I have been a fan of Sophie Jordan and have love her books for such a long time. That is why this book was a bit of a disappointment for me. While, I did enjoy this book, there were aspects of the book that I feel torn about.
At the beginning, I found Imogen unlikeable but she ended up growing on me until the end of the book. I can’t truly enjoy all the damage that she did to Perry because she felt slighted in her childhood. I also struggled with Perry’s forgiveness of her because I didn’t feel it should have been that easy. I was hoping that at some point Perry’s claim you the dukedom would be “fixed” but it was not. I loved aspects of this book but I am definitely torn with the HEA.

Certainly a clever take on the Duke romance. Not so usual that the titled lose it and it's a positive.

The Duke Goes Down by Sophie Jordan is the First book in The Duke Hunt Series. This is the story of Imogen and Perry. Perry and Imogen where childhood nemesis. Imogen is a vicars daughter and Perry was to be a Duke but everything fell part. Perry is working through to finding himself and when the sparks fly between the two neither can resit. I am a huge fan of Ms. Jordan so this was a must read form me.

I wish I loved this more than I did. 

It is one of those books that, for me, had a ton of potential. A vicar's daughter. A disavowed Duke. Enemies to lovers. This checked off all my boxes, but unfortunately it was not a match made in heaven. 

My biggest issue that I had while reading was it felt like there was too much emphasis on things that didn't matter vs. things that would have elevated the story. A few times I caught myself skimming internal monologue that Imogen would have, or a scene of her going into the village, but what I really wanted was more emphasis on Imogen and Perry having a conversation, a moment, something that furthered their relationship. 

I feel like these were two characters that hated each other cause of childhood, but Perry's "hate" towards Imogen was just so childish and unfounded. And when we see flashbacks, it still doesn't really clarify as to why he treated her the way he did. 

But my biggest issue is that there were all of these moments that should have been a great vehicle for character growth that were barely touched on and resolved in such a lackluster way (see Imogen and Edgar, or Imogen and Perry and her letter, or when they finally get back together).

But I gave this three stars cause I will more than likely read the next in the series as I am curious about the secondary characters and hope this is just a case of the 1st book in the series letdown.

I'm not entirely sure how to feel about this book. On one hand, it was an overall enjoyable read. However, the pacing was really off (especially around the end). I liked Imogen and found Perry harder to engage with, although his situation made me want to like him. I didn't love how Imogen behaved around Perry in the beginning and how he really brought out the worst in her, but I grew to enjoy their relationship after a bit.

I received an egalley in exchange for an honest review

I enjoyed this one but I have to say, the heroine, Imogen definitely went out of her way to make Peregrine pay for his mistakes.

Big picture, he says and does some things when he is young that hurts Imogen but because of his place in society, he doesn't seem to care. Unfortunately for Peregrine, his life is turned upside down when he finds out he was born before his parents actually married (GASP) and now he's back home looking for an heiress to marry. Imogen discovers what he is up to and starts so many rumors that Peregrine doesn't stand a chance amongst the ladies in town and when he finds out Imogen is the one behind everything, he pushes her to fix it.

I don't know how much I loved these characters together. The enemies to lovers trope is always a favorite but I don't know how believable their relationship was. In the end, I thought this one was good so if you're looking for a HR to pick up, consider grabbing this one.

Oh this was super cute! I loved it so much! I just feel that Jordan writes such really good regency romances, and I was so excited to read this one! It didn't disappoint! I loved the romance between Imogen and Perry so much! I loved the chemistry between them, and I loved that she wasn't afraid to banter with him. And I mean it was kind of childish to really try to get back at him for his comments about her, because in the end her rumors really ended up having more consequences than his really did. But at the same time I totally understood why she was willing to do what she did against Perry. I cant say that I wouldn't be the same why honestly. I can be pretty petty when I want to be. But I mean overall I liked their relationship, and their romance was adorable and I loved it so much. I honestly did. I'm glad that he did end up apologizing to her, she was owed that from him at the very least. I'm really excited to see what else comes from this series in the future as well. I loved the storyline, I thought it was an interesting enemies to lovers romance, and Jordan really does know how to write a really interesting and funny novel! I always love her stuff and I cant wait to read more from her!

