What do you think?
Rate this book
A Rogue for the Dutiful Duchess
A dramatic Regency romance
The scandal of the season
Must be stopped!
Widowed duchess Sophie will do anything to protect her son and his inheritance. Even ask roguish Lord Nicholas Pascoe to retrieve her late husband’s diaries before the secrets they contain bring down the government and the monarchy! Sophie knows she must maintain her distance from Nicholas…only she can’t help but respond to the desire in his eyes. Their mission is treacherous, but will it prove as dangerous as their unexpected attraction?
From Harlequin Your romantic escape to the past.
The scandal of the season
Must be stopped!
Widowed duchess Sophie will do anything to protect her son and his inheritance. Even ask roguish Lord Nicholas Pascoe to retrieve her late husband’s diaries before the secrets they contain bring down the government and the monarchy! Sophie knows she must maintain her distance from Nicholas…only she can’t help but respond to the desire in his eyes. Their mission is treacherous, but will it prove as dangerous as their unexpected attraction?
From Harlequin Your romantic escape to the past.
279 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 28, 2023
8 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
Louise Allen
420 books333 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
This author also writes under the name Francesca Shaw.
I have had my nose buried in a history book - fact or fiction - for as long as I can remember, but even more important to me are the places and the objects that conjure up the past. My first attempt at historical fiction at the age of eight was three pages of improbable medieval drama set in the local castle.
With a degree in geography and archaeology I love to try and 'read' the landscape and the buildings in it for clues about the past. Virtually any place can trigger ideas for plots, but I am particularly inspired by Venice, Burgundy, Mediterranean islands and the Hertfordshire and Norfolk countryside.
I live in England in a village in Bedfordshire with my long-suffering husband. He is not sure whether to be flattered or alarmed to be told he is the inspiration for all my romantic heroes! Whenever possible we escape to our cottage on the North Norfolk coast where Percy, the bossy pheasant, allows us to share the garden.
My resolution every time I start on a new plot is to plan it carefully, make copious notes first and write lots of drafts in a disciplined and orderly manner. What inevitably happens is that the story starts to write itself in my head until it gets completely out of control - meanwhile my study floor becomes a sea of open books, prints and maps and I am found sitting in the car at traffic lights, muttering dialogue. At that point I have to start writing, knowing full well that the hero and heroine are going to take over and sabotage all my attempts at discipline. It is, after all, their story.
This author also writes under the name Francesca Shaw.
I have had my nose buried in a history book - fact or fiction - for as long as I can remember, but even more important to me are the places and the objects that conjure up the past. My first attempt at historical fiction at the age of eight was three pages of improbable medieval drama set in the local castle.
With a degree in geography and archaeology I love to try and 'read' the landscape and the buildings in it for clues about the past. Virtually any place can trigger ideas for plots, but I am particularly inspired by Venice, Burgundy, Mediterranean islands and the Hertfordshire and Norfolk countryside.
I live in England in a village in Bedfordshire with my long-suffering husband. He is not sure whether to be flattered or alarmed to be told he is the inspiration for all my romantic heroes! Whenever possible we escape to our cottage on the North Norfolk coast where Percy, the bossy pheasant, allows us to share the garden.
My resolution every time I start on a new plot is to plan it carefully, make copious notes first and write lots of drafts in a disciplined and orderly manner. What inevitably happens is that the story starts to write itself in my head until it gets completely out of control - meanwhile my study floor becomes a sea of open books, prints and maps and I am found sitting in the car at traffic lights, muttering dialogue. At that point I have to start writing, knowing full well that the hero and heroine are going to take over and sabotage all my attempts at discipline. It is, after all, their story.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 29, 2023
I usually like this author, but this book was rather boring and the two main characters had no chemistry with each other at all....I don't know, maybe it was not the right time for me to read this book.
Di solito questa autrice mi piace, ma questo libro é stato piuttosto noioso e i due protagonisti non avevano per niente chimica tra di loro. Non saprei, forse non era il momento giusto per me di leggere questo libro.
