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Simon, is the Duke of Trent and that position comes with much responsibility. Three years previous he fell in love with Sarah, a woman who was raised along side with his siblings. Now she is a maid, having been the gardeners daughter. Sarah Osborne, has always known the wide gulf that separates herself and Simon from each other. Even though she cares for Simon more than anyone knows, she also knows that they have no future together. She is merely a maid, and Simon a Duke. When Simon's mother disappears, all of them are frantic, trying to find a trace of her and find none. When Sarah was young, Simon's mother took her in and loved her and Sarah would do anything to find her. As Simon and his brothers start to investigate, they find a variety of clues to their mother's disappearance, and Simon and Sarah start a affair even knowing it can't go anywhere. But then when Simon starts to come to the realization on his feelings for Sarah and willing to sacrifice everything for her, he ends up being blackmailed. Now he will have to make a choice save his family from the largest scandal known to the Ton or sacrifice everything for his love for Sarah.
The Duchess Hunt is the first in the House of Trent series, and I have always liked this author. I have never had a problem becoming engaged in her stories and her style of writing is addictive and draws in the reader from the beginning. After reading The Duchess Hunt I was impressed by this story, my favorite of her books so far. As the first in the series, The Duchess Hunt introduces us to the Trent family. It begins with a charming beginning of when Simon and Sarah first meet and finding Sarah hurt Simon brings her home to his mother, who immediately takes a liking to Sarah even though she is the gardeners daughter. So she does what any Duchess would do right? Have Sarah learn alongside with her own children. Having grown up in a loving atmosphere where despite her rank and birth, she feels accepted, but deep down she knows she will never be good enough for Simon.One of my favorite parts of this story was the way the Trent family accepts her. The relationship that forms between Simon and Sarah is tender and sweet and passionate. Both Simon and Sarah have shared intimate feelings with each other but haven't given into them until now. With the disappearance of Simon's mother, there is a mystery to be solved. But when Simon ends up being blackmailed into marrying a woman he barely knows and sees him as the Duke to be have at all costs, he knows he is making a mistake and hurting the one woman he loves more than life.
The Duchess Hunt is a story that engages the reader until the very end. I had the hardest time putting this one down and I would highly recommend this one to anyone that loves a stimulating historical romance. There is such a unbridled emotion portrayed in this story, the characters so vividly written it makes them come alive for the reader. I did feel like there could have been a bit more emphasis on the missing mother, but I did like the "Blackmail" theme to the story. I do love a strong conflict especially when it seems like unbeatable odds for the couple involved to stay together. The side characters were lively and fascinating and I just fell in love with the siblings of Simon. The bickering and bantering between them reminded me of my own family, and I love a series that involves a big family, so I can hardly wait to read the next book in the series.The aspect of the unorthodox Trent family was intriguing, and I enjoyed seeing the varying degrees of originality between each member of the family.
I think that overall, The Duchess Hunt was a charming story of a couple that have loved each other but live on different sides of the tracks. The love story was well done and the plot was thick with intrigue and mystery and conflict. Richly filled characters, and a witty enough read to charm your socks off. A Sensational story with enough zest and sensuality to make you fall in love from beginning to end.
The Duchess Hunt is the first in the House of Trent series, and I have always liked this author. I have never had a problem becoming engaged in her stories and her style of writing is addictive and draws in the reader from the beginning. After reading The Duchess Hunt I was impressed by this story, my favorite of her books so far. As the first in the series, The Duchess Hunt introduces us to the Trent family. It begins with a charming beginning of when Simon and Sarah first meet and finding Sarah hurt Simon brings her home to his mother, who immediately takes a liking to Sarah even though she is the gardeners daughter. So she does what any Duchess would do right? Have Sarah learn alongside with her own children. Having grown up in a loving atmosphere where despite her rank and birth, she feels accepted, but deep down she knows she will never be good enough for Simon.One of my favorite parts of this story was the way the Trent family accepts her. The relationship that forms between Simon and Sarah is tender and sweet and passionate. Both Simon and Sarah have shared intimate feelings with each other but haven't given into them until now. With the disappearance of Simon's mother, there is a mystery to be solved. But when Simon ends up being blackmailed into marrying a woman he barely knows and sees him as the Duke to be have at all costs, he knows he is making a mistake and hurting the one woman he loves more than life.
