Sophie Jordan’s third entire into her Duke Hunt series was a fun romp. One does not need to have read the previous books in the series to enjoy, but for those who have been following the series, the story begins with a huge plot twist involving The Duke of Penning to set the wheels of romance in motion for our lovely blacksmith heroine, Gwen. When mob violence leads to a marriage of convenience with the terms of friends only AND a one year time limit, you know you are going to be in for a wild ride when Jordan has written a hero as Hot as Kellan.
This one is a solid 3 star for me. A quick beach read to enjoy the afternoon with. However, it was a bit front heavy and rushed the ending and final scenes leaving a lot of loose ends. I do hope we will eventually get Miss Lockhart’s story in the future.

An unusual start, and the unusual-mess continues. They were awkward with each other because let's face it they were total strangers.
Gwen. It didn't take long for me to be on her team and hoping for her to get the happiness that she deserved. After her family members die, she encountered more pain and humiliation from people in the community. Some from well-meaning but often thoughtless but also from a bully who meant to take over her smithy and marry her off to one of his dull witted sons.
I really liked how several times when Kellan looked at her, he admired her fierceness that showed up at times. He likened it to her being a Viking Queen. That did make me smile. I wasn't sure if I was going to like him considering the type of life he's led. But as time went on I began to respect him. His father was something else. A charming, thief with no boundaries, no moral code. He couldn't even see how he was hurting others.
Everything comes to an interesting end. This story had it's moments but I just wish I had liked it more.

" I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book. And these are my honest opinions about it.”

3 1/2 stars. Such a fun premise! I enjoyed that the heroine was a blacksmith and the hero a criminal hiding out. They fall into a marriage of convenience which is a trope I really like. IT lagged a bit in the middle for me, but had a satisfying ending. Overall I had a good time reading and enjoyed how the story unfolded. Would read more from this author.

I liked this book. It was a pleasant unexpected story line. Yes it was a marriage of convenience, but the reasons for the marriage were unexpected. They were not the normal historical romance reason and I really enjoyed it. Both characters were easy to like and the book itself was a fast read. Sophie Jordan is one of my favorite authors and this book did not disappoint.

A delightful premise that goes nowhere - nothing happens in this book! There's little to no evidence that Kellan is any kind of scoundrel or rogue, minus his association with his father, and Gwen is about as flat a character as you can find. The emotional stakes are zero: all of the sudden they're in love based off a few days working together and no sort of real bonding or anything. I'd pass on this.

Thank you Avon and NetGalley for the ARC!

I love a strong man pining after a strong woman, but this book just wasn't for me. And honestly, it mostly has to do with the ending. All that pining, all that build-up, and the book just... ends. Gwen deserved more, honestly. I saw some stuff I don't normally see in historical romances, and that was refreshing, but for the most part, I felt deeply unsatisfied by the last 25% of the book. Even the subplots with the senior Fox and Meyer were left relatively unresolved. A decent pick if you like female blacksmiths and small town living, but I do feel like there are better options out there if you're just looking for your next Sophie Jordan read.

A marriage of convenience between a fiercely independent female blacksmith and a charming con man caught in the act? With a setup like that, I couldn't dive into this one fast enough! Okay, so I had to suspend disbelief a bit in the opening pages of the book when our heroine, a fine, upstanding member of the community proposes a marriage of convenience with a thief she's just met but Jordan sells it. At least, she sold it to me. Both Gwen and Kellan have valid reasons for their decisions and who am I to scoff when I know this author most likely has plenty of delicious fun in the offing?

I don't think I've ever read a book with a blacksmith heroine before and, let me tell you, I loved her. Gwen is strong, fierce, hardworking, and unapologetically herself. She runs her own forge and suffers no fools, especially those trying to overtake her business. She could not be a more perfect match for Kellan, a man who has never done an honest day's work in his life but who has enough goodness in him to perhaps realize there could be another way...a better way.

