The Good, the Bad and the Duke by Janna Macgregor
Series: The Cavensham Heiresses #4
Subgenre: Regency historical romance
Release date: 27 Nov 2018
Publisher: St Martin’s Paperbacks
Format: ebook and print
Length: 364 pages
RRP: $6.28 (ebook); $14.99 (print)
She is not sure what she needs but he was originally on her list.
Lady Daphne Hallworth was left behind when the family went their separate ways to the country for Christmas. She realises that it will take days before they realise she is not at either her mother’s or her brother’s country estates. She is able to ask one of the footmen to stay and he brings his mother as company. When she is out, Daphne tries to do a good deed, and her journal is stolen. All of her attempts to get the journal back are stymied, even to the point of entering a place of ill repute.
Lord Paul Barstowe, who was a second son and disliked by his father, has become the new Duke of Southart. He has been trying to clean up his reputation in memory of his brother, but his deceased father always seems to have one more taunt left. Paul was friends with Daphne’s brother and a series of circumstances lead to a rift between the pair. Paul crosses paths with Daphne in the club. He remembers her as being kind, and is willing to help her, if she helps him re-construct his friendship with her brother.
Daphne and Paul try to have the journal returned but do not meet with much success. Daphne is afraid that entries in the journal, ones she has written very honestly, will be front page news in the gossip papers, and so this comes to pass. Eventually, they are able to restore things to the way they should be.
I have really been enjoying the stories I have read so far in this series, and this book is no exception. The idea that the lady was left behind in the family’s haste to remove to the country, was an interesting start to the book. Daphne trying to hide in the open in a place of ill repute was also a good concept. It really throws the couple together to problem solve to save reputations.
I do need to go back to the beginning and read more about some of the characters who appear in these later stories. I think I would find them all very interesting heroines and heroes.
reviewed by Heather

A beautiful historical romance set in the backdrop of the holiday season but is so much more than a holiday novel.

Lady Daphne may not be married and may be considered to old in society eyes (which is ridiculous when you think of how young she truly is) but she is not a wallflower. She feels forgotten by her family at times and at other times a burden. She is quiet but has a kind and brave heart. Her ultimate goal is to purchase property so that it can be converted into a home for unwed Mothers. She wants to honour a young woman who died and pursue this dream of helping others as she has been given a high place both with her status and her finances in society. The only drawback? Someone else wants the same property – the Duke of Southart. Who also happens to be the man that she has had a huge crush on despite her family despising him. Paul has quite the reputation, some if it earned and some of it unfairly bestowed upon him. He grew up with his Father hating him and only became the Duke by chance when his brother and Father died. His Father made it his life goal to torment Paul, even continuing to do so beyond the grave.

These two are brought together again over the property and Lady Daphne’s stolen journal that contains secrets that could destroy her family. We watch as they work through their past pain, open their hearts to each other and truly trust each other with their secrets and pain. You find yourself hoping and praying that they can not only find a way together but to also find forgiveness and acceptance of their relationship from her family.

This is a beautiful story of healing, faith and tied into an well written, suspenseful plot full of twists and turns. I loved every moment.

I enjoyed this holiday romance with a twist of "Home Alone". Lady Daphne Hallsworth is left behind at home among all the excitement of leaving for the country but she uses this time alone to think about her future and the handsome Paul Barstowe, the Duke of Somerset.

I knew as this series progressed that Paul was going to get his own story; I honestly didn't know how his story would turn out. I thought that this was a very well developed romance between him and Daphne, with very strong characters and a fitting part of the series!

Fairly predictable plot with a few twists to hold your attention and well-rounded, charming characters. The time period felt right without being obtrusive. Recommend.

I couldn't get into this book unfortunately, I'm not sure if it is the writing style or maybe just the characters.

I would be willing to try another book by the same author, this one just was not for me.

I have loved absolutely every book from this author so far, and was so excited to read Paul and Daphne's story. It is however the weakest thus far.

Daphne gets left behind at Christmas accidentally and the n also gets her journal stolen. Paul agrees to help her find it as it contains some scandalous secrets.

There is also a story line where they are both trying to secure the same property for their own charities.

Basically, the ideas for this book are great and I liked the characters, but something just felt missing for me. I really enjoy this authors writing style and did not have a problem reading it at all, it just wasn`t as enjoyable. I think that the whole property for the charity plot line ended up being an afterthought in the end. It was kind of a tool to get some tension between the Paul and Daphne, then didn`t really end up being a big deal. Also, I found Paul`s angst at the end to be kind of overkill.

If you have read the first 3 in this series, I would absolutely recommend this. Definitely don`t read this one first though.

The Good, the Bad, and the Duke by Janna MacGregor is sure to please. This is a wonderful addition to the Cavensham Heiresses series. Paul and Daphne are a unique couple, each living in worlds bound to the dictates of society and the past. They must live to standards placed upon them by others until they find a freedom in each others arms. MacGregor adds just the right amount of the modern to entice the reader while keeping true to historical romance. I look forward to reading more.

An enchanting read. Paul and Daphne we're a great couple. Loved the invisible concept as I often feel like that.

The sparks fly between the two main characters. This story has colorful characters that are lots of fun!

