The Mystery of the Debonair Duke

Remingtons of the Regency #1

by Ellie St. Clair

There was one man Lady Emma vowed she would never marry.
The rakish Duke of Warwick — brother to her very best friend.

But one chance encounter on a balcony has Lady Emma questioning all she ever believed about the duke. When her friend — and the duke’s sister — is abducted, they must work together to find her, and determine who has been threatening the Remington family.

Since his father’s murder, Giles, the new Duke of Warwick, has been trying to right his father’s wrongs and discover who is threatening them. He is also searching for the perfect wife to improve his family’s reputation — a wife who could never be the outspoken Lady Emma, who prefers to spend her time digging in the gardens.

As the secrets and mysteries surrounding the family deepen, Giles and Emma find their lives intertwine more closely than ever before. Until one fateful act leaves them one choice — love or ruination.

The Mystery of a Debonair Duke is a steamy Regency Romance.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Regency, Historical, Mystery, Regency Romance, Historical Fiction

240 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 9, 2022

About the author

Ellie St. Clair writes heartwarming Regency romances with spirited heroines, swoon-worthy heroes, and happily ever afters. Her passion for history shines through in richly drawn characters and romances brimming with irresistible tension.

A former journalist with an incurable love of history, she is the author of popular series such as Remingtons of the Regency and The Bluestocking Scandals. She lives in Saskatchewan, Canada, with her husband and three children.

When she isn’t crafting romantic tales or keeping up with her kids, she’s mainlining coffee, sweating it out on her Peloton, valiantly attempting to keep her plants alive, planning her next dog rescue, or dreaming of lake escapes.

Ellie loves corresponding with readers, so visit her website, email her, sign up for her newsletter or join her Facebook group for exclusive content, giveaways, and sneak peeks at upcoming books.

Contact her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/elliestclair, and sign up for her mailing list at http://www.elliestclair.com/subscribe.

Reviews

[Lori D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything you want and then some! Mystery, suspense, a villain, wonderful characters and an unexpected attraction blooming along the way!

Giles, the new Duke of Warwick, knew he had to finally take control of the estate his father left, after his murder. Plus his mother was pushing him to find a suitable lady to marry, and she had planned a ball just for that purpose.

Emma only wanted to marry for love and her best friend, Juliana's brother Giles, would not be on the list. That is until he kissed her.... Then Juliana went missing and the journey began!

I really enjoyed this story and cannot wait to read more to see what happens! Fabulous start to a new series!

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Giles, the new Duke of Warwick was estranged from his father but now he has to pick up the reins of the dukedom after his father’s murder. He also has an all knowing Grandmother, a mother intent on him marrying & two younger sisters Juliana & Prudence who are a handful. Lady Emma Whitehall has been best friends with Juliana since they were toddlers. But one chance encounter on a balcony has Lady Emma questioning all she ever believed about Giles. Then Juliana is abducted, they must work together to find her, and determine who has been threatening the Remington family. As the secrets and mysteries surrounding the family deepen, Giles and Emma find their lives intertwine more closely than ever before.
The start of a new series & what an engrossing read it was a wonderful mix of romance & mystery. I loved both Giles & Emma whose whole relationship changed after a kiss, the chemistry between the pair just grew & grew but Giles fought his feelings for a while. The characters have wonderful depth & not only Giles & Emma but secondary characters too, I loved Juliana & Prudence but the star for me was Grandma with her cane. The intriguing mystery isn’t solved & I presume it will gather momentum throughout the series, I have my theory as to who is the villain & can’t wait for the rest of the series to find out if I’m right
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Debi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how this story had both romance and mystery. I also loved how the connection between Giles and Emma grew throughout the story. This story is the first of a series and the mystery part of this story was not cleared up by the end of this first book. You will need to continue reading the series to see how the mystery is solved which leaves me eagerly anticipating the next story!
I did receive an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Edwina " I LoveBooks" "Deb" · Rating 3 out of 5]

Giles Duke of Warwick and Lady Emma best friend to his sister Juliana fall in love. They have a heated affair while looking for his kidnapped sister Juilana.

There is someone trying to kill Giles and destroy his family. His father had been murdered by poison.
The story and the relationship between Giles and Emma was good. But I don't like Cliffhangers!! This story ends with one. The villain has not been caught. You have read the next book. I won't read the next book I don't like authors that leave the story unfinished on a Cliffhanger.