I’ve had a hit or miss sort of relationship with Sophie’s books, but I’m always ready to try one…this one was closer to a miss for me.

Imogen and Perry are okay MCs. Their hateful banter didn’t really do it for me and the chemistry didn’t hold up either. I wasn’t sure about a 10 year grudge over stupid things that stupid kids do, but here we are.

Plot wise, it was fast moving and somehow lacking a real build up at the same time. There are several miscommunications between them and even as they’re getting somewhat close to happiness, it spins to distrust. I wanted more honest conversation and more showing of their feelings changing.

Overall, it was a very quick read with a great set of ending chapters. I’m sure I’ll read more in this series, but this one might actually be closer to 2 stars.

**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**

This was charming. The heel-turn was a bit too quick from the male lead but I was ok with it because everything else had so thoroughly won me over. (GIVE ME THE BOOK WITH THE NEW DUKE, SOPHIE. GIVE IT.)

An enemies-to-lovers story where the hero, Peregrine Butler goes from a highly sought after Duke to an illegitimate son and the heroine, Imogen Bates is the one person that can see through his facade. I was hooked on the story right from the beginning and my heart broke a little for Perry. Even though Perry finds his path, it seems a little bit of a compromise and not the kind of win I was expecting out of the book. Even then, I did enjoy their story. This is book one in the series, "Duke Hunt" and I am looking forward to reading the next books in the series.

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review*

3.5 Stars

The Duke Goes Down was my first novel by Sophie Jordan and it was a good one! As far as historical romance novels go, this one also followed similar themes of rich man and not-so-rich girl meet and transition from an enemies-to-lovers romance. However, there were very surprising elements thrown into the story that made me appreciate the historical romance genre all over again.

The story follows Peregrine Butler’s (Penning) fall from grace as it is discovered that he was actually born prior to his parent’s getting married and therefore a “bastard” child who will no longer inherit any of his family titles and money. This was one of the surprising elements, never in any of the historical romances that I have read has there been a fall from wealth due to something like this. In my head I couldn’t help but wonder why it matter when he was born since his parents got married in the end anyways? It really made me appreciate the nuances of that time period, and how strict and cold-hearted the rules could be. Penning goes out back to his country village to try to win himself a rich heiress who could help to keep him in the lifestyle that he is accustomed to.

However, Imogen Bates has other plans. Imogen has grown up with Penning and detests him, she was the butt of his jokes and had to endure his company at various Shropshire village events due to her father being the town’s pastor. Imogen cannot believe the nerve of Penning as he returns to the town he stuck his nose up at previously, and goes about trying to seduce one of her acquaintances. She sets out to foil his plans and teach him a lesson on humility.

While I did enjoy the story and found it very interesting how the author really played up the time period and how much it affected the characters, I did not really connect to either main character. I found Imogen to be childish and thought it was odd that she would go so out of her way to continue to ruin Penning’s chances at some sort of happiness. I can understand not liking someone and not wanting any sort of interaction with them, but to continually poke at someone when they are down seemed odd to me. I thought Penning was doing the best he could with his circumstances and really admired the way he grew into a more mature adult throughout the story, but I really could not understand what he saw in Imogen or how he could so easily forgive her.

I recommend this story for any fans of historical fiction who would like to see a change from the “rich and happily-ever-after” endings.

~ Harshita

I wanted to love The Duke Goes Down, I was so excited for a new series from Sophie Jordan. Unfortunately I lost interest in the characters. I may try again at some point, but for now its a DNF.

I'm so sad to say that I didn't enjoy this one. Sophie Jordan is one of my favorite authors when I want something fun, steamy, and swoony. This was the 13th novel I've read by her, and almost all of the other ones I gave 4 or 5 stars (Her historical Duke Files and contemporary Devil's Rock series are fantastic). So, that being said, there was bound to be a miss at some point.

With this one, I just did not connect to either character. The hero was very basic and didn't seem to have any personality. And the heroine...my god, was she horrendous. The rumors she started about the hero were funny at first, but then they just got downright offensive. And I had NO clue why the hero was interested in her...literally the only things he seemed fixated on with her were physical. She was never nice to him or showed any hint of being interested, in fact she's trying to pretty much ruin his life for most of the book, and yet he can't help but stay away....why?! I didn't believe their romance at all and was very bored through most of it.

All that being said, I will definitely read the second book when it comes out, because I'd like to hope that this was just a random dud in what will hopefully be a fantastic series.

***Thank you to Netgalley and Avon for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review***

3.5 Stars, rounded down

While I enjoyed this one at the surface level, I don't think I'll continue to be fond of it. It was a quick read, but it definitely came with its issues.

I think my main problem with this has to be the characters. They weren't likeable. And not unlikable in a good, morally grey way. No, they were unlikable in that they were bad people. Imogen made me so angry, as she held petty grudges for decades, and then proceeded to ruin Perry's life. All because he was rude to her as a kid. Instead of moving on like any mature individual would, she turned a minor slight into an entire fiasco. Don't get me wrong, i love enemies-to-lovers, but not when it's created just to have it exist without any logic or reasoning.

I also felt like this one was too quick of a read. None of the characters were given any development because of how short this was. Instead of having complex characters and plot, we just got a rushed story. The ending was resolved in less than 10 minutes, and I wanted so much more.

Over the past few months, historical romance has become my go-to when I'm burned out on fantasy. Through these months, I've read some amazing ones, and some terrible ones. Although this was neither great not bad, it's not something I'll remember a week from now.

Thanks to Netgalley and Sophie Jordan for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review

This was my first of this author's historicals, and I wanted to love it so much, but parts of it just didn't work for me. I loved the main characters though, so ultimately, I still liked it well enough. 3 Stars.

Imogen Bates is the vicar's daughter in her small village of Shropshire, and everyone loves her. Except for the Duke of Penning. They've had animosity between them since they met as children, and nothing has changed with age. But now, he's not the duke anymore, he's just Mr. Butler, and he needs to marry an heiress ASAP. Imogen is determined to "protect" the young women of her village, so she starts some rumors about him that will be hard for him to rebut. Before she knows it, she's taken things too far, and doesn't know what to do.

Peregrine Butler lost his place as the Duke of Penning a year ago, when it was discovered that he was born before his parents were married. He's now living under his mother's roof, which she thankfully got to keep as the Dowager Duchess, and he's miserable. He needs to find a rich wife, to reclaim at least some semblance of his former life. But with Miss Bates' falsehoods running rampant, that idea becomes less and less likely. He needs to her to fix what she's done, and fast, or he'll have no chance.

Perry and Imogen rather crackled when they were together on page. I loved their antagonistic banter! I could feel their chemistry, and I loved when they finally figured out that it wasn't dislike they felt, but something else entirely! But, there were so many other side plots and characters going on, that I didn't get as much of them together on page as I wanted. Also, some of the things that were happening, I thought would've been more exciting if they were in on them together, like one side plot involving the tavern. There was also a side plot with Imogen's cousin that was a little odd, and I didn't feel we got the whole story on that, and then they were gone. It threw me off a bit.

There were quite a few flashbacks to moments in Imogen's past, including some where Perry was present. While they worked to inform us about Imogen's hurt and pain from those moments, they didn't really do anything for me. I know they say "show, don't tell", but I feel we could've been told these things and it would've been enough. I don't think they revealed much of anything we didn't already know.

Bottom line, this story was good, but not great, for me. I loved Perry and Imogen, and their individual growth in the story. But some other side plots and characters threw off the story for me. I was intrigued by Imogen's best friend Mercy, and her book is next, so I will likely go on to read that one. I enjoy this author's contemporaries, so I'm definitely willing to give another historical a shot!

I love to start a new series; it's just full of possibilities! The Duke Goes Down is the first book in Sophie Jordan's The Duke Hunt series. I've enjoyed the few books I've previously read by Ms. Jordan. However, when I started this one, I was beginning to think this one was the exception. But fear not! The unlikable hero and heroine in the beginning of the book actually morph into charming characters, so stick with it.

