The Mad Duke of Walendale: A Historical Regency Romance Book (Scandalous Courtships 5)
In a world that calls me mad, will you dare to stand by my side and prove them wrong?
Miss Lillian Balfour, a quick-witted and compassionate young lady with a talent for arithmetic, finds herself drawn to the enigmatic Duke of Walendale. Intrigued by his brilliant mind and unconventional interests, Lillian sees beyond the facade of The Mad Duke that society has branded him with. But as whispers of scandal and madness swirl around them, Lillian must decide if she is willing to risk her reputation and her heart for a chance at true love.
Edmund Wallace, the misunderstood Duke of Walendale, seeks solace in his scientific experiments. When he encounters the captivating Miss Balfour, Edmund discovers a kindred spirit who appreciates his intellect and ignites a spark within his soul. However, dark forces conspire against him, threatening to tear them apart and destroy any hope of happiness.
As gossip and betrayal close in, Lillian and Edmund must defy the unforgiving grip of London society to protect their fragile love. With every stolen glance and whispered word, their bond deepens. But when a dark conspiracy threatens to shatter their future, they must summon the courage to fight for a love that could defy all odds—their greatest experiment yet, one of the heart.
*If you like strong characters and a plot full of twists and turns, do not miss the chance to add this Historical Romance novel to your library.
No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a happily ever after full of romance.
Also available with Kindle Unlimited!
Customer Reviews
J*********d
Lillian and Wrexham
I enjoyed this fun and exciting story. I liked getting to know the characters. I enjoyed trying to discover the mystery. I liked the timeline in which events occurred. I liked that this book drew me in so that I was invested in the outcome.January 1, 2025
C*******n
Mad Love
Intrigues and mysteries follow as two serious scholars find love and hope despite the tonnish ways of the season. It seems all involved have gone a bit mad this season, with happily ever afters aplenty.October 29, 2024
K*************r
Fair
The story is fairly good, too much unpleasantness for me but it is well written. Good ending with a number of couples finding their ‘ever after’.October 7, 2024
K**********************************************************************.
Not a bad read,
Enjoyed this story up to a point , but it got to romantic too soon , would have been better if it had happened a bit later in the story, but not a bad tale.iSeptember 27, 2024
L*********d
Interesting Regency Romance
I really enjoyed this story! I loved that Lady Lillian wasn’t a normal lady of their time. Her family celebrated her intelligence and encouraged her curiousness. She didn’t want to settle with someone who didn’t accept her for who she was and her dad wouldn’t let that happen either! The Duke had a love for Natural Science and was always tinkering around and trying to find new things to make. Upon meeting on the side of the road with a cart issue, the Duke was surprised and in awe of Lillian’s knowledge and mind. They quickly become friends and start to get to know each other better. Due to other sneaky forces, they are unable to be together. Someone is out to get the Duke and they have to figure out what is going on.September 24, 2024
K*************r
Zzzzz
Boring story, writing style and characters were uninspiring and one dimensional. Couldn’t make it thru the book and gave up.September 19, 2024
S******V
Great read all the way to the end!
I found this to be a page turning book! I was fascinated with the science of the time period, and the regiments of the “Ton” life. Well written!!September 18, 2024
A****n
The Mad Duke and Lillian
This was a very good book and it kept my interest to the very end. This was a love story between the Duke and Lillian.September 17, 2024
m****m
good story
I enjoyed this story. Each one was brilliant in their respective areas but not understood by many others. It was so nice to see them find each other and be able to help each other in their pursuits.September 12, 2024
L**************s
Different
I liked that it was sweet but the chemistry was there for the H and h. I liked but found improbable that a Duke could be forced into anything. At first he was forced and then he was being noble and then he was fiercer and in charge. Maybe he was progressing?September 10, 2024
R**************n
Lackluster!!!!
Such a magnificent cover! However this novel lacked three elements I love in the story I read. Passion, intimacy and most of all an Extended Epiloue.September 9, 2024
T******.
This is the story of the Duke of Walendale and Lady Lillian Galesbury’s story.
