The Good, the Bad, and the Duke was my first foray in Janna MacGregor and I had a difficult time falling into the writing. I adore the trope of the forbidden brother's best friend, especially when there is animosity, and I figured that mixed in with the historical genre would be a hit, but for some reason I didn't feel the raw attraction between the two (and that's really needed for the pay-off of the love-hate to work). The connection never had any substance to sink my teeth into and unfortunately it just wasn't for me. I'll certainly try Janna in the future as I hope this title was just an anomaly.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and I am voluntarily reviewing it.

This book was a hard one to put down. This was so full of intrigue and suspense. I just loved it. Ms. MacGregor really does a fantastic job in capturing the reader's attention. The plot of the book just flowed so smoothly that it felt like I was watching a movie in my head. The plot was such an original one that it really was a joy to read. It was not one that has done before (at least not that I have read a similar one). Some authors seem to write the same story over and over but with different character names and a slight change to the plot. Not here. I so enjoyed this.

The book was written in my favorite dual POV format. Being able to read the character's thoughts really helps me, the reader, to understand the character's actions so much better. This is especially important with reading historicals. The morals then are so much different than those of today's. Understanding some of Paul's actions would have been so hard to decipher without such insight.

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.

The only disappointment, it is over!!!! I can't wait for the next installment. I will probably re-read the entire series over again after it is over. I will say this, do you have to read the prior books to enjoy this one, no. 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.

I so highly recommend this historical romance.

I started this year with a fun, little Regency romance. I'm fond of these books. This one has a lot of twists and turns. Lady Daphne Hallworth has been in love with Paul, the new Duke of Southart, For most of her life. Paul was estranged from his father and tried to get his father attention by being a rake and a scoundrel. After his father's death, the family lawyer has been giving Paul letters, mostly about past debts Paul needs to pay. The last letter, however, contains information that devastates Paul.
At Christmas, Lady Daphne's family leaves London for their estates. They also leave her behind, each part of the family believing she is with another. This allows Daphne and Paul to meet again and reestablish their feeling for each other. Both want to establish charities in the name of a dead relative. They bid on the same piece of property for their charities.
Add in a gambling club and gossip paper and a missing diary and you have a very convoluted story. It made for several hours of enjoyable reading.
I read this copy of the book for this review on NetGalley.

I enjoyed this part of the series, although it was a little harder to get into the story than the previous stories, for some reason.

Lord Paul Barstowe and Lady Daphne Hallworth have been friends since childhood. Due to some bad decisions on his part, he became estranged from his best friend Alex, her brother. His father, the Duke, and his older brother, the heir, have both died, leaving him to become duke. He has spent months trying to live up to the title, dealing with missives from his father -- after his death.

Paul and Daphne reconnect when she has her purse (reticule) stolen; in it is her journal which holds all of her thoughts and family secrets. He agrees to help her recover it, and while searching for it, they fall in love. However, right after proposing, a big secret is uncovered that affects Paul and his relationship with Daphne.

True love triumphs! It just takes these hard-headed men a long time to realize it!

UPDATE: DNF
REAAAAALLY tempted to DNF at 26% ... but will give it another chance for a few more chapters

I have had a love/hate relationship with this series, all of which I've received as ARCs. Given the previous pattern, this one should have hit it out of the ballpark for me, because my opinion of each book has progressively gotten better and better—in leaps and bounds. I really disliked the first in the series, The Bad Luck Bride and DNF'd it at 25% (read my review); the second book, The Bride Who Got Lucky, I rated 3 stars, which is just short of my being glad that I read it, so still not a great rating from me (read my review); and the third book, The Luck of the Bride was a really fantastic and emotional read—and I don't usually get emotional with my romances—and I rated it a solid 4 stars (read my review). Given this steady increase in ratings, I was hoping/expecting this one to be a total winner ... but I'm at 26% and really tempted to DNF it. Had I purchased it, and not received it as an ARC, I'm pretty sure I would. But because I received it from the publisher, I usually feel a sense of responsibility to read a good amount of the book before giving up (as you can see, that's not always the case—case and point being Book 1).

I'm telling you though, it's been really tough for me. And I kind of don't get it, because ALL of her books have SUCH high ratings! Now I will say that Janna MacGregor (or her publisher/publisher's marketing team) is/are very good at marketing her books—they give ARCs, she makes her rounds on the book blogs, she's all over bookstagram with each new book, etc. My experience, at least with the romance community (which is where my experience lies), has always been that people are really honest about their opinions of books, whether they receive them as ARCs or not, so I guess I'm COMPLETELY out of sync with the majority of readers. Now, I checked and Book 1's rating has gone down to 3.61, but Book 2-4 all have above 4.0 ratings.

