This is a Victorian era, rather than Regency, romance between childhood enemies (or at least they really disliked each other).  And even though they are grown and circumstances have changes, Imogen Bates, the vicar's daughter still has it out for the former Duke.

I was really interested to read a story about a Duke who is disinherited because its proven he was actually born outside of wedlock.  That was really something for the character to overcome, particularly when he had been bred for such an exalted rank.  I thought his character arc overall was the strongest and although the flashback scenes painted him in a  terrible light, he really grows to be quite loveable in the end.

Imogen, on the other hand, is one of those MCs readers will understand and like or absolutely hate.  She has held on to all of the hurts from childhood and fixated that in a petty scheme to spread rumors about Mr. Butler.  Readers who dislike dishonestly, enemies to lovers, or what they perceive to be a women scorned will be on the hate side of the equation (so steer clear).  I found that, although her motivations didn't always make sense to me, I understood them because they were impulsive and emotional rather than plotted.  She justifies her actions to herself, but its clear that its masking feelings and from that angle I thought it was an interesting angle to drive the story.

I found the reading strong and easy to consume, with enough historical details to make it more than wallpaper.  Its all set in the countryside in Shropshire, and there is one party, but most of the action has a bucolic setting.

There is some sharp, witty banter between MCs, a few interesting twists (including why the vicar's daughter is so good at kissing), and ultimately I found a satisfying romance that had a few heart wrenching moments that brought me to near tears.  I always judge that as a quality romance, when I am invested enough to feel emotional, and I know other readers will connect with this story.

Several intimate scenes and some mature content make this best for readers who are looking for more than kisses only.

I really liked the conclusion and that it was tied in a bow with a nice Epilogue.  I wished Imogen's arc could have been a bit more thorough, but at the end of the day I enjoyed this book.

Recommended overall for readers who like enemies to lover.

[rating=4] 4.75 out of 6 Enemies to lovers between an ex-Duke and a vicar's daughter

I had such high hopes for this one but it wasn't my favorite by this author. I just didnt like the heroine who was an aging vicars daughter who spreading rumors about the hero to prevent him from being able to marry an heiress. I just thought Imogen was mean and her motives were childish. Because of this I couldn't really get behind the HEA. Will read others by this author though!!

I really enjoyed this and it was a really fast read that I loved burning though.
I picked this up because I loved Jordan's other regencies, but I love the premise: take an arrogant Duke - then make him not be a duke any more. I kept expecting a magical change of station but no - after it is revealed Perry was born before his parents wedding (and he is therefore illegitimate), Perry is stripped of his title as Duke of Penning and is cast asunder. While he hunts for heiresses in his small town, our girl Imogen is determined to save the girls from him, so she spread rumors about him. When Perry confronts her, the chili peppers start popping.
I loved the characters' growth and evolution together, and the romance was V. nice. Highly recommend if you love regencies but especially if you're looking for a change up with everyone having a title and hunting for titles.

After reading this book, I enjoyed some wonderful moments from the book. I did notice that the book was written more as a narrative form. There wasn’t that much dialogue among the characters. I think this took away from the realism of the story and possibly the entertainment of it. The two main characters Imogene and Perry didn’t come together until chapters 4-5.
I would like to see their story come together earlier.
I think that the writer did good with the telling of the story. The writer provided interesting details for the readers imagination. I also found some moments of the story to be quiet comical, if that was how the writer dictated those moments to be. The book is a page turner that reads at a good pace.

Oh my word. I am so excited to share this one in my historical romance groups. The enemies to lovers storyline and plot were everything, and the sexier bits were absolute fire! Sophie Jordan knows how to deliver hot and romantic Regency Romance with a deft hand and delightful, believable plotlines. She's is amazing!

This book was really a cute and funny read by one of my favorite authors. Ms Jordan writes historical romance like nobody's business. The characters were very well developed with thoughts and feelings of their own. I felt the flow of words from start to finish were very put together. I like that in a romance. Full of surprises and lots of passion between one Duke and a spirited vicar's daughter.
Peregrine Butler once a golden boy now is a bastard because he was born before his parent's marriage. Now he's wondering what will he do to get out of this mess. Perry will use his good looks and witty charm to get a heiress to marry him. But there is just one "big" problem. He has to keep the daughter of a vicar from spoiling his plans.
Imogen Bates is a kind and virtuous woman who writes her father's sermons because he's going down in health.
Imogen also knows what Perry is doing and she's not about to stand for a rake to do any wooing. She can not on good moral thinking that Perry, the Duke of Penning gets his hooks into any woman.
But there is also the chance that Perry and Imogene forgot when dealing with fate. The gift will be the most exciting things to happen and it's called love.
I appreciate Net Galley for this ARC title in which I gave an honest review.

