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The Duke Undone

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The Duke Undone

By: Joanna Lowell
Narrated by: Mary Jane Wells
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About this listen

 An artist stumbles upon a naked duke and an unlikely love story begins in this captivating Victorian historical romance.

When Royal Academy painting student Lucy Coover trips over a naked man passed out in an East End alley, she does the decent thing. She covers him up and fetches help. Trouble is, she can't banish his muscular form from her dreams as easily. Compelled to capture every detail, she creates a stunning portrait but is forced to sell it when the rent comes due. What could be worse than surrendering the very picture of your desire? Meeting the man himself.

Anthony Philby, Duke of Weston, is nobody's muse. Upon discovering the scandalous likeness, he springs into action. His infamous family has been torn apart by shame and secrets, and he can't afford more gossip. Even a whisper may jeopardize his inheritance and his chance at independence. His plan is simple: burn the painting, confront the artist. Or rather, it's simple until he meets Lucy and decides to offer the bewitching young artist a devil's bargain. He'll help save her foreclosed home, if she'll help repair his family’s brutal legacy.

An irresistible passion ignites between them, but when danger strikes, Lucy and Anthony must risk everything... for a love that might destroy them both. Historical Historical Fiction Romance

Critic Reviews

“Lushly dark, riddled with secrets, and seductive….Lowell’s writing oozes a sense of place. [The] sense of authenticity never falters, making this the most Victorian of romance novels.”
—Entertainment Weekly

“I loved The Duke Undone and so will my readers!”
—Eloisa James, New York Times bestselling author of My Last Duchess

“A beautiful blend of seductive suspense and heart-tugging romance that I could not put down. Romance fans should make room for this author on their keeper shelves!”
—Lyssa Kay Adams, National bestselling author of Crazy, Stupid Bromance

“Joanna Lowell's skillful storytelling and dazzling characters create one of the most exciting new voices in historical romance today.”
—Julia London, New York Times bestselling author of A Princess by Christmas

"A charming romance with an atypical heroine and a to-die-for (and hot!) hero in this unique tale of a duke and a struggling artist in Victorian London.”
—Jennifer Ashley, New York Times bestselling author of The Stolen Mackenzie Bride

“I really loved this book—in fact, I couldn't put it down. It's a fabulous feast of a story that plunges you into the Victorian era with all its levels and complications — into the art world and among aristocrats and slum-dwellers. There's tension, adventure, derring-do, a fight against corruption on several levels, a rich cast of characters and a hero and heroine to admire and cheer for. All in all, a rich and heartwarming historical romance. Highly recommended.”
—Anne Gracie, National bestselling author of Marry in Scarlet

“Lowell conjures vivid characters in this intelligent Victorian romance… provides plenty of atmospheric intrigue, deepened by Lowell’s willingness to engage with ideas of gender, class, and empire, and by the complexity of the characters.”
—Publishers Weekly

“It’s a lush, sensual and outstanding romance that makes the heart ache in the very best way.”
—BookPage (Starred Review)

"Impeccably researched, Lowell's latest emphasizes justice. This love story tackles weighty issues but remains suspenseful and spellbinding."
—Library Journal (Starred Review)

"Lowell’s prose is vivid and evocative, and issues such as class inequity, women’s rights, and alcohol addiction complement the intense on-page evolution of the love story...those looking for a happy-ever-after for complex and passionate characters will be very satisfied here. A new voice in historical romance that will keep readers riveted."
—Kirkus
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Most relevant
I do like a good period drama, I just wouldn't call this 'good'. The pairing of art student Lucy, who is of the "cor blimey Guvna" variety with an emotionally damaged and alcoholic Duke with PTSD is more than a little bit hard to swallow. The story has an easy flow, but I found there to be a bit too much deviation towards the peripheral characters, which distracted from Lucy and Anthony's story, and made the book overly long.
Some dark themes are covered - mental illness, suicide, the aforementioned PTSD and alcoholism to name a few.
It's a fairly long listen at over 12 hours, but it held my attention so I was happy enough to have spent a credit on it.
Fantastic narration by Mary Jane Wells.

Well written

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A mixture of some slightly darker subjects with humour and great banter. I liked both the hero and heroine and liked that each was a complete person. The balance works well. There are a great many obstacles to be overcome but the story remains engaging and exiting throughout.

Mary Jane Wells’ narration is as excellent as always. In fact I came across this book due to her narration and I’m glad I did.

Romantic and real

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I discovered this book on a list of Valentine’s Day reads and thought it would be a fluffy and predictable romance. I did not expect it to be a richly textured and detailed story of London covering class, politics and local government in fascinating (for me, at least) detail. The final chapters do take with a dark turn and could be upsetting for anyone with a history involving psychiatric care.

So much more than I expected

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I've just discovered Joanna Lowell whilst searching for audiobooks narrated by Mary Jane Wells and am now a fan.

This story cleverly unfolds amidst an interesting mix of characters. Lucy is driven and awesome. The Duke is likeable but unjustly manipulated. Together they make for an unconventional love match. I love it.

There are some dark themes and steamy moments however neither are overbaked
nor gratuitous.

I recommend this and the follow up story (Runaway Duchess) which is just as good.

Enjoyanle story with fantastic narration

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Thoroughly enjoyable listen. Intriguing storyline and captivating narration. Loved Lucy's character, and especially enjoyed the interlacing of artistic content.

Refreshing, engaging and witty.

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