The Scandalous Duke Takes a Bride (Dangerous Rogues)

Nice guys always finish last. Hayden, Duke of Alsborough, has been in love with his friend, Jessica, for nearly his entire life. But newly widowed Jessica has her own issues to deal with and puts Hayden in the friend zone. A determined Hayden refuses to give up so easily, and sees Jessica through some tough stuff. Will his dream of being with Jessica finally be rewarded?

The fact that the story takes place in the Victorian era seems mildly out of place. Jessica is friends with not just Hayden, but two other men, and the group behaves as though it’s a normal occurrence. The title is also mildly inaccurate. Hayden isn’t really the one causing a scandal. Most of the scandal stems from Jessica’s parental origins and her relationship with her late husband. Hayden is more of a bystander.

Overall, The Scandalous Duke Takes A Bride was dramatically entertaining. Anyone who has ever been told they’re “just a friend” will cheer for the chivalrous hero all the way. Hayden is attentive without being creepy, and a lot of empathy can be felt for Jessica as well. Both hero and heroine were very well developed.