The Duchess Hunt is a story that engages the reader until the very end. I had the hardest time putting this one down and I would highly recommend this one to anyone that loves a stimulating historical romance. There is such a unbridled emotion portrayed in this story, the characters so vividly written it makes them come alive for the reader. I did feel like there could have been a bit more emphasis on the missing mother, but I did like the "Blackmail" theme to the story. I do love a strong conflict especially when it seems like unbeatable odds for the couple involved to stay together. The side characters were lively and fascinating and I just fell in love with the siblings of Simon. The bickering and bantering between them reminded me of my own family, and I love a series that involves a big family, so I can hardly wait to read the next book in the series.The aspect of the unorthodox Trent family was intriguing, and I enjoyed seeing the varying degrees of originality between each member of the family.
I think that overall, The Duchess Hunt was a charming story of a couple that have loved each other but live on different sides of the tracks. The love story was well done and the plot was thick with intrigue and mystery and conflict. Richly filled characters, and a witty enough read to charm your socks off. A Sensational story with enough zest and sensuality to make you fall in love from beginning to end.
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
I was fairly surprised at how much I enjoyed this one, and what a hilariously wicked romance this turned out to be. Now at first I was a little
scared, because I didn't get into the story right away, and since I have struggled with the past couple of her books, I wasn't sure how I would take The Duchess Deal but I can say, with a relieved sigh, that this book totally worked for me in many ways.
Our story takes off with our heroine, storming into Duke of Ashbury's home, wearing his ex-intended wedding gown, that she slaved away sewing and then never received her payment, and since she needs to make sure she isn't living on the street, she demands payment from the Duke of Ashbury. What she doesn't expect is to meet a man that throws her a curveball with an offer....to marry him instead. Emma Gladstone may have been raised among the gentry, but due to certain circumstances, she was forced to work as a seamstress to support herself. At first, Emma doesn't think that Ash is serious with his offer...the most eligible bachelor in all of the Ton and he wants to marry someone as low as she is...yeah she doesn't believe him at first. But then she starts to realize how serious he really is, and against her better judgment, she changes her mind and agrees to marry this mysterious man that only intrigues her, challenges her and makes her want more than just a marriage of convenience.
I have to say within the first chapter, Tessa Dare had me laughing out loud in PUBLIC!! Yeppers...this author had me bursting out in laughter and I wasn't even ashamed because I was having way too much fun with this book. So let's talk about our characters first. We have our hero, a scarred Duke, who suffered very painfully in the war and came back not the same. All he needs is an heir and has no interest in passion or love. He puts a shield on himself, he is brooding and grumpy and totally not ready for Emma to battle him with wit and desire. Our hero struggles with some self esteem issues, due to his battle scars. He lives more away from society, everyone from his life previously, has abandoned him. He only has his servants, who have remained devoted to serving him and helping him when he lets them.
Our heroine, Emma, hasn't had it easy. She is a talented seamstress, she grew up as a vicar's daughter. But when she was a teenager, she thought she was in love, and the man turned out to be a cad, and her father kicked her out of home and his life, and she had to learn to survive on her own. Emma despite her circumstances hasn't let them drag her down. She is intelligent, has a great sense of humor and her character was very appealing. She fights for what she wants, and I liked that she didn't just give into Ash's demands on their marriage...she wants rules of her own.
Their romance is quite simply superb. It does begin as a simple marriage of convenience with a few twists. Our hero lays out the rules, but then Emma counteracts him with a few rules of her own....eating dinner together with conversation for example. Emma takes pleasure in teasing Ash, and Ash only returns the favor back to her. It was quite interesting to see how this story plays out. At first, they tease each other, and their comebacks were pretty funny to read. Then passion starts to enter into the marriage, and this is where the "simple" arrangement gets complicated. Ash soon starts to realize that Emma is different from any other, and he is becoming more and more intrigued by her. I did like seeing the way that these two got along with each other. With their engaging and highly entertaining bantering, playing badminton (not sure how historically accurate that is, but a fun twist to their relationship. And oh boy the servants.....they were so funny. All the ways they were trying to get Ash and Emma together so they can fall in "love" and their Duke can be happy again. Seeing how much they cared about him pulled me in right away. And then we have the group of very unconventional ladies that Emma becomes friends with....I am so curious about them and hope to see more of them in the future.
