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The Secret Crusaders #3
The Untamed Duke
When a Scottish duke targets her brother, Sophia will do anything to protect her family, including kidnapping the powerful lord. What happens when the duke kidnaps her instead?
Welcome to book 3 in the bestselling series The Secret Crusaders from the talented Melanie Rose Clarke!
Social justice crusader Sophia Hawkins will do anything to protect her family. When Kenneth Macleod, the new Duke of Foxworth, forges a feud against her brother, she doesn’t care how powerful he is – or that neither man wants her involvement. If he won’t abandon his revenge, she’ll take matters into her own hands.
Perhaps a little kidnapping is in order.
Kenneth would much rather be in Scotland, the gorgeous country of his mother’s ancestors, than in prim and proper England. Only the father he never knew leaves him a title, wealth, lands and the responsibility to care for it all. It’s the life he never wanted, and there’s one man to blame: the Duke of Bradenton. Now he will exact his revenge. Only something lovely, vibrant and entirely delectable stops him.
Lady Sophia is everything he wants in a woman, and the only woman he can’t have. She is beautiful, brave and brilliant, and the more she defends her brother, the more he wants her. Yet how can he forgo his revenge? He is a man accustomed to getting what he wants.
Perhaps it’s time for a little kidnapping of his own.
Welcome to book 3 in the bestselling series The Secret Crusaders from the talented Melanie Rose Clarke!
Social justice crusader Sophia Hawkins will do anything to protect her family. When Kenneth Macleod, the new Duke of Foxworth, forges a feud against her brother, she doesn’t care how powerful he is – or that neither man wants her involvement. If he won’t abandon his revenge, she’ll take matters into her own hands.
Perhaps a little kidnapping is in order.
Kenneth would much rather be in Scotland, the gorgeous country of his mother’s ancestors, than in prim and proper England. Only the father he never knew leaves him a title, wealth, lands and the responsibility to care for it all. It’s the life he never wanted, and there’s one man to blame: the Duke of Bradenton. Now he will exact his revenge. Only something lovely, vibrant and entirely delectable stops him.
Lady Sophia is everything he wants in a woman, and the only woman he can’t have. She is beautiful, brave and brilliant, and the more she defends her brother, the more he wants her. Yet how can he forgo his revenge? He is a man accustomed to getting what he wants.
Perhaps it’s time for a little kidnapping of his own.
307 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 15, 2022
144 people are currently reading
248 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
February 8, 2022
Another excellent story from Melanie Rose Clarke!! I was quickly pulled into this story and read it straight through, just couldn’t put the book down. I loved the MCs - Kenneth Macleod, the new Duke of Foxworth, and Sophia Hawkins who is the Duke of Bradenton’s younger sister (Bradenton is from book 1 Escaping the Duke). The chemistry between Foxworth & Sophie begins slowly but builds realistically throughout the first half of the book. I love slow burn stories that play up the UST — The author does an amazing job!! ❤️🔥
The plot of revenge by kidnapping fits with the entire series and all the crazy situations these characters find themselves in.
The Blurb:
🖌 When a Scottish duke targets her brother, Sophia will do anything to protect her family, including kidnapping the powerful lord. What happens when the duke kidnaps her instead?
Social justice crusader Sophia Hawkins will do anything to protect her family. When Kenneth Macleod, the new Duke of Foxworth, forges a feud against her brother, she doesn’t care how powerful he is – or that neither man wants her involvement. If he won’t abandon his revenge, she’ll take matters into her own hands.
Perhaps a little kidnapping is in order.
Kenneth would much rather be in Scotland, the gorgeous country of his mother’s ancestors, than in prim and proper England. Only the father he never knew leaves him a title, wealth, lands and the responsibility to care for it all. It’s the life he never wanted, and there’s one man to blame: the Duke of Bradenton. Now he will exact his revenge. Only something lovely, vibrant and entirely delectable stops him.
Lady Sophia is everything he wants in a woman, and the only woman he can’t have. She is beautiful, brave and brilliant, and the more she defends her brother, the more he wants her. Yet how can he forgo his revenge? He is a man accustomed to getting what he wants.
Perhaps it’s time for a little kidnapping of his own.
Final thoughts:
I really hope this is not the last book of the series—there is so many potential stories left that I will be disappointed to be left hanging. I did enjoy this story, loved the characters, the plot flows very smoothly, there is lots of romance in this book as the two MCs go through their unique courtship — it’s a feel good type of romance.