Anyway, back to Book 4, between 24-26% I was rolling my eyes so much that as I put in an update, I'm surprised they didn't fall out of my head. Now, keep in mind they have barely spoken in years—think almost a decade—and he has been the "bad guy" in previous books and although he's now trying to redeem himself, he is basically persona non grata to her family and much of society. But all of a sudden, she can see through the veneer and deep inside his soul and blah di blah. Because ... why exactly? And then his adoration of her based on a hot second ... I mean, I just can't:
Something changed between them in those minutes. Like the stars in perfect alignment, his understanding grew that they both struggled in their losses, and they shared that bond together. Only she was pure and he was nothing but wicked. God, he shouldn't soil her beauty or pureness with all the sins he'd committed.
And:
She nodded once, and a soulful sigh escaped, one that reminded him she was vulnerable and alone in a big house with only Tait and his mother in attendance. All he wanted to do was gather her in his arms until whatever it was that plagued her never bothered her again.
And:
"Stop saying such derogatory comments," she hissed. "You drive me mad with your cavalier attitude and the way you belittle yourself. You're so much more than that."

For once, he didn't have a "cavalier" response. No, she'd rendered him speechless. She couldn't actually think of him any other way than as a scoundrel, could she?

"Let me continue, please." She lifted her chin.

Good God, "magnificent" was the only word to describe her when her pique was high."
Now, they maybe don't seem that bad on their own, but given that they're within paragraphs of each other (and these are just three examples), it's way too much for me! Chill out dude; she's not some untouchable perfect goddess and even if she were, you only just reconnected with her and have spent about an hour in her company, a quarter of which was with your tongue down her throat, so ease up there buddy, seriously.



Update when I finally decided to stop:
I had to, I'm sorry, I just couldn't continue on:
She smiled for the first time since she arrived at home, causing her face to glow.

Something shifted within him. A crack opened up, allowing a want to crawl out of the depths of his soiled soul and emerge, shaking every manacle free. He didn't recognize it at first, but it was something uncontrollable. It resembled a yearning, a hunger that could consume him, and only she could satisfy it. If desire would destroy him, then he'd relish every minute of it. A lightness released within him that he hadn't felt in ages, maybe never. Like a heavy-linked chain had loosened and he experienced freedom for the first time.
This passage is not long after he's felt jealous because she's staring at her brother's desk (instead of at him? instead of at his desk? though they're at her brother's place ... but, ummm, I don't know, that whole thing was weird).

The above excerpt is about a quarter of the way through, after they've spent a couple of hours together (not even actually). Like I've written below/before, everything has SUCH a forced feel to it and neither of the main characters are very compelling; they both could have been, but Daphne and Paul come off as such stereotypes. And holy crap can he STOP CALLING HER MOONBEAM?!

3.5 stars. I enjoyed this book more than the third, however, both books dragged for me in the last half.

Paul has done some things he isn’t proud of. He’s severely damaged his relationship with his best friend, alienated those close to him, and has put himself in a position to not be welcomed when perusing Daphne, the little sister of his former best friend. His road to redemption is not easy but was easily the best part of this book.

Daphne was left in London after her family took off to the country without realizing she wasn’t with them. She’s going to make the best of it with the staff that’s left and have the best Christmas possible. An unfortunate turn in the park led to her journal, with key secrets and hidden desires, to be stolen, which in turn led her to Paul as she went into the rough parts of London to get her journal back.

Things that kept this from a 4 star rating was the long-winded writing, Daphne’s ridiculous decisions and her reckless behavior, “Moombeam” and the journal recovery missions and Paul’s gloomy internal dialogue. I’m still interested in continuing the series and reading about William (loved his appereances in this book).

This is a fun story with romance and some mystery. I would like a little less sex but that is just me. I loved the characters. I loved Daphne and Paul. They both had a lot of things to learn in this story . This is a very enjoyable series. I have really enjoyed each of the Cavensham heiresses. I received a copy of this book from St. Martin’s Press Through Netgalley for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

This book reminds me a bit of Home Alone, in the sense that a chaotic departure for the countryside results in Lady Daphne being left behind by her family at Christmas. Throw in a Duke who had to help her find a stolen diary to protect her family’s reputation, and you have a delightful Christmas romance. I flew through this novel on a cold, rainy evening in DC. I likely will not read it again (otherwise it would have a higher rating), but it’s worth the time to read it once.

