Eleven Scandals to Start to Win a Duke's Heart

Set in the glittering and unforgiving world of Regency London, Sarah MacLean's third Love By Numbers novel pits a fiercely independent Italian woman against a duke who has built his entire life around respectability. Juliana Fiori has never concerned herself with the ton's expectations, and her willingness to speak freely and act boldly makes her a constant source of gossip. Simon Pearson, the Duke of Leighton, operates on the opposite principle: his title, his reputation, and his carefully guarded secrets are all he has. When a late-night encounter in his carriage throws them together, the duke resolves to instill some propriety in Juliana, while she sets out to prove he is not as impervious to passion as he pretends.

Barrie Kreinik brings both characters to vivid life, capturing Juliana's defiance and warmth alongside Simon's clipped, reluctant charm. The verbal sparring at the core of MacLean's story translates especially well to audio, where tone and timing amplify every loaded exchange. At just under twelve hours, the pacing stays brisk and satisfying for fans of witty, tension-driven Regency romance.