I thoroughly enjoyed this “runaway bride” story, where the heroine, Regina, seizes the moment and ruins her father’s plans to sell her off. Very coincidentally, she is rescued by her father’s sworn enemy.

I hated the Earl of Hedgewick for his plans for Regina, and further developments made it clear that he was indeed a villain. The love story develops nicely, and even if Regina was a bit naive, the main characters are immensely likable.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. The Forgotten Duke by Sophie Barnes is the fifth book in her intriguing Diamonds in the Rough series. It can be read as a stand-alone but I have enjoyed reading the previous books and do recommend them. Carlton Guthrie the scoundrel of St. Giles is certainly not going to let opportunity pass him by when the bedraggled bride he rescues turns out to be the daughter of the man he's been planning revenge on since he was 12 year old. Unable to think of another way to avoid being forced into marriage with a child by her father Lady Regina Berkley fled with no plan other than escape. With a Dickensian twist Carlton Guthrie is not whom he seems to be and soon he will have to decide if the growing affection he feels for Regina is more important than revenge. Once again Sophie Barnes has written a book that will keep you avidly turning pages to see what happens next. Medium Steam. Publishing Date January 28, 2020 #TheForgottenDuke #SophieBarnes #NetGalley #HistoricalRomanceNovel #bookstagram

This book was not what I expected & was quite delighted! Regina, heroine, runs away from having to marry a younger guy & ends up going with Carlton, hero, to his establishment. Carlton is only too happy to keep Regina with him and happy seeing he is seeking revenge on Regina’s father. These two have so much sexual tension at crazy! This story has mystery as well! It was great getting to watch these two get to their HEA. And the crazy mess of life & drama! I just adored Carlton! I def recommend this book for those who like secrets, mystery, & romance!

Carlton pretty much runs St. Giles. He tries to make it safer for the people that live there, but he has earned his title of the Scoundrel of St. Giles. When he encounters a runaway bride, he offers her sanctuary in his club. But his motives are all altruistic. The runaway bride's father is the man that took everything from his 20 years ago. He sees this as an opportunity to finally get his revenge.

Regina's father has told her that she will be married. Not knowing what else to do, she runs away the day of the wedding and ends up in St. Giles. She knows who Carlton is, but with nowhere else to go, takes him up on his offer. She soon learns that there is much more to the man than the face that he shows the outside world and soon falls for him. But what will happen when she learns that he is planning her father's downfall?

I loved Carlton and Regina's story. While you don't have to have read the other books in the series to enjoy this one, I think you will get more out of it if you do. We see Carlton throughout the series and having seen glimpses of the real him, was delighted to read his story. I loved watching Regina slowly break down Carlton's walls and seeing them fall in love. Carlton has intrigued me throughout the series and I was so happy to see him get his HEA!! I hope that Barnes in not done with this series as I have throughly enjoyed my venture into their world!!

After a great meet cute, the story took a bit to pick up. But it was well worth it once it did and I’m glad I stuck with it. Carlton was a great almost anti-hero and I loved his backstory. Regina was a great heroine for them and I was glad to see them get their HEA.

Twenty years is a long time to wait but Carlton Guthrie is determined that he will have his revenge. When Lady Regina Berkly literally falls into his arms, his plans seem to be falling into place. Regina has fled the family home in an attempt to avoid marriage to a fourteen-year-old Marquis. When Carlton offers to ensure that she doesn’t marry by keeping her with him, Regina soon finds herself getting to known him. It becomes apparent that the Scoundrel of St Giles, is not who she thought he was yet when he reveals her father’s deceit and his plans, she is conflicted. What follows is a delightful story, which gradually reveals all of the characters’ secrets.
The characters of Carlton and Regina were very interesting with Carlton, seeming to appear as the scoundrel yet his complexity has come from his experiences. Regina, in comparison is young and naïve, but she soon matures and her ability to face the harsh realities thrown at her, was fascinating to read about. Great secondary characters also added to make for a great read.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

We met Carlton Guthrie, The Scoundrel of St. Giles, in the earlier books of the series and developed a love/hate relationship with him. Was he saint or sinner? Now, we get to meet the real man and we can decide for ourselves. There was a lot going on in this book and while I was left with questions about some things, none of them really had to do with the HEA, the mystery, or its resolution. You don’t have to have read the earlier books in the series to enjoy this one, but it is a great series and I can’t imagine why you’d want to miss out on those books – besides – you’ll get a better feel for Guthrie because he’s threaded throughout the series.