I highly recommend this story & the entire series!! Definitely a top contender for 2022!
5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 5 Flames 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
The plot of revenge by kidnapping fits with the entire series and all the crazy situations these characters find themselves in.
The Blurb:
🖌 When a Scottish duke targets her brother, Sophia will do anything to protect her family, including kidnapping the powerful lord. What happens when the duke kidnaps her instead?
Social justice crusader Sophia Hawkins will do anything to protect her family. When Kenneth Macleod, the new Duke of Foxworth, forges a feud against her brother, she doesn’t care how powerful he is – or that neither man wants her involvement. If he won’t abandon his revenge, she’ll take matters into her own hands.
Perhaps a little kidnapping is in order.
Kenneth would much rather be in Scotland, the gorgeous country of his mother’s ancestors, than in prim and proper England. Only the father he never knew leaves him a title, wealth, lands and the responsibility to care for it all. It’s the life he never wanted, and there’s one man to blame: the Duke of Bradenton. Now he will exact his revenge. Only something lovely, vibrant and entirely delectable stops him.
Lady Sophia is everything he wants in a woman, and the only woman he can’t have. She is beautiful, brave and brilliant, and the more she defends her brother, the more he wants her. Yet how can he forgo his revenge? He is a man accustomed to getting what he wants.
Perhaps it’s time for a little kidnapping of his own.
Final thoughts:
I really hope this is not the last book of the series—there is so many potential stories left that I will be disappointed to be left hanging. I did enjoy this story, loved the characters, the plot flows very smoothly, there is lots of romance in this book as the two MCs go through their unique courtship — it’s a feel good type of romance.
I highly recommend this story & the entire series!! Definitely a top contender for 2022!
5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 5 Flames 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
February 12, 2022
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher. This in no way impacted on my view.
No matter what, Lady Sophia Hawkins will do what it takes for her family. So when the newly arrived Duke of Foxworth appears to have a vendetta against her brother, the Duke of Bradenton, she will stop him. However, Kenneth is hellbent on getting his revenge, believing that Bradenton caused his father's death, and he will do something to cause him pain - so when Sophia falls into his trap, it's like fate. He plans to kidnap her and hide her away, in order to make her brother suffer, but he is still a gentleman at heart, and he won't harm her. But as he attempts to kidnap her, men from his father's past come out of the shadows and attack him, and the tables are turned, and Kenneth soon finds himself being kidnapped. What should've been only a few days away turns to a month, and Sophia and Kenneth just learn how close the line between love and hate is. But can this untamed duke be tamed by the one woman he never expected he'd fall for?
I've really been enjoying this series, so was looking forward to having the third book to read. When I saw the synopsis, I wasn't too sure what I'd think of the kidnapping plot, but actually it was so funny and done in a humorous way. Sophia and Kenneth were one of the best couples I've read in a while, and their banter and chemistry was off the charts. Though there wasn't really much to the plot, I liked it nonetheless, and devoured it all in one sitting. Some hard hitting topics were discussed, and we got to see couples from previous books, which I really enjoyed. I'm looking forward to another book from this author!
No matter what, Lady Sophia Hawkins will do what it takes for her family. So when the newly arrived Duke of Foxworth appears to have a vendetta against her brother, the Duke of Bradenton, she will stop him. However, Kenneth is hellbent on getting his revenge, believing that Bradenton caused his father's death, and he will do something to cause him pain - so when Sophia falls into his trap, it's like fate. He plans to kidnap her and hide her away, in order to make her brother suffer, but he is still a gentleman at heart, and he won't harm her. But as he attempts to kidnap her, men from his father's past come out of the shadows and attack him, and the tables are turned, and Kenneth soon finds himself being kidnapped. What should've been only a few days away turns to a month, and Sophia and Kenneth just learn how close the line between love and hate is. But can this untamed duke be tamed by the one woman he never expected he'd fall for?
I've really been enjoying this series, so was looking forward to having the third book to read. When I saw the synopsis, I wasn't too sure what I'd think of the kidnapping plot, but actually it was so funny and done in a humorous way. Sophia and Kenneth were one of the best couples I've read in a while, and their banter and chemistry was off the charts. Though there wasn't really much to the plot, I liked it nonetheless, and devoured it all in one sitting. Some hard hitting topics were discussed, and we got to see couples from previous books, which I really enjoyed. I'm looking forward to another book from this author!
