A scarred mercenary… Or the Disappearing Duke of Greybourne?Rafe has spent years running from his true identity. He’s a lone wolf, living far from aristocratic England and his violent father. Then unconventional Cleopatra Osbourne requests his protection as she crosses the Egyptian desert. In Cleo he discovers a fellow outcast–and a fierce desire! Cleo must return to London, and here lies … here lies Rafe’s dilemma–because following his heart means claiming the title he’s avoided for so long!
“Heart-wrenching emotion… [Temple] writes well-researched novels with passion and sensitivity, creating stories that touch your heart and make you tear up and sigh in satisfaction.”
–Frolic on The Lord’s Inconvenient Vow
“Lara Temple [is] a writer who elevates the genre with her gift for creating mature and believable characters and beguiling, emotional and captivating historical romantic novels.”
–Bookish Jottings on The Lord’s Inconvenient Vow
“Lara Temple has brilliantly combined history, travel and romance. I enjoyed every single page.”
–Rae Reads Book Blog on The Lord’s Inconvenient Vow
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The Return of the Disappearing Duke is author Lara Temple’s latest novel and brings a familiar character back into our midst, Rafael Edgerton or Rafe as we got to know him in Ms. Temple’s previous book, The Lord’s Inconvenient Vow. Rafe caught my eye in the previous book and I was hoping we would eventually get his story.
We’re back in Egypt with Rafe & I couldn’t be happier! Ms. Temple’s knowledge of Egypt is superb and I love that we’re being transported back there with all the vivid sights and sounds of Egypt. It’s a nice change from the London scenes we’re so used to in this genre.
Oh my Rafe, what an absolutely delicious hero! Rafe is working as a mercenary in Egypt, avoiding returning to London to claim his rightful place as the Duke of Greybourne. This is where he first meets Miss Cleopatra Osborne. I absolutely loved these two together! The banter and awareness were fabulous between these two and it was a joy to watch them together. Cleo was a strong, intelligent young woman and easy to like and I felt she and Rafe were perfect for each other.
With fabulous secondary characters and a journey from Egypt to London, Ms. Temple did an absolutely fabulous job with Rafe’s story! I highly recommend this story and I’m looking forward to the next book in this series and hoping on hope that it might be a certain Captain’s story…
Captivating characters in an exciting and romantic adventure through Egypt
The Return of the Disappearing Duke by Lara Temple is a lovely historical romance full of adventure and captivating characters.
Cleopatra had an unconventional upbringing following her antiquities enthusiast father all around the world.
When her father died, and her brother disappeared, Cleo was left all by herself in Egypt. Pretending to be a boy, Cleo approached an English mercenary for help.
Rafe was a man full of scars inside and out. Immediately realizing she was a woman, he felt honor bonded to protect her until she could be safely delivered back to England.
Cleo and Rafe were such captivating characters. She was smart, resourceful, and sensible. She knew her strengths and her weaknesses and was not ashamed to ask for help.
Rafe had a lot of baggage to deal with but was so stoical about it all. He is my favorite kind of hero: strong, but lovely, protective, but respectful.
Cleo and Rafe just felt right from the start. Oh my, what a chemistry! They were a good team, and it was a pleasure to accompany them through deserts and oceans.
This is my first book by this author, but it certainly will not be my last.
The Return of the Disappearing Duke is a historical romance full of adventure, love, and even a jealous camel. Highly recommended!
Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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Temple writes another entertaining adventure in Egypt.
Cleo Osborne’s father wasn’t a model citizen. A neglectful father, he spent his life in antiquities, real and forged. Her father’s business associates are after her brother who took a book that belonged to their now dead father. On the run looking for her brother, Cleo’s luck changes when she meets Rafe Grey. Rafe is a scarred mercenary looking for his brother. Cleo hires Rafe to help find her’s. His payment is “a tale full of holes.” As their attraction grows stronger, Rafe tries to pull away. His secret can change everything between them. Nonstop entertaining banter with a strong heroine who doesn’t take “NO” for an answer. I already want to read it again! Gifted by the author.