Peregrine Butler, the Duke of Penning, was groomed from birth to carry on the dukedom. However, he didn't hold the title for long, as it was revealed that his parents were not married at the time of his birth; therefore, he is not the legal heir. Oops. In the snap of a finger he goes from being the Duke of Penning to plain old Mr. Perry Butler, reduced to living in the dowager house with his mother. That won't do at all; he must marry an heiress to save himself from total ruin. Imogen Bates, the daughter of the feeble vicar of Shropshire, makes it her mission to safeguard the heiresses of her town. After all, she's known him since she was a young child and his former haughty treatment and lowly opinion of her still sting to this day. She begins to spread horrid rumors about him to turn away the ladies of the town. The two are on contentious ground, but soon their attitudes begin to change as they can't fight the attraction they have for one another. However, will Imogen's own past come back to bite her?

This was a fun premise, but for a while I was fearful of my enjoyment of the story due to my dislike of the characters. As a youngster Perry was an arrogant little snot. He wasn't much better as a young man. After he lost his title, however, and became one of the masses he began to grow into a likable enough person. When he began to fall for Imogen he became charming. Imogen, on the other hand, was a sweet child who was treated unkindly. As an adult, though she was a wonderful and helpful daughter and a good friend, she became a vengeful harpy toward Perry. Though it was understandable at first, she held onto her anger for too long and spread a malicious rumor about Perry that was just hateful. She too, though, became much more appealing when she got to know the real Perry. Their intimate moments were quite enjoyably steamy (though the word "weeping", as used in those moments, should never be used in a romance novel...ever). I enjoyed the scenes involving Imogen's father the vicar; he was a dear man who deeply loved his daughter, and she was so sweet with him. Imogen and Perry's servants were also a delight. Just stick with the story and don't give up on the leads, as they will definitely grow on you. I'm greatly looking forward to the next book in the series.

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Childhood hurts can run deep. Imogen knows this all too well. The only daughter of the vicar, she wanted a friend and playmate and had hoped to find that in the local Duke's children. However, Perry and his sister were nothing but cruel and excluded Imogen constantly. Growing up this way has turned Imogen against Perry. Therefore, she cannot help but be both pleased when she hears that Perry has lost his title and inheritance as well as concerned for the heiresses she sees Perry pursuing simply for their money.

I really enjoyed this one. It was a fast, entertaining read. I could relate to a bit of what Imogen felt and could understand how annoyed she would be by Perry. While her rumor spreading came across as a bit childish, I still found myself smiling a bit at the prankish nature considering their ongoing childhood feud. It was interesting to see someone with Perry's background be completely transported to a. different lifestyle. I enjoyed watching him change and grow through the experience. The town and the people were endearing and have me looking forward to future books in this series. I have been a fan of Sophie Jordan's writing in the past and am excited for these new characters she has created.

The disgraced former duke and the vicar's daughter clash in the start of this new series from Sophie Jordan. Perry was living the high life as a rich and powerful Duke until it was all taken away. Now he's on the search for an heiress to bring him back some respectability. There's only one problem - Imogen has decided to protect all the women in town from this rogue.

This was a great start to a new series. It was refreshing to see what happens when a powerful man is reduced to nothing. These two characters knew each other as children and have to overcome a lot of their prejudices to get on the same page.

Imogen Bates hates Peregrine Butler. Ever since they were children he's been mean to her. When it's uncovered that Perry is in fact, illegitimate, and stripped of his Dukedom, he's got no choice but to marry an heiress. Imogen, the Vicar's spinster daughter, sets out to destroy his chances. Perry's search to figure out who is spreading rumors leads him to Imogen and finds himself enamored, abandoning his plan to restore his place in society.

This book was a fun take on the enemies to lovers trope and had some great banter. Imogen's rumor-spreading antics were mostly funny (until she maybe went a little too far...). I did think it was a little immature of her to hold on to her childhood feelings so vehemently and would've liked her to do a little more to undo the damage she had caused. Perry also experienced a lot of growth throughout the book, as he came to terms with losing his inheritance and figured out what was really important to him.

Overall this was an enjoyable read!

I liked this book. I enjoyed the storyline and I thought it offered a fun blend of heart and emotions. As for the characters, I found myself liking Perry quite a bit more than Imogen. While I could sympathize with her, in the end I thought she came across as kind of petty and really over dramatic. Still, as a whole, I felt this was a very good book and I am very excited to read more of this series.