February 9, 2022
Although this novel is set against a background of suspense and a feud between two families, it is nevertheless witty and romantic. Certainly, the attraction between the main characters is strong despite their determination to fight it. Two strong-minded and determined people vow to set matters to rights but end up in a comedy of errors. Having read the first two books in this series, I was delighted when this book came out but was sadly disappointed. The plot is good but the author did not do justice to it as the story is mostly driven by dialogue and very little action. The novel does come to a happy conclusion, but I was left with questions as to what actually happened. I received a copy of this romance as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.
January 29, 2022
This book is excellent. It is exciting and funny and keeps you entertained throughout. I have enjoyed the entire series. Highly recommend!
February 12, 2022
Who knew a kidnapping could be so steamy!
I really liked the slow burn romance in this book. Ken kidnapping Sophia to get back at her brother turned into an unusual love affair. Maybe an equal kidnapping, in reality?
Some things I liked as extras were the kindness towards the townspeople and learning/teaching self-defense.
The romance build up in this book made it feel extra firey and steamy. Definitely not typical for the Ton. I enjoyed this book and the previous in the series. Each book could be standalone, but the whole series has been great so far!
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy of this ARC for an honest review.
I really liked the slow burn romance in this book. Ken kidnapping Sophia to get back at her brother turned into an unusual love affair. Maybe an equal kidnapping, in reality?
Some things I liked as extras were the kindness towards the townspeople and learning/teaching self-defense.
The romance build up in this book made it feel extra firey and steamy. Definitely not typical for the Ton. I enjoyed this book and the previous in the series. Each book could be standalone, but the whole series has been great so far!
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy of this ARC for an honest review.
February 15, 2022
Social justice crusader Sophia Hawkins will do anything to protect her family. When Kenneth Macleod, the new Duke of Foxworth, forges a feud against her brother, she doesn’t care how powerful he is – or that neither man wants her involvement. Kenneth would much rather be in Scotland, the gorgeous country of his mother’s ancestors, than in prim and proper England. Only the father he never knew leaves him a title, wealth, lands and the responsibility to care for it all. It’s the life he never wanted, and there’s one man to blame: the Duke of Bradenton. Now he will exact his revenge. Lady Sophia is everything he wants in a woman, and the only woman he can’t have. She is beautiful, brave and brilliant, and the more she defends her brother, the more he wants her.
This is the third book in the series & is easily read on its own even though Edmund Duke of Bradenton featured in book one. I really enjoyed the book & read it in two sittings but it didn’t quite live up to the first two books, I would have liked more action & a bit less dialogue, don’t get me wrong this was still a solids four star read just not the five stars of the first two. I really liked both Kenneth & Sophia & love the chemistry between them & also the slow burn romance. A well written entertaining book which I thoroughly enjoyed
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
This is the third book in the series & is easily read on its own even though Edmund Duke of Bradenton featured in book one. I really enjoyed the book & read it in two sittings but it didn’t quite live up to the first two books, I would have liked more action & a bit less dialogue, don’t get me wrong this was still a solids four star read just not the five stars of the first two. I really liked both Kenneth & Sophia & love the chemistry between them & also the slow burn romance. A well written entertaining book which I thoroughly enjoyed
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
February 16, 2022
At the ball
"She knew who he was. Massive. Powerful. Muscular. Controlling. Dominant. But most of all....Dangerous."
He was going to extract revenge on her brother. Make him suffer like he had. Yes he would kidnap her and take her away for a few days and let her brother know. Then bring her back. Yes. easy.. Well that is if he can resist her!
She knew he was up to something... He would not hurt her brother! Then the unexpected happens and he tries to kidnap her! Only something went a little wrong.
So entertaining and filled with humor, danger, and a sizzling attraction that cannot be denied!
"She knew who he was. Massive. Powerful. Muscular. Controlling. Dominant. But most of all....Dangerous."
He was going to extract revenge on her brother. Make him suffer like he had. Yes he would kidnap her and take her away for a few days and let her brother know. Then bring her back. Yes. easy.. Well that is if he can resist her!
She knew he was up to something... He would not hurt her brother! Then the unexpected happens and he tries to kidnap her! Only something went a little wrong.
So entertaining and filled with humor, danger, and a sizzling attraction that cannot be denied!