Carlton has many secrets and I’ll not share all of them with you – but – I mean – you did read the title of the book. Carlton’s one deep abiding goal for the last twenty years has been to punish (meaning causing the death of) Charles Berkly, Earl of Hedgewick. The Earl is a wily fellow and has managed to guard himself well during that time – and Carlton has only had a couple of instances where he might exact his revenge. Sadly, none of those came to fruition. Then, the perfect revenge presents herself to him – almost on a silver platter. Who is he to say no to such a providential gift?

Lady Regina Berkly has always been a biddable, dutiful daughter. She diligently studied the pianoforte though she disliked it, she learned to embroider, to manage a household, to speak correctly, to dance without flaw, all of those things at which her parents said she should excel. She knew it was her duty to marry and to marry well for the betterment of her family. She was fine with all of that. At least she was fine with it until her father returned one day and announced she was going to marry the Marquess of Stokes the following morning at eight AM. She was aghast! She had never even met this person and she was expected to marry him. Her father would not be dissuaded, but did tell her that the groom and his family would be coming over that evening for them to meet. Surprise, shock, dismay – all of those and many more words could be used to describe her feelings upon meeting the potential groom. He didn’t want this any more than she did – and he was still a child. She liked him and he would be a good man someday, but not the man for her. When she told Stokes that she’d get them out of the arrangement, he was grateful to her.

Regina spent most of that night thinking and thinking, but she couldn’t think of any way out – except to just leave – and that is what she did. Just before dawn she snuck out the door and began running – and running – until she was totally lost and not in the best part of town. She ran right into a wall – well – a man who seemed like a wall. He steadied her and she told him who she was and that she was running away. Then, she went on her way – only to run into dire trouble. Again, the man showed up to rescue her. He offered her sanctuary until she could decide where she wanted to go and then he’d help her. Reluctantly, she accepted his off to stay at The Black Swan in his accommodations – as long as he didn’t make any demands of her. Admirably, he didn’t – the tension was there on both sides – but he didn’t.

“Who would have thought that she, the dutiful daughter of an earl, would be entertaining a bawd in a crime lord’s parlor?”

Lots of things happen – from kidnappings to betrayals – and Guthrie and Regina manage to become closer and closer through it all. Each knows that they love the other, but neither feels free to actually use the words. Then, when Regina is discovered and Guthrie’s deceit is revealed, Regina is devastated. Regina refuses to believe that her father has done what Guthrie says – but – she truly believes that Guthrie is honorable – so there must be another explanation. Can their relationship survive Guthrie’s deceit? Is her father guilty? If he is, can she keep Guthrie from exacting his revenge? Read the book to find out – you’ll love it.

This was a well-written book and a very enjoyable story with characters that I came to really like as I got to know them. I could feel Regina’s determination to take control of her own life and I could sympathize with Guthrie’s need for revenge. They were truly a very well-matched pair. It was a busy story that kept me engrossed from the first page to last. It also nicely set up the next story featuring Ida Strong and Fielding (from A Most Unlikely Duke). I assume Fielding will redeem himself in that book.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Wow, this story was fantastic. I liked the premise of this series. Carlton is known as the Scoundrel of St. Giles even though he is much nicer than that, I loved the way he spoke, the passion he had for the downtrodden and the loyalty he had for his friends. But is Carlton all he says he is? Regina’s dilemma was all to real in 1820 and what is a girl to do about it? Take charge of her own destiny, that’s what. The scenes with Carlton and Regina are so sweet and loving. I bet you fall in love with them like I did.

He never imagined he'd be the man he was born to be, or that one woman's faith in him would change his life forever…

When Carlton Guthrie, the Scoundrel of St. Giles, encounters a runaway bride, he offers to help her. Not out of kindness, but because she's the Earl of Hedgewick's daughter. The Earl is Carlton's enemy and fait allowed him a chance at revenge. That is until he begins to fall for Regina.
This well written and adventure filled story is a real page turner. I have always enjoyed Sophie Barnes books but this one is exceptional.
I gave this book 4.85 of 5.0 stars for story line and characterization.
I received a complimentary copy of this title to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

When revenge driven for most of his life, what a man to do when a mean is offered on a plate but it may cost him more than he bargained ...

