Never Desire a Duke

A secret from his past holds the key to their future...

A Marriage Beyond Hope

Lady Sophia has long been estranged from her husband, Lord Vane Barwick, the Marquess of Claxton, whose rumored list of amorous conquests includes almost every beautiful woman of the ton. Yet a shocking encounter with him in a crowded ballroom—and a single touch—are all it takes to reawaken her furious passion for him. But how can she trust the man who crushed her dreams and took away the one thing she wanted most?

A Love Beyond Reason

Lord Claxton has never forgiven himself for the youthful mistake that ruined his marriage to Lady Sophia. Now, after nearly a year abroad, the reformed rogue vows to win back the only woman he's ever truly loved. He'll do whatever it takes to prove he can be the honorable husband she deserves—and the passionate lover she desires. As the snowdrifts deepen outside their ancestral home, can they rekindle the flame that burned so bright and find a new path to forever?

*May Contain Spoilers*

Lily Dalton debuted her historical romantic voice with her novel, Never Desire a Duke, the first in the Scandalous series. She pairs a woman who wanted nothing but to love her husband and have a family with a man whose own family only filled him with doubt. After the vows, Sophia and Vane share the ultimate misfortune: a miscarriage. And it tore them apart. With the idea of separation echoing in Sophia's mind and the desire to rekindle what was lost in Vane's, Never Desire a Duke is a romance novel full of comedy, heart warming moments, and two characters that will undoubtedly win the hearts of readers. 

Sophia is a family motivated main character. She's full of love and hope even in the aftermath of a terrible tragedy. She's mild tempered, patient, giving, logical, and still in love with a husband who abandoned her (even though she denies it). Readers will instantly fall to her side as they witness Sophia trying to find the strength to face the future. Vane, on the other hand, has had a very troubled youth which haunts him as an adult. After the death of his mother, his life was nothing but darkness. In Sophia, he found light and happiness. But he was a coward, running from the one thing in his life he ever wanted: his wife. At the beginning of the novel, Vane isn't a likeable character. But just as he must convince Sophia of his worthiness, his faithfulness, and his love, he must also convince the reader. Throughout the story, Sophia and readers align in spirit to forgive Vane and attempt to move forward. 

The plot follows Sophia and Vane through their relationship, which begins in shambles. Sophia wants to separate, legally, from Vane but Vane wants to start over. Though their ultimate goals oppose each other, they discover they want the same thing. Trapped in a house by wintry weather, the married couple must decide what the future holds for their vows and whether or not they can survive the storm. 

Rating: 4/5 Cups