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 really enjoyed this book a lot. The ending felt rushed to me. I would still recommend it.
Very entertaining
Liked it
Loved it!! Different and unusual storyline!!
A most enjoyable Romance.
This was a nice take on Beauty and the Beast in Regency England,very much in the same spirit as “Shameless” by Karen Robards. I do have to ask though – which one is the Beast? Carlton Guthrie or the Earl of Hedgewick?
As I read this, I felt like I read something much like it at one time. Whatever, I thoroughly enjoyed it because the unknown duke/criminal element turned out to be — well, I’m not going to spoil it for you. Just read it; it’s fun, and you can get lost in it.
A good read. I always like characters that aren’t perfect. A good picture of 19th Century London.
3.5 stars
I haven’t read the whole series and was not lost – so stand alone.
For the most part I did enjoy the story line, if I didn’t concentrate too much on the facts or lack there of. The ages really baffled me for both, but mostly on the h.
There is mentioned of body parts being seen, one act not actual lovemaking, prior to marriage. The lovemaking is within marriage, heat level 3.5 out of 5 if that.
We do not find out why the H didn’t go to the authorities and explain what happened to his father. He was the future Duke, why hide that fact? Was it just for revenge? I wanted to know more on this. The h has hours to plan her escape, and doesn’t change out of a showy dress or hat. Doesn’t plan where to go or how to get there. Takes no money with her – WHAT?!? The reason her father betrothed her was lame.
This is a unique story and parts held my interest. Was suspenseful and had many villains. A side story about human trafficking and men’s seedier thoughts on sex. I raised my rating, because it was different.
My heart ached for the h’s brother and I wanted to know of what his future held. The story has an epilogue only a few weeks in the future. The Lord’s name is used in vain 2-3 times.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, some romance and a tad of spice. (ljb)
Book 5 in The Diamonds in the Rough is every bit as good as the previous 4. Sophie is one of my favorite Historical Romance Authors. Her books are character-driven and oh what wonderfully complex, intelligent characters. When they fall in love they go all-in with passion and commitment.
If you have read any of the books in the series you have met our Hero, Carlton Guthrie, The Scoundrel of St. Giles. Carlton is not all that he presents to the citizens of St. Giles. He has a secret that could change his destiny. You don’t cross him without consequences. He runs his businesses with ruthless efficiency and rewards loyalty. He takes care of the poor while he waits to get the justice that is long in coming. Then one day it literally runs into him!
Lady Regina has followed all the rules that a young lady is taught. She is the perfect daughter. She loves her parents and her older brother and always thought that someday she would fall in love and have a family of her own. Then one fateful day her father summons her to his study to introduce her to her betrothed, a lord younger than her and of frail health. She knows that she can’t marry him so she makes a rash decision and runs away and finds herself in a really bad neighborhood and accepting the help of a stranger.
This is classic Sophie Barnes. Two people who should never have met find themselves rethinking their life choices. When Carlton realizes Regina is the daughter of his enemy he hatches a plan to get the revenge he has been waiting for. Regina is falling in love with Carlton and decides she wants to stay with him and build a life together. Carlton feels the same but he knows he has to send her back to her father to complete his revenge.
Can Carlton get his justice and keep Regina for himself? Regina knows what she wants, but can she cut all ties with her family?
I loved this story and know that you will too! Even though this is part of a series it is a lovely story that can be read as a stand-alone. Sophie has done it again!!
I loved this book!!
London – 1820
Regina Berkly, 18, is the daughter of Charles Berkly, the Earl of Hedgewick. Regina is a lovely young woman who is well-educated and accomplished. Her father has just informed her that she is to immediately marry the Marquess of Stokes, age 14, and son of the Duke of Windham. When she meets the young boy, she is shocked at his adolescent appearance and obvious physical limitations caused by a form of gout. Knowing that her life would be a misery, she decides to flee in the night, where she runs into Carlton Guthrie, the Scoundrel of St. Giles. He knows her name and family connection and takes her to the Black Swan that he owns.
Carlton’s young life and family were ruined by Charles Berkly and now is his chance for payback. He has built up his wealth as a sort of crime boss and lives comfortably.
As Regina stays under the protection of Carlton, there is an instant attraction. Even though he is rough and speaks crudely, she sees his soft side.
Will her father find her and make her marry the young man he has chosen?
