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The Duke of Scandal
“You’ll pay for trapping me into marriage.”
Lady Harriet is in a predicament. After the death of her father, her cousin has taken it upon himself to control her every move. Until during a fateful ball, she finds herself pinned between a dark garden wall and the body of the Duke of Wrexham – a cold rake notorious for his lack of commitment…
Duke Edward is a cold-hearted man who knows what he wants in life: A high-class match for his sister, and a tame Duchess for himself. But the virginal Harriet is anything but. And she proves it the moment her fiery kiss turns into a bite, and she disappears before he has a chance to speak…
When Edward’s sister disappears on her wedding day, Harriet offers her help. And just when he thought his life couldn’t get any more convoluted, a gossip column arrives at his doorstep with a shocking revelation:
He is engaged to the innocent Harriet… Unbeknownst to even him.
This is a historical Regency romance novel of 60,000 words (around 300 pages) by Tessa Brookman. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a sweet happily ever after.
Lady Harriet is in a predicament. After the death of her father, her cousin has taken it upon himself to control her every move. Until during a fateful ball, she finds herself pinned between a dark garden wall and the body of the Duke of Wrexham – a cold rake notorious for his lack of commitment…
Duke Edward is a cold-hearted man who knows what he wants in life: A high-class match for his sister, and a tame Duchess for himself. But the virginal Harriet is anything but. And she proves it the moment her fiery kiss turns into a bite, and she disappears before he has a chance to speak…
When Edward’s sister disappears on her wedding day, Harriet offers her help. And just when he thought his life couldn’t get any more convoluted, a gossip column arrives at his doorstep with a shocking revelation:
He is engaged to the innocent Harriet… Unbeknownst to even him.
This is a historical Regency romance novel of 60,000 words (around 300 pages) by Tessa Brookman. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a sweet happily ever after.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 5, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 16, 2023
Very strange
I really hate books with the hero with another woman. This one started out with him and his lover in bed. He hadn't met the heroine yet I don't believe but I still hate to read an intimate scene with another woman. Once he meets Harriet he is enamored big time. There is a scene where he is kissed by her EVIL cousin and he thinks he's entranced and looks at her breasts and I just didn't like it. Harriet sees them too and it breaks her heart. Someone announces his engagement to Harriet but it wasn't Harriet. He is really a jerk and then he's in lust or love again with her and it's just a mess. It's not a bad book, I just didn't feel the romance. It was very odd. Thankfully the book was free. I believe I have liked other books by this author and this was fine. Just not for me.
I really hate books with the hero with another woman. This one started out with him and his lover in bed. He hadn't met the heroine yet I don't believe but I still hate to read an intimate scene with another woman. Once he meets Harriet he is enamored big time. There is a scene where he is kissed by her EVIL cousin and he thinks he's entranced and looks at her breasts and I just didn't like it. Harriet sees them too and it breaks her heart. Someone announces his engagement to Harriet but it wasn't Harriet. He is really a jerk and then he's in lust or love again with her and it's just a mess. It's not a bad book, I just didn't feel the romance. It was very odd. Thankfully the book was free. I believe I have liked other books by this author and this was fine. Just not for me.
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June 9, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/9/2022)! 🎁
October 24, 2026
Harriet’s family is in dire straits. She needs to marry well. Duke Edward arranges a marriage for his sister Rebecca which causes her to elope with her lover who is of a lower class. But when Edward meets Harriet he finds a love for himself of a similar kind. Can Edward find his sister and stop her making what he thinks will be the biggest mistake of her life? Can Harriet find happiness with the only man she has only ever wanted?
Quite enjoyable up to a point.
It started well and it trotted along nicely although I found Edward really blew hot & cold with some ferocity.
Harriet was feisty but did quite a few things I thought were out of character like meeting Edward alone at night, going along with him and chasing after Rebecca (a girl she didn’t even know) etc.
The book is advertised as steamy. Umm, not really. I found the intimate scenes quite tame.
I didn’t think Edward or Harriet had much chemistry either.
I also felt the book seemed to be all tied-up and concluded in the space of a chapter. It really seemed to finish a bit abruptly for me.
And then there were the usual annoyances I get with novels like these…
There was no such thing as ‘brunch’ in the early 1800s.
And in England it’s not called a vest it’s a waistcoat. Please get your terminology correct when talking about certain things.
And the usual ‘gotten’ instead of ‘has got’. And it would be ‘written TO me’ not ‘written me’.
And who is Capability Jones? I can understand perhaps the author using a different name but the garden & landscape designer was called Capability Brown.
Also, the author seemed to forget that she had already written of Edward having been told about Rebecca having ‘lain’ with Lucius, because a few chapters after when Edward’s aunt mentioned about Rebecca & Lucius being lovers he had no idea. And then later on Rebecca writes to her brother stating that she was ‘saving herself for marriage’. According to what the author said earlier that’s simply not true! Poor mistakes that a proof-reader should have picked up on.
