The Return of the Duke

ByLorraine Heath

Release Date: 2022-07-26
Genre: Historical Romance

Score: 4.5

4.5

From 142 Ratings

Description

In the thrilling third book in New York Times bestselling author Lorraine Heath’s Once Upon a Dukedom series, the dashing son of a disgraced duke teams up with a sultry beauty to thwart an assassination plot against Queen Victoria.

When his father, the Duke of Wolfford, is hanged for an assassination attempt on Queen Victoria, Marcus Stanwick is stripped of everything. Vowing to return honor to his family, he seeks to expose the others involved in the treasonous plot and bring them to justice. His search forces him to turn to a woman he despises for her unforgiveable betrayal—a woman known as the heartless harlot.

Harboring secrets, Esme Lancaster has her own reasons for wanting to discover who’s behind the conspiracy that’s still afoot. She doesn’t trust Marcus but can’t deny the handsome devil makes her wonder if she does indeed possess a heart, one he could very easily steal.

As their hunt for the truth leads them into danger, Marcus finds Esme isn’t cold and calculating as he’d assumed but fire and brimstone, with courage and determination to match his own. Soon, they’re unable to deny their growing desire for each other. But giving into temptation comes at a cost, and they must decide if love is worth the risk of losing their one chance for redemption.

Reviews

Unexpected
4
By V.L.L - Book Lover
Coming with the times Heath introduces a woman with independence, intelligence and sexual experience. I love a female lead story but this story of romance is of equal partnership. A gray change to the traditional storyline. V. L. L. Book lover
The Return of the Duke
3
By sister mary serenity
After waiting for this book, I was very disappointed at the lack of sophistication in its entirety. This was so unlike the author’s usual writing it could have been written by someone else. It was slow, there was little involvement with other characters other than the hero and heroine and too much explanation of their past lives that was superfluous. The love scenes lacked emotion and was therefore “just sex”. I couldn’t bring myself to finish reading the book even though I wanted to know how the story ended.
The connection!
5
By FebruaryAquarius
The initial connection between the main characters is cringey! However, the truth brings relief to the sloppy situation then you will not be able to put “The Return of the Duke” by Lorraine Health down!

Mr. Marcus Stanwick was stripped of his dukedom before he inherited the position. He visits the Ice Princess, Ms. Esme Lancaster, seeking information that may lead him to the mastermind who aided in his family’s downfall.

The twists in this book are great! Esme is not who she seems. You will continue to question who can be trusted throughout the book, keeping you in suspense. I enjoyed that more secrets are revealed after the threat is captured.

I love that this book has dangerous characters and situations, and going into dangerous areas. This book is historical romance, but action-packed too. Esme and Marcus gets physically hurt and it leads to a favorite trope, close proximity. I love that a VIP played a role in the story because there are hilarious moments during the dangerous situation.

I love Esme and Marcus’s connection and how much they want the best for one another. I love that they had a break from each other which they both knew would happen because it allows for another grand gesture.

If you enjoy close proximity, difference social class relationships, fake relationships, mystery, and redemption stories, I recommend this book!

Thank you to Net Galley, Avon, and Harper Voyager US for the ARC in exchange for a honest review.
A duke returned, if a bit dull
4
By Jnelle87
The first half was a fun tease, lots of intrigue and plot. The second half still had some of that, though the characters became a bit silly and mellow.
The return of the duke
4
By Rt2025
After tragedy hits Marcus’s family he goes in search to find out why and who. After he finds out Esme is not who he thought she was, they partner together to find out the mystery. As they search they find out how great real love can be.