[Sonia N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Wonderful Story

I loved this book! The storyline was filled with mystery, murder and a beautiful friends to lovers romance. I look forward to reading the next book in this continuing series.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wowzers

Intriguing and exciting way to begin a new series!! I have to say I regret not getting to this book sooner.. I can only imagine what the rest of this series will bring. The mystery, the love, the laughter and the story itself is just incredible. I definitely look forward to the rest of this series.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets and mystery oh my!
What do you get when you put two stubborn people together and sparks fly? Well a delightful story with a mystery and danger added in. This was a super good story Emma is Giles’s sister friend and so he does not see her as a love interest but they discover that they may be wrong. I like Emma and Giles but in fact the whole cast was wonderful. Where this is a complete story there is still an unknown villain and some other twists to come. I am looking forward to the next book if it is as good as this one this series will be first-rate. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Linda J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 STARS: 5 stars for one heck of a journey to HEA and 4 stars for mystery not solved.

I'm not a fan of stories that aren't resolved completely. Usually series stories have relationship of a secondary character hanging, that is expected. This is more than that and you will have to wait for the next story called The Secret of the Dashing Detective. Trust me you will want to read it! This story ended on my e-reader at 93% rest is about the next story.

To say this couple clicked was an understatement. Oh, how the H especially fought his desire for the h. He is somewhat of a rogue and the h is his sister's best friend. I loved the H's grandma and her spunk which matched the h's.

There is suspense, an enticing mystery that will have to guessing throughout the story and romance. Lovemaking outside of marriage - heat level 5 out of 5 and described several times.

The character's are written with depth that you feel you know them. Great main and secondary character's too! A wonderful start to this series.

No cheating, no cliffhanger, honest dialogue and steam. I can't improve on the blurb so not attempting. Just giving you some tidbits.

I purchased this story and received an ARC, all opinions are my own and always freely given. (ljb)

[CATHERINE BURHANS · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very sweet romance with mystery and suspense besides. Giles becomes the Duke of Warwick when his father is murdered. Emma is the best friend of his sister, Juliana. That’s how he sees her and besides she doesn’t like him. Then a kiss on the terrace changes everything. When Juliana suddenly disappears Giles takes Emma along to help find her. A sweet relationship grows making for a most enjoyable read

[Suzette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightful story. Giles has taken on the new mantle of the Duke of Warwick which he is not fitting into well. He has cultivated a reputation as a rake and now his mother wants him to get married. Emma loves to dig in the dirt. She refuses to get married unless it is for love. This is a wonderful start to this series and introduces some intriguing characters and a great plot.

[Annette Drewett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I totally enjoyed this story. Giles is trying to come to terms with his new responsibilities whilst trying to uncover who is trying to hurt his family. Emma is devastated when her friend Juliana goes missing and insists on helping Giles in the search for his sister. The attraction Giles has for Emma only grows stronger the more they are thrown together. Emma’s feelings are quite up and down at times. Even though this book has a happy ending, the problems for this Ducal family will be continuing in the following books. Watch out for Juliana’s story next. I highly recommend this new series.
I received an ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Emma and Giles. I liked how their relationship evolved from lust to love. It was great how everyone around him knew he was in love with Emma except for him. Emma will only marry for love and Giles just needs to admit his love. There is also some mystery as their is a threat against his family.

[Cindy Woltman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the story of Emma and Giles. The story grabs attention immediately and builds through the end and on to the next story in the series. The Mystery of the Debonair Duke has the usual cast of characters including the mother pushing her son into marriage, the wise grandmother supporting the young duke, the sisters who need to marry and the sisters best friend, Emma. What you don’t expect is the possibility of the poisoning of the previous Duke, the attack on the family and the cliff hanger. Of course there is a HEA,
Well done Ellie St. Clair. I can’t wait for the next book.

[Nanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great start to a new series, The Remington's.. I have read a lot of Ellie's books and always enjoy them. What happens when the only son of a Duke is hated by his father and feels the same for him. Then the Father dies under strange circumstances, and the son inherits one of the wealthiest titles in England, Duke of Warwick. No one would believe he doesn't want it. Except someone who knows him too well. Giles made a reputation that would upset his father, but now is finding it probably wasn't the best choice. The ton see him as a rake and womanizer. He is trying to keep his family safe and together with all the rumors. But his two sisters, Juliana and Prudence had never had anyone tell them what to do and with his mother, Elizabeth and His grandmother rule the house. Emma has been Juliana best friend since they were little. She is at the Remington's house more them her own. She knows Giles from what has been written about him. He is too handsome and charming to not win over all the ladies he could want. She has never had a true loving family and decided long ago to marry for love or not at all. She is happiest in the garden, playing in the dirt, planting, planning gardens ect.
Everything changes when Juliana fails to meet her for their walk. She is missing and when Giles and her work together to try and find her they spend a lot of time together. He likes her outspokenness and that she doesn't kiss up to him like most women. She gets to see a side of him that few know, the feelings, hurt and love for his sisters and family. As they try to find Juliana, solve who is out to harm the family and they become more then friends. These two will have a lot to go thru with danger at their heels all the way. There are many secrets and twist and turns till the end.
I gave this book four starts, not because of the story, which is wonderful. You will not want to put it down, but for the ending. I was so disappointed. It is not a true cliff hanger, as Giles and Emma stories has an ending but there is no answer as to who is still after Juliana or what really happened to their father. I have a bad feeling that each of the other books in this series will have endings for the couple but the mystery will not end till the last book !!
The story is a great one and book two is already out with book three out later this year.
This is a steamy, love story for those who like to know...

[Linda · Rating 1 out of 5]

Literally everything went wrong. Good gawd.

Weak plot with minimal urgency or angst. Unlikable characters with equally unlikable personalities. A nonsensical "romance" with an unjustifiable existence. Modernization in a historical setting. Bland writing consisting of the stale tropes already done-to-death in other romances. I barely know where to start in this review, nor am I even sure I want to bother. I guess I'm just THAT eager move on to bigger and better things. Lemme rush on through this, if I can.

On the plus side, this was a ridiculously easy read. I got through it quite fast (and not just because I found myself skimming much of the way simply because of how boring it was). Thank GOODNESS I finished quickly, since what I was reading barely even qualifies as a story. Oh, it exists of course; it's just woefully thin with little to no actual substance to it. Plot points that seemed significant fizzled to nothingness. Even the supposedly big reveal at the end was unimpressive as it was too predictable for me to even pretend that it was a doozy. This story was simply STARVING for more meaning beyond what was there, some thought-provoking thing or heartfelt moment that felt naturally and carefully crafted, but it simply wasn't there. At all.

Poor development of literally anything else is what happens when authors try to hurry things along in order to get to what they seem to most eagerly want to write about. In this book's case, it seemed like everything revolved around getting the would-be lovers alone for some sex, even at the expense of, ya know, growing them as characters. Though the sex scenes were thankfully not heavily prevalent, their presence was still magnified enough that everything orbited around them. Nothing really mattered, even the things that SHOULD, just so long as our couple can hurry up and get busy when no one was looking. Why, it was so important a thing that even the virginal maiden Emma was doing most of the work, literally throwing herself at Duke and rake Giles with such desperate gusto that you forget you're supposed to be reading a Regency romance. Way too modernized.

Speaking of Emma and Giles, the two were badly underdeveloped, suffering the same fate as the story. Giles was a generic sort of hero, bearable but dull and forgettable. He was an extremely pliable male figure who, as crude as this may sound, felt like he was mostly written to provide genitals for Emma. Emma was even worse. While she was mildly interesting at first, it vanished rather quickly once she started catching the "feelings" for Giles. After that, she turned into this unbelievably unlikable, bratty little thing, a user and manipulator to get her way. No convincing chemistry between the two, nothing to justify why either one of them want or love the other (beyond sex). Their bonded love was more told to me than shown, as if that would be enough for me to buy it. Surprise, surprise: it wasn't.

More power to those who found this story enjoyable. We all have ours tastes. For me, this was a disaster from all angles that matter. Anything that could have gone wrong went WAY wrong. I couldn't find anything good to say about this story, other than how easy it was to get through as I mentioned before. Once I crossed the finish line, (which technically isn’t even a finish line since the nucleus of the plot is unfinished), I couldn't even find myself to care enough to read the blurb of the next entry in the series. Nope. I'm jumping ship into something else.

[Winnifred D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed overall; the author's writing style/pacing have been steadily improving, and this is steamier and slightly grittier than her usual. The insertion of the mystery into the typical Regency romance storyline is sudden, but I found it rather refreshing, and since I like historical whodunnits I got hooked right away. The relationship itself doesn't deviate from the stock "friends to lovers" trope, with Lady Emma falling for the older brother of her best friend. And Giles is pretty much your standard Regency romance duke: mildly arrogant, rakish but not really a rake, victim of his cold fish dad. But because Emma is a sympathetic character, especially in the opening chapters, the trope works for the most part.

