The Duke Starts a Scandal: A Novel

by Sophie Jordan Narrated by Karen Cass

Overview

A gentleman never dallies with the help, but the new Duke of Penning is no gentleman in this steamy fourth and final book in The Duke Hunt series by New York Times bestselling author Sophie Jordan.

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...

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Naturally, the forge fires aren’t the only thing burning hot, and the pair can’t keep their eyes, or hands, off each other for long. The plot is enjoyably trope-filled (a dastardly rival blacksmith makes trouble; there’s only one bed at the inn, etc.) and the romantic chemistry simmers…Readers who love strong heroines and steamy historicals will find much to enjoy in Jordan’s third installment in the Duke Hunt series.” — Library Journal on The Scoundrel Falls Hard

“Jordan’s deliciously scandalous second Duke Hunt romance (after The Duke Goes Down) returns to a vision of the Regency era where sin is in…. the decadent seduction scenes and sex-positive message are sure to draw readers in, and the realistically drawn characters and passionate love story will hold their interest. This is a treat.” — Publishers Weekly on The Rake Gets Ravished 

“Jordan…makes a firm argument for more historical romances that dare to live outside the ballroom or even the aristocracy altogether. Her love scenes crackle (don’t worry, the book makes good on its deliciously clever title) … for those looking for a historical romp that goes a bit further afield than a 19th century estate, The Duke Goes Down is a delightful diversion.” — Entertainment Weekly

“Bestseller Jordan (the Duke Hunt series) will have readers rooting for adultery with this risqué and alluring series launch. Jordan conjures such chemistry between Tru and Jasper—and makes Lord Chatham so odious—that readers will leave any qualms at the door. The tantalizing struggle between love and honor at the heart of this delectable romance keeps the pages flying.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) on The Scandalous Ladies of London

“Sharp, sexy, and blissfully salacious, The Scandalous Ladies of London is an adrenaline-soaked, romantic delight. I flew through this in one sitting, completely unwilling to stop until I reached the perfect last page. This book is precisely what I love most about romance!” — Christina Lauren, New York Times bestselling author

Kirkus Reviews

2023-07-26
A duke with a secret past meets a housekeeper with a secret past.

From the beginning, they both know better than to be attracted to each other. Susanna Lockhart has been the housekeeper to the Duke of Penning for years, quite an honor at the young age of 28. A woman of “humble roots and precarious background,” she’s unable to return home due to one reckless mistake in her youth, so she’s been content to busy herself with a life of proper work. Until now. Lucian, the unexpected new Duke of Penning, is a bit harder to ignore than the previous duke—he’s both more attractive, and more arrogant, despite having come from an impoverished background. Like Susanna, he’s also trying to stay focused, on two things in particular: first, keeping hidden his past as a young man who “peddled his flesh for coin,” and second, making good matches for his young sisters so that they can live comfortably. Both Susanna and Lucian require nothing less than perfection to make good on their second chances at respectability, and they have it. That changes when the duke’s valet is put temporarily out of commission, Susanna needs to attend to the duke in his stead, and their carefully tended boundaries start to collapse. Before long, their chemistry is evident to everyone around them, but it takes several twists of fate for them to overcome their fears of a scandal and be together. The final entry in Jordan’s Duke Hunt quartet is just about as steamy as the earlier volumes, and adds a new twist by introducing both a heroine and a hero who fear ruination. Unfortunately, though it’s an intriguing concept and there are some potentially interesting side plots, the story remains largely superficial and doesn’t engage with the characters as deeply as it could have. Jordan’s fans will find plenty to appreciate, though, and it’s still an enjoyable, albeit somewhat uneven, Regency.

A slow build of a historical romance that ignites but doesn’t fully burn.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940159846075
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	10/24/2023
Series:	Duke Hunt Series , #4
Edition description:	Unabridged

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