Audio review: The return of the Duke by Lorraine Heath

Narrated by: Kate Reading

Series: Once Upon a Dukedom, Book 3

Length: 9 hrs and 21 mins

Release date: 07-26-22

Publisher: HarperAudio

Historical romance /to review

I have been waiting for Marcus' book since he has been sneaking around in the shadows for some time now. His father was hanged, he was thrown into jail, lost fortune and titles, and now he wants answers. He is hunting the dark corners of London for them. And I liked Marcus, he made sure his brother and sister was safe, and still he hunts the darkness.

Esme, yikes. She was his father's mistress and he shows up wanting answers. The tension is high. Esme was self assured, took no bs, and knew what she wanted.

This is a spy book. They need to find out who wants Queen Victoria dead. And obvi they will fall in love. She is so strong, and he has changed since being thrown out on the street.

They worked well together, and I liked the mystery of finding out who might be behind things. This was the last on in the trilogy, but there are some nobles in it that will have a series of their own. I can't wait.

I enjoyed it. It does take them a while to truly trust each other, and to see that they deserved their hea.

Kate Reading is a great narration and makes this fun listening to. Historical romance is just perfect in audio

When his father, the Duke of Wolfford, is hanged for an assassination attempt on Queen Victoria, Marcus Stanwick is stripped of everything. Vowing to return honor to his family, he seeks to expose the others involved in the treasonous plot and bring them to justice. His search forces him to turn to a woman he despises for her unforgiveable betrayal--a woman known as the heartless harlot.

Harboring secrets, Esme Lancaster has her own reasons for wanting to discover who's behind the conspiracy that's still afoot. She doesn't trust Marcus but can't deny the handsome devil makes her wonder if she does indeed possess a heart, one he could very easily steal.

As their hunt for the truth leads them into danger, Marcus finds Esme isn't cold and calculating as he'd assumed but fire and brimstone, with courage and determination to match his own. Soon, they're unable to deny their growing desire for each other. But giving into temptation comes at a cost, and they must decide if love is worth the risk of losing their one chance for redemption.