gwen doesn't trust Kellan easily, and it's hard to keep things platonic when their attraction burns as hot as a forge.
This is the third book in The Duke Hunt series. There is helpful information in the previous stories about the town and the neighboring dukedom, but this story can mostly stand alone. The heroine from the first book makes an appearance.
I absolutely loved Gwen! She is working as a village blacksmith, keeping her family’s business going despite losing her father and uncle and having to deal with a smarmy competitor setting up shop. She's strong and capable, but also vulnerable. She feels the sting of criticism that she's "manly" and different than other women. She loves herself, but doesn't realize how badly she needs someone to stand beside her...not as a champion, but as an equal, a helpmate. I connected to that completely!
After losing his mother, Kellan grew up running swindles with his father. This time, his father went too far and left him behind to face the consequences. Kellan needed to work on himself, and Gwen gave him that second chance. He tried to prove himself worthy and worked to gain Gwen's trust. I loved when she punched him and told him not to be a baby.
Tropes: Working Heroine, Anti-hero/Villainous Hero, Marriage of Convenience
Steam: 4 (four scenes, but two are short)
* I received an ARC and this is my honest review. #TheScoundrelFallsHard #NetGalley
This is the third book in The Duke Hunt series. There is helpful information in the previous stories about the town and the neighboring dukedom, but this story can mostly stand alone. The heroine from the first book makes an appearance.
I absolutely loved Gwen! She is working as a village blacksmith, keeping her family’s business going despite losing her father and uncle and having to deal with a smarmy competitor setting up shop. She's strong and capable, but also vulnerable. She feels the sting of criticism that she's "manly" and different than other women. She loves herself, but doesn't realize how badly she needs someone to stand beside her...not as a champion, but as an equal, a helpmate. I connected to that completely!
After losing his mother, Kellan grew up running swindles with his father. This time, his father went too far and left him behind to face the consequences. Kellan needed to work on himself, and Gwen gave him that second chance. He tried to prove himself worthy and worked to gain Gwen's trust. I loved when she punched him and told him not to be a baby.
Tropes: Working Heroine, Anti-hero/Villainous Hero, Marriage of Convenience
Steam: 4 (four scenes, but two are short)
* I received an ARC and this is my honest review. #TheScoundrelFallsHard #NetGalley
April 27, 2022
Gwen was used to being the only blacksmith in her small town until the Meyers moved in and started stealing her business and making veiled threats. Kellan is a first-class swindler, most recently playing the role of the ducal heir. His father played the role of the duke, and upon discovery flees, leaving Kellan to face the music--the music, in this case, being an angry mob seeking to hang Kellan. Kellan is rescued by Gwen after hiding in her smithy, and then by telling the crowd they are in love and exchanging an impassioned kiss. This is, of course, their first meeting. Kellan and Gwen make a deal to remain married for one year for both their sakes, but with no physical benefits.
I think part of the reason this one wasn't my favorite in the series is that Gwen was built up over the first two books, and when the audience gets excited about a specific story, it is always difficult to live up to. With historical romances, you always know how it will ultimately end up, but for some reason, this one felt a little too expected, a little too contrived. The conflict was sort of a rehashing of their first fight, and the spice was scant and often unfulfilling. I found myself checking how far I was in the book far more than I do with a historical romance I love and lose myself in, so this was disappointing. This book had a lot of my favorite tropes, and the story sort of just stumbled along, without much design or chemistry between the Hero and heroine.
I'm giving this two stars, but will continue to read and enjoy the series/author as I did love the previous two!
Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager via Netgalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I think part of the reason this one wasn't my favorite in the series is that Gwen was built up over the first two books, and when the audience gets excited about a specific story, it is always difficult to live up to. With historical romances, you always know how it will ultimately end up, but for some reason, this one felt a little too expected, a little too contrived. The conflict was sort of a rehashing of their first fight, and the spice was scant and often unfulfilling. I found myself checking how far I was in the book far more than I do with a historical romance I love and lose myself in, so this was disappointing. This book had a lot of my favorite tropes, and the story sort of just stumbled along, without much design or chemistry between the Hero and heroine.
I'm giving this two stars, but will continue to read and enjoy the series/author as I did love the previous two!
Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager via Netgalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
October 9, 2022
This is an entertaining, well-written, steamy, historical romance novel. It has a marriage of convenience, a strong and capable female protagonist, a likable male protagonist, sizzling chemistry, and a happily ever after ending. This novel is the third entry in Ms. Jordan's outstanding Duke Hunt series, and can be easily read and enjoyed as a stand alone. Ms. Jordan's loyal readers will appreciate he appearance of characters from the other entries in this series.
May 10, 2023
I am not liking this series being set in the country. I miss the season, the balls, accidental rendezvous in the garden or carriage. Oh, well.
January 4, 2024
(3.8)
my favorite part of this book was when he sucked the honey of her finger… i’m not ashamed 🙈 - i’m back to say i am ashamed what was i thinking???
my favorite part of this book was when he sucked the honey of her finger… i’m not ashamed 🙈 - i’m back to say i am ashamed what was i thinking???
