This was an interesting read with a different sort of plot. Lady Daphne Hallworth, after being left behind by her family, decides to pursue an age-old dream: starting a home for unwed mothers. However, she is vying for her location of choice with her brother’s former best friend, Paul Barstowe, Duke of Southart. In addition, someone has stolen her diary, which contains material that could damage her and her family. For his part, Paul has fallen out of favor, so when the opportunity arises, he decides to open a hospital to honor his brother and hopefully redeem himself in the eyes of his family. The two make a deal. She will help him restore his tarnished reputation with her family if he can help her find her diary. However, is there a secret attraction for Paul in Daphne? Can Paul find anything in a relationship the pair is not really looking for but seem to be stumbling into as they work together to find the diary?

I have not read any other books in this series, so was unaware of the characters and their back stories when I picked this one up. It was interesting to learn many of the reasons Paul is who he is and why he is scorned by others, especially Daphne’s family. Nevertheless, I found it difficult to get into the book and relate to the characters. I realize it makes for a difficult childhood when your father despises you, but it seemed as if Paul had carried this to an extreme. As for Daphne, she seemed likable though not terribly smart. The plot of the missing diary was very simplistic and did not really hold my attention all that well. In fact, I thought of abandoning the story a lot as I read but did manage to get through it all. This is a book that will interest a reader who is into the series (I was and am not) and who is looking for something simple to read through quickly. I am not sure where I will go from here—whether to continue the series of not. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.

We have met both of these characters in previous book in this series.

Paul Barstowe, the Duke of Southart has been ostracised through no fault of his own maybe this is why he is continually lamenting why he isn't good enough for the heroine in this story I felt like smacking him to the side of the head and telling him to buck up and get on with it. Lady Daphne Hallworth younger sister of a previous hero wants to start a home for unwed mothers when she is accidently left t home alone by her family during Christmas she sees it as her chance The only probleem been they both want the same land she needs it for her home he wants it to build a hospital on in memory of his brother. As they fall in love while searching for her diary they may both get what they want.

I

The history that Paul and Daphne had was so sweet. Daphne started the book as somewhat of a mouse, but grew in confidence in business and self. Paul was a good match for her as he started the book as quite the rake and decided to become worthy of someone like her. Their family situations added a lot to their storyline.

This is the fourth book in Janna MacGregor’s Cavensham Heiresses series, and though I did read book three, apparently the threads in this story harken back to the first two installments that I didn’t read. Unlike The Luck of the Bride, which held up very well as a standalone, there is a ton of backstory that’s relevant here. Could I follow along? Yes. But it was obvious I was joining these characters with a story that was already in progress.

Honestly, that part didn’t bother me all that much. I wanted to read this because the blurb promised a redemption story for the male lead, who was a villain in stories past. I love this trope, so I jumped right in. Paul grew up as the best friend of Daphne’s older brother. The prologue sets up their dynamic well, when a teenage Paul saves a baby bird and earns young Daphne’s unending affection. Unfortunately, as the years go on, Paul becomes a rake and a bit of a scoundrel, so she must keep her tender feelings to herself.

One of the ways she does this is by writing in a journal. Not only does she wax on about her fantasies of Paul, she also writes very personal information about her family and her sister’s suicide. That’s why it’s catastrophic when a street urchin steals it, along with her reticule. She chases the boy to a gaming hell, which is where she comes face to face with the duke.

Of course, Paul is taken with her… and he has to conveniently make out with her to hide her identity from a reporter who is there. They end up working together, trying to track down her journal before it can fall in the wrong hands.

The book was…ok for me. Daphne was forgotten by her family, left Home Alone style during Christmas and there was a bit of teeth gnashing about that. She is also working to buy some land to create a home for unwed mothers—and butts heads with Paul who wants the same property to build a hospital. I felt this storyline was meh at best and proved kind of unnecessary to the bigger picture. I guess my biggest problem, though, was that Daphne bordered on TSTL. She kept going back to the gaming hell, knowing full well it could destroy her reputation, even though Paul could go in easily and look for the kid. What could she possibly do that he couldn’t, other than have her identity discovered? I wanted to shake her and roll my eyes at the same time. And speaking of rolling my eyes, Paul’s nickname for her was Moonbeam—or Lady Moonbeam—and he used it ad nauseum. It was so stupid and it just wouldn’t quit!

Paul was fine as a hero.. until his black moment, where his “selflessness” is both needless and contrived. Ugh.

There were parts of the book, particularly those where Daphne helps build Paul up, that I liked well enough. Then he’d call her Moonbeam again and I would want to burn my Kindle.

