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The Duke Hunt #4
The Duke Starts a Scandal
A duke with secrets.
Lucian, the newly minted Duke of Penning, has much to prove-- to himself, his family and the ton. Craving spotless respectability, he must find an aristocratic wife. Unfortunately, he can't keep his eyes--and thoughts--off his deliciously distracting housekeeper. Such a dalliance can only mar the facade he's constructed to protect his sisters' future from the demons of his past...but this fiery passion is a temptation he cannot resist. While Susanna may not the bride he needs, she is everything he desires.
A woman with a past.
As the housekeeper to one of the grandest estates in England, Susanna Lockhart has worked determinedly to become all that is proper and efficient, and she never steps over the line. Romance is an indulgence for the upper class, not for her--and most especially not with her employer. But every smoldering glance from the surly, handsome duke calls to the long-buried reckless wanton inside Susanna. A love between them can never be, but will Lucian and Susanna risk being together...
Even if it starts a scandal...
Lucian, the newly minted Duke of Penning, has much to prove-- to himself, his family and the ton. Craving spotless respectability, he must find an aristocratic wife. Unfortunately, he can't keep his eyes--and thoughts--off his deliciously distracting housekeeper. Such a dalliance can only mar the facade he's constructed to protect his sisters' future from the demons of his past...but this fiery passion is a temptation he cannot resist. While Susanna may not the bride he needs, she is everything he desires.
A woman with a past.
As the housekeeper to one of the grandest estates in England, Susanna Lockhart has worked determinedly to become all that is proper and efficient, and she never steps over the line. Romance is an indulgence for the upper class, not for her--and most especially not with her employer. But every smoldering glance from the surly, handsome duke calls to the long-buried reckless wanton inside Susanna. A love between them can never be, but will Lucian and Susanna risk being together...
Even if it starts a scandal...
339 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 24, 2023
108 people are currently reading
3361 people want to read
About the author
Sophie Jordan
83 books8,993 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 262 reviews
August 28, 2023
2.5 stars
This was fine, but not particularly memorable. For one thing, the cover does not relate to any scene in the book, much to my disappointment. But beyond that, the two love interests only have about five meaningful conversations total which to me wasn’t enough to warrant their declarations of love by the end of the book. Also there was a plot line set up for a certain “bad guy” which was resolved way too easily/quickly. Pros: I love the emphasis on consent in a situation where there is such a big difference in power dynamics, the rival love interests were not set up to be catty hags, and there was even an f/f relationship between two secondary characters. I’ve read two other historical romances by this author and this one was definitely the best out of the three.
I received an ARC of this book through netgalley but this did not impact by rating or review.
This was fine, but not particularly memorable. For one thing, the cover does not relate to any scene in the book, much to my disappointment. But beyond that, the two love interests only have about five meaningful conversations total which to me wasn’t enough to warrant their declarations of love by the end of the book. Also there was a plot line set up for a certain “bad guy” which was resolved way too easily/quickly. Pros: I love the emphasis on consent in a situation where there is such a big difference in power dynamics, the rival love interests were not set up to be catty hags, and there was even an f/f relationship between two secondary characters. I’ve read two other historical romances by this author and this one was definitely the best out of the three.
I received an ARC of this book through netgalley but this did not impact by rating or review.
October 11, 2023
This is a well-written, entertaining, steamy, historical romance novel. It is fast paced, with a likable, strong and capable female protagonist, an engaging and honorable male protagonist, sizzling chemistry, wit, secrets, family drama, a heartwarming romance, and a happily ever after ending. This is the fourth entry in Ms. Jordan's outstanding "The Duke Hunt" series, and it can be read and enjoyed as a stand alone, but it is even better when read in order. Many thanks to Avon and Harper Voyager, Ms. Sophie Jordan, and NetGalley, who kindly provided me with an ARC of this delightful novel. This is my honest opinion.
September 5, 2023
I guess I feel a little bad giving this one star, because I usually reserve that rating for books that are outright offensive, but I'm offended by how bad this book was. I don't think I've ever given an ARC such a low rating, but here we are.
Things I liked:
-The cover. Obviously. I requested the ARC because of the cover. The cover is outstanding.
Unfortunately, the cover is promising readers many things, none of which are going to be delivered in the story. The entire point of all the discourse around the movie poster which this cover is very clearly based on was that people wanted it to be about a housekeeper taking the reigns with a duke or some such entitled dude. Preferably a submissive duke with a praise kink who she pegs against a wall and tortures with pleasure, for example, but whatever. The movie poster did not deliver. Therefore, a romance book is here to deliver on that promise instead. But does this book do that? NOPE. Not even a little bit. Instead it gives us NOTHING.
-There's a side f/f relationship sort of shoehorned in at the end. I mean, it's better than nothing.
-The premise had so much potential. A duke trying to hide his "sordid" past of sex work. The bones of a great story are RIGHT THERE.
Maybe he thinks the very competent and assertive housekeeper sees through his facade as a proper duke. Maybe he's tired of constantly pretending to be something he's not and striving to please other people. Maybe he wants to be able to surrender himself to someone. Maybe she gets off on not being the subservient one in bed since she does it all day long for her job. Or maybe they just get off on this dynamic for no other reason than it's hot. Whatever. What I'm saying is it isn't that hard to write this scenario. And yet we get none of it. What we get instead is the same tired old story, and even that isn't written well.
What I hated:
-Everything else. I mean, there is zero chemistry between these characters. They have no personality. We don't get to know them and they don't get to know one another. They are rude to one another, but not in an antagonistic sexy way. There is no banter. There is no character depth. There is no emotional intimacy. There's just two characters who happen to think one another have hot bods. That's it.
-The author chooses to use euphemisms like "manhood" and "womanhood" and phrases like "With all the working parts that went along with being a woman. Just as he was in possession of all the working parts that went along with being a man." There's zero reason to include this transphobic language. It's gross and unnecessary.
-There's this sudden POV switch to a third character we barely know that comes out of nowhere. Everything about the scene is completely out of the blue. It makes zero sense. Then we never get that POV again.
-Suddenly, the FMC has like "the sight"? But only for one specific scene in the book and then it's never mentioned again?!!
-There's this moment where she suddenly thinks he looks vulnerable and it makes her see him in a new light. At this point I felt hopeful. Yes! Use your witchy "sight" to zone in on that vulnerability and his underlying need to be praised and bossed around in the bedroom, girl! But, alas, it's only the wind rustling his hair that makes him look vulnerable. Not anything about his past or personality. And it goes NOWHERE.
-The FMC talks smack with the duke about the ladies in attendance at the gathering. And not like, that one of them is mean, but that they look sickly or have annoying laughs. So yay for pitting women against other women I guess.
