Review: The Good, the Bad, and the Duke (The Cavensham Heiresses #4) by Janna MacGregor

Print Length: 356 pages

Publisher: St.Martin's Press (November 27, 2018)

From Goodreads.com: A lady with a noble mission. A duke looking for redemption. A forbidden love that cannot be denied… 

Lady Daphne Hallworth is ready to celebrate the holidays with her family. But when they accidentally leave her home alone, Daphne uses the time to work on her dream—opening a home for unwed mothers. But her quest isn’t problem-free: She’s in a battle to win the property for the home against her brother’s best friend-turned-enemy, Paul Barstowe, Duke of Southart. And that’s not all: someone has stolen her personal diary, which holds secrets that could devastate her family. Daphne has always harbored private feelings for the man her family scorns…though perhaps striking a bargain with the handsome Duke will solve both their problems?

Paul, long considered good for nothing, aims to open a hospital to honor his brother and restore his reputation. So when a conflict over the land brings him straight into Daphne’s life, they make a deal: He will help her find her diary if Daphne can change her family’s opinion of him. But before he can win her family’s affection, he has to win hers first. Maybe love was the answer to their family feud all along?

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My Rating: 3 stars out of 5

Like the other novels in this series (of which I have admittedly only read one other), this novel is a complete stand alone. There are characters from prior novels mentioned as well as the mention of prior story-lines, however it is done in such a way that it is easy to understand. 

Understanding is one thing, but unfortunately, I just couldn't get into this story and remain invested in it. I liked Paul - I feel like he went above and beyond for Daphne, who at times, didn't seem like she deserved it. Sometimes it is NOT a good thing to be an "independent miss". I feel like so much of the chaos was of her own making that I felt it hard to connect with her (much less feel sorry for her). When they were together, I did believe in the chemistry between them, even if Daphne comes across a bit.. strong at some points. 

There were times during this story I had to back up and re-read, mainly because they seemed a tad over the top, or in some cases down right implausible for a story taking place during this time period. On the plus side, the author does have a strong writing style, and this story moves at a steady pace, so I know that will appeal to some readers. 

Overall, this will be one of those stories that people either love or like. I don't see too many people outright disliking it. I would read more from this author. 

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

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                 The Good, the Bad, and the Duke is available from Amazon.com