The Scandalous Love of a Duke (Marlow Intrigues, #4) by Jane Lark

Mar 06, 2014 Farrah rated it it was amazing

A deep, emotional, romantic read, The Scandalous Love of a Duke was a fantastic historical romance. I absolutely loved this book. After liking the previous books in the series so much, I had high hopes for this one, and it definitely didn't disappoint.

Katherine was a lovely heroine. She was strong and wouldn't take crap from anyone, not even a high and mighty duke. But, she was also kind and willing to see the best in others and forgive. I really liked her and I thought she was great.

John was al A deep, emotional, romantic read, The Scandalous Love of a Duke was a fantastic historical romance. I absolutely loved this book. After liking the previous books in the series so much, I had high hopes for this one, and it definitely didn't disappoint.

Katherine was a lovely heroine. She was strong and wouldn't take crap from anyone, not even a high and mighty duke. But, she was also kind and willing to see the best in others and forgive. I really liked her and I thought she was great.

John was also wonderful. I just love the depth of his character. In the beginning, to be brutally honest, he was an ass. An arrogant, cold-hearted ass. After having his childhood controlled by his autocratic grandfather, he couldn't shake the effect that the unkind man had on him, and it showed. Not to mention that he was haunted with questions as to why his mother didn't stay with him during his first 10 years. But, over the course of the book, he struggled to shake the influence and become the sweet man he truly was. It happened slowly and realistically, with John realizing what he was becoming, understanding that he didn't want to be that person, and finally committing to change. Underneath the mask of the cold duke, he was very sweet and devoted to those he cared about, though it was a small group because he had a hard time letting himself care. He was a deep, wonderful character and I totally adored him.

The romance was lovely. Katherine and John were such a perfect match. They were exactly what the other needed and they balanced each other out. And, the chemistry between them was sizzling from the moment they reunited. There were certainly steamy scenes with these two. I thought they were a wonderful couple.

The plot was fast paced and I was hooked the entire way through. I loved seeing the characters from the previous books and seeing how things turned out for them. I really enjoyed the story and the ending was lovely. I don't know if there will be more books from this series coming up, but I really hope so because I adore this series!

The Scandalous Love of a Duke was a fantastic historical romance. I absolutely loved this book! It was deep, romantic, emotional, and a truly enjoyable read. Romance lovers, this book is a must read.

*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review
...more

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Apr 23, 2014 Lori {Romancing the Dark Side} rated it really liked it

Shelves: may-2014-clean-sweep-arc-challenge, read-in-2014, historical-romance, reviewed, netgalley-reviews

Originally reviewed on Romancing the Dark Side:

Jane Lark has rekindled my love of historical romance with THE SCANDALOUS LOVE OF A DUKE!

Being the cover hussy I am, I will admit I was instantly drawn to this book’s cover while browsing through NetGalley, needless to say I was ecstatic when I was approved. Historical Romance is a comfort genre for me when I’m in the mood for a pick me up or have series burnout. It’s been a while since I read one that I didn’t want to put down but THE SCANDALOUS Originally reviewed on Romancing the Dark Side:

Jane Lark has rekindled my love of historical romance with THE SCANDALOUS LOVE OF A DUKE!

Being the cover hussy I am, I will admit I was instantly drawn to this book’s cover while browsing through NetGalley, needless to say I was ecstatic when I was approved. Historical Romance is a comfort genre for me when I’m in the mood for a pick me up or have series burnout. It’s been a while since I read one that I didn’t want to put down but THE SCANDALOUS LOVE OF A DUKE had me glued to my Nook for an entire day! Jane Lark has penned a beautiful forbidden romance with a brooding, but swoon-worthy hero and a strong leading lady. The story drew me in early on and kept me turning the pages in anticipation. I’m not one to pick up a book mid-series so I was a little worried when I noticed this is book three in the Marlo Intrigues series but it easily stands alone. That being said, I can’t wait to read the previous installments and find out what I’ve missed!

THE SCANDALOUS LOVE OF A DUKE is the story of John Harding and his journey of self-actualization and love. Taken from his mother at an early age and raised by his grandfather, the Duke of Pembroke, John Harding grew up privileged but longing for the real love of a family. Searching for an escape he travels abroad in hopes of freeing himself of the demons of his past. When he receives a letter with news of his grandfather being on his deathbed, John decides to return home to face his family and assume his new role as the new Duke of Pembroke. What he wasn’t expecting was to fall into a world-wind romance with the one woman he can’t have, his childhood friend Katherine Spencer.

The sweet but complicated romance between John and Katherine is anything but predictable. Both characters have had their share of a tough past that has left them emotionally scarred, making them a perfect match. They have undeniable chemistry which makes for some steamy but romantic scenes. Katherine isn’t always a brave heroine, but I love that she doesn’t let her social status or lack thereof define her, she knows what she wants and never plays the victim. She’s loved John since she was a child and knows that his roguish ways will only get her burned, but she can’t resist him. John on the other hand is very guarded and has some inner turmoil due of his upbringing, but ultimately wishes to be a better man than his grandfather. Katherine’s understanding and tenderness brings out the best in John but even she has a long road ahead of her when it comes to changing his ways.