-He makes the beginnings of a move on her without any consent on her part and only afterwards is he like oh yeah there's a huge power imbalance here.
-The first kiss scene is TERRIBLE. This was the point when I was tempted to throw my Kindle across the room.
-The plot only gets dumber from there. There is way too much going on and all of it is silly and none of it makes any sense. It's just so bad.
-There are multiple instances where the consent is iffy at best.
-So basically, since they are both such hotties, once they get together and bang it out (in exceedingly boring and run of the mill sex scenes) they are in love. Despite still having zero personalities or knowing much of anything about one another. I can't even tell you a little bit about what their lives together might be like because these characters are cardboard cutouts. AND all the presumable gossip caused by the romantic matches in this book is just completely glossed over. No big deal. Let people love who they love. It isn't like anyone back in this time period would raise an eyebrow or anything, or like these characters spent the first 75% of the book obsessed with being the perfect housekeeper and duke.
In summary, I do not recommend this book. To anyone. It is poorly written. It is boring and silly. And it absolutely does not deserve that smoking hot cover.
*ARC provided by NetGalley
Things I liked:
-The cover. Obviously. I requested the ARC because of the cover. The cover is outstanding.
Unfortunately, the cover is promising readers many things, none of which are going to be delivered in the story. The entire point of all the discourse around the movie poster which this cover is very clearly based on was that people wanted it to be about a housekeeper taking the reigns with a duke or some such entitled dude. Preferably a submissive duke with a praise kink who she pegs against a wall and tortures with pleasure, for example, but whatever. The movie poster did not deliver. Therefore, a romance book is here to deliver on that promise instead. But does this book do that? NOPE. Not even a little bit. Instead it gives us NOTHING.
-There's a side f/f relationship sort of shoehorned in at the end. I mean, it's better than nothing.
-The premise had so much potential. A duke trying to hide his "sordid" past of sex work. The bones of a great story are RIGHT THERE.
Maybe he thinks the very competent and assertive housekeeper sees through his facade as a proper duke. Maybe he's tired of constantly pretending to be something he's not and striving to please other people. Maybe he wants to be able to surrender himself to someone. Maybe she gets off on not being the subservient one in bed since she does it all day long for her job. Or maybe they just get off on this dynamic for no other reason than it's hot. Whatever. What I'm saying is it isn't that hard to write this scenario. And yet we get none of it. What we get instead is the same tired old story, and even that isn't written well.
What I hated:
-Everything else. I mean, there is zero chemistry between these characters. They have no personality. We don't get to know them and they don't get to know one another. They are rude to one another, but not in an antagonistic sexy way. There is no banter. There is no character depth. There is no emotional intimacy. There's just two characters who happen to think one another have hot bods. That's it.
-The author chooses to use euphemisms like "manhood" and "womanhood" and phrases like "With all the working parts that went along with being a woman. Just as he was in possession of all the working parts that went along with being a man." There's zero reason to include this transphobic language. It's gross and unnecessary.
-There's this sudden POV switch to a third character we barely know that comes out of nowhere. Everything about the scene is completely out of the blue. It makes zero sense. Then we never get that POV again.
-Suddenly, the FMC has like "the sight"? But only for one specific scene in the book and then it's never mentioned again?!!
-There's this moment where she suddenly thinks he looks vulnerable and it makes her see him in a new light. At this point I felt hopeful. Yes! Use your witchy "sight" to zone in on that vulnerability and his underlying need to be praised and bossed around in the bedroom, girl! But, alas, it's only the wind rustling his hair that makes him look vulnerable. Not anything about his past or personality. And it goes NOWHERE.
-The FMC talks smack with the duke about the ladies in attendance at the gathering. And not like, that one of them is mean, but that they look sickly or have annoying laughs. So yay for pitting women against other women I guess.
-He makes the beginnings of a move on her without any consent on her part and only afterwards is he like oh yeah there's a huge power imbalance here.
-The first kiss scene is TERRIBLE. This was the point when I was tempted to throw my Kindle across the room.
-The plot only gets dumber from there. There is way too much going on and all of it is silly and none of it makes any sense. It's just so bad.
-There are multiple instances where the consent is iffy at best.
-So basically, since they are both such hotties, once they get together and bang it out (in exceedingly boring and run of the mill sex scenes) they are in love. Despite still having zero personalities or knowing much of anything about one another. I can't even tell you a little bit about what their lives together might be like because these characters are cardboard cutouts. AND all the presumable gossip caused by the romantic matches in this book is just completely glossed over. No big deal. Let people love who they love. It isn't like anyone back in this time period would raise an eyebrow or anything, or like these characters spent the first 75% of the book obsessed with being the perfect housekeeper and duke.
In summary, I do not recommend this book. To anyone. It is poorly written. It is boring and silly. And it absolutely does not deserve that smoking hot cover.
*ARC provided by NetGalley
October 28, 2023
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨
First Impressions
The Duke Starts a Scandal is the fourth installment in the "Duke Hunt" series. This is a book that I had been highly anticipating and I will admit that I grabbed this one due to the cover. So I did have some expectations but I know this author has gone a bit modernist so I was more apprehensive and I will admit the first half of the book threw me a curveball because I didn't expect in what I got in the second half. There will be some readers where this book will really work for. And if that is the case, then I am really happy for you. However, I am really tired of all this modernism in historical's and what we get in this book turned me off in the end and really affected my overall enjoyment of the story. There are some positive aspects to the story other than some issues I had that kept me invested in the story.
First Line
It was her own fault, she supposed.
Summary
The Duke Starts A Scandal is about two people who couldn't be more opposite from each other. We first have our hero, Duke of Penning, who doesn't get off on the right foot with his housekeep, Susanna Lockhart. Both Susanna and Lucian tolerate each other at first, and even though there are most definitely sparks between them, there is also a huge class difference which only adds to the forbidden to any kind of relationship that they could ever have. But when Susanna is forced to take the duties as his valet, they are forced into a more intimate setting with each other and having to face up to their hearts....but will they end up fighting for each other or letting their love go due to the scandal that would ensue?
What I Loved
There were most definitely fabulous aspects of the story that I truly enjoyed here. The "Meet Cute" that happens between these two was just delightful. It honestly had P&P vibes to it. I really loved their bantering and how they help each other even when they aren't getting along. And then we have the whole mistaken identity aspect with Lucien which was a bit glossed over, but wasn't really needed to be further explained. It wasn't the focus of the story of any of the conflicts that build. However, I can see this aspect being an issue for some readers. Then we have the bickering between Lucien and Susanna and its highly entertaining. The way that they interact is just delightful. They are both so proud in their positions and have such strong spirits and it creates for some fun atmosphere. Then we also have the side story with Lucien's sister falling for his valet who gets injured. And yeah the fallout of that was so lively and had me laughing all over the place. The humor that is placed within this story is magnifique and you can definitely feel this author's witty style that has been there since she started writing.
