He never imagined he’d be the man he was born to be, or that one woman’s faith in him would change his life forever… Carlton starts to fall for the innocent beauty.Seeking refuge with a notorious crime lord, was never part of Regina’s plan. But in her blind attempt to escape the fate her parents have planned for her, options are limited. What she doesn’t expect, is to pull aside Carlton’s facade, and to find a tormented man who makes her feel safe and cherished – a man she could easily love, if he’ll let her.
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I love anything by Sophie Barnes!
Carlton Guthrie, the Scoundrel of St. Giles, has been planning revenge for twenty years against the Earl of Hedgewick. When the Earl’s daughter runs away from a planned wedding, she runs into his territory and he saves her from an attack. Regina cannot abide the marriage her father had planned for her and latches on to Carlton as he offers her a safe place to figure out what she plans to do next. Little did Carlton know was Regina is the woman of his dreams. Can he stay away and protect her innocence while he plots to kill her father?
I enjoyed this book. It started off well, dragged a little in the middle, then raced toward a satisfying conclusion. Ms. Barnes does a good job not only with the hero and heroine, but with the secondary characters as well. The mystery running through the book of why Carlton wanted revenge kept me turning the pages.
I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.
ONE GRIPPING WHIRLWIND!!!
Oh snap! Sophie kicks this baby into overdrive, clutching the wheel and petal to the metal, hawking the wares and pocketing the dough , fusing this little fella together seamlessly. Stumbling through the trials and tribulations, shocking twists, creative turns and crisp lines, blasting this bad boy to life brilliantly. Intrigue, drama and deceit run amuck as chaotic events and mayhem showcase this fantastic, page flipping bombshell, spinning this little fella into a riveting prize winning culmination. Add intrigue, undercurrents, suspense and perplexing situations, along with a boatload of trouble, you have one exciting adventure. Illustrating incredible, well rounded scenario’s, that punch dead center with such exuberance and style, grounding in it’s strength and awe inspiring in it’s depth. The attraction and chemistry sizzles alluring and mesmerizing, displaying an undeniable connection and amplifying affection binding them together perfectly. The characters are authentic and complex with depth and qualities that transform into outstanding personalities. The scenes are so abundantly detailed to give you a full understanding and realism that balance out fluidly. Remarkable job Sophie, thanks for sharing this little fella with us.
A great page turner.
We met Carlton Guthrie, The Scoundrel of St. Giles, in the earlier books of the series and developed a love/hate relationship with him. Was he saint or sinner? Now, we get to meet the real man and we can decide for ourselves. There was a lot going on in this book and while I was left with questions about some things, none of them really had to do with the HEA, the mystery, or its resolution. You don’t have to have read the earlier books in the series to enjoy this one, but it is a great series and I can’t imagine why you’d want to miss out on those books – besides – you’ll get a better feel for Guthrie because he’s threaded throughout the series.
Carlton has many secrets and I’ll not share all of them with you – but – I mean – you did read the title of the book. Carlton’s one deep abiding goal for the last twenty years has been to punish (meaning causing the death of) Charles Berkly, Earl of Hedgewick. The Earl is a wily fellow and has managed to guard himself well during that time – and Carlton has only had a couple of instances where he might exact his revenge. Sadly, none of those came to fruition. Then, the perfect revenge presents herself to him – almost on a silver platter. Who is he to say no to such a providential gift?
Lady Regina Berkly has always been a biddable, dutiful daughter. She diligently studied the pianoforte though she disliked it, she learned to embroider, to manage a household, to speak correctly, to dance without flaw, all of those things at which her parents said she should excel. She knew it was her duty to marry and to marry well for the betterment of her family. She was fine with all of that. At least she was fine with it until her father returned one day and announced she was going to marry the Marquess of Stokes the following morning at eight AM. She was aghast! She had never even met this person and she was expected to marry him. Her father would not be dissuaded, but did tell her that the groom and his family would be coming over that evening for them to meet. Surprise, shock, dismay – all of those and many more words could be used to describe her feelings upon meeting the potential groom. He didn’t want this any more than she did – and he was still a child. She liked him and he would be a good man someday, but not the man for her. When she told Stokes that she’d get them out of the arrangement, he was grateful to her.
