Best Books of November – BookriotA lady with a noble mission. A duke looking for redemption. A forbidden love that cannot be denied, in The Good, The Bad, and The Duke by Janna MacGregor.Lady Daphne Hallworth is ready to celebrate the holidays with her family. But when they accidentally leave her home alone, Daphne uses the time to work on her dream—opening a home for unwed mothers. But her quest … for unwed mothers. But her quest isn’t problem-free: She’s in a battle to win the property for the home against her brother’s best friend-turned-enemy, Paul Barstowe, Duke of Southart. And that’s not all: someone has stolen her personal diary, which holds secrets that could devastate her family. Daphne has always harbored private feelings for the man her family scorns…though perhaps striking a bargain with the handsome Duke will solve both their problems?
Paul, long considered good for nothing, aims to open a hospital to honor his brother and restore his reputation. So when a conflict over the land brings him straight into Daphne’s life, they make a deal: He will help her find her diary if Daphne can change her family’s opinion of him. But before he can win her family’s affection, he has to win hers first. Maybe love was the answer to their family feud all along?
more
Lady Daphne Hallworth is the quintessential “good girl” and all but invisible, so it is no surprise when her family departs to their country estate for Christmas and she is left behind. Rather than join them, she decides to use her time alone to chart her future. She plans to use her inheritance and set up her own household and start her charity – a home for unwed mothers. Events in her past have made this charity very near and dear to her heart – so with no one around to naysay her, she decides to visit her solicitor and get her plans in motion. But her plans are derailed when her reticule containing her journal with her deepest, darkest secrets and fantasies is stolen and she has to chase the thief – right to Reynolds gaming hell and Paul.
Paul Barstowe is the new Duke of Southart, a title he never expected to inherit and one he doesn’t feel worthy to bear. But when his beloved brother Robert died from Rheumatic Fever, Paul swore to honor his final request and become a better man by giving up his wild, wicked ways and becoming the honorable man Robert always believed him to be. Paul spent his life trying to gain his father’s approval and when he realized that was a lost cause, he began acting out to gain his father’s attention – and it worked, so well that he ended up pushing away all his friends – save Robert and Devon. But determined to turn over a new leaf, he has taken his seat in parliament and is trying to establish a hospital specializing in the care of Rheumatic Fever patients to honor his brother’s memory. He has found a piece of property that would be perfect and starts to make plans.
Fate throws them together and they strike deal, he will find her journal and she will convince her brother that he is truly redeemed and deserving of acceptance. Seems easy and straightforward, a perfect plan – but fate is not done with these two and they will have a lot to overcome before there can be a HEA.
As in the previous books, I thought the writing was a bit wordy and repetitive and I felt like the story was too busy, too many characters, too many plot elements, too many implausible scenarios and drama for the sake of drama. That said, I did like both Paul and Daphne and felt the chemistry between them and really became invested in their quest to find redemption and love with each other. This is the fourth book in the series and I would highly recommend reading them in order rather than starting with this book.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
In the previous books in this series, Paul Barstowe was cast as the villain, a dissolute and selfish man. However, I had always thought there was more to the man. Yes, he readily admitted to wrong doings, even though he was not the perpetrator. Why? After a lifetime of verbal abuse from his father, he believed he was worthless, just has his father described him. Now the Duke of Southart after his beloved brother’s and not so beloved father’s deaths, he is trying to turn over a new leaf. Besides managing the dukedom, taking his place in the House of Lords, he wants to build a hospital to treat rheumatic fever, the disease that caused his brother’s demise. His efforts puts in the same circles as his former best friend, Alex Pembrooke. It is his fondest wish to have this friendship repaired, bur will that ever be possible? In a Regency “Home Alone” situation Pembrooke’s sister, Daphne is left behind at Christmas after her family leaves for the country. She decides that now is her chance to look for a place to establish her charitable home for unwed mothers. Unfortunately, as she is in the park by her home her reticule with her most personal journal is stolen by a boy. Trying to chase him down puts her in touch with Paul once again. That’s when the fun begins. As they work together to get her journal, they discover love. The first half of the book sets the situation, but the second half of the book is where the action is. Just when you think it’s going all work out, the authors throws in a twist. The author is a master of these twists, the reader just can not be sure what will happen next. They turned an okay book into a very enjoyable one. This one really makes me anxious to read the next two books in the series. I received this eBook from NetGalley for an honest review.