What I Struggled With
Alright so this is the difficult part because this was a ARC copy so I really struggle with delivering the negative elements, but it needs to be said. So first off the first 60% of the book is AWESOME and will really engage the reader. So no worries there. However, the last 40% of the book is a huge flop and I am not sure where the author was going with this second half of the story. But the romance just fell apart when it didn't need to. There were other factors that come into play that I truly think affected the quality of the relationship being developed. This is also where some of the "modernists" aspects get placed and I don't think authors realize that when they get a bit preachy in these topics in their stories, how much it affects their stories and it completely turned me off. But lets be frank, the romance fizzled completely out and it was so disappointing. This couple had such promise and it faltered and it made me so sad because of how much I fell hard for the first half of the story and the two couples. Now also, I do think Lucien's sister and the valet could have had more focus in their parts. It felt a bit too vague and not enough focus. There could have been more attention brought to them without detracting from the primary couple of Lucian and Susanna. Now also there was no satisfying end to Lucian's sister. None at all. All we see is that they end up married. So we go from him wanting to kill his valet, to suddenly being happy. There was no evolement or storyline on the progression of that change. We also had a weird scene with Susanna's aunts who are in a f/f relationship. Now I don't have problems with this other than the fact that it didn't felt evolved with the story. It felt like it was placed there for diversity points and nothing else. There needs to be more connection with characters and a story and not just one scene and the focus of that scene being their sexual preference. It just felt so oddly placed and didn't fit with the rest of the story at all. I would have liked to see more connection of the aunts to the rest of the story so that it was a smoother transition but also would have delivered more dimension overall.
Overall View
The Duke Starts a Scandal was a story that although not perfect, delivered on the humor, fun situations and easy characters you can get behind and want to cheer for. A solid finale to the Duke Hunt series.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Historical Romance/ Time-Victorian England
Character Types: Dukes, Housekeeper(Servant)
Themes: Class Difference
Tropes: Rags to Riches, Opposites Attract, Forced Proximity
Book Perspective
3rd POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A Mix of both
Recommendation For Reading Order
You can read as a standalone
Steam/Spice Explanations
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
July 19, 2023
✨The Duke Starts a Bath…and His Housekeeper Walks In <3✨
The Duke Starts a Scandal felt very in line with the rest of the series! It seemed very short and read very quickly, so it lacked some depth, but honestly I don’t mind. I got what I needed out of it, and I think I’d have been more disgruntled if the battles were harder won 💁♀️ There were a few aspects that I thought were really going to haunt our characters—so I was a little worried in the middle there—but it chose the low-angst route that I can’t help but appreciate sometimes.
My one real wish is that it was steamier and that the steam started earlier on, but I understand why it waited until it did. She was under his employ for most of the book and Lucian was definitely not into the power imbalance or taking any perceived advantage…but I still wanted them to bang it out more lol. Or the scenes we got could’ve been a little fuller. However, the fact that he made her breakfast added about ten million sexy points to his tally. I also loved the cellar scene!! So fun.
Oh I also needed them to recreate that cover scene because god damn??? (The same thing happened with book three.) I do get disappointed when covers don’t reflect the book, plus I don’t even think this one reflects their dynamic (he was the dominant one). I searched the book and while he pressed her against walls, she reciprocated nary a time. It’s a hot cover, but bait n’ switching is less hot. Maybe it spells a bonus newsletter scene? *wink wink nudge nudge*
In all honesty, I contemplated rounding down to three stars because it was rushed and there were a few other issues, but I had a genuinely good time. I was also like, would I have wanted more angst?? No lol so don’t complain. *real conversation between me and me.* Also they both had very rough backstories so they deserve some peace! There was a cute side romance, which I’d love a novella about, as it was very fast-paced as well! I also wanted to see the characters from past books—we got mention of them but no appearances.
Overall, I just think it’s good to be honest about the purpose the book is serving! Truly, I don’t regret reading it, I will in fact read it again, and I had fun with it. But it’s a book for people who have fun with an easy, breezy low-angst romance from time to time. (People who crave the angst? Maybe stay away from the entire series.)
I’m not sure if this book marks the end of the series, but if it does I’ll be sad! I’ve enjoyed the series as a whole, with book one being my favorite. All the books are light and easy and make even better rereads—this one should be no exception!
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶️🌶️/5
Thanks to the publisher for an eARC via NetGalley. All opinions are honest and my own.
The Duke Starts a Scandal felt very in line with the rest of the series! It seemed very short and read very quickly, so it lacked some depth, but honestly I don’t mind. I got what I needed out of it, and I think I’d have been more disgruntled if the battles were harder won 💁♀️ There were a few aspects that I thought were really going to haunt our characters—so I was a little worried in the middle there—but it chose the low-angst route that I can’t help but appreciate sometimes.
My one real wish is that it was steamier and that the steam started earlier on, but I understand why it waited until it did. She was under his employ for most of the book and Lucian was definitely not into the power imbalance or taking any perceived advantage…but I still wanted them to bang it out more lol. Or the scenes we got could’ve been a little fuller. However, the fact that he made her breakfast added about ten million sexy points to his tally. I also loved the cellar scene!! So fun.
Oh I also needed them to recreate that cover scene because god damn??? (The same thing happened with book three.) I do get disappointed when covers don’t reflect the book, plus I don’t even think this one reflects their dynamic (he was the dominant one). I searched the book and while he pressed her against walls, she reciprocated nary a time. It’s a hot cover, but bait n’ switching is less hot. Maybe it spells a bonus newsletter scene? *wink wink nudge nudge*
In all honesty, I contemplated rounding down to three stars because it was rushed and there were a few other issues, but I had a genuinely good time. I was also like, would I have wanted more angst?? No lol so don’t complain. *real conversation between me and me.* Also they both had very rough backstories so they deserve some peace! There was a cute side romance, which I’d love a novella about, as it was very fast-paced as well! I also wanted to see the characters from past books—we got mention of them but no appearances.
Overall, I just think it’s good to be honest about the purpose the book is serving! Truly, I don’t regret reading it, I will in fact read it again, and I had fun with it. But it’s a book for people who have fun with an easy, breezy low-angst romance from time to time. (People who crave the angst? Maybe stay away from the entire series.)
I’m not sure if this book marks the end of the series, but if it does I’ll be sad! I’ve enjoyed the series as a whole, with book one being my favorite. All the books are light and easy and make even better rereads—this one should be no exception!
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶️🌶️/5
Thanks to the publisher for an eARC via NetGalley. All opinions are honest and my own.
