The Wayward Duke by Katrina Kendrick

Tracy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: Private Arrangements, #4

Release Date: October 10, 2024

Eight years ago, tragedy and grief tore the newlyweds, Julian and Caroline, the Duke and Duchess of Hastings apart and has kept them apart for all these years. Caroline was almost crushed by the loss she suffered and that led to the rift with Julian, but eventually she found her way alone, she has good friends and a successful career as a painter, but she never stopped loving Julian or wondering “what if”. So, when Julian shows up at her residence and informs her that he will be residing with her until he leaves for Italy in a month. She is both annoyed and thrilled at the prospect. She agrees but has conditions; they must present a united front to society, and they will have to share a room. He agrees and slowly they begin to heal the rift that has kept them apart, they even work together on a mission for the Home Office. It is clear that their love never died, but they have hurt each other, and it will take time for them to completely heal. Time they may not have if a madman bent on destroying the Duke of Hastings is successful.

Julian never stopped loving Caroline, but when she sent him away all those years ago, he left and vowed not to return until she asked him to. It is a vow he has kept for eight long years, but when circumstances arise that leave him temporarily homeless, he decides to take his chances with his duchess. As they begin to heal their marriage, he is contacted by an agent of the Home Office with a request for his skill at cryptography and he enlists Caroline to help him decode the message. They figure out that a terrorist is planning attacks on the aristocracy, and Julian even has a suspect in mind, and with Caroline’s help, he is sure they will find him. Their relationship seems to be back on track, but when the terrorist attacks escalate and they are caught in the aftermath, it is clear that their enemy is out for blood and Julian will stop have to stop him before he ends any chance for a true HEA with Caroline.

I have been waiting for Caroline and Julian’s story for a very long time, and I am happy to say that it was well worth the wait! This story is a classic second-chance romance with a bit of angst, loss, grief, intrigue, action, wonderful characters, forgiveness, healing, very steamy love scenes, a true soulmate type love and finally a lovely HEA including an epilogue. I think this was the best installment of the series and definitely a book I would read again. As much as I loved this story, I was disappointed that Caroline never actually said “I love you” to Julian – instead she gives him a Hans Solo “I know” response to his declaration. I would absolutely recommend this is a lovely story of healing, forgiveness and a second chance at love to all romance readers, especially those who enjoy a bit of intrigue and lots of steam in their romances. This is the fourth book in the series, and could be read as a standalone title, but I would recommend reading the series in order for the best reader experience.

NOTE:  This story contains elements that might be upsetting for some readers, I would suggest checking the Content & Trigger Warnings before starting this book

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *