'My Once and Future Duke' by Caroline Linden is a historical romance novel set in the Regency era, focusing on the characters Sophie and Jack. Sophie, an orphaned woman with a talent for gambling, meets Jack, the Duke of Ware, at a gambling club. Their attraction is undeniable, but societal expectations and family responsibilities complicate their relationship. As they navigate their feelings for each other, face misunderstandings, and struggle with their own vulnerabilities, Sophie and Jack must decide between love and duty. The writing style is engaging, with a mix of tender moments and sensual romance, creating a story that unfolds naturally, allowing the characters to develop and the plot to evolve.

Characters:

Characters are well-defined, with Sophie being a clever and independent lead and Jack embodying duty and desire, while supporting characters add complexity.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is solid and engaging, though not exceptionally lyrical, featuring strong character interactions and humor.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers around a woman's quest for independence through gambling, leading to an unexpected romance with a duke, which explores themes of reputation and responsibility.

Setting:

The story is set in historical London, with key scenes taking place in the Vega Club and a country estate, creating an authentic regency atmosphere.

Pacing:

The pacing is steady and engaging, facilitating natural character development and building tension effectively.

The Vega Club occupied a curious position in London. Tucked away on a dead-­end street not far from St. James Square, it sat precisely midway between the wealth and elegance of Mayfair and the brutal ...

Notes:

The main female character, Sophie Graham, is a skilled gambler who uses her card-playing skills to secure her financial future.

Sophie created a false identity as a widow named Mrs. Sophie Campbell to maintain respectability while gambling.

Jack, the Duke of Ware, is determined to protect his reckless brother Philip from financial ruin due to gambling.

The story is set in Regency England, with unique themes like a woman's role in gambling and societal expectations.

The couple's attraction builds naturally over their days together, leading to a passionate affair before they confront their true feelings.

The narrative explores issues of reputation, independence, and the struggles of a woman in a male-dominated society.

The plot involves an outrageous wager where Sophie must spend a week with Jack after losing a game of hazard.

Both characters are portrayed as deeply complex, with Sophie balancing her independent ambitions against societal pressures, and Jack grappling with his obligations as a duke.

The book touches on family dynamics, with Jack feeling burdened by a mother who favors his irresponsible brother Philip.

Sophie had to fend for herself after losing both of her parents at a young age, adding depth to her character and motivations.

Has Romance?

The romance plays a central role in the narrative, with a strong emphasis on the emotional and physical connection between the characters.

explicit steam level

From The Publisher:

What happens at the infamous Vega Club . . .

Sophie Campbell is determined to be mistress of her own fate. Surviving on her skill at cards, she never risks what she can't afford to lose. Yet when the Duke of Ware proposes a scandalous wager that's too extravagant to refuse, she can't resist.

If she wins, she'll get five thousand pounds, enough to secure her independence forever.

Stays at the Vega Club . . .

Jack Lindeville, Duke of Ware, tells himself he's at the Vega Club merely to save his reckless brother from losing everything, but he knows it's a lie. He can't keep his eyes off Sophie, and to get her he breaks his ironclad rule against gambling. If he wins, he wants her-for a week.

Until now . . .

A week with Jack could ruin what's left of Sophie's reputation. It might even break her heart. But when it comes to love, all bets are off . . .

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My Once and Future Duke

Caroline Linden

Book 1 in the series:The Wagers of Sin