February 17, 2022
Who is kidnapping whom? Kenneth, Duke of Foxworth, is the new Duke and is out for revenge for the death of the father he never knew. Sophia Hawkins is the sister of the Duke of Bradenton and knows her brother is innocent of Foxworth's accusations. Her plan is to kidnap the Duke and make him see reason. Foxworth plans to kidnap Sophia to cause her brother pain. Things do not go as planned as they end up kidnapping each other. A few days turns into a month and the attraction between them grows into something much more. The trope of enemies to lovers with steam.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
February 18, 2022
The story of a Lady who kidnapped a Duke, and a Duke who kidnapped said Lady. Can it truly be called kidnapping if both parties are at fault? Sofia & Kenneth’s journey to love and self-discovery begins with misconceptions, yet it is those that allow the heart to proceed. The greatest secrets withheld are those we keep from our own selves. Despite their best intentions for independence and protection, they can not deny what is in their hearts. Sofia is many things; tenacious, daring, brave, loyal, stubborn and reckless. Kenneth is also most of those things and determined. This combination make for a fiery and beautiful love story. In the end, despite the belief that her brother killed his father, the two men are so alike it is scary. It is also obvious how Sofia came to care for him. She loves her brother, and this man is so similar in every way that matters. They share a tremendous love for family, a depth of responsibility they will not turn from and an overprotective nature that cannot be denied. I believe these two families together will be unstoppable. I especially enjoyed the way Kenneth supported her even while fighting his overwhelming need to protect her.
February 12, 2022
Kenneth Macleod, the Duke of Foxworth found evidence of someone causing the death of the father he never really knew. Now it's time to take revenge. Our hero is a very good and honourable man, but he needs to make the other man feel devastating fear. London society is very different to the life he lived in Scotland before he knew he was in line for a title.
Lady Sophia Hawkins is part of a group of society ladies who are working behind the scenes to try and improve the lives of those less fortunate than themselves. If what they do was discovered, not everyone would forgive them.
Our heroine doesn't always think before she acts. Her mental lists often run away with her feelings. This makes for some very amusing dialogue.
This historical romance is really good fun. I loved all the characters. Some of them you might have met in previous stories in this series. Kidnapping can be fun.
Great fun.
Lady Sophia Hawkins is part of a group of society ladies who are working behind the scenes to try and improve the lives of those less fortunate than themselves. If what they do was discovered, not everyone would forgive them.
Our heroine doesn't always think before she acts. Her mental lists often run away with her feelings. This makes for some very amusing dialogue.
This historical romance is really good fun. I loved all the characters. Some of them you might have met in previous stories in this series. Kidnapping can be fun.
Great fun.
February 19, 2022
Loved This Story!
This story was so good, I loved it!! Sophia and Kenneth were good antagonists and again a story of a strong woman who wasn’t going to let a man dictate her life. Like the first two stories in this series there was enough of everything going on with the main characters plus the characters from the previous books were included in this one. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author!!
This story was so good, I loved it!! Sophia and Kenneth were good antagonists and again a story of a strong woman who wasn’t going to let a man dictate her life. Like the first two stories in this series there was enough of everything going on with the main characters plus the characters from the previous books were included in this one. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author!!
February 19, 2022
Revenge Foremost!
Fox worth has only one thought after reading his father’s journal (he never met him, as his mother, he and sister lived in Scotland) he has to have revenge for his father’s death! Thing never go as planned, but it a delightful story and he almost lost!
Fox worth has only one thought after reading his father’s journal (he never met him, as his mother, he and sister lived in Scotland) he has to have revenge for his father’s death! Thing never go as planned, but it a delightful story and he almost lost!
February 11, 2022
Another excellent book by Author Melanie Rose Clarke. Her characters are strong, witty and developed very well. Their relationship grows over time to a very satisfying ending. Her characters are always likable and the book is a joy to read. I highly recommend this book.
February 16, 2022
Great addition to a great series!
February 18, 2022
Wonderful tale!!
Kenneth and Sophia are a explosive match with enough obstinance to almost be annoying and yet, they grow and develop with a subtle charm that pulls you into their HEA. Ms. Clarke weaves detailed descriptions and vibrant characters.
Kenneth and Sophia are a explosive match with enough obstinance to almost be annoying and yet, they grow and develop with a subtle charm that pulls you into their HEA. Ms. Clarke weaves detailed descriptions and vibrant characters.
