CW: almost hanging

The story starts off at a quick pace. The town is after Kellan for impersonating the Duke of Penning's son. His father who had been impersonating the duke had gotten away and left Kellan to get away on his own. Kellan takes refuge in Gwen's forge. Gwen is shocked at how bloodthirsty the townspeople are when they discover Kellan in her workshop and drag him away to hang him. To keep them from killing him, she declares that she loves him and he reciprocates. The real Duke of Penning happens upon the scene and declares that to solve the issue Gwen and Kellan shall marry.

Gwen and Kellan strike a deal to give themselves a year after the marriage. I liked how they saw glimpses of their true selves as they worked side by side in the days leading to the wedding. The chemistry slowly simmering in the background was a nice touch. I found Kellan's supportiveness of Gwen very endearing. Once Gwen accepted that Kellan would keep his word, she was able to see what type of person Kellan really wanted to be. There is a very quick third act break up that almost seemed unnecessary but it did work out how I hoped it would. I found the epilogue an enjoyable addition to the story. This was a very, nice low angst read full of loveliness and sexiness.

I think this is my favorite of the series. It kept a good pace, was unique in its plot, and the couple is adorable together. You can read each of the books in the series as a stand-alone. They are barely connected and can even be read out of order without missing a beat. I am curious who will be in the next in the series. I felt some chemistry between the new duke and the housekeeper, I hope it’s those two.

Thank you to the publisher and Sophie Jordan for the arc via Netgalley.

The Scoundrel Falls Hard
Book 3 in "The Duke Hunt" series
Rating: 4 stars
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC given through NetGalley for review. All opinions are my own.

The Scoundrel Falls Hard was a very good read. I really enjoyed it from start to finish because who doesn't want to see a female blacksmith who breaks the mold of your typical dainty female lead. Also to see her team up with a scoundrel, who with the life he has been living should be considered more of a villain and not the hero, fall in love with each other.
Gwen and Kellan had a very strong attraction to each other, but what I liked best was that he treated her like no one in her life had before. She was always putting others before herself, but Kellan made her realize that it is okay to trust someone to help you and to have someone to share the weight of the world with.


****SPOILERS AHEAD****
It could have been a 5 star read but I think the ending was cut too short or it felt a little too rushed. You still get a satisfying ending but something was missing when they reunited at the wedding after the climax of the story. Then it cuts to the epilogue,

Thanks to @netgalley, @avonbooks and @harpervoyagerus for access to this book in exchange for my honest thoughts.

I wanted to read The Scoundrel Falls Hard (book 3 in The Duke Hunt series) because:

a) I love @sosophiejordan books - namely The Devil's Rock series (so very steamy) - but this is my first time reading one of her historicals (and I enjoyed it despite not having yet read the first two).

b) This cover! She is a blacksmith and she is leaning against an anvil while in this clinch!

c) Has some of my fave tropes:

✔️ She Saves Him
✔️ Fake Dating
✔️ There's Only One Bed
✔️ Bad Boy/Good Girl

I loved the setup and how the action and their meetup started right away. I was hooked really quickly and that's not always the case.

I adored both characters. I'm a sucker for the opposites attract, good girl/bad boy trope and it was executed well here.

I loved how supportive Kellan was of Gwen and how it didn't turn into a "she teaches him to be a blacksmith" and that in their domestic life, he's the house husband and content with that as a future.

The steam was really great here too, from makeouts to consummation.

Definitely recommend! 4.25⭐️!

Steam 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Banter 🗣🗣
Swoon 💕💕💕

I loved this book. It is not your usual Regency book about the wealthy.
Gwen Cully is a blacksmith who took over her father and uncle's business when they both passed away. Kellan Fox is a con artist whose father was impersonating a Duke. When the real Duke shows up, the father makes his escape, but Kellan hides in Gwen's blacksmith shop where she discovers him just before the townspeople arrive and capture him. In order to save him from hanging, she declares that they are engaged to marry. The dynamic between the two is wonderful. It was a thoroughly entertaining and sometimes humorous read. I gave it a 5-star rating. I love Ms. Jordan's books.