I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
Di solito questa autrice mi piace, ma questo libro é stato piuttosto noioso e i due protagonisti non avevano per niente chimica tra di loro. Non saprei, forse non era il momento giusto per me di leggere questo libro.
I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
January 19, 2023
I was provided an arc e-copy by the publisher Harlequin Historical by the author Louise Allen so I can give a honest review thank you so much so I can give a honest review.
I love reading Harlequin Historical something about these stories warms my heart. A Rogue for the Dutiful Duchess was a delightful read I love these two characters I can't wait to read her next book 5 star read 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Happy Reading
Lisa📚
I love reading Harlequin Historical something about these stories warms my heart. A Rogue for the Dutiful Duchess was a delightful read I love these two characters I can't wait to read her next book 5 star read 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Happy Reading
Lisa📚
March 24, 2023
Fantastic story that kept me hooked from start to finish. Sophie is a young widow who has just finished her year of mourning. She looks forward to her independence and caring for her young son. She has no intention of marrying again and giving up her freedom but will devote her time to raising her son and caring for his estates until he is grown.
Her marriage wasn't happy, with her much older husband moving his mistress into their home. Even after his death, she was stuck with the woman until the year's mourning ended. On that day, Sophie discovered the mistress gone, along with several of the duke's diaries - diaries that would create an enormous scandal if they were made public. Desperate to prevent that scandal, she hires "problem fixer" Nicholas Pascoe to retrieve them.
I loved the first meeting between Sophie and Nick. He is handsome, confident, and not at all deferential. Something about him stirs her up, and she doesn't like it. Nick is equally drawn to her and just as dismayed. He doesn't need the distraction while he works to retrieve the diaries. I enjoyed the sparks that flew between them during that meeting as they wrangled over the details of the mission. Nick's methods are effective, and I had fun watching him work his wiles on Mrs. Sweeting. There are some tense moments when his search faces disaster, but quick-thinking Sophie saves the day.
At the same time, the attraction between Sophie and Nick continues to grow. Their chemistry is explosive, and they also find themselves becoming friends. Each finds themselves thinking of the impossibility of their growing feelings for each other. But Nick is hiding a secret that could change everything. I loved that he trusted Sophie enough to share his story and that she cared enough to help him. I loved seeing her play referee at the ball.
But the defeated mistress has one last card to play, and it is a doozy. The mayhem she causes forces Nick's hand regarding his future and his need to protect Sophie. I loved how cool and calm he was as he carried out his plans. I ached for both, as each was reluctant to confess their feelings, their fear of rejection creating distance between them. I could have shaken them both when miscommunication caused misunderstandings and harsh words. The ending was heartwarmingly emotional, with both admitting to their fears and mistakes and their love.
I loved Sophie's son Freddie. He's realistically portrayed for his age, with good and bad moments. Sophie doesn't spoil him and intends to ensure he grows into a responsible man. It was sweet to see how he took to "Pas!" and that Nick was equally enchanted with him. My favorite scene with them was the coach ride when Nick and Freddie went to ride on top to give Sophie a break. The two were adorable together.
#netgalley
Her marriage wasn't happy, with her much older husband moving his mistress into their home. Even after his death, she was stuck with the woman until the year's mourning ended. On that day, Sophie discovered the mistress gone, along with several of the duke's diaries - diaries that would create an enormous scandal if they were made public. Desperate to prevent that scandal, she hires "problem fixer" Nicholas Pascoe to retrieve them.
I loved the first meeting between Sophie and Nick. He is handsome, confident, and not at all deferential. Something about him stirs her up, and she doesn't like it. Nick is equally drawn to her and just as dismayed. He doesn't need the distraction while he works to retrieve the diaries. I enjoyed the sparks that flew between them during that meeting as they wrangled over the details of the mission. Nick's methods are effective, and I had fun watching him work his wiles on Mrs. Sweeting. There are some tense moments when his search faces disaster, but quick-thinking Sophie saves the day.