To be fair, lots of other people loved this book, so your mileage may vary.

Rating: C/C-

I received this book from Netgalley in return for my honest opinion. This is my first book by this author and I can def say I will be reading more. I wanted to save it for December so I'd have a holiday read. This is one of those books that really made me "feel" for the characters and I love when a book can do that. Being an avid reader it becomes harder and harder to find books like that. Anyways, I think my favorite line from the book also sums it up very well. " I could fall in love with him easily. Sometimes the heart does what it wants no matter what common sense says."

Scandal and love!

Lady Daphne Hallworth finds herself left behind when her mother and brother depart for different locations before joining forces for the upcoming Christmas celebrations. Each thinks that Daphne has gone with the other. Her brother's ex best friend, now worst enemy, Paul Barstowe, Duke of Southart, along with the family's delightful under butler, come to her rescue. (Both in different ways.)
I adored both these leading characters, along with some delightful and some dastardly supporting personalities.
These are two people who find themselves encouraged by each other.
Barstowe is the proverbial bad boy with the damaged heart, Daphne is a hellion who has learned to effectively efface herself so as not to make trouble.
Now, at Christmas time their world becomes larger and for Daphne more daring.
A stolen journal with scandalous secrets is the key that starts it all, at this forgiving time of the year.

A NetGalley ARC

The Good, the Bad, and the Duke by Janna MacGregor is Christmassy goodness – a little wordy, a little dramatic, but all heart and sweetness for the season. Paul’s story is much more complicated and twisty than I thought, and Daphne’s love for him really endures quite a bit, especially at the end. Janna MacGregor’s style is very personal and engaging and makes even the most heightened circumstances seem intimate and heartfelt. I can’t wait for William’s story.

Like the other novels in this series (of which I have admittedly only read one other), this novel is a complete stand alone. There are characters from prior novels mentioned as well as the mention of prior story-lines, however it is done in such a way that it is easy to understand.

Understanding is one thing, but unfortunately, I just couldn't get into this story and remain invested in it. I liked Paul - I feel like he went above and beyond for Daphne, who at times, didn't seem like she deserved it. Sometimes it is NOT a good thing to be an "independent miss". I feel like so much of the chaos was of her own making that I felt it hard to connect with her (much less feel sorry for her). When they were together, I did believe in the chemistry between them, even if Daphne comes across a bit.. strong at some points.

There were times during this story I had to back up and re-read, mainly because they seemed a tad over the top, or in some cases down right implausible for a story taking place during this time period. On the plus side, the author does have a strong writing style, and this story moves at a steady pace, so I know that will appeal to some readers.

Overall, this will be one of those stories that people either love or like. I don't see too many people outright disliking it. I would read more from this author.

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.

First, what I loved about the book-- mostly, the heroine, Daphne. She was headstrong and pretty modern thinking for a woman of this era (although I'm not sure what the time period was). I also adored the history that she had with our hero, Paul. I so love getting a peek at the childhood of characters and watching them morph into the adults they become for us in these books.

What I didn't love -- that Daphne was so headstrong. Let's face it, she was pretty impetuous and was lucky that her escapades did not land her in more trouble than they did. All in all though, this was a pretty enjoyable book. I read it in only 1 day and when I discovered that there were actually three earlier books in this series, kind of glad that I read it out of order (and if you've read any reviews I write, you know I'm a stickler for NOT reading a series out of order). So now, I can binge the earlier books without having to wait a year to visit the Cavensham heiresses again!

It is not a problem at all reading this book out of order. It does an excellent job of standing on it's own though I'm sure once I get the first three read, I'll probably reread this just to get the full enjoyment of an excellent series.

Janna MacGregor is a talented writer. I was charmed from the first page. Her characters are dazzling. They made me laugh so hard. I cried at moments and rooted for them. I wanted their happiness as much as they did. The female protagonist is a delightful young woman. In this book, I got an inside glimpse as to what she was like as a child and as a young woman. That was wonderfully woven much needed. Lady Daphne was shy with a bold heart. Now, as a woman, she is both bold in heart and in action. I couldn't help but laugh...the Duke, her friend, was going to have his hands full. The title, The Good, the Bad, and the Duke perfectly suited this read in so many ways. 

In some cases, I felt like I could see the frustration steam spouting from his head at the troubles Lady Daphne got herself into at times. She has always loved the Duke even when she was a kid. Now, she still felt the same way. Her natural way of helping others propelled their new reacquainted relationship. That made me eager to read more. Both Lady Daphne and Duke Paul, were charming. Irresistible characters that drew me closer to their stories. Each risked something that was important to them to help others. Their blossomed romance made me blush so many shades of red. Overall, I found this novel, exciting and enjoyable to read. I got lost within The Good, the Bad, and the Duke easily.