Maybe I'm just a sucker for a charming con man but I was pulling for Kellan from the get-go. I love that he was immediately attracted to Gwen, recognizing her statuesque beauty (when her fellow townspeople all consider her masculine and "odd"). I love that he didn't try to change her or take charge. He appreciated all of her qualities, especially her strength and fortitude.

I also enjoyed the changes brought about in both Kellan and Gwen as a result of their time together. The deepening desire between them sizzles, catching Gwen off guard and opening up that vulnerable, feminine side of her that she's never explored (If you're a Sophie Jordan fan, you already know you're in for some amazingly sensual, organically placed scenes). As for Kellan, his growing feelings for Gwen give him the incentive he's never had to make something of himself that would make her - and him - proud. Of course, there are obstacles along this path that challenge his convictions - and hers - but readers do get their happily ever after in the end.

Speaking of the end, that really is one of the only quibbles I have with this book. The final chapter felt like a rush to the conclusion. I would have enjoyed a bit slower pace with more discussion between Kellan and Gwen, more emotional depth, before they are sent happily off into the sunset. But that's me. Others may not feel the same.

The Scoundrel Falls Hard is the third book of a series but stands well on its own. There's an overarching theme for the series but I never felt lost or confused for having jumped in at this point. I will, however, be buying the first two books as well as the fourth when it releases. If you're in the market for a refreshingly original historical romance with engaging characters, a fast-moving story, and a happy ending, give this one a try.

*ARC received from Avon via NetGalley for fair and unbiased review

Loved it! From the start I just KNEW that Kellen was going to be the type to have me swooning! And he did not disappoint! I really love how Gwen was really the one to rescue him, and that was how their whole relationship began. She was so worried about not wanting to need him, that she forgets that she saved his life! That is a HUGE debt to repay. These 2 had me all twisted up real quick.... the sexual tension was on point!!! I think I need to go back and read the others in the series!

Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice 🔥🔥🔥
Swoon 😍😍😍😍
Angst 💔💔💔

Living in a small village as independent blacksmith, the heroine had made sure to keep the family business going. When angry villagers wanted to harm the hero for deceiving them by posing as someone he is not, he sought refuge at the heroine's shop. To heroine saved the hero and the two ended up with a marriage-of-convenience. How will the hero and the heroine work together as feelings decided to make an appearance as time passed by?

This is the third book in The Duke Hunt series featuring a woman with an occupation that I had never read before in a historical romance book; it was a nice surprise to read about a woman who is independent but must tackle some preconceptions from others that may not be good for her. There is also a hero who deceives others for a living, yet he did end up changing as the story progresses. However, I wasn't partial to the hero's father for not changing as much as I wanted him to be in the book. I also felt that certain areas of the story needed more details added to them for better transition in my eyes. Overall, it's a good addition to the Sophie Jordan series.

**Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy. All opinions and thoughts in the review are my own.**

GREAT READ!!! The Scoundrel Falls Hard by Sophie Jordan is book 3 in the The Duke Hunt series though in a series this book can be read as a standalone. What I really like about this book was the storyline was so good. A woman blacksmith and a fraud that get together under a desperate attempt to save a life. I was on the edge of my seat in the beginning. The only things I did not like about this book was that it kept repeating it’s self over and over again on different subjects thought out the book. I feel that when you are saying something it only needs to be said once. Also that I wanted to just get to the point. I know that the anticipation is part of it but I felt like it was dragged out way too long. I found this book easy to read, very original, wonderful characters, vivid descriptions and as I said it was a great read. This story has a woman blacksmith, a man that is pretending to be a duke’s son and heir, trying to escape, getting caught, compassion, saying anything to save a life, a duke’s return, a choice between death or marriage, a evil blacksmith that thinks she should marry his son, not being treated with any kind of respect, being talked about, going to a fair, a father who stole from them, locking a father in his room and falling in love. I am recommending you read this book. The storyline is terrific.