Their romance starts off as a sexy forbidden affair but I love that John never treats Katherine as inferior, even though he knows he can’t be with her. It was great to see this arrogant, charming ladies man transform into a man of worth with the love of a forbidden woman. Katherine’s (view spoiler) was not a favorite element of the story for me, I thought it made it their HEA a little too easy, but was glad when John stepped up to the plate before knowing about it…it shows he truly loved her and that he would just marry her out of some obligation. I really enjoyed this couple and the struggles they experienced before the happy ending, it wasn’t too perfect and is realistic for the time period.

Elegantly written, THE SCANDALOUS LOVE OF A DUKE is filled with intense passion and intrigue. The story’s third person narrative really captures the raw emotion and growth of the characters. Jane Lark transports you back in time and makes you fall in love with her rich world and relatable protagonists. John and Katherine’s story is a fantastic introduction to this wonderful series (even if it’s out of order) and I can’t wait to go back and read the first two books. If you’re looking for a new historical romance to add to your reading list I’d highly recommend you give Jane Lark’s Marlow Intrigues a go!

*eARC courtesy of NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Mar 06, 2014 Wendy rated it really liked it

I couldn't wait for John Harding,the Duke of Pembroke's, story to be told by the indomitable Jane Lark.
Her story lines are exciting, deliciously romantic and original.

John is a charismatic, beautiful, young man but badly emotionally affected by events in his early life. He trusts no one and feels himself to be unloveable and incapable of loving, even worse, he believes he doesn't deserve to be loved. His domineering, cold, ruthless grandfather, the previous Duke of Pembroke, has brain washed hi I couldn't wait for John Harding,the Duke of Pembroke's, story to be told by the indomitable Jane Lark.
Her story lines are exciting, deliciously romantic and original.

John is a charismatic, beautiful, young man but badly emotionally affected by events in his early life. He trusts no one and feels himself to be unloveable and incapable of loving, even worse, he believes he doesn't deserve to be loved. His domineering, cold, ruthless grandfather, the previous Duke of Pembroke, has brain washed him, withholding love and affection, with beatings and isolation from his Mother, to be as ruthless as he was himself. John has become austere, arrogant and belligerent as a result of his time spent with this cold unloving man, although the frightened, bewildered little boy still lurks below the veneer

John, sent away as a young man on his grand tour by his grandfather, to sow his wild oats, chooses to remain away from all who love him for a period of seven years, reluctant to return to his tormentor. He only returns after being informed that his grandfather is close to death and knows that he must, therefore, take up the position he has been trained for all of his young life, he feels the pressure and oppression of his status keenly.

At his grandfather's funeral he meets up with childhood friends, brother and sister Phillip and Katherine Spencer. He is immediately drawn to Katherine's quiet, understated beauty, although far beneath him in social station he cannot resist pursuing her, lustfully, but also with an underlying feeling he cannot name.

Katherine has secretly loved John Harding for most of her life, although he hardly noticed her as the younger sister of his school friend. John ruthlessly uses Katherine's love for him, to seduce her. She can see traces of the lovely boy he was and loves him regardless of his cold exterior. Katherine in turn is a quiet, calm oasis in John's turbulent, solitary life. His lack of trust, even for his close family, make all who come in contact with him afraid of his displeasure, but Katherine begins to chip away the ice surrounding his heart.

Suffice to say, Jane Lark has woven another moving love story, with very human, flawed but beautiful characters. There are many twists and turns and a quite surprising turn of events that I did not see coming. Katherine is John's salvation, and how this is achieved is quite lovely and moving.

Although nothing compares to Ellen's story (because it was so original and beautiful) it is unfair of me to keep comparing Ms. Lark's books, her first will always be special. Nevertheless it was the start of this great saga and as such sets the scene for all of the following stories. John's Mother's unfortunate earlier life (she too was manipulated cruelly by her Father) has had a profound affect on him, and his behaviour towards others affected adversely by his Grandfather. Katherine is determined to break through John's reserve and Jane Lark manages this with her usual clever, imaginative talent for beautiful story telling.

A gorgeous, romantic, sensual page turner, keep it up Jane Lark, I'm already looking forward to your next. 4.5 stars ...more

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Apr 14, 2014 Ruth rated it really liked it

Shelves: covers-i-want-to-lick, historical-romance, net_galley, regency-victorian, series

I have to be honest, I picked this one, provided by the publisher through netgalley, because of the cover. I'm pretty disciplined about reading the description before choosing books to read, but, hell, the cover of this one is just delicious. Check out those eyes...