Quite enjoyable up to a point.
It started well and it trotted along nicely although I found Edward really blew hot & cold with some ferocity.
Harriet was feisty but did quite a few things I thought were out of character like meeting Edward alone at night, going along with him and chasing after Rebecca (a girl she didn’t even know) etc.
The book is advertised as steamy. Umm, not really. I found the intimate scenes quite tame.
I didn’t think Edward or Harriet had much chemistry either.
I also felt the book seemed to be all tied-up and concluded in the space of a chapter. It really seemed to finish a bit abruptly for me.
And then there were the usual annoyances I get with novels like these…
There was no such thing as ‘brunch’ in the early 1800s.
And in England it’s not called a vest it’s a waistcoat. Please get your terminology correct when talking about certain things.
And the usual ‘gotten’ instead of ‘has got’. And it would be ‘written TO me’ not ‘written me’.
And who is Capability Jones? I can understand perhaps the author using a different name but the garden & landscape designer was called Capability Brown.
Also, the author seemed to forget that she had already written of Edward having been told about Rebecca having ‘lain’ with Lucius, because a few chapters after when Edward’s aunt mentioned about Rebecca & Lucius being lovers he had no idea. And then later on Rebecca writes to her brother stating that she was ‘saving herself for marriage’. According to what the author said earlier that’s simply not true! Poor mistakes that a proof-reader should have picked up on.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2022
"The Duke of Scandal" by Tessa Bookman has a good story line with many possibilities as it begins. The two main characters are Lady Harriett, a young lady left practically penniless upon the death of her father, an Earl, and her cousin inheriting the earldom. Her cousin Simon is trying to put the estate right after Herriett's father had lived far above his means. Harriett has decided her chances of marriage are few and is trying to help her cousin where ever she can.
The other main character is Edward, Duke of Wrexham, a young man about town who has decided that his sister will marry a rich young friend of his. His sister, of course, does not agree.
The Duke and Lady Harriett meet at a ball under circumstances that are unusual and potentially scandalous.
Ms. Brookman weaves a good tale which I followed with interest, until the very end. I felt as if the ending was too sweet and fairy-talish. I felt that the story could have not tied up all the ends at once, and indeed could have been more intriguing if there was more to the story.
I gave the book 3 stars.
The other main character is Edward, Duke of Wrexham, a young man about town who has decided that his sister will marry a rich young friend of his. His sister, of course, does not agree.
The Duke and Lady Harriett meet at a ball under circumstances that are unusual and potentially scandalous.
Ms. Brookman weaves a good tale which I followed with interest, until the very end. I felt as if the ending was too sweet and fairy-talish. I felt that the story could have not tied up all the ends at once, and indeed could have been more intriguing if there was more to the story.
I gave the book 3 stars.
November 17, 2023
TOO MANY PLOTS AT ONCE
I loved some parts of this, but others left a lot to be desired. It was a lot going on in this book. It was almost like two books in one. I felt the Rebecca/Lucius plot was somewhat distracting from Harriet and Edward's love story. I felt their love story was sweet while Rebecca's didn't translate as well since the love was developed off page, but she also just seemed spoiled in a lot of instances. While Edward was being stubborn, I also don't think she tried to talk to him like an adult or understand his worry. I didn't care for everyone working and manipulating behind his back. It made it seem like his family really didn't care for his feelings. His aunt could have explained her life and her regrets before sneaking behind his back. Those things left me a little frustrated and annoyed so I could only give the book 3.5 stars.
I loved some parts of this, but others left a lot to be desired. It was a lot going on in this book. It was almost like two books in one. I felt the Rebecca/Lucius plot was somewhat distracting from Harriet and Edward's love story. I felt their love story was sweet while Rebecca's didn't translate as well since the love was developed off page, but she also just seemed spoiled in a lot of instances. While Edward was being stubborn, I also don't think she tried to talk to him like an adult or understand his worry. I didn't care for everyone working and manipulating behind his back. It made it seem like his family really didn't care for his feelings. His aunt could have explained her life and her regrets before sneaking behind his back. Those things left me a little frustrated and annoyed so I could only give the book 3.5 stars.
June 14, 2022
This author has a unique style. The characters have frequent inner dialogs so that the reader is well aware of the thoughts behind everyone's actions. This is very useful given the fact that conflicts caused by class differences are a large part of this novel.
There are some interesting secondary characters. The mother and aunt are meddling and the cousins are plotting. The hero's sister is also engaged in a secondary romance.
The story is relatively low-steam as the relationship of the main characters needed to be put on the back burner so that other issues could be resolved.
The story was very engaging but the actual romance part of it was just ok.
I received a free ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
There are some interesting secondary characters. The mother and aunt are meddling and the cousins are plotting. The hero's sister is also engaged in a secondary romance.