The Duchess Deal is a story that will make you laugh and smile from beginning to end....an enchanting and endearing romance to curl your toes!! A SEXY ROMANCE TO CURL YOUR TOES!!
I was fairly surprised at how much I enjoyed this one, and what a hilariously wicked romance this turned out to be. Now at first I was a little
scared, because I didn't get into the story right away, and since I have struggled with the past couple of her books, I wasn't sure how I would take The Duchess Deal but I can say, with a relieved sigh, that this book totally worked for me in many ways.Our story takes off with our heroine, storming into Duke of Ashbury's home, wearing his ex-intended wedding gown, that she slaved away sewing and then never received her payment, and since she needs to make sure she isn't living on the street, she demands payment from the Duke of Ashbury. What she doesn't expect is to meet a man that throws her a curveball with an offer....to marry him instead. Emma Gladstone may have been raised among the gentry, but due to certain circumstances, she was forced to work as a seamstress to support herself. At first, Emma doesn't think that Ash is serious with his offer...the most eligible bachelor in all of the Ton and he wants to marry someone as low as she is...yeah she doesn't believe him at first. But then she starts to realize how serious he really is, and against her better judgment, she changes her mind and agrees to marry this mysterious man that only intrigues her, challenges her and makes her want more than just a marriage of convenience.
I have to say within the first chapter, Tessa Dare had me laughing out loud in PUBLIC!! Yeppers...this author had me bursting out in laughter and I wasn't even ashamed because I was having way too much fun with this book. So let's talk about our characters first. We have our hero, a scarred Duke, who suffered very painfully in the war and came back not the same. All he needs is an heir and has no interest in passion or love. He puts a shield on himself, he is brooding and grumpy and totally not ready for Emma to battle him with wit and desire. Our hero struggles with some self esteem issues, due to his battle scars. He lives more away from society, everyone from his life previously, has abandoned him. He only has his servants, who have remained devoted to serving him and helping him when he lets them.
Let's set someting straight, the two of us. You seem to be plotting a campaign of kindness. No doubt with the aim of soothing my tortured soul. It would be a waste of time. My temperament was not created byinjury; it will not be magically healed by sweetness or pet names. Am I making myself clear? Do not harbor any illusions that my scars transformed me into a jaded, ill-tempered wretch.
Our heroine, Emma, hasn't had it easy. She is a talented seamstress, she grew up as a vicar's daughter. But when she was a teenager, she thought she was in love, and the man turned out to be a cad, and her father kicked her out of home and his life, and she had to learn to survive on her own. Emma despite her circumstances hasn't let them drag her down. She is intelligent, has a great sense of humor and her character was very appealing. She fights for what she wants, and I liked that she didn't just give into Ash's demands on their marriage...she wants rules of her own.
Charming princes weren't always what they seemed. Shining armor went out of fashion with the Crusades. And if fairy godmothers existed, hers was running several years late.
Their romance is quite simply superb. It does begin as a simple marriage of convenience with a few twists. Our hero lays out the rules, but then Emma counteracts him with a few rules of her own....eating dinner together with conversation for example. Emma takes pleasure in teasing Ash, and Ash only returns the favor back to her. It was quite interesting to see how this story plays out. At first, they tease each other, and their comebacks were pretty funny to read. Then passion starts to enter into the marriage, and this is where the "simple" arrangement gets complicated. Ash soon starts to realize that Emma is different from any other, and he is becoming more and more intrigued by her. I did like seeing the way that these two got along with each other. With their engaging and highly entertaining bantering, playing badminton (not sure how historically accurate that is, but a fun twist to their relationship. And oh boy the servants.....they were so funny. All the ways they were trying to get Ash and Emma together so they can fall in "love" and their Duke can be happy again. Seeing how much they cared about him pulled me in right away. And then we have the group of very unconventional ladies that Emma becomes friends with....I am so curious about them and hope to see more of them in the future.
The Duchess Deal is a story that will make you laugh and smile from beginning to end....an enchanting and endearing romance to curl your toes!! A SEXY ROMANCE TO CURL YOUR TOES!!
