The Uncouth Duke of Longford: A Historical Regency Romance Book (Scandalous Courtships 1)
“I have no intention of dancing this evening, not even for some poor little miss who cannot find another gentleman to dance with her…”
Andrew, the Duke of Longford, is known for his beastly behavior after the suspicious death of his father. Fearing for his own life and the life of anyone who would come close to him, he isolates himself and becomes rude and uncaring towards others.
Miss Rachel Grifford, a gentle young woman, faces a challenging home life due to her selfish older sister. As the second daughter of a viscount, she also endures her parents’ demeanour who ignore her to satisfy the older sister’s demands and avoid her tantrums.
Rachel and Andrew cross paths and, driven by different circumstances, they grow closer as Rachel helps the Duke try to find the person behind the three murder attempts towards him. As their bond deepens, they also discover their love for each other but will they have time to relish their love or will the culprit accomplish his dark plans?
The Uncouth Duke of Longford is a historical romance novel that you will love. Within this story, you’ll encounter characters who wield formidable influence, their personalities echoing the elegance and intrigue of the Regency and Victorian eras. They step through the pages with a certain grandeur, their mannerisms and dialogues painting a vivid picture of a time filled with opulence, strict societal norms, and hidden desires.
No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a happily ever after full of romance.
Also available with Kindle Unlimited!
Customer Reviews
S*****z
great book cover.
Loved the story. I have always enjoyed the evil cousin trope. The more evil the better for their come-uppance. Well written, good characters, believable denouement.March 15, 2025
A****n
A good read
It’s been awhile since I have read a historical romance. I am glad I picked this one. It was good. More mystery than romanceMarch 8, 2025
K*************r
The forgotten one
This is the story of Rachel and Andrew, two forgotten lonely people, who find each other. She is abused by her sister and mother, living and hiding in the shadows of the ball rooms. He’s a recluse afraid to get close to anyone every since his father he feels was murdered. Together they will find happiness and love. Thank you ??March 7, 2025
A***k
Not exactly sure about the end
The story was good and intriguing especially when trying to find the culprit till when he was caught. However I’d have thought the culprit would be allowed to give his reasons himself and would be arrested. Letting him go free is much more dangerous in my opinion as he could still continue his acts.December 15, 2024
D************i
Sharing His Burden
Andrew and Rachel’s unlikely first meeting nearly ended his introduction back into society. During one ball Rachel noticed suspicious actions by a servant, who she then followed to Andrew. There after she watched out for him at social events and grew closer together.November 29, 2024
K*************r
3.5 ? Sweet Regency Romance
Andrew, the Duke of Longford, and Rachel’s romance is a sweet read. It’s free from any course language or intimacy scenes.November 5, 2024
P******y
very predictable
Difficult read because of the author’s writing style. No suspense, no drama. Very childish. Not sure why the series is called Scandalous.October 20, 2024
C********2
Exciting
Very fast paced novel with a mix of mystery and intrigue yet still a clean story. Writer uses ’rounded eyes’ a bit excessively in the book. Is my only complaint.September 28, 2024
A****n
The Duke and the Lady
This was a very good book and it kept my interest to the very end. This was a love story between a Duke and his Lady.September 7, 2024
K*************r
Wonderful Love Story
This is truly a work if art. I loved the characters and their friends. Loved the plot and twists too. A truly enjoyable read!August 25, 2024
G***g
Another great work by Sally Forbes
I am never disappointed in any of Sallys novels. They hold you in your seat with mystery, action and love. The Uncouth Duke is a great read.August 10, 2024
R***e
The Uncouth Duke of Longford
This book is a great read. I must admit I didn’t know which way it was going from time to time. Do yourself a favor and pick this novel up. It will be hard to put down.July 27, 2024
B********************e
Romance with a Mystery
Rachel the second sister finds herself helping Andrew solve the mystery of who is trying to injure him. Rachel is the hero along with her friend, Miss Renfrew helps to solve the mystery. Andrew and Rachel’s love grows. I really despised Rachel’s sister, what a selfish inconsiderate brat. Loved the part where Lord Carmichael yelled his disapproval!!July 8, 2024
A*************r
Nice story
I enjoyed the story, the characters were simple and easy to imagine. I look forward to more books from this author.July 8, 2024
K*******************B
Good show!
