The Good, the Bad, and the Duke
The Cavensham Heiresses #4
Janna MacGregor
Genre: Historical Romance
Publication Date: November 27, 2018
A lady with a noble mission. A duke looking for redemption. A forbidden love that cannot be denied…
Lady Daphne Hallworth is ready to celebrate the holidays with her family. But when they accidentally leave her home alone, Daphne uses the time to work on her dream—opening a home for unwed mothers. But her quest isn’t problem-free: She’s in a battle to win the property for the home against her brother’s best friend-turned-enemy, Paul Barstowe, Duke of Southart. And that’s not all: someone has stolen her personal diary, which holds secrets that could devastate her family. Daphne has always harbored private feelings for the man her family scorns…though perhaps striking a bargain with the handsome Duke will solve both their problems?
Paul, long considered good for nothing, aims to open a hospital to honor his brother and restore his reputation. So when a conflict over the land brings him straight into Daphne’s life, they make a deal: He will help her find her diary if Daphne can change her family’s opinion of him. But before he can win her family’s affection, he has to win hers first. Maybe love was the answer to their family feud all along?
The Good, the Bad, and the Duke is a perfect historical romance for readers to enjoy. It is a lovely read filled with witty water, strong characters, and a romance that makes a cold heart feel. The dialogue is fantastic and the personalities you read are deep and true. Two such strong headed characters with clashing goals make for quite an intriguing read!
Daphne and Paul are both intriguing characters. I loved their interactions, the shared history we watch unfold, and the promise of something more. Daphne is a heroine I adore. She is smart; a woman who knows her own mind. Her determination to fulfill her plans and keep her secret, all the while protecting those she loves, gives her a spunk that readers can admire and relate to. Paul is a character shrouded in mystery, making the reader questions his motives, but once his true nature is discovered, you know that there is no better match for him. His redemption is a key theme throughout the book and I loved watching him change before my eyes. These two have so many things going against them, but the heart wants what it wants, and that triumph is my favorite.
The writing and story building in this book is wonderful. This is my first Janna MacGregor book, but you best believe that I went out to grab the rest of this series! With the holidays coming up, this book is the perfect escape, a beautiful story set during the holidays. Between the covers, you will find hope, romance, second chances, and the most delicious forbidden love.