As it is my first read in this series, everyone was new to me, so I was not influenced by their previous appearances.
Regina is a prim and proper miss, always the obedient daughter until she reached her rupture line and ran away to avoid her father scheme and the fate he had selected for her.
While she has growing up and her own personality to draw, she is a sweet miss discovering a side of life and its edges when she has always been kept sheltered and unaware of what lies outside Mayfair.
Yet, she shows a strength I did not expected from her, I imagined she would crumble in tears at every hardship when in fact she comes out even stronger every time. Sure, she is naive and innocent but she does not shy away for adversity and reality of life. She is open and is accepting, ready to forgive when she knows someone’s right has been trampled, she is about justice whomever is the culprit.
Carlton is much more complex, full of layers as his scheme and goal are very slowly revealed as the why. During a time, I was flying blind, as Carlton was called with the most awful adjectives, yet at any moment did he show an once of badness, he is a supporter of the weakest and the abused.
Still, his thirst for revenge while at the beginning looked like it consumed all his thoughts, soon became secondary when he was close to Regina.
She awakens his deepest desires and dreams, makes him wish for more, but he is certain there is no future between them as his plan is in motion.
I loved the author took the time to portray the characters’ changes, the shift in their moods and feelings and with it, their hopes for a different outcome. And along the road, they encounter dents and holes, and from them they rise stronger.
While I am not a great fan of revenge plot, so angsty and hurtful, Mrs Sophie Barnes managed to bring her characters to life with reason and cleverness, painting them with wits and sensibilities.
5 stars

I was granted an advance copy by the author through Netgalley, and preordered my own.
Here is my true and unbiased opinion.

The Forgotten Duke by Sophie Barnes is Book 5 in the Diamonds In The Rough Series. This is the story of Regina Berkly and Carlton Guthrie. I have read (and Loved!) the previous books but feel you can easily make this a standalone book if you wish to do so. Regina is running away from her father and the man she was to marry. Regina had no real plan once she started running she just wanted to escape. Carlton is the one that happens upon her and offers her help but he isn't doing it for nothing. Carlton sees revenge for his father by using Regina to get to her father who is the Earl of Sedgewick. But as we know all good revenge plans sometimes get snagged by Love.
Enjoyed their story!!

I wanted this book to work for me, but it didn't. The cover is great, though.

Dutiful Lady Regina runs away from home in her wedding gown to avoid marrying a sickly 14 year old heir. She gets into trouble and is rescued by the Scoundrel of St. Giles. Stuff happens.

The pacing felt off. The dialog often felt stiff and unnatural. My favorite parts were the chapters from the perspective of Regina's brother Marcus. His character was more vivid, had more purpose, and was active. Regina, despite her initial action, felt very passive throughout the book. Oddly, the Scoundrel of St. Giles also didn't seem active - despite doing a lot. We hear about his activities, but we don't really experience them.

Marcus was the highlight of the story for me, but he wasn't enough to save the book for me.

I received an ARC via NetGalley for review.

Wow, I really enjoyed this story of Carlton and Regina by Sophie Barnes. Regina met Carlton Guthrie, the Scoundrel of St. Giles, when she ran away from her family so she would not have to marry who her father wanted her to marry. After she ran away, Regina was attacked, and Carlton saved her. From the beginning Regina was attracted to Carlton even though she could not think why, he was a criminal and she hated his moustache (lol). Carlton had a vendetta against Regina’s father and when he met her, he decided to take advantage of this. This story has so many aspects I really like, and I like that Carlton was not as hard as he seemed. I also liked Marcus, Regina’s brother, who cares more for her and what is right then himself. I hope he has a story soon.
I received a free copy from Netgalley for my honest review.

This was a New to me author. Good book. I enjoyed it , the plot, the characters . I Look forward to more from
Sophia Barnes

I should have LOVED this book. It had so many of my favorites things. A hero from the streets who scraps his way to the top and the sheltered society lady who changes his world. A revenge plot. I should have loved it.

But I didn't love it. I liked it though. It had great bones. It checked the tropey romance boxes. But, for me, somehow it lacked its own book personality. I think the characters, particularly the heroine could have used a bit more depth. Again, I liked it. It's not a bad book. It just didn't quite wow me.