July 4, 2023
ARC provided by publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I was interested in this book primarily because of the outsized reaction to the cover image--which I did not get. I thought the cover looked like it was designed by AI and represents some of the least artistic impulses from cover trends of the last few years. The Cordelia movie poster it is seemingly based on is so much better, even though people felt misled by that poster.
But maybe the kinship is intentional! Because I think if people feel like Jordan was going to right that wrong, they are going to be disappointed here too.
Nothing is particularly innovative or new about how the Duke of Penning and Susannah's relationship develops and the sex scenes are normal Sophie Jordan fare (even possibly a little *more* tepid). There are elements included that clearly signal Jordan thinks she is progressing (Penning's career prior to becoming a Duke unexpectedly, the lesbian aunts) but most of things that felt new to Jordan for me I have seen done better in other books at this point, namely The Earl I Ruined by Scarlett Peckham.
The hero in this book was previously a sex worker and based on reviews of The Earl I Ruined, I do wonder how people are going to take his attitude compared to Julian in that book's, but I want to make it clear: the thing that makes this book just Okay has nothing to do with the hero being a sex worker and everything to do with the book just being kind of boring.
So many threads of potential conflict felt underdeveloped and under discussed--it is like there is no linkage between who the characters are and what happens to them. This leads to a weirdly paced book that just isn't that interesting and it is also reflected on a smaller scale in the way that dialogue is explicated over and over again. Nothing is left to be intuited or discovered by the reader; we are told what the significance of lines and speeches, which does help, mostly because I quickly lost trust that the dialogue would have any clear logical connection to the characterization that I had gotten up until that point.
This is all not even to say: the Duke barely starts a scandal! His love interest is his housekeeper but there are next to no consequences to this at all! Scandal is cut off at the pass at every turn!
I was interested in this book primarily because of the outsized reaction to the cover image--which I did not get. I thought the cover looked like it was designed by AI and represents some of the least artistic impulses from cover trends of the last few years. The Cordelia movie poster it is seemingly based on is so much better, even though people felt misled by that poster.
But maybe the kinship is intentional! Because I think if people feel like Jordan was going to right that wrong, they are going to be disappointed here too.
Nothing is particularly innovative or new about how the Duke of Penning and Susannah's relationship develops and the sex scenes are normal Sophie Jordan fare (even possibly a little *more* tepid). There are elements included that clearly signal Jordan thinks she is progressing (Penning's career prior to becoming a Duke unexpectedly, the lesbian aunts) but most of things that felt new to Jordan for me I have seen done better in other books at this point, namely The Earl I Ruined by Scarlett Peckham.
The hero in this book was previously a sex worker and based on reviews of The Earl I Ruined, I do wonder how people are going to take his attitude compared to Julian in that book's, but I want to make it clear: the thing that makes this book just Okay has nothing to do with the hero being a sex worker and everything to do with the book just being kind of boring.
So many threads of potential conflict felt underdeveloped and under discussed--it is like there is no linkage between who the characters are and what happens to them. This leads to a weirdly paced book that just isn't that interesting and it is also reflected on a smaller scale in the way that dialogue is explicated over and over again. Nothing is left to be intuited or discovered by the reader; we are told what the significance of lines and speeches, which does help, mostly because I quickly lost trust that the dialogue would have any clear logical connection to the characterization that I had gotten up until that point.
This is all not even to say: the Duke barely starts a scandal! His love interest is his housekeeper but there are next to no consequences to this at all! Scandal is cut off at the pass at every turn!
Want to read
July 12, 2023the universe loves me and my love for slutty men on hist-rom covers so much because i just got an arc <3
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the cover reveal for this one guys...
everyone say thank you sophie jordan
giving mad Cordelia 2019 energy 😎
----------
the cover reveal for this one guys...
everyone say thank you sophie jordan
giving mad Cordelia 2019 energy 😎
August 4, 2023
Susanna Lockhart has worked to bury her past and become the very proper housekeeper of a grand, ducal estate. But the new, true Duke of Penning has gotten under Susanna's skin since their first, unlikely meeting. The dukedom has given Lucian a new chance to provide for his sisters, if he could just ignore his deliciously distracting housekeeper.
This is the fourth and final book in the Duke Hunt series, which began with the previous heir being deemed ineligible and continued with a con artist pretending to be duke. This story can be read independently, as there is no connection to the other couples in the series.
Sophie Jordan is always a quick and easy read for me. One thing that I really liked was that there was quite a bit of character development revealed early in the story, which helped me to connect to the characters. The reader doesn't have to wait around until 2/3 of the novel when someone reveals "I'm sorry I've been a jerk this whole time...it's because XYZ in my past!" The only downside was that their connection at the end felt rushed. I would have liked to have seen that drawn out a bit more. Personally, I don't think this is one of Jordan's best books, but as a longtime fan I still enjoyed it quite a bit.
Tropes: Unexpected Inheritance, Class Difference, Working Heroine, Power Dynamic (Employer/Employee), Ruined
Steam: 2
* I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
This is the fourth and final book in the Duke Hunt series, which began with the previous heir being deemed ineligible and continued with a con artist pretending to be duke. This story can be read independently, as there is no connection to the other couples in the series.
Sophie Jordan is always a quick and easy read for me. One thing that I really liked was that there was quite a bit of character development revealed early in the story, which helped me to connect to the characters. The reader doesn't have to wait around until 2/3 of the novel when someone reveals "I'm sorry I've been a jerk this whole time...it's because XYZ in my past!" The only downside was that their connection at the end felt rushed. I would have liked to have seen that drawn out a bit more. Personally, I don't think this is one of Jordan's best books, but as a longtime fan I still enjoyed it quite a bit.
Tropes: Unexpected Inheritance, Class Difference, Working Heroine, Power Dynamic (Employer/Employee), Ruined
Steam: 2
* I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
October 4, 2023
Will the real Duke of Penning please stand up?! Since the first book I’ve been wondering who the real Duke of Penning was since we’ve gone through a few.
The meet cute between Susanna and Lucian was awesome! I love a good rain storm scene. So Susanna is the housekeeper and Lucian is the new Duke of Penning but he’s no Duke I’ve ever read before. Both Susanna and Lucian have some serious secrets in their past that they would like to stay hidden. Needless to say they don’t.
This was a fun, low-angst book in the Duke Hunt series.
The meet cute between Susanna and Lucian was awesome! I love a good rain storm scene. So Susanna is the housekeeper and Lucian is the new Duke of Penning but he’s no Duke I’ve ever read before. Both Susanna and Lucian have some serious secrets in their past that they would like to stay hidden. Needless to say they don’t.
This was a fun, low-angst book in the Duke Hunt series.
August 12, 2023
ARC REVIEW (thanks NETGALLEY!)