And then I read the little introduction in which the author explains how the book was partially inspired by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and my heart just sank. Bless 'em, I'm sure they're a nice couple, but very few people know I have to be honest, I picked this one, provided by the publisher through netgalley, because of the cover. I'm pretty disciplined about reading the description before choosing books to read, but, hell, the cover of this one is just delicious. Check out those eyes...

And then I read the little introduction in which the author explains how the book was partially inspired by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and my heart just sank. Bless 'em, I'm sure they're a nice couple, but very few people know them, or are qualified to comment on their relationship (and those that do would never, ever say a word), and it just gives me the creeps, quite frankly, when too much is read into the carefully managed glimpses we get of their personalities or lives.

But then, I started reading, and I JUST COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN. OK, I had a low-grade migraine all night, which meant when I tried to sleep all I could feel was my throbbing head, and, honestly, I find reading my kindle is quite soothing, so the straight-through reading was helped a bit, but this was a wonderful read anyway, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

It surprises me actually how much I enjoyed it.

- It has a hardened hero, who is emotionally disengaged from everyone, and, who, quite frankly is a jerk.

- The heroine is rather on the frail side as heroines go. She cries more than average, and she reminds me of Mansfield Park's Fanny Price (you know the real one in the book, not the feisty one all the film/TV adaptations seem to go for). Much of her life is done to her, and she has practically no control, almost drifting with the tide, and coping. I guess she could be mistaken for a bit of a drippy heroine.

- It has some real, old-fashioned tropes, with few twists.

But yet, (1) by giving us access to the hero's thoughts and feelings as much as the heroine's we understand why he behaves like a jerk and feel incredibly empathetic, (2) I actually like Fanny Price (the real one) - there is a wonderful novelty in a heroine who is not feisty and is a far more normal representation of how women were expected to behave than most historical romances portray, and (3) it just really works.

Oh, and the writing is excellent. I felt more engaged in this romance and the main characters than I usually do, and even though it was the 3rd of a series, it didn't diminish my enjoyable one iota. So 4 stars. I really liked it. ...more

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Apr 21, 2014 Jaclyn rated it did not like it

Shelves: arc, did-not-finish, historical-romance, net-galley

I didn't get very far into 'The Scandalous Love of Duke' before I knew it wasn't for me. The moment for me was when John is re-acquainted with Kate at his grandfather's funeral and he falls immediately into lust with her. Kate's had feelings for John for a long time as they knew each other as children; however, John's connection for Kate develops based on nothing more than her looks: "She was an English rose among orchids, the sort of woman he had seen nothing of abroad."

I could have gotten past ...more

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Apr 01, 2014 Jane Hunt rated it it was amazing

Shelves: netgalley-read-and-reviewed

The Scandalous Love of a Duke (Marlow Intrigues, #3) by Jane Lark

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The Scandalous Love of a Duke is book three in the acclaimed Marlowe Intrigues. Moving forward to the next generation this is John's story.

John's vulnerability hidden by arrogance makes him a tortured hero so worth saving groomed from an early age to become the next Duke of Pembroke John's life has always been about duty, pride and emotional detachment. With the incumbent Duke of Pembroke close to death John knows he must return ...more

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Apr 03, 2014 Heidi rated it it was amazing

After the death of his grandfather, John becomes the new Duke of Pembroke. Although he knew all his life that this title will be his after his grandfather’s passing, it is nothing he especially looked forward to. The former Duke was very much a tyrant and not well loved. Will John face the same fate or will he be able to come out of his cold and dark deamenour with the help of his new wife Katherine?

The Scandalous Love of a Duke is the third part in this series and I LOVED it just as much as the ...more

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Apr 12, 2014 BestChickLit.com rated it it was amazing

If you’ve already read The Illicit Love of a Courtesan and The Passionate Love of a Rake then you’ll absolutely remember John as a small boy. Well that small boy has gone and grown up to be the filling in the Marlow men sandwich I know all you Jane Lark fans are dreaming about. If you haven’t had the pleasure of reading Jane’s other historical romances, you’ll have no trouble reading this as a standalone novel, although I guarantee you’ll end up downloading the rest of the Marlow Intrigues serie ...more

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Apr 02, 2014 Debbie McCreary rated it it was amazing

Katherine's heart has belonged to John Harding, the Duke of
Pembroke, since she was a young girl. Several years older, John allowed Katherine to follow behind him and her brother. Philip when they played. He was the heir to a dukedom and her a daughter of a milkmaid. When John returns after the death of the prior duke, Katherine has grown to a strong and kind woman. .There is still the class difference between them, however they want each other. His childhood was not pleasant and he carries those ...more

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Oct 10, 2016 Claudia237 rated it it was ok

A very needy heroine and an idiotic hero!!

I get it. She had loved him since forever but still, would you not give in to him that easily, especially when he was clear about not offering a futur with you? And then after they marry, she turned into a very nagging wife. She was basically crying over her husband not being showy about his love in public like he was in private (can't a man not like PDA?!!) and for working too much.