I enjoyed this one. Mystery and slow burn romance. I like it. Read on and have fun. Enjoy the come uppences.July 1, 2024
J**********d
Uncouth Duke! Made me laugh.
Very suspenceful. Enjoyed this book! Story kept your interest. I kept thinking they would twist the offender. Nice sweet ending…who doesn’t love a sweet ending!!June 19, 2024
K*************r
A saving kind of love
Rachel was the true hero in this story. Thank goodness the Duke realized how wonderful she was. Betina was a bitchy sister.May 15, 2024
K*************r
Enjoyable Characters
I enjoyed how the characters developed through the story. The villain was predictable, but you did want to see how he would be stopped. This was an enjoyable read. Thank you.May 6, 2024
M**********s
Insipid, juvenile, mind numbing.
I am now assuming this book is written for 10-12 year old girls. The main characters are mind numbingly obtuse. Seems to be this author’s favoured character traits. The story lines are nothing original but acceptably executed. I have read 2 books of this group, hoping it would get better, it doesn’t. The AI artwork is the best part of these books, look at the pictures and don’t waste your time reading the book.May 5, 2024
A************r
Poor
Could have been good but poorly written, with the author unable to use a dictionary to look up the meanings of words. Stilted and unengaging.April 22, 2024
A*************r
So lame
This was probably the least romantic romance novel I have read. The dialog was stiff and unnatural . The way the sister acted was ridiculous. The story was predictable. I knew who the villain was half-way through the story. I ordered the second book in the series, but I won’t bother reading it.April 13, 2024
A*******r
Quick and enjoyable
This was a good book. It was a quick read. It was totally clean. I really liked it. It was obvious who the culprit was the entire time but no big. The story was still good.April 12, 2024
K****************************S
Unrealistic
So his cousin walks away Scott free? And Bettina never really gets what’s coming to her? I confess I’m a little dissatisfied with this book.April 12, 2024
K*************r
Aw, sweeeet
Great for a holiday read on the beach, innocuous with an uncomplicated flow of coincidences that captured the villain and sent him packing. From such books authors can only progress to more serious stuff. This time there is no ripple to mar the flow. We all know and approve. However, there really should have been at least a man of law at the end to apprehend the culprit to add that essential bit of reality. Such public decrying would not accept less.April 5, 2024
C********n
Poorly edited
Or perhaps not edited at all? I got the first broad hint two paragraphs into the first page, when one of the characters was introduced as the eldest of the two sisters. Things didn’t improve; I didn’t get much further before I gave up entirely. There are too many good books needing to be read to waste time on a sloppily produced one.April 5, 2024
M*H
Good but Predictable
I liked the story and the characters, and I think the author is talented. There is a but though… But all of it was so predictable for me. I guessed the villain and the reason for the villainy very early, and this in part made the book a bit boring.April 4, 2024
C***l
Disappointing
The story is fine, the writing is poor. The Duke comes across as naive and immature, with little perception of others’ feelings, particularly Rachel’s. The dialogue is awkward, much of it is far too ‘wordy’. It’s a shame as the storyline is a good one, sadly the execution of it is poor. Read if you think you can put up with the writing.April 3, 2024
c**y
Okay
If you enjoy a Duke who is a dimwitted Dillard this the story for you! I figured bout the villain immediately, hohum.April 2, 2024
C******F
excellent author
Highly recommend this bookMarch 25, 2024
M*****.
Not worthy of your time (and the author is not even a real person)
A contrived and stilted novel that offers little in the way of originality. The characters are painted in extremes that make them almost comical, with a plot that is so thin as to be almost nonexistent. Not worth the time it takes to read it. LATER EDIT: I have since become aware of the fact that “Sally Forbes” does not exist. She is not an actual person, but the name of a computer generated author, I believe utilizing AI. Choose to read at your own discretion.March 25, 2024
V******a
The man that got away
In my opinion, the Duke’s character, at times seemed like a simpleton. How did he survive as long as he had? He had no common sense, His friend had to guide him every step of the way! You gave the story a happily ever after as well as the villain! Don’t you think that he might come back to try to kill the Duke again? That particular part was an insult to anyone’s intelligence. Definitely not realistic.March 23, 2024
K**********************************************************************.