The Return of the Disappearing Duke by Lara Temple (The Return of the Rogues, #1) is a Harlequin Historical, September 2020 release and is a wonderful romance full of adventure, delightful characters, and another reason why Lara Temple’s Regency historical romances are a must-read!
Rafe has spent years running from his identity that of the Duke of Greybourne. When he crosses paths with the unconventional Cleopatra Osbourne, who asks for his protection as she crosses the Egyptian desert, a fierce desire for her begins to build, but if he follows his heart he must also claim the very title he’s avoided for so long.
Rafe is one of my all-time favorite heroes. He may be running from his title and has past, but he doesn’t run from the responsibility of aiding and abetting those in need. He’s practically perfect in every way – sigh – and just the way I like my heroes – handsome, adventurous, arrogant, and ripe for being brought down a peg or two by a strong female. I laughed (out loud and more than once) at his pig-headed attitude, at his sense of humor, and I almost needed tissues during his moments of grieving for everything he though was lost to him. He’s just so genuine.
Cleopatra Osbourne epitomizes everything I love in historical romance heroines; sassy, forthright, intelligent, stubborn, and perfectly capable of taking care of herself. She was brave, reckless, and willing to open herself to rejection because it just might lead to happiness.
I loved the journey Rafe and Cleo took – their adventure across the desert as their friendship developed, their desire simmered, and love bloomed – never have two people been so perfectly suited for one another. Setting this story in Egypt was a great choice; it was the perfect backdrop for Rafe’s escape from his past and for Cleo’s adventurous spirit. The Return of the Disappearing Duke was reminiscent of The Mummy movies starring Brendan Frasier, Rachel Weisz and Oded Fehr. The heat level is exactly right too!
I highly recommend The Return of the Disappearing Duke!
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of The Return of the Disappearing Duke from the author in eBook format in exchange for an honest review. The opinions and observations I share here are mine and mine alone and were in no way influenced by the format in which I received the book.
The setting and the characters set this apart from most romances.
I’ve been thoroughly enjoying Lara Temple’s books about Regency era characters in Egypt, and this is another excellent addition. Rafe Grey is a duke who wants nothing of his title; his abusive father soured him on it thoroughly. He’s avoiding his own responsibilities when Cleopatra Osbourne literally stumbles into his room, dressed as a boy and desperately avoiding some local henchmen searching for her.
Rafe can’t help himself. Curiosity roused, and long-buried chivalrous instincts rising to the fore, he agrees to help Cleo, despite the massive disruption to his own plans it causes. It’s an arduous and difficult journey through the desert, accompanied by Rafe’s loyal sergeant, a local guide boy and a troupe of stubborn camels, and on the way Cleo and Rafe get to know each other. They both have difficult family backgrounds, each have a younger brother they love deeply. Rafe has secrets, though, and Cleo’s an open book.
The pair of them fall for each other as they travel, and there are a couple of quite steamy sex scenes. Rafe gets a bit high-handed at times and Cleo gets to give him a couple of fantastic set-downs I really enjoyed. The pair of them have some really great chemistry from the very beginning and it was the external conflicts which got in the way of their happy ending, including Rafe needing to come to terms with his title and the destiny which went with it.
The Egyptian setting is beautifully written and I really enjoyed the story. I’m happy to give this five stars.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via the author.
Rafael Edgerton, heir to the Duke of Greybourne, left home at the age of sixteen, vowing never to return until his violent father was dead. First he became a soldier, where he was injured and scarred in a fire, then a mercenary. His travels have taken him to many places over the last twenty years, his current location being Egypt. Rafe chose to use the last name of Grey, with only a very few choice friends knowing his true identity. The duke has died, and Rafe knows that he must return to England, but he’s reluctant to do so. There are no happy memories of his childhood home, or his seemingly cold and distant mother. Rafe’s dilemma is temporarily put aside, as he accepts an assignment to safely escort an English lady, who is unsuccessfully trying to disguise herself as a boy.