The Scoundrel Falls Hard is everything you want in a romance - characters that are easy to cheer for, great chemistry with plenty of heat, and an HEA. I love that the main characters are not aristocracy. Gwen is a blacksmith, tall and strong and capable. She is a third generation blacksmith, but now the rest of her family is gone and she's handling the business alone, while a new misogynistic blacksmith and his sons are trying to both close down her business and force her into marriage. Kellan is a complete scoundrel. He's been raised by his father to pursue nothing but the grift. It is the latest gambit that brings Kellan into Gwen's world, when his father pretends to be a duke. When the rouse is discovered, an angry mob almost hangs Kellan. He is saved by Gwen, who claims they are in love. Suddenly they are betrothed and a fake relationship is born. With their instant chemistry, they have to decide how far to take things - will they have a marriage of convenience? Gwen can't help but wonder at what cost to her, while Kellan is figuring out that a life of crime is no longer what he wants. And that's the rest of the book, as Gwen learns to trust Kellan, and Kellan literally works to earn that trust. They have more steamy encounters, these two are hot. We have only one bed on a road trip, of course, And the black moment is one where Gwen stands up for herself - over a misunderstanding - to which Kellan responds with a grand gesture for HEA.

I thoroughly enjoyed this one and could not put it down. Pacing is excellent. This is the third in a the Duke Hunt series and is a standalone. Fans of Sophie Jordan and historical romance fans looking for a strong heroine will enjoy this one.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
Ummm…that was a bit disappointing. I was so hyped for The Scoundrel Falls Hard, because of the lady blacksmith, not to mention the fact that the hero is a literal fugitive who got roped into some shady stuff by his father. However, while there were some good parts, it ultimately failed to deliver.
I really liked both leads for what they were. Gwen is pretty competent and independent, and I love when historical women aspire to more than just marriage and/or children. And Kellan is pretty interesting, and I like his journey of reckoning with the impact of what he and his father did, for the most part.
But a lot of it felt very half-baked. The sexual chemistry is there between the two, but I never got the sense there was anything more to it. And when the external plot elements pushed toward the expected third act breakup, and then swerved right around to the reunion with no catharsis, I was like, “Is that it?” And even with the heavy emphasis on sex, there was no lovemaking on an anvil! That may be the biggest betrayal of all!
Speaking of the plot, a lot of stuff gets promised, but there’s no follow-through on any of it. There’s a threatening competitor blacksmith who wants to make Gwen his? He becomes irrelevant over time, because she’s meant for Kellan. Kellan continues to have misplaced trust in his father? The two part ways amicably, with plans to reunite when it dies down, even after the dad poses a major threat to his romance with Gwen. Kellan and his father are fugitives from the law? Kellan was forgiven by the duke due to Gwen’s actions (somewhat believable) and the dad can just waltz away until it all dies down.
I finished this book feeling super confused. It’s a light, fast read, and I finished it quickly, so I can’t mark it down too much. But it felt like it had aspirations to be something else and it never quite got there. If you’re looking for a fun, lightweight historical romance on the sexier side (although sadly sans anvil), you might enjoy this more than I did.

Sophie Jordan is one of those authors whose writing I want to love. She’s engaging and fun on her social media platforms and her Devil’s Rock series is memorable, fun and sexy. Unfortunately, I don’t love her historicals and I’m sad about it.

She writes great premises. This book’s heroine is a blacksmith! How fantastic is that? The hero is a con artist and starts the book hiding in her shop from a mob and needing her help. They embark on a marriage of convenience! It’s a foundation for a fun and refreshing historical romance! Yet, for some reason I don’t connect with her writing style. Maybe it’s the overwhelming amount of descriptive detail when more action would enhance the pacing. Maybe it’s the lack of emotional connection to the characters, the reader is told rather than immersed in the mind of the character. There is description for days but the connection and the hook isn’t there for me.