The story is relatively low-steam as the relationship of the main characters needed to be put on the back burner so that other issues could be resolved.
The story was very engaging but the actual romance part of it was just ok.
I received a free ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
December 19, 2023
I Just Can’t
1. Simons title kept changing Earl to Viscount back to Earl.
2. How does Rebecca not look like her and Edward’s mother but exactly like an aunt that married into the family.
3. Why would she look like Edward’s mother anyway if she was told her mother was a maid?
4. If Harriet was the daughter of an Earl wouldn’t she be called Lady and automatically outrank Eleanor?
5. This book felt like she just put together in several hours.
I’m paying to much for this Amazon subscription
1. Simons title kept changing Earl to Viscount back to Earl.
2. How does Rebecca not look like her and Edward’s mother but exactly like an aunt that married into the family.
3. Why would she look like Edward’s mother anyway if she was told her mother was a maid?
4. If Harriet was the daughter of an Earl wouldn’t she be called Lady and automatically outrank Eleanor?
5. This book felt like she just put together in several hours.
I’m paying to much for this Amazon subscription
January 27, 2025
A fast paced love story
Edward and Harriet met at a ball and the attraction was immediate but not acceptable in Edwards eyes. There are a few different stories going on within this book and it did take me a few chapters to figure out the who, what, where, why and how of the story. Well worth it, there are a few surprises or at least confirmation of the suspicions by the end of the book. This is the second book of the series but they do not seem connected and can be read as a standalone. Enjoy!
Edward and Harriet met at a ball and the attraction was immediate but not acceptable in Edwards eyes. There are a few different stories going on within this book and it did take me a few chapters to figure out the who, what, where, why and how of the story. Well worth it, there are a few surprises or at least confirmation of the suspicions by the end of the book. This is the second book of the series but they do not seem connected and can be read as a standalone. Enjoy!
June 10, 2022
Another well written captivating read from the author! It is an exciting story that is truly romantic and a wonderful page turner. There is enough action in the story to keep you wanting to turn the pages. Loved all the excitement, the characters were so nice. The story of how to people came to fall in Love..well, I’ll leave that for you to find out as you read. You will surely love this book from beginning to the end! Enjoy!
June 14, 2022
From the first page to the last you will be spellbound by The Duke of Scandal. Tessa Brookman weaves a story from beginning to end with threads of strong emotions, uncertainties, secrets and suspense. It's a well-written romance, characters with individual personalities that become more than just part of the tale they come off the pages and pull you into their story, steamy passion with twists and turns that brings this read together perfectly!
June 25, 2022
Edward and Harriet.
Well written and enjoyable. It states that it is steamy but far from it. Edward doesn't believe in love and so puts everything on hole until he find a match for his sisfer. But his sister has other plans has she has found her love match in Luis a vet her is far below her station who she knows her brother will disapprove. But with the help of her aunt and her friend they find a way to help her achieve her goal unbeknownst to Edward and. Edward have fallen cor barriers but sticks to the rules of society until his sister disappears and Harriet helps him find her and in realizes that maybe this is something to this feeling of love for harriet. They get their HEA and the extended epilogue was good. Good read by thus author.🙂
Well written and enjoyable. It states that it is steamy but far from it. Edward doesn't believe in love and so puts everything on hole until he find a match for his sisfer. But his sister has other plans has she has found her love match in Luis a vet her is far below her station who she knows her brother will disapprove. But with the help of her aunt and her friend they find a way to help her achieve her goal unbeknownst to Edward and. Edward have fallen cor barriers but sticks to the rules of society until his sister disappears and Harriet helps him find her and in realizes that maybe this is something to this feeling of love for harriet. They get their HEA and the extended epilogue was good. Good read by thus author.🙂
October 11, 2022
3.5/5
“The Duke of Scandal” by Tessa Bookman is a good and entertaining quick read. It is easy to consume and the writing style makes the book flow really well. The two main characters, Harriet (a young lady left penniless by the death of her father) and Edward the Duke of Wrexham (a very serious duke stuck in his way). My favorite characters by far where the scheming family members, I feel that it made to plot more interesting to follow. I was not a big fan of Edwards temper, I felt that it a bit was extreme and over bearing. I also thought that the ending was a bit too fairytaleish for the plot of the book. Overall this was a enjoyable and easy yo consume and follow. I look forward to reading more of Tessa Bookman’s
“The Duke of Scandal” by Tessa Bookman is a good and entertaining quick read. It is easy to consume and the writing style makes the book flow really well. The two main characters, Harriet (a young lady left penniless by the death of her father) and Edward the Duke of Wrexham (a very serious duke stuck in his way). My favorite characters by far where the scheming family members, I feel that it made to plot more interesting to follow. I was not a big fan of Edwards temper, I felt that it a bit was extreme and over bearing. I also thought that the ending was a bit too fairytaleish for the plot of the book. Overall this was a enjoyable and easy yo consume and follow. I look forward to reading more of Tessa Bookman’s
March 22, 2023
I'm immediately turned off by the author's writing style. I cannot get through a story if it's saturated with periods. It's like I'm being told facts oppose to reading a story....it's choppy.