First off, I must say that I have long been a fan of Sophie Barnes and she is always at the top of my favorite authors. Unfortunately, I was not intrigued by this book because I did not like the violence and prostitution that the young and protected Regina was exposed to while she stayed with Carlton. Call me a historical romance prude, but I prefer stories to take place in the drawing room.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
As reviewed at Roses Are Blue: https://wp.me/p3QRh4-17q
Carlton Guthrie, also known as The Scoundrel of St. Giles, has built himself an empire as a powerful crime lord, though his true identity is of much higher birth. Twenty years ago, while only a child of thirteen, his father, his home, and his very existence, were snatched away in a brutal act. Since that time, Guthrie has desired revenge on the man who stole everything from him, Charles Berkly, the Earl of Hedgewick. Two previous attempts by Guthrie to carry out his plot have failed, as it’s very hard to access the earl. So, when the earl’s beautiful young daughter literally crashes into him, and asks for his help, it seems that he finally has the means to enact his vengeance.
Regina Berkly cannot believe that her beloved father is going to force her to marry a mere boy of fourteen, several years her junior. Though the young man is the heir to a dukedom, he is sickly, and not likely to live a full or normal life. As Regina talks to the young man, she discovers that he, also, is being forced into this marriage. When her father is immovable, Regina realizes that she has no choice but to run away. Without any set plans, she escapes her home, and flees, ending up in St. Giles, and in the arms of the notorious Scoundrel.
As Regina tells Guthrie her tale, he offers her shelter, all the while formulating a plan of how to finally get to Hedgewick. Guthrie doesn’t hold Regina prisoner, and, in fact, treats her very well. He sends anonymous taunting letters to Hedgewick, telling of how he’s ruined Regina, though he treats her with the utmost respect. The bow street runners hired by Hedgewick have been unable to find Regina, and weeks pass.
During her stay, Regina and Guthrie become very close. Regina begins to see that Guthrie is really a protector of the powerless, and only punishes those criminals who prey on the weak and vulnerable. While he becomes more and more entranced with Regina, Guthrie is determined that he won’t take her innocence, though neither of them can resist some kisses and caresses. Guthrie begins to feel things in the heart he thought was dead, while Regina begins to imagine a future living with him in St. Giles.
Before Guthrie furthers his plot of revenge, a series of events take the choice out of his hands. One of his own men betrays him, putting Regina in severe danger, and revealing more sordid activity taking place in St. Giles, but involving several “honorable” noblemen. Regina is spotted, and her father and his henchmen arrive to take her home and to have Guthrie arrested.
Regina is not stupid, and she saw her father’s reaction when he was confronted by Guthrie, who made reference to the events of twenty years ago. She knows that the father she loved is indeed hiding something, and she’s determined to get to the truth, and to get Guthrie out of prison, even at the expense of her own reputation.
It seems that Hedgewick definitely has a twisted history with Guthrie’s father, and that he has spent twenty years hiding his crimes and enacting his own revenge, part of which even involves the marriage he arranged for Regina to the young boy. I despised the character of Hedgewick, who, I believe, was truly a touch mad. Guthrie, on the other hand, is a lovable rogue with a heart of gold and an honorable streak a mile wide. When the truth is finally revealed, he has to make a decision about which world is now his own. For being so young, Regina exhibited maturity, strength, and intelligence, as well as determination to clear the name of the man she loved, no matter the cost. The romance in THE FORGOTTEN DUKE was sweet, strong, and believable. Guthrie’s history was, indeed, a sad one, but it formed him into the wonderful man he is today. I loved this hero and heroine, and how the story unfolded to allow them to find a way to have a happy ever after. I greatly enjoyed this emotional page-turner, and I recommend it to all fans of historical romance.
The Forgotten Duke, by Sophie Barnes, is available through booksellers 1-28-20. Forgotten is book 5 in Ms Barnes Diamonds In The Rough series. I believe this is my first read of Ms Barnes work. I must say I’m impressed. I wish it were possible to rate in half stars, I’d give Forgotten a solid 4.5. I intend to backtrack and try out the first 4 stories. I’m curious if they’d stand up to my expectations of Ms Barnes writing (high). I’ve found most historical romance books to be a bit of entertaining fluff. I like fluff, eat it up, love it. But, a steady diet of fluff leaves me more appreciative of a complex emotional plot.
Our hero, Carlton/Valentine has been dealt a rotten hand in life and lives for revenge. He’s plotted it and thought about it ad nauseam. He doesn’t seem to realize that he made his life so much more than only anger. His story moved me, the hurt, rage, longing, subterfuge, nature vs nurture. He’s interesting and once I knew his background I became invested in his HEA. The balm to his soul arrives in one Regina Berkley. Her father has pledged her in marriage to an inappropriate teenager. That poor kid is just as miserable as Regina at the though of what was to come. He’s very sick & she is overcome with sympathy & actually runs away to save them both. Her father and his machinations made me hurt & angry on her behalf. Regina is strong & sassy & basically saves herself with only a bit of help from Carlton. Theres a perfect ending, it made me happy, was satisfying. I’m interested to see where the Diamonds series goes from here.
