The Duke was hanged for a traitor and his heirs divested of the title and properties, but the oldest son scrabbles to find out who conspired with his father to kill Queen Victoria. Along the way he meets and provokes his father’s mistress, Esme, who is a spy for the queen entrusted with protection of her person from harm. As the two join hands distrustfully, they eventually rely upon each other and their rabid sexual attraction to develop a trusting partnership to reveal the real killer who tries again. It is a swift moving story with lots of excitement and even more sex as they both undertake to serve the Queen.

This has been my favorite book in the Once Upon a Dukedom series and I was not expecting Marcus’s story to be the one that made me feel that. Due to his father’s role in a plot to kill Queen Victoria, Marcus Stanwick has lost everything; his dukedom, his home, and his source of income. Hoping to uncover the truth of his father’s involvement, he sets off to question Esme Lancaster, a woman thought to be his father’s lover. In this tale, nothing is as it seems as Marcus learns the truth about Esme and his father’s relationship.

Esme is the ideal heroine. She’s beautiful, older, smart, and devoted to her country, and she has seen her fair share of difficulties. The tension and chemistry between Marcus and Esme is palpable, from the very first meeting and the “wound scene”. I couldn’t wait for these two to get together. The intimate scenes are excellent and Marcus’s character shows him to be truly in love with Esme—the care and thoughtfulness makes him a dream hero. I should mention there are content warnings for infertility and hysterectomy, but Heath handled it so beautifully that it just enamored me even more to Marcus.

Interwoven into this story is a spies for the Crown subplot that was a fun unexpected twist not typical for a romance. I enjoyed seeing characters from earlier books in the series lend a hand; siblings Griffith and Althea make an appearance and the Trewlove family also plays a role. I can’t wait to read the Chessmen series Heath is starting in next. Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins and Avon for my eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed Marcus and Esme's story as the conclusion to this series.
Marcus is finally getting closer to finding out who his father was working within their plot to kill the Queen... The one that caused his family to lose everything.

He has come to the woman everyone thinks was his father's mistress, Esme, hoping that his father might have mentioned something to her even in passing that would give him a new direction to follow... However Esme isn't exactly who he thinks she is, and after a few encounters, they begin to work together.

I did like how even though they have immediate chemistry, they didn't do anything other than have a few kisses and steamy sparring matches until later in the book. It really helped ramp up the tension whenever they were together. I also really enjoyed seeing how Griffen and Althea are doing, I loved their stories so it was nice to see how they are doing.

The ending was perfect and I can't wait to see what Lorraine Heath is going to come out with next!

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for this ARC. The Return of the Duke is the final book in this following series. I haven't read the previous books in the series, put I didn't feel lost or need back information to follow along. I didn't enjoy this book as much as I have previous books from this author. I liked the premise of the book, but I struggled with staying engaged in the story. I was surprised to feel this way since I was ready to jump into the book and excited about the storyline. I have enjoyed the previous books from this author and I look forward to reading more.

Another lovely take from Lorraine Heath! Was so excited to read the conclusion of this series about the Wolfford siblings. Marcus’s cameo in The Duchess Hunt was such a teaser! His relationship with Esme is really wonderful - after a rocky start he quickly is able to respect her ability and knowledge.
Not too much angst in this one, but definitely a lot of mystery and intrigue as they work to solve the case of who is trying to assassinate the queen.
Thanks NetGalley for this ARC

Lorraine Heath has written a satisfying conclusion to the Once Upon a Dukedom series.

Marcus and Esme’s romance was beautifully written. Their passion, reluctance with falling in love, secrets and adventures with clearing Marcus’ name kept me riveted.

I truly enjoyed The Return of the Duke.

After his father was tried and executed for plotting to kill Queen Victoria, Marcus Stanwick spent a year trying to determine who else was involved in the plot. The search leads him to the door of Esme Lancaster, whom he believes to be his father's ex-mistress. Only, as will so often happen with this pair, things aren't as they seem.

I thoroughly enjoyed this tale of mystery, romance, and spies in the Victorian era. Lorraine Heath clearly took a lot of time to research and plot this story, and everything builds in a very organic way. I loved Marcus and Esme, and love how Heath depicted Esme in particular, as a mature woman who knows what she wants and needs, and who is excellent at her chosen profession. I could have read an entire series about Esme!

I will say that there were times when there was a bit too much repetition (characters will find out a piece of information, and then you will see them share it multiple times -- surely some of this could have been cut) and times when these very perceptive characters keep "struggling" to make realizations that seem quite obvious. However, everything else works so well that these moments, overall, did not detract, though I think they represent missed opportunities to add more twists to the plot, and include more scenes between Marcus and Esme, who have an incredible chemistry and rapport.