For quite some time now I have seen plenty of high rating and reviews, and recommendations from fellow bloggers and friends about this series, and I kept putting it off. But as I was browsing I saw that The Duchess War, was free, so I thought I should start reading it. This is not the first time that I have read this author, but I haven’t read her in quite some time. I do love wallflower themed romances, but this story had so much more depth that I was expecting.
The story begins with Minerva Lane, who finds herself hiding behind a couch, when her almost fiancee comes in with his friends, talking crap about her, and she finds herself with a partner listening in, Robert Blaisdell, who she later learns is a bloody Duke. Can her day get any worse? Minerva has been hiding her true identity for years, and now she has no choice but to marry, because the only family she has left, two women that practically adopted her into their lives, friends of her mother, are left in dire straits, and she needs to marry and soon. But when Robert enters her life, and begins to pursue her, she starts to want a better way for her life, and not just marrying someone for convenience. And soon she starts to realize that there is alot more to Robert than meets the eye, and she will have to decide if she could handle being the Duchess of Clermont, or will her inner fears from her past consume her?
What I loved about this story was the emotional intensity that is displayed throughout the story. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed this authors style, that pulled me right into the story from the beginning. What I liked at the start was how Robert and Minnie got along with each. There was quite a bit of fun interaction, and it was a show seeing these two rub along together, and try to work things out, with a bit of heated and strongly sensual scenes that could fire up the room. There definitely is plenty of sparks flying back in forth between the two. Another characteristic that I really enjoyed was the building up of the characters. We see quite a bit of development of both Minnie and Robert. The kind that really capture you attention, and I fell in love with both Minnie and Robert. They were such a pair, and I couldn’t get enough of them and the kind of attachment that they form to each other.
Robert is ….well I loved him as the hero, he really got my radar up and working furiously, there was something so telling about him that made me just want to marry the man myself. Robert isn’t looking for a conventional marriage, he is quite a schemer, but in a good way. He has secrets of his own, but he goes about doing things that he knows he can get away with because he is a Duke. Robert never grew up with parents that loved him, he has never really known love or affection, until the arrival of his brother and cousin come into his life. He hasn’t had a easy road, but is determined to make a difference in his life. Minnie, grew up in a situation that was not her own, and has her own talents and is way intelligent, but has had to settle for less because of the secret that she is afraid of coming out. What match that these two were for each other. They may have different types of history, and status in society, but they work so good together and really balance each other really well.
I found that The Duchess War was a fascinating story of healing, past hurts, and a poignant love to win every heart….SENSUAL AND WELL PLAYED OUT!!
The Duchess of Love is a short novella that was included in the book Bedding Lord Ned. This short story is about Venus and Drew (Ned's Parents) and their love story. I wanted to do a separate review for this one, I found I really liked this one even if it was a bit short, with only being 97 pages. There was a sense of charm and sweet feeling to the story. Venus is well known in her country town as the matchmaker of love. When the Duke of Greycliff comes to town, she decides to try to set him up with her beautiful sister. When she first meets Drew, they meet under less formal circumstances and she believes him to be the Duke's cousin, not the Duke himself. Drew has been the Duke since he was thirteen years old but is looking for someone that will see him as himself and not the Duke. So he hides who he is from Venus, wanting her to love him for who he is and not what he is. Overall I found it to be a witty and poignant story that I found to be a very fun story, a good start to the series.
Summary
When Rosalind Sharpe sees the Duke of Avendale, she knows he will be the perfect target for her next con. However she can’t resist the desire he brings out in her, which she has never felt before. From their first meeting, sparks ignited, and an instant attraction was there, but Avendale is determined to make sure Rosalind stays with him for however long he wants. He knows she is keeping secrets, just like he has secrets he keeps deeply buried, but there is something more to Rose than he expected and he is drawn to her in a way that makes him feel energized and full of life, the first woman who hasn’t bored him in the longest time. But when he gives her a sum of money to help pay off her debts and he finds her attempting to flee in the night, he is furious, and catches her and gives her a proposition spend one week in his bed or he will report her to Scotland Yard. Then as secrets begins to unravel and he learns the truth of her past and who she is trying to protect, he will prove to her that their love is stronger than any fear or secrets she may possess…
The Hero
The Duke of Avendale, is the son of Winnie from the “Last Wicked Scoundrel” who married the infamous Dr. William Graves from the Scoundrel of St. James series. We learn some unique things about him that connect with that book. So if you have read it…you will understand his character, and when his “secrets” are revealed you see why he is who he is, a scoundrel and rake and lover of all things scandalous. He is a bit of a rebellious sort, he refuses to let himself love at all. He has a shield around his heart, because of an event that happened in his past that shielded him off from emotion and from his mother and step father. He has a close bond to his friends. He is loyal and dedicated, and has a heart of compassion that is hidden beneath a tough exterior of raw sensuality. He was quite a great hero, because at the beginning you just see you average wicked scoundrel, but then you start to see a deeper side to him…and what a hero he is….everything you need or want in one.