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2022
4.5 stars, rounded up.
The last thing Gwen Cully expected when she went to work in her smith that day was to save a conman from being hanged and then end up betrothed to him – but that’s exactly what happened! Gwen was working in her smith when the man she knew to be the scoundrel impersonating the Duke of Penning’s heir entered and begged her to hide him from the angry mob chasing him. She thought he was exaggerating, but when she sees the townsfolk baring down on them, she lets him hide. Unfortunately for him, someone comes into the smith and sees him and he is dragged away. With the townsfolk intent on hanging him!
Kellan Fox knows what he did was wrong and to be honest, he is tired of his nomadic life, but he made a deathbed promise to his mother to watch over his father and has felt duty-bound to keep his word. But this is the last straw, his father scammed the people of the town into believing that he was the long-lost Duke of Penning and that Kellan was his heir, but when his con was exposed, he took off, leaving Kellan to take the fall. And now with a rope around his neck, it seems like he will indeed pay the price for their sins. But to his surprise, the lovely blacksmith tries to stop the mob from killing him. Going as far as to proclaim her love for him. And it works, sort of…because they end up betrothed to prove that they really love each other.
Gwen and Kellan don’t want to marry, but she knows if she doesn’t marry him, she will be ruined and her business will suffer even more than it has since her father and uncle died. So she suggests a compromise, they marry and spend one year together, in an in-name-only platonic marriage – and then he will be free to leave. Kellan agrees, as he owes her his life, and even offers to help her around the house and the blacksmith shop. It seems like an ideal partnership until it becomes clear that the platonic part is going to be harder to adhere to than either of them thought. Is it possible that this relationship built on a lie could be a love match? Can Gwen trust him or is Kellan just playing her for a fool?
This was a fun, fast-paced story with extremely likable characters and a fresh twist on the marriage of convenience trope. This story has witty banter, believable character development, a marriage of convenience, lies, dodgy relatives, a bully, great secondary characters, trust issues, steamy love scenes, and finally a very lovely HEA complete with an epilogue. This is the third book in the series, but they are very loosely connected and can easily be read as standalone titles. I enjoyed this story and would happily recommend this title.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*
The last thing Gwen Cully expected when she went to work in her smith that day was to save a conman from being hanged and then end up betrothed to him – but that’s exactly what happened! Gwen was working in her smith when the man she knew to be the scoundrel impersonating the Duke of Penning’s heir entered and begged her to hide him from the angry mob chasing him. She thought he was exaggerating, but when she sees the townsfolk baring down on them, she lets him hide. Unfortunately for him, someone comes into the smith and sees him and he is dragged away. With the townsfolk intent on hanging him!
Kellan Fox knows what he did was wrong and to be honest, he is tired of his nomadic life, but he made a deathbed promise to his mother to watch over his father and has felt duty-bound to keep his word. But this is the last straw, his father scammed the people of the town into believing that he was the long-lost Duke of Penning and that Kellan was his heir, but when his con was exposed, he took off, leaving Kellan to take the fall. And now with a rope around his neck, it seems like he will indeed pay the price for their sins. But to his surprise, the lovely blacksmith tries to stop the mob from killing him. Going as far as to proclaim her love for him. And it works, sort of…because they end up betrothed to prove that they really love each other.
Gwen and Kellan don’t want to marry, but she knows if she doesn’t marry him, she will be ruined and her business will suffer even more than it has since her father and uncle died. So she suggests a compromise, they marry and spend one year together, in an in-name-only platonic marriage – and then he will be free to leave. Kellan agrees, as he owes her his life, and even offers to help her around the house and the blacksmith shop. It seems like an ideal partnership until it becomes clear that the platonic part is going to be harder to adhere to than either of them thought. Is it possible that this relationship built on a lie could be a love match? Can Gwen trust him or is Kellan just playing her for a fool?
This was a fun, fast-paced story with extremely likable characters and a fresh twist on the marriage of convenience trope. This story has witty banter, believable character development, a marriage of convenience, lies, dodgy relatives, a bully, great secondary characters, trust issues, steamy love scenes, and finally a very lovely HEA complete with an epilogue. This is the third book in the series, but they are very loosely connected and can easily be read as standalone titles. I enjoyed this story and would happily recommend this title.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*
September 18, 2022
3.5. IT WAS SOOOOOOO FUN and hot and steamy but the ending was a bit rushed...
March 22, 2022
The Scoundrel Falls Hard was a lovely historical romance featuring a lady blacksmith and a con artist. When Kellan finds himself at the end of the handman's noose after his father's con is revealed, he's unexpectedly saved by Gwen, who is compelled to help the man. Gwen claims to love Kellan and in order to prove this fiction to the village, the two proclaim to want to marry, with no intention of staying married.
This one was a comforting read. The angst was low, making for a nice reading experience. Both Gwen and Kellan were characters who were looking for something, and I liked that both helped each other get what they were looking for. For me, the romance wasn't as well developed as I would have liked. These two meet and swiftly fall in love and I always prefer a romance that more slowly evolves - it makes that HEA all the more believable. I typically find this author's romances to be fast-paced, so if that's your speed, this one is a keeper.