As for the hero, he hated his grandfather and spent most of is adult li ...more

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Apr 14, 2014 Lindsey rated it really liked it

Shelves: historical-romance-2014

This is the first book I've read by Jane Lark and I really enjoyed it. I am going to go back and read the first in the series. The emotion in this story is wonderful.

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Jun 29, 2014 Eileen Dandashi rated it it was amazing

Book 3, The Scandalous Love of a Duke

Synopsis

Book three in Jane Lark's Kindle best-selling Regency romance series!
Isolated by life and choice, John Harding, the Duke of Pembroke, sees an angel in a pale mauve dress across a room and is drawn closer as lust grips firm and hard in his stomach. The wheat-blonde hair escaping her dull dove-grey bonnet and caressing her neck lures his eyes to a spot he'd like to kiss. She speaks with animation her hands moving. Then as if she senses his gaze the str ...more

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Jul 03, 2017 Naima rated it it was amazing

Shelves: jane-lark, cinta-pertama, cinta-terpendam, e-book, erotic-romance, historical-romance, sensual-seksi, steamy, tortured-hero, loser-hero

mempunyai awal yang bagus dan mulai berkembang steamy ketika H bertemu dengan h, tapi aku sempat mandeg karena kupikir h terlalu gampang menyerah dan murahan. Mandeg lumayan lama gara2 curiga, ini novel erotis yang melulu cuma nyeritain yang begituan aja apa yak? Ternyata setelah kutelateni lagi, ceritanya bagus. Keduanya sama2 punya masa lalu yang tidak bahagia di masa kecil hingga ke masa dewasa mereka. Dua2nya sama2 belajar bagaimana mengatasi masalah mereka. Dan yang bikin melting adalah per ...more

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Jan 05, 2019 Nina Hutson-farley rated it it was amazing

Charming!

This book really pulled me in another layer in the Marlow series- kept me interested and entertained from start to finish!

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Jan 15, 2015 Literati Literature Lovers rated it really liked it

Shelves: historical-romance

While in college I read more Historical Romances than schoolbooks. After graduating 15 years ago, I had to put that hobby on hold and am happy to say that The Scandalous Love of a Duke was a wonderful reintroduction to the genre.

Katherine Spencer’s an orphan being raised in a house where her father and brother love her, but mother and sister hate her. She grew up “knowing her place” and tried her best to win the love of the woman she called mother. At the same time, she grew up harboring a love ...more

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Apr 02, 2014 Kerri (Book Hoarder) rated it liked it

Shelves: read-in-2014, reviewed, netgalley, romance, needs-more

I wanted to like this book a lot more than I did, but a tempermental, grumpy hero made it difficult.

A true romantic hero with a tortured past and his heart locked away, John intrigued me at first. When his grandfather dies he inherits an estate and all the trappings of society that comes along with it, even though that's the last thing that he wants. Drawn back to the city and the throngs of people that go along with being highborn, John doesn't know who to trust and is closed off and brusque w I wanted to like this book a lot more than I did, but a tempermental, grumpy hero made it difficult.

A true romantic hero with a tortured past and his heart locked away, John intrigued me at first. When his grandfather dies he inherits an estate and all the trappings of society that comes along with it, even though that's the last thing that he wants. Drawn back to the city and the throngs of people that go along with being highborn, John doesn't know who to trust and is closed off and brusque with everyone he meets.

Katherine, by comparison, is sweet and giving, virtually the Cinderella of this romance story. Raised by her stemother, she's treated poorly and her father rarely speaks up on her behalf. When John returns from Egypt, Katherine quickly finds that the attraction she has always had for him has not faded at all.

In theory, this book had everything that I would be interested in: a demanding hero, the pomp associated with the higher class, romance and a hint of mystery.

Katherine was such a limp excuse for a heroine, though, that I found it hard to enjoy the book. Although she supposedly has a good influence on John, I felt as though she gave in to him repeatedly and never really stood up for herself. When she DID actually say something about his behaviour, so often it seemed to be passive aggressive... Passive aggressiveness is fine, but sometimes I want more of a spark. I want women to stand up for themselves and be more demanding. Maybe the author chose this route because of the time period, I don't know - but feisty heroines are hardly a new thing for period romances!

So often in the book Katherine reached out to John, feeling that he needs her. She's patient to a fault even though he's grumpy, closed off, orders her around, keeps things from her... Yeah.

I could see the arc that the author was trying to depict for John - showing him the truth of his past, slowly chipping away at the layers that he has built up around himself. He does start talking to Katherine more, opening up as he learns more about his history and his family. The idea is clearly that he's an emo hero learning to open up and let someone into his heart and become a better person.

