This book is all sensual tension without much plot. I’m sure others will enjoy it, but it’s not for me.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.

After years of separation, the Duke and Duchess of Hastings are back under one roof. Burying himself in work as a top-secret government code-breaker, Julian's latest assignment ensnares him in a lethal plot, leaving him no choice but to enlist the help of his estranged wife, Caroline.

This is the fourth book in the Private Arrangements series. It works well as a standalone, though book two's hero makes a small appearance and there are brief mentions of other characters.

I was really excited to see that Kendrick was releasing a new book and this one did not disappoint! The book starts with a few time jumps between present and past, as the couple has been apart for about eight years. The story successfully reeled me in, and I wanted to know more about their history and what could have kept them apart so long. There's loads of spice with characters that are definitely making up for lost time, and the secondary storyline kept building with plenty of intrigue. I would recommend this to anyone who loved Anna Harrington's Lords of the Armory and Sarah MacLean's Bombshell.

Tropes: Second Chance/Marriage in Crisis, Compromised, Spy/Govt Work

Steam: 5

Trigger Warning: Loss

* I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

I requested this book from NetGalley knowing nothing of Katrina Kendrick's work (neither the previous books in this series nor the fantasy books she has written as Elizabeth May) but drawn in by the beautiful cover and an adventurous marriage-in-trouble plotline. I can be kind of picky when it comes to sentence structure, word use, etc, and lately it seems like everything I read that isn't from an author I already love really misses the mark. But Kendrick's writing? NOT SO!

The highlight of this book for me was definitely Kendrick's way with words. She writes excellent dialogue, witty and sexy, and I enjoyed the banter between Caroline and Julian. I especially enjoyed the scenes of them codebreaking together, and Julian's dirty letters written in code.

There were a couple things that didn't quite do it for me, though. The sex scenes were incredibly hot, and Kendrick does a great job of showing us how these characters still care for each other in intimate, non-sexual moments t00. But I'm a glutton for paragraphs of internal angst, and I wanted some more raw emotion. I liked the scenes with Gracie, but I wanted to know more about Julian's past with her through his eyes. Why did he feel so compelled to spend months tracking down her family in America instead of staying to help Caroline (with whom he was clearly besotted) work through her grief? And was he not writing letters back to her? I wanted Caroline to ask those questions! Gracie seemed very flat to me, and a more fleshed-out character would have helped me better understand the rift between Caroline and Julian. I also thought the plot structure was a little haywire, and I wish that the action in the terrorism plot had better mirrored the action in the romantic plot. And perhaps the emotional stakes just weren't high enough in the romantic plot. Kendrick is clearly talented, which is why I kept pushing even when I was trying to think of ways the plot could have been better structured.

Overall--really glad I read this book! I'm going to check out some of Kendrick's other work, and I'll be watching her in the future. She has a unique voice and boatloads of writing talent and creativity. I think she's only going to get better,

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Great romance with intrigue.
I loved this book for the emotions and the intense storyline. Caroline and Julian, the main characters, are complex, and the author gives them a beautiful depth. These characters really touched me. I liked the suspense and intrigue added to the romance. This subplot creates a unique and beautiful connection between the H and h. This book has just the right combination of steam, romance, and intrigue. I highly recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Katrina Kendrick’s "The Wayward Duke" delivers a blend of romance, intrigue, and emotional depth that will leave readers breathless. Part of the "Private Arrangements" series, this novel stands on its own as a tale of estranged love, second chances, and a high-stakes covert mission that forces its characters to face their deepest fears and desires.

Julian, Duke of Hastings, has spent the last nine years locked in an emotional and physical exile, while also working as a cryptographer for the Crown. His wife, Caroline, Duchess of Hastings, has maintained her perfect public image while privately grieving the breakdown of their once-passionate marriage. When Julian’s latest assignment ties directly to London’s aristocracy, he has no choice but to return home and seek Caroline’s help to solve a deadly mystery.

But their reunion is anything but simple. As their investigation takes them into both the high-society ballrooms and perilous underworld of London, the couple has to confront the tragedies that tore them apart. And the chemistry they still have.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

The long-awaited Duke and Duchess of Hastings story and what a wild ride it is. I absolutely love this series. Each book can stand on its own but believe me, you will want to read the entire series and I hope Katrina continues on with these fantastic stories. What I really liked about this book is that even though there is a misunderstanding (really a series of unfortunate events), it does not prevent Julian and Caroline from talking it out (after a few hot seconds). Communication is key to their relationship and fortunately it was also their saving grace. The story has intrigue which Caroline throws herself into completely (Julian approves), smexy times, fantastic dialog and nail-biting moments. Amazing!