Overall, I think I preferred the first two books in this series, but The Return of the Duke is a more than worthy conclusion, featuring two unforgettable leads and a very intriguing story. I definitely recommend it.

This has been my first Lorraine Heath series and I'm so excited to read more! I love how each book was so different yet connected well to all the others. And I'm VERY intrigued to see what Heath does with the Chessmen.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for an advance review copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

This was a bit of a disappointment. Especially considering that the first two books I gave five stars to. They were fantastic! This one fell flat. For some reason Marcus annoyed me as a hero. I just didn’t care for him. Esme was ok. I liked that she was a badass heroine. Together……I didn’t like them. The spy aspect of the story didn’t bother me, it created some good moments that otherwise would have made this book boring. It’s just that the first two books were amazing, & this book felt wrong for the trilogy.

Lorraine Heath has a flair to make erotic sound tame but with the read. She weaves mystery, romance, and life's unpleasantness into wonderful stories. Her characters are bold, exciting, and ready for fighting.

In this series, I have only read this book but have not missed anything. Yes, I will be reading the other two books. It gives hints but not the story for them so you have only the knowledge needed and not the spoilers.

Marcus Stanwick, heir toDuke of Wolfford, or so he thought he would be. After all he has gone through to clear the family name and honor, he still is lost and striving to find he way.

Griffith Stanwick, brother and friend, makes appearances, as well as his sister Althea.

Esme Lancaster, unexpected surprise and antagonist to Marcus.

Oglethorpe, our spy, villain. No more said., you will have to read to find out what he does. Only thing I will say is he is a chauvinist pig.

As Marcus is out of ideas he lands at Esme door to see if it is possible to find a different angle. The two have heated moments and an attraction that is hard to deny. The spar both verbally and physically. They fight side by side against foes and each other. When push comes to shove they are explosive in bed and have that same passion out of bed.

I found this story to be so believable and was cheering on the villains to make it last longer. Lorraine gives you so much intensity with these two you would want more and more. She draws you in and holds you enthralled, captivated, and wanting to be there to help. I can't wait to read how it started. I don't think I missed much but know that I will enjoy this more having all the background knowledge to make it more special. To say more would SO SO spoil this fantastic read that you would miss having that joy.

Another stunner from Lorraine Heath. Marcus and Esme were so afraid to fall in love but in love they did fall. I loved the concept of the novel. I recommend it could not put it down.

This book was so much fun! It was so unexpected and turned everything I thought Esme would be about on its head-I'm talking a female 007 with bravery, intelligence, and gadgets! She was a fantastic heroine and I loved how much Marcus adores Esme.

Marcus was a very interesting hero who lived as an aristocrat until his family was stripped of their titles and lands, and Marcus lived on the streets. He was a person who saw both sides of life, and I'd like to think that it informed him in ways that made him a better, and more well-rounded person.

These two were a fantastic couple and I was highly entertained by the cloak-and-dagger plot to this story. I HIGHLY recommend this entertaining and endearing story of two wonderful characters!

CW/TW: Infertility

I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this eARC thanks to Avon and Harper Voyager via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

#TheReturnoftheDuke #NetGalley

Once again--for the 3rd time in two years--I am gushing about a new Lorraine Heath novel. I have no idea how she keeps churning out amazing books, but I'm in love with every single story she tells. The last novel in the Once Upon a Dukedom series is just as wonderful as the rest of them. I've been having a hard time deciding my favorite!

This book centers around Marcus, the oldest brother to Althea and Griffith. He's pretty much been on the run since his father was hanged for treason. While Althea and Griffith have found loving partners, you start to wonder about Marcus. Where he is, why he keeps his distance, what is motivating him, etc. Luckily, all of it comes to a romantic conclusion in this last novel of the series. The heroine of the novel, Esme, is Marcus's late father's mistress (and yes, it sounds bad at first, but trust me--there's a big twist to it). While Marcus initially loathes her, and Esme is extremely wary of Marcus, a kind of kinship blooms between them as they set out to discover the truth behind the treason.

To say that this book is swoony and exciting and sexy is an understatement. Heath has a give for storytelling. Some authors are just "writers," but Heath tells realistic and creative stories. It's rarer than you think in the historical romance community. Nothing about. a Heath novel is generic.

Piggybacking on that, my absolute favorite person in this novel is Esme. Here's the weird thing about that, though: I'm not a heroine-centric reader. I'm always focused on the hero, and a ton of HR heroines are pretty much the same thing, over and over again. So it was a huge surprise to me to love Esme as fiercely as I do. There's nothing dumb or naive about her. She is extremely intelligent, independent, cautious, brave, loving---I could go on and on. Her devotion to her cause and Marcus are so beautifully realistic. I LOVE her.