I will also say that I loved that Gwen was a blacksmith - and stays that way throughout the novel. It's rare to see a woman character with a career in historical romance and I loved that this was presented in such a positive light. Kellan never questions Gwen's job and is content to support her by working in the garden or stables.
*Review copy provided by the publisher via Edelweiss.
This one was a comforting read. The angst was low, making for a nice reading experience. Both Gwen and Kellan were characters who were looking for something, and I liked that both helped each other get what they were looking for. For me, the romance wasn't as well developed as I would have liked. These two meet and swiftly fall in love and I always prefer a romance that more slowly evolves - it makes that HEA all the more believable. I typically find this author's romances to be fast-paced, so if that's your speed, this one is a keeper.
I will also say that I loved that Gwen was a blacksmith - and stays that way throughout the novel. It's rare to see a woman character with a career in historical romance and I loved that this was presented in such a positive light. Kellan never questions Gwen's job and is content to support her by working in the garden or stables.
*Review copy provided by the publisher via Edelweiss.
June 10, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
4½ stars.
➕ What I liked :
Tall heroine. 👍
(6 feet)
The heroine was a little bit “older”. (28)
Curvy/full-figured heroine. 👍
A confident curvy/full-figured heroine.👏👍
A heroine that is physically strong/sturdy enough to knock someone on someone's ass
that is bigger and taller than them…. And the heroine also has a physically demanding job.
Blacksmith heroine.
Unconventional and unique main characters.
(Most especially the heroine.)
Interesting main characters.
Not a aristocrat hero or heroine.
(The hero is a thief/swindler/trickster and the heroine is a blacksmith.)
The hero is kind of a antihero. (Swindler, trickster)
Good romantic build up and chemistry.
Good and interesting plot.
Rather unique start to the book/story.
Sweet moments.
Funny moments.
Good steam.
Small town setting…. Not set in London.
Same age couple. (28)
Interesting side characters.
➖ What I disliked:
The ending was a tiny bit rushed.
The ending also had some believability/plausibility issues.
(Considering how bloodthirsty and vengeful the townspeople were towards the hero after what the heroes father and the hero had done… they would not have let the heroes father got off Scot free… and he would not be able to just visit like he did…. Also that the heroine and the hero would have forgiven the heroes father that easily is not very realistic after what he did to them… the hero and the heroes father had a rather toxic relationship… and the heroes father was not willing to change or do better even for his son… he was selfish and manipulative among many other things.)
👎 The cover is not representative at all…. The heroine is a curvy/full-figured woman that is also tall and strong like a mix between Amazonian and Rubenesque.…. The cover shows a slender woman on the cover…. Not at all like the heroine is described/portrayed in the book ( curvy/full-figured and tall and strong…...I pictured the plus size model Hunter Mcgrady Or a Rubenesque version of Gwendoline Christie)
4½ stars.
➕ What I liked :
Tall heroine. 👍
(6 feet)
The heroine was a little bit “older”. (28)
Curvy/full-figured heroine. 👍
A confident curvy/full-figured heroine.👏👍
A heroine that is physically strong/sturdy enough to knock someone on someone's ass
that is bigger and taller than them…. And the heroine also has a physically demanding job.
Blacksmith heroine.
Unconventional and unique main characters.
(Most especially the heroine.)
Interesting main characters.
Not a aristocrat hero or heroine.
(The hero is a thief/swindler/trickster and the heroine is a blacksmith.)
The hero is kind of a antihero. (Swindler, trickster)
Good romantic build up and chemistry.
Good and interesting plot.
Rather unique start to the book/story.
Sweet moments.
Funny moments.
Good steam.
Small town setting…. Not set in London.
Same age couple. (28)
Interesting side characters.
➖ What I disliked:
The ending was a tiny bit rushed.
The ending also had some believability/plausibility issues.
(Considering how bloodthirsty and vengeful the townspeople were towards the hero after what the heroes father and the hero had done… they would not have let the heroes father got off Scot free… and he would not be able to just visit like he did…. Also that the heroine and the hero would have forgiven the heroes father that easily is not very realistic after what he did to them… the hero and the heroes father had a rather toxic relationship… and the heroes father was not willing to change or do better even for his son… he was selfish and manipulative among many other things.)
👎 The cover is not representative at all…. The heroine is a curvy/full-figured woman that is also tall and strong like a mix between Amazonian and Rubenesque.…. The cover shows a slender woman on the cover…. Not at all like the heroine is described/portrayed in the book ( curvy/full-figured and tall and strong…...I pictured the plus size model Hunter Mcgrady Or a Rubenesque version of Gwendoline Christie)
December 24, 2022
started interesting but fizzled out...
if you want a historical romance where the hero is not a duke, earl or any other part of aristocracy then check this book out
2,5
if you want a historical romance where the hero is not a duke, earl or any other part of aristocracy then check this book out
2,5
August 24, 2022
Loved it! From the start I just KNEW that Kellen was going to be the type to have me swooning! And he did not disappoint! I really love how Gwen was really the one to rescue him, and that was how their whole relationship began. She was so worried about not wanting to need him, that she forgets that she saved his life! That is a HUGE debt to repay. These 2 had me all twisted up real quick.... the sexual tension was on point!!! I think I need to go back and read the others in the series!
Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice 🔥🔥🔥
Swoon 😍😍😍😍
Angst 💔💔💔
Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice 🔥🔥🔥
Swoon 😍😍😍😍
Angst 💔💔💔
August 13, 2022
⚙️ The Scoundrel Falls Hard ⛓
The Duke Hunt #3
✒️Sophie Jordan
https://m.facebook.com/sophiejordanau...
Release date 08/23/2022
Publisher Avon
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09MD8HSYD/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
New York Times bestselling author Sophie Jordan is back with the enchanting third book in the Duke Hunt series about a marriage of convenience between a fierce female blacksmith and a handsome scoundrel.
A devil’s bargain burns the hottest….
For years, fiercely independent Gwen Cully has worked as the village blacksmith, keeping her family’s business going. But when a local rival threatens her livelihood, Gwen has nowhere to turn ... until a devastatingly handsome fugitive takes shelter in her shop and sparks fly.
Unrepentant rogue Kellan Fox’s entire existence has been a dangerous game of deception that leads him into a fight for survival—and straight into the arms of a tall, fiery beauty. When Gwen protects him from an angry mob of villagers, Kellan sees the perfect solution to both their troubles. A marriage—in name only—that will last a single year.
Only a marriage of convenience can’t hide their searing attraction. It glows hotter than Gwen’s forge and reaches deep below the tempting mask Kellan wears for the world. With every sizzling glance and scorching kiss, Gwen surrenders more of herself to the molten passion she finds in Kellan’s strong embrace. But can she ever truly trust her heart to a scoundrel?
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Can a thief redeems his way for the right woman …
Oh my, it has been years since I have read Mrs Jordan’s books, ARCs taking precedence before other reads, not being in Avon’s little papers, I read very few of their authors.
I enjoyed this book was about commoners in the countryside.
Gwen is not the average miss, she is taller, stronger and performing a man’s job. For this she has always been singled out, and not in the best terms, whispered for her unfeminine behavior and her statuesque figure. And now she is alone in the world with no one to stand by her, and a rival threatening her livelihood.
Kellan has followed his father in his chase for coins, even if he has drawn a line to never abuse women, he is still his swindler thief and cheater of a sire’s son. The one now left behind to face the consequence of his last scheme with a seething mob of angry villagers seeking out blood, his.
How they came to be together against everyone is sweet, the outsider rescuing the pariah, each fighting the battle of the other, slowly coming to trust one another. All the while Gwen tries to quell the attraction Kellan awakens, a tough battle when he is so tempting and so nice with her.
He too struggles, between the pull he feels for her and the shame of his past, fearing one day a thuel, always a thief.
The premise and first part of the story were cute, then it was mostly about going or not going to bed together then in a few pages it was over, no comeuppance for the villain who had made demeaning threats nor for Kellan’s father who left him without a warning and threatened his unexpected happiness.
It felt like a whole part of the book was missing.
3 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scenes
I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/ChHpqC...
https://www.facebook.com/100048385306...
#bookstagram #historicalromance #romance #romancebookblog #romancebookblogger #bookblog #romanceauthor #bookblogger #2022read #bookstagrammer #bookreview #romancebookreviewer #arcreader #bookquote #romancestagram #readersofinstagram
The Duke Hunt #3
✒️Sophie Jordan
https://m.facebook.com/sophiejordanau...
Release date 08/23/2022
Publisher Avon
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09MD8HSYD/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
New York Times bestselling author Sophie Jordan is back with the enchanting third book in the Duke Hunt series about a marriage of convenience between a fierce female blacksmith and a handsome scoundrel.
A devil’s bargain burns the hottest….
For years, fiercely independent Gwen Cully has worked as the village blacksmith, keeping her family’s business going. But when a local rival threatens her livelihood, Gwen has nowhere to turn ... until a devastatingly handsome fugitive takes shelter in her shop and sparks fly.
Unrepentant rogue Kellan Fox’s entire existence has been a dangerous game of deception that leads him into a fight for survival—and straight into the arms of a tall, fiery beauty. When Gwen protects him from an angry mob of villagers, Kellan sees the perfect solution to both their troubles. A marriage—in name only—that will last a single year.
Only a marriage of convenience can’t hide their searing attraction. It glows hotter than Gwen’s forge and reaches deep below the tempting mask Kellan wears for the world. With every sizzling glance and scorching kiss, Gwen surrenders more of herself to the molten passion she finds in Kellan’s strong embrace. But can she ever truly trust her heart to a scoundrel?
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Can a thief redeems his way for the right woman …
Oh my, it has been years since I have read Mrs Jordan’s books, ARCs taking precedence before other reads, not being in Avon’s little papers, I read very few of their authors.
I enjoyed this book was about commoners in the countryside.
Gwen is not the average miss, she is taller, stronger and performing a man’s job. For this she has always been singled out, and not in the best terms, whispered for her unfeminine behavior and her statuesque figure. And now she is alone in the world with no one to stand by her, and a rival threatening her livelihood.