However, the book does slow down toward the 3/4 mark, with too much emphasis on the h's "I can't marry him because he doesn't love me" conundrum. Giles's mom starts off as a snob who could be an obstacle in the path of the HEA, but then she fades into the background. The grandmother is admittedly a hoot, but the behavior and language of the characters becomes increasingly modern ("it is what it is" is an expression that needs to be buried in a deep hole and forgotten).

The biggest issue some will have is that the mystery plot ends on a cliffhanger. I was trying to figure out who the culprit might be based on characters introduced in this book, then the ending came and I realized the mystery probably won't be solved until the third entry in the series (the next book features the detective and I'm thinking the third will feature the long-lost brother). Normally this doesn't bother me--I have a subscription to KU and can wait until July--but the mystery was the selling point for this storyline and I did feel a bit cheated.

I would still recommend, but expect to like the next entry in the series more, as I thought the detective character was more intriguing than the Duke and would like to see how his relationship plays out with Giles's younger sister.

Steam level:3. The scenes aren't super explicit, but are spicier than the author's usual.

[Lana Birky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Giles has found himself as the new Duke of Warwick after the murder of his father. He left home because of his horrible father so never had any training for this title but he must now protect his family from his father's past and find out why they are continuing to threaten the family. He also needs to find a wife with a good name to help the reputation of his family & protect his sisters & mother.

Emma has been best friends with Giles sister, Juliana, for years and has always spent more time with them than with her own parents. Emma is outspoken, an earl's daughter and wants to marry but only for love and not obligation. Now Juliana's family is being threatened from an unknown source and Juliana has been kidnapped.

Giles and Emma must work together to find Juliana but along the way things happen - things that were right under their noses for years. I really enjoyed this book & it had all the elements that work for me - well-written, good pace, interesting story with some mystery, lovable characters & most of all, it left me smiling & happy I read the book. I voluntarily read & reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts & opinions are my own.

[Anaa Mulk · Rating 4 out of 5]

i thought this was such a silly little read like it was so short and sweet and i think how the mystery wasn't resolved was a good idea bc i was so intrigued by it that i ACTUALLY read the next one
i got this book as like a silly little book during kindle's stuff ur bag day last year and i like was itching for something good but nothing too like heavy or dense and it oil spill duckling dawned on me that i needed to read this book and yk what ... i kind of ate w that one thing
i think the book does a good job at not making it an ugly duckling thing which is usually the case with best friend's brother/brother's best friend while still making it that this like relationship bw the two characters is in fact a newer, more delicate thing
i also like understood what was going through each of the character's heads and like sympathized and empathized w them bc like ... their issues weren't unfounded ... like i'm an empath what can i say.
the only thing i will say is like ... wtf was that girls issue in the first chapter ... only to never show up again like plz whats goin awn
besides that its a silly little read

[Cindy C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic start to the new series Remingtons of the Regency. Ahhh...the game of love can be a tangled web of feelings, danger and uncertainties as Lady Emma, who will only marry for love and Giles, Duke of Warwick who doesn't believe in love. But as the two become involved in the mystery trying to find out who wants to hurt Giles and his family. Ellie St. Clair has a way of weaving a story that you can’t put it down and this book was no different. She has given readers a book that is well-written, filled it with great cast of characters that come off the pages and pull you into this emotional ride full of secrets and danger that keeps you involved until the very end. The Mystery of the Debonair Duke is a well-written romance, with witty dialogue, that brims with tension building twists and turns, remarkable emotions, and sizzling passion.

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A person you thought you knew

Giles is a Duke who has been absent from his family for 5 years. His father was murdered and he was reluctant to address it but people were saying maybe he was responsible? New to the title and now saddled with the responsibility of protecting them!! He has quite the reputation of a rake but these may be a tad exaggerated! With a disappearance of his sister and other secrets of his father coming to light Giles had his hands full!
Emma has been a fixture in their home as his sisters best friend for years! She has aided him in her disappearance and their chemistry is scorching. Both wanting love but Giles more afraid than Emma.
Well with the latest threat against Emma best friend also Giles sister they have a chance to to admit the truth. But will they before this villain strikes again! Bravo! Fast paced and well written!!!

[Sandie Tangen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not authentic and not well-written

I don't like criticising because a lot of work goes into writing books and everyone has to start somewhere. That said, this author could do with researching the Regency period because I find it difficult to believe that anyone, especially a female, would tell someone to pull their head out their a*s. Then there's the writing; a lot of unnecessary words, not to mention some nonsensical sentences. It feels like a first attempt so I may go back and have a read of the next in the series but it will take me a while to recover from this rather painful experience. Also, don't expect a satisfactory ending as it continues in the next book. Might be some time before I find out the answer to the mystery.

