This book was an emotional roller coaster ride. I laughed and cried...and even shouted for joy when all worked out as it should in a romance novel. Beautifully written, great characters, and lovely storyline. I can't wait to read more from this author!

This was a great Christmas Romance. This is the first book in the series that I have read and I cannot wait to go back and start at the beginning. The characters are very loveable and there are so many elements to the story. Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Lady Daphne Hallsworth has a big problem. She needs to find a way to pay a blackmailer to keep information that could destroy her family from becoming public. Paul Barstowe, Duke of Southard, has know Daphne since she was a child and, he was a teenager.. He hasn't seen her in years until her family comes to visit his estate over the holidays. He realizes that there is an instant connection with her but, for some reason, she keeps putting him off, even though he can tell she feels the same way. Daphne would do anything to let Paul know how she feels but, she must deal with the blackmailer first and, find her journal that has information that, in the wrong hands, could destroy her family.
How will these two deal with their attraction and, keep the blackmailer, who is much closer than they think, from destroying Daphne.
A fun, love filled, suspense!

Yes, yes, yes. I loved this book. Honest, this is the first time this year I've laughed and cried with a historical romance. I absolutely could not put this book down and I never wanted it to end. How Ms. MacGregor developed the characters so richly makes for a brilliant read. And oh so satisfying when our hero and heroine finally have their HEA, for which they work so hard.

But the struggle is real. The Duke of Southart, Paul Barstowe, has spent his life sullying his image. Though of course, we find out why throughout the story. Nonetheless, he's burned many bridges, including that of his former best friend and brother to Lady Daphne Hallworth, Lord Alexander Hallworth, Marquess of Pembroke.

Yet Daphne only knows a kinder version of the Duke. Ever since she was a girl, she's fancied herself in love with Paul. Even though he was much older and more sophisticated. Even when he had a falling out with Alex, Daphne's loyalty and ardor remained strong.

Fastforward to the present, and Lady Daphne finds herself in a predicament. Paul is determined to help Lady Daphne, and in the process, cannot help but fall for her.

Everything about this story is lovely. The chemistry, the story-line, the character development, the opportunity for second-chances, and the redemption and happily ever after. Squee... I cannot wait for the next installment.

I love a Christmas story and especially a recency romance, so I was drawn to this book by its beautiful cover and from the blurb it seemed like my kind of book to read. It focuses on Lady Daphne Hallworth a twenty five year old spinster and Paul Barstowe the Duke of Southart. Paul has had a harsh childhood as his father was often very mean to him. He was a close childhood friend to Alex, Daphne's brother until he lost his elder brother to an illness that sent him out of control with gambling and debauchery as he became older. This caused him to fall out of sorts with Alex and his many other friends, as they no longer wanted to be associated with him. He was always kind to Daphne as a girl and when she's in need of help as a grown woman he comes to her aid to help retrieve her stolen diary. The story was an interesting read and was very sweet, but as much as I liked both characters Daphne irritated me so much for keep going against Paul's advice of staying away from the Reynolds knowing that she would be ruined if her identity was discovered. He promised her he would help and even though she believed him she still had to meddle and it kind of made this book a four star read instead of a five because it bugged me that much. I don't believe any woman from that time period would be that stupid knowing what the ton would do to her reputation. Other than that it was an enjoyable read and a good story or love, romance and redemption.

It's been a while since I picked up one of the Cavensham books so I went into The Good, the Bad, and the Duke with only a vague recollection of what happened so far (this reads just fine as a standalone, by the way). Both Paul and Daphne have made appearances in books past but this time it's their story. An "I'm in love with my brother's best friend" one, if that's your thing.

While neither the writing nor the story were particularly intriguing ("on-the-shelf" spinster (who's only 25. . . such was the era, I suppose) finds love with an old family friend), I enjoyed this one more than the first 3 books. Partially, I think, because I liked the leading gentleman.

Because, you know, he was a gentleman. 

