Synopsis:
A lady with a noble mission. A duke looking for redemption. A forbidden love that cannot be denied…
Lady Daphne Hallworth is ready to celebrate the holidays with her family. But when they accidentally leave her home alone, Daphne uses the time to work on her dream—opening a home for unwed mothers. But her quest isn’t problem-free: She’s in a battle to win the property for the home against her brother’s best friend-turned-enemy, Paul Barstowe, Duke of Southart. And that’s not all: someone has stolen her personal diary, which holds secrets that could devastate her family. Daphne has always harbored private feelings for the man her family scorns…though perhaps striking a bargain with the handsome Duke will solve both their problems?
Paul, long considered good for nothing, aims to open a hospital to honor his brother and restore his reputation. So when a conflict over the land brings him straight into Daphne’s life, they make a deal: He will help her find her diary if Daphne can change her family’s opinion of him. But before he can win her family’s affection, he has to win hers first. Maybe love was the answer to their family feud all along?
Rating: 5-stars
Review:
Janna MacGregor is a talented writer. I was charmed from the first page. Her characters are dazzling. They made me laugh so hard. I cried at moments and rooted for them. I wanted their happiness as much as they did. The female protagonist is a delightful young woman. In this book, I got an inside glimpse as to what she was like as a child and as a young woman. That was wonderfully woven much needed. Lady Daphne was shy with a bold heart. Now, as a woman, she is both bold in heart and in action. I couldn’t help but laugh…the Duke, her friend, was going to have his hands full. The title, The Good, the Bad, and the Duke perfectly suited this read in so many ways.
In some cases, I felt like I could see the frustration steam spouting from his head at the troubles Lady Daphne got herself into at times. She has always loved the Duke even when she was a kid. Now, she still felt the same way. Her natural way of helping others propelled their new reacquainted relationship. That made me eager to read more. Both Lady Daphne and Duke Paul, were charming. Irresistible characters that drew me closer to their stories. Each risked something that was important to them to help others. Their blossomed romance made me blush so many shades of red. Overall, I found this novel, exciting and enjoyable to read. I got lost within The Good, the Bad, and the Duke easily.
Urban Book Reviews 