Really enjoyed this story,
Was nice to have a mystery as well as romance in the story. The only problem I had was not knowing what happened to the other characters that were in the tale ( without this stupid business of extended epilogues).March 21, 2024
c*********r
Great read.
The opening was great, and the storyline kept me engaged. The book is well written with solid and well developed characters. Thanks.March 17, 2024
s**********r
The Depressed Duke
A sweet story in which all ends well, however much has to be learned before the truth is told. Watch your proofing.March 14, 2024
M*****************r
Great!
I couldn’t put the book down. A wonderful read!March 11, 2024
L**************s
Sweet Romance
I enjoyed this light read. A bit predictable, but has likable characters and not too repetitive. I usually like Sally Forbes.March 11, 2024
V********a
Wonderful!
I don’t go for clean reads usually but this one is gentle, has a good story and I liked how it turned out. It is a cosy read.March 10, 2024
M****a
The uncouth Duke of Longford.
Excellent example of greed And with this evil come hate! And the love of friends comes help! I recommend this book to adult and youth. Learn a lesson!March 10, 2024
P****s
Uncouth Duke of Long for drones love
What a great read with suspense, some action, intrigue. The storyline was easy to follow and the characters and story flowed well. My free opinion. Thanks.March 8, 2024
D******n
Beware of Those Close
Andrew, the Duke of Longford, has withdrawn himself since his father’s accidental death. He feels as if someone had purposely caused the accident. Not knowing who and brooding for years he has become quite ruthless in his behavior, not caring of what society thinks of him. His friend encouraged him to return to the season and try to return to normalcy. At one of these balls, he runs into Miss Rachel Grifford, where they have rude words. Even though they have had words there is something between them. One evening she seen a footman put something into a drink and followed him to see who the drink was for. Seeing it was for Andrew, she knocked it from his hand where he sputtered as to her action. She explained herself and he confided into her about a warning message he had received. They agree to work together to try and found out who is wanting to harm him. He decided to court her would be the best way they could keep in touch with each other. One day she see’s something that makes her aware of who it could be that is trying to harm Andrew. ARC ReviewMarch 7, 2024
M***e
Suspenseful
I suspected the culprit because of inheritance but it was revealed in an interesting way. Rachel certainly had a difficult family situation. The Duke was clueless at the beginning. His friend helped him to see himself.March 7, 2024
KB
Another great read!
Sally Forbes does it again! Great characters, wonderful story!March 7, 2024
M***i
finding each other
Andrew was a bit out of step with the rest of society- but Rachel in her efforts to help save his life found her way through his crusty exterior- the story was enjoyable to read and moved at a good clip- I really enjoyed it!March 5, 2024
K*************r
an Uncertain Future
Andrew was in a black place after the murder of his father until his friend strongly encouraged him to come to London for the season. His life changed for the better when he met Rachel. Well written story which I enjoyedMarch 5, 2024
e*b
I didn’t like the title.
I enjoyed the story but felt the title didn’t reflect the story at all.March 4, 2024
M*********l
an unusual duke
Good story. Great characters well displayed. Exciting and very satisfactory ending. Can’t wait to read this writers next exciting book.March 3, 2024
P***a
Honesty is the best policy…
It was absorbing to read how introverted Andrew “the uncouth duke” turned into a loving person who learned how important it is to care for others’ ferlings. Rachel worked that wonder. She gained insight into Andrew’s true character and started developing feelings for him… In fact she saved him in more than one ways. People around them also benefited so it was a very “feel good” read… All’s well that ends well!March 2, 2024
A**.
Sweet, bold, and mysterious
A fantastic story of a man who undergoes a dramatic heart change, and a woman who is finally seen as worthy and valuable. I loved all the main characters in this book and found each of them charming in their own way. As for the villains and the secondary characters, they were well used and moved the plot along nicely. A lovely regency era book with a happily ever after, and nothing more than a few sweet kisses.March 2, 2024
A*************r
the uncouth Duke of Longford
You have done it again beautiful story, lots of intrigues, up and down, 2 mains characters and 2 specials friends. Read it in on go thank youMarch 1, 2024
J**********e
Wonderful!
