Title: Tall, Duke, and Scandalous
Author: Amy Rose Bennett
Series: The Byronic Book Club
Page Length: 408
Publication Date: Aug. 23, 2023
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Synopsis: This bluestocking would do almost anything to save her reputation and her grandfather’s legacy…even marry a scandalous duke.
No-nonsense Jane Delaney divides her time between her grandfather’s beloved bookstore and writing newspaper columns, determined to overcome a past that’s left her with scars on her face and in her heart. But when the store ends up in unexpected financial jeopardy and Jane’s secrets are threatened by a mysterious blackmailer, she finds herself in desperate need of money. All seems lost until a temptation like no other presents itself…
Christopher Marsden is the new rakish Duke of Roxby…and someone wants him dead. The problem is, he has no idea who or why. Following a vicious attack, he’s acquired a rare affliction where he can no longer recognize faces. But when he catches Miss Delaney attempting to steal a priceless book from his library, Christopher can tell her apart from the rest. Her scarred beauty stands out like a beacon, and he doesn’t want to let her go. So he offers her an outrageous proposal: the money she needs in exchange for a marriage of convenience and her help in catching his would-be killer.
As passion flares between the two unlikely newlyweds, dangerous truths are exposed and hidden enemies poise to strike. Can these two damaged souls survive long enough to find love?
LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
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Tall, Duke, and Scandalous is an intriguing conclusion to The Byronic Book Club and a story I was so looking forward to since Jane was introduced in the series. This story follows her when she is at her most desperate. Years after an accident left her face scarred, Jane loves working in her beloved grandfather’s bookstore. When her mother’s excessive gambling puts the store at risk, Jane acts on a whim and tries to steal from Christopher, a new and scandalous duke.
Christopher is intrigued by Jane from the start, and he makes her an offer that will end all of Jane’s financial woes and potentially stop the blackmailer who threatens her. But someone is also after Christopher, and since an accident left him unable to recognize faces, he needs her help.
Jane and Christopher have an instant attraction that only grows as they grow closer. They have a ton of chemistry from the very start, and though they enter into a marriage of convenience, it’s pretty clear there’s more to their relationship than a friendly union. Whew – you might need a fan for this one because the sexy scenes are steamy! Jane and Christopher are a well-matched pair who complement each other well (in and out of the bedroom), and I like that they’re honest with each other about past romantic relationships and how easily they fit together. However, secrets, lack of communication, and lack of trust cause major issues for the couple, and I didn’t love the third-act break-up.
The couples from the first two books have secondary roles in this story, and it’s great to see how their lives are going. Of course, Jane’s Byronic Book Club friends staunchly support Jane and Christopher, and I love how they all come together. The epilogue is the best!
Thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
- The romance.
- The secondary characters.
- The mutual love of books.
- The mysteries/intrigue.
- marriage of convenience
Amy Rose Bennett has always wanted to be a writer for as long as she can remember. An avid reader with a particular love for historical romance, it seemed only natural to write stories in her favourite genre. She has a passion for creating emotion-packed—and sometimes a little racy—stories set in the Georgian and Regency periods. Of course, her strong-willed heroines and rakish heroes always find their happily ever after.
Sorry the lack of communication and the third act break up made this less fun for you. Great review, though!
Thank you! It was still a good read even with those few flaws. 🙂
I’m glad you still enjoyed this one, even with a couple of issues. It’s great when you get that character’s story you have been waiting for. I do love that cover.
This one sounds so fun, but eesh to the lack of communication {one of my least favorite things}. Maybe if I know it’s there going in to the reading it won’t be as annoying? haha
lol – it would definitely make it more tolerable. 🙂