Wonderful story! This is one of those “hard to put down books”. I never like revealing the plot, so I’ll just say that it’s one of Janna MacGregor’s best
Paul Barstowe, Duke of Southart, is trying to repair his rake/irresponsible reputation, but his deceased father’s letters delivered to him weekly keeps reminding Paul of all the mistakes he’s made in his life. Paul was never supposed to be the duke, but with his older brother tragic death, Paul is thrust into a position he was never trained for. The one thing Paul wants to do is open a hospital to honor his late brother. While bidding on a property, he finds himself in competition with a former friend’s younger sister, Lady Daphne Hallworth who wants to open a home for unwed mothers. Additionally, she has had her personal journal stolen by a homeless lad and Paul offers to help her retrieve it. Daphne has had a tendre for Paul since she was a young girl and she hopes that Paul will finally see her as more than his friend’s little sister.
I liked Paul more than Daphne in this story although all the inner monologue of Paul berating himself that he’s not good enough for Daphne got tiresome after the first few times. Daphne makes some very questionable decisions while trying to retrieve her journal and Paul is there to keep her safe whether she wants his help or not. The one scene of a gentlemen being serviced by a prostitute outside of a gaming hall really turned me off. It seemed it was thrown into the story as more shock value than anything else. I read historical romances for the romance between the H and h, not to read unnecessary sex scenes between characters who only show up once. In any case, I did enjoy seeing Daphne finally learning to stand up for herself and fight for the man she loves. I enjoy Ms. MacGregor’s stories and I’m looking forward to reading her next book.
Step back in time as Janna MacGregor takes you on a journey that will turn your heart upside down and satisfy every emotion needed in a historical romance. A newly title Duke, Paul Barstowe was looking for redemption to overcome his past foibles. Oh, yes there were many as he tried to defy the father that never felt he was good enough and had no love to give him. But his father passed away very quickly after his brother, who on his deathbed, wished Paul to become the Good Duke.
Lady Daphne had her own trials when it seemed she was the insignificant family member as she was left at home for Christmas by mistake! But why not take advantage and pursue her dream of opening a home for Unwed mothers and be independent with the money that was left to her?
Of course, her plans go astray when her journal with all her thoughts (oh yes, there were some great fantasies there about Paul- wait, yes she knew him from when she was young!) was snatched by an urchin!! But who else would she run into but Paul at the gaming house the thief ran into!!
The adventure begins as fate steps in and throws them together. Yes, they need each other and Daphne is a force to be reckoned with! Loved both of these characters and in this author’s amazing style, they came alive and pulled me from page to page!
I want give anymore away because you will enjoy everything about this tale and have a heartsmile as you turn the last page. Although part of a series, this can be read as a standalone, but why would you want to do that? Read the entire series and fall into the wonderful world created by this author!!
Paul/Southart – repent for his waywardness and Daphne- cusp of spinsterhood (Alex sis)
I enjoyed reading this splendid story that progressed steadily, has well developed characters with witty/semi-humorous dialogue, and an intriguing plot. The romance develops naturally and the H & h are well suited with great chemistry. This story could be considered “The good girl saves the bad boy” but they both saved each other. Their story had a Sweet and complete HEA!!
A delightful of redemption and finding love. Janna MacGregor is best known for her wonderful regency romances and this is my favorite one yet!
The Good The Bad and The Duke is a cautionary tale to never let your >bleeep< journal out of your sight! Seriously though, between the covers I was delighted to find a story of lifelong friendships and redemption. This does have the prerequisite plot points you expect from the genre. Boy and girl are drawn together, turmoil ensues attempting to keep them apart, and then the stars align and they grab their happily ever after. More than that, I enjoyed our hero “Paul” swallowing his pride and dusting off his apology britches to set his life to rights finally. Finally! This is the storyline I have been waiting for in this series. I feel that the author did a fantastic job in creating his romantic counterpoint in Daphne. She is no wilting wallflower with more than enough of an independent streak as to be relatable. These two play off of one another beautifully. This could be read as a standalone novel. However, I feel that the redemption of the male lead, in addition to the multiple supporting character ties, this would be best enjoyed when read in series order. Paul really did make some colossal poor choices he has to scrape himself back from. I loved every minute of reading time spent on this story. I received a complimentary advance copy of this title at no cost to the author via Netgalley. All opinions are unsolicited and my own.
Paul Barstowe did some very bad things in his past. He got into trouble to gain the attention of his neglectful and abusive father. He continued until his repulsive behavior cost him his friends. When his brother died, he promised Robbie that he would reform. He would become a responsible duke and a better man.
Lady Daphne Hallworth has loved Paul since she was a child, but due to his behavior toward members of her family, they hate him. She doesn’t, but she is loyal to her family.