Example:
"The once-famous gardens. To go with the once-famous house."
"She and Rose had just stepped out of Erdington Manor house onto broad, mossy paving. Erdington was Harriet’s childhood home. Rose had been her close friend since the two met at finishing school."
Example:
"The once-famous gardens. To go with the once-famous house."
"She and Rose had just stepped out of Erdington Manor house onto broad, mossy paving. Erdington was Harriet’s childhood home. Rose had been her close friend since the two met at finishing school."
June 12, 2022
Scandal-ish Duke Meets His Match
Another fantastic historical regency romance by Tessa Brookman. She has a great writing style when it comes to romance and rakish dukes. This is a well developed page turner that had me captivated from the beginning with intriguing twists and turns involving snobbish aristocrats, schemers and meddlers. Great Characters. Perfect ending.
Another fantastic historical regency romance by Tessa Brookman. She has a great writing style when it comes to romance and rakish dukes. This is a well developed page turner that had me captivated from the beginning with intriguing twists and turns involving snobbish aristocrats, schemers and meddlers. Great Characters. Perfect ending.
June 23, 2022
Harriet was once a lady when her father died she lost that and her distant cousin took over. Their family was very much in debt. She went with her to a party to try to find a husband she ended up finding a duke I loved the twist and turns this book took with the mother Harriet and aunt of Edward to get them together.
June 23, 2022
Absolutely amazing!
I absolutely love it! A very interesting and entertaining adventure with a touch of mystery. The characters are amazing and interesting twists and turns to an excellent ending and happily ever after. The extended epilogue gives a great opportunity to look into the lives of the beautiful future to a beautiful ending. Excellent writing. Definitely a must read!
I absolutely love it! A very interesting and entertaining adventure with a touch of mystery. The characters are amazing and interesting twists and turns to an excellent ending and happily ever after. The extended epilogue gives a great opportunity to look into the lives of the beautiful future to a beautiful ending. Excellent writing. Definitely a must read!
July 28, 2023
😩ugh
Jesus I barely survived this book, put it down several times. This book was so bloody awful I was at 1 star, but gave it 2 because the Duke was the only redeeming character in the whole book. The women were so immature and pathetic the whole book, especially Harriet 🙄.
Can’t recommend this one…liked the first book, tho I’m passing on the rest after this one.
Jesus I barely survived this book, put it down several times. This book was so bloody awful I was at 1 star, but gave it 2 because the Duke was the only redeeming character in the whole book. The women were so immature and pathetic the whole book, especially Harriet 🙄.
Can’t recommend this one…liked the first book, tho I’m passing on the rest after this one.
December 24, 2023
Great read!
I loved the instant attraction between the two main characters. I didn't like how he looked at Eleanor and felt lust for her beauty(stupid and unnecessary!) Also, I hate that little stunt you pull with the extended ending. I find it greedy, coersive and manipulative! Just so you know, I never go read the extended ending!
I loved the instant attraction between the two main characters. I didn't like how he looked at Eleanor and felt lust for her beauty(stupid and unnecessary!) Also, I hate that little stunt you pull with the extended ending. I find it greedy, coersive and manipulative! Just so you know, I never go read the extended ending!
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June 10, 2022Fun, fast read
Well-written (only one time inconsistency regarding Harriet seeing Edward's naked chest). Well developed and relatable characters. And who doesn't love the meddling old ladies? Lol
Well-written (only one time inconsistency regarding Harriet seeing Edward's naked chest). Well developed and relatable characters. And who doesn't love the meddling old ladies? Lol
August 21, 2024
The Duke of scandal
Lovely story with good strong characters,but I was a bit confused by the final chapter! It was about Simon and someone called Eloise! Who is she? Otherwise, the main story was lovely.
Lovely story with good strong characters,but I was a bit confused by the final chapter! It was about Simon and someone called Eloise! Who is she? Otherwise, the main story was lovely.
June 14, 2022
The Duke of Scandal
This story was fantastic it was very well written and interesting plus very entertaining. The ending was perfect.
I highly recommend this book.
This story was fantastic it was very well written and interesting plus very entertaining. The ending was perfect.
I highly recommend this book.
November 30, 2022
it’s bad
“I am Duke”. No, seriously. I laughed. The formatting is poor. The story uninspired. The characters are dull. The execution is painful to read.
“I am Duke”. No, seriously. I laughed. The formatting is poor. The story uninspired. The characters are dull. The execution is painful to read.
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