The Return of the Duke

Once Upon a Dukedom

By: Lorraine Heath

Narrated by: Kate Reading

In the thrilling third book in New York Times bestselling author Lorraine Heath’s Once Upon a Dukedom series, the dashing son of a disgraced duke teams up with a sultry beauty to thwart an assassination plot against Queen Victoria.

When his father, the Duke of Wolfford, is hanged for an assassination attempt on Queen Victoria, Marcus Stanwick is stripped of everything. Vowing to return honor to his family, he seeks to expose the others involved in the treasonous plot and bring them to justice. His search forces him to turn to a woman he despises for her unforgiveable betrayal—a woman known as the heartless harlot.

Harboring secrets, Esme Lancaster has her own reasons for wanting to discover who’s behind the conspiracy that’s still afoot. She doesn’t trust Marcus but can’t deny the handsome devil makes her wonder if she does indeed possess a heart, one he could very easily steal.

As their hunt for the truth leads them into danger, Marcus finds Esme isn’t cold and calculating as he’d assumed but fire and brimstone, with courage and determination to match his own. Soon, they’re unable to deny their growing desire for each other. But giving into temptation comes at a cost, and they must decide if love is worth the risk of losing their one chance for redemption.

©2022 Lorraine Heath (P)2022 HarperCollins Publishers

Pretty good

I'm rounding this up to 4 stars due to the unique plot of infertility and espionage. I feel it is a strong 3 but got better towards the end.

Thoroughly Enjoyed!

The storyline was better than I expected…finished within 2+ days & would have liked to finish it sooner. I’ve even “re-read” portions…the author wrote in a way to have me care about the characters. Beware…there are some sizzling sections to the story which did not overly distract from the storyline…I do believe in being drawn to someone at first sight as I was drawn to my husband.😊🙃😉❤️
Kate Reading did a great job with distinct voices for the characters as she normally does.

Absolutely beautiful!

I’ve never written an audible review, but I was compelled to do so. I LOVED this story as much as I LOVED The Duchess Hunt. Thank you Lorraine Heath for your incredible stories of love and thank you Kate Reading for the incomparable narration. The two of you are a perfect pair—just like Marcus and Esme, and King and Pettypeace. Now I cannot wait for the Chessmen series!!!

Enjoyable Read

I liked the characters, enjoyed the plot. A good ending to the series. I will continue to read her stories.

Multitasker

This has been a marvelous conclusion of a series that has woven a lot historical facts to a romance that has made it exceptional. I hope that readers begin with the first in the and read all in order. I will not divulge any aspects of the story, with the hope that you will read it. I recommend wholeheartedly. Happy listening!

Twist on typical love story

Murder, Sex, the Ton... it has it all. Including two selfless characters . I love that all the stories intersect and characters are pulled from different series and are intertwined.

Awesome

The character personalities she creates come to life so easily. Kate Redding is one of my favorite narrators. Twists and turns. Great story all around. Recommend!!!!

Delicious conclusion to this series.

What a wonderful way to conclude this series! I loved the rich characters, dialogue, intrigue, steamy relationships and love with sacrifice. Lorraine Heath does not disappoint. Her details of actual historical events interwoven with adventure, lust, and love create a most delicious story. Kate Reading is by far the best voice for the characters. Well done and very satisfying.

What a fantastic ending to a wonderful series!!

I absolutely loved this audiobook. The story was riveting and it’s pace was perfect! I’m just sorry to have the series end! I loved all characters! I was happy to hear the authors note at the end about a new series about the chessman.
Grab this audiobook, you won’t be disappointed! Happy listening!!

Great story and romance

I enjoyed this book. It’s different then other novels due to the lead female being who she is and I enjoyed it. I appreciate how much the lead male adored the lead female. Their union felt real and their love very genuine. I recommend it.
The narrator was very good.