[Bonnie Klein · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good storyline with interesting characters highlights the start of this new series. I don’t usually share my negative feelings but here goes.
1. I hate cliffhangers, especially when they’re a surprise. I deducted a star.
2. Gratuitous sex scenes. Every fondle, move, etc. are not relevant to the story. I want to read about the emotions that the actions provoke. In fairness, I believe the author did that as well. However I probably won’t read more of her books. So double the irritation of point #1.
Although both the Audible narrators were good, it was odd that they just alternated chapters. So the voices changed frequently from one chapter to the next.
I think this would be an enjoyable book for someone who enjoys detailed descriptions of sex scenes.

[Colorado · Rating 2 out of 5]

While there is no cliffhanger, the central mystery in this initial book of the series is unresolved. It looks like readers will need to finish the remaining 3 books in the series to find out whodunit. I get frustrated when books are not self contained. That said, the characters are nice enough; the romance wasn't especially original. Also, no information is provided about the family estrangement that affects all of the characters, other than stating that the previous duke was a "bad man." Very thin character development. I usually like books in which the hero and heroine partner to solve a mystery , but not one that forces you to read books 2, 3 and 4 to find out the ending.

[Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

You Keep Using That Word, I Do Not Think It Means What You Think It Means.

Emma was innocent, obtuse, and stubborn. Giles was experienced and had the reputation of a rake. She would only marry for love. He didn’t know if he could fall in love. I honestly don’t think either of them really understood the meaning of the word. Thankfully, his cantankerous grandmother was available to set them both straight on the subject.

They had a happily ever after but there are couple of story threads that still need to be tied up. I think I like this series and will keep with it to find out what happens with Gile’s sister, Jules.

[Carol Bisig · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unbelievable!

I am sorry, this is not going to be a pretty review, the book had promise, it was supposed to have an element of danger, someone is out to harrm the Duke's family. His sister has been kidnapped, someone took a shot at him, a great story right? No, I had to skip too many pages with pre marital sex in it, then, the new Duke, at thirty years of age is acting like a wimp! Let's just say, it was a great disappointment, and wasted precious time. The bones of a good story are there, it didn't pan out, sad to say.
Thank you,
carolintallahassee

[C Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found the story well written and the weaving of both romance and mystery was well done. The heroine was the best friend of the Duke's sister, but the two were an unlikely pair.

The Duke was estranged from his family due to a poor relationship with his father. However, his father's death brings him back. His abandonment of his family was an early strike against him by heroine Emma. The relationship is platonic, but builds quickly as they get to know each other as adults amidst a dangerous threat to the Duke's family.

Couldn't put this series down and read all 4 books in a weekend.

[Robert Maloy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining

What a delightful and entertaining beginning of the Remington series by Ellie St. Clair.
The story of Giles and Emma is filled with passion, romance and mystery. The family is under a threat regarding the former Duke. While Giles is trying to solve the mystery he realizes that he is capable of love. Emma is Juliana’s best friend, Giles sister. Emma begins to realize how much she cares for Giles but wants his love in order to move forward. You won’t be disappointed in starting this series!

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I read one book of Ellie St. Clair's in 2017 and then 2 more in 2018 but didn't pick her up again until just a few months ago (5/22) with Bluestocking Scandals series. I then read all 8 books in the series in 6 days. I really enjoy her writing and the more I read, the more I liked her.

I loved this couple, Emma and Giles. What a great story and a great couple. I think, at least so far, this is my favorite story by her. Really good read.

I would definitely recommend.

[Dorothey Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Mystery of the Debonair Duke

This was a great historical romance. Giles was the new Duke. His father had been killed the previous year and they were now out of morning. Emma and Julianna were best friends and were together most of the time. Giles, being the new Duke, was learning what were his duties. His sis tear Juliana was abducted and held with a note for him to come to unknown location. . So much more to this story, just enjoy their adventure.

[Wendy Tavenner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A mystery to solve and a lady to love

I loved the beginning of Giles and Emma’s story. They have know each other for years. He thought of her as a little sister, or he thought he did. She thought of him as a rake and her best friends brother. Oh, we’re they both wrong. But when a threat takes hold of the Remington family they will come together to halt the threat and find love on the way.
Can’t wait to read the next installment.