My Daring Duchess

Once Upon a Rogue, Book 4

By: Julie Johnstone

Narrated by: Tim Campbell

Length: 4 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

When a lady bent on ruining rogues and a duke set on revenge attempt to derail each other's plans, passion erupts into a love for the ages.

After being left brokenhearted by a duplicitous rake, Anne Adair no longer desires a husband - she wants justice. She's traded in her foolish dream of happily ever after for the much more sensible one of thwarting the blackhearted lords who prey on innocent debutantes. But her first mission proves rather complicated when the dashing, devilish Duke of Kilmartin comes to the aid of her target.

Simon Sedgewick, the newly titled Duke of Kilmartin, never thought he would return to England, let alone attend a ball full of simpering lords. But when his oldest friend's reputation is being smeared and Simon discovers that the perpetrator is none other than his enemy's granddaughter, his long-festering desire for vengeance flares to life.

The moment Simon spies Miss Anne Adair across the glittering ballroom, he knows that the ravishing beauty is the perfect instrument for the retribution he thought lost to him. He does not know, however, that Anne has devised a scheme of her own. And soon, these two wary hearts will discover that the best laid plans are no match for love.

Please note: This is a long novella.

©2017 Julie Johnstone, DBA Darbyshire Publishing LLC (P)2018 Julie Johnstone, DBA Darbyshire Publishing LLC

Great storytelling by Johnstone and Campbell

Another great read by Tim Campbell. It takes a great voice to read a story, and Mr. Campbell does a most excellent job. Even though I had already read the book, Tim Campbell spoke the story to life. I highly recommend the book and the audiobook.

I received an audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Loved this Audio Book

Would you listen to My Daring Duchess again? Why?

Yes. I enjoyed how this author drew you in from the start. The story kept flowing and it kept me entertained.

Any additional comments?

Overall loved it.

Love is stronger than vengeance

I loved this masterfully written book! I loved the idea of a few ladies banding together to warn others away from gentlemen they consider rogues. The characters were well developed and you can't help but fall in love with them. I enjoyed the book so much that I will go back and read the previously published books in the series. Thank you, Ms. Johnstone, for this beautiful story! The narrator did an excellent job with just the right amount of emphasizing. He has a very pleasant voice and it's no hardship to listen to him for hours.

His Sweet Revenge

Would you consider the audio edition of My Daring Duchess to be better than the print version?

I love the audio, Tim Campbell brings all the characters and the story to life!!!

What was one of the most memorable moments of My Daring Duchess?

Simon Sedgewick, the newly titled Duke of Kilmartin, never thought he would return to England after his grandfather sent him away all those years ago in disgrace. Now he’s inherited the title and has returned to England with his sisters attend a ball full of simpering lords. He learns oldest friend's reputation is being smeared, and Simon discovers that the perpetrator is none other than his enemy's granddaughter. He sees a way to help his friend and seek revenge against those who wronged him all those years ago.
Granddaughter of the Duke of Rowan, Anne Adair no longer desires a husband, she wants to protect and warn other young debutantes away from the rakes and rogues of London society. She’s the president of the “Sisterhood for the Ruination of Rogues” club whose goal is to ruin the rakes who ruined them.
Simon see Lady Anne and decides she’s the perfect revenge against the Duke of Rowan and decides to peruse her and ruin her reputation. Anne is on to his game and sets out to uncover the mystery surrounding Simon and what happened all those years ago.
Simon and Anne have more in common than they first believed, both came from struggling families after their grandfathers deserted them, both are looking for love, family, trust and loyalty, someone to believe in them.
This is my honest opinions after I voluntarily read a copy of this book that was provided to me with no requirements for a review.

Have you listened to any of Tim Campbell’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I've listened to other Tim Campbell's performances and this is one of his best performances!!!

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Revenge and the Ruination of Rogues

Any additional comments?

This is a story filled with deception, mystery, intrigue and romance which make for an exceptional story

Julie Johnstone + Tim Campbell = Magic

Another book to love by Julie Johnstone. My Daring Duchess captured my attention from page one. A story of two people who had sworn on revenge rather than love. But, sometimes fate has other plans for the unlikeliest people. All of Julie Johnstones books have the most wonderful characters and this is no exception. Come along for the ride as Anne and Simon traverse the rocky road of forgiveness and love. This book is a must read. I was gifted this book for an honest review. I give this delightful read five stars. And, the narration is awesome.

Vengeance Is Mine!

Has there ever been a time when two people seeking vengeance for past wrongs against themselves don't have sparks flying, trouble brewing and other people getting hurt? Well, fasten your seat belts because it all happens in this novella. Add in the lies that start the bitterness in the first place, and you have the basis of a fascinating story. Julie Johnstone has outdone herself again and then she has Tim Campbell as her narrator, irresistible! The story is fast paced, mind blowing and a "can't put it down" read. Grab it, you will love it!