February 19, 2022
Amazing!
Amazing! I could not put it down! A love story that will capture your attention from beginning to end. A must read. Enjoy!
Amazing! I could not put it down! A love story that will capture your attention from beginning to end. A must read. Enjoy!
September 25, 2023
More if of a 3.5
This one was borderline ridiculous, especially with how all the characters behaved after the kidnapping.
But it was a fun read, even if at this point these books have become very very repetitive.
Even if small details change the overall plot arc is the same, but they were all fun enough reads.
This one was borderline ridiculous, especially with how all the characters behaved after the kidnapping.
But it was a fun read, even if at this point these books have become very very repetitive.
Even if small details change the overall plot arc is the same, but they were all fun enough reads.
February 11, 2022
I loved the book. I couldn't put it down. The book was very entertaining so I highly recommend it.
March 1, 2022
Love
I just love her books. I can't seem to say it enough. Can't wait for the next one although it will keep me from sleeping because I can't put it down till I'm done with it.
I just love her books. I can't seem to say it enough. Can't wait for the next one although it will keep me from sleeping because I can't put it down till I'm done with it.
March 5, 2022
GREAT READ!!!
This book was very enjoyable. Characters were a delight and Sophia was a little imp to say the least. She pushed Kenneth as far as allowed. This book was very enjoyable to read and recommend it highly. The whole series is a great read and every one from the other books shows up. Nice job.
This book was very enjoyable. Characters were a delight and Sophia was a little imp to say the least. She pushed Kenneth as far as allowed. This book was very enjoyable to read and recommend it highly. The whole series is a great read and every one from the other books shows up. Nice job.
March 7, 2022
Totally enjoyed reading this book
April 4, 2022
OK, I'm out. This book was as ridiculous as the constant dirty thoughts running through Sophia's head. I just can't continue when things like this are happening:
So, although I feel this author could be really good (she writes a great hero, but not great heroines)...she has a long way to go to write heroines and stories that are believable for me.
So, although I feel this author could be really good (she writes a great hero, but not great heroines)...she has a long way to go to write heroines and stories that are believable for me.
February 17, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyed the storyline but was a bit distracted by the poor editing. Lots of missed words, incorrect grammar and sentences that didn't make sense without going over them and changing words. I find this very annoying.
November 11, 2022
2.5/5
No. Just no. I'll admit, I had a lot of hopes for this author and series, and the series started off really well. Book 1 was fun and quirky and quite well written. Book 2, unfortunately, I binge read immediately after finishing book 1. And while it read alright, the characters and major plot points read like a clone of book 1 with Bridgerton wannabe undertones. Here in book 3, the Bridgerton undertones are even stronger even though the chapter blurbs are supposedly from two very different people's diaries. And yet, they read exactly alike in tone and style. But that is a minor issue overall. The writing in this volume, both MCs personalities and thoughts, and the tokenizing and trivialization of domestic violence (DV) made for a disappointing read.
Personally, I found the female MC's thoughts and actions were those of quite frankly. This is supposed to be a virginal young lady, but she certainly doesn't think that way. Her thoughts and actions border on TSTL (too stupid to live) and rather than coming across as a strong female, she comes across as unthinking, shallow, and yes, stupid.
The male MC was also not particularly believable.
And then there's the issue of DV. I'm sorry, but DV is real and it's serious. The way it was treated in this book was far too shallow and opportunistic to have any real hint of women's empowerment and left a bad taste.
While I enjoyed and would recommend the first book of this series wholeheartedly (and would cautiously recommend the second), too much of the premise of this third book struck me as just wrong. Some people (apparently many from the reviews) absolutely will enjoy it, and it certainly is meant to be fluff and not serious, but I would definitely advise caution depending on what you're willing to forgive in a story in order to get an enemies to lovers HEA.
No. Just no. I'll admit, I had a lot of hopes for this author and series, and the series started off really well. Book 1 was fun and quirky and quite well written. Book 2, unfortunately, I binge read immediately after finishing book 1. And while it read alright, the characters and major plot points read like a clone of book 1 with Bridgerton wannabe undertones. Here in book 3, the Bridgerton undertones are even stronger even though the chapter blurbs are supposedly from two very different people's diaries. And yet, they read exactly alike in tone and style. But that is a minor issue overall. The writing in this volume, both MCs personalities and thoughts, and the tokenizing and trivialization of domestic violence (DV) made for a disappointing read.