Regina spent most of that night thinking and thinking, but she couldn’t think of any way out – except to just leave – and that is what she did. Just before dawn she snuck out the door and began running – and running – until she was totally lost and not in the best part of town. She ran right into a wall – well – a man who seemed like a wall. He steadied her and she told him who she was and that she was running away. Then, she went on her way – only to run into dire trouble. Again, the man showed up to rescue her. He offered her sanctuary until she could decide where she wanted to go and then he’d help her. Reluctantly, she accepted his off to stay at The Black Swan in his accommodations – as long as he didn’t make any demands of her. Admirably, he didn’t – the tension was there on both sides – but he didn’t.
“Who would have thought that she, the dutiful daughter of an earl, would be entertaining a bawd in a crime lord’s parlor?”
Lots of things happen – from kidnappings to betrayals – and Guthrie and Regina manage to become closer and closer through it all. Each knows that they love the other, but neither feels free to actually use the words. Then, when Regina is discovered and Guthrie’s deceit is revealed, Regina is devastated. Regina refuses to believe that her father has done what Guthrie says – but – she truly believes that Guthrie is honorable – so there must be another explanation. Can their relationship survive Guthrie’s deceit? Is her father guilty? If he is, can she keep Guthrie from exacting his revenge? Read the book to find out – you’ll love it.
This was a well-written book and a very enjoyable story with characters that I came to really like as I got to know them. I could feel Regina’s determination to take control of her own life and I could sympathize with Guthrie’s need for revenge. They were truly a very well-matched pair. It was a busy story that kept me engrossed from the first page to last. It also nicely set up the next story featuring Ida Strong and Fielding (from A Most Unlikely Duke). I assume Fielding will redeem himself in that book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Having spent the last 20 years with revenge on his mind, Carlton Guthrie now has the means to act on that revenge when Regina, his nemesis’ daughter, lands in his arms and he saves her from the streets of St. Giles. What follows is a story of intrigue, danger, betrayal, secrets, all mixed in with passion.
The story gripped me from the first page to the last one, there are many tense scenes as well as many emotional ones and when secrets are revealed, you can’t help but hold your breath until it’s all laid out in the open. I loved the characters, all come to life under this author’s imagination and it makes for an awesome read.
I was given an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Running away from an unwanted marriage, Regina finds herself cornered by ruffians. Suddenly a man comes to her rescue. Fighting them off, he then takes her to his club. Carlton Guthrie is the Scoundrel of St. Giles, known for his violent and unscrupulous reputation. Once he finds out Regina’s identity, Carlton has the perfect weapon of revenge. His focus of revenge soon becomes less important because of Regina. This book reads at a steady pace with lots of action, romance and a swoon-worthy hero.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
I’m blown away by this story
There is so much I want to say. It was totally riveting. From beginning to end, I was enthralled.
Not only was Regina and Carlton’s love totally taboo. An earls daughter falling for a man of dubious background. But the background story that initially brings these two unlikely people together is amazing written. My heart pounded as it came to its big climax, and wow was it good.
Loved every moment of this book.
06/24/2021 Sophie Barnes is one of my favorite authors and “The Forgotten Duke” (nook) was all – maybe more? – than expected. I stayed up until 2:30 a.m. reading and finally had to put down the book – unfinished. Carlton’s and Regina’s love story is intense as they face danger, revenge and murder. Great story.
A good read
A new twist. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
A love story with some hatred, forgiveness and kidnapping mixed in.it’s
I loved the story
Amazing romance with a surprisingly twisted plot!
What starts as a simple arranged marriage soon spirals out of control. Neither Regina nor her intended want to go through with the wedding, so she does the only thing she can think of to stop it – only that inadvertently lands her right in the lap of her father’s worst enemy. Carlton has been needing vengeance against the Earl of Hedgewick for many years, and he’s not going to let this chance slip past him – not even for Regina’s sake.
As the romance deepens, so does the plot. Many secrets come to light, most of which I didn’t see coming. I admired Regina’s strength in the midst of all the turmoil, and Carlton’s heart and honor were expertly put to the test. The supporting characters are exceptionally well done. There are some jaw-dropping moments, plenty of intense heat between the two MCs, and a very satisfying HEA.
This was an unexpectedly fun story. It starts out the H is thinking to use the h as a tool and doesn’t care of how she will be hurt, but as they get to know each other real love grows and he forgoes his rightful vengeance for her. It has a twist ending but I cannot say I didn’t see it coming. 🙂 Lovely read.
Can’t say enough good things about this author and this series of stories. This is the second I have read and enjoyed. Full of romance and danger, which I love and some twisted moments also. Great read. I fully endorse.
Great book!!! Liked the characters, lived action and sure happy ending!
I didn’t finish reading it. Wasn’t in mood, was irrated by female character.
Really good story
Great book, full of action and HEA!