There is no question that Jordan is a skilled and creative writer who writes sexy love scenes and delivers a romantic read. I am just not the right reader or it’s not the right time for me and this book.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Can a thief redeems his way for the right woman …

Oh my, it has been years since I have read Mrs Jordan’s books, ARCs taking precedence before other reads, not being in Avon’s little papers, I read very few of their authors.
I enjoyed this book was about commoners in the countryside.
Gwen is not the average miss, she is taller, stronger and performing a man’s job. For this she has always been singled out, and not in the best terms, whispered for her unfeminine behavior and her statuesque figure. And now she is alone in the world with no one to stand by her, and a rival threatening her livelihood.
Kellan has followed his father in his chase for coins, even if he has drawn a line to never abuse women, he is still his swindler thief and cheater of a sire’s son. The one now left behind to face the consequence of his last scheme with a seething mob of angry villagers seeking out blood, his.

How they came to be together against everyone is sweet, the outsider rescuing the pariah, each fighting the battle of the other, slowly coming to trust one another. All the while Gwen tries to quell the attraction Kellan awakens, a tough battle when he is so tempting and so nice with her.
He too struggles, between the pull he feels for her and the shame of his past, fearing one day a thuel, always a thief.
The premise and first part of the story were cute, then it was mostly about going or not going to bed together then in a few pages it was over, no comeuppance for the villain who had made demeaning threats nor for Kellan’s father who left him without a warning and threatened his unexpected happiness.
It felt like a whole part of the book was missing.
3 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scenes

I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

This was a hard read for me, I love the first two books in the series and was so excited to get Gwen's story.

This story was just so hard for me to get into, I had to keep trying until I finally just pressed on and finished it. The banter between Gwen and Kellan was there but I just couldn't get into these characters. I love Sophie Jordan and she is on my must read list, I just think this one didn't click with me.

Sophia Jordan is one of those authors that you auto buys. It was so refreshing to hard a strong and tall heroine with a masculine job. I really love that she rescue them hero such a reverse to the damsel in distress. It’s hero in distress. I can’t wait to see what is next.

Gwen Cully was a female blacksmith, the last of her family, but her livelihood is threatened when another blacksmith with two strapping sons moves into their village. She's barely holding on because her uncle and father have passed away and she's all alone. When a man bursts into her smithy, she's not sure what is going on until the villagers come and drag him away, bent on hanging him for his deceptions and thievery. Gwen could not stomach such blood-thirsty actions and claimed to love the man to save his life. Little does she know her life was about to change when she finds herself betrothed to Kellan Fox, the most handsome man/thief she'd ever seen. Kellen could not believe his luck when a magnificent woman saves his life although he now finds himself betrothed to her. They make a pact that they'll remain just friends after their marriage, but that turns out to be impossible when sparks fly between them.

This was such a unique plot. I was intrigued by Gwen and Kellan trying to keep their hands to themselves especially after that first scorching kiss. Ms. Jordan slowly teases out the details of Kellan's past with his thieving father and how Kellan finally realized what he wanted and that was Gwen. There were no fancy balls or Society rules, and that was a nice departure from the usual books in the genre. This was my favorite book of the series so far and I look forward to reading the next book.

This was a DNF for me, unfortunately. Again, I give a book about 20% to capture my interest... If I'm not hooked at that point, I give it up.

This one was so promising because I've seen so many say they enjoyed the others in the series--not to mention a general love for Sophie Jordan. However, I just couldn't keep going. Kind of boring, and I didn't love the main characters.

Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this book. My review will be live, at the link given, on 8/19/22.

It was great to get away from manors, estates, and castles for once! I loved the initial setup, it flips the script a bit with the heroine saving the hero and being the all-around “stronger” character. Gwen still needs some help in her life but Kellan is the one who’s at rock bottom both situationally and emotionally. Their romance comes from some great forced proximity and a bit of lusty chemistry. My only complaint was that it was all too abrupt. I wanted it expanded and fleshed out just a touch more. But I will happily reread this one and enjoy it again and again.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I loved The Scoundrel Falls Hard for many reasons, firstly because of its uniqueness. There are no balls, debutantes, or even a rake to be found! This is a story of what happens when a female blacksmith ends up in a fake engagement with a lifelong con man. The plot grabbed my attention from the first chapter. The first few chapters of this book had me laughing. The situation Kellan and Gwen find themselves stuck is so ludicrous that it is hilarious. Even though the story is humorous at times, it still delivers an unusual romance, quirky characters, and a super entertaining plot!

