Duke of Shadows: Regency Hearts Book 6

by Jennifer Monroe

A fearless crusader for justice. A brooding duke with a guarded heart. And a scandal that could bring them together…Lady Marcella Fairchild has dedicated her life to challenging society’s expectations. As the secret owner of The Lady’s Sentinel, she champions women’s rights and exposes the injustices hidden behind the glittering world of the ton. Love has no place in her plans—until an unexpected threat forces her to seek protection from the one man who could upend Alexander Montgomery, the enigmatic Duke of Shadows.

Known for his wealth, influence, and reclusive nature, Alexander has kept his distance from society’s gaze. Yet from the moment he meets Marcella, her fiery determination stirs something in him he thought he had long buried. But Alexander harbors a past that could destroy their fragile trust—and as danger draws near, he must decide whether to risk his heart for the courageous woman who has captured it.

In a world where reputation is everything, Marcella and Alexander must learn to trust each other before their enemies tear them apart. Perfect for fans of heartfelt, slow-burn romances and rich historical settings, where love is built on trust, and the heart leads the way.

194 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2024

About the author

Jennifer Monroe is a USA Today bestselling author of sweet and clean Regency romance with over 40 books published across eight complete series. She writes swoony stories of first loves, second chances, strong-willed heroines, and brooding dukes, all with closed-door, kisses-and-longing-only romance and guaranteed happily-ever-afters.

Perfect for readers who love Sarah M. Eden, Julianne Donaldson, and Julie Klassen.
New to Jennifer Monroe? Sign up at jennifermonroeromance.com for a free copy of Regency Beginnings, a sampler featuring opening chapters from six bestselling series.

Reviews

[Dominique Englebert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can you live in the shadows forever?
Lady Marcella is an independent woman, owner of a very controversial paper where she exposes the injustice of the class system in London and England. Lord Alexander, known as the Duke of Shadows because he uses intermediaries of all his business deals. He also puts efforts in bettering the lives of the poor in London, but he remains secretive, always protecting the secret of his past by all means necessary. Can they meet somewhere in the middle? And will the Duke come out of the shadows when Lady Marcella is threatened because of her convictions?

[Lifelongreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

The battle for the rights of women and the poor had to begin somewhere. In this book, it began with the outspoken and passionate appeals of Lady Marcella. A duke falls for her compassionate heart, but fears for her safety and the disclosure of his secret. This book had a lot of suspense and great characters. I received this book as an ARC and am giving an honest review.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading Alexander and Marcella's wonderful story of their fight against injustices against the poor and downtrodden people of St Giles and Seven Dials. Both working in their own ways to reach the same goals justice against a common enemy.

[Fanosse23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book delivers so much more than just a romance—it’s a compelling tale of justice, social reform, and the powerful impact of one woman’s voice. Lady Marcella Fairchild isn’t content with being a mere ornament in society. As the secret owner of The Lady’s Sentinel, she fights fiercely for women’s rights and exposes the injustices buried beneath society’s glittering facade.

Enter Alexander Montgomery, the elusive Duke of Shadows. Known for his wealth and mysterious demeanor, Alexander has quietly advocated for social reform, but his world is upended when Marcella crashes into his life with her fiery determination. Together, they take on Lord Harrington, a villainous member of high society with ties to brothels and other unspeakable acts. But Alexander has a secret that he fiercely keeps hidden because if exposed it could uproot his world.

What stood out to me most was Marcella’s strength. Love was never part of her plan—her focus was breaking societal norms and being a voice for women’s rights. But as she falls for Alexander, the real battle becomes balancing her passion for justice with her growing feelings for him. Could marriage to such a man silence her voice, or will their love make her cause even stronger?

This heartfelt story masterfully weaves together social activism and romance, building a slow-burn connection between Marcella and Alexander as they gather evidence to bring down a villain. Their journey is full of ups and downs, trust issues, and a powerful message that love can bloom even in the fight for justice. If you’re craving a story rich with historical context, social causes, and a satisfying romance, I highly recommend this book.

I received an ARC copy of this book from the author, and I’m leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Marcella Fairchild has no time for love. Her heart and soul are devoted to The Lady’s Sentinel, the newspaper she secretly owns. When a powerful enemy threatens to silence her, Marcella is forced to turn to the most unlikely of allies—Alexander, the enigmatic Duke of Shadows. Known for his wealth, power, and secrecy, Alexander Montgomery has built his life on one rule: never let anyone get too close. Yet from the moment he crosses paths with Lady Marcella, he’s drawn to her fiery passion and unshakable resolve.
The sixth book in the series & it’s easily read on its own. I really liked both Alexander & Marcella, there was good chemistry between them. An interesting mix of romance, secrets & finding an enemy. A very well written engrossing book, which I thoroughly enjoyed
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Pat Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a very different Regency story this is. Romantic , but very clean and sweet. I adored how Marcella brought Alexander out of the Shadows and how Alexander showed Marcella much grace has she bared all to protect the less fortunate. Catching the villain as they did was exquisitely written and I did not see that coming! The characters were very real and I felt I was right in the room with them. Very well plotted and paced well. Enjoyable! I received this story for free and these are my own views.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lady Marsella is a strong advocate of making all aware of the fact that women should be allowed a voice in changing the injustices towards women and the poor and her paper speaks accordingly. When her paper is targeted by influential men seeking revenge she finds an unsuspected ally,in the duke and together they deal with the dangers that that threaten her. They also find their hea
A sweet and clean romance

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Marcella secretly owns a newspaper that fights for the rights of women.
Alexander, who is called the Duke of Shadows who prefers to do things behind the scenes, offers her his protection when she is threatened.
This is an interesting, entertaining story with great chemistry between the main characters, a secret and trying to bring down an evil lord.
There were a lot of interesting secondary characters that added to the story.

[Suzette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story about fighting for justice and finding love. Marcella is a strong willed and independent young lady with thinking that was ahead of her time. The author created a feisty character who was not afraid to push the envelope. Alexander is a Duke with a heart of gold hiding in the shadows. The plot of the story is interesting and easy to follow. Readers will like the outcomes and the character development.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful series of stories to spend time with. In this book, we find Lady Marcella doing her best to fight injustice and promote women. A villainous member of the ton has taken exception to this and Marcella turns to Alexander for help. A fast moving story with twists, romance and more. The chemistry between the two is great. The secondary characters add depth to the story. Leaving the reader engaged and delighted.

[Rosemary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is about Lady Marcella who secretly owns a newspaper, someone has threatened her and the things she is fighting for. She turns to Alexander, who is interested in Marcella as soon as he meets her. Which is not what he expects or wants. There is an evil villain, romance and a building of friendship. I enjoyed this book like I enjoyed all of Jennifer Monroe books I have read.