I enjoyed this book. The Duke of Walendale met Lady Lillian on the side of the road. His carriage was stuck. Her father and Lillian went out to help him. Lady Lillian loved mathematics and figured a correct route to get the tire unstuck. This intrigued the Duke bec he loved Natural Science. As they got to know each other, they became closer. However, there were complications bec someone wanted to force him to marry someone else and then cause him harm. However, there is a great ending!September 8, 2024
L*******n
Should be the Duke of Wrexham
Nice twist at the end, I’m glad I didn’t stop reading after the first third of the story. Also not sure about the discrepancy between the title and the name of the hero, especially after reading some of the other reviews. A gentle read but not one of my favorites.September 6, 2024
W***********r
Interesting storyline
I like when regency stories focus on people stepping outside the norms. Both lead characters were smart & well rounded. The story had a nice twist at the end.September 5, 2024
B***y
Three betrothals for the price of one
The Mad Duke of Walendale is a great book. The primary heroine is Lillian, and she enjoys mathematics and figuring things out. The odd item is that her parents encourage her not to hide her uniqueness. The primary hero is Duke Edmund, and he enjoys working with ideas to improve the lives of others. Unfortunately, his mother does not encourage him as science and experimentation are relatively new to this era. Lillian and Edmund met during a rainstorm when Edmund’s carriage became stuck in the mud. Lillian was able to help figure out what was wrong and freed the carriage. Thus begins the journey to their HEA. Along the way,….. 1 – Lillian meets two other debutantes 2 – Edmund’s uncle’s will and Edmund’s relationship with his cousin alter their route 3 – One couple is now three as Lillian and Edmund introduce the other debutantes (see #1) to two interested gentlemen 4 – Edmund has picked up the moniker of the Mad Duke – who started this?? 5 – Attempted murder 6 – We now have three betrothals!! This is one of those books that is difficult to put down. If I were younger, I would have pulled an all-nighter, but my body yelled NO. It is clean so oven mitts are not needed. Tissues and a throat lozenge may be needed. The lozenge is needed for the cheers as the villain gets their comeuppance – and it is not who you think it is. Thank you, Ms. Forbes.September 4, 2024
M**A
Great Story!
This was a great story. It was full of excitement, entertainment, trickery, and intrigue. The characters were people that I would find interesting in real life. I won’t go into the plot. There’s too many people that do that. I will just say I would recommend it to anyone of any age.September 4, 2024
A**************************s
Sweet and Intellectual Regency Romance
This was a good story with intriguing characters. I enjoyed watching our hero and heroine fight for their love and they ended up helping others find their happily ever afters along the way. The ending was wonderful. A really great read!September 2, 2024
K*************r
An Interesting Mystery
What?: an interesting mystery cloaked in early 1800’s English nobility romance story? You will enjoy this unusual romance with interesting characters and a very engaging and surprising storyline. You won’t want to miss it!August 31, 2024
S******l
A nice story
Very enjoyable book. Edward snd Lillian used their intelligency to out think less savor peoleAugust 30, 2024
r*b
A nice story worth reading!
This story demonstrates that one can have one’s own interests, one’s own opinions, and not care what society thinks but at the same time, one has to think how such things will affect one’s family. A story about some honorable people dealing with a difficult situation. The beginning is very interesting, but then in the middle, the story lags. However, 3/4 of the way through mystery, some danger, and lots of romance kicks in! Interesting and exciting! I’ve read several of Sally Forbes’ books and they are always good. Overall, a good story! Worth reading!August 29, 2024
D******n
Two Unlikely Pair
Edmund Wallace, the misunderstood Duke of Walendale is on his way to London when the carriage wheel got stuck. Miss Lillian Balfour, and family come upon the broken-down carriage and offer to help. Now it is pouring down rain, but Lillian told her father she wanted to assist. Knowing her aptitude at figuring complex situations he was inclined to let her. He was proud of her. The duke was amazed at her ability to figure the best way to get the wheel unstuck and was in awe of her. He didn’t hold to the traditional ideal that women were meant to be seen and not heard. Lillian felt acceptance from the duke and felt there was a kinship between them. The duke felt the same but was being pushed into another direction, and then demanded of. Need to read the book to see who is demanding and working against him. It comes as quite a surprise by all. ARC ReviewAugust 29, 2024
A**********n
Cool
Lovely to readAugust 29, 2024
R*********e
Perfect matches!
I really liked how Lillian and Edmund could complete projects when they worked together. They completed each other. I really enjoyed how not one, not two but three couples ended up getting together by the end of the book! How Lady Vivianne changed as the story unfolded was unexpected and I went from not liking her to understanding her and even liking her. The ending was a bit surprising and also put a twist on the theme of madness that was present throughout the story. Overall, a really good, clean book that held my interest the entire time.August 29, 2024
S*************e
HEA
Very interesting story..kind of a different twist to a love storyAugust 29, 2024
K*********.
Loved this book
Great dialogue, believable characters, tender moments, with tension building to the end. I enjoyed every page and look forward to Sally’s next book! Highly recommend this book!!August 29, 2024
C**********k
Interesting and keeps you reading!