What happens when circumstances bring the two of them together for Christmas? They have a great adventure, get to know each other, and fall in love. They know how the family feels and that they cannot be together, but they will keep each other company through Christmas. Who knows what will happen after that.
This story was interesting and emotional. It kept my attention from start to finish. The search for Daphne’s missing journal was intense, but their visits to the Reynolds were humorous. Daphne and Paul were wonderful characters. They had much in common. Their responses to the grief they felt at the loss of a sibling were different, but resulted in a desire in both of them to help others like Robbie and Alice. Pembroke and Sommerton rejected Paul and his attempts to make peace with them and regain their friendship. The ladies of the family were not so stubborn, and one of the children offered him friendship (and a kitten). His father who had always treated him badly, sent one more devastating surprise from the grave, one from which he might not recover. It will end his chance at acceptance and a life with Daphne, but it gives him a means to retrieve her journal from the nasty piece of work determined to use it to ruin the author. What happens next? It’s not what he or the reader expected. Don’t you love surprises? I enjoyed and recommend The Good, The Bad, and The Duke.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The review and opinions are my own.
A really enjoyed this story. Daphne has loved Paul since her teens, but Paul so engrossed in annoying his negligent father, chose to gamble and seek companionship with married ladies. When his older brother and father died within months of each other he became a Duke. Now he must redeem himself. One night he sees Daphne putting herself in a precarious position and intervenes. He see this lovely lady and can’t help falling for her. But between bad blood with her brother, Paul’s past and Daphne’s secret he will need to prove his worth. But another secret is discovered which could ruin everything.
Janna MacGregor has risen to the top pf my queue for favorite Regency Romance writers. I simply adore this series. Each story has a great balance of friendship, family, mystery and romance and MacGregor has done a wonderful job as her writing is incredibly descriptive and the imagery created puts the reader in the head and hearts of the characters.
After being unwittingly abandoned during the Christmas holiday, Lady Daphne Hallworth finds herself under the “protection” of her brothers ex best friend Lord Paul Barstowe, the second son of the Duke of Southart. With one of the worst reputations, Paul has a lot to overcome. But while the family is away, Daphne and Paul find a deep attraction and the flirtation and playful banter is exquisite:
“What do you want?”
Through the tangled web of sensuality he’d woven around her, she replied, “Everything.”
“You’re a wicked, wicked woman, Lady Daphne Hallworth.” He slowly drew away. With a rumbling, rich laugh that permeated every inch of her body, Paul held out his arm for her to take. “I think you and I are going to become the best of friends this evening. On the way to the Reynolds, perhaps you could define ‘everything’ for me.”
Already on the outs, his attention to Daphne is heavily protested but the seduction forms a steadfast connection that Daphne stands for. I loved her sense of independence as she fights for what she believes in, namely Paul. And all is not as it seems. How Paul, Alex, and Nicholas ended up on the outs may not be what it seems. There are some incredibly twists to the story that changes everything for all the families. There were times I felt incredibly sad for Paul. He questions his worthiness but it’s clear his feeling for Daphne are earnest and he plays the hero for her in a much needed capacity. Daphne also faces a scandal of epic proportions.
I can’t recommend this series enough. Every book has great central characters and the storyline continues to build on the world of The Cavensham Heiresses and reinforces my love for all things of “Ton” (le bon ton).
The Good, the Bad, and the Duke is a highly entertaining, heartfelt, and engaging story. Paul is trying to redeem himself in the eyes of his peers in the ton after a lifetime of drinking, gambling, and generally making poor decisions. Now that he is the unexpected Duke, he is valiantly trying to turn his life around in honor of his late brother. He’s a handsome, charming, and loyal rake. Daphne has tried to do everything right, but she’s also determined to start her own foundation in spite of her brother’s misgivings. She’s smart, determined, loyal, and finding a backbone she never knew she had. Paul always had a soft spot for Daphne, as the younger sister of his former best friend, and he gallantly steps in to assist her when she needs it. She provides him comfort and he wants to be a better man for her while he pays attention and makes her feel desired and desirable. They bond over their past and their respective losses. Janna MacGregor delivers delightful characters, chemistry, intrigue, and family drama to another wonderful standalone in this series.