If I had one critique of this novel--and it sort of ties in with my opinions on the first book in this series--I feel like we aren't given enough background on these brothers, especially Marcus. We technically only know two things about Marcus: his father's actions left him destitute and on the run, and that he hates Esme. That's pretty much it. I said this about Griffith as well. We just aren't given enough background with them. That's bummed me out because I love heroes so much in HR. However, in the scheme of things, it's probably just a "me" thing.. This book still gets 5 stars because Heath is an amazing author and storyteller. I am beyond excited for her new series!

Historical romance done absolutely right! I love transporting myself through time and gussying up my imaginary full gown and corset and fancying myself as one of the ton!

I was really looking forward to Marcus' story however, Esme completely ruined it for me. I am not a fan of 21st Century women in my historical romance. If I want to read about a sexually promiscuous, kick-ass woman I will pick up a contemporary book. I powered through to the end but did not enjoy this tale.

In The Return of the Duke, the third and final book in the Once Upon a Dukedom series, Marcus Stanwick searches for the accomplices to his father’s treason. Marcus confronts Esme Lancaster, who he and the rest of society believes was his father’s mistress. However, Esme has many secrets as well as her own reasons for wanting to learn more about the people trying to overthrow the throne. As the pair work together to uncover this treasonous plot, Marcus realizes Esme isn’t the woman he thought she was. Can the pair resist their ever-growing feelings for each other? And will they solve the mystery before it’s too late?

This is a great conclusion to the trilogy! Marcus is such a dynamically developed character, and I like how much he grows over the course of the story. At the start, he is a broken man who is singular in his goal to restore his family’s name and reputation. Destroyed over his father’s treason and the subsequent loss of everything in his life from his home to his titles and friends, Marcus lives a solitary life and has pushed away the family he has left. He changes so much throughout the book, and a lot of it can be attributed to his relationship with Esme. Esme is fantastic! Bold, independent, strong, and as determined as Marcus, she is nothing like Marcus expected. She doesn’t need a man to protect her, and she proves that she is more than capable of handling herself and protecting others. He also learns that her relationship with his father was not what he thought.

The enemies-to-lovers relationship between Marcus and Esme is amazing! They have such great chemistry, and I adored their banter. There’s a lot of mistrust between the two initially, but they are so drawn to each other. Something I really like about their relationship is how they treat each other as equals. Never does Marcus treat Esme differently because she is a woman. He respects and admires her strength and intelligence as much as she respects him. I also like how they slowly open up and begin to trust each other. Both have difficult pasts, and neither lets anyone get too close, so when they show vulnerability, it’s really special. Plus, they have the best sparring matches!

The mystery of the assassination plot is so intriguing, and the author integrates some really interesting espionage equipment that was considered cutting edge at the time. I thought it was fascinating and added a lot to the authenticity of the time period. The plot is full of twists and surprises, and Esme and Marcus find themselves in danger too many times to count. It makes for a fast-paced and captivating story.

Though it’s the third book in the series, it could be read as a standalone. Though, if you did read the first two books, you’ll be pleased to know that the major characters from those have secondary roles in this one. Also, like the first two books, the epilogue takes place some time after the conclusion of the book, so you get to see how the couple’s life has progressed. I love that!

Special thanks to Avon Books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.

In the final installment of the Once Upon A Dukedom series, Marcus seeks the proof of those responsible for his father’s treason. He goes to Esme, his father’s mistress, to interrogate for clues and she reveals truths he didn’t see coming.

These two are both strong, brave, and fierce. A well matched pair who get the HEA they deserve.

This was a great book. I loved the plot and how the book flowed together. I can't wait for the next book in the series.

Normally historical romance is my go to genre. Easy to jump into. My previous reads on this author have been positive so I decided to try this one out.

However, it definitely didn’t catch me. The beginning was too busy. And it quickly became a spy/conspiracy story instead of a duke falling for a lady. Hard to get into and difficult to finish. So all in all, not the worst read but I definitely wouldn’t recommended it.

Lorraine Heath never disappoints when it comes to a historical romance filled with chemistry, tension, steam, and an intriguing background plot.

Finally getting the heir to the dukedom and his father's mistress story was more than I was hoping for. I could not put this book down. The pacing was perfect, the characters were well fleshed out and the romance was sizzling!

This is the story of Marcus and Esme. After his father was executed for the assassination attempt on Queen Victoria, Marcus loses everything. He sets out to expose everyone who had a hand in the plot so he turns to Esme who is his father's former mistress. She is known to be heartless and free with her body.

I have never read anything by this author before so I can't speak to the rest of the series. However, I can say that this book absolutely can stand on its own. I love the historical elements and it is well written. I'm not a spy/espionage fan normally but this story sells it with its fast pace and the historical side that we all love in a romance. It does have solid characters who are fun to read about.

It was different than most historical romances that I have read and I give it kudos for its unique take. I will definitely be looking into other books by this author. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read and review this ARC.