This was an exceptional historical romance. A starchy duke? Check. An estranged wife? Check. Generally, I loved this book. I loved the tension, the enemies to lovers and overall a wonderful way to end my reading year!

The Duke and Duchess of Hastings have been estranged for nine years, with the Duke, Julian, disappearing abroad as a spy for Her Majesty and the Duchess, Caroline, throwing herself into her art. While is apartment is under construction during the Parliamentary session, Julian moves home to their Townhouse, and Caroline asks him to play the part of the dutiful husband during the Season to fend off the gossip and whispers from Society. They become closer as Julian enlists Caroline’s help with decoding a message from a dangerous terrorist, and it becomes clear that even though they’ve been apart, the heat between them is as hot as ever.

When I say I want a hero that will crawl across broken glass for the heroine, Julian is what I mean. I think every part of the book was so well done. The book is really hot, especially with Julian writing these explicit love notes for Caroline with exactly what he wants to do together. Typically for second-chance romances you also have to decide if you forgive the transgressor, but in this book I’m not sure either of them are really in-the-wrong. Readers may get frustrated and say that the issue is they just need to talk to each other, but you have to acknowledge that having a vulnerable conversation is really difficult, especially after a loss. This was my first book by Katrina Kendrick, but I’m ordering the rest of her backlist now!

Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury USA for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I'm addicted to the character chemistry that Katrina Kendrick writes.

The Wayward Duke is a marriage in crisis (one of my favorite histrom tropes these days). Julian and Caroline married young, and early in their marriage multiple tragedies hit that they were unable to reconcile and grieve together. 8 years apart ends the day Julian walks back into the house they used to share, and as different people they see the love buried beneath the grief. Amidst reconciliation, more disaster strikes: someone is planting explosives and targeting political figures, including the Duke of Hastings.

While I love the chemistry and the heat in this series, Kendrick never shies away from packing a book with plot. Her skills as a fantasy writer are on display as the stakes climb ever higher with the risks Julian and Caroline face. This has all the angst of a marriage-in-crisis/second chance early on in the book, but the second half the conflict is all external, making this book ideal for someone who loves angst but hates a third act breakup.

There's a little unevenness for me in the storytelling here, but I'll allow it in exchange for nude paintings, codebreaking, and a main couple who can't wait to tear each other's clothes off. There's series payoff for those of us who have read the previous 4 books, as Caroline features throughout those, as the Duchess mysteriously estranged from her husband, but you can easily read this first and work your way backwards into the series.

“The Wayward Duke” by Katrina Kendrick is a darkly romantic mystery. The Duke and Duchess of Hastings have been apart for far too long, but can they move forward after past hurt and misunderstandings? As they figure out if love is lost they also have the challenge of solving a mystery that could continue to cause havoc for the London Ton. The author does a great job of showcasing the Duke and Duchess of Hastings as passionate, intelligent and charismatic. I recommend you check out this very enjoyable read!

The Wayward Duke by Katrina Kendrick is a historical romance that doesn’t shy away from the angst—if anything, it leans into it with raw, emotional depth. The longing, pain, and tragedy that envelop Julian and Caroline’s relationship is utterly heartbreaking. The dual timelines, one set before and one after their estrangement, are perfectly paced, revealing just enough of their troubled past at the right moments. This slow unraveling of their story kept me hooked and added to the emotional weight of their journey.
The tragedy at the heart of their romance turned out to be far more devastating than I initially expected. The emotions on the page were so vivid and palpable that I found myself moved in a way I haven’t been in a long time—tears were definitely shed. This book truly embodies the hurt/comfort trope, with Julian and Caroline’s tragic past, miscommunication, and assumptions keeping them apart. They married so young, and tragedy led to misunderstandings that seemed impossible to overcome. Yet, despite all the heartache, there’s a sense of healing and redemption that makes their eventual reunion all the more poignant.
By the time I reached the end of the book, I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to either of these characters. Their journey felt so deeply personal and moving, and I was invested in their happiness right up to the last page.
As for the codebreaking subplot, while it didn’t grab me as much as the emotional core of the story, it did serve a crucial role in bringing the estranged couple back together. It was an interesting addition, even if it didn’t hold as much appeal for me personally.
Content Warning/Disclaimer: This novel deals with sensitive topics, including infertility, miscarriage, and infant loss. Please check the trigger warnings if these themes may be difficult for you to read about.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review!