I loved this book because the characters were interesting, the story kept me reading and there was a plot twist at the ending that I really liked! I felt that the characters were smart and not ridiculous as in some other historical romances I have read. Lillian was very likable and I love how the first meeting between her and Edmund was not at a ball, but in the rain on the side of the road. I do not want to give away the ending but I was happy to read this book and was not happy when it ended. lolAugust 29, 2024
A***************s
The Mad Duke of Walendale: A Historical Regency Romance Book
This is a good book. Even though I was given a copy of this book by the author, it in no way influenced my opinion and this is my honest review.August 29, 2024
G**.
brilliant minds
Do you know the saying that genius and madness are closely related. In Lillian and Edmund’s case two characters who don’t quite fit the mould realize it’s o.k. to be different and find their HEA under their own conditions, isn’t that just wonderful?August 28, 2024
B***Y
Entertaining!
Liked the characters, storyline, ending. Really good read.August 28, 2024
JJ
Great book
Loved how both Edward and Lillian used their superior intellect to out fox the bad guys. The surprising twists and turns made me continue to read throughout the night. Can’t wait for the next book by this author.August 28, 2024
G**********y
A wonderful story
I really enjoyed this book. The storyline was interesting and different, the characters are relatable and I had a hard time putting the book down. The story drew me in and I couldn’t wait to finish it eventhough I would love to read more about the characters.August 28, 2024
r**e
Good book
Well written, full of drama, intrigue, science, society, love, twists and turns.The characters are strong, well defined, in love and has a good storyline/plot. For them- Lillian and Edmund have so much in common – she likes math and he likes science. Put them together and they make a good match. Then add in society and the people who don’t want them together and what a story you have. Curl up and enjoy this story. Would recommend to others. I am an ARC and leave this unbiased, honest review.August 28, 2024
G!
Clean Regency Romance
I really enjoyed this book. It follows Miss Lillian Balfour, a lady with a knack for arithmetic, and Edmund Wallace, the Duke of Walendale. I loved that they got to bond over their shared love for scientific things. This is quite a diversion from most Regency novels where the ladies never get to do anything dealing with math and science. Edmund is known as The Mad Duke because of his unconventional interests in science. Lillian, however, sees through the facade that society has created about Edmund. As these two grow closer, society and its gossip try to tear them apart. Lillian and Edmund have to defy conventional traditions and go their own way if they want to share a future together. I also loved the twist at the end of this book. This whole Scandalous Courtships series has been a true delight to read. They of course include romance but each one comes with a mysterious twist.August 28, 2024
Jo
Lovely
Lovely story with familiar plot and nice ending.August 28, 2024
c**********3
Romance
Well written. Love the characters.August 27, 2024
f******k
Historical
The storyline keeps me going and was well writtenAugust 27, 2024
s****s
Great read
I like both characters and their companionship while working together to solve problem.August 27, 2024
M***i
KINDERED SPIRITS
Lillian, with her love of mathematic and Edmund, with his love of inventions- are a perfect match They just need to ignore the rest of society to find their happily ever after- luckily they are successful!August 27, 2024
J**********e
Captivating romance
Yet another captivating novel from Ms Forbes, one not to be missed. The brilliant yet humble inventor Edmund and the mathematically gifted Lillian are simply spectacular together. My favorite character is Dinah, who is such a sweet, supportive, and appreciative young lady.August 27, 2024
J*d
Good read!
Life is hard for a woman with intelligence to survive in society. A bluestocking is generally shunned by most men. That is unless she can find a man of equal intelligence. That’s just what happened with Miss Lillian Balflour when she met the brilliant Duke of Walendale. Their relationship was filled with trials and a few bumps in the road. Hopefully love will find a way.August 27, 2024
A*************r
An exciting read!
I loved this book so much I finished it in one day! I love Lillian and Edmund. They work so well with each other and complement each other. I was really invested in these characters so much that I had some really negative feelings for Lord Kent ( lol I wanted to punch him lol) Sally Forbes really knows how to write a good character!August 27, 2024
K***y
A chance meeting in the mud!
Sally Forbes has written a charming story of two very intelligent people, who meet by chance and find a connection through her love of arithmetic and his love of inventing. Only one thing stands in their way to be together.August 27, 2024
J**n
Clean Regency Romance with fun twists and turns
I enjoyed this story. At first I didn’t really like the MMC, at least not in the way he interacted with the MFC. The author does a good job of establishing him as a good but haughty young man. However, it was good to see the growth in his character as he saw the MFC for who she really was rather than the physical scars and imperfections that were what he noticed first. The growth of both characters in the face of society’s expectations as the story progressed was satisfying as was the slow burn of the romance. There were some definite surprises in the final chapters, but that made the HEA more satisfying.August 27, 2024
M***********r
Lovely story.
This was a sweet, clean standalone with a lovely ending. The main characters are both very likable and there were some very nice supporting characters. The story is is interesting with a touch of mystery. The main villain was nicely dealt with. The other villain was more of a desperate, rude individual than a true villain. Truth be told, there is more than one blossoming romance in this book. Enjoy!August 27, 2024