At the same time, the attraction between Sophie and Nick continues to grow. Their chemistry is explosive, and they also find themselves becoming friends. Each finds themselves thinking of the impossibility of their growing feelings for each other. But Nick is hiding a secret that could change everything. I loved that he trusted Sophie enough to share his story and that she cared enough to help him. I loved seeing her play referee at the ball.
But the defeated mistress has one last card to play, and it is a doozy. The mayhem she causes forces Nick's hand regarding his future and his need to protect Sophie. I loved how cool and calm he was as he carried out his plans. I ached for both, as each was reluctant to confess their feelings, their fear of rejection creating distance between them. I could have shaken them both when miscommunication caused misunderstandings and harsh words. The ending was heartwarmingly emotional, with both admitting to their fears and mistakes and their love.
I loved Sophie's son Freddie. He's realistically portrayed for his age, with good and bad moments. Sophie doesn't spoil him and intends to ensure he grows into a responsible man. It was sweet to see how he took to "Pas!" and that Nick was equally enchanted with him. My favorite scene with them was the coach ride when Nick and Freddie went to ride on top to give Sophie a break. The two were adorable together.
#netgalley
April 2, 2023
Sophie, the Duchess of St Edmund's is relieved to be out of mourning for a husband who treated her like a brood mare and kept his mistress under her roof. The mistress had one year to leave the house and as she left, she absconded with three of the dead Duke's journals which contained life-damaging information about some people whose names would be recognized. Sophie must get the journals back in order to protect her son's future reputation. Her childhood friend Duncan has acquired the assistance of his old friend, Lord Nicholas Pascoe, to retrieve the journals.
Nicholas Pascoe has been estranged from his father for many years. Since then, he has made his living rescuing victims of card sharks and helping others get out of tight spaces. When he is hired to help Sophie get her late husband's journals back from his thieving mistress, he is almost immediately taken with Sophie. But he has a job to do. During the course of his attempt to get the stolen journals back, he spends much time with Sophie and starts to fall for her.
Sophie, having never done anything to besmirch her reputation, wonders if spending some time in Nicholas's arms would really be that harmful. Is it possible that a widowed proper Duchess and a wayward Viscount can have a future together?
This was an enjoyable read. I liked the intrigue regarding the stolen journals and the burgeoning feelings that grew between Sophie and Nicholas.
Nicholas Pascoe has been estranged from his father for many years. Since then, he has made his living rescuing victims of card sharks and helping others get out of tight spaces. When he is hired to help Sophie get her late husband's journals back from his thieving mistress, he is almost immediately taken with Sophie. But he has a job to do. During the course of his attempt to get the stolen journals back, he spends much time with Sophie and starts to fall for her.
Sophie, having never done anything to besmirch her reputation, wonders if spending some time in Nicholas's arms would really be that harmful. Is it possible that a widowed proper Duchess and a wayward Viscount can have a future together?
This was an enjoyable read. I liked the intrigue regarding the stolen journals and the burgeoning feelings that grew between Sophie and Nicholas.
June 21, 2023
This was a first time read for me by this author. I haven't had the opportunity to read a lot of Harlequin Historicals, but after reading this one, I will definitely be looking for more. This was a delightful and charming story and kept me engaged from beginning to end. Sophie is a young widow and has finished her year of mourning. Her marriage was not a happy one, as her husband's mistress also took up residence in their home. When the mistress disappears with her husband's diaries, there is an urgency to find them as they could cause a great scandal, should they fall into the wrong hands. She then hires Lord Nicholas to help her locate and retrieve them. Sophie had no intention of marrying again and was ready to start her life with her newfound independence and her young son, but when she meets Nicholas, she is completely drawn to him, and he to her. The sparks fly strong between them and they cannot deny the attraction they feel for each other.
This was a very enjoyable read and I enjoyed getting to know the characters and watching them grow closer. It was a well-written, intriguing story, and was such a pleasure to read. I'm looking forward to reading more books by this author.
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
This was a very enjoyable read and I enjoyed getting to know the characters and watching them grow closer. It was a well-written, intriguing story, and was such a pleasure to read. I'm looking forward to reading more books by this author.