The Heroine
Rosalind Sharpe is not your normal average heroine, in fact especially in the beginning, she is quite the cunning and deceitful heroine…and I didn’t know how much I was going to like her in the beginning, and at first you know she is hiding quite a bit of herself and her past, but you also see that she is doing it for a good reason. That she wouldn’t sacrifice her integrity for something so small as money…that there has to be another reason…and boy is there ever. But no worries I refuse to divulge on the reason…because in all honesty the mystery of it is part of what makes this story superb. I kept guessing on the reason and who she was doing it for…and it definitely blew me away. What we see is a woman who has had to sacrifice many part of herself for someone she loves and will do anything for. She is sassy yet sweet, passionate and in need of love and affection. You see how she just thrives on what Avendale gives her, but you also see how she gives as much as she gets….she will do anything to protect those she loves. There is a poignancy to her.
Plot and Story Line
The Duke and Lady in Red is the third book of this latest series by Lorraine Heath. If you have yet to read this series yet, but have read her previous “Scoundrels of St. James” series…this is a series you have to pick up. Because this series is focused on their children and the stories that they have. I am not sure if this is the last book (it might be which saddens me because what fun it is reconnecting with all of these characters). It starts off at the Dodgers Club, but there is a little kick to this club…they are inviting women to be included….to drink ,gamble and taste in other certain delights. And this is the location where our hero and heroine meet for the first time and begin a passionate affair. Avendale is on the hunt for something fresh and new, and is quite bored with his current lifestyle. And he knows that Rose is his ticket to becoming alive again. Then we get to see a part of Rose, her character is stand offish at first, but then it turns into something more when you sense the secret that she is hiding…the kicker of the story is that you don’t know WHO it is. We know his name “Harry” and what a side character…one of my all time favorites. And then once you see the truth revelaed…this is where Avendale shows his true colors, and I grew to love him even more. But then I warn you that the story doesn’t end there…nope, this is where you will need a box of tissues. Before I had picked this one up, I had heart I might need one….but I didn’t believe how emotional it would get…I don’t know why I was so surprised how much I cried in this story….since Lorraine Heath is at the helm of the story, but still…it shook me to the core. I still am having aftershocks just thinking about it. It overwhelmed me in ways I didn’t see, and the love story is quite intense at times, and I couldn’t put this down once you learn certain truths, and these characters…oh my…they felt so vivid and real to me, I almost felt I could touch them, and the plot this author weaves for us is precious, engaging and intensely emotional.
The Cover
What a beautiful cover….and I just had to share the stepback..because isn’t that just beautiful. I just love the vivid red colors and the white background…and the rose on the bench beside the heroine…definitely has significance.
Overall View
What a beautifully written story to tug at your heart-strings from beginning to end. A tale that is weaved with emotion, engaging characters, a sensual setting, and a love story to remember! HEARBREAKINGLY ROMANTIC!!
