Duke Hunt, Book 4
From the publisher:
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…
“For fans of the series, this book is a stunning finale and perfect for readers looking for a steamy novel. Those who enjoy alluring historical romances won’t be disappointed.” Library Journal
“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.” Kirkus Reviews
“Jordan wraps up her Duke Hunt series with another Regency-set romantic confection that successfully mines her literary talents for combining fetching characters and fanciful plotting with an abundance of sizzling sensuality.” Booklist
https://amzn.to/3rFYpGI
Taking a break from Christmas romances for the last book in the Duke Hunt series. I haven’t read them all, but I’ve enjoyed the ones I read. And with Jordan, her books usually stand alone just fine, and I don’t think you would know this was part of a series if I hadn’t told you.
Susanna is the head housekeeper at the Duke of Penning’s estate – except it turns out that the duke in residence is a fake. She meets the real Duke as he’s riding onto the property, and she accuses him of lying. Not an auspicious beginning!
The new and real Duke is as arrogant as one would expect. What Susanna doesn’t know is that he was brought up in very different, and much poorer circumstances, than one would expect of a Duke’s heir. What the Duke doesn’t know is that Susanna is using a fake name, hiding a youthful indiscretion that caused her family to cast her out. Her aunt worked for the Duke and arranged a position for her, and she worked hard to achieve her position at such a young age.
The two bump heads regularly, but Susanna bites her tongue. She needs this job, not to mention the roof over her head. The more time they spend together, the more confused the Duke gets about her. He enjoys her company but refuses to dally with a servant.
Lots to overcome here, and the happy ending is worth the ride. This was a steamy Regency romance, just the way I like them!
10/2023 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch
THE DUKE STARTS A SCANDAL by Sophie Jordan. Avon (October 24, 2023). ISBN: 978-0063035751. 352p.
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