Masterful

I received a free audio copy of this book. The narrator Tim Campbell is absolutely fantastic. I truly enjoyed this book. I was gifted a copy of it. Lady Anne Adair has been duped by a rogue in her recent past. She is skeptical when the dashing Duke of Kilmartin, Simon Sedgewick begins to try to woo her. Because of a lame leg, Anne has always been a wallflower. Will Simon’s persistence win the day? Will Lady Anne let go of her bitterness and be free to see the truth about Kilmartin? This story is quite an emotional ride.
“He was perfection. It wasn’t simply that his face looked as if it had been chiseled from marble. There was an inherent strength there, as well as the set of his chin that suggested he had a stubborn streak. He wore his thick, wavy russet hair a little longer than proper, suggesting he didn’t give a fig about rules. His bronzed skin hinted that he enjoyed the outdoors, and as she swept her gaze quickly over his massive shoulders, down his torso, to his thighs, which appeared powerful even clad as they were in black trousers, she was certain he was very fit. Moving her gaze back up to his face, she startled to find him gazing intently at her, lips curled in an amused smile. Goodness!”
Johnstone uses her pen to expose the destruction that gossip and bitterness can bring to many. Anne’s transformation is a pleasant one and fun to watch. I highly recommend My Daring Duchess.

Such a wonderful story!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This entire series is a pure joy to read. This one has been my favorite of the series so far.
Regular readers of Julie’s will know that she knows her way around a Scott. *sigh* But I am getting ahead of myself.

This story is yet another excellent example of Julie Johnstone’s mastery. The cast of characters is sublime. If you have read the rest of the series, prepare for cameos by all of your old favorites, and redemption of a few of your old enemies.

Simon is a divine hero. He is one of those characters that truly tries to be a hardened baddie, but can’t help being a good person at heart. His motives may start out impure, but if you give him a chance, you will fall as head over heels in love with him as I did.

Anne is an absolutely amazing character. I have loved her from her sister’s story, but she shines so much brighter in her own! Anne is no meek damsel, she is a strong woman who can take care of herself, (And her friends) thank you! I adored her! Though she feels emotion deeply, Anne thinks critically, seeks facts, and forms her own conclusions. I found this a bit rare in the romance genre, and extremely refreshing.

Over all this story was wonderful. I have missed this series, and I am so glad to have read the next chapter.

Have you listened to any of Tim Campbell’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes. Every book read by Tim is amazing. This one is no different. Tim is my favorite audible Narrator.

Lovely Romance

A lovely new romance by Julie Johnstone. This is book four in The A Once Upon a Rogue Novels. I am going to have to go back and read the first three. I really enjoy Julie's writing.
The book opens with a meeting of The Sisterhood for the Ruination of Rogues. Four Wallflowers that have been ruined by men of the Ton. The leader of this group of young ladies is Anne Adair, an American who is the grand-daughter of the Duke of Rowan. Anne met and foolishly gave her innocence to a rogue who refused to do the right thing and marry her. Now, these young ladies are on a mission to unmask the men before they ruin other young ladies. Anne is much wiser now than when she thought she was in love and wants nothing to do with the man who took her virginity. She is a wealthy heiress and knows that any man would overlook her lost innocence to get their hands on her dowry.
Simon Sedgwick, Duke of Kilmartin is back in London for the first time in years. He was banished by his grandfather when he was 18 for something he did not do and is not comfortable in his new title or in England. He blames his grandfather for the death of his parents and for almost having to watch his sisters starve. In Scotland he works himself almost to death but he makes his fortune and now he is back in England to seek vengeance for his sisters and his dead parents.
The Duke of Rowan had accused Simon of ravishing his ward Lady Mary and demand that he marry her. Simon swore that he had not touched Lady Mary, but the Duke of Rowan and his friend, Simon's grandfather did not believe him. When Simon was threatened with imprisonment he still insisted that he did not seduce Lady Mary. That is when he was sent back to Scotland with no money and had to watch his ill mother die because he had no money for medicine or a doctor and watch his younger sisters almost starve to death.
He can't make his grandfather pay but he sees the perfect way to get his revenge on the Duke of Rowan. Ruin his granddaughter. She is a beautiful woman and he was going to really enjoy his revenge. Unbeknownst to him Anne is handicapped and has so far kept her disability a secret. Once Simon and Anne start spending time together their feelings for each other grow strong very quickly. When Anne admits her handicap, Simon doesn't care and even helps her overcome it.
Lady Mary is dealt with and Anne and Simon get their HAE. I loved both Anne and Simon. Two strong and stubborn individuals who make a great couple. They both try to hide their light under a bush but they are truly wonderful and kind and made for each other. Julie is a talented romance writer and I definitely recommend this book