Sophie Reads YA: Louise Allen

2023 New Release challenge

ARC Review: A Rogue for the Dutiful Duchess by Louise Allen

10:00

A Rogue for the Dutiful Duchess
Series: None
Author: Louise Allen
Published March 28th 2023 by Harlequin Historical

Goodreads Synopsis
The scandal of the season

Must be stopped!

Widowed duchess Sophie will do anything to protect her son and his inheritance. Even ask roguish Lord Nicholas Pascoe to retrieve her late husband’s diaries before the secrets they contain bring down the government and the monarchy! Sophie knows she must maintain her distance from Nicholas…only she can’t help but respond to the desire in his eyes. Their mission is treacherous, but will it prove as dangerous as their unexpected attraction?
Goodreads

Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

Now that she has finished her mourning period, Sophie, Dowager Duchess of St Edmund's only focus is on raising her young son, Freddie. She had been little more than an incubator for her late husband, who married her only for an heir, and lived with his mistress under the same roof. When he died, the mistress stole some of his diaries, which contained secrets that would lead to public disgrace if they were ever discovered. With only her childhood friend, Duncan, to rely on Sophie begs for help, and Duncan recommends Nicholas Pascoe for the job. Nicholas is unlike any man Sophie has ever met. He's not at all differential and is far more confident than she would expect a working man to be. But he's actually a lord, though his relationship with his father is a strained one. Working together to save Freddie's future, Nick and Sophie have their work cute out for them, and not just in protecting their own hearts.

I really enjoyed this book! Sophie and Nick's romance was epic, and their banter and camaraderie was definitely more than just lust and desire. Yes, there were moments of jealousy as Nick tried to work on Mrs Sweeting to get a hold of the diaries, but he was so caring to Sophie. She really needed that, and seeing him with Freddie, as a father should be, was wonderful too. They didn't have a smooth romance, and the mistress wasn't about to go down without a fight, but all turned out great in the end. A phenomenal Regency romance!

Dates Read:
April 7, 2023

Rating
3 Stars

2021 New Release challenge

ARC Review: The Duke's Counterfeit Wife by Louise Allen

10:00

2020 New Release challenge

ARC Review: A Marquis In Want Of A Wife (Liberated Ladies #3) by Louise Allen

10:00

A Marquis In Want Of A Wife
Series: Liberated Ladies #3
Author: Louise Allen
Published November 26th 2020 by Mills & Boon Historical

Goodreads Synopsis
A convenient marriage

No inconvenient emotions

Ross Vincent, Marquis of Cranford, with his scarred face and formidable disposition knows he’s hardly a catch. But he needs a wife to take care of his motherless son. Shy, scholarly Prudence Scott seems ideal: she has no expectation of love or passion. She’ll care for his baby in return for the protection of his name. Yet seeing Prudence on their wedding day tests Ross’s willpower to not take his new wife to bed…
Goodreads

Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

After finding herself seduced by a rake who only wanted her for her body, Miss Prudence Scott needs to find a husband, to weather any scandal that comes her way. Luckily for her, the Marquis of Cranford, Privateer Ross Vincent, is looking for a wife to give his infant son a mother, and doesn't care about her past. They both come to an agreement to marry, in name only, but it soon becomes obvious that they are both attracted to one another, but with the war against Napoleon on the horizon, will they get their happy ending?

I read the first book in this series a while back, and when I saw that another of Louise's books was available to review on NG, I decided to request it. I loved both of the main characters, in very different ways. Prudence was unlucky in her naivete, but she was strong, and even though she knew she was a bluestocking, from a provincial background, she took to being the Marchioness of Cranford like a duck to water. She had her friends to support her, and Ross in his own way. To be honest, all she needed was a good library to continue her translations of ancient poetry, and the opportunity to get to know little Jon, and love him as much as possible. Ross, on the other hand, was gruff, and uncouth, and hated society for what it had done to his parents. He was brought up in the East End, and had taken to the waters as soon as he had been able to, and it was only a touch of fate that he came into his title. He was more at home on his ships, but allowed himself to open up more and more to Prudence as the book progress. I loved the plot, and the added element of war with Waterloo being unexpectedly thrown in, was a delight, especially how it allowed both of the main characters to understand their feelings properly, and truly be with one another. Such an enjoyable read!

Dates Read:
December 30-31, 2020

Rating
4 Stars