The Scoundrel Falls Hard (Duke Hunt Series #3)

by Sophie Jordan

Overview

New York Times bestselling author Sophie Jordan is back with the enchanting third book in the Duke Hunt series about a marriage of convenience between a fierce female blacksmith and a handsome scoundrel.

A devil’s bargain burns the hottest….

For years, fiercely independent Gwen Cully has worked as the village blacksmith, keeping her family’s business going. But when a local rival threatens her livelihood, Gwen has nowhere to turn ... until a devastatingly handsome fugitive takes shelter in her shop and sparks fly. 

Unrepentant rogue Kellan Fox’s entire existence has been a dangerous game of deception that leads him into a fight for survival—and straight into the arms of a tall, fiery beauty. When Gwen protects him from an angry mob of villagers, Kellan sees the perfect solution to both their troubles. A marriage—in name only—that will last a single year. 

Only a marriage of convenience can’t hide their searing attraction. It glows hotter than Gwen’s forge and reaches deep below the tempting mask Kellan wears for the world. With every sizzling glance and scorching kiss, Gwen surrenders more of herself to the molten passion she finds in Kellan’s strong embrace. But can she ever truly trust her heart to a scoundrel? 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780063035713
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	08/23/2022
Series:	Duke Hunt Series , #3
Pages:	384
Sales rank:	145,676
Product dimensions:	6.50(w) x 4.10(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

Sophie Jordan grew up in the Texas hill country, where she wove fantasies of dragons, warriors, and princesses. A former high school English teacher, she’s the New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author of more than fifty novels. She now lives in Houston with her family. When she’s not writing, she spends her time overloading on caffeine (lattes preferred), talking plotlines with anyone who will listen (including her kids), and streaming anything that has a happily ever after.

Editorial Reviews

[Sophie Jordan] launches the Duke Hunt Victorian romance series with an enticing premise and a dashing hero.”  — Publishers Weekly on The Duke Goes Down

“Jordan’s writing is often lovely, the setting is charming, and there are intriguing secondary characters.”  — Kirkus Reviews on The Duke Goes Down

“[A] great start for the series. It was well written with a slow-burn romance between two enemies.”  — Harlequin Junkie on The Duke Goes Down

“With Alyse, Jordan crafts a fiery, lovable heroine who craves more affection and opportunity than life has given her. The author matches fire with fire... The bedroom scenes are Jordan’s forte, with the overwhelming desire of the characters blazing off the page.”
— Entertainment Weekly on The Duke’s Stolen Bride

“Sexy, racy, and simmering with heart-pounding sensuality and pent-up passion, Jordan’s latest romp is just plain fun; a delightful addition to her rogue-rich series.” 
— Library Journal (starred review) on The Duke’s Stolen Bride

“A powerful aphrodisiac upends a battle of wills between a taciturn colonel and a prickly herbalist . . . Interesting premise and likable characters shine.” 
— Kirkus Reviews on The Duke Effect

From the Publisher

With Alyse, Jordan crafts a fiery, lovable heroine who craves more affection and opportunity than life has given her. The author matches fire with fire... The bedroom scenes are Jordan’s forte, with the overwhelming desire of the characters blazing off the page.”

Entertainment Weekly on The Duke’s Stolen Bride

[A] great start for the series. It was well written with a slow-burn romance between two enemies.” 

Harlequin Junkie on The Duke Goes Down

06/01/2022

To escape a bloodthirsty mob, Kellan Fox seeks shelter in the workshop of the town blacksmith—who just happens to be a woman. At first, Gwen Culley has no intention of saving the man who pretended to be the son of the local duke, but his strong body and good looks have her reconsidering. To prevent his hanging, the pair must convince the town they're in love and are willing to marry. They make a pact: they'll marry for one year, and Kellan can assist with chores while Gwen works in the smithy. 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. VERDICT Readers who love strong heroines and steamy historicals will find much to enjoy in Jordan's third installment in the "Duke Hunt" series (after The Rake Gets Ravished).—Kathryn Howe

Library Journal

2022-07-13
A lady blacksmith and a scoundrel plan for a temporary marriage of convenience and find themselves wanting forever instead.

Kellan Fox learned to be a swindler and a thief from his father. Most recently, Da posed as the Duke of Penning and Kellan as his eligible heir. When the real duke appears and their ruse is discovered, the villagers of Shropshire call for Kellan’s hanging. He’s saved by local blacksmith Gwen Cully. Gwen doesn’t condone the scoundrel’s actions, but she thinks death is an extreme punishment. On impulse, as the mob is about to hang him, she calls out that they can't kill him because she loves him, even though he’s actually a stranger. To save face, the pair secretly agree to marry for one year. They’ll be platonic, and he’ll help at the smithy. The sham wedding is only three weeks away, but as time ticks closer, they both find themselves wanting to throw aside the platonic rule as they start falling in love for real. Gwen is a captivating heroine. She’s independent and physically strong, yet there’s a part of her that still craves being cared for and adored. Kellan is a great match for her and has his own journey of self-discovery as he moves outside of his father’s expectations. And yet, despite chapters beginning with a countdown to the wedding, there’s no sense of urgency or any real depth. The plotting feels phoned-in for much of the story, and even the emotions feel repetitive, making it hard for the reader to be invested.

Appealing characters can’t save a dull story.

Kirkus Reviews