Cleopatra Osbourne and her younger brother, Dashford, are in Egypt thanks to their somewhat shady father and his dealings with antiquities, both real and forged. After their father’s death, Dashford is being pursued by one of his powerful business associates, who desperately wants to put his hands on some item in the dead man’s possessions. The siblings became separated, and Cleo, who greatly resembles her brother, cut her hair and dressed as a young man. Unfortunately, this means that the supposed villain is now in pursuit of her, believing that she is her brother. She seeks Rafe’s help and escort to escape, and he agrees.
The nearby ports are being closely watched, so Rafe and Cleo have to take the long route to an alternate port, one that takes them through the desert with camels as their transportation. This road trip adventure has Rafe and Cleo discovering that they like each other very much, and physical attraction enters the picture almost immediately. Cleo isn’t repulsed at all by Rafe’s scars, in fact, she finds everything about him compelling. Though Rafe has lived a far from ducal life, he has still managed to retain his own personal code of honor. Though he can tell that Cleo is dying to touch him, he tries his best to maintain his distance. While they manage to avoid total physical intimacy, there are a couple of steamy encounters that rival the desert for heat.
Their journey eventually takes them back to England, while both are secretly wishing to stay on the ship with each other and sail forever. Rafe knows he has to take up his duties as duke, and the thought is tearing him up inside. He also realizes that he needs to reveal his true identity to Cleo, and dreams of a future with her. Cleo, meanwhile is already grieving parting with Rafe, while being determined to find her still missing brother. Rafe makes a date with Cleo, where he intends to tell her the whole truth, but he is waylaid by his brother, his mother, and an assault by a would-be thief.
The longing and attraction between Rafe and Cleo simply oozed off the pages, and I so badly wanted them to be together forever. There are so many ways in which they are alike – their strength, yet their vulnerability, their sense of fun, their courage, their honor, and, of course, their passion. I loved every minute of their time together. The scene where Rafe proposes, and receives Cleo’s initial response, and then makes his reply, had me in tears. His words are so loving and so heartbreaking! The scene with his mother is also very enlightening, and explains so much of the past that was muddled. THE RETURN OF THE DISAPPEARING DUKE is Lara Temple’s writing at its finest. I loved the characters, the adventure, the heartwarming romance, and the beautiful story.
NOTE: THE RETURN OF THE DISAPPEARING DUKE easily reads as a standalone, but the story also involves Rafe’s relationship with his brother, Edge, and the strange journey Rafe led him on. Edge’s story is told in THE LORD’S INCONVENIENT VOW, and that book reveals more of the brothers’ sad childhood, and is another that I wholeheartedly recommend reading.
As reviewed at Roses Are Blue: https://wp.me/p3QRh4-1kk
Cleo is an adventurous young woman in 1822, having spent the past year traveling, and finally ending up in Egypt, with her father and brother. But when she’s separated from them due to tragedy and circumstance, she must don a disguise and head for home. But with a band of men at her heels and nothing but a necklace to sell, she must search for help in the most unlikely of places.
Rafe hadn’t expected to begin his morning with a woman dressed like a boy looking for his help. Cleo’s being hunted and needs to get back to England and safety. Although he must return there as well to claim his inherited title, he’s loath today go home. But Cleo’s sudden appearance seems to be the push he needs to face his demons.
Now they must work together to find a way out of the city and away from the men who chase Cleo. She’s in need of a protector, and he can’t say no to her. Traveling in tight quarters makes for close company, and soon more than friendly companionship blooms. But will it survive by the end of their journey?
Wow, another delicious romance by Lara Temple! it’s not often I read romances based in Egypt, but I’m so glad I did this time. The way she brought the ancient world alive through the scope of early archeology and experiences was lovely. The setting was truly immaculate.
Rafe and Cleo had a wonderful relationship from their first meeting. Their banter added a super fun layer to their budding romance that was only heightened by the clear chemistry they had. The sparks were vibrant and you really rooted for them through every leg of their journey.
Overall, I highly recommend this book to any and all fans of historical romance, especially if they like a little comedy and heat between the pages.
A historical romance to savor! Witty dialogue, amazing characters and a setting that comes alive with the engaging writing of Lara Temple! It does not get much better than this and once I started there was no stopping until the last page!