However, it had a lot of 5 Star reviews on Goodreads so clearly lots to readers did love it. So I suggest you give it a shot. Thank you @netgalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy. The Forgotten Duke is out on January 28th.

When Carlton Guthrie, infamous as the Scoundrel of St. Giles, stumbles upon a runaway bride wandering the Dials at dawn, it turns out to be his lucky day. The runaway happens to be Lady Regina Berkly, daughter of the Earl of Sedgewick, the man on whom Carlton seeks to have revenge for his father's murder. Carlton offers help and shelter to Regina, but not out of the kindness of his heart. Using the daughter to get to the father seems perfect until Carlton begins to fall for her.

Regina's options are quite limited and her flight so quick that she has no real plan, though she certainly never would've thought to seek refuge with a crime lord. But the more she interacts with him, the more she begins to notice that Carlton Guthrie's persona is very much a facade and that she could love and heal the damaged man beneath it, if only he would let her close enough. Even if he does, their tentative feelings may not survive his revenge plans.

I couldn't put this one down. Carlton was such a good tortured hero, almost an anti-hero really, with so many layers. Regina was young and sheltered, but she showed a pleasantly surprising maturity and a willingness to alter her opinions. Both Carlton and Regina demonstrated a lot of character growth and there was enough going on in this book to hold my attention while they got to know each other. There's really no steamy goodness here, which is usually a deal-breaker for me, but there was a great deal of sensuality and I liked the characters so much that this worked for me regardless. I'm glad we got Carlton's story and I hope this series continues with more.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Sophie Barnes writes such fan historical romance novels! Her characters are always so lively and I fall in love with them.

The Scoundrel of St. Giles, Carlton Guthrie has had to work his way up from nothing and has always held tight to his street morals… He has been toiling for a very long time to get his perfect revenge… until the answer to his dilemma runs straight into him!

Lady Regina needs to take control of her own destiny before her father marries her off to better situate himself. Without any options, she takes her feet to the street and runs… and ends up in the arms of one of London’s most notorious criminal scoundrels, Mr Guthrie! Is she safer with this renowned rake and outlaw than her own father?

This is the Storie of Carlton Guthrie’s redemption that I didn’t know I needed! He never appealed to me in the past books of this series, but phew, he surpasses all the other dukes in my books now! I adored learning of his background and seeing how he treated his people. In the past books he was not always sketched in the best of lights, but I feel like this answered many questions and turned him easily in to the handsome hero.

The character of Lady Regina could have easily become monotonous or annoying, but she was relatable and held on to her own truth without flip-flopping. Her character and the love and respect she emanated helped carry the story.

I am eager to a glimpse of Carlton and Regina in future additions to the Diamonds in the Rough series.

The Forgotten Duke by Sophie Barnes is scheduled to release January 28th, 2020.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Sophie Barnes through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#TheForgottenDuke #SophieBarnes #NetGalley #pinkcowlandreads

Another winner from Sophie Barnes!
Regina, the daughter of the Earl of Hedgewick runs from a dynastic marriage merger with a sickly 14 year old boy right into the arms of Carlton Guthrie, The Scoundrel of St. Giles. Carlton, who has his own reasons for assisting Regina to disappear, doesn't count on falling for his "implement of revenge".
We follow them as they fall for each other while struggling with the fact that they are from different worlds.
There are some surprising revelations in store for these two. I recommend that you purchase this book to find out what they are. Sophie does not disappoint.
Thank you Sophie Barnes and NetGalley for allowing me this advance copy in exchange for my honest feedback.

Another great story from Sophie Barnes!! Carlton and Regina's story is a wonderful addition to the Diamonds In The Rough series! One I have been waiting for!! With Carlton popping up so much in the other books, I was so excited to get to his story!

When Carlton gets a chance at revenge he is definitely going to take it. The problem is, he didn't count on Lady Regina Berkly!

Regina needs to get away. However she can, but she never thought she would end up hiding in Carlton Guthrie's tavern!

Sophie Barnes is an immediate one click buy for me!! If you like wonderful, fun Regency Romance with wit and intrigue you will adore this book! Check out the other in the series too! You won't regret it!!