Perfect story for the holidays, with forgiveness and redemption a key part of the story. But don’t worry, the romance is front and center in a heartwarming manner, with Lady Daphne Hallworth meeting her match in her brother’s ex-best friend, Paul, now the Duke of Southart. Left behind for the holidays, Lady Daphne decides to work on her charity, has a journal stolen and ends up at a gambling den where the Duke steps in to help. From there, the chase is on, with the two discovering their common interests and shared passion. She needs him to help regain her private musings in her journal; the secrets inside could hurt her family. He wants her to help him become friends with her family again; they despise him and he wants to salvage his reputation and become a better man. And that’s what makes this story so sweet — in the best way — the hero seeks true redemption and the heroine wants to help him along the way. In the process, they fall in love, as equals, friends and lovers who no longer are star-crossed. Great secondary characters, well-thought out plot and no silliness. Just a lovely read. (I received an ARC from NetGalley. Opinions are all mine. Thanks, though. This one was lovely. Janna MacGregor improves as she moves from book to book, and she was good to begin with.)
Breathtakingly Romantic! I was captivated by this story, from beginning to the end. I have enjoyed this series very much but this was my favorite so far. This was so well written and the characters are just so well developed that all the idiosyncrasies of the characters helped tell their story so much more in depth.
I totally loved the characters of Lady Daphne Hallworth and Lord Paul Barstowe and this friends to lovers romance. The way in which Lady Daphne was not afraid to go after what she wanted, if it was a kiss or her journal, or building a home for unwed mothers, made her such a great heroine. I also felt so much for Lord Paul with all his troubles and past problems with his family and friends. He suffered so much pain and just wanted to be loved.
But seeing these two come together was magical and breathtakingly beautiful. The endearments and the heartwarming manner with which they see each other has such inherent warmth as well as sizzling passion. Getting to see the other couples in the previous books was an added bonus. Don’t pass this book by. Janna MacGregor has such a way with words it will cast a spell on you and take you on a beautiful journey.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
“Friendship is really the finest balm for the pangs of disappointed love.” –Jane Austen, Northanger Abbey
This review [**May Contains Spoilers**] features book 4 in The Cavensham Heiresses series. Rating: MA: mature audience, adult themes, explicit-graphic sex scenes between consenting adults
I LOVED book 3 ‘The Luck of the Bride.’ The Cavenshams were amazing. I loved the characters and even those returning from the previous books made me want to know more about them and their story. I was so looking forward to the next book in the series. While reading book 3, I CNPID [could-not-put-it-down], unfortunately, with book 4, I kept putting it down. That doesn’t usually happen. I could not stay with it. I’d pick it up and start at the beginning thinking I had missed something only to put it down… again. I finally gritted my teeth with a determination to finish the thing.
What I liked: the reformed rake Lord Paul Barstowe, who later became the Duke of Southart. I felt for him. His story was not a happy one. Dang!! I was so upset by his circumstances. Poor guy. We were pulled through the wringer with him in the highs and lows of his life. Then, the antics, created by the heroine, caused him any number of problems. It frustrated the time out of me. Bless his heart. I wanted to do something violent on his behalf, like shake someone [her], punch my pillow or throw my reading device. I couldn’t reach her, and since I like my device, I decided to keep it. Unfortunately, my pillow didn’t survive.
What I didn’t like: Whose story was this? I wasn’t sure and I certainly didn’t like any of these people. Especially the elder Lord Southart. That old-bastard can rot as far as I am concerned. He was evil. Then we have Lady whats-her-name. That would be the Lady Daphne Hallworth, who got on my last nerve. She’s one of those stupid-ditzy virgins that behaves in a way that puts everyone in jeopardy and then acts so innocent. She can’t think her way out of a wet-paper-bag, is blind to reason, and can’t seem to keep herself out of trouble. I wanted to shake her silly. If she had only trusted Southart to do what he promised, then they could have stayed out of trouble. But no, she had to do it her way and set that bull-dog of a reporter on her trail. What the crap was she about as she continued to go out of her way to cause a scandal?
The story-line: predictable; the resolution: telegraphed; the ending: simply fell apart. That reporter was stupid when he had the story of the century in his hands. Anyone, that knows anything about reporters, knows that once they get a whiff of a story/scandal, they become a burr you cannot shake. That fire was out too quickly for the period. Half of London would have burned down, the whole building for sure or at least the print shop. Everything felt contrived and forced. And then we have… Plausibility: what was the size of this journal anyway? How big was her reticule? Things kept pulling me from the story.
This was a crowded mess as characters from the previous books returned to make an appearance. I think it was to just remind us that they were still around. Remember, in book three, I loved these people. However, I did not enjoy their presence in this story. They were awful. Their anger and resentment flowed throughout the story creating angst as the men postured and strutted about. The only problem was it didn’t ring true. It felt contrived and forced and then, all of a sudden, was resolved and then everyone made kissy-face. No way!! I didn’t believe it for a second.