***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.

The Scoundrel Falls Hard features unique characters to historical romance, between a female blacksmith and a handsome (non-peer) fugitive on the run. The story kicks off quickly, with the fugitive, Kellan Fox, taking refuge in Gwen Cully's shop, and Gwen must decide quickly whether or not to protect him from the villagers who are furious to find that Kellan and his father deceived them by pretending to be the local duke and his son. Things escalate when the real duke shows up, and Gwen finds herself engaged to Kellan to prevent him from being strung up. Thus begins a relationship of convenience, one I enjoyed mostly for Kellan's growth as a character, 4.5 stars.

NetGalley generously provided an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review. All opinions are my own..

When I pick up a Sophie Jordan, I always expect to be swiftly drawn into a quick paced, fun, low angst and sweet romance, and this novel easily checks all those boxes. When this heroine was teased throughout the last two books, I definitely knew I wanted to read her story. And this cover is absolute perfection. This novel is quite fun and charming, it is light hearted and is very easily accessible. I did enjoy this book while reading it and quickly devoured this story, but I was definitely left a little lacking when it comes to the physical development of the hero and heroine's relationship, which was quite slow burn throughout this quick novel. As well as I am a little disappointed we did not get more action on the anvil. But if you love Sophie Jordan, i am sure you will find this novel fun and charming in the sweet and soft way Jordan's works always hit.

Gwen is a blacksmith, she was raised by her uncle and father who taught her their trade, but after they both died she has left struggling to keep the shop going as well as dealing with new competition in the form of another Blacksmith shop run by a father and sons. One night when a stranger seeks refuge in her shop from an angry mob, she finds herself betrothed to him in order to save his life. Kellan is a scoundrel who has been working with his father swindling and tricking people out of their money and hopping from one scam to another. But when Kellan is caught he now finds himself at the mercy of a female blacksmith, who is a tall and independent bombshell that tempts him at every turn.

This novel starts off with a bang and clips swiftly along even though it is really just a day by day exploration of the development of Gwen and Kellan's relationship leading up to their wedding day. Gwen sees Kellan as a boon who can help her get her business back in order, so she bargains with him to stay for a year to help her get back on her feet and then she will release him. Kellan agrees seeing this as an opportunity to pay her back for saving her life. Their relationship develops in the everyday activities they do to help each other, interact with other people in the town, and the soft exploration of kisses that spark from their developing chemistry. Ultimately this is a sweet building of a relationship of two people learning to trust the other and to see and discover what might be if they give each other a chance. The steamy moments between these two fall very close to the end of the novel, but they definitely spark with sensuality and show the next step of trust and understanding between these two. This novel to me read very quickly and felt rather short in many ways, I would not have minded spending a bit more time with these two and seeing them work a bit more side by side with each other. I think we missed out on some fun and entertaining moments that could have taken place in the forge. Because of this I thing some of the growth and building of chemistry between Kellan and Gwen is missing and the relationship lacked a bit of development for me to truly be sweep by into their romance.

Overall, this novel is fun and easily enjoyable, Jordan's works are always a delightful read but don't always stick or hit as hard as other historical romances for me. Still enjoyable way to spend an evening and if you like Jordan, i think you will still like this. We do get some teasing for the next novel in this series and I am looking forward to it.

The blacksmith and the swindler.

This series has been one of Sophie Jordan's best. Strong women with careers (no fancy lady's with nary a skill).
I'd been waiting for Gwen's story (in my mind, she was always Brianne of Tarth) the blacksmith, who is tall and strong and runs a smithy.
Gwen was more sensitive than expected, especially when after a moments hasty meet not cute (he was hiding from an angry mob). Gwen declares she has feelings for Kellan, the son of the swindler pretending to be a duke. The real duke declares they must marry in three weeks after Gwen is the only one to defend Kellan from said angry mob.