Lady Daphne Hallworth and Lord Paul Barstowe the second son of the Duke of Southart family used to be friends. As Daphne grew up she never forgot Paul but also realized she could never be his friend like before since Paul and her brother were at odds. Sixteen years later Daphne is all grown up and wanting to do things on her own. As Daphne is getting ready to leave for the Christmas holidays with her family she is suddenly left all alone in the house with her family gone. Daphne is upset at first but takes it all in stride she isn’t going to let it ruin her holiday. As Daphne plans what she is going to do and spends her time in a park with her journal a young boy takes her journal. Daphne is devastated. She must get her journal back because it contains secrets and desires that no one knows about plus could ruin not only her but her family. Daphne enlists the help of Paul who is now Duke of Southart. As Daphne and Paul spend time together looking for the boy and her journal their attraction blossoms into a stronger love despite knowing her family will protest against them. Can their love stop an old family feud plus survive hidden secrets that both Daphne and Paul must face together?
What a wonderful story bringing the magic and heart of Christmas to two people that not only find miracles but love during the holiday! The story is told sweetly but with lots of heart. Sure there is a lot going on: being left behind by family, stealing, salacious writings in a journal, intrigue, hidden identities, good intentions and love. The book moves quite beautifully without getting bogged down. Paul the sarcastic, witty, cynical hero despite his harsh behavior can’t help but get caught up in Daphne’s schemes and mishaps going along with them all willingly. Sure he did things to Daphne’s family which were unforgivable Daphne never held it against him. Plus Paul is written in a very unflattering light too. That’s what was so great about Daphne. She had such a forgiving heart and truly cared for Paul despite everything that happened between her family and him. Their behavior of him also was mean and is a little off-putting but in a sense understandable. Still it’s hard to take because they should be more forgiving. The story is nonetheless enjoyable and well worth the read!

This book has me on a rollercoaster of emotions. I laughed and cried as my heart broke and rejoiced with every chapter read. The hero is the notorious bad boy in previous books hses the man you love to hate but cant help but love. She has loved him since she was 9 years old even though she knows hes a rakehell. Hell do anything to help her and shes determined to be a spinster. This story is not only well written but a fantastic read as well. As always, excellent writing Ms. McGregor

Strong story, well written characters, and everything you could ask for in a romance. I voluntarily reviewed it and the comments are my own.

Daphne’s and Paul’s story is fun and enticing to read. I didn’t want to put this book down for one moment. It’s amazing how Daphne’s intentions backfires and leaves her and Paul head over heels with each other. Loved this story and can’t wait to read more from this author. I recommend this book to all lovers of romance!

I loved this book. A dearly loved sister and a despised man who recently inherited a Dukedom....
People are never what you see on the surface. Good girls could have secrets and reprobates have redemptive qualities. In fact, the ill treatment of this Duke in particular was at times difficult to swallow. Paul was a decent man who had reasons for his past behavior and some actions in particular. He was kind and loved the people in his life.
Daphne was a younger sister and was born protected and treated fondly as most younger sisters of the time were. Unfortunately she also kept a diary in which she wrote both secrets and thoughts about others. When this diary is stolen and the reputations of all involved are threatened Paul comes to Daphne's rescue. Paul's love for Daphne and his loyalty to past friends causes others to join his side during a difficult time. Everyone should be so lucky as to have a Paul on their side.

Normally one I’d be all over plotwise, but I think this is one of those books where one really benefits from having read the prior ones, as the backstory angst played a rather heavy role. Without that knowledge things just dragged a bit.

Sweet story about a young female who gets left behind her family estate, loses a journal that can make life scandalous if it was read or published and her charming Duke of a neighbor who offers to help her. I enjoyed it.

First time reading Jenna Macgregor and I completely enjoyed reading this book. A cute and romantic story about redemption and fated love set during the holidays. The characters were good, the plot entertaining, the conflict enjoyable, and the love story was sweet. This was so full of intrigue and suspense.
Paul was a wonderful male protagonist. I just fell in love with him. He was so wonderful and protective of Daphne that I was completely smitten. Daphne was such a warm loving person that it is easily to be enchanted with her.
I can't wait for the next installment. The author does a fantastic job of writing that the reader is not confused. I so enjoyed reading more of the prior characters and getting a glimpse of their continued story.
his book was absolutely delightful. I could not put it down and stayed up much too late saying "just one more chapter".

~~Reviewed by Shell~~

Well, what can I say, this book was brilliant and one that I can highly recommend? This is the first time I have read this author and she is one that I will be reading again.

At some point in our lives we’ve kept a journal (diary) where we put all our secrets, and could you imagine if the journal went into the wrong hands it could be devastating for your family, this was the dilemma that faced Daphne, and Daphne being the feisty woman that she is had a plan to get the journal back…but as we know no matter how much you plan something will go wrong or in Daphne’s case she comes face to face with Paul who was a friend of her brother’s.

I simply adored Daphne and Paul, and my heart just melted when Paul called Daphne Moonbeam (sigh). Of course, the path to their HEA wasn’t easy and at times this was tested.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

I will give 5/5 stars, if I could I would love to give more.

Sometimes you want like a book but it’s just impossible.

The premise was quite good, in my opinion. Daphne Hallworth, a Lady setting herself for a spinster’s life, has been left behind on her house while her family went away to celebrate Christmas. To make things worse her personal journal was stolen and she is afraid of the repercussions to her family if her secrets end up being exposed. And who better than the rakehell Duke of Southart to come help her in her time of need?

For what I gather that is the main plot line and in mine opinion that should have been it. But there are a dozen other secondary plot lines that just make everything overcomplicated and sloppy.

The pace was completely off and we were given far too much too soon in the romantic and the erotic department. Not that the more steamy scenes weren’t nicely done, because they were the redeeming feature of the book, but they were delivered too soon and didn’t let the tension build up.

As for the romantic side it was also just too soon, too much. That matched with the insistent proclamation of the characters feelings and their not so original and border line repetitive thoughts made the narrative stale and just plain aggravating.