In the past books, Paul was cast as a villain of sorts and you only see one side of things but this book sheds more light onto his background and how he's trying to change. Which he's doing BEFORE the story really starts and I think that's important because it wasn't a case of changing to win the girl. He actually wanted to be a better person. And when Daphne came into the picture, he always asked for consent, he always waited and never pushed. Often Daphne was in control and she directed the situation. It's sad that I don't see that very often in the historical romances I read, infrequently enough that it stood out.

As for Daphne, I enjoyed her character in that she had always done what she thought was expected to the detriment of her own dreams, and finally she was going to do something for herself. She also had no intention of letting Paul get away once she learned there were mutual feelings. It's not as thought she hounded him, but instead fought for both their feelings. And she was quite fiesty about it, in a good way.

The romance between the two was drawn out in a way that felt natural rather than forced. There was definitely chemistry and the book didn't need all the extra trappings of outlandish plot devices to make this romance work. It was a subtle burn that grew, which I appreciated rather than tossing in scenes at random that are more lust than love.

In terms of the whole series, I think this has been the best of the books so far (and it's not even about one of the Cavensham Heiresses!) and I am glad I read the others because even though I didn't remember all the details, it helped fill in some of the relationships and events referenced in this book. If you've been reading the series and questioning moving on or not, I'd say pick this one up!

3 1/2 stars. Janna MacGregor is a first time author for me and I did enjoy this book. It just took a bit for me to get invested. I loved the plot (reformed reprobates that don't feel worthy are my kryptonite) and Daphne seemed to be a woman ahead of her time. The problem being, what time? This is a personal preference, but I like to know the year/timeframe for historical reference. There was no mention of the year that I could find. Also, I found this a bit "wordy". There was so much internal dialogue and not enough interaction for me. A bit more than half way through I felt more invested in Paul and Daphne's journey and finished quickly. I will definitely read this author again.

Thank you again St Martin's Press for providing this ARC through Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts.

This is my first time reading this author and it won't be my last. I found this novel to be engaging and true to its historical period.
The heroine Daphne is a strong willed, intelligent woman who falls in love with the son of a Duke, Paul, at an early age. When she is older, she sees him again and gains his help with retrieving a journal that had been stolen along with her bag. This scene sets in motion a chain of events that solidifies their relationship.

I wanted to really like the Duke because although he is shunned and considered a rake, he is noble and kind. He treats Daphne with such love and respect. If anything it's Daphne that initiates many of the sexual scenes which by the way are way hotter than usual for a historical romance. While Daphne is confident in her admiration and love for Paul, Paul struggles throughout the book to come to terms with his past and embrace a future with Daphne. His insecurities and constant concern on how others view him did put a damper on the flow of the story. He never quite let's it go even at the cost of losing the love of his life.
Despite this, the novel was well written and I definitely would check out other books from this author.

The Good, the Bad, and the Duke ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
By Janna MacGregor

I have read everyone of Janna MacGregor’s books and find myself more intrigued with this author. She has the ability to layer her characters and give them such depth. The narrative in this read can tie into contemporary themes of today.

A brother trying to repent for his waywardness and a young women on the cusp of spinsterhood filled with regrets. The story is much more elaborated and you find you cannot put this book down.

I thoroughly enjoy this book and would recommend this book and this author without reservation.

Lately, Historical Romances has become my weakness. Whenever I see one with a pretty cover and an intriguing plot I pick it up. I don't read the reviews from other people, I simply live through the book and form my own opinions. This one? Beautiful! I loved every moment. Janna MacGregor is a new to me author but I can assure you that I will be going back and reading the series from the beginning.