Ok, so the beginning started out well enough. After being ruined and kicked out of her house Susanna becomes housekeeper for The Duke of Penning. Old Duke dies new Duke comes in. She doesn’t believe he’s the Duke because some other dude came in and said he was the duke. Whatever- Lucian really is the Duke and other guy ??? (Goes to jail, killed? Just kicked out of the house? Dunno) For some reason Lucian hates Susanna- Susanna hates him because he’s rude to her.
Prior to being a Duke Lucian is a sex worker??? He’s afraid (kind of, not really) of people finding out. Has a house party, dude from her past recognizes Susanna and sexually harasses her and blackmails her to tell the Duke who she really is. She just decides she’ll quit instead.
Dukes sisters notice he’s got the hots for Susanna so they lock them in the wine cellar. Within minutes of being in wine cellar they both profess their deep dark secrets (sex worker, non virgin) He won’t bang her cuz she’s his housekeeper but goes down on her anyway? Instead? Once they’re out of wine cellar Susanna quits and leaves.
Susanna bounces to her lesbian aunts cottage, Lucian finds her professes her love they bang. Go back to Duke estate and punch blackmailer bad guy. Lucian proposes to Susanna in front of all the staff and everyone is happy. DUDE NEVER EVEN KNEW HER REAL LAST NAME! It was just so rushed and goofy. I didnt Understand the point of Lucian having such a checkered past like it did nothing for the story. I’ve never read anything by this author before and sorry to say this is probably the last.
Ok, so the beginning started out well enough. After being ruined and kicked out of her house Susanna becomes housekeeper for The Duke of Penning. Old Duke dies new Duke comes in. She doesn’t believe he’s the Duke because some other dude came in and said he was the duke. Whatever- Lucian really is the Duke and other guy ??? (Goes to jail, killed? Just kicked out of the house? Dunno) For some reason Lucian hates Susanna- Susanna hates him because he’s rude to her.
Prior to being a Duke Lucian is a sex worker??? He’s afraid (kind of, not really) of people finding out. Has a house party, dude from her past recognizes Susanna and sexually harasses her and blackmails her to tell the Duke who she really is. She just decides she’ll quit instead.
Dukes sisters notice he’s got the hots for Susanna so they lock them in the wine cellar. Within minutes of being in wine cellar they both profess their deep dark secrets (sex worker, non virgin) He won’t bang her cuz she’s his housekeeper but goes down on her anyway? Instead? Once they’re out of wine cellar Susanna quits and leaves.
Susanna bounces to her lesbian aunts cottage, Lucian finds her professes her love they bang. Go back to Duke estate and punch blackmailer bad guy. Lucian proposes to Susanna in front of all the staff and everyone is happy. DUDE NEVER EVEN KNEW HER REAL LAST NAME! It was just so rushed and goofy. I didnt Understand the point of Lucian having such a checkered past like it did nothing for the story. I’ve never read anything by this author before and sorry to say this is probably the last.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2023
This author has been hit and miss for me in the past and this one was sadly just not it and I was bored. This is a historical romance with class difference, he’s a newly titled Duke and she’s his housekeeper. I got nothing from this, nothing really happens, and I just never felt anything for the characters and story. 🤷🏼♀️
February 6, 2024
2 stars
Finished the series! I think that’s me done with light historical romance for a bit 😮💨
This is the last book in the series, and it’s probably the second best one (#3 is still the greatest imo)
The storyline is really good on the sexual tension but I don’t think it delivers a satisfying end. The love story feels rushed at the end … it could have been a longer book.
Also it’s the most unbelievable of all the 4 books - however modern, I doubt the duke would have married his housekeeper. But hey 🤷🏽♀️
Finished the series! I think that’s me done with light historical romance for a bit 😮💨
This is the last book in the series, and it’s probably the second best one (#3 is still the greatest imo)
The storyline is really good on the sexual tension but I don’t think it delivers a satisfying end. The love story feels rushed at the end … it could have been a longer book.
Also it’s the most unbelievable of all the 4 books - however modern, I doubt the duke would have married his housekeeper. But hey 🤷🏽♀️
June 12, 2024
⭐⭐💫
2½ stars.
➕ What I liked :
The heroine was a little bit “older”. (28)
Not a aristocrat heroine.
(Heroine is a housekeeper.)
Hero is not born/raised into the aristocracy.
Country setting. (Not set in London.)
Somewhat of a enemies to lovers vibe.
Interesting start to the plot/story.
LGBT represented in side characters.
➖ What I disliked:
The pacing was a little strange.
Formulaic.
Lacking/underdeveloped chemistry and sexual tension.
Lacking/underdeveloped and rushed romance/romantic build-up.
Lacking/underdeveloped depth for both main characters.
There really was no scandal in the book as the book title suggests there is…
Especially that the heroes past did not resurface or cause issues… Nothing really about her past did cause a scandal… but also their marriage was not a issue either.
There are plot-holes and inconsistencies… but also so much of their pasts are ignored and glossed over.
From what the hero did in his past and who he now was... that past would have resurfaced very quickly.
Too much telling and not enough showing.
The ending was rushed and kind of abrupt.
Repetitive.
Formulaic in the character description/visual appearance/character choices.
The steam was bland.
2½ stars.
➕ What I liked :
The heroine was a little bit “older”. (28)
Not a aristocrat heroine.
(Heroine is a housekeeper.)
Hero is not born/raised into the aristocracy.
Country setting. (Not set in London.)
Somewhat of a enemies to lovers vibe.
Interesting start to the plot/story.
LGBT represented in side characters.
➖ What I disliked:
The pacing was a little strange.
Formulaic.
Lacking/underdeveloped chemistry and sexual tension.
Lacking/underdeveloped and rushed romance/romantic build-up.
Lacking/underdeveloped depth for both main characters.
There really was no scandal in the book as the book title suggests there is…
Especially that the heroes past did not resurface or cause issues… Nothing really about her past did cause a scandal… but also their marriage was not a issue either.
There are plot-holes and inconsistencies… but also so much of their pasts are ignored and glossed over.
From what the hero did in his past and who he now was... that past would have resurfaced very quickly.
Too much telling and not enough showing.
The ending was rushed and kind of abrupt.
Repetitive.
Formulaic in the character description/visual appearance/character choices.
The steam was bland.
December 20, 2023
So sad that the cover wasn’t an actual scene in the book 😒👎👎
November 28, 2025
Rate：3🌟..
Review：
Overall, it's a fairly standard historical romance.
We have a duke who rose from humble beginnings; in his youth, to support his mother and sisters, he was forced to entertain noblewomen by selling himself. After becoming a duke, he turns serious and cautious, hoping to marry a noble lady and secure suitable matches for his sisters. That way, even if his past is exposed, his sisters would still have their husbands' protection.