When Rosalind Sharpe sees the Duke of Avendale, she knows he will be the perfect target for her next con. However she can’t resist the desire he brings out in her, which she has never felt before. From their first meeting, sparks ignited, and an instant attraction was there, but Avendale is determined to make sure Rosalind stays with him for however long he wants. He knows she is keeping secrets, just like he has secrets he keeps deeply buried, but there is something more to Rose than he expected and he is drawn to her in a way that makes him feel energized and full of life, the first woman who hasn’t bored him in the longest time. But when he gives her a sum of money to help pay off her debts and he finds her attempting to flee in the night, he is furious, and catches her and gives her a proposition spend one week in his bed or he will report her to Scotland Yard. Then as secrets begins to unravel and he learns the truth of her past and who she is trying to protect, he will prove to her that their love is stronger than any fear or secrets she may possess…
The Hero
The Duke of Avendale, is the son of Winnie from the “Last Wicked Scoundrel” who married the infamous Dr. William Graves from the Scoundrel of St. James series. We learn some unique things about him that connect with that book. So if you have read it…you will understand his character, and when his “secrets” are revealed you see why he is who he is, a scoundrel and rake and lover of all things scandalous. He is a bit of a rebellious sort, he refuses to let himself love at all. He has a shield around his heart, because of an event that happened in his past that shielded him off from emotion and from his mother and step father. He has a close bond to his friends. He is loyal and dedicated, and has a heart of compassion that is hidden beneath a tough exterior of raw sensuality. He was quite a great hero, because at the beginning you just see you average wicked scoundrel, but then you start to see a deeper side to him…and what a hero he is….everything you need or want in one.
The Heroine
Rosalind Sharpe is not your normal average heroine, in fact especially in the beginning, she is quite the cunning and deceitful heroine…and I didn’t know how much I was going to like her in the beginning, and at first you know she is hiding quite a bit of herself and her past, but you also see that she is doing it for a good reason. That she wouldn’t sacrifice her integrity for something so small as money…that there has to be another reason…and boy is there ever. But no worries I refuse to divulge on the reason…because in all honesty the mystery of it is part of what makes this story superb. I kept guessing on the reason and who she was doing it for…and it definitely blew me away. What we see is a woman who has had to sacrifice many part of herself for someone she loves and will do anything for. She is sassy yet sweet, passionate and in need of love and affection. You see how she just thrives on what Avendale gives her, but you also see how she gives as much as she gets….she will do anything to protect those she loves. There is a poignancy to her.
Plot and Story Line
The Duke and Lady in Red is the third book of this latest series by Lorraine Heath. If you have yet to read this series yet, but have read her previous “Scoundrels of St. James” series…this is a series you have to pick up. Because this series is focused on their children and the stories that they have. I am not sure if this is the last book (it might be which saddens me because what fun it is reconnecting with all of these characters). It starts off at the Dodgers Club, but there is a little kick to this club…they are inviting women to be included….to drink ,gamble and taste in other certain delights. And this is the location where our hero and heroine meet for the first time and begin a passionate affair. Avendale is on the hunt for something fresh and new, and is quite bored with his current lifestyle. And he knows that Rose is his ticket to becoming alive again. Then we get to see a part of Rose, her character is stand offish at first, but then it turns into something more when you sense the secret that she is hiding…the kicker of the story is that you don’t know WHO it is. We know his name “Harry” and what a side character…one of my all time favorites. And then once you see the truth revelaed…this is where Avendale shows his true colors, and I grew to love him even more. But then I warn you that the story doesn’t end there…nope, this is where you will need a box of tissues. Before I had picked this one up, I had heart I might need one….but I didn’t believe how emotional it would get…I don’t know why I was so surprised how much I cried in this story….since Lorraine Heath is at the helm of the story, but still…it shook me to the core. I still am having aftershocks just thinking about it. It overwhelmed me in ways I didn’t see, and the love story is quite intense at times, and I couldn’t put this down once you learn certain truths, and these characters…oh my…they felt so vivid and real to me, I almost felt I could touch them, and the plot this author weaves for us is precious, engaging and intensely emotional.
The Cover
What a beautiful cover….and I just had to share the stepback..because isn’t that just beautiful. I just love the vivid red colors and the white background…and the rose on the bench beside the heroine…definitely has significance.
Overall View
What a beautifully written story to tug at your heart-strings from beginning to end. A tale that is weaved with emotion, engaging characters, a sensual setting, and a love story to remember! HEARBREAKINGLY ROMANTIC!!