Kellan is a criminal, a lifelong thief with a conscience. Kellan is dragged from con to con by his worthless, conniving, very charming father. The kind of life Kellan lives is transitory, lonely, and almost gets him killed. I liked how Kellan was a thief, but he still had rules he followed, lines he wouldn’t cross. He preys on the gullible but tries not to harm anyone truly, and yet he does. I loved Kellan’s inner battle between being a better man or staying the untrustworthy, charming villain. This desire sneaks up when he meets a beautiful, unconventional woman.

Gwen Cully is an unforgettable character. Gwen is six feet tall, physically strong, and fiercely independent. Gwen has carried on her father’s and uncle’s occupation as the town’s blacksmith. Without any help and a shady competitor, Gwen is on the verge of poverty. Although Gwen is capable and intelligent, her insecurities about her physical appearance have erased her self-esteem. Gwen sees herself as the oddity her town has called her.

From the first scene, this couple’s antics entertain. I loved Kellan and Gwen’s dynamic. Both barely hang on in their occupations, yet they find strength and belonging in one another’s arms. The romance and passionate connection the couple creates is a joy to watch unfold.

The Scoundrel Falls Hard is the third book in The Duke Hunt series. This outstanding and entertaining romance stole my heart! Sophie Jordan has outdone herself, creating characters that catch your eye with a plot that is as endearing as it is eye-catching. I loved every second of this book. Do not pass up this sparkling, witty, unforgettable romance!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I liked this book. I was surprised at the fairly graphic attempted hanging at the beginning, and it definitely dragged a bit in the middle, but the characters were great and I liked the crossover from the other books in the series.

The Scoundrel Falls Hard by Sophie Jordan is book three in her Duke Hunt series. This is a great novel with a wonderful heroine in Gwen! I enjoyed the story. It was entertaining, fast paced and happily recommend.

Unusual but historically accurate for her time, Gwen Cully is the village blacksmith. She grew up with a father and uncle who taught her the trade, now on her own, Gwen has been struggling to get her business back after a rival set up a new smithy shop. Gwen had been tending to her sick uncle so her business suffered. When she finds a handsome man hiding from an angry mob in her shop, Gwen tries to help him, but he is found out and set for a deadly end.

Kellan Fox’s scoundrel father had been pretending to be the new local Duke of Penning until the real one showed up unexpectedly. Kellan got caught out from their subterfuge to his detriment and near hanging. When the mob drags Kellan from Gwen’s shop, she is appalled and desperate to keep him from being hanged. Only the prospect of marriage between the two of them saves Kellan’s life so that know he owes Gwen for his very life.

After they agree to marry in three weeks for the duration of one year, in name only, Kellan begins working by Gwen’s side which she greatly needs to help bring back her business. As they spend time together, it gets harder to remember their bargain of no touching or romance. Kellan is tired of living his reprobate ways going from one scam to another with the father who abandoned him and high tailed it during the most recent subterfuge. He comes to see that honest, hardworking, and beautiful Gwen has a life that appeals to him much more. Gwen, because of her height and profession, has had few offers from men in her village other than the nasty enemy blacksmith and his ghastly sons. Kellan has a long way to go to prove his worth to Gwen and the sincerity of his feelings. This book is the third in The Duke Hunt series.

DNF at 40%

I have been trying to read this book for three and a half months, but I just can’t seem to make any progress. I liked the first two in the series well enough, but this one feels… dull. Despite being quite action-packed at the beginning, I simply could not bring myself to care.

Female blacksmith who claims to be in love with a con artist to save him from hanging? Sold! Gwen Culley had an unconventional upbringing. She was raised by her father and uncle and is now owner of the family blacksmith business. Kellen’s father has been pretending to be the new duke and when the ruse is over, he leaves Kellen to take the brunt of the town’s anger. After Gwen saves him, the two have to pretend to be in love until they can tie the knot!

Sometimes you just need a quick and dirty read - if that’s what you need, I would highly recommend this book! Sophie Jordan is one of my favorites and while I felt the pacing was off at times with this particular book, I absolutely loved both characters. Nothing gets me like characters who have lacked care and love and are finally getting exactly what they deserve! I also love to read women in unconventional roles in historical romance, because they did exist!