The Duke Goes Down
Series: The Duke Hunt #1
Author: Sophie Jordan
Published July 27th 2021 by Avon

Goodreads Synopsis
New York Times bestselling author Sophie Jordan begins the all new Duke Hunt series with the illegitimate son of a duke who meets his match in the daring daughter of a vicar.

The Bastard Rogue...

Peregrine Butler's privileged blue-blooded world is rocked to the core when it is revealed he was born before his parents' marriage and, therefore, is not the legal heir to the dukedom. Facing ruin, Perry must use his charm and good looks to win an heiress—all the while, ignoring his fascination with the one interfering and alluring chit who is intent on sabotaging his efforts.

The Lady Vicar...

Everyone knows Imogen Bates, the virtuous daughter of the senile vicar. She can write a sermon in a day and spot a rogue in a second, so she sees right through Perry's seductive façade. But Imogen's plan to protect the heiresses of her beloved Shropshire from the erstwhile Duke of Penning, the bane of her existence since childhood, soon turns into something altogether unacceptable for the proper lady... who suddenly finds herself longing to keep his heated glances and tempting kisses all to herself.
Goodreads

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

Imogen Bates has a secret. She may be the virtuous daughter of the village vicar, but her feelings for Peregrine Butler were the reason he was disinherited. Peregrine had a very privileged upbringing as the son of the Duke and Duchess of Penning, but when it's revealed that he was born before his parent's marriage, making him illegitimate, he can no longer hold the title, or enjoy the life he once had. When he returns to the village after sowing his oats in London, Imogen vows to do whatever she can to make sure that the heiresses are safe from him, and try and protect her heart too.

Well, as soon as I read the synopsis for this book, I knew it was one I needed to read. I love Sophie's books, and an enemies to lovers romance sounded perfect to me. I liked that Imogen was the one at fault for most of the book. Because she had been embarrassed by Peregrine when they were teens, she set out for revenge, and was willing to do anything to bring him down. I laughed so much with how inventive some her rumours were about him, and honestly, felt a little sorry for Peregrine, because other than being a pompous arse when he was younger, he hadn't really done anything that wrong to deserve the hatred he was facing. Peregrine was definitely my favourite character of the two, and I'm glad that Imogen did have some growth across the course of the book, and she became more deserving of him.

Dates Read:
January 15-16, 2022

Rating
4 Stars