The Forgotten Duke

Carlton and Regina's story is one of the best stories I have read in a long time. This book was so good I could not put it down. I couldn't wait to read what happened next. This book has laughter and tears, everything a reader wants.

Y'all, "The Forgotten Duke" let me tell you-

I'm a total judger of books by their covers. This is my first Sophie Barnes novel because (brace yourself) I don't like the font on her more recent book covers. It's too thin. I'm glad I took the high road and looked past the font (and the hero's peach fuzz cuz he can't even grow it) and read this book. Because I very much enjoyed it.

I liked the first half of the book but found it lacked a sharp, underlying intensity. The right words were there but that acute emotion that you find with Julia Anne Long and Sarah MacLean was absent for me. However, once I reached the top of the bell curve, I definitely started to feel much more emotionally engaged with the characters. I was hooked and read the book in two days. A lot happens in this book. It moves quickly but with detail that I loved and tells a bigger story besides reaching the HEA.

Our hero, Carlton Guthrie, is basically a rich, St. Giles version of Boondock Saints without the adorable Irish name. (Personally, "Guthrie" doesn't roll off the tongue easily. I feel like a "Guthrie" should be a hearing impaired heritage Butler who slips kids candy behind Dearest Darlingest Momsies and Popsicles backs.)

Carlton lacks the ruthlessness you seen in Charming Mickey from Elizabeth Holt's Scandalous Desires. He says things like "thank you" an awful lot which seems out of place in his position of cold-blooded criminal. He never came across as intimidating - until he did. Don't worry-he proves his rank.

And I'm so okay with it. Regina is our 18 year old Heroine. I have really been appreciating the older Heroine's that we've been seeing lately in some of the more recent releases, so I just pretended she was older. The first half of the book she's a little squishy for me, but I really grew to love her. She very firmly stands up for/with Carlton and what she believes is right for her. I appreciate her moment of panic on the ship- usually the H/H are always the strong one so it was nice to see this very human trait in our Heroine.  

I'm super happy with the journey I took with Soph in this book. I'm definitely intrigued by the last chapter and plan on following the series!

Alrighty, they've kissed and I've told you about it!

The Forgotten Duke is book 5 in the diamonds in the rough series by Sophie Barnes and in opinion the slowest paced book of all the series. I think that this is due to her attempt at building up the mystery of the disappearing women from Carlton Guthrie’s establishment and not because the book is not phenomenal.

Lady Regina becomes a runaway bride when she is being made to marry the Marques of Stokes, slated to become the Duke of Windham. He turns out to be nothing but a child without much to impress on a young lady nor much mobility due to his disability. She speaks with him and tries to be kind but she knows that she can not spend her life and make a future for herself with him no matter how dutiful a daughter she has been in the past. She decides to run away and is accosted while traveling in St Giles and is saved by the infamous gaming hell owner Carlton Guthrie.

It becomes quickly clear to Regina once he starts to be kind to her and looking out for her comfort and needs that Carlton being known as the scoundrel of St Giles though a well deserved title stems from a bigger mystery. Before this little adventure Regina had never lived, she has always done what was expected and not put her needs first. She did not even have hopes of a love match. Poor Regina just wanted at least a comfortable union with her perhaps the love and care of the heirs she knew it would have been her duty to provide. So she finds in the gaming hell a chance to explore life and discovers Carlton to be a man of principles and not a ruthless killer as rumored. At this point in Regina’s life it even begins to look as if he may be a man of better principles then perhaps her own father the Earl of Hedgewick who turns out by the books end to be a sore disappointment of a human being.

Once the characters are built up a few chapters in you find yourself drawn in and completely enthralled. You worry for the disappearing girls from the gaming hell and the issues of human trafficking and sex crimes rears it’s ugly head. Also you want to know why Carlton wants revenge so badly against the earl that he was at first willing to fight falling in love with Regina. The depth of emotions and volatility of anger, love and hate puts you in the thick of it as you read and feel for the characters. As with all the other books in the series, there is pain, discoveries about oneself and laughter as the characters interact and the book comes to culmination.