A promising start to a new series with a twist on the typical historical Duke.

Peregrine is in the midst of a rather tragic upheaval to his current state of affairs. With his newly acquired status and a beautiful childhood rival out to steal his chances of recovery, how will he overcome such a miserable tale of woe? She has always stood out to him, not only because she doesn't fall for his nonsense, but because she has seemed out of reach even though her station didn't match his.

Imogen has always secretly held both affection and revulsion in equal measure towards the former Duke. With his haughty attitude, since childhood she has found him wanting. Yet, there has always been that pull. A hidden heart of gold and good looks only add to his charm. A chance at learning who is behind the noble facade may just change everything.

Two different worlds collide. Two buried hearts uncovered. Two souls who are meant to be one find the opportunity to change one another's lives through circumstance and risk-taking. With a little bit of faith they may find a happily ever after.

The two of them come together in the least unlikely of ways, but it is a treat in more ways than one to see them shove against expectations and steretypes. Not only is this story full of heart and heat and passion; it is also full of laughter, love, and a good time.

The Duke Goes Down is the book equivalent of a popcorn movie.

It's a fast, entertaining read, though there's not a lot about it that's memorable. Does that make it bad? Not at all.

I laughed out loud at the rumors that are planted about the Duke of Penning, I bought the enemies-to-lovers trope between the vicar's daughter and a fallen duke, (even if wow, Imogen has been holding onto things for a looooong time).

I always enjoy the modern sensibility in Sophie Jordan's historicals, so consent is woven in. Imogen addresses inequity between men and women in British society, though I never doubted that Perry would land on his feet.

3.5 stars

When it comes to light the Peregrine Butler's parents were in fact married after his birth, he finds himself stripped of the dukedom he was raised for and reduced to plain, illegitimate, Mr. Butler. With no prospects or funds of his own, Perry's best bet is to turn on the charm and land himself an heiress, but that means ignoring his nonsensical fascination with the meddling woman intent on scarpering his prospects.

Strait-laced vicar's daughter Imogen Bates is well-known and beloved in the village. She takes care of her ailing father and sees to most of his duties herself, which means she feels it is her responsibility to save the heiresses of Shropshire from the former duke's schemes. But her attempts at sabotaging her childhood nemesis soon turn very improper indeed, especially when she finds herself longing for more with him.

The was a light-hearted story and the plot and premise had so much promise. Unfortunately, for me, it didn't quite live up to my expectations. Perry wasn't a bad hero; he was just rather tepid and his noticing of Imogen as a potential love interest happened so randomly and suddenly that it wasn't all that believable or romantic for me. In fact, I could more easily see why he wouldn't like her than the reasons he would. She held a childhood grudge for an incredibly long time and the fact that she used that bitterness to try to ruin Perry's prospects as a grown man, as well as her general prickliness, just seemed incredibly immature to me and made her unlikable. The awful rumors Imogen spread about Perry just seemed beneath her and made it hard to root for her. The fact that Imogen was still sniping at Perry and spreading rumors well past the halfway mark meant that, for me, the romance here had no real substance. This was not helped by the suddenness of Perry's interest as well as the fact that his showing Imogen a brief taste of pleasure leads to her suddenly becoming more interested in him and the epiphany that the animosity she feels towards him is actually the love that she has always harbored for him. The relationship and feelings here came on so quickly that the romance just felt flimsy and there were missed opportunities to make it stronger, especially with the appearance of Imogen's former love interest. Overall, this was a fun story and an enjoyable premise, but the execution didn't quite reach it's potential for me. I look forward to the duke's story, however, and seeing where this series goes from here.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Imogen and Perry were forced to spend time with each other as children. Perry and his sister were not kind to Imogen and as a young teen, Imogen overhears Perry bashing her with his friends. The experience is soul crushing. Later, Perry learns he is in fact illegitimate and loses his dukedom. He is back in his hometown, on the hunt for an heiress, and Imogen is determined to ensure he is not successful. Even if it means spreading rumors in the process!