The problem was that it wasn't enough, for me. Sex scenes were ruined by him brusquely ordering Katherine to strip, without any hint of gentleness or romance. The romance itself was dulled by the fact that I really didn't get what Katherine saw in him when he was such a jackass to her. Now, don't get me wrong, the brooding rude hero who sweeps the heroine off her feet - not exactly a new trope in romance! But it has to be written right to tread that line between the hero coming across as an asshole versus being someone I can still identify with and see as romantic potential.

It's a bit disappointing, because the potential was all there in the plot for the book, it's why I picked it. It just didn't come together very well, for me.

I received this book through Netgalley in return for an honest review. ...more

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May 27, 2014 Adrienne Scales rated it really liked it

Shelves: author-to-watch, favorite-series, great-read, emotional, love-this-author, well-written, learning-to-love-again

I was looking for something different. I was bored of the same ole stories with the same types of characters. It feels like lately, you can change out names and locations with any of the NA books on the market. With the exception of a few of course. I came across an opportunity to read this book and I won't lie, the cover caught my eye. Even though it's the third book in the series, it can be read as a standalone. I read them all. I recommend you read them too there are things that happen

I was looking for something different. I was bored of the same ole stories with the same types of characters. It feels like lately, you can change out names and locations with any of the NA books on the market. With the exception of a few of course. I came across an opportunity to read this book and I won't lie, the cover caught my eye. Even though it's the third book in the series, it can be read as a standalone. I read them all. I recommend you read them too there are things that happen in the first book that come to play in this story. Not necessary but good to have that information.

This was by far my favorite in the series. I felt like the author grew by leaps and bounds with the characters and her story line. The first two books were not as easy a read. I would find my mind wandering on occasion. Not so with The Scandalous Love of a Duke, I was hooked from page one. Maybe because I was anxious to catch up with John, who was just a child in book one. Maybe by now I'm just invested in the characters, the story and the author. Whatever the case may be I was not disappointed.

The story picks up several years after book two. John is now an adult, his grandfather has passed and John is now the Duke. I seriously fell in love with this flawed character. He's not the philanderer like his Uncle Robert and he doesn't run from his responsibility. He does however close himself off to everyone. Events from his childhood have molded him and he struggles to break free from that mold. Even though John is in his late 20's (I think) this story felt very new adult to me in that, John really does find himself in this book and establishes himself as man.

This is a love story. A scandalous one at that. John is reunited with his childhood friend Katherine. There are sparks an obvious attraction on his part. Katherine though has been in love with John for years. Unfortunately, Katherine is not from an aristocratic family and John really can't have any sort of relationship with her. This doesn't stop them though. I loved the chemistry between the two. I loved that John and Katherine fought separately and together for their feelings towards each other. Both victims of heredity and circumstance. There is most definitely a Cinderella feel to this book.

I can't say enough how much I loved this story. I thought that Jane Lark did an outstanding job with John's character. It would have been so easy to make him normal, or a rogue. He still would have been likable, however she goes above that and gives him the depth that really brings this story together. My heart ached for John and I desperately wanted him to get his happily ever after. I very much look forward to reading more of this series.

*A copy of this book was kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*

...more

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Apr 04, 2014 Anissa rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2014, romance, series, historical-fiction, arcs-analog-netgalley-edelweiss-etc

I’d read the first in this series earlier in the year and quite enjoyed it so I was excited to give this one a go as well. John Harding is the son of the main characters of the first book, Ellen and Edward. Theirs was quite an angsty tale and John and Kate were not a disappointment in that department.

I didn’t quite get why John was so emotionally closed off given that his mother and her then, new husband Edward, took him into their care when he was ten from his grandfather and though it was sta I’d read the first in this series earlier in the year and quite enjoyed it so I was excited to give this one a go as well. John Harding is the son of the main characters of the first book, Ellen and Edward. Theirs was quite an angsty tale and John and Kate were not a disappointment in that department.

I didn’t quite get why John was so emotionally closed off given that his mother and her then, new husband Edward, took him into their care when he was ten from his grandfather and though it was stated often in the story that the time apart had been what informed him most, I just had a difficult time buying him as this unloved, tortured soul. Most especially because the distance he put between his family and others was self-imposed. And he took such a put upon tone so often, I found I lost sympathy and patience with him often. I especially didn’t like him issuing orders at her and it really took away from the romance for me. Kate had the patience of some sort of saint. And if I am honest, I recollect feeling the same with Ellen and Edward, so perhaps John came by it honestly as his mother could be a bit tiring in that was as well. Still, there’s something about the way the story weaves and wends that pulled me in again and in spite of myself, I was pulling for John and Kate.

I did feel Kate was too sacrificial in the beginning but she did begin speaking up for herself with John a bit more as the story went along and for that I was grateful. She also had her own challenges which for the most part, I understood but there were times where she annoyed me a bit as well. Still though, I rooted for them and kept turning the pages because I was interested. As in the first book, the B-plot really pulled me in and I was very much interested in Wareham and I liked the twists and the tie up of that thread in the story. I’d sussed out Kate’s parentage early on but I was not disappointed in the reveal though I did hold a grudge against her father and had absolutely no more use for her mother. I very much enjoyed seeing Edward and Ellen happy in their lives but also having to deal with the facts of their lives up to meeting and how Ellen’s life in particular had informed John’s childhood.