A wonderful tale of love.March 1, 2024
r*************d
Sally Forbes … The Uncouth Duke of Longford (Scandalous Courtships 1)
Andrew, Duke of Longford, is a perfect example of the perennial grump. He’s been like this since his father died under what he thinks are questionable circumstances. After living hidden in his estate, he finally goes to London to observe the season. At one of the first balls of the season, from his dark corner, he overhears a pair of young ladies speaking poorly of noble friends of his and takes them to task. Not knowing the duke, they talk back to him. He is later introduced to ‘second daughter’ Rachel Grifford and unintentionally insults her by not asking her to dance. This is another of Forbes’ great stories: she makes them friends (sort of) leading to Rachel saving his life and solving the mystery of who caused his father’s death and is trying to kill him. And on top of that a happy ending occurs between the two, pleasing her parents and setting her demanding sister on her heels. I recommend this book!February 29, 2024
H****************m
Short and sweet
This was a lovely piece of mind candy. The story is simple and more or less predictable. I felt like the characters had a lot of potential but were not quite fleshed out enough for the story to be totally believable. Friendships are made and romance started with little to actually show for it. The plot points happen very quickly and this felt a bit more like a novella than a full novel. Reading this was a pleasant way to spend an afternoon even if It isn’t going to keep me pondering or coming back to reread it again.February 29, 2024
C***************n
Great characters!
Delightful sojourn with two appealing characters. Just enough intrigue to reach the happy ending.February 29, 2024
M***********r
Most enjoyable read – 3½ stars!
I really enjoyed Andrew and Rachel’s story. Their love grew over time, which was truly refreshing. I liked Rachel’s character throughout the story. Her sister…well, she was too spoilt for her own good. Andrew was not immediately likable, but he grows on you and as you learn about his circumstances, you can understand why he is the way he is…or was. Love changes us. It certainly changed him. I suspected the guilty party for quite a while before the reveal. There are some very satisfying moments, like when Lord Carmichael finally puts Bettina in her place and the villain is exposed. The ending is very sweet. My one big disappointment was that the villain walked away from murder and attempted murder with a ‘slap on the wrist’. The consequences of his actions demanded more. Even a lord was not exempt from murder, especially towards a peer. For that reason I have given the book 3½ stars instead of 4. Still, it is an enjoyable, clean read.February 29, 2024
S******n
A fabulous read!
It was interesting, fun and mostly it made me come back for more. I loved it!February 28, 2024
K***y
Made me Smile!
This is a clean mystery romance story. I loved the characters and the storyline. Love, even if you don’t quite know it is there, makes you brave. It also makes you smile. Loved this book!February 28, 2024
R*********e
A murder mystery with a bit of romance
The first half of the book was painful to read because from the very beginning, Rachel’s sister, Bettina, was so mean and bratty that she even smacked her sister’s face! It seemed over-the-top. Her mother did nothing about this behavior. Andrew was very rude with his comments to Rachel at a ball, so much so that his best friend left him standing there, not wanting to be around him anymore that night. Andrew started to improve, thankfully, but Bettina’s behavior was horrendous. Rachel and her friend discovered who was trying to murder the duke but honestly, I couldn’t help but wonder if Bettina might attempt to murder her sister after she and the duke got engaged. It would not have surprised me at all. It was aggravating to read how Rachel’s parents finally took Bettina to task for her behavior only after they found out Rachel and the duke were going to be married. I was also left wondering if Bettina’s behavior would ever actually improve in the future. She was obviously only pretending to improve to keep her parents from punishing her. She still held a burning hatred for Rachel. I couldn’t help but wonder how her parents allowed Bettina to become so out of control. I enjoyed the mystery plot and the romance once it got started.February 28, 2024
G**.
desperation
Poor Rachel, not only does her family treat her in a despicable way, but when they first meet Andrew is just plain rude. She must be very desperate to give him a second chance, since there is no guarantee his true colours will be different from being a grump – but all’s well that ends well, so I was happy for the couple when they joined forces, restored Andrew’s reputation and got a chance to built a happy future togeter.February 27, 2024
J*d
Enjoyable read!
Miss Rachel Gifford was an ignored younger daughter following in the shadow of her perfect older sister. Duke Andrew requested. a dance from her to make up for his negative comments she had overhead him say. Andrew and Rachel end up working together to try and discover who murdered his father and was now trying to murder him. It was easy to guess who was responsible, no surprises. I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Andrew and Rachel and finally seeing Rachel’s sister get what was coming to her.February 27, 2024
KD
The Uncouth Duke of Longford
Great story. As always a great read.February 27, 2024
G**********y
Great story
Really enjoyed the book. Had a hard time putting it down until I finished the story. A great story dealing with loss of identity, PTSD and the healing power of love and family.February 27, 2024
r**e
Who done it
Another well written story by this author. Full of love, mystery, romance, suspense, intrigue and lots of twists. Andrew is a Duke who’s father has died, was he murdered or a simple death. After someone tries to kill him, he now has to try to figure out who is up to no good. Rachel is a second daughter who has made a friend of Andrew. Together they work to find out who is trying to have the present Duke , the past Duke killed. Working together has them together and so does their feeling start for each other. Curl up and enjoy this book. Would recommend to others. I am an ARC and leave this unbiased, honest review.February 27, 2024
B*******l
Enemies to Friends
This was a very enjoyable book! I loved the enemies to friends storyline. Duke of Longford, Andrew is still morning the death of his father and believes it was no riding accident as most believed. He is encouraged by his friends to visit for The Season in London to dispell some of the darkness and depression that surrounds him. Instead Andrew feels like he made a mistake as he encounters two young ladies discussing poor characteristics of one of his friends. Rachel Carmichael is overlooked as her older sister, Bettina, who is the more beautiful daughter that should not be without anything she wants according to her parents. Now Rachel is having her first Season although it seems it is only Bettina should get to enjoy each ball. Until she meets Grace Renfrew, who becomes a dear friend who is now a way to get to enjoy this Season. If only the Duke of Longford would not ruin it with his dark manner and sharp words. It was a wonderful book to read and loved the added twist of a mystery.February 27, 2024
K*************r
Good read with a interesting plot
This was a good read, I would recommend it. I hope there is an extended epilogue available.February 27, 2024
r*b
Wonderful story!
Well written. Very interesting characters. I would love to read more about them. I hope there’s a sequel. The book was fun to read, I didn’t want to stop!February 27, 2024
c***l
Nice read
Rachael is contending with a self involved older sister and parents that don’t seem to be aware of her sister’s selfish ways. The duke, Andrew, is also attending the season despite his dark thought over his father’s death. Their initial meeting at a ball is not at all a positive experience. As the story unfolds we find they end up working together to solve a mystery that involves the duke and his family. . What is his family problem, how do they end up dealing with it together and ultimately find their hea? The only thing I personally was disappointed in was the fact her sister’s spoiled and selfish attitude was never totally addressed and given some kind of closure or consequence….especially as it was a major theme running throughout. That was the only reason it didn’t make it a five star. Of course that’s just my personal opinion. Otherwise it was a very good read.February 27, 2024
A**********n
Cool
Nice readFebruary 26, 2024
c**********3
Romance
Well written. Love the characters.February 26, 2024
J***e
So good
I really loved this book. I found myself championing for the hero and heroine. There story was so lovely.February 26, 2024
G!
Clean Regency Romance/Mystery
I’ve never read a regency book before this one that was a combination of romance and mystery. It was such a fun read! The murder mystery does not clash with the romance portion of the book at all. I felt that it was an enjoyable balance.This book follows Andrew, the Duke of Longford, and Rachel, a second daughter. Andrew is a very grumpy character. Rachel is a character that you can’t help but love. She is mistreated by her family especially her sister. The sister is one of the characters everyone loves to hate. Rachel and Andrew are thrown together by society circumstances. At first they are kind of enemies which is always exciting, but they enter into a partnership to find the person trying to kill Andrew. This book is a relatively short read that I could not put down. It has you guessing along with the murder mystery from the very beginning. Sally Forbes has quickly become one of my favorite authors and I cannot wait to read more from her. I did receive an advanced copy but this review is my honest opinion.February 26, 2024
T******.
This book is about Miss Rachel and Andrew, the Duke of Longford.
I loved this book. I did not want to put it down. It’s about Andrew, the Duke of Longford, who was grieving the loss of his father. Thinking his father had been murdered, he isolated and was mean to anyone who was around him. When he was confronted about his unfeeling remarks, he realized he had hurt an innocent woman, Miss Rachel Grifford. On top of that, he was aware that someone was trying to poison him. All these events caused him to look at his behavior and become open to discussing who might be responsible. Miss Rachel offered her help. That is what this book is about.February 25, 2024
