Sophie Jordan: The Duke Goes Down

The Duke Goes Down by Sophie Jordan
Published by HarperCollins on July 27, 2021
Genres: Fiction / Romance / Historical / General, Fiction / Romance / Historical / Regency, Fiction / Romance / Historical / Victorian, Fiction / Women
Pages: 352
Format: ARC
Source: Netgalley
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AMAZON BEST ROMANCE PICK IN AUGUST

New York Times bestselling author Sophie Jordan begins the all new The Duke Hunt series with the illegitimate son of a duke who meets his match in the daring daughter of a vicar. 

The Bastard Rogue...  

Peregrine Butler’s privileged blue-blooded world is rocked to the core when it is revealed he was born before his parents’ marriage and therefore is not the legal heir to the dukedom. Facing ruin, Perry must use his charm and good looks to win an heiress—all the while ignoring his fascination with the one interfering and alluring chit who is intent on sabotaging his efforts.  

The Lady Vicar...  

Everyone knows Imogen Bates, the virtuous daughter of the senile vicar. She can write a sermon in a day and spot a rogue in a second, so she sees right through Perry’s seductive façade. But Imogen’s plan to protect the heiresses of her beloved Shropshire from the erstwhile Duke of Penning, the bane of her existence since childhood, soon turns into something altogether unacceptable for the proper lady … who suddenly finds herself longing to keep his heated glances and tempting kisses all to herself.  

This is a Victorian era, rather than Regency, romance between childhood enemies (or at least they really disliked each other).  And even though they are grown and circumstances have changes, Imogen Bates, the vicar’s daughter still has it out for the former Duke.

I was really interested to read a story about a Duke who is disinherited because its proven he was actually born outside of wedlock.  That was really something for the character to overcome, particularly when he had been bred for such an exalted rank.  I thought his character arc overall was the strongest and although the flashback scenes painted him in a  terrible light, he really grows to be quite loveable in the end.

Imogen, on the other hand, is one of those MCs readers will understand and like or absolutely hate.  She has held on to all of the hurts from childhood and fixated that in a petty scheme to spread rumors about Mr. Butler.  Readers who dislike dishonestly, enemies to lovers, or what they perceive to be a women scorned will be on the hate side of the equation (so steer clear).  I found that, although her motivations didn’t always make sense to me, I understood them because they were impulsive and emotional rather than plotted.  She justifies her actions to herself, but its clear that its masking feelings and from that angle I thought it was an interesting angle to drive the story.

I found the reading strong and easy to consume, with enough historical details to make it more than wallpaper.  Its all set in the countryside in Shropshire, and there is one party, but most of the action has a bucolic setting.

There is some sharp, witty banter between MCs, a few interesting twists (including why the vicar’s daughter is so good at kissing), and ultimately I found a satisfying romance that had a few heart wrenching moments that brought me to near tears.  I always judge that as a quality romance, when I am invested enough to feel emotional, and I know other readers will connect with this story.

Several intimate scenes and some mature content make this best for readers who are looking for more than kisses only.

I really liked the conclusion and that it was tied in a bow with a nice Epilogue.  I wished Imogen’s arc could have been a bit more thorough, but at the end of the day I enjoyed this book.

Recommended overall for readers who like enemies to lover.

4.75 out of 6 Enemies to lovers between an ex-Duke and a vicar’s daughter

*A review copy was provided by the Publisher via Netgalley.  No other compensation was provided.