The prologue is so good that I was immediately hooked, but the characters lost me throughout the book. Imogen is living out what many people imagine - taking the person who humiliated you down a few notches. I completely understand Imogen’s motivations and her feelings. Not only was she slighted by Perry, but she was also used poorly by a man who led her on, AND she is witnessing the women who are mistreated in her beloved town. But, I wish Imogen would have apologized earlier, or at least would have delivered a better apology. I also would have loved for Perry and Imogen to have more interaction and maybe less internal dialogue.

Release Date July 27

Peregrine Butler has his entire life ripped out from under him when it's revealed he is actually illegitimate and not the rightful Duke. When he decides he has to marry an heiress in his home of Shropshire in order to find his way back to the ton, he is soon faced with rumors about himself. The person starting those rumors? None other than the vicar's daughter Imogen Bates. The two of them soon are engaged in a battle of wits, but is there more to their relationship than meets the eye?

This is a new series by Sophie Jordan and I thought this book was a lot of fun. Both Perry and Imogen were funny and their relationship was believable. I'm excited to see where this series goes next.

*I was provided an ARC by Netgalley and the publisher Avon and Harper Voyager for my honest review*

Perry enjoyed the life of a duke until it came out that he had been born before his parents had wed. His privileged position had led him to look down on those around him, including Imogen, the local vicar's daughter. Now that he's lost everything, he's looking to marry an heiress, to restore him to the life that he's accustomed to. But Imogen can't stomach the vile man using a woman for her fortune.

When she starts a rumor that he's a bad kisser, Perry proves her wrong. But neither he nor Imogen are prepared for how powerfully that one kiss affects them. Can these life-long enemies find love?

This is a well-written book about two unlikable characters getting their comeuppance. If you like redemption stories, this book might be for you.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

I couldn’t even make it halfway through this one. The premise is great, but is ruined by childishly unlikable characters. Peregrine is a massive jerk, and I know he likely grows over time, but I just couldn’t root for him. And while Imogen is slightly better (I’m all for anti-Duke people!), her reasoning feels petty and I know she’s going to do a 180 at some point, if he doesn’t. This is yet another book that seriously misinterprets what works about enemies to lovers; how can you kiss someone when you hate them and you haven’t even apologized for your gross behavior? And as this is the second historical in a row that I’ve actively disliked from Sophie Jordan, I’ll likely only read her again if the premise is super amazing (although saying that, this one had a lot of potential, and failed to deliver on it).

I had such high hopes for The Duke Goes Down because to date I have adored pretty much every Sophie Jordan book I've ever read. This was a sloooooow burn romance and the whole story line fell a little flat in my opinion. Our two main characters Imogen Bates and Perry Butler grew up together in the small community of Shropshire. Imogen is the vicars daughter, while Perry is being groomed to be the next Duke of Penning. Perry does not treat Imogen well, he is a bit of a bully and the last encounter they have is Imogen overhearing Perry decimate her personality to his friends. Fast forward ten years later and we find out Perry is not the Duke of Penning but a bastard. He has fallen from grace and is now a common man on the hunt for an heiress. As soon as Imogen learns of his reduced circumstances she goes for the fatal blow. Imogen quickly begins a smear campaign spreading gossip attempting to ruin Perry's marriage prospects. While I did find Imogen's rumors hilarious it was all a bit immature and really sad that she was still holding a grudge years later.

I had a few nit picks with this book. First, I got whiplash from the 180 degree turn around in the MC's feelings for one another. There was no real transition from hate to love and there needed to be one. Second, while I did appreciate the insight gained by the flashback chapters it ruined the pace of the story for me. I would have been fine with a little less mystery and more transparency so those chapters wouldn't have been necessary. Thirdly, what was with the cousins random visit? I thought for sure we were going to find out that Edgar destroyed the family business and they were poor. To end on a positive with this rant, I have to mention that the bedroom scene with Edgar, Imogen and Perry was the absolute best! Also, that initial hook up scene on the boulder was smokin'!