I really feel terrible for Marcus and hope that he perhaps gets his own story because he deserves not to suffer because of his parents misdeed. I think it’s bad enough he is now striped of his title and set adrift while his sister has found love. Since he now has a powerful family ally in the Duke of Windham perhaps he will be alright.

I received a complimentary download of this book on NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed here are completely my own and sincerely given.

I am voluntarily giving this review for this book and they are completely my own opinions. WELL!! You have to read this one!!!!!

Loved this book by Sophie Barnes. The characters were wonderfully crafted and had me falling in love. I loved the diverse characters and the different spin on the genre. I will definitely be purchasing this one for my shelf when it is released and eagerly look forward to the next book by Ms. Barnes.

I’m a sucker for a gaming hell owner falling in love with the woman he’s protecting/kinda screwing over story! Though this one is perhaps a bit less steamy than I’d like, and there was a bit much going on with the intrigue, this was a fun read that took up an afternoon I likely should have spent on other pursuits, which is lovely on a cool fall day cozied up on the couch!!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Having spent the last 20 years with revenge on his mind, Carlton Guthrie now has the means to act on that revenge when Regina, his nemesis' daughter, lands in his arms and he saves her from the streets of St. Giles. What follows is a story of intrigue, danger, betrayal, secrets, all mixed in with passion.

The story gripped me from the first page to the last one, there are many tense scenes as well as many emotional ones and when secrets are revealed, you can't help but hold your breath until it's all laid out in the open. I loved the characters, all come to life under this author's imagination and it makes for an awesome read.

I was given an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

The Forgotten Duke is a really fantastic read. It’s great to see Carlton get a heroine and HEA worthy of him. Whether you’ve read every book in the series, or this will be your first, I highly recommend this read.

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

I really enjoyed this book. I didn’t want it to end. Regina is the dutiful daughter that never questions her parents decisions, Carlton is a crime lord. The chemistry is noticeable right away and their relationship is a very slow burn. I love that they fight for each other, even in the most difficult situations. I’ll definitely read more of Sophie Barnes’ books

Carlton is a duke who is presumed dead who is bent on revenge against the man that killed his father and tried to kill him as well. He builds up an empire in St. Giles and gets ready for revenge. Regina runs away from an arranged marriage and Carlton finds her. He offers her refuge and discovers that she is the daughter of the man responsible for his situation. Will love overcome revenge? I look forward to the next book in the series that tells Ida’s story. I received an ARC for my honest review

As with the previous books in the series, (The Forgotten Duke is book 5 in the Diamonds in the Rough series by Sophie Barnes) I enjoyed the story and had a hard time putting it down. When Regina fled her home to escape marriage to a young future Duke arranged by her father, she stumbles upon Carlton, The Scoundrel of St. Giles, and enlists his help. He has his own reasons for his help and protection, though. As Regnia comes to know him, she finds herself falling for him even as he is fighting his feelings for Regina and trying to keep his plans for revenge clear in his mind. A great weekend read. Thank you, NetGalley for this copy to enjoy and review.

Running away from an unwanted marriage, Regina finds herself cornered by ruffians. Suddenly a man comes to her rescue. Fighting them off, he then takes her to his club. Carlton Guthrie is the Scoundrel of St. Giles, known for his violent and unscrupulous reputation. Once he finds out Regina's identity, Carlton has the perfect weapon of revenge. His focus of revenge soon becomes less important, because of Regina. This book reads at a steady pace with lots of action, romance and a swoon-worthy hero.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

A sheltered daughter runs away on the morning of her wedding to a 14 year old future Duke. Running into St. Giles, she meets up with Carlton Guthrie, kingpin of this area. Regina turns out to be the daughter of the man he has pledged to kill. She plays right into his plans but along the way, love develops on both sides. Will he continue to seek vengeance? Will Regina be enough to have him stop? A sweet story I thoroughly enjoyed.

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.

Lady Regina has always done whatever her family asked of her. Even if she has detested something, she has done it. However, when her father arranges for her to be married to a mere child, Regina cannot go through with it. Regina sets off in the early morning to escape that fate.