The plotline and the characters are great, but some of the writing is a little stilted making it seem disconnected. It might suit to have the book be a little longer, but with more background because the events seemed rushed. Still, I really liked the characters!

3.25 Stars! I enjoyed the characters in this book, especially Wentworth!
The plotlines felt like they were from different books at points, with the two main characters going from estranged to rekindled (or should I say lit ablaze with the spice!) to thwarting crime. I hadn't read the rest of the Private Arrangements books before this one, but I will definitely be going back to read them now.
Thank you to NetGalley/Bloomsbury USA for the chance to read this ARC.

I ATE this book. Since the last book in the series i read, I was fascinated with this author.
I was so excited to read this one, it completely met my expectations.
The angst was delicious and followed by the first class spice 🥵 I liked it a lot

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC

Satisfyingly angsty and filled with sensuality and pulse-pounding action, The Wayward Duke was so good it’s made me want to check out the other volumes in Katrina Kendrick's Private Arrangements series.

Caroline, Duchess of Hastings, has a bum marriage but can paint like nobody’s business. She and Julian, the Duke of Hastings, have forged completely separate lives from one another after distance and time estranged them. Caroline has been happy with a solitary life spent painting while Julian attends to his interests in other countries; he’s a codebreaker for the crown and his work is dangerous. Julian is so often absent that Caroline has turned the ducal chamber in their home into her art studio. To her, his visits are pure torture and a reminder of what was and could have been.

Once, they had a close and passionate connection that sparked from a near lifelong friendship, but they were forced to marry after being caught in a compromising position. They were happy for a while, but the death of their mutual best friend, Grace, has changed everything. Julian has become so remote since then that Caroline is convinced that Julian loved Grace, not her, believing that was why he fled and left her all alone to face Grace’s funeral – and the stillbirth of their son. They have been living apart for eight years, but Caroline demands change. If Julian is to stay with her while his apartments are being renovated, he must act the part of a loving husband during his one month stay in their house and put an end to the social humiliation she has suffered.

Julian, of course, is dealing with another case. A master cryptographer, he’s been called in to figure out some threatening letters that baffle authorities. He can’t break the code – but Caroline can. Soon they’re getting shot at, nearly blown up, having carriage sex and working undercover together. But can all of this danger lead to a recovered marriage? Or will one of them end up alone and cold in their grave?

The Wayward Duke is Kendrick’s best novel so far. While clichés tripped up her previous book, the strong amount of angst in the plot of this one works in her favour. I did have to ding it because there were a number of repetitive plot points – Caroline nearly dies multiple times for Julian, to the point where her near-deaths start looking like carelessness. Some readers aren’t going to enjoy the deep, dark reason for Caroline and Julian’s estrangement. But he does try to make amends, and when she pushes him away it makes a lot of sense. Neither of them comes off as immature or childish, even when grappling with a near decade of guilt. They’re two wounded people realistically reacting to their pain and trying to fight temptation, and I greatly enjoyed their journey. I actually wanted them to spend more time talking about the stillbirth and mutually grieving the lost child – she rejects him so hard that it lingers over the book. I know it’s nine years in the past for them, but still. Yet the romance is hot, the characters likable and interesting, the sex scenes intense, and the spy plot successfully twisty.

The book seamlessly weaves in the flashbacks to nine years earlier to explain how the estrangement between Caroline and Julian happened, and we see other characters from the series, though I easily picked this book up without having read the other instalments.
Overall The Wayward Duke worked well for me, and could be a fine introduction to Kendrick’s work. It avoids some of her earlier pitfalls, making for a well-wrought and engrossing romance.

Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this ebook and this is my freely given opinion.

This is book 4 of the Private Arrangements series and while there is some appearances of previous characters and references to some incidences that have occurred in the previous books, I felt this could be read as a standalone story.

This is a second chance at love story about the married Duke of Hastings and his duchess, who have been estranged for years. As a warning, the storyline involves the emotional trauma of a lost child, so if this is a sensitive trigger, be aware of it.

Julian and Caroline have been friends for many years, along with their friend Grace. This story goes back and forth in time, and outlines their friendship, and their marriage, and a background of miscommunication and misunderstanding that hid a passionate love, and the horrible series of events that lead to the downfall of their marriage.