Egypt, Cleopatra (Miss Queen of the Nile), handsome scarred hero Grey, wait, did I say he was handsome? Green grey eyes, tall, very witty, and ready to help Cleo on her quest with his trusty side kick Birdie. She was on the run to get away from the villains and he was going to help her.
Loved this journey of Cleo and Grey and cannot wait to read more! One of my favorites this year!
The Return of the Disappearing Duke is my new favorite among the Lara Temple books I’ve read so far.
The full review is on my blog Carpe Diem Chronicles
Oh, my! Oh, my! Oh, my!!
How am I possibly going to string a sentence together and actually write a review for something that is perfect?
The story is stunningly perfect!
The characters are super perfection!
The writing is as always beyond perfection!
The setting is beautifully perfect!
As I have said, how do you write a review for something that is…yes, you guessed it; perfect?
I will admit that I wasn’t overawed with the previous book; Edge’s story, which I always feel terrible at admitting when it comes to Lara’s books, but I will never be anything but honest in my reviews. I did enjoy it hugely but poor Edge just didn’t have the wow factor I am used to. That makes me sound so fussy! Yet saying that the minute Rafe appeared I just knew he would be something very special, I have been very impatiently awaiting this story, it seems like an age since we had that first glimpse of him but my goodness it was well worth the wait.
Boy, oh, boy! Was this story worth the wait, or what?
There is just something about Rafe which really makes you fall in love with him, obviously being a mercenary he is rough, solid, strong, ruthless, predatory the sort of man who you want by your side and also fear as to how far this battle-hardened warrior will go. Yet, the other side to him is a real surprise, he is caring, gentle, fragile, world-weary, lonely, passionate, his vulnerability and his jaded view of the world breaks your heart, you want to wrap in a big bear hug – even though he would be the one doing the bear hugging especially with those amazing arms…Ooooh, don’t get me started on how much I love his arms…those large, muscular scarred arms….sigh!!! Once you know his past, you completely understand why he is the way he is, Rafe has been made into the hardened jaded man before us by an event many years ago, one that is as shocking as it is sad and one that he has been running from all his life.
I adore Cleo, she is a marvellous woman and the perfect partner for strong and silent Rafe. Her stubborn, strong-willed and sassiness is the perfect partner for his rough edginess, add into her kind, caring and compassionate nature is a balm to his fractured soul. All she wants deep down is to the right thing, she has had not your average upbringing being dragged from pillar to post as her father finds yet another way to make money through none too legal or moral means. She is resourceful, intelligent and brave and in need of help which is when she meets Rafe. It’s a good job she has a smart head when she finds herself under the protection of the sexiest mercenary you will ever meet, a man who can make you drop to your knees with just a glance. She needs all her smarts and her well-versed back-chat. What she can’t protect herself from is how her heart beats a rapid tattoo whenever he is around, his rare smiles make her goes weary weak and her head is full of foggy lust.
Hmmm, I may have just been talking about myself there!
Cleo and Rafe are the perfect couple! They match each other so beautifully, they bounce off each other when bickering, their banter is some of the best I’ve read…good jolly, can they banter? I love it, they fling tarts remarks at one another as much as they mercilessly flirt. The chemistry is sexy, heated, passionate, the air crackles around them and the more they try to ignore their feelings the more intense it becomes.
I absolutely adore that we are once again in Egypt, I do have a soft spot for Egyptian history – then again, who doesn’t? Lara has really upped the ante with the Egyptian history and culture, I loved every scene, whether they were in the hot and dusty desert starring up at the darkened star-studded sky or deeply immersed into a little market town. I absolutely loved joining Rafe and Cleo on their journey as they made their way to Cairo and then Alexandria…even if at the time I did feel as though I was a spare wheel when they were having a few private moments together. What makes the book really stand out for me, is Lara’s knowledge of the era and the country, each scene is a masterpiece of historical writing, you become fully immersed into 19th century Egyptian life; the sights, aroma’s sounds, the clothing, what they ate, riding the camel’s the beautiful scenery it is all so rich in vivid detail.
