From the Publisher
[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
Entertainment Weekly on The Duke’s Stolen Bride
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.”
Harlequin Junkie on The Duke Goes Down
[A] great start for the series. It was well written with a slow-burn romance between two enemies.”
Library Journal
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
Kirkus Reviews
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.