Overall, I enjoyed this as I did the first in the series. I appreciate the author’s skill at making me care about the characters in moments that otherwise I would roll my eyes and toss my Kindle across the room. I still care in those moments and I want to press on. I admit even to being caught up in the angst and emotion of the story far more than my logical side would like. This is a quick, enjoyable read and definitely a good one for vacation or a weekend. Also, I did receive a copy of this book for free from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. ...more

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Aug 19, 2014 Aspoon rated it really liked it

I am not a huge fan of this author writing style but OMG it’s just so much going on in this book…one gasp after another on my part….John Harding, the Duke of Pembroke was a handful. After reading his mother’s story and absolutely hating it, I couldn’t wait to read John’s story because I just had to know who Paul’s son turned out. ). I was intrigued to know if John has mommy issues considering she was missing for the first 10 years of his life. I wonder if he ever thought about his father Paul. I I am not a huge fan of this author writing style but OMG it’s just so much going on in this book…one gasp after another on my part….John Harding, the Duke of Pembroke was a handful. After reading his mother’s story and absolutely hating it, I couldn’t wait to read John’s story because I just had to know who Paul’s son turned out. ). I was intrigued to know if John has mommy issues considering she was missing for the first 10 years of his life. I wonder if he ever thought about his father Paul. I wondered if his grandfather was still the same harda** toward John as he was with his daughters and come to find out if grandfather treated him worse it seems. John has become such a hard, cynical and emotionless man over the years. I damn neared cried at my desk when he confronted his mother about her absence in his earlier life and about her past. For some reason I connect with John and I’m not sure if it’s because I liked his father Paul in the first book.

Now, as far as the heroine…I thought she was extremely weak. I know women were ill-used and dominated by men during this time period but as a modern day woman I get so infuriated at how naive these heroines are. At the start John basically (without her knowledge) treated her like a mistress…buying her things like a bonnet, an elegant dress and then sweet talking/commanding her to meet him in private for a little tete - a-tete and do things that’s inappropriate for her to do with a Duke….semi-things that a mistress would do for those gifts…and she just goes along with it. He commands her to get dressed after sampling her “goods” and then throws her clothes at her and demands that she gets dressed like she’s some below the stairs servant and her temper doesn’t even flair…not enough to kick this jacka** to the curb and be with her vicar who actually respects her. I don’t think Katherine is a strong heroine and it’s ok to be strong to a certain extent, even with a powerful Duke. If he truly loved her, he would respect that strength in her. This heroine was pretty much weak throughout the entire book and had no personality to boot.

I know this author doesn’t succumb to extreme details when it comes to the sexual act between the characters of her book, however it would still be nice to have more true, deep, heart wrenching, and emotionally detailed scenes with the characters..that way I can truly believe they did love each other or they did truly desire each other, especially at the beginning. Sometimes it’s not just about sex, a lot of the time it’s about the buildup, the tension, the detail description of the tension between each other. Just b/c the characters are thinking it doesn’t make it authentic, it’s just thoughts, no real feelings to me.
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Mar 26, 2014 Anasheh Satoorian rated it it was amazing

If you have been following my blog, then you know that is no secret how much I enjoy Jane Lark's Historical Fiction books. She doesn't just write stories, she has created a beautiful world with strong vivid characters that you can't help but find yourself rooting for. And The Scandalous Love of a Duke is no different.

We initially met John Harding in the first book in the series as we following his mother's desperate battle to get her son back. Fast forward several years, we know get to see how If you have been following my blog, then you know that is no secret how much I enjoy Jane Lark's Historical Fiction books. She doesn't just write stories, she has created a beautiful world with strong vivid characters that you can't help but find yourself rooting for. And The Scandalous Love of a Duke is no different.

We initially met John Harding in the first book in the series as we following his mother's desperate battle to get her son back. Fast forward several years, we know get to see how John has an adult and how his childhood has affected him as a man about to inherit a Dukedom. His entire life John has always wondered why his mother was not with him for the first ten years of his life. During those ten years, he was molded by his Grandfather on how to be proper Duke and how to never let his emotions get the best of him. Feeling abandoned and unloved by his mother during his childhood, we watch John's desperate need for affection, but his inability to let anyone close enough to give him what he needs. My heart broke for John through out the first part of the book and how he was unable to see all the love that was around him. I found myself yelling at his mother to just tell him the truth so he can move on with his life. He needed the strong love of a woman who can relate to his up bringing and that is here Kate comes in.