Then we have a strong housekeeper, whose former lover passed away tragically, leaving her despised in her small village. Driven out of her home, she was taken in by her aunt, who worked as a housekeeper in the previous duke’s household. After her aunt retired, she became the housekeeper.
The class difference is very typical, but unfortunately, the story fails to capture the angst that usually comes with such a divide. We never really understand why Lucien and Susanna fall in love, and the heart-wrenching conflict—where Lucien gives up Susanna, who is of lower status, to fulfill his duty by marrying a noble lady—is glossed over. Meanwhile, the subplot involving Lucien’s sister Mattie falling in love with a valet, Carter, feels underdeveloped, and Lucien’s eventual acceptance of their relationship is barely addressed.
The entire book gives off a hollow feeling—it keeps telling us things without showing us the depth, making the storyline come across as shallow.
Review：
Overall, it's a fairly standard historical romance.
We have a duke who rose from humble beginnings; in his youth, to support his mother and sisters, he was forced to entertain noblewomen by selling himself. After becoming a duke, he turns serious and cautious, hoping to marry a noble lady and secure suitable matches for his sisters. That way, even if his past is exposed, his sisters would still have their husbands' protection.
Then we have a strong housekeeper, whose former lover passed away tragically, leaving her despised in her small village. Driven out of her home, she was taken in by her aunt, who worked as a housekeeper in the previous duke’s household. After her aunt retired, she became the housekeeper.
The class difference is very typical, but unfortunately, the story fails to capture the angst that usually comes with such a divide. We never really understand why Lucien and Susanna fall in love, and the heart-wrenching conflict—where Lucien gives up Susanna, who is of lower status, to fulfill his duty by marrying a noble lady—is glossed over. Meanwhile, the subplot involving Lucien’s sister Mattie falling in love with a valet, Carter, feels underdeveloped, and Lucien’s eventual acceptance of their relationship is barely addressed.
The entire book gives off a hollow feeling—it keeps telling us things without showing us the depth, making the storyline come across as shallow.
December 9, 2023
got me giggling and kicking my feet since the beginning
October 28, 2023
i got approved for this on netgalley and i just want everyone to know that the review i leave for it will be my legacy to the world I AM VERY EXCITED
thank you to netgalley and avon & harper voyager!
--
from what i understand, this book cover was based on the poster for johnny flynn film cordelia, a film that i haven't seen because the poster looked VERY much like a historical pegging film. i was told that film didn't deliver on the coverly promise. i don't especially think that this book did, either.
here's the deal - new duke lucian, duke of penning, has come to collect on his estate. he really feels the need to prove himself to his peers and that means finding an agreeable wife. unfortunately, when his housekeeper walks in on him in the bath, his eyes begin to wander elsewhere.
housekeeper susanna is just trying to keep a low profile, running from something in her past that would ruin both her and her reputation. this proves to be a hardship with the new duke lingering around, but even harder still when a sleezeball who recognizes her from her past tries to, yes, manipulate her for sex by promising to keep her secrets for his part of the exchange.
frankly, the whole plot felt a little icky to me on top of being thoroughly cliched. i'm really disappointed that the cover wrote a check that the book didn't deliver on in any capacity.
i like the occasional historical romance but those issues on top of this book not being particularly memorable meant that this read wasn't for me.
thank you to netgalley and avon & harper voyager!
--
from what i understand, this book cover was based on the poster for johnny flynn film cordelia, a film that i haven't seen because the poster looked VERY much like a historical pegging film. i was told that film didn't deliver on the coverly promise. i don't especially think that this book did, either.
here's the deal - new duke lucian, duke of penning, has come to collect on his estate. he really feels the need to prove himself to his peers and that means finding an agreeable wife. unfortunately, when his housekeeper walks in on him in the bath, his eyes begin to wander elsewhere.
housekeeper susanna is just trying to keep a low profile, running from something in her past that would ruin both her and her reputation. this proves to be a hardship with the new duke lingering around, but even harder still when a sleezeball who recognizes her from her past tries to, yes, manipulate her for sex by promising to keep her secrets for his part of the exchange.
frankly, the whole plot felt a little icky to me on top of being thoroughly cliched. i'm really disappointed that the cover wrote a check that the book didn't deliver on in any capacity.
i like the occasional historical romance but those issues on top of this book not being particularly memorable meant that this read wasn't for me.
July 3, 2023
I think if you've enjoyed other Sophie Jordan books, you'll probably like this one. But this was my first from this author, and it really did not work for me.
My main issue is that the writing style is just ridiculously repetitive. The following is NOT an actual quote from the book, but rather an example of the kind of thing I mean: "She did not want to go. Where was she supposed to go? If she did go, it would be a shame. But he wanted her to go." on and on and ON. The dialogue wasn't much better--it was constantly stilted and strange.
I also just...didn't like the plot. The "locked room" portion felt incredibly contrived and dumb. I hated when Lucian . I didn't really like or feel invested in either of the protagonists by the end of the story, which is a shame. If we'd gotten more information about either of them as characters outside of massive info-dumps every chapter, I think that would have helped a lot; for example, what if Lucian had friends from his sordid past life who loved him and whom he protected and supported with his newfound power and wealth? That's just one possibility that would have made him seem like a good, caring man and not just any random pointless duke, and would have made his past feel rich and immediate. We don't get that, though.
My main issue is that the writing style is just ridiculously repetitive. The following is NOT an actual quote from the book, but rather an example of the kind of thing I mean: "She did not want to go. Where was she supposed to go? If she did go, it would be a shame. But he wanted her to go." on and on and ON. The dialogue wasn't much better--it was constantly stilted and strange.
I also just...didn't like the plot. The "locked room" portion felt incredibly contrived and dumb. I hated when Lucian . I didn't really like or feel invested in either of the protagonists by the end of the story, which is a shame. If we'd gotten more information about either of them as characters outside of massive info-dumps every chapter, I think that would have helped a lot; for example, what if Lucian had friends from his sordid past life who loved him and whom he protected and supported with his newfound power and wealth? That's just one possibility that would have made him seem like a good, caring man and not just any random pointless duke, and would have made his past feel rich and immediate. We don't get that, though.
December 13, 2023
I loved this story, and more specifically I loved the two main characters, Lucian, the newly minted Duke of Penning, and his housekeeper, Susanna Lockhart. It was such an engaging read that I flew through it, as I wanted to find out what would happen next between them, given all the sexual tension that sparks almost as soon as they meet. They are perhaps one of my favorite romantic couples ever because they, in Lucian's words, "fit together so well". They have things in their pasts that could or have ruined their lives, but they learn to trust each other and grow together; they both are salt of the earth people, with honor and integrity - and for me, those are my favorite types of characters. Plus, any hero named Lucian (which means bringer of light) is my kind of hero!