Personally, I found the female MC's thoughts and actions were those of quite frankly. This is supposed to be a virginal young lady, but she certainly doesn't think that way. Her thoughts and actions border on TSTL (too stupid to live) and rather than coming across as a strong female, she comes across as unthinking, shallow, and yes, stupid.
The male MC was also not particularly believable.
And then there's the issue of DV. I'm sorry, but DV is real and it's serious. The way it was treated in this book was far too shallow and opportunistic to have any real hint of women's empowerment and left a bad taste.
While I enjoyed and would recommend the first book of this series wholeheartedly (and would cautiously recommend the second), too much of the premise of this third book struck me as just wrong. Some people (apparently many from the reviews) absolutely will enjoy it, and it certainly is meant to be fluff and not serious, but I would definitely advise caution depending on what you're willing to forgive in a story in order to get an enemies to lovers HEA.
February 14, 2022
The Untamed Duke by Melanie Rose Clarke is a revenge trope as well as love at first sight. Kenneth Macleod, Duke of Foxworth believed that Edmund Hawkins, Duke of Bradenton had killed his father in a duel, cold-blooded murder if his father's man of business was to be believed. His father's journal continued the theme. He had not known his father but he must make Bradenton pay for such an affront to the house of Foxworth, and his plan to do so was simple. Take something away from Bradenton that he loved: his sister Sophie. He would kidnap her, hold her for a couple of days, let Bradenton know it was him, and make him suffer. It seemed such a simple plan, but Sophie was not a simple woman and refused to be kidnapped, saved him from criminals who meant him harm, kidnapped HIM, and continued to enthrall him.
Sophie was stubborn, anyone who knew who could attest to that fact. She was also determined, fiercely loyal, amazingly passionate. Ken was generous, hard working, honest to a fault, and usually thought things through. Being with Sophie stopped the thought process for him and instead of using his head, he used his heart. The kidnapping lasted longer than he planned. He told his community that they were married. Who would ever know? She wanted a love match, he was anti-love. He'd watched his mother after his father left, and wanted none of it. It was a good story with a fairly thin plot but excellent characters. The pacing was good and it breathed romance. I liked it.
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of The Untamed Duke by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. #netgalley #dragonblade #theuntamedduke #melanieroseclarke
Sophie was stubborn, anyone who knew who could attest to that fact. She was also determined, fiercely loyal, amazingly passionate. Ken was generous, hard working, honest to a fault, and usually thought things through. Being with Sophie stopped the thought process for him and instead of using his head, he used his heart. The kidnapping lasted longer than he planned. He told his community that they were married. Who would ever know? She wanted a love match, he was anti-love. He'd watched his mother after his father left, and wanted none of it. It was a good story with a fairly thin plot but excellent characters. The pacing was good and it breathed romance. I liked it.
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of The Untamed Duke by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. #netgalley #dragonblade #theuntamedduke #melanieroseclarke
February 26, 2022
This is my first opportunity to read a full novel by Ms. Clarke. I read one of her novellas, Winter in a Regency Wonderland, which was included in the Star of Light anthology and really enjoyed it, so I was excited to have the opportunity to review this book. And I was not disappointed! The book can definitely be read as a standalone, but you can be sure I will be going back to read the ones I've missed. Kenneth and Sophia were really great characters. The premise of revenge kidnapping is quite an interesting trope, and if done the right way, can be quite intriguing as well as amusing. I have to say, Ms Clarke definitely nailed it! Sophia is intelligent, bright, and resilient and everything Kenneth desires in a woman. Although he kidnapped Sophia as revenge for his father, to make Sophia's brother suffer, he cannot help the feelings he is developing for her. A slow burn romance where revenge and hate are turned to love. An entertaining and enjoyable story!
Thank you Dragonblade Publishing and Netgalley for providing a complimentary copy. This is my voluntarily and honest review.
Thank you Dragonblade Publishing and Netgalley for providing a complimentary copy. This is my voluntarily and honest review.
March 28, 2022
I read The Untamed Duke ARC through NetGalley
If you love:
📚enemies to love
📚forced proximity
📚Scottish Dukes
📚the Ton
📚busybody mamas
📚determined women characters
📚 masquerade balls
📚 and kidnapping
like I do then this book is definitely for you. I loved the sense of humour that Sophia and Kenneth had, their banter was fun and entertaining making for a super fast read. But of course as soon as there’s a handsome Scottish man you know I’m hooked!!