First off let me say, that I think Kate is now my favorite Heroine in this series. I didn't think I could like her more than I did Ellen in the first book, but alas she won me over. Kate herself has had a hard life. Adopted to a family where she didn't think she belongs, she too has struggled to feel loved and accepted. And at a young age she find herself falling for her brother's best friend John. For seven years she kept her feeling hidden. And if you read the inspiration behind this story, then you realize why calling this story's Kate "Waity Katie," also fits. Now that John is back and is starting to notice this fully grown and developed Kate he find himself attracted to her. But Kate knows that nothing could come from this and she does not want to follow in her natural mother's footsteps. However, she is the only one who can comfort John and she is selfless enough to be there for him even if it breaks her heart in the process.

This was another amazing story, and I really enjoyed reading about John's struggle and seeing watching him experience hope and how to let love in. Plus I was glad to get to meet Mary and and super excited to see how her story plays out in the next book! Thank you Jane for gracing us with another heart warming page turner! You know I am your fan for life!
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Sep 04, 2014 Monica rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 5-star-reads, beautiful-love-story, favorite-authors, favorite-book-boyfriend, favorites, heart-wrenching, hella-angsty, historical-romance, pass-me-the-tissue, regency-romance

5 Stars!!!

Again Jane Lark has knocked it out of the park with the 3rd book in this series. Oh John Harding you are a complicated mess. But the best part is we get to unravel you in the pages of this fabulous story. Katherine is a sweet young lady that has been in love with John since childhood. John has grown into a harsh young man that feels he does not deserve love. That is until he see’s Katherine and it all changes from here. John has many relationships to mend and some healing to do before 5 Stars!!!

Again Jane Lark has knocked it out of the park with the 3rd book in this series. Oh John Harding you are a complicated mess. But the best part is we get to unravel you in the pages of this fabulous story. Katherine is a sweet young lady that has been in love with John since childhood. John has grown into a harsh young man that feels he does not deserve love. That is until he see’s Katherine and it all changes from here. John has many relationships to mend and some healing to do before he becomes the man you want him to be. Katherine has some of her own skeletons that she must put to rest. Fate has plenty in store for this couple and it is a beautiful journey.

This book is angsty but not so bad you want to swear or hurt someone, its more like “would you people get your act straight” type of angst. You feel every emotion with John and Katherine’s love, healing and heartbreak. This series is just fabulous and I would recommend it to all. It has everything that a good romance novel should; love, intrigue, danger, healing and most of all steamy yet tasteful love scenes.

The writing in this book was so well done I was captivated from the first chapter. I am such a huge fan of Jane Lark’s work. I loved John and Katherine’s story.

Jane Lark’s writing style flows steady to the very end. She gives you a nice bow-tie epilogue to complete the book. These are my favorite type of books. The descriptiveness in Ms. Lark’s writing will make you feel as though you are a fly on the wall.

I chose to read the entire series and started at the beginning. I am glad I did so I discovered the characters as they entered the story. You do not have to do this. Each book can be read by itself. I highly recommend this book and the entire series you will not be disappointed. Jane Lark is one of my favorite authors.

My Favorite Quotes:

She was only a light burden. A precious burden.

She could wash his soul clean; that was how he felt.

“I could be no one to you.” He took the full cup she held out. “You are wrong. You can be everything to me, Katherine.”

They shared this escape, shared this act which could tie a man and woman together for a moment in time.

She was in his head, his heart and his soul while he was so physically insider her.

Katherine’s fingers wrapped about John’s forearm, gentle and precious. He felt them wrap about his heart too and the ice inside him melted.
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Apr 12, 2014 eyes.2c rated it liked it

Shelves: netgalley, regency-romance

...a tortured tangle________3 1/2 stars

John Harding is the Duke of Pembroke. Traumatized by his upbringing under his grandfather's gimlet gaze, John knows only harshness, undergirded by a deep sense of abandonment. Poor John, a product of his upbringing! Yet I cannot like him as he toys with Katherine. Katherine who is unloved, a Cinderella figure in the household into which she has been adopted. Despite that or because of that she gives all to her childhood hero, John.
Oh, she tries to hold bac ...a tortured tangle________3 1/2 stars

John Harding is the Duke of Pembroke. Traumatized by his upbringing under his grandfather's gimlet gaze, John knows only harshness, undergirded by a deep sense of abandonment. Poor John, a product of his upbringing! Yet I cannot like him as he toys with Katherine. Katherine who is unloved, a Cinderella figure in the household into which she has been adopted. Despite that or because of that she gives all to her childhood hero, John.
Oh, she tries to hold back but she is so tempted. This is where, to me, John falls into selfish behaviour. He uses Katherine as an escape. As he admits, it was ridiculous hiding out and escaping with his oldest friend. She is not a courtesan and yet he is treating her as one.
But then John has had to fight from turning into a carbon copy of his grandfather - cold and distant. I thought his seduction of Katherine indeed showed him as just that. In this he is less than honourable, although Katherine, with stars in her eyes, is willing. Katherine wants to rescue him. In that rescue, she becomes the victim.
Katherine is illegitimate. Her mother committed suicide. Is Katherine to tread the same path? There are hints of deeper mysteries at work here. Katherine's past, John's mother, and another nasty character, Wareham the steward.
The story revolves around John finding the space to love and be loved, and about forgiveness and pride, and Katherine's role in this. I can accept that John is damaged, I can see that Katherine is a Cinderella figure, but John does try my patience. He's just so very brooding and self centred. And yes, I know the tangled trap he is placed in. Nurture versus nature etcetera, but it just takes such a jolly long time for John's nature to escape the devastating trammels of his nurturing. In the end I'm left feeling that both characters are a tad flat. Some of the minor characters such as Katherine's brother and John's stepfather exhibit a decided strength of purpose that I applauded.