Carlton Guthrie isn't called "the scoundrel of St. Giles" for nothing. When Regina runs into his arms, he cannot believe his good fortune. Once, long ago, Regina's father ruined him, and Carlton isn't about to pass up his chance at getting revenge. Unfortunately, the unthinkable happens and Carlton starts to care for Regina. Will he win her back or is it too late?

THE FORGOTTEN DUKE is part of the enthralling DIAMONDS IN THE ROUGH series by author Sophie Barnes. It consists of five novels to date: A MOST UNLIKELY DUKE, THE DUKE OF HER DESIRE, THE ILLEGITAMATE DUKE, THE INFAMOUS DUCHESS and THE FORGOTTEN DUKE. THE FORGOTTEN DUKE is Carlton's story. It is somewhat of an enemies to lovers story... at least from Carlton's side. I was up late burning the midnight oil with this one.

The Forgotten Duke, by Sophie Barnes, is available through booksellers 1-28-20. Forgotten is book 5 in Ms Barnes Diamonds In The Rough series. I believe this is my first read of Ms Barnes work. I must say I'm impressed. I wish it were possible to rate in half stars, I'd give Forgotten a solid 4.5. I intend to backtrack and try out the first 4 stories. I'm curious if they'd stand up to my expectations of Ms Barnes writing (high). I've found most historical romance books to be a bit of entertaining fluff. I like fluff, eat it up, love it. But, a steady diet of fluff leaves me more appreciative of a complex emotional plot.

Our hero, Carlton/Valentine has been dealt a rotten hand in life and lives for revenge. He's plotted it and thought about it ad nauseam. He doesn't seem to realize that he made his life so much more than only anger. His story moved me, the hurt, rage, longing, subterfuge, nature vs nurture. He's interesting and once I knew his background I became invested in his HEA. The balm to his soul arrives in one Regina Berkley. Her father has pledged her in marriage to an inappropriate teenager. That poor kid is just as miserable as Regina at the though of what was to come. He's very sick & she is overcome with sympathy & actually runs away to save them both. Her father and his machinations made me hurt & angry on her behalf. Regina is strong & sassy & basically saves herself with only a bit of help from Carlton. Theres a perfect ending, it made me happy, was satisfying. I'm interested to see where the Diamonds series goes from here.

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

#SophieBarnes #Netgalley #DiamondsInTheRough #TheForgottenDuke #historicalromance

Desperate times call for desperate measures!

The trope is familiar. A powerful man having come from nothing is now a force to be reckoned with in the infamous St Giles.
Carlton Guthrie holds many secrets and he's sworn to take his revenge for a dardastardly deed that destroyed his childhood.
Lady Regina Berkly, the daughter of the Earl of Hedgewick, flees from an unwanted marriage foisted on her by her usually doting father. Of course there's something havey cavey about the whole affair. Her future bridegroom is the Marquess of Stokes. He is fourteen and suffers from a continuing illness. I liked this young person whose life has been one of constant pain, who's just as much a pawn of his father's desperation for the family line to continue, as Regina is of her father's scheming. I was touched by Stoke's forthright words to Regina, "as I deteriorate with time, you will regret being my wife, just as much as I will regret ruining your life.” The wedding is to be quickly done, within a couple of days.
Early on the day of her wedding, backed into a corner Regina bolts. Garbed in her bridal dress and bonnet, she runs away from Mayfair into unknown parts--St Giles. Where she literally stumbles into Guthrie, The Scoundrel of St. Giles. Guthrie seizes the chance to avenge himself against Hedgewick, 'the man who’d haunted [Carlton's] nightmares for two long decades, offering Regina sanctuary. The story flows from here as Regina and Carlton struggle with different purposes that in the end meld into one.
Flawlessly executed and a scintillating read! Loved the cover BTW!

An ARC from the author via NetGalley

A wonderfully delightful read in vividly written world full of courtly rules and dark secrets that may just destroy them all of they let it. Funny and seductive. Tragic and disturbing. You may just find yourself falling for the Scoundrel of St. Giles right alongside Regina. He is more than what he seems, and she desperately wants to uncover his sectets. He is a contradiction and a puzzle she longs to solve. She is unique and lovely and is slowly creeping into the dark crevices of his heart. A beautiful story with a touch of darkness, and one I could not put down!

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.