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
March 8, 2023
Propulsive and steamy
When the widowed Duchess Sophie ends her formal mourning period, she expects to quietly settle down with an eligible gentleman of an appropriate rank. However, when her family is threatened by scandal, she hires a rogue who is just as alluring as he is effective.
This was a propulsive, well-researched, and well-written read! The characters really came alive and their chemistry was evident from the outset. Nicholas has an especially complex and interesting backstory. The author strikes a nice balance between the inclusion of period-appropriate details and making the story recognizable and relatable to a modern audience. I do feel that the miscommunication at the end was drawn out, but I personally struggle with conflicts that stem from a lack of frank conversation.
Overall, a fast-paced and romantic page-turner!
Thank you to Harlequin US & Canada Historical for sharing this ARC with me in exchange for an honest review on Goodreads.
When the widowed Duchess Sophie ends her formal mourning period, she expects to quietly settle down with an eligible gentleman of an appropriate rank. However, when her family is threatened by scandal, she hires a rogue who is just as alluring as he is effective.
This was a propulsive, well-researched, and well-written read! The characters really came alive and their chemistry was evident from the outset. Nicholas has an especially complex and interesting backstory. The author strikes a nice balance between the inclusion of period-appropriate details and making the story recognizable and relatable to a modern audience. I do feel that the miscommunication at the end was drawn out, but I personally struggle with conflicts that stem from a lack of frank conversation.
Overall, a fast-paced and romantic page-turner!
Thank you to Harlequin US & Canada Historical for sharing this ARC with me in exchange for an honest review on Goodreads.
March 25, 2023
Exceedingly romantic....
Nicholas Pascoe has been hired by Sophia, a widowed duchess to retrieve her deceased husband's stolen diaries. His is a human rapier who makes problems go away and Sophia needs those diaries back to protect her one year old son from her husband's mistress. From the moment Pascoe meets Sophia, he is extremely aware of her as a woman, something no man around her seems to do. (Sidebar, Duncan Grant needs his own story, please).
This is very much the liberation of Sophia. Born a daughter to a marquess, the wife of a duke and the mother to a duke, She is a very young widow who is just out of mourning and becoming aware of her power. Meanwhile, Nicholas is seething with emotions for Sophia, something he is not accustomed to - having feelings. Yet, he loves her and is struggling with all his boiling emotions.
Highly Recommend. This is an excellent book and I highly recommend it.
Nicholas Pascoe has been hired by Sophia, a widowed duchess to retrieve her deceased husband's stolen diaries. His is a human rapier who makes problems go away and Sophia needs those diaries back to protect her one year old son from her husband's mistress. From the moment Pascoe meets Sophia, he is extremely aware of her as a woman, something no man around her seems to do. (Sidebar, Duncan Grant needs his own story, please).
This is very much the liberation of Sophia. Born a daughter to a marquess, the wife of a duke and the mother to a duke, She is a very young widow who is just out of mourning and becoming aware of her power. Meanwhile, Nicholas is seething with emotions for Sophia, something he is not accustomed to - having feelings. Yet, he loves her and is struggling with all his boiling emotions.
Highly Recommend. This is an excellent book and I highly recommend it.
May 1, 2023
Regency Romance… Widow Duchess Sophie has a problem. Her late husband’s diaries were stolen. If the contents are exposed, then it affect her son’s inheritance. So, she hires Nicholas to retrieve the diaries. The interaction between h&h were good. It is about taking the chance to love again and trust someone. This is the type of book you curl up on a raining day with a warm fuzzy blanket and just enjoy it. I liked this book, and it was surprising, sweet in a lot of ways. I enjoyed this and would recommend this to other people.
**I received this book from NetGalley and publisher for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
**I received this book from NetGalley and publisher for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
June 17, 2023
A good category regency romance novel featuring one of my favourite tropes: a widow with a disappointing/loveless first marriage finding love.
This novel packs a lot of plot arcs into one category length book. It has an adventure/caper angle as the main characters retrieve stolen documents, it has a revenge plot, it has the main romantic arc, it has the hero’s relationship with his estranged father, and the heroine’s transformation from a detached and dutiful lady to someone who considers her own wants in addition to sense of duty.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an advance reader copy. My review is my own honest reflections on my reading experience.