Kellan has followed his father in his chase for coins, even if he has drawn a line to never abuse women, he is still his swindler thief and cheater of a sire’s son. The one now left behind to face the consequence of his last scheme with a seething mob of angry villagers seeking out blood, his.
How they came to be together against everyone is sweet, the outsider rescuing the pariah, each fighting the battle of the other, slowly coming to trust one another. All the while Gwen tries to quell the attraction Kellan awakens, a tough battle when he is so tempting and so nice with her.
He too struggles, between the pull he feels for her and the shame of his past, fearing one day a thuel, always a thief.
The premise and first part of the story were cute, then it was mostly about going or not going to bed together then in a few pages it was over, no comeuppance for the villain who had made demeaning threats nor for Kellan’s father who left him without a warning and threatened his unexpected happiness.
It felt like a whole part of the book was missing.
3 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scenes
I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/ChHpqC...
https://www.facebook.com/100048385306...
#bookstagram #historicalromance #romance #romancebookblog #romancebookblogger #bookblog #romanceauthor #bookblogger #2022read #bookstagrammer #bookreview #romancebookreviewer #arcreader #bookquote #romancestagram #readersofinstagram
January 23, 2024
This was a cute, quick read and exactly what I needed on a day I was ill and sprawled on the couch with hot tea
It’s not going to win any literature awards but it ticked all the boxes for light, airy romantic story set in a whimsical 1800s English village. It took me about 4 hours to read so it’s only a short book and a fast- paced one at that.
Both Gwen and Kellan are very heart warming characters and I was rooting for them to end up together. He had no prospects and she was a strong independent gal that didn’t need a man, but inadvertently gave him a purpose in life - it was cute guys💖 plus it has my ultimate favourite trope - arranged marriage / marriage of convenience! can’t explain why but that trope always manages to warm my heart
Would recommend if you’re looking for a comforting, easy romance read
It’s not going to win any literature awards but it ticked all the boxes for light, airy romantic story set in a whimsical 1800s English village. It took me about 4 hours to read so it’s only a short book and a fast- paced one at that.
Both Gwen and Kellan are very heart warming characters and I was rooting for them to end up together. He had no prospects and she was a strong independent gal that didn’t need a man, but inadvertently gave him a purpose in life - it was cute guys💖 plus it has my ultimate favourite trope - arranged marriage / marriage of convenience! can’t explain why but that trope always manages to warm my heart
Would recommend if you’re looking for a comforting, easy romance read
June 26, 2022
Rated 3.5 Stars
The Scoundrel Falls Hard has one of the most unconventional meetings between the hero and heroine I’ve ever read. I liked that the heroine, Gwen saved the hero. I loved that she was a blacksmith, strong and that the hero saw her differently to how everyone else saw her, that the things that made her her were a turn on for him rather than a turn off. Even though it was far fetched for the most part it was still an entertaining read.
Copy provided by publisher through Net Galley
The Scoundrel Falls Hard has one of the most unconventional meetings between the hero and heroine I’ve ever read. I liked that the heroine, Gwen saved the hero. I loved that she was a blacksmith, strong and that the hero saw her differently to how everyone else saw her, that the things that made her her were a turn on for him rather than a turn off. Even though it was far fetched for the most part it was still an entertaining read.
Copy provided by publisher through Net Galley
August 23, 2022
When I pick up a Sophie Jordan, I always expect to be swiftly drawn into a quick paced, fun, low angst and sweet romance, and this novel easily checks all those boxes. When this heroine was teased throughout the last two books, I definitely knew I wanted to read her story. And this cover is absolute perfection. This novel is quite fun and charming, it is light hearted and is very easily accessible. I did enjoy this book while reading it and quickly devoured this story, but I was definitely left a little lacking when it comes to the physical development of the hero and heroine's relationship, which was quite slow burn throughout this quick novel. As well as I am a little disappointed we did not get more action on the anvil. But if you love Sophie Jordan, i am sure you will find this novel fun and charming in the sweet and soft way Jordan's works always hit.
Gwen is a blacksmith, she was raised by her uncle and father who taught her their trade, but after they both died she has left struggling to keep the shop going as well as dealing with new competition in the form of another Blacksmith shop run by a father and sons. One night when a stranger seeks refuge in her shop from an angry mob, she finds herself betrothed to him in order to save his life. Kellan is a scoundrel who has been working with his father swindling and tricking people out of their money and hopping from one scam to another. But when Kellan is caught he now finds himself at the mercy of a female blacksmith, who is a tall and independent bombshell that tempts him at every turn.