There are so many good things to recommend this book, the first being for those fans of Jane Eyre, there are echoes of when Rochester first meets Jane in how Lucian and Susanna first meet. Susanna also has an interesting background, as does Lucian. The supporting characters are intriguing, although I will say that in the case of Lucian's sisters, perhaps too much time was devoted to them and maybe not enough to further developing Lucian's run-in with Billings, a villain, at the end. The writing is lovely, the emotions never far from the surface and the sexual tension between them abundant. It is very easy, in my opinion, to root for these two scarred souls to be together and find their HEA.
So why not 5 stars for this book, whose characters I adored? First, I would say it is a very different book from other books by Sophie Jordan I've read and perhaps in the series. There are not a lot of flames attached to this story. There's sexual tension and longing, but things don't really start to get physical between them until three-fourths of the way through the book. It's emotional and sweet, but I wouldn't call this a steamy read. Rather it's a love story at its core.
I also wanted better balance between the two MC's points of view throughout the story. We get into Lucian's mind for some of the early chapters, but when things start to develop between them toward the end, it is more often told through Susanna's eyes, and I wanted more glimpses into Lucian's inner thoughts, especially given his past "relationships". Also some of the internal musings of these two would be in such detail - right in the middle of dialogue between them - that they disrupted the flow of their conversations. For example, she would ask a question, then there would be an extensive internal monologue in his or her mind, and then he would answer, the initial question asked, already forgotten. And at times, the pacing was slow because of the abundance of details in these internal musings. I think the plot could have been improved by more dialogue and action, with less thinking.
Still, I liked Lucian and Susanna and was captivated by their love story.
4.25 stars
I received an ARC of this novel from NetGalley for free, and I am leaving my review of it voluntarily.
There are so many good things to recommend this book, the first being for those fans of Jane Eyre, there are echoes of when Rochester first meets Jane in how Lucian and Susanna first meet. Susanna also has an interesting background, as does Lucian. The supporting characters are intriguing, although I will say that in the case of Lucian's sisters, perhaps too much time was devoted to them and maybe not enough to further developing Lucian's run-in with Billings, a villain, at the end. The writing is lovely, the emotions never far from the surface and the sexual tension between them abundant. It is very easy, in my opinion, to root for these two scarred souls to be together and find their HEA.
So why not 5 stars for this book, whose characters I adored? First, I would say it is a very different book from other books by Sophie Jordan I've read and perhaps in the series. There are not a lot of flames attached to this story. There's sexual tension and longing, but things don't really start to get physical between them until three-fourths of the way through the book. It's emotional and sweet, but I wouldn't call this a steamy read. Rather it's a love story at its core.
I also wanted better balance between the two MC's points of view throughout the story. We get into Lucian's mind for some of the early chapters, but when things start to develop between them toward the end, it is more often told through Susanna's eyes, and I wanted more glimpses into Lucian's inner thoughts, especially given his past "relationships". Also some of the internal musings of these two would be in such detail - right in the middle of dialogue between them - that they disrupted the flow of their conversations. For example, she would ask a question, then there would be an extensive internal monologue in his or her mind, and then he would answer, the initial question asked, already forgotten. And at times, the pacing was slow because of the abundance of details in these internal musings. I think the plot could have been improved by more dialogue and action, with less thinking.
Still, I liked Lucian and Susanna and was captivated by their love story.
4.25 stars
I received an ARC of this novel from NetGalley for free, and I am leaving my review of it voluntarily.
April 12, 2024
I read a MF romance, and I didn't hate it! But I was bored, and it was pretty chock full of the typical tropes. I will say this isn't an awful book but I was way more excited to hear about Aunt Tabitha and her Best Friend / Roommate (who got all of 5 pages in the book) than even the main characters. Make of that what you will.
August 1, 2023
I am such a fan of star crossed/wrong side of the tracks romance. However you would say 'of different social classes' in a way that sounds cute? That.
A new duke and a haughty, long time housekeeper? sign me tf up!!!
A new duke and a haughty, long time housekeeper? sign me tf up!!!
December 28, 2023
I recieved an ARC via NetGalley but all my thoughts are my own.
I think the downfall of this one was there just wasn't much going on in the plot for me. This almost felt cozy to me if cozy historical romance is a thing. I wasn't really viking with the hero and heroine either. The book was okay I guess I just wanted a little more oomf from it.
I think the downfall of this one was there just wasn't much going on in the plot for me. This almost felt cozy to me if cozy historical romance is a thing. I wasn't really viking with the hero and heroine either. The book was okay I guess I just wanted a little more oomf from it.
July 27, 2023
I voluntarily read and reviewed this advanced copy from Net Galley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Last year I read the third book in The Duke Hunt, The Scoundrel Falls Hard, and I adored it. What's not to love about a lady blacksmith giving a fake declaration of love to save a strange babe from public execution? A typical love story I've read a thousand times, duh. I had expected the same chemistry and strong characters in this book that I received in the previous installment. I was poorly mistaken. The Duke Starts A Scandal was a messy romance and I was honestly more invested in the side plot involving the valet and the hero's sister. The tertiary characters had more warmth in their scant pages than the main couple did in the entire novel dedicated to them. They were completely frigid and their entire romance came off as bitterly cold.
My main beef with The Duke Starts a Scandal was how the main couple talked to each other. They were very snippy and mean. I'm starting to lose my fondness for Enemies to Lovers because I don't equate cruel dialogue with romance. I think authors are mislabeling their works when they really mean "bully romance". The key element that made me uncomfortable was the power dynamic between the hero and the heroine. He was her employer and she was the main housekeeper who ran the estate for a decade before he claimed his dukedom. There was a lot of weird tension that I can't fully attribute to their physical attraction. It was bad juju and I honestly didn't care whether or not they ended up together. That's a horrible indicator for a romance novel when the reader isn't completely invested in the happy ever after.
The Duke Starts a Scandal was not what I was anticipating considering how much I enjoyed its predecessor. My favorite part was the romance between the hero's sister and the valet. The young man was recovering from an injury and it spurred the heroine to assist the duke during his absence. I feel like the secondary relationship was sweeter, softer, and more genuine than the main romance. I would have preferred for them to take the spotlight, but a valet is not a duke. It's a darn shame that I couldn't substitute Valet with The Duke Starts a Scandal. Now, that's a title! I know from Downton Abbey that not all upstairs-downstairs romances last, but there's an exception for every rule.
Last year I read the third book in The Duke Hunt, The Scoundrel Falls Hard, and I adored it. What's not to love about a lady blacksmith giving a fake declaration of love to save a strange babe from public execution? A typical love story I've read a thousand times, duh. I had expected the same chemistry and strong characters in this book that I received in the previous installment. I was poorly mistaken. The Duke Starts A Scandal was a messy romance and I was honestly more invested in the side plot involving the valet and the hero's sister. The tertiary characters had more warmth in their scant pages than the main couple did in the entire novel dedicated to them. They were completely frigid and their entire romance came off as bitterly cold.
