To Love a Scandalous Duke

Once Upon a Scandal Series, Book 1

By: Liana De la Rosa

Narrated by: Gabrielle Baker

Driven into exile years earlier, due to family scandal, Declan Sinclair is called home, devastated to discover his brother has been murdered and he's the new Duke of Darington. When clues point to the man he blames for both his exile and his brother's death, Declan resolves to ruin the culprit. If only the daughter of the man's business partner, lovely Lady Alethea Swinton, didn't tempt his resolve.

Lady Alethea Swinton has cultivated her pristine reputation in the hopes of winning her father's praise. When her childhood friend returns, Alethea finds she's willing to court scandal and defy her father to help the handsome Declan uncover the truth behind his brother's death. Until she realizes Declan's redemption will mean her family's ruin.

Contains mature themes.

©2017 Liana De la Rosa (P)2021 Tantor

Enjoyed!

I loved this story, it was different with conflicts coming from all directions. Didn’t love some of the narrator’s male voices but otherwise very enjoyable.

Great story

I really enjoyed the story and the characters the narrator did a great job bringing the characters to life

One of the few romance novels to retain the mystery throughout

Liked heroine, brother and hero. Lovely romance and friendship. Mildly interesting mystery to the scandal. Narrator lisps but is otherwise good. The mother’s diary not a model of clarity—seemed random at times.

A nice story with mystery

First of all, pay no attention to the reviews that say the narrator has a lisp. She does not. I think they want the name of the heroine to be Althea but it is Alethea, which probably makes them think that is a lisp when pronounced properly. I enjoyed the mystery part of the story and how it unfolds. Not your usual romance story.

Enjoyable read

My Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️

General Thoughts This is the second series I've read by this author. I really enjoyed the other series, so I was excited to give this one a go. It was enjoyable. I liked the main characters and their relationship. I did think a few things dragged on too long/characters should have realized things sooner, but it was still an enjoyable good read. The author did a great job penning the story. As noted earlier, I would have changed a few things timing-wise, but I enjoyed it. If you like regency, historical romance with a hint of suspense, then give this one a go.

Spice Meter: ❤️‍🔥.5 Spicy, not the most detailed but definitely there.

Romantic Tropes
-historical fiction
-romance
-childhood friends/crush
-rival families
-revenge
-suspense (a hint)
-off-limits/forbidden

Great story, rough narration

I loved this story...soooo much romance plus intrigue. For the first time in a long time I was blindsided by one of the big secret reveal. There are several secrets unearthed but one is shockingly delicious... and a bit sad. My only issue was the narration. I had a hard time with the different accents and I never understood why a man raised in England would have acquired such a guttural mixed French(?) accent by traveling the world? It was a confusing poor choice. It was also weird and jarring each time the MMC spoke.It was impressive how the narrator was able to slide between so many different characters but some of the speech was muddied. If you can look past that I think you will enjoy the book.

Cute!

Kept me entertained the whole book through. Easy listening! Can’t wait to listen to the next book in the series.

One small drawback

Storyline is really good. Just one small drawback, the narrator has a lisp I just can’t get passed 😬 and her male voices are not that good. Like the lead male voice is not that cute. He is not giving me sexy, intriguing, brooding vibes. I think this book would be very good with a different negator. The lisp is subtle BUT she also speaks through her teeth. And that doesn’t let me got into the book unfortunately. I have to stop listening then start up again just to recalibrate, Hope that helps.