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.
This was a pretty good book. Both main characters have you glued to the pages as they unravel a mystery and fall in love. There were twists and turns that keep you reading and wanting more. I highly recommend.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

Well written love novel! It's one of those you cannot put aside!

The female lead is named Alethea, a not very common name and I really couldnt get used to it ;( I always read Althea or Athena but never Alethea.

Very good story plot. I really liked the characters.

I loved this! It was romantic, funny and fast paced! Definitely an author I will look for in the future.
*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher*

This is a childhood friends-to-lovers Regency romance that covers all the bases readers expect of the genre.
I liked the way the story began: at the theatre, with the heroine seeing the hero for the first time since they were young. I liked the connection between them, even if I’d definitely not feel immediately comfortable with someone I haven’t seen for many, many years. This was a solid pairing, and I think both characters were more distinct than they usually are in this genre.
The hero is mixed-race, and is a very unlikely man to fall into the position of a duke upon the suspicious death of his brother. He faces the usual prejudices, and also the fact most people struggle to believe he is who he says he is.
This suspicious death is the basis of the story. I’ve seen some reviews mention there were some holes in the plot, but as I was more interested in the relationship in than the mystery, I’m not going to bother picking things apart here.
What I really enjoyed were the little snippets of life in London that helped to set the scene.
This is a solid entry to the Regency romance world. I’m sure the author will grow with more books under her belt.

Adored this book!!!! If you love historical romance with suspense, shocks, and twists then read this one!! Declan returns after he finds out his brother has died and he has inheritied the title and gossip ensues immediately. Lady Alethea, childhood friend of Declan's, cannot stay away even with the bad blood between families. The pull between these two was immediate. As they grow to learn who they are now they grow dangerously close and both learn dangerous secrets that could tear them apart. SIGH. The passion and understanding these two have for each other is beautiful. It is such a well down book that shocked me MANY times. I could not stop thinking about it for days after reading it! READTHISBOOK!

Posted on amazon as well

To Love a Scandalous Duke
by Liana De la Rosa
Its a buy buy book. While this is not one of the best I have read, it does hold your interest. It has mystery and romance and twists that were a little unexpected. This read was a good read for me as it allowed me to just let my mind wander while enjoying the story. So I take it as a perfect beach or worry read. It allows escape into another place. I enjoy the way it is written even though I could not totally agree with all the content or the plot holes. SO if you want a book to just quietly sit and enjoy buy this one! I was given this book in return for an honest review. Anna

Absolutely loved the story of Lady Aelethea, her twin brother, their best friend from childhood, now The Duke of Darington. The twins father is not at all what he seems to be! He is not a loving father, or a good husband. There is a very good reason why their Mother was cold toward them!
The Duke, being the second son, Should , and did not want to ever be the Duke, his father killed himself, over a horrendous financial scheme, which he was not responsible for. His older brother took over at seventeen, with the help of his Mulatto Stepmother, while Dec, was in the Indies, making his fortune. This is a story of childhood friends, growing up with the scandal of suicide, money scams, and shocking racial marriages. I loved it. This is a new Author for me, so I am allowing a few things to slide in this book! I expect Great things in the future!
I highly recommend! Thanks! Enjoy!
carolintallahassee 👒

An entertaining regency romance with a mystery and a HEA all wrapped in one. I enjoyed this second chance romance. The hero and heroine are honorable and sincere. Love rules in the end and makes this a perfect read for a rainy day.

I received an ARC of this book, from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review. Loved the book. The love story of Declan and Alethea go back to when they were children and loved each other. They had always been involved in each others lived so it was no shocker that they would be involved as adults. Its a great story that involves murder, fraud, deception, kidnapping and in the end true love. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and highly recommend it.

This was one of those stories that I LIKED. I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it either. There were some points that made me smile, and some parts that made me roll my eyes.

I very much enjoyed the relationship between Declan and Althea. You could tell that their childhood friendship had bloomed into something more, even after his long absence. The chemistry was obvious and if this were a romance alone, it probably would have been a more enjoyable read (at least for me).

Now don't get me wrong, when novels expertly weave both romance and mystery, I am in heaven. I love a good author that can do both. However the mystery part of this story is where it went completely wrong.

To begin with, it seems a trifle odd that Finlay and Althea's mother was able to hide something of such importance for so long. I feel like its finding was a little too convenient. I also began to utterly loathe Althea. For someone who claims to be so smart and independent she certainly comes across as neither. In fact, even when presented with concrete evidence, she still has a hard time believing what is right in front of her. Even the ending is a bit of an issue. Sure there is a resolution to things, but was it satisfying?

NO.

In fact, the end "punishment" seems more like a reprieve once you look at the story as a whole. It doesn't seem like the "villain" wasn't inconvenienced at all by what happened. More an all-expenses paid vacation and less of a punishment.

