I really liked this book. I adore a revenge story and a good bad-boy hero, but what made this extra special were the additional mystery elements and Regina, our heroine, herself At first she made some kind of questionable choices (even if I liked her motives, i.e., to cease being asleep and dutiful and save herself and the really young duke she's forced to marry--I don't love that his disability is part of the reason she wants out but I do appreciate that he is still a kid and really doesn't want to marry her), but she grows on you, quite a bit, She's intelligent and she does actually care about people. The romance is excellent, as was the writing. This is really just an enjoyable book.

Lady Regina Berkly lives the charmed life. Her sole purpose to become an accomplished lady. And she is that and more. The one last requirement is to marry well. She understood her obligation to marry well and had no illusions that love wold play a part in her marriage.

But when she finally meets her groom for the first time, the day before they are to be married, she realizes that she wants more from her marriage and flees.

Carlton Guthrie is the Scoundrel of St. Giles. He has made a name for himself by being ruthless and cunning. He also lives for revenge.

When he helps Regina, he finds out she is related to the man he was sworn vengeance on for two decades. This is basically all he has ever lived for and will use Regina to further his agenda. That is until he realizes he wants something more.

Can a lady and a scoundrel find a happily ever after? Or is it asking too much?


This story starts off slow and I was beginning to wonder where it was headed. It’s a slow burn and the romance between the main characters takes time to heat up.

But, OMG!. I’m so glad I persisted because this book became phenomenal! The mystery and the angst had me agog and at the edge of my seat. Once the passion boiled over, it burned up the pages.

Guthrie is tormented and has a need for revenge. He’s as vicious as he is kind. He also has on heck of a past that made him into who and what he is today. But, Regina brings out his kindness more and more.

He knows he is not good enough for her and that they cannot have a future. But, day by day, step by step, she brings out the man he was meant to be. Protective kind and caring. He is such a badass sweetheart!

This is a spectacular read that I enjoyed thoroughly! Although I think it could have benefited from a bit more steam between the couple, it was simply amazing as is!

I received an ARC via NetGalley of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Enjoyed the story. Forced into a marriage to a 14 year old boy, Regina escapes the morning prior to her wedding and finds safety in St. Giles after being saved by Carlton from two street thugs. Carlton has his own agenda while she remains hidden from her family, trying to figure out what to do next. There are other minor stories which include kidnapping, human auctions and long ago murder being solved. The story is well written, entertaining and holds your attention. It is an unexpected love story that is a great read and .i would recommend this book.

Thank you netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a decent historical romance. Regina escapes an undesirable marriage and falls into the arms of a underground criminal. Carlton falls for her innocence and charm despite using her for his revenge against her father. They work through their differences and fall helplessly in love. Well written and charming.

The Forgotten Duke is a clever sexy Regency era story featuring an extremely innocent runway bride and a scoundrel...or is Carlton really what he says he is? This book has secrets and a mystery to reveal that should delight readers of the genre. Along the way, Lady Regina learns that what appears on the surface might not always be the truth.. It was a fun read. I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of this book from NetGalley.

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.When I started reading I couldn't put it down.Sophie Barnes is magnifysent and amazing writer.I cannot wait to read more of there books.Keep up the great work.You should definitely read this book.Can't wait for the next book.

This novel was a very enjoyable read by Ms. Barnes. While most of the novel centers on Carlton Guthrie seeking revenge on the Earl of Hedgewick, there is so much more to it, including the relationship that builds between him and Regina and a mystery about missing girls. Regina has always been obedient to her parents, becoming the perfect wife for a duke and knowing her duty. However, she runs away from her own wedding to a duke, for she could not bear to marry someone she could not love. Carlton "comes" to her rescue and knows this is the perfect way to begin his revenge upon her father. Yet, what he could not predict was the feelings that would develop between them. Regina knows Carlton is the Scoundrel of St. Giles, yet she cannot help but want to know him. She sees the good things he does, even though she is very uncomfortable about people he has killed. However, as she gets to know him, the more she begins to understand his motives and what he stands for. Carlton sees a woman he cannot have, but is unlike any other woman he has ever met, which creates conflict between revenge and the life he craves.