This novel starts off with a bang and clips swiftly along even though it is really just a day by day exploration of the development of Gwen and Kellan's relationship leading up to their wedding day. Gwen sees Kellan as a boon who can help her get her business back in order, so she bargains with him to stay for a year to help her get back on her feet and then she will release him. Kellan agrees seeing this as an opportunity to pay her back for saving her life. Their relationship develops in the everyday activities they do to help each other, interact with other people in the town, and the soft exploration of kisses that spark from their developing chemistry. Ultimately this is a sweet building of a relationship of two people learning to trust the other and to see and discover what might be if they give each other a chance. The steamy moments between these two fall very close to the end of the novel, but they definitely spark with sensuality and show the next step of trust and understanding between these two. This novel to me read very quickly and felt rather short in many ways, I would not have minded spending a bit more time with these two and seeing them work a bit more side by side with each other. I think we missed out on some fun and entertaining moments that could have taken place in the forge. Because of this I thing some of the growth and building of chemistry between Kellan and Gwen is missing and the relationship lacked a bit of development for me to truly be sweep by into their romance.
Overall, this novel is fun and easily enjoyable, Jordan's works are always a delightful read but don't always stick or hit as hard as other historical romances for me. Still enjoyable way to spend an evening and if you like Jordan, i think you will still like this. We do get some teasing for the next novel in this series and I am looking forward to it.
3.5 Stars rounded up to 4.
Thank you to Avon Books and NetGalley for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Gwen is a blacksmith, she was raised by her uncle and father who taught her their trade, but after they both died she has left struggling to keep the shop going as well as dealing with new competition in the form of another Blacksmith shop run by a father and sons. One night when a stranger seeks refuge in her shop from an angry mob, she finds herself betrothed to him in order to save his life. Kellan is a scoundrel who has been working with his father swindling and tricking people out of their money and hopping from one scam to another. But when Kellan is caught he now finds himself at the mercy of a female blacksmith, who is a tall and independent bombshell that tempts him at every turn.
This novel starts off with a bang and clips swiftly along even though it is really just a day by day exploration of the development of Gwen and Kellan's relationship leading up to their wedding day. Gwen sees Kellan as a boon who can help her get her business back in order, so she bargains with him to stay for a year to help her get back on her feet and then she will release him. Kellan agrees seeing this as an opportunity to pay her back for saving her life. Their relationship develops in the everyday activities they do to help each other, interact with other people in the town, and the soft exploration of kisses that spark from their developing chemistry. Ultimately this is a sweet building of a relationship of two people learning to trust the other and to see and discover what might be if they give each other a chance. The steamy moments between these two fall very close to the end of the novel, but they definitely spark with sensuality and show the next step of trust and understanding between these two. This novel to me read very quickly and felt rather short in many ways, I would not have minded spending a bit more time with these two and seeing them work a bit more side by side with each other. I think we missed out on some fun and entertaining moments that could have taken place in the forge. Because of this I thing some of the growth and building of chemistry between Kellan and Gwen is missing and the relationship lacked a bit of development for me to truly be sweep by into their romance.
Overall, this novel is fun and easily enjoyable, Jordan's works are always a delightful read but don't always stick or hit as hard as other historical romances for me. Still enjoyable way to spend an evening and if you like Jordan, i think you will still like this. We do get some teasing for the next novel in this series and I am looking forward to it.
3.5 Stars rounded up to 4.
Thank you to Avon Books and NetGalley for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 15, 2022
Gwen Cully has become independent because she’s had to be, having had the running of her family’s blacksmithing business since her father’s and uncle's illnesses and subsequent deaths. Now a new blacksmith has moved into the village and is threatening Gwen’s livelihood, though she has no one to turn to for help catching up on her orders. But all that changes when a ridiculously attractive fugitive uses her shop as a place to hide out from an angry mob.
Kellan Fox is a confidence man and has made no secret of it, though most of his actions have been with the express goal of keeping his father out of trouble as much as possible. Unfortunately, his father hasn’t shown Kellan the same consideration or loyalty, leaving him fighting for his life against an angry mob of villagers. When Gwen protects him and stands up for him against the outraged mob actively trying to hang him, Kellan and Gwen wind up roped into agreeing to marry. Marriage may be the only way to save Kellan’s life, so Gwen agrees, with the stipulation that it be a union in name only and that it will end in a year’s time.
Despite her ground rules, Kellan makes no secret of his attraction to Gwen, though she’s often skeptical of his sincerity. Though she has reservations, Gwen finds herself allowing Kellan ever closer to both her heart and her body, all the while still questioning whether or not she can truly trust him.