A NetGalley ARC ...more

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Jun 07, 2014 Sassy Moms Say Read Romance rated it really liked it

This by far, was my favorite book in the series. This book follows, John, Ellen's child from the first book in the series.
Now John is all grown and ready to step in to the role of the Duke. The role his grandfather primed him for. Upon his return to England, he says goodbye to his grandfather finds himself now the head of the family. It was a position he tried to avoid for he did not want to be like his grandfather.
Katherine has been in love with John since she saw him swimming in the lake. S ...more

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Apr 06, 2014 Patty McKenna Van Hulle rated it it was amazing

Shelves: historical-romance, netgalley

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. Jane Lark

John Harding is the Duke of Pembroke and should have everything at his fingertips. What he is a deeply scarred man who does not think he deserves love. John's mother was ripped from him by his grandfather when he was a very young child. His grandfather beat any and all emotions from his young heart and left what John calls "his grandfather's monster" in it place. Katherine Spencer grew up down the lane from John and has loved him forever. John and her brother Phillip have always bee ...more

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May 01, 2014 Lynn rated it really liked it

Shelves: abused-child, all-in-the-family, angst, damaged-but-wonderful-hero, h-had-sex-w-other-before, pregnant, rake, sister-issues, villan-attempted-assault-or-rape, netgalley-read

This is a Cinderella type story and be honest who doesn't love that scenario, and you get that wonderful storyline in this book. John (the newly titled Duke of Pembroke) after the death of his rather cold and tyrannical grandfather... he is cold and unfeeling as he has been trained to be that way, he is that way with his mother and stepfather as well as his siblings.... the only one who seems to see beneath his mask is the heroine Katherine. She is the light to his inner darkness. They can never ...more

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Aug 07, 2014 Talor Pickering rated it it was amazing

The Scandalous Love Of A Duke is the third book in the Marlow Intrigues series but this book can be read as a stand alone novel but if you're anything like me you will end up downloading the rest of the books in the series. So John who if you have read the first two books you will know that the small boy you have read about is now a dark damaged and scarred man, who's darkness consumes him.

Katherine has loved and swooned over the duke since he was a boy playing in the water with her brother, sh ...more

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Apr 02, 2014 Sonya Heaney added it

Originally posted HERE .

Here was his quintessential English rose, a woman with modesty who could still blush.

Surely at some point in the near future publishers are going to run out of titles with Scandalous and Duke in them! However I do like the different idea for the cover!

Unusually for a book in this genre, there is no date given at the start. We meet our characters in a prologue where they’re significantly younger. A young man who is a future duke, a lower-ranking girl – a family friend – ...more

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Apr 02, 2014 Jennifer Ellision added it

Shelves: netgalley, adult, dnf, read-in-2014, romance, reviewed

DNF review posted to The Bevy Bibliotheque:

Okay, so upon reading the above summary, I probably could have guessed that The Scandalous Love of a Duke by Jane Lark would not work for me. But I was in the mood for some historical romance, it was “Read Now,” and so (without reading the blurb– BIG MISTAKE) I added it to my list.

And now I’m two for two with DNFing my latest reads.

It was just so… GAH. Guys, I’m not even sure that The Scandalous Love of a Duke by Jane Lark was proofread. Why am I having ...more

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Aug 05, 2014 Jo Hughes rated it it was amazing

I would like to thank author Jane Lark for sending me a copy of this in exchange for a fair and honest review.

We now catch up with the Marlow family years later, John Harding, the eldest stepson of Edward has moved away from his family, having never really felt part of the family. Convinced it was something within him, after it is instilled in him, to never show emotion, weakness and keep his distance by his Grandfather. John really does not want to take on his role of the Duke of Pembroke when ...more

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Apr 22, 2014 Zili rated it really liked it

4 Stars in my Sky!

The Scandalous Love of a Duke is a fun historical romance. Katherine 'Kate' has been in love with John, her brother Philip's childhood friend for years, but John is the future Duke of Pembroke and is far above her humble station. He's also disheartened, mistrustful and up-to-now, completely oblivious to Kate as anything more than a childhood friend.

I really like Kate, she's not your average young woman and often seemed far more modern than we would have expected from her time. ...more

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