“What happens this weekend stays between us. We set the rules.” –Jayson James, Summer Escape
Don’t even get me started on the sex scenes. Man, that ticked me off even more. This little virgin/trollop was not plausible in the least. She was way too aggressive for an innocent and it was just wrong. I didn’t like her, not one bit. The scenes were just plugged in to create drama and weren’t romantic.
I think I figured out part of my dislike. I was expecting a ‘Cavensham’ story and got a relative instead. I kept waiting for the Cavenshams to appear. When one finally arrived, I was so excited. I kept thinking, OK, now the story can start. Only they were there for like five minutes. I was so frustrated. I felt cheated with this watered-down relative. Yep, I wanted Rocky Road and was given Vanilla instead. It was a tease and the story did not produce. I’m sorry.
Book 1: The Bad Luck Bride: [Clair & Alex]
Book 2: The Bride Who Got Lucky: [Emma & Nick]
Book 3: The Luck of the Bride: [March & Michael] 5-stars
Book 4: The Good, the Bad, and the Duke: [Paul & Daphne]
Book 5: Rogue Most Wanted: expected pub date June 25, 2019
I volunteered to read an uncorrected digital galley from the publisher via NetGalley. The views expressed are my own. Projected publication date: 27 Nov 2018.
The Good, the Bad, and the Duke grabs the reader’s attention from page one. The description of Daphne as a child plays out like a movie in my head and I could not wait to read the rest of her story. Borrowing a page from Home Alone, Lady Daphne Hallworth is forgotten in the chaos of packing the family up for the Christmas holiday trip. Pushing aside hurt feelings for being forgotten, Daphne decides to explore her independence and finds trouble along the way. Her brother’s enemy/former best friend and a rake to boot, Paul Barstowe, the Duke of Southart rides to her rescue. Labeled useless and no good by his father, Paul goes out of his way to live up to the reputation he was given and clearly deserves. Lady Daphne alone sees the good in him and makes him want to be a better man. A whirl wind romance full of flirtation and impending ruin, the story is sweet with a touch of heat to keep the pages flying by. Proving once again that bad boys make the best reformed heroes and that chivalry is alive and well, the book satisfies and leaves you wanting more.
The Good, The Bad, and The Duke is a wonderful love story that is tender and steamy and incredibly touching. Paul Barstowe, the Duke of Southart is a rogue and a gambler with a past that has left behind broken relationships, but underneath that brash exterior lies a big heart that’s left him wounded and vulnerable. Daphne has had a crush on him since she was a child, and their reunion starts off auspiciously, but the chemistry between the two is palpable. Watching their relationship develop was such a treat; each of them bears the pain of their pasts, wary of opening their hearts to another. This book is filled with an emotional intensity that is unexpected but so welcome. There are so many layers to this story, as well as to each of the characters and I found myself completely invested in what happened to them!
I don’t usually read holiday themed books but the premise of The Good, the Bad, and the Duke appealed to me and I wanted to give a try. It has both of my favorite romance tropes: enemies to lovers and older brother’s best friend and I just couldn’t pass it by. I thoroughly enjoyed this historical romance. I loved Paul and Daphne, their chemistry was electric, and I love the whole “good girl saves bad boy because she sees the good in him that no one else does” trope. The writing is beautiful and there was enough tension to keep the reader on tenterhooks. At one point toward the end of the book I was really worried about Paul and Daphne’s fate. But, of course, it’s a romance novel, so everything turned out well for the couple! The Good, the Bad, and the Duke is the perfect mix of spicy and sweet and I am very glad I gave this festive romance a chance.
Another wonderful story from Janna MacGregor! I loved both Daphne and Paul, especially since Paul had a colorful history from the previous stories (you do not need to read the earlier books to enjoy this one, but you should as this is a great series.). I had tears on and off, and loved the strength that Daphne showed to get what she wanted as she moves on from her past grief. I highly recommend this story.
I received an ARC through Netgalley, and this is my unsolicited review.
Absolutely outstanding Regency romance. I’ve had the pleasure of reading book 4 in this series as well and thoroughly enjoyed that. I look forward to reading all the books in this series. Ms. MacGregor takes the reader on an interesting journey into the Lord’s and Ladies of the tons lives. Lady Daphne has reached the age of 25 and considers herself a spinster. As a youngster she was precocious and enjoyed her time with her older brothers friend Paul. There is a rift between Paul and Daphne’s family but there are strong feelings between the two. The story has intrigue, suspense, can be read as a stand-alone with a HEA. This is definitely an enjoyable story. I received a complementary copy via Net Galley and chose to write a review. I look forward to reading future books by this author.