3.5 stars, rated up to 4!

I thought THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DUKE was a lovely read that's perfect for the winter season. I admit, I haven't read the previous books in the series, but seeing those previous characters made me want to pick up their books and get caught up.

Although this book followed typical Historical Romance story lines (quick-witted and spirited heroine livens up hero's life, even as he deals with tragedies of his past), it was still quite refreshing and sweet to read. I love how stubborn and headstrong Daphne was, especially when she clashed with Paul. They were both easy-to-like characters (although a bit too perfect at times) and made for a fun, breezy read. Definitely recommended for historical romance readers during this season!

This is my first Janna MacGregor read and it won't be my last. I really liked Paul and Daphne's relationship. The beginning is very interesting although overall I felt the book was a bit too long. I love how the scenes had a lot of imagery that made me feel like I was there.

Both Paul and Daphne have to overcome their pasts and also learn a few secrets. Its great towards the end when they came together to start a charity. The epilogue is really cute.

I feel like this is a standalone even though the characters I believe are mentioned in the Bad Luck Bride.

First, can I tell you how much I love this cover? I adore how season-appropriate it is and makes for a lovely postcard.

I enjoyed the inside too. Daphne is a strong-willed heroine, quite intrepid, and has a loving heart. She has always seen the good in Paul and stands up for him against her brother. Paul is a redeemed hero. He's got a nobility in him that he only shows to Daphne and to his best friend Devan. I believed in their story and their eventual fall into love.

Janna's writing keeps getting better with each new book. There were fewer anachronisms here than the previous ones and her character development is also much improved. Suggestions for future books: less flowery language and less introspection. I'll definitely read her future work.

The fourth in the series, The Good, the Bad, and the Duke can be read as a standalone though it does revisit characters from previous entries. In fact, our heroine is the sister to a hero from a previous entry while the hero is his friends.

Typically I enjoy novels where the leads have a history, whether it being friends, acquaintances, what have you. The leads had their good points. The heroine has a backbone and the hero treats her well.

However, the story was not without its problems. Though the heroine having a backbone, she makes some pretty ignorant decisions that feel borne of out defiance more than actual thought and consideration. This can ruin a strong female lead quickly. Despite being sweet to her, the hero’s moodiness and pity party can become tedious. As with the previous entry, the writing can be long winded and many aspects such as language felt out of place. Erotic scenes are always welcome in my HR, yet those too felt out of place at time.

Overall, this is a good rainy day read that does not require much effort or energy.

Good addition to the Cavensham Heiresses series. Paul and Daphne are good together, they have good banter between them and their chemistry is off the charts.

Well, this one's a keeper, that's for sure. I stayed up most of the night to make sure Daphne was able to knock some sense into Paul's head. He's so noble and unselfish when it comes to her happiness. Even willing to destroy himself in the process. It was so nice to find out that Paul was hiding behind his laugh and coldness, because, well,... you need to read the book. I promise you will fall in.love with Paul, yourself.

A pesar de que ya no estoy leyendo tanto romance histórico como antes, The Cavensham Heiresses de Janna MacGregor es una serie que no quiero dejar. Las historias hasta ahora se me han hecho muy románticas y divertidas. En los tres libros pasados tanto Paul Barstow como Daphne Hallworth han sido personajes que han aparecido desde el principio en papeles muy opuestos. Daphne es hermana de Alexander, el protagonista del primer libro quien odia a Paul apesar de que fueron grandes amigos.

Daphne tiene un ligero crush con Paul y acepta su ayuda cuando pierde su diario. Por su parte Paul, el nuevo Duque de Southart está tratando de redimirse ante la sociedad después de su terrible comportamiento por tantos años.

He leído varias historias donde el protagonista masculino tenía una mala reputación y termina reformándose, pero es la primera vez que me toca conocer en parte como se crean esas opiniones. pero admito que incluso en ese primer libro donde Paul rompe el compromiso con Claire Cavensham, sentí esperanza de que no era una mala persona y que pronto conoceríamos otro lado de él. Por fin ha sucedido y estoy contenta con la forma en que la autora decidió redimirlo.

En cuanto a Daphne, la chica no fue de mi total agrado. Me gustó que en ningún momento se rindiera con Paul aún cuando este se la pasaba martirizándose a sí mismo y que la chica mostrara su fortaleza al defenderlo ante su hermano pero actúa de una forma muy tonta al insistir en recuperar personalmente ese diario., y no fue una sola vez sino varias en las que su obstinación ponía en peligro la reputación que tanto quería cuidar.