An interesting play on Home Alone. For these two it means they have time alone. Daphne and Paul have a long history. Unfortunately for Paul it is full of mistakes that have turned friends to enemies. What he does not know is that Daphne sees him in a very different light from the rest of her family. A nice set up for turning Paul from a villain to lover. There is a element of tension and danger in the story leading to the interaction between the two. A fun plot with plenty of romance, tension, danger and great characters to keep the story going.

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.

I received this book as an ARC for free in exchange for an honest review.

Childhood friendship that develops into something more! I love that Lord Paul (now Duke Southart) has a story. He seemed quite lost in the previous stories and it is great to get both his background and seem his growth. It seems appropriate to me that much of this (trying to reform) rake’s story still takes place in a gaming hell. Can’t get away from his past demons that easily!

Please make sure that you read the other books in the series!

I read Janna MacGregor's debut romance, The Bad Luck Bride, last year and absolutely loved her storytelling. Ever since I have followed her as she expanded The Cavensham Heiresses series.



Right from the beginning Lord Paul Barstowe has been the villain creating problems and hurdles in the happily-ever-afters of the beloved protagonists in the previous books of this series but in the latest instalment, The Good, the Bad, and the Duke, Janna MacGregor gives the readers an inside look into Paul Barstowe's character, the flip side reasoning to his seemingly wretched past actions and a story that is soul stirring, heart touching and so beautiful that it will stay as a fond memory in my heart for a long time.



I was hesitant and frankly not very interested in reading about Lord Paul. Not a likeable character, I didn't think the author could change my perception of him and so with my mind set that nothing would make me like Lord Paul, I started reading this book, and oh my God! By the end of the book, he became my favourite hero from this series till date!



This is a book best appreciated when read in order and so Njkinny recommends that you read the previous book in this series before reading The Good, the Bad, and the Duke by Janna MacGregor.



In this book, Lady Daphne Hallworth, younger sister of Lord Paul Barstowe's estranged best friend, loses her precious journal containing entries that can not only ruin her but also her family if they are made public. In her quest to catch the thief, she meets Paul who offers to help her in exchange for her help in redeeming and repairing his relationship with her family.



Daphne has harbored feelings for Paul since long and it was a poignant journey to their happily-ever-after where they trust each other implicitly and despite all odds never stop loving one another. I enjoyed every second spent reading this book and loved revisiting the beloved characters from the previous books. Daphne is a strong heroine and she went after what she wanted. I adored her character and swooned over Paul who became the perfect hero -saviour of damsels in distress, hard on the outside but soft hearted with a wounded soul on the inside and with a body like Adonis.



The romance is full of memorable moments and had me crying big tears and then laughing aloud in happiness.



All in all, I absolutely loved this book and am eagerly awaiting the next book in this series. A love story that will make you believe in the healing power of love, the role of trust in making long lasting relationships, and show that even people like Lord Paul who made so many mistakes in the past, deserve a shot at a happily-ever-after, I give this amazing book 4.5 super shiny stars out of 5 and Njkinny recommends The Good, the Bad, and the Duke by Janna MacGregor to all historical romance lovers.


I received an ARC book for review from the publisher via Netgalley and I am very thankful to them. The above is my honest and unbiased review that is in no way influenced.

The reformed rake storyline is one of my favorites, and The Good, The Bad, and The Duke by Janna MacGregor is an awesome example of how it should be done.

Paul Barstowe has become the Duke of Southart after losing his older brother and father. On the outside, he is a duke with wealth and position in society. On the inside, he is dealing with a life full of mistakes and regrets and is working hard to rehabilitate himself in the eyes of that same society.

Lady Daphne Hallworth is a very perceptive young woman, who sees the good in Paul even though she knows the mistakes he has made. The unconditional support she receives from Paul gives her the strength to fight for their relationship, even in the face of opposition from her family. Paul wants Daphne, and feels he doesn't deserve her, but her belief in him also gives him strength.

"He realized that his contentment, his sense of place in the world, and his belonging was only attributable to her."

I really loved this book and enjoyed reading it. The characterizations are wonderful, and the writing is top-notch. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a satisfying historical romance.

I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

This is book 4 of the The Cavensham Heiresses series, but it can easily be read as a standalone.

