Not Linden’s Best: My Once and Future Duke by Caroline Linden

I received this book for free from Avon in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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 cost her her heart. But when it comes to love, all bets are off . . .

I might have waited too long to write this review because I am really scrambling to gather those thoughts. I’ve read several books by Caroline Linden and have really enjoyed her HRs. When I heard about her upcoming release and heard there was gambling involved, I was 110% in.

Here was my main problem though, I enjoyed the romance, I loved the story, I just didn’t love the Duke of Ware. He is completely insufferable and too pig-headed for my liking. He is intense and not in a good way. I warmed up a little bit to him, but for the most part, his pushiness and self-centeredness was not endearing in the list.

But if I hated the love interest, why did I enjoy the romance? Well, Caroline Linden writes a good romance and she also wrote a good MC. I absolutely adore Sophie. She is determined and badass. She is unafraid of her own sexuality and unafraid of standing up for herself. I love that she takes her destiny into her own control.

Sophie plays cards like no one else. IT IS SO MUCH FUN seeing her take down men who think she is just a little weakling. The gambling in this book is top notch and I love that the MC takes no shame in her love for numbers and handing men their asses.

The romance has an element of insta-love but it is based on insta-attraction and Linden writes it pretty well. You can feel these characters falling in love as they get to know each other outside of their attraction to one another. I love the sexual tension b/w the two and I love how natural their dialogue feels. I did still completely dislike the Duke of Ware.

Also, like, Sophie has a supportive group of friends who have a prominent presence in the novel. I loved them and I know for a fact one of them is getting a book WHICH I NEEDED YESTERDAY.

My Once and Future Duke may not have the most likeable love interest, but it does have a loveable MC. Also you should read it so you can see the plotline for the sequel be setup because if you are a fan of groveling (like moi), you’re probably gonna crave the sequel just as much as me.

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Rashika

Rashika has been tired since 2013. There are very few things that spark joy for her besides a nice cup of tea, warm, baked goods, good books and good TV shows. She is here to pile onto your giant TBRs and to-watch lists. Offer her a cookie and she might be nice to you.

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