I thoroughly enjoyed and can recommend The Scoundrel Falls Hard. Plenty of sparks between Gwen and Kellan as they navigate their new situation.

The Scoundrel Falls Hard is the third book In The Duke Hunt series by Sophie Jordan. This is a sexy, racy, and simmering story with heart-pounding sensuality and pent-up passion. A steamy romance that, once I started reading, I could not put down.

This plot is new to me! the blacksmith is actually the heroine in the story while the hero is a dandy who has to maintain a lie for his father. This lie lent him money and a high position within society - making him known among the ladies as a scoundrel. I didn't like the end - it was rushed and didn't answer a lot of my questions.

One of Jordan's greatest books yet! I loved that the characters were regular people, not nobility. I loved their personalities and the plotting! One of the best romances I've read this year.

I enjoy Sophie Jordan's books best when she goes all-in on the wild premises, and this book fits that. The meet-cute is literally the heroine saving the hero from a mob and then, oops, they're betrothed. Gwen was an excellent stubborn lady blacksmith, struggling to bottle up all her vulnerability from years of people treating her as weird. Scoundrel-with-a-heart-of-gold Kellan is an absolute sweetheart. The pacing is fast, and fun and funny. The ending was really abrupt, unfortunately. While I understand the desire not to show our main couple apart fixing things with the external plot, glossing over things was kind of jarring. Another minor gripe was that [SPOILER] the anvil only got a short kissing scene, not proper sexytimes. [END SPOILER]] Overall, though, this was a quick, fun read.

I really enjoyed this book! Kellan and Gwen were a great pair! Kellan is one hero I'd like to see in person! The beginning drama did drag a bit for me and I would have loved if they'd done more than kiss a bit sooner.

This cover is jaw-dropping gorgeous. Did I want to read this solely for the cover, yes, I will admit that.
This book is a mixed bag. Characters were good but the plot felt too fast paced.
The heroine is struggling to keep her family blacksmith business afloat while the hero is a man on the run and they two strike a bargain for a marriage of convenience lasting one year.
I really liked the Gwen. She felt unique and was super likeable. Kellan took some time to get to like but I did like his redemption arc.
Characters aside, I think the story was too short and had a bit of a pacing issue. The events happen at lightening speed and the ending felt like it happened too fast. The epilogue didn't feel earned. The romance also happened quickly. I don't mind an insta lust/ insta love romance as long as the characters seem to have a genuine connection and spend a lot of time together to make it somewhat believable. The romance here was missing the communication between the two leads. I felt that they needed to talk more/spend more time together to have me buy their romance. It just never seemed like these two fell in love which is strange to say about a romance novel.
I'm unsure what to feel towards this book but I knew I was expecting more and this fell short of my expectations.

Tropes: Working Class Heroine, Anti-Hero, Marriage of Convenience

Gwen, a badass blacksmith is unperturbed when the sinful imposter Kellen Fox uses her shop as a hiding place when an angry village mob chases him. Gwen, deciding to stake her reputation declares her love for Kellen to keep him from being, well mobbed and staked essentially. This marriage of convenience was a simple solution to Kellen's problem, and yet he can't seem to keep things platonic between them, especially when Gwen is still wary of him.

IDK. I thought that I would love this because I love a Blacksmith character, there is something about a Blue Collar character in a historical that just is so fun to read about, and yet, I was bored. I didn't really feel the deeper connection between these two, it was all chemistry, and yet, there weren't as many steamy scenes as you would think with a book like this. It felt very insta-lust/love. For the very interesting premise, it had so much potential and very little payoff. The conflict wasn't all that interesting and lasted only a few pages. Kellen had a redemption arc that took three weeks, for a villainous character who a village wanted to hang, he turned around his behavior pretty quick. And then the book just ends.
I am having so many mixed feelings because I wanted to like this so bad but I just didn't. And there was so much that could have been done with an Anvil and we didn't get to see it.

Thank you to Avon via Netgalley for providing me with an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.