Daphne is accidentally left behind when her family travels to the country estate for Christmas, so she takes that time to try to advance her goal of opening a home for unwed mothers, but someone has his sights set on obtaining the property she wants, and it just so happens to be the young, new Duke of Southart (Paul), the ex-best friend of Daphne's brother. Paul has a reputation as a rake, and Daphne has been warned away from him, though she always liked him and had a crush on him as a girl. Their paths cross when a ruffian absconds with her purse, and she chases him to an unsavory gambling establishment where she encounters Paul. In exchange for helping Daphne get her belongings back (the one she is most concerned about is her journal as it contains potentially damaging information to her family), he asks her to help him mend the rift between her brother and himself. She somewhat reluctantly agrees as she feels she has little choice and is desperate to regain her diary, and they begin to spend time together during which they are both drawn to one another.

I enjoyed this book because although it has a story line that can be considered similar to others in the genre, Daphne's character is much more likeable as a determined young woman who doesn't get hung up on miscommunications or too overwhelmed by her situation to function. There was a little more angst than I typically enjoy, but the story was interesting, there was a good, engaging mystery, and some steamy goodness along the way.

What a fun and very different regency romance this proved to be! You've probably seen the films in the "Home Alone" series, well this is the adult, regency version. Lady Daphne Hallworth has everything packed up ready to leave London to spend the festive season with her fa

mily. The problem is her Mum thinks she's left with her brother and he thinks she's left with their Mum . . . and they've both left her behind! She goes for a walk and a street urchin steals her personal journal, one in which she has written so many family secrets and imagined relationships that would be devastating if it ends in the wrong hands. The chase ends up with Paul Barstowe, the Duke of Southart, coming to her rescue. He was a family friend who had rescued her before and was also the hero in many of her dreams and stories but that was before he fell out with her brother and became estranged from her family.

Paul is hoping to create a hospital to honour the memory of his brother, whilst Daphne hopes to create a home for unwed mothers. Unfortunately they are both hoping to purchase the same property for their endeavours. However, Paul keeps striving to protect Daphne and to help her regain possession of her journal and the more they meet the stronger the attraction between them grows. Can they resist temptation? Can he help her keep her reputation and get her journal back? Can she help him become a family friend again?

This is the story of a young rebel, rejected by so many, striving for acceptance and finding love. There are so many secrets being kept by both families and it is only as these are uncovered that there is any hope for this couple. It is a story of the truth helping heal old wounds and love shining a light on the way. The friendships and relationships are key to this story and I was very happy with what happened to the person striving to cause trouble for them all! It is the fourth book in this series but can still be read as a standalone - though it may well tempt you to read the others, too!

I requested and received a copy of this book via NetGalley without obligation and this is my honest review after choosing to read it.

This book is yet another engrossing installment in the Cavensham Heiresses, Janna MacGregor’s debut series. This story has just about everything I could ask for. It has a thoroughly likeable heroine, a flawed yet endearing hero that you wish wasn’t fictional, a Home Alone-like plot and, of course, a romance to die for.

Lady Daphne Hallworth, the Marquess of Pembrooke’s sister, is a breath of fresh air. She is a woman of substance, a complex and genuine heroine. She has strived to be the ideal daughter and sister, subduing her own wants and desires, hiding her emotions. She is surrounded by family and friends, and yet she feels invisible.

Lord Paul Barstowe was the very picture of the tortured hero and I so wanted him to find happiness and peace. He has lived a life full of mistakes and regrets, destroying every friendly relationship he ever had and living up to his reputation of libertine to be noticed by his father.

Daphne and Paul’s relationship is transactional at first. He helps her recover her stolen journal in return for her assistance in repairing his broken relationship with her brother. Paul is protective, tender and concerned for Daphne’s welfare. He gives her comfort when she needs it the most and helps her no matter the personal cost.

This book was a sensual and emotional read as we watch these two lonely people find each other, care about each other and eventually love one another. Their story was beautiful and heartbreaking at times, but their love for each other jumped off the pages. I especially liked that the heroine was able to stand her ground. She didn’t allow the hero, or anyone, to control her.

This story was beautifully written and despite the mistakes they both made, I found myself rooting for Daphne and Paul. Janna MacGregor has such an exquisite style, a fresh narrative voice, evoking so many emotions in me and making me care for her characters.

This was a great story from start to finish. I loved catching up with the family, enjoyed the touch of intrigue and was satisfied that Paul earned back his place as friend of Pembrooke. Highly recommended!

4.5 Stars

Paul Barstowe, Duke of Southart, has made a royal mess of his life. As the second son, he never received his father’s love or attention, so he decided that he would do whatever it took to make his father notice him. Unfortunately, the path he chose – gaming and drinking -- only further deteriorated his relationship with his father. His self destructive path also lost him his two dearest friends along the way. Now, with his beloved older brother and his father both dead, he’s the duke. Determined to turn his life around, and to become a duke his brother would have been proud of, Paul sets about making some major changes.

Lady Daphne Hallworth is preparing to leave for her family’s Christmas celebration. When a last minute accident requires she make a quick wardrobe change, she emerges to discover that she has been left behind. Her brother assumed that she would be travelling with their mother, and on to his house later, while her mother assumed she was going directly to her brother’s home with him. While she was not truly “forgotten,” the misunderstanding still stings, leaving Daphne feeling unvalued and unnecessary. She decides to embrace a few days alone with just a pair of servants, while she ponders her future. Now at twenty-five and unmarried, she is contemplating setting up her own household and a charity that’s close to her heart.

When Daphne takes a walk, she falls victim to a thieving child who steals her reticule, which contains her personal journal, one that details some of her most secret desires, and a shocking revelation about one of her family members. As she pursues the thief, she runs into Paul. When she was just a child, Paul and her brother, Alex, were the best of friends, and he spent much time at their home. Paul always paid attention to the younger Daphne, and she felt a hero worship for him. Unfortunately, Alex is one of the men Paul later wronged, and their friendship is long over, which also meant that Daphne no longer had any interaction with him.

With Alex not around, Daphne is happy talking to Paul, and he is thrilled that she still treats him as a friend, despite what happened. He agrees to help her retrieve her journal, and their quest leads them to spending much time together over the next several days. Paul’s broken spirit soaks up Daphne’s company and affection like a sponge. To be treated with kindness and made to feel worthy again is like a soothing balm to him. Unknown to Paul, as Daphne has grown up, her thoughts of Paul have turned to a more sensual nature, and some of those entries in her journal are shocking indeed!

Daphne and Paul become very close, very quickly, and they soon begin to share passionate embraces and think about a future together. Paul knows he has a difficult task in trying to reconcile with Alex, and to gain his approval of a match with Daphne, but it will be worth all the effort. Disaster happens as Alex returns to find that Daphne has been spending time alone with his enemy, then pages of her journal are made public, and worst of all, Paul learns a devastating secret that kills all hope of any future with Daphne.

I love how Paul has matured and decided to turn his life around. He accepts full responsibility for all his actions, and doesn’t try to sugarcoat what he’s done. I wondered if I was going to be won over by him, and I truly was. There is goodness and caring in him, and it was heartbreaking to see the snubs and rebuffs sent his way. Daphne is a worthy heroine, too, as she didn’t judge him based on her brother, but on the man she, herself, knew. She didn’t always use the best judgment in her actions in trying to recover her journal, but her heart is definitely in the right place. I admire her for finally standing up to her brother, and expressing her true feelings, and planning for her own future.

THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DUKE is sometimes heartbreaking, but also passionate, warm, and romantic. There is a surprising twist, an odious and obnoxious villain, a wicked vicar, and a beautiful reconciliation and redemption. Some sweet touches, such as Daphne’s niece, Margaret, offering a kitten to Paul are beautifully done, and make for a touching read that I greatly enjoyed.

This book is part of a series and probably should be read in order as the first part of the book is heavy with the past and can be a little confusing.
Lady Daphne Hallworth is ready to spend the Christmas with her family, unfortunately they are all so busy with their new families that they have forgotten her and she finds herself left in London. Ever independent Daphne sets about working on her plan to open a home for unwed mothers. Unfortunately, her brother’s nemesis Paul Barstowe, Duke of Southart has plans to use the site she has picked as a hospital dedicated to his brother.
Complicating matters Daphne loses her personal diary that contains scandalous writings on both her own secret desires and her family’s hidden scandals. Paul agrees to help Daphne retrieve her diary before a tabloid newspaper has a chance to publish it.
This was an entertaining read however it is difficult to establish a time period which is somewhat important in historical reads. It was also heavy on internal dialogue which slowed the pace of the story however I liked the characters and found myself rooting for them to succeed.
I received an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Wonderful Regency romance so well written I felt I had traveled back in time and was right in the middle of all that was happening. I couldn't put the book down and was turning the pages as fast as I could to see what was going to happen. I loved the undeniable chemistry, witty dialogue and romance between strong, protective and passionate Lady Daphne Hallworth and the Duke of Southart who is seeking redemption for his bad reputation.

This is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a well-crafted read that includes captivating characters, family dynamic, intrigue, twists, turns, surprises, forgiveness and heartwarming romance with the right amount of spice.

I received an advance reader copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my voluntary and unbiased review.