Because no matter how long, Caroline and Julian loved each other, and still do, but do not know how to overcome their past misunderstandings and presumptions, or are too afraid to speak to each other and expose their deepest vulnerabilities and hurts to each other, to fix what went wrong.

A very emotional story that tore at my heart. I liked how the author gave both perspectives of the MCs, because what they present to each other and to the world are very cool, calculated facades that hide a lot of hurt, and passion. Add on to the second chance at love and the renewal of a passionate affair is the added story line of two intelligent and creative people who appreciate each other's talents as well, as there is also a code-breaking spy storyline mixed into their love story, which is partly what brings them back together again after so many years.

The previous books in the series hinted as to their estrangement and this book gives the answers to many questions that were brought up, and gives an emotionally satisfying HEA to their storyline.

But I felt that their misunderstanding over Grace and her place in their friendship/relationship was not quite satisfactorily resolved between the two of them, as Caroline thought for many years that Julian loved and wanted to marry Grace, and she was a second choice that he was forced to take.

4.75 stars out of 5

I loved this book so much! Marriage in trouble is one of my favorite romance tropes and Kendrick handles the story of estranged couple Caroline and Julian with great care to the difficult themes of grief of loss that kept the two of them apart. I am new to this series but The Wayward Duke was easily read as a standalone and now I am anxious to read the others as I thoroughly enjoyed Kendrick’s writing. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy!

3.5 stars

Caroline Hastings, Duchess of Hastings, has been separated from her husband, Julian, for the past eight years. Julian does some work for the government as a code-breaker. The book has flashbacks to scenes from the beginning of their marriage when they were happy. Julian returns after eight years of silence and tells Caroline that he has to move in to the ducal home while his apartments are being renovated. Caroline is horrified that she has to be so close to him after all this time. They agree to pretend to be a loving couple in public, and Caroline begins to help Julian with some code-breaking work. Their safety is threatened when an unknown threat starts leaving coded messages and targeting the ton. Julian and Caroline have to work together and confront the trauma from their past before they can move forward.

This book can be read as a standalone. I enjoyed the characters and the writing, but I was frustrated that Caroline and Julian were estranged for eight years. It just felt really unrealistic and unsatisfying to have them be unhappy for so long. I didn't care for the time jumps throughout the book.

I enjoyed this book, and it took me two days to finish it, so it was good. In the beginning, I didn't enjoy jumping from past to present that much, but I kind of got used to it and once we were back to the present for good, it was easier to read it. I liked the characters, the story was well written, especially the mystery part. However, for me, there were too many sexy time scenes and too little about the rest of Julian and Caroline's relationship. So 4 stars from me.

Leaving this review hurts because I have really enjoyed the prior historical romance in this series by Katrina Kendrick. Moreover, The Wayward Duke features what purported to be one of my favorite tropes: estranged married couple! Plus, my other favorite trope of icy, stern hero! Except reading this novel made me feel off kilter, and I couldn't settle until I realized it was for two main reasons. First, the duke and the duchess didn't really resemble their characters from previous installments, though we saw relatively little of the former. But of the latter, Caroline's passion was painting, and then suddenly in this, she's a linguist and codebreaker? What? It felt very shoehorned in because the author had decided in her plot making to make Julian an expert codebreaker. Oh, okay. Well, I can usually get over stuff like that if the angst and longing is ratcheted up appropriately. And it was ratcheted...but then I realized the second problem: There really was no conflict to prevent the two characters from getting back together. From the beginning of the novel, it's clear from their interior thoughts and exterior actions that they both looooooved each other, and they miiiiiiiiiised each other. They want to have sexy sex sex sex with each other. Which is great. But as a reader, it's extremely boring. Where's the tension?! The angst! The stakes? Because of this, it was inexplicable why the couple didn't hash out the not very convincing reason for their separation earlier. And the "danger" plot didn't really help.

Some of the tension was supposed to be because Julian allegedly loved Grace, their mutual best friend, who passed away, but then had to marry Caroline! But that was waved away by having Julian pose naked for Carolline and discover, nope, nope, he loved her all along. What? Honestly, the novel would have been MUCH better if he had loved Grace and had married Caroline instead. because then there would have been real stakes, tension, and character evolution.

Anyway, I seem to leave harsher reviews for books and authors I have higher expectations of. Unfortunately, I'm going to give this one 3 stars. It just was almost like fan fiction, and I can't recommend it.