This novel packs a lot of plot arcs into one category length book. It has an adventure/caper angle as the main characters retrieve stolen documents, it has a revenge plot, it has the main romantic arc, it has the hero’s relationship with his estranged father, and the heroine’s transformation from a detached and dutiful lady to someone who considers her own wants in addition to sense of duty.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an advance reader copy. My review is my own honest reflections on my reading experience.
April 1, 2023
An unexpected hero and the Duchess
As soon as the hero of this book appears on the page, you know he is going to be a brilliant lead to the story. Mysterious, attractive, clever... Less of a rogue, apparently more of a cipher, definitely an enigma - and a fabulous foil to the determined young duchess who is doing her best to safeguard her very young son, the duke, and his future. I really enjoyed the woman being the more socially powerful in this story, although 'Mr Pascoe' has a few secrets of his own Five stars *****. Really enjoyed it.
As soon as the hero of this book appears on the page, you know he is going to be a brilliant lead to the story. Mysterious, attractive, clever... Less of a rogue, apparently more of a cipher, definitely an enigma - and a fabulous foil to the determined young duchess who is doing her best to safeguard her very young son, the duke, and his future. I really enjoyed the woman being the more socially powerful in this story, although 'Mr Pascoe' has a few secrets of his own Five stars *****. Really enjoyed it.
September 24, 2025
A Compelling read. I enjoyed Louise Allen's Regency novel from the start. Both the main protagnoists leapt off the page as sympathetic yet compelling characters and overall it was an easy going read from an author at the top of her game, with a deftness of touch, who is clearly in command of her period, which to the extent that it was required is richly evoked. Newcomers to this author would do well to start with this story as they will become devotees of Louise Allen very quickly and very likely stay with the author for many years and books to come.
December 29, 2023
Not the usual type of book from this author, meandered a little in the middle, but decent read.
Sophie, is just out of mourning for her late husband, who died the night she provided him with his heir. All should be well, his live in mistress has had to vacate her rooms in Sophies home, and she and her son can get on with life. But Sophie discovers the woman has stolen diaries belong to the late duke, and so hired a friend of her stewards to retrieve them before the contents are made public
Sophie, is just out of mourning for her late husband, who died the night she provided him with his heir. All should be well, his live in mistress has had to vacate her rooms in Sophies home, and she and her son can get on with life. But Sophie discovers the woman has stolen diaries belong to the late duke, and so hired a friend of her stewards to retrieve them before the contents are made public
January 25, 2024
Was an easy read. Not overly exciting but i didnt dnf so thats a positive?
June 7, 2025
Sophie was obnoxious.
January 4, 2023
In Regency England Sophie is a straight as an arrow Duchess. As innocent as a virgin. But she fiercely protects her son and simply must stop her late husband’s diaries being made public and bring down scandal. Nicholas is a shady but dreamy character and she hires him to retrieve the diaries. But Nicholas is not what he seems to be. Can there be a chance for a relationship? And what of the danger facing them both even now that the diaries have been found?
This tale is sweet but seductive with a dose of the thriller to it. A wonderful exciting read. Although, the stimulating sexy bits are not too terribly explicit so it has a broader appeal. I’d say it was mild to hot. Both characters are engaging and we have dual POVs to let us in to their hearts - and libido’s. It is not a case of mild danger -> fall in love -> end of story. It is much richer than that and more genuine, realistic.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This tale is sweet but seductive with a dose of the thriller to it. A wonderful exciting read. Although, the stimulating sexy bits are not too terribly explicit so it has a broader appeal. I’d say it was mild to hot. Both characters are engaging and we have dual POVs to let us in to their hearts - and libido’s. It is not a case of mild danger -> fall in love -> end of story. It is much richer than that and more genuine, realistic.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
May 31, 2023
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.