My main beef with The Duke Starts a Scandal was how the main couple talked to each other. They were very snippy and mean. I'm starting to lose my fondness for Enemies to Lovers because I don't equate cruel dialogue with romance. I think authors are mislabeling their works when they really mean "bully romance". The key element that made me uncomfortable was the power dynamic between the hero and the heroine. He was her employer and she was the main housekeeper who ran the estate for a decade before he claimed his dukedom. There was a lot of weird tension that I can't fully attribute to their physical attraction. It was bad juju and I honestly didn't care whether or not they ended up together. That's a horrible indicator for a romance novel when the reader isn't completely invested in the happy ever after.
The Duke Starts a Scandal was not what I was anticipating considering how much I enjoyed its predecessor. My favorite part was the romance between the hero's sister and the valet. The young man was recovering from an injury and it spurred the heroine to assist the duke during his absence. I feel like the secondary relationship was sweeter, softer, and more genuine than the main romance. I would have preferred for them to take the spotlight, but a valet is not a duke. It's a darn shame that I couldn't substitute Valet with The Duke Starts a Scandal. Now, that's a title! I know from Downton Abbey that not all upstairs-downstairs romances last, but there's an exception for every rule.
October 15, 2023
Sophie Jordan used to be a go-to author for me. She seems to be in a writing rut because her last few books are not enjoyable. The lord/servant trope has been done much better by other authors. I felt no connection to either MC and could not really understand how they actually fell in love.
I received and eARC from NetGalley in exchange for my review.
I received and eARC from NetGalley in exchange for my review.
November 26, 2023
This book was so cute. 🥰 it was a really nice change of pace from the books I’ve read this year. This historical romance was one between a duke and the housekeeper (so scandalous) lol it was so sweet. I loved Lucian. He cared about Susanna enough to fight several men for insulting her and that really made me love him more. We all deserve a man that will punch another for insulting us. Susanna was a sweet girl I liked that she was true to herself regardless of her past. And her and Lucian had pasts for sure.
As for the spice. It was spicy and there was sex scenes but they were a bit more tasteful as opposed to the raunchiness that I’m used to lol it was still there just focused towards the end of the book. The table scene though? 🥵🥵🥵🥵 Lucian may have been a duke but he knew what to do with a woman and his mouth? Filthy. I loved it. This book was sweet I’m very happy I read it. It was easy to follow and easy to finish quickly. I would give it five stars any day and a reread. The world the author created was adorable and reminded me of Bridgerton!!!
As for the spice. It was spicy and there was sex scenes but they were a bit more tasteful as opposed to the raunchiness that I’m used to lol it was still there just focused towards the end of the book. The table scene though? 🥵🥵🥵🥵 Lucian may have been a duke but he knew what to do with a woman and his mouth? Filthy. I loved it. This book was sweet I’m very happy I read it. It was easy to follow and easy to finish quickly. I would give it five stars any day and a reread. The world the author created was adorable and reminded me of Bridgerton!!!
October 12, 2023
The Duke Has a Lot of Inner Dialogue and Not Much Actually Happens 📖
This book starts of incredibly slow with a crap ton of back story. Mounds and mounds, pages and pages of inner dialogue and back story with nothing happening. I found myself getting lost in the backstory and jarred back to the present thinking, “Omg he is still just standing at the window?!” I was so tempted to DNF but forced my way through because it’s not everyday that a duke loves his housekeeper.
What I appreciated about this book was despite the class difference, these two had similar (ish) upbringings so there wasn’t any, “I can’t marry you because you’re beneath me,” garbage that can be super annoying in HR. Though I do feel like overall the romance was underdeveloped. I believed their love because of their backstories but wanted to believe it more based on their on page interactions…if that makes sense.
Also the housekeeper being the duke’s valet loooool. I was chuckling to myself because why wouldn’t this happen in a romance book? Seemed so silly but I just went along with it.
Thanks to Avon for the ARC, review is my own.
This book starts of incredibly slow with a crap ton of back story. Mounds and mounds, pages and pages of inner dialogue and back story with nothing happening. I found myself getting lost in the backstory and jarred back to the present thinking, “Omg he is still just standing at the window?!” I was so tempted to DNF but forced my way through because it’s not everyday that a duke loves his housekeeper.
What I appreciated about this book was despite the class difference, these two had similar (ish) upbringings so there wasn’t any, “I can’t marry you because you’re beneath me,” garbage that can be super annoying in HR. Though I do feel like overall the romance was underdeveloped. I believed their love because of their backstories but wanted to believe it more based on their on page interactions…if that makes sense.
Also the housekeeper being the duke’s valet loooool. I was chuckling to myself because why wouldn’t this happen in a romance book? Seemed so silly but I just went along with it.
Thanks to Avon for the ARC, review is my own.
November 9, 2023
I have always liked Sophie Jordan's books. I love her writing and her stories. She always has such great characters. This is my 25th book by her. I've been reading her since 2018. After I played catch up reading a lot of her books, I noticed over the years her book releases are far and few between. She only has had 10 books out in 5 years. I do have a few authors like this, where you might only get 1 or 2 books a year and that’s it.
I enjoyed this story to an extent. The main issue I have and I don't think it's giving anything away since every Regency romance I read has a HEA but it seemed that it took so long for Susanna and Lucien to finally get together and when they do, POOF the story is over. I just feel we never really got much "them" time. You know there is always an antagonist and even though that was "taken care of" it wasn't a very satisfactory take down. Just overall a bit disappointed which is weird because all the other books were great and I wrote in my notes Book 2 was damn good. Still a good series.
I enjoyed this story to an extent. The main issue I have and I don't think it's giving anything away since every Regency romance I read has a HEA but it seemed that it took so long for Susanna and Lucien to finally get together and when they do, POOF the story is over. I just feel we never really got much "them" time. You know there is always an antagonist and even though that was "taken care of" it wasn't a very satisfactory take down. Just overall a bit disappointed which is weird because all the other books were great and I wrote in my notes Book 2 was damn good. Still a good series.
January 29, 2025
4 Stars, almost 4.5 tbh. This was a delicious treat that hit the spot for me and I quickly devoured. I love love love love this cover. I only wish the cover was something that happened in the book ;)
Read
April 9, 2024I know the cover is separate from the story but this cover hinted at a very different story.
November 2, 2023
PACING
This one actually could have been so fun if the pacing was better!!! Also too much internal thought not enough dialogue.
This one actually could have been so fun if the pacing was better!!! Also too much internal thought not enough dialogue.
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