Aunque ella no fue mi heroína favorita y él a veces se pasaba con su actitud sombría, fueron una buena pareja. Hubo varios momentos en los que me hicieron sonreír y me agradó que Paul le ayudara a Daphne a lidiar con su duelo por la muerte de su hermana,. Se necesitaban el uno al otro.

Quedé contenta con el libro pero no fue de los mejores. Ya quiero conocer la siguiente historia.

Paul Barstowe, the Duke of Southern s trying his hardest to overcome his past and turn over a new leaf. He and Lady Daphne Hallworth bid on the same property that she wants to buy and turn into a home for unwed mothers. Daphne has always had a crush on her older brother’s EX best friend, Paul. She knows his reputation, but she still approaches him and asks for his help finding the missing diary with her family’s secrets. She wants to be independent, he wants to be accepted. A captivating book as Daphne show Paul he’s worthy of love and respect. This my honest opinions after I voluntarily read a copy of this book that was provided to me with no requirements for a review.

Lady Daphne Hallworth's family is leaving London for their country homes to celebrate the holidays. When she has been accidentally left home alone, Daphne decides to use the time to focus on her dream of opening a home for unwed mothers. Daphne discovers that her brothers former best friend, Paul Barslowe, Duke of Southart, is also bidding on the property. On a trip to her solicitor, her reticule is stolen. It contained her personal diary, which holds secrets that could devastate her family. Daphne has to turn to Paul for help.

Paul Barslowe never thought he would be the Duke of Southart since he was a second son. He inherited after his brother's death. He wants to open a hospital to honor his brother's memory. Paul discovers that Daphne is bidding on the same property. When she turns to him to help her find her diary, Paul is reminded that Daphne was the one bright spot in his life.

This book was absolutely delightful. I could not put it down and stayed up much too late saying "just one more chapter". I loved Daphne and Paul. In his youth, Paul did everything to gain his father's attention. It affected his relationship with his best friends. This book is about Paul's healing and changing his character. Daphne was a great heroine She wasn't the typical London miss. I liked her spunk and determination.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher. Thank you!

A cute and romantic story about redemption and fated love set during the holidays. I enjoyed it after it got underway a bit. The characters were good, the plot entertaining, the conflict enjoyable, and the love story was sweet.  I am glad that Paul got reformed and was shown that he wasn’t a reprobate or a scoundrel, but someone who deserved love and forgiveness.  I liked how strong LAdy Daphne was, she was a great partner for Paul and a catalyst to help mend the rift between him and his old friends that he hurt years ago with his actions.  Overall, an enjoyable story for the holidays with entertaining characters and an enjoyable plot.

❤️❤️❤️ out of 5
This book was set up to have the hero be the anti-hero from the other two books in this series. However, I’m going to be honest he didn’t feel like an anti-hero to me, he wasn’t a big-bad at all so that left me with a case of the meh.
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Our heroine gets left behind by her family at Christmas (think Home Alone) and instead of going to join them decides to stay at home. When on an outing her journal is stolen (with some very racy things written), and in the process of trying to recover it she is thrown into the path of our hero, whom she has idolised and crushed on since childhood.
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This is another historical romance in a long line that has been popping up lately with strong feminist views- don’t get me wrong, I love feminist views but the way these are all being written just don’t seem even 1% plausible for the era which bothers me. The “twist” at the end also had me rolling my eyes- was it necessary to the plot? Not at all! And I’m sick of one character not thinking they are good enough for the other! Accept and move on for the love of god please!

This was my first book by Janna MacGreggor. I wanted to try a book by her, because while new to the HR scene, she seems to be gaining a fair amount of popularity. I thought the story easy to read and get through, but it didn’t leave a lasting impression on me. This book included many current HR trends; such as a Duke hero, Regency setting, and headstrong and independent heroine. So if you really like what most of what has been churned out in HR lately, this is probably a good option for you. If you, on the other hand, are like me and feel like these trends have been recycled and reused beyond their expiration point and feel it is high time to reduce, then this may not be the book for you.

I thought this had stronger promise in the beginning but fizzled out some about mid-way through. There were moments of open and honest exchanges between the h&h that I enjoyed and thought it touched on themes of grief and unworthiness in an honest way, but it didn’t go far enough to leave a lasting impression or push boundaries.

Overall, a nice but forgettable read for me. I may consider reading JM if she veers into new territory, but until then, I will continue to seek the less trendy HR reads.

*I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.