Overall, I am sure this story may still appeal to those who enjoy historical romance novels that have a dash of mystery in them.

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

I love regency romance and whenever I’m feeling in a slump it’s one of the first things I pick up to clear my head. I always look for one that has a strong female lead and I felt To Love a Scandalous Duke fit that perfectly.

I loved Alethea. She is kind, witty and resourceful. She hasn’t seen Declan since they were children and his family was upturned by scandal that her family was an instrumental part in. Despite this, she doesn’t even think twice about wanting to help him and despite her father’s stern warnings, is not afraid to be around him. She has a big heart and loves that to teach children and offer charity. She feels confined by the fact that she is a woman and expected to fill a role. Avoiding marriage due to the fact that she wants someone who is willing to let her be more than a pretty decoration. She also has a twin, Finlay, and it’s fun to see her exchanges with him as well. You can tell that he cares and appreciates her for who she is.

I also loved Declan! He’s someone who was sent away due to the family scandal but managed to make a name for himself anyway. Away from the dukedom. I love that he is confident in himself and who he has. He also has a deep love of his family, it didn’t matter if they are near or far, dead or alive. He doesn’t care what people think of him.

Declan and Alethea together are a perfect matching. I love their witty exchanges and banter. Declan also seems to cherish Alethea’s fiery spirit.

This was the perfect blend of romance and mystery. I really enjoyed the story and it was a pick me up I definitely needed. I would love to read another novel featuring Alethea’s best friend.

2.5 stars

Hmmm. The story had potential, and it would have been an easy 4 star read for me had it not have so many plot holes. The whole conspiracy behind Declan's family scandal was convoluted and not properly developed IMO, and I was a bit eh about how the Truth was revealed and how the Problem was solved. The last 10% was a bit too conveniently wrapped up to me.

The only A+ thing about this is the hot chemistry between Allie and Dec. I love seeing them reconnect with each other.

Overall, this could have been a lot better. I hope Torres gets his own book!

Received in exchange for a honest review.

You see family shine in this book. Twins stick together and believe in one another. We see love in spades.

Alethea is loyal to her dad even when it hurts to be. Even when he sees her as cattle and a chip to use to help himself. She is strong and smart. Something that in the era she is in doesn’t get promoted or seen as something to revere. Declan does. He loves her strength and independence. How fierce and passionate she is. How she helps him even knowing it could give her truths that can hurt.

Declan is a fascinating character. He holds himself high even when those around him treat him with disdain. He is on a mission to solve the mystery of his brother’s death. At one point he even hopes to get revenge but becomes the better man. A man to look up to and see that he will do what he needs to show how much he respects and loves a woman and want to keep her heart from shattering.

The story is fast paced and captivating. We see Declan the one on the outskirts of society and yet a duke trying to find his way. He loves England but doesn’t feel he can stay. He is trying to find out the truth and in the process finds love and acceptance. He finds friendships and loyalty as well. We see Alethea wanting to be given the chance to shine. Not just be someone for polite society but have a voice and find someone to love her and spend her life with not be handed off to. She finds a voice and respect with Declan. We see them support each other no matter what as they both work to solve the mystery from years ago and now. We see Declan show her reverence and respect. Treat her as an equal. We see her brother show her that same respect and confidence. Believe in her abilities and also go against societal roles and be friends with Declan. He supports the relationship between Declan and his sister even when it is scandalous to do so and a scandalous relationship. Declan shows us that the children shouldn’t pay for the sins of the parent or parents. That one should be judged by who they are. And this is what Declan and Alethea do. They love one another because of who they. The story of how they come together and not only find out the truth behind they mystery surrounding his brother’s death but also a crime from years ago and finding love with one another is sweet, captivating and intimate.

This is a new author for me and I was pleasantly surprised, this story has a lot going on as the hero tries to find the culprit of a murder and betrayal to his family, which could ultimately cause the downfall of his childhood friends family.

'To Love a Scandalous Duke' by Liana De la Rosa is the story of Declan 'Dec' Sinclair and Lady Alethea 'Allie' Swinton. Dec has returned after a long exile after his father's death. Dec is now needed back home because of his brother's death. Dec is left to take the Title of Duke. Allie is over joyed to see her friend Dec back but her father warns her to stay away from him. Allie has tried to be the prefect daughter and lady for her father but Dec is a temptation to her perfect lady persona. Dec is back to find the person responsible for his brother and his father's death. So revenge and justice is what is on Dec's mind but Allie is a distraction for his plans.
This was an exciting story!
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This story had great potential. The first third of the book was excellent and interesting, but everything started falling apart after that.

The quotes at the beginning of each chapter were confusing at first, but they end up building to a certain event in the story, so I think they were an excellent inclusion.

My main issue with the story has to do with the inconsistencies and unanswered questions. Let's begin with the former. When Declan told Alethea about his suspicions and findings regarding his brother's death, she went on to discuss this personal matter with her friend Flora and her brother Finlay. I understand that she trusted them both, but I feel that it was wrong of her to share that information with them because Declan had confided in her only. Moreover, based on how smart Alethea is supposed to be, that was actually a pretty dumb move on her end. I also got annoyed with how fixated she was on pleasing her father. Not once did she actually stand up to him and that irritated me so much. She had no backbone whatsoever. In the end, it was only her brother who stood up to their father. Finally, I hated that she did not tell Declan about what she overheard right away, especially after hearing about how he was attacked.**spoiler** She already knew by then that her father tried to kill someone, so Declan's story on how he was attacked should not have made her run away. It should have strengthened her resolve to tell him the truth. But no. She dared accused Declan of suspecting her father for having a hand in his attempted murder. And then she ran away! It took her so damn long to accept that her father was a piece of shit. She only accepted this at the very end of the book and that was simply just unacceptable after all the shitstorm her father made her, Declan and his family go through. **spoiler** The final inconsistency had to do with the pacing of the story, which was a little strange. Declan was in the middle of the investigation, but then he went to the country for a romantic interlude with Alethea. So...what exactly was his priority?

The main thing that was left unanswered was why Declan was actually sent away. Not even Declan himself knew why he was exiled. He suspected that his mother was trying to shield him from the scandal. But that did not actually answer my question.

Now for the reckoning: there was no justice at all . [ The vicomte not only got away from justice, but he got a share of Declan's business! Alethea's father, Rockhaven, was not punished either! Finlay declared that his father was to leave English soil and never come back. Declan just agreed on that and believed that his happiness with Alethea was revenge! What???? I don't think that was sufficient punishment, because I don't think Rockhaven truly loved his children. I am not convinced that his presence away from them will actually hurt him. He most likely would be having a grand time overseas while his son paid for his travels. Disgusting!

I am actually very disappointed because this story had so much potential. Alethea made some very dumb decisions despite being described as smart. Declan ended up being a wuss in the end. And the villains got away with everything!

Finally, maybe this was only me, but the copy of this ARC was terrible. Some chapters were aligned to the left which made it hard to read.

I do think that the author has potential. This story needed a good editor. It had all the good elements for a fun, fast-paced book. But these elements got jumbled up. The pacing got messy and the characters slowly died.

2 stars for the writing, the potential and the chemistry.

I really enjoyed this book about two people, Althea and Declan, who were childhood friends but whose families' animosity over an incident caused them to be kept apart for years. Now both are back in London again, and are involved in an intrigue based on that same incident from years ago. But now the two are adults and the full force of their feelings and attraction to each other has come to ahead and they have to decide what to do.
Great story filled with interesting characters and a dark scenario. I would like to read on to see if Althea's twin, Finlay, has a story of his own, as he was one of those characters. I recommend this book to romance readers who enjoy some mystery and heat with their hea.

4.5 stars, this book was almost perfect and I really enjoyed the story.

Declan Sinclair, The Duke of Darington aka Dec has returned to England after 12 years. He was sent away after his father committed suicide and has been forbidden to return, until now. But this will not be a happy homecoming for Dec, he returns to find his beloved older brother Albert is dead and he is the new Duke.

Dec is determined to find his brother's murderer and clear his father's name, but when he reunites with his childhood friends, Lady Alethea Swinton aka Allie and Finlay Swinton, Viscount Firthwell, his single-minded pursuit of justice is in danger of derailment.

This story is not what I expected, I was thinking it was going to be a straight up friends to lovers story and in some senses it was, but it is so much more!

Allie is overjoyed to see Dec again, but she is cautioned by her father The Earl of Rockhaven to stay away from him as he is considered scandalous. Allie seems to crave her father's acceptance and has only recently returned to England herself - she has been in Scotland for the last three years caring for her mother - when her mother passed away, she stayed on in Scotland, only returning at her father's request. Her time in Scotland changed her, she is no longer content to be an idle lady of leisure. But she still has a strong desire to make her father happy, which seems to stem from her contentious relationship with her mother. But the pull of Dec is too great to ignore.

As Dec and Allie renew their friendship, Allie learns the reason Dec has returned and offers to help him. Dec is reluctant to draw Allie into his investigation for many reasons, the primary one being, he believes her father is involved. He tries to keep his distance and ignore his growing attraction to her, but like Allie, the attraction is too great to ignore.

The story is gripping and well written, it is packed with surprise revelations, steamy interludes, life altering secrets, ruthless villains and a little heartbreak before finally culminating into a sweet, sigh worthy HEA.

The only reason I didn't give this five stars is there are some unresolved questions, like why did Dec get sent away and why was he forbidden to return? There are also a couple of minor inconsistencies and period related errors (that may actually be corrected before the publication, this was an ARC) but were glaringly obvious to this reader. But even with these issues, I really enjoyed this book and would happily recommend it and look forward to reading more by this author!