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This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Imogen once knew and truly cared for Collin Talmage, and even though she had little choice when she was innocent, he showed her tenderness and passion. She never though she would see him again, but Collin came back to England damaged, and as a nurse she aided in his recovery. But circumstances forced her to make a new life for herself, where she married a man who was sickly but a good friend to her and offered her a stable future and a chance to make a difference. Now Imogen is a widow, but goes out of her way to help those in need whether they be starved children, or abused prostitutes or injured veterans or even thieves who want a different kind of life. But her new neighbor isn't pleased with her at all. Imogen knows exactly who Collin is but he has no clue that she is the one girl he has been searching for years for, the one woman he gave his heart to. Collin and Imogen have sparks that fly between them, but Imogen wonders if she can tell this dangerous man the truth of their past or is it too late for them to have a future?
Kerrigan Byrne just keeps surprising me with this series, with each installment I keep falling into the world she has created and what a world of danger and passion and the depth of true humanity that is divulged in these books. In The Duke, her most recent release we have a story of lost love and discovery. Imogen and Collin have a past with each other and there are some secrets too but its quite complicated so its not so black and white as it might appear to be. Imogen has a heart of gold, and she gave her innocence and her heart to Collin. But Collin has lived through a hell of his own. Returned to England, created his own fake hand for the one he lost in order to escape alive out of the hellhole he was in. Now when these two meet up again they are next door neighbors but Collin is quite hostile at first. He doesn't realize that Imogen and the woman he knew as "Ginny" are one and the same. Tempers fly and these two go at it like cats and dogs....or some weird mating ritual because they also have powerful chemistry. I loved the bantering these two have with each other. Its quite lively and highly entertaining. Such a delight to partake of this author once again. She is unique and simply talented. She writes stories that are captivating and not what most HR authors writes now and that is what I love most about her. Its fresh and fun with dark edges that keep you coming back for more. I can't wait to see what is up next.
What a drop dead gorgeous cover...I swear they just keep getting better and better. I love her white flowy dress, and the way he holds her from behind.
The Duke is evidence of the pure and unique talent that is Kerrigan Byrne. A story of love that isn't easy and a romance that packs a punch to your heart!! INCREDIBLE!!
[foogallery id="18974"]
Summary
Imogen once knew and truly cared for Collin Talmage, and even though she had little choice when she was innocent, he showed her tenderness and passion. She never though she would see him again, but Collin came back to England damaged, and as a nurse she aided in his recovery. But circumstances forced her to make a new life for herself, where she married a man who was sickly but a good friend to her and offered her a stable future and a chance to make a difference. Now Imogen is a widow, but goes out of her way to help those in need whether they be starved children, or abused prostitutes or injured veterans or even thieves who want a different kind of life. But her new neighbor isn't pleased with her at all. Imogen knows exactly who Collin is but he has no clue that she is the one girl he has been searching for years for, the one woman he gave his heart to. Collin and Imogen have sparks that fly between them, but Imogen wonders if she can tell this dangerous man the truth of their past or is it too late for them to have a future?
Plot and Story Line
Kerrigan Byrne just keeps surprising me with this series, with each installment I keep falling into the world she has created and what a world of danger and passion and the depth of true humanity that is divulged in these books. In The Duke, her most recent release we have a story of lost love and discovery. Imogen and Collin have a past with each other and there are some secrets too but its quite complicated so its not so black and white as it might appear to be. Imogen has a heart of gold, and she gave her innocence and her heart to Collin. But Collin has lived through a hell of his own. Returned to England, created his own fake hand for the one he lost in order to escape alive out of the hellhole he was in. Now when these two meet up again they are next door neighbors but Collin is quite hostile at first. He doesn't realize that Imogen and the woman he knew as "Ginny" are one and the same. Tempers fly and these two go at it like cats and dogs....or some weird mating ritual because they also have powerful chemistry. I loved the bantering these two have with each other. Its quite lively and highly entertaining. Such a delight to partake of this author once again. She is unique and simply talented. She writes stories that are captivating and not what most HR authors writes now and that is what I love most about her. Its fresh and fun with dark edges that keep you coming back for more. I can't wait to see what is up next.
The Cover
What a drop dead gorgeous cover...I swear they just keep getting better and better. I love her white flowy dress, and the way he holds her from behind.
Overall View
The Duke is evidence of the pure and unique talent that is Kerrigan Byrne. A story of love that isn't easy and a romance that packs a punch to your heart!! INCREDIBLE!!