I didn't start to really enjoy the book until the second half and then it was over way to fast! I absolutely loved the epilogue, it was a beautiful HEA- I just wish it had been expanded and wasn't so short.


***Thank you NetGalley, Avon and Harper Voyager for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review***

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I think this book was well written. However, I didn't like any of the characters. One of them in particular was so mean spirited, and for such a petty reason, that I found it hard to root for any of the characters.

Imogen is the aging vicar's daughter, who helps takes care of the people in the town and also helps her father write his sermons.

Peregrine Butker is the Duke, until he isn't when it's revealed the date of his birth doesn't line up with his parents marriage date.

Now that he's basically homeless and fortune less he tries to get back in society's good graces by marrying an heiress.

But Imofen will have none of that, as Perry was cruel to her as a child. She begins spreading rumors about the former Duke to make him undesirable to both ladies and their fathers.

When Perry confronts Imogen sparks fly and they begin an enemies to lovers romance.

I loved the premise of this book and the writing style was easily consumable, however the characters were so unlikable, mostly Imogen, that I honestly really did not even want her to end up with Perry. Her motives for ruining him were flimsy and childish, and he made all the concessions and apologies just to be with her while she never even tried to make up for her wrongdoings.

I hoped to like this but it was honestly one of the most disappointing books I've read in a long time.

The Duke Goes Down by Sophie Jordan was an excellent read! Peregrine Butler, the Duke of Penning was found to be born out of wedlock therefore losing the Dukedom and becoming Mr. Butler. Imogen Bates is a spinster with a grudge against Mr. Butler from their time as children when her vicar father would force her to spend time with the spoiled Peregrine Butler. She also has a secret. What could it be?

Peregrine Butler was enjoying the privileged life of a duke until a clerical uncovered that his parents married after he was born. Stripped of the title, the lands and estates and the plentiful funds, Peregrine is now living with his mother in her dower house. He must make his own way in the world again and he has no idea what he should do. Imogen Bates secretly was glad when the former duke lost everything. It was time the arrogant lord learned a lesson in humility. Still stinging from childhood taunts, Imogen is determined to make Peregrine's courting of an heiress as difficult as possible. She starts a series of rumors about him that make young ladies run from him, but with her last rumor, she's gone too far. Can she undue her mistakes before Peregrine finds out she's the culprit?

I was not enamored with this book and I usually like everything Ms. Jordan writes. To me, Imogen was a petty and vindictive young woman who held onto childhood hurts way too long. It was very distasteful that she just wouldn't stop spreading rumors about the former duke. When she finally realizes that Peregrine is honorable and begins to have romantic feelings for him, it's too late to undue all the damage she's done. Even though she tried to make amends, I could not route for her. Peregrine had his faults, but was a more likeable character to me. To me the romance was sacrificed a bit when all the flashbacks to their childhood. While it did explain Imogen's feelings, I would have liked her to realize sooner that it's not her place to destroy another's reputation. Even though this book was not my favorite, I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

The Duke Goes Down is a quick, fun read by Sophie Jordan. I will say I was perhaps looking for a little bit more depth from the storyline and characters being a fan of Jordan. I think the backstories that continued to pop up added a damper on the action. However, her writing is great as always and the pace moves very quickly which I love in a summer read.

Imogen Bates is the Vicar's Daughter in a little town called Shropshire. She reminds me of Jane Austen's Emma. Devoted to her father but quick to punish the man who hurt her feelings in the past. Peregrine Butler, or Perry, former Duke has lost his birthright. He needs an Heiress to wed in order to survive but someone is spreading some rumors about him.

Looking forward to more in the series!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
#Sophie Jordan #TheDukeGoesDown #NetGalley

3.5 stars. An intriguing start to Sophie Jordan's new series. Perry grew up a duke's heir, raised to take over the title, until it was discovered that he was born before his parents married. So instead of choosing a bride from the finest debutantes in London, he's back in rural England, looking for a local girl with a substantial dowry to restore his fortunes.

Proper vicar's daughter Imogen is determined to keep the arrogant Perry from succeeding in luring one of her friends into matrimony. She can't forgive him for being rude and cruel when they were children. But the more time she spends with the man, the less she can resist him. Maybe the two are meant for each other, if only secrets didn't threaten to keep them apart.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for the ARC to review. All opinions are my own.