Now that she has finished her mourning period, Sophie, Dowager Duchess of St Edmund's only focus is on raising her young son, Freddie. She had been little more than an incubator for her late husband, who married her only for an heir, and lived with his mistress under the same roof. When he died, the mistress stole some of his diaries, which contained secrets that would lead to public disgrace if they were ever discovered. With only her childhood friend, Duncan, to rely on Sophie begs for help, and Duncan recommends Nicholas Pascoe for the job. Nicholas is unlike any man Sophie has ever met. He's not at all differential and is far more confident than she would expect a working man to be. But he's actually a lord, though his relationship with his father is a strained one. Working together to save Freddie's future, Nick and Sophie have their work cute out for them, and not just in protecting their own hearts.
I really enjoyed this book! Sophie and Nick's romance was epic, and their banter and camaraderie was definitely more than just lust and desire. Yes, there were moments of jealousy as Nick tried to work on Mrs Sweeting to get a hold of the diaries, but he was so caring to Sophie. She really needed that, and seeing him with Freddie, as a father should be, was wonderful too. They didn't have a smooth romance, and the mistress wasn't about to go down without a fight, but all turned out great in the end. A phenomenal Regency romance!
Now that she has finished her mourning period, Sophie, Dowager Duchess of St Edmund's only focus is on raising her young son, Freddie. She had been little more than an incubator for her late husband, who married her only for an heir, and lived with his mistress under the same roof. When he died, the mistress stole some of his diaries, which contained secrets that would lead to public disgrace if they were ever discovered. With only her childhood friend, Duncan, to rely on Sophie begs for help, and Duncan recommends Nicholas Pascoe for the job. Nicholas is unlike any man Sophie has ever met. He's not at all differential and is far more confident than she would expect a working man to be. But he's actually a lord, though his relationship with his father is a strained one. Working together to save Freddie's future, Nick and Sophie have their work cute out for them, and not just in protecting their own hearts.
I really enjoyed this book! Sophie and Nick's romance was epic, and their banter and camaraderie was definitely more than just lust and desire. Yes, there were moments of jealousy as Nick tried to work on Mrs Sweeting to get a hold of the diaries, but he was so caring to Sophie. She really needed that, and seeing him with Freddie, as a father should be, was wonderful too. They didn't have a smooth romance, and the mistress wasn't about to go down without a fight, but all turned out great in the end. A phenomenal Regency romance!
July 19, 2023
Widow Sophie discovers that her late husband's mistress has stolen his secret diaries. She hires Nicholas to retrieve them. When the dangerous plot forces them to work together, will their lives—and their hearts—emerge unscathed?
I enjoyed the characters and the intrigue in this novel. Dutiful Sophie and roguish Nicholas were perfect foils for one another.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
I enjoyed the characters and the intrigue in this novel. Dutiful Sophie and roguish Nicholas were perfect foils for one another.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
June 28, 2023
Louise Allen is a great story teller--romance and sexual tension build. Then unfortunately we get graphic sex scenes incompatible with the historical period and the behavior of aristocratic women --who were not courtesans-- in that period. Other authors of "era romantic prose" have demonstrated over and over that heroines of the time could have lives of fulfillment without them turning into 21st century feminists or contemporary women.
July 8, 2023
Un Harmony History. Una storia d’amore che racconta la società passata con le sue regole e i suoi intrighi.
Ma sopratutto come il celare la verità sia più pericoloso del dirla. Una lettura piacevole.
Un 3 stelle quasi 4, data la natura del libro, che deve essere per sua natura un romanzo di evasione con un pizzico di riflessione.
Nessuna scena comunque hot se non giusto qualche accenno sorvolato.
Ma sopratutto come il celare la verità sia più pericoloso del dirla. Una lettura piacevole.
Un 3 stelle quasi 4, data la natura del libro, che deve essere per sua natura un romanzo di evasione con un pizzico di riflessione.
Nessuna scena comunque hot se non giusto qualche accenno sorvolato.
March 23, 2025
Great character work, seems to have actually researched regency era (looking at you, Bridgerton). Even though MMC is experienced and FMC isn't, she is written very compassionately and believably as a grown woman learning about sexuality. Hell yeah.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews