The Penitent Duke (The Untamed Nobles 1) by Sally Forbes

Rating:  ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This story is extremely distressing at times. A man wallowing in regret, self-pity and grief is someone very hard to live beside. There is a darkness and bitterness that takes on a life of its own inside a person. The author hits the nail on the head when she knows that only love can break the hold of bitterness and regret on one's soul. Rosalind's caution and gentleness, evened out by her self assurance makes her a woman to contend and win. Luther is very cruel at times and Rosalind responds with truth and at times righteous anger. The problem with this story is that Luther grew up in the ton and he loved and lost. He acts like a total behemoth, a man without breeding. This is not behavior a man of breeding would take on. He would be aloof and unreachable, He would give the cut direct and dismiss, but the rudeness and callousness of street urchin or a dock worker, no. Otherwise, the story is well written and all of the characters are well developed.