This was such a uniquely tropey book! I really liked the fact that not only do we have a working heroine, but neither of the MCs is titled. Both are ordinary people, and the hero is more of an antihero and very much a scoundrel, though with a heart of gold and his own set of morals. He was so sweet to and protective of Gwen, and his admiration for her so abundantly clear, that it was impossible for me not to root for them as a couple. In fact, contrary to my expectations, it wasn’t the scoundrel hero responsible for the annoyances I did have with this book, but the heroine as she kept being so wishy-washy with him out of her own discomfort with her reaction to him. She did at least realize what she was doing and take steps to ameliorate this behavior, but it took a while. Thankfully, in the meantime, the sexual tension between these two built through the roof and made this feel like the slowest burn ever as I waited for these two to finally give in and admit their feelings/desires. These two were fire when they finally did come together, but I have to say I would’ve loved to see a bit more of that. Maybe that makes me sound dirty or whatever, but I don’t care. These two had phenomenal chemistry and I wanted to see more culmination of that. Nevertheless, I loved seeing a tall, not especially conventionally feminine woman get the male and attention and praise she deserved, as well as someone to stand up for and defend her, all the while being wholly aware that she didn’t need him to. Along those lines, I definitely wanted to see the disgustingly oafish Meyer put in his place more firmly, but alas, it was not to be. Overall, this storyline was bananas given the way these two came together, the villagers are certifiable and I’m not sure I’d have wanted to live there still if I had been either of these two, but I very much liked this couple.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
Kellan Fox is a confidence man and has made no secret of it, though most of his actions have been with the express goal of keeping his father out of trouble as much as possible. Unfortunately, his father hasn’t shown Kellan the same consideration or loyalty, leaving him fighting for his life against an angry mob of villagers. When Gwen protects him and stands up for him against the outraged mob actively trying to hang him, Kellan and Gwen wind up roped into agreeing to marry. Marriage may be the only way to save Kellan’s life, so Gwen agrees, with the stipulation that it be a union in name only and that it will end in a year’s time.
Despite her ground rules, Kellan makes no secret of his attraction to Gwen, though she’s often skeptical of his sincerity. Though she has reservations, Gwen finds herself allowing Kellan ever closer to both her heart and her body, all the while still questioning whether or not she can truly trust him.
This was such a uniquely tropey book! I really liked the fact that not only do we have a working heroine, but neither of the MCs is titled. Both are ordinary people, and the hero is more of an antihero and very much a scoundrel, though with a heart of gold and his own set of morals. He was so sweet to and protective of Gwen, and his admiration for her so abundantly clear, that it was impossible for me not to root for them as a couple. In fact, contrary to my expectations, it wasn’t the scoundrel hero responsible for the annoyances I did have with this book, but the heroine as she kept being so wishy-washy with him out of her own discomfort with her reaction to him. She did at least realize what she was doing and take steps to ameliorate this behavior, but it took a while. Thankfully, in the meantime, the sexual tension between these two built through the roof and made this feel like the slowest burn ever as I waited for these two to finally give in and admit their feelings/desires. These two were fire when they finally did come together, but I have to say I would’ve loved to see a bit more of that. Maybe that makes me sound dirty or whatever, but I don’t care. These two had phenomenal chemistry and I wanted to see more culmination of that. Nevertheless, I loved seeing a tall, not especially conventionally feminine woman get the male and attention and praise she deserved, as well as someone to stand up for and defend her, all the while being wholly aware that she didn’t need him to. Along those lines, I definitely wanted to see the disgustingly oafish Meyer put in his place more firmly, but alas, it was not to be. Overall, this storyline was bananas given the way these two came together, the villagers are certifiable and I’m not sure I’d have wanted to live there still if I had been either of these two, but I very much liked this couple.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
dnf
August 2, 2022DNF at 40%
I have been trying to read this book for three and a half months, but I just can’t seem to make any progress. I liked the first two in the series well enough, but this one feels… dull. Despite being quite action-packed at the beginning, I simply could not bring myself to care.
8/2
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a voluntary review.
I have been trying to read this book for three and a half months, but I just can’t seem to make any progress. I liked the first two in the series well enough, but this one feels… dull. Despite being quite action-packed at the beginning, I simply could not bring myself to care.
8/2
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a voluntary review.
August 20, 2022
I was instantly intrigued about Gwen’s story when I met her in the previous book.
I really really liked Gwen. She’s strong and capable and such a good person. I kept picturing Gwendoline Christie and it was everything. Kellen is charming and charismatic and learning the error of his ways. Together there’s honesty, a willingness to learn, and chemistry.
Plot wise, it was mostly good. The story is enjoyable and moves at a great pace and then it just ends. It felt abrupt and unfinished. There were a few things that were never really addressed (smarmy rival blacksmith and sons, I’m looking at you) and I truly thought I was missing something in my digital copy.
Overall, these characters were a lot of fun and they deserved a bit more, even if the epilogue was fantastic.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**
I really really liked Gwen. She’s strong and capable and such a good person. I kept picturing Gwendoline Christie and it was everything. Kellen is charming and charismatic and learning the error of his ways. Together there’s honesty, a willingness to learn, and chemistry.
Plot wise, it was mostly good. The story is enjoyable and moves at a great pace and then it just ends. It felt abrupt and unfinished. There were a few things that were never really addressed (smarmy rival blacksmith and sons, I’m looking at you) and I truly thought I was missing something in my digital copy.
Overall, these characters were a lot of fun and they deserved a bit more, even if the epilogue was fantastic.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**
August 22, 2023
I love a marriage of convenience! The drama started out strong and this was such an easy read.
Kellan is in deep trouble, he and his father pretended to take over a dukedom that isn’t there’s. And when he is caught the punishment is death.
Gwen is the towns female blacksmith and when she comes across the scene of Kellan in trouble she knows she has to do something. What she does changes everything.
I’m really looking to the next one in the series! Bring on the Duke and the maid 😏
Kellan is in deep trouble, he and his father pretended to take over a dukedom that isn’t there’s. And when he is caught the punishment is death.