There were some subplots that I wish had been developed more, but being the third book in The Secret Crusaders series I’m sure the earlier one developed them and because I haven’t read them I’m the one missing out! I will definitely be adding all three of these books to my shelf
*i received this books through ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review*
If you love:
📚enemies to love
📚forced proximity
📚Scottish Dukes
📚the Ton
📚busybody mamas
📚determined women characters
📚 masquerade balls
📚 and kidnapping
like I do then this book is definitely for you. I loved the sense of humour that Sophia and Kenneth had, their banter was fun and entertaining making for a super fast read. But of course as soon as there’s a handsome Scottish man you know I’m hooked!!
There were some subplots that I wish had been developed more, but being the third book in The Secret Crusaders series I’m sure the earlier one developed them and because I haven’t read them I’m the one missing out! I will definitely be adding all three of these books to my shelf
*i received this books through ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review*
July 18, 2022
The kidnapping plot sounded interesting but I was hesitant to read this book because the heroine in the first Secret Crusaders was terribly annoying. I saw this available in KU, so I thought I'd give it a try.
This book was so much better! The dialog was very witty. I especially enjoyed Sophia's inner monologs. You could really see that Kenneth and Sophia were meant to be together on a permanent basis. The steamy scenes were plentiful and not overly graphic. It sounded like being kidnapped by Kenneth the Duke would be any sensible woman's fantasy. Of course, Sophia, being a member of the "Distinguished Ladies of Purpose," was not entirely sensible.
Fortunately, the social justice theme is less prominent than it was in the first book. Sophia was able to get her man while remaining true to herself. The romance remained at center stage where it belonged!
This book was so much better! The dialog was very witty. I especially enjoyed Sophia's inner monologs. You could really see that Kenneth and Sophia were meant to be together on a permanent basis. The steamy scenes were plentiful and not overly graphic. It sounded like being kidnapped by Kenneth the Duke would be any sensible woman's fantasy. Of course, Sophia, being a member of the "Distinguished Ladies of Purpose," was not entirely sensible.
Fortunately, the social justice theme is less prominent than it was in the first book. Sophia was able to get her man while remaining true to herself. The romance remained at center stage where it belonged!
May 8, 2023
Enjoyable Read
I enjoyed this book, the most out of the 3 so far. The Duke of Foxworth, although a bit misguided in his beliefs regarding his father and Bradenton, was a really good hearted man, who cared about people. Sophia, Bradenton's sister and Foxworth 's love interest, was head strong, but naive if she thought she held sway over them both. I sometimes have to grit my teeth at the male descriptions of pure magnificence, no man can be that gorgeous, and their heavy handedness about the 'Ladies ' safety makes me 'swoon' with frustration as I'd like to hit them at the side of their heads, but all in all the stories are a good romp with a guaranteed happy ending, so it can't be bad.
I enjoyed this book, the most out of the 3 so far. The Duke of Foxworth, although a bit misguided in his beliefs regarding his father and Bradenton, was a really good hearted man, who cared about people. Sophia, Bradenton's sister and Foxworth 's love interest, was head strong, but naive if she thought she held sway over them both. I sometimes have to grit my teeth at the male descriptions of pure magnificence, no man can be that gorgeous, and their heavy handedness about the 'Ladies ' safety makes me 'swoon' with frustration as I'd like to hit them at the side of their heads, but all in all the stories are a good romp with a guaranteed happy ending, so it can't be bad.
February 26, 2025
We have seen the antipathy Kenneth (the new Duke of Foxworth) has for the Duke of Bradenton). In this story Kenneth enacts a plan to have some measure of revenge. His intention is to briefly kidnap Sophia (Bradenton’s sister).
However, things do not go as planned and the intended few days become a month and Sophia has her own ideas about her situation.
I really enjoyed the way these two developed their relationship and how things were eventually resolved.
I am looking forward to reading more about the other people we have been introduced to by Melanie Rose Clarke (this seems to be the last in THIS series but there is another just beginning.)
However, things do not go as planned and the intended few days become a month and Sophia has her own ideas about her situation.
I really enjoyed the way these two developed their relationship and how things were eventually resolved.
I am looking forward to reading more about the other people we have been introduced to by Melanie Rose Clarke (this seems to be the last in THIS series but there is another just beginning.)
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