The Duke Goes Down

The Duke Goes Down

The Duke Hunt #1

By Sophie Jordan

★★★☆☆

🖤🖤🤍🤍🤍

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.

The Plot

Imogen Bates and Peregrine Butler, the Duke of Pennington have hated each other since they were children. Ten years later, he returns to Shropshire when he loses the dukedom. Imogen is still angry and tries to thwart his efforts to find a wife by spreading several rumors about him. Eventually, they realize the attraction to each other.

The there was lots of internal dialogue which seemed repetitive and dragged on. I don’t like admitting it, but some pages I just had to skim through to get to more dialogue and character interaction. There were also many side stories that I didn’t see how they fit in the story and abusive husband next door…it was distracting and I found myself literally shaking my head.

“You never know where life may take you, but you must be open to opportunities as they present themselves. You must be ready to take the leap, or else you will go nowhere.”

The Heroine

Imogen Bates is a simple girl who’s father is the town vicar. She had her feelings hurt by Perry when they were younger and she also had her heart broken by a suitor while in London for a season, so I understand her pouting attitude. But she really bothered me with her bitterness and grudge-holding. I felt like she was whinny the whole book. And she was kind of a jerk to Perry for just a couple of rude comments about her.

The Hero

Peregrine Butler was the Duke of Pennington until his title was taken from him and he lost everything. He moved back to hide and find himself a somewhat wealthy wife since he was penniless. For me, Perry was the only reason I kept reading the book. I enjoyed watching him accept his new station in life and realize that he was better off without the pressure of being the duke. And he is MUCH quicker to forgive than Imogen!

The Steam

Eventually, there are a few steamy scenes, two of which include Perry scaling the side of her house and into her bedroom!

“You said a year from now you won’t cross my thoughts, and I need you to know that’s not true.” “You can’t know that,” she whispered. “I can. I do. You’re under my skin. A fire in my blood. I’ve never felt this . . . never wanted a woman the way I want you.” He stepped forward, slowly closing the distance between them. “I’ll never forget you.”

Stand Out Moment

I suppose the steamy scene by the River where he shows Imogen how he could offer ‘ pleasure’ to his future wife.

Who Would Like This

Honestly, there are so many good historical romances out there, I would steer them in a different direction.

And yet every pore, every fiber of his being was humming and vibrating, consumed by this kiss and proclaiming him a liar. Whatever this had started out as, it was all about desire now.

Final Thoughts

Overall, this book was…okay. I had thoughts of walking away and giving up, but I hate doing that to books! Also, the cover bothered me as the scene could not have occurred in the story.

Tropes

Historical Romance, Country Life, Steam Outdoor, Titled Hero, Rake Hero, Illegitimate Hero, Virgin Heroine, Independent Heroine, Childhood Crush, Enemies to Lovers, Class Difference, Loss of Nobility, Redemption