Gwen is the towns female blacksmith and when she comes across the scene of Kellan in trouble she knows she has to do something. What she does changes everything.
I’m really looking to the next one in the series! Bring on the Duke and the maid 😏
December 10, 2023
the last one was way better
August 31, 2023
Gwen Cully, the village blacksmith, finds her livelihood at risk when a rival blacksmith comes her village. That is until a fugitive shelters in her shop. A fugitive she attempts to save by declaring her undying love for once the villagers catch him, and an engagement of convenience is born!
When Kellan Fox's (& his father's) deception is found out, his father abandons Kellan to whatever fate the village might have in store. That is until the strong & fierce female blacksmith steps up to stop his hanging by declaring them a secret love match!
Sophie Jordan had me at "His thick thighs strained against his trousers. Her stare fixed there on those muscled tree trunks."
I had really been looking forward to Gwen's novel having read the first two books in the series and Sophie Jordan did not disappoint. It started off with quite the drama with the village seeking to hang Kellan for his and his father's deception. I feel like I read the opening chapters with my mouth agog. The instant chemistry between Gwen and Kellan was delicious and I love an engagement/marriage of convenience trope. I also adored how Kellan was not afraid of the hard work involved in Gwen's trade and went right to doing as many of the duties she needed him to. There were so many aspects of this story that kept me drawn in and I found I could not put it down once I started.
When Kellan Fox's (& his father's) deception is found out, his father abandons Kellan to whatever fate the village might have in store. That is until the strong & fierce female blacksmith steps up to stop his hanging by declaring them a secret love match!
Sophie Jordan had me at "His thick thighs strained against his trousers. Her stare fixed there on those muscled tree trunks."
I had really been looking forward to Gwen's novel having read the first two books in the series and Sophie Jordan did not disappoint. It started off with quite the drama with the village seeking to hang Kellan for his and his father's deception. I feel like I read the opening chapters with my mouth agog. The instant chemistry between Gwen and Kellan was delicious and I love an engagement/marriage of convenience trope. I also adored how Kellan was not afraid of the hard work involved in Gwen's trade and went right to doing as many of the duties she needed him to. There were so many aspects of this story that kept me drawn in and I found I could not put it down once I started.
August 13, 2022
The Scoundrel Falls Hard
Book 3 in "The Duke Hunt" series
Rating: 4 stars
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC given through NetGalley for review. All opinions are my own.
The Scoundrel Falls Hard was a very good read. I really enjoyed it from start to finish because who doesn't want to see a female blacksmith who breaks the mold of your typical dainty female lead. Also to see her team up with a scoundrel, who with the life he has been living should be considered more of a villain and not the hero, fall in love with each other.
Gwen and Kellan had a very strong attraction to each other, but what I liked best was that he treated her like no one in her life had before. She was always putting others before herself, but Kellan made her realize that it is okay to trust someone to help you and to have someone to share the weight of the world with.
****SPOILERS AHEAD****
It could have been a 5 star read but I think the ending was cut too short or it felt a little too rushed. You still get a satisfying ending but something was missing when they reunited at the wedding after the climax of the story. Then it cuts to the epilogue,
Book 3 in "The Duke Hunt" series
Rating: 4 stars
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC given through NetGalley for review. All opinions are my own.
The Scoundrel Falls Hard was a very good read. I really enjoyed it from start to finish because who doesn't want to see a female blacksmith who breaks the mold of your typical dainty female lead. Also to see her team up with a scoundrel, who with the life he has been living should be considered more of a villain and not the hero, fall in love with each other.
Gwen and Kellan had a very strong attraction to each other, but what I liked best was that he treated her like no one in her life had before. She was always putting others before herself, but Kellan made her realize that it is okay to trust someone to help you and to have someone to share the weight of the world with.
****SPOILERS AHEAD****
It could have been a 5 star read but I think the ending was cut too short or it felt a little too rushed. You still get a satisfying ending but something was missing when they reunited at the wedding after the climax of the story. Then it cuts to the epilogue,
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
July 7, 2022This was my first Sophie Jordan, and I really enjoyed it! Always here for a woman blacksmith (and a handsome dude who, as the title aptly claims, falls hard). It was rather strange how rushed the last bit of the book was, though.
August 9, 2022
This was a DNF for me, unfortunately. Again, I give a book about 20% to capture my interest... If I'm not hooked at that point, I give it up.
This one was so promising because I've seen so many say they enjoyed the others in the series--not to mention a general love for Sophie Jordan. However, I just couldn't keep going. Kind of boring, and I didn't love the main characters.
This one was so promising because I've seen so many say they enjoyed the others in the series--not to mention a general love for Sophie Jordan. However, I just couldn't keep going. Kind of boring, and I didn't love the main characters.
October 14, 2022
This was such a cute book! I hadn't read the other books in this series and it didn't seem like that was a problem. So, it can definitely be read as a stand alone. I will be giving the others a try soon. I loved that Gwen was a blacksmith and the scoundrel, Kellan was a handsome charming conman. Their chemistry was wonderful. This was a super fun and sexy read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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