Another excellent read by Janna macGregor. As usual I couldn't put this book down and finished it in one sitting while my duaghter was at school. I was swept away immediately and kept entranced the entire length of the story. My only critique is that the author needs to write more quickly so I can hop right into her next novel immediately and if the next book is about a duke all the better. An excellent I thoroughly enjoyed

Lady Daphne Hallworth is ready to celebrate the holidays with her family. But when they accidentally leave her home alone, Daphne uses the time to work on her dream—opening a home for unwed mothers. But her quest isn’t problem-free: She’s in a battle to win the property for the home against her brother’s best friend-turned-enemy, Paul Barstowe, Duke of Southart. And that’s not all: someone has stolen her personal diary, which holds secrets that could devastate her family. Daphne has always harbored private feelings for the man her family scorns…though perhaps striking a bargain with the handsome Duke will solve both their problems?

Paul, long considered good for nothing, aims to open a hospital to honor his brother and restore his reputation. So when a conflict over the land brings him straight into Daphne’s life, they make a deal: He will help her find her diary if Daphne can change her family’s opinion of him. But before he can win her family’s affection, he has to win hers first. Maybe love was the answer to their family feud all along?

I've read all of books in this series, but I have to confess--this one is my favorite! I'm a sucker for friends-turn-lovers and when it happens at Christmas, it's swoon-worthy. A great holiday read!

I received this book from NetGalley but the opinions are my own.

Lady Daphne has held a tender for Paul since she was a child and now as an adult, the feelings are still there and have increased over time. Daphne had her reticule stolen and it contained her journal where she wrote some of her most personal thoughts. Trying to find the kid who stole it, she encounters Paul and he agrees to help her. As time goes by they form an attachment and he asks her to marry him and she says yes. Paul learns some devastating news and breaks with Daphne. There is a HEA but there is a lot that has to happen before this becomes a reality. The book is well written and I would highly recommend it as a great read.

The Good, the Bad and the Duke by Janna MacGregor is an enjoyable read that happens around the Christmas holiday. The story is unique, complex and very relatable. The characters are very relatable as well. I loved the back and forth, twists and turns of the story. The guilt and interests of the characters also added to the story. Although at times, you want them to put it behind them. . It kept me interested and it was hard to put down. Highly recommended.

I received an e-ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I enjoy Janna MacGregor's writing in general. This particular book did not catch my attention the way many others have. I found the characters too rote, too genteel and young to be as imperturbable as they were written. 3 out of 5 stars.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It is not your traditional historical romance. This book was captivating and a great read!

I love this book series and I hope there will be more books. The story is about Lady Daphne Hallworth can't wait to celebrate the holiday but her family accidentally leaves her home alone. So Daphne uses the time to work on her dream of opening a home for unwed mothers. She is trying to purchase a house but her brother’s best friend-turned-enemy, Paul Barstowe, Duke of Southart wants the house too. Also, he stole her diary, which has family secrets in it as well. Paul aims to open a hospital to honor his brother and restore his reputation. So they both make a deal, he will help her find her diary if Daphne can change her family’s opinion of him. I very much enjoyed this book.

I couldn't put this book down! So good. So entertaining. The characters were so relatable and really drew you in. The plot was intriguing and the romance was sweet.

Another great novel in The Cavensham Heiresses series! I loved the connection and the conflict between the characters. I love escaping into Janna MacGregor's books!

I was immediately drawn to this book by the beautiful cover. It is the perfect lure for the upcoming holiday season.

This is the first book that I’ve read in this series. It works fine as a stand alone but I did feel like I was missing a detail here or there.

Lady Daphne has long harbored feelings for Paul, the Duke of Barstowe. But Paul has fallen out of favor with Daphne’s family thanks to some youthful indiscretions.

Years later, the two cross paths again. Daphne is pursuing her dream to open a home for unwed mothers. Paul wants to build a hospital to honor his late brother. They end up wanting the same tract of land. During their negotiations, they make a deal---Paul will help Daphne find her lost diary that contains family secrets if she’ll convince her family to forgive Paul..

I thought this was a nice read for the holiday season. You can’t help but like the two characters and root for their happily ever after. If you like historical romance, this is well worth the read.