#SophieBarnes #Netgalley #DiamondsInTheRough #TheForgottenDuke #historicalromance
A wonderfully delightful read in vividly written world full of courtly rules and dark secrets that may just destroy them all of they let it. Funny and seductive. Tragic and disturbing. You may just find yourself falling for the Scoundrel of St. Giles right alongside Regina. He is more than what he seems, and she desperately wants to uncover his sectets. He is a contradiction and a puzzle she longs to solve. She is unique and lovely and is slowly creeping into the dark crevices of his heart. A beautiful story with a touch of darkness, and one I could not put down!
London, 1820
Regina had always been “the dutiful daughter, the proper young lady who never who never strayed from protocol and always behaved with decorum. She could simply walk out the front door and vanish.” Runaway bride Regency style! Of course it was going to be a forced marriage by her father and it just could not be….
So she did run without thought and literally ran into her fate. Not that she would know that for awhile, but Carlton Guthrie, known as the Scoundrel of St. Giles saw his opportunity. She would be the key to extract the revenge on her father that he had been waiting for…
Regina seemed very naive in some ways due to her being so sheltered, but she seemed instinctive on seeing the true Carlton. Carlton had a lot of secrets and he had perfected his “persona” which really held a tortured soul underneath. Whether he could resist her or not and she maintain her innocent soul took them on a journey not soon forgotten!
Sophie Barnes is a wonderful writer and I always enjoy her stories and this was no exception!! Looking forward to the next in this series!
Loved this book. This story is about the son of a Duke who left home at 13 after his father was murdered. He has been thinking of revenge on the Earl who killed his father. He’s been going by the name of Carlton Guthrie the scourge of St Giles. Carlton thinks his revenge is almost complete when he comes across Regina (the Earl’s daughter).Fate steps in and things start happening.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lady Regina Berkly lives the charmed life. Her sole purpose to become an accomplished lady. And she is that and more. The one last requirement is to marry well. She understood her obligation to marry well and had no illusions that love wold play a part in her marriage.
But when she finally meets her groom for the first time, the day before they are to be married, she realizes that she wants more from her marriage and flees.
Carlton Guthrie is the Scoundrel of St. Giles. He has made a name for himself by being ruthless and cunning. He also lives for revenge.
When he helps Regina, he finds out she is related to the man he was sworn vengeance on for two decades. This is basically all he has ever lived for and will use Regina to further his agenda. That is until he realizes he wants something more.
Can a lady and a scoundrel find a happily ever after? Or is it asking too much?
This story starts off slow and I was beginning to wonder where it was headed. It’s a slow burn and the romance between the main characters takes time to heat up.
But, OMG!. I’m so glad I persisted because this book became phenomenal! The mystery and the angst had me agog and at the edge of my seat. Once the passion boiled over, it burned up the pages.
Guthrie is tormented and has a need for revenge. He’s as vicious as he is kind. He also has on heck of a past that made him into who and what he is today. But, Regina brings out his kindness more and more.
He knows he is not good enough for her and that they cannot have a future. But, day by day, step by step, she brings out the man he was meant to be. Protective kind and caring. He is such a badass sweetheart!
This is a spectacular read that I enjoyed thoroughly! Although I think it could have benefited from a bit more steam between the couple, it was simply amazing as is!
I received an ARC via NetGalley of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Carlton is a duke who is presumed dead who is bent on revenge against the man that killed his father and tried to kill him as well. He builds up an empire in St. Giles and gets ready for revenge. Regina runs away from an arranged marriage and Carlton finds her. He offers her refuge and discovers that she is the daughter of the man responsible for his situation. Will love overcome revenge? I look forward to the next book in the series that tells Ida’s story. I received an ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.
WHOA!!! What a suspenseful, tension filled, action packed romance. I loved this story. There are so many twists and turns it literally had me inside out of my skin at times. The characters are amazing. They are fleshed out and well developed. The plot and subplots completely unexpected. There is even some laughable humor sprinkled in there. The innocence and naivete of the h never went to the point of exasperation. She was intelligent and extremely inquisitive. The situation she found herself in opened up a new world to her and she embraced it without regard to rank or title or no title at all. She learned more and more about herself and the H. The H was a notorious St. Giles scoundrel famous for many unsavory things. It was more hype than anything. But he liked it that way. At first the h was scared and intimidated by the H. Later when she understood why he did what he did. She was full of admiration and respect for him. There was more to this man than he let on. The attraction grew between them but as much as the h was falling in love with the H but he was determined to let her keep her innocence. When some of the facts of what the H was doing, most women would have spurned and shunned him. Not so with the h. She was hurt but she declared her love and knew this was not the end of them. The h and her brother followed clues that led them to discover the H’s hidden secret. But what they did not know was what the H had against their father. Shocking!!!! You will love this book. It is impossible to be bored. From page one I was engaged and intrigued and could not put the book down. It is a page turner. I highly recommend it. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.