I thin you may have guessed how much I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I loved the plot which is whirlwind of passion and adventure, the characters are superbly created. It’s grab’s hold of your imagination and takes you on a misty and dreamlike adventure of love and hope. This is Lara Temple at her very best, she is the dominant queen of the regency romance!
The Return of the Duke, by Lara Temple you the reader should read. Lara’s writing in this book, brings humor, drama, action, passion and romance. She explains in vivid details the journey our triple duo, Rafe, Cleo-Pat and Birdie takes through Egypt, as they sail on a ship, back to their homeland England. Lara has you enjoying the humorous banter that transpires between Rafe and Cleo-Pat. The description of Rafe had me imagining a tall, strong, broad shoulders of a man with dark haired.
His devil may care attitude stares down those who would try to go against him. Cleo-Pat, her character is a strong woman who shows intelligence. She has the backbone to take on anyone who tries to come between her and her mission to find her brother Dash. She also has the annoying ability to standup against Rafe. Well, in Rafe’s mind, he finds her annoying.
My fellow readers, I STRONGLY recommend that you read this book. It is well written, by a very talented writer. I can give this book so much praise, that the list could go on and on. I give this book two snaps and a Romantic twist. Until next time my fellow readers…read on!
I voluntary reviewed this ARC after receiving a free gifted copy.
Rafael Edgerton, heir to the Duke of Greybourne, ran away after yet another violent confrontation with his father. At 16 he left home, became Rafe Grey and enlisted in the military. Years later he works as a mercenary and has learned of his father’s death. He knows he has to return to England, but is in Egypt trying to coax his younger brother Edward “Edge” out of hiding. This is when he meets Cleopatra Osbourne – who is also trying to find her younger brother.
Cleo and her brother Dash decided it was time to return to England, but Dash would not leave Egypt without telling their father, so he set out, found out his father was dead and having some trouble with an “associate” – this man wants a book that Dash took when he got their father’s belongings, but Dash disappeared and a case of mistaken identity has put the villain on Cleo’s trail. She “hires” Rafe to get her to Cairo safely, he agrees, but is not willing to let her go on alone once they reach the city. He insists on taking her all the way to London – with or without their brothers!
I really liked Cleo and Rafe, but the story was not my favorite. It was a very slow-moving story that dragged in several places, then the last chapters are jam-packed with reunions, revelations, secrets and resolutions. I will reiterate, Cleo and Rafe are wonderful characters, the banter and dialogue between them is fantastic and I LOVED Rafe’s little names for her – but all in all, everything was slow and felt dragged out. The love scenes are mild and never lead to consummation, his secret was built up, but really ended up being a bit of a red herring. The epilogue was the saving grace of this book – it was so sweet and so fun that it made up for all my previous frustration.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me.*
Rafe ran away from home & his zealot of a father when he was sixteen & has spent years running from his true identity. Then over twenty years later unconventional Cleopatra Osbourne requests his protection as she crosses the Egyptian desert. In Cleo he discovers a fellow outcast – and a fierce desire! Cleo must return to London, and here lies Rafe’s dilemma – because following his heart means claiming the title he’s avoided for so long!
The first in a new series, a well written page turning read but the icing on the cake was its link to the Sinclair series – I love it when an author builds their world & characters from previous books & series appear. I loved Rafe who is now a mercenary, he’s been wounded over the years but is still honourable & caring. Cleo-Pat is delightful, she’s trying to find her brother Dash & although she’s asked for Rafe’s help she doesn’t trust him & at times this nearly leads them into trouble. A fast paced story & strong characters all made for a fun entertaining read
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
This book has lots going for it. A scarred hero incognito, a determined somewhat foolish heroine, an intriguing connection to the Sinful Sinclairs (The Lord’s Inconvenient Vow), a fascinating setting, and not one but three mysteries.
The mysteries were all concluded, somewhat hastily but with HEAs all around. Rafe was magnficent and Cleo thought a little too much about her ability to cope in Regency England much less Egypt. I liked Rafe more then Cleo. Then there was the lust, it was a third protagonist in the book. Too steamy for my taste.
I voluntarily read and honestly reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book with thanks to Ms Temple. And so it is.