Click To Buy On Amazon
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This review was originally posted on Addicted To RomanceI received this book for free from Avon in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
A Duke Changes Everything is the first book of a new series by Carlyle and I have to say that this being my first Christy Carlyle...this book was a winner for me! I was very impressed with this book. Now I am not going to say this was the best book of the year or anything, but I found it refreshing for a regency style romance and had a old style historical romance writing style that I fell head over heels in love with. There is so much that can draw you into such a book. Now I will admit that Avon did a superb job with the cover, because the cover art alone got me to grab this book up even though I hadn't tried out this author before and had no idea if I would love it or hate it but I can happily say that I truly enjoyed this one.
This story starts out with our hero, Nicholas Lyon who is co owner of a gambling hell in London. He and his friends built their place out of the ground and is becoming very successful. All three men have worked hard to make their business sucessful. Nicholas loves numbers and is in charge of the accounts for the club and will spend all day happily in the books. But then he received word that his older brother has passed away and now Nicholas is the new Duke of Tremayne. Nicholas has very bitter feelings towards his father and brother and with good reason he has no desire to be the new Duke but now he has no choice. So he heads down to his late father's estate out in the country and a place that holds painful memories for him.
Mina Thorne grew up at the Enderley estate and has taken after her father in being the steward and ever since her father died two years previous, she has taken the responsbility of seeing to the needs and caring of the Enderley estate. She has come to love this home in the country despite the challenges but she is also worried about the new Duke and wonders if he will be like his father and brothers. But when they first meet, she sees that Nicholas is very different from his father and brother. He is bitter against his past, and Mina remembers the young boy she used to know but then disappeared one day. At first it seems like their relationship will be strictly professional, but there is a raw chemistry between Mina and Nicholas and sparks fly and soon they will discover a tender love in each other's arms.
A Duke Changes Everything is simply a sweet filled romance that gave me all the feels and more. I didn't know at first what to expect from this book, and I am thrilled to say that it met my expectations. We have a hero that is a rogue, has risen above some terrible events in his childhood and made sure he was a success since his father never thought he would amount to anything. He has strong friendships and his share of women but he is responsible and intelligent although bitter against anything connected to his family. The heroine, is strong and smart but also kind and thoughtful. She takes care of the tenants when she can and she sees to the servants and they are her family. She has been betrayed by a man she thought she loved but who was just toying with her affections. Now she is ready to just be a spinster and live her life on the estate...until she meets Nicholas and everything changes. I first want to say that the chemistry between these two is explosive and awe inspiring and keeps the reader captivated at times. I was swept away by their sensual moments that take your breath away.
It was also interesting to see the changes in these characters. They begin to see life in a different perspective and seem to be so aware of the development of their relationship and just go with it. Neither of them fight what they feel for each other too hard and I love seeing them embrace their emotions instead of fighting so hard and its subtle so its more of a gradual acceptance and a lovely friendship forms between them. I love seeing these two share with each other their past experiences and this is where the emotional intimacy between them really builds and is felt by the reader.
Overall I found A Duke Changes Everything to be a stunning and packed with endearing characters that you can be proud of....characters that grow and form a love that will leave you with a smile! BEAUTIFULLY DONE!
A Duke Changes Everything is the first book of a new series by Carlyle and I have to say that this being my first Christy Carlyle...this book was a winner for me! I was very impressed with this book. Now I am not going to say this was the best book of the year or anything, but I found it refreshing for a regency style romance and had a old style historical romance writing style that I fell head over heels in love with. There is so much that can draw you into such a book. Now I will admit that Avon did a superb job with the cover, because the cover art alone got me to grab this book up even though I hadn't tried out this author before and had no idea if I would love it or hate it but I can happily say that I truly enjoyed this one.
This story starts out with our hero, Nicholas Lyon who is co owner of a gambling hell in London. He and his friends built their place out of the ground and is becoming very successful. All three men have worked hard to make their business sucessful. Nicholas loves numbers and is in charge of the accounts for the club and will spend all day happily in the books. But then he received word that his older brother has passed away and now Nicholas is the new Duke of Tremayne. Nicholas has very bitter feelings towards his father and brother and with good reason he has no desire to be the new Duke but now he has no choice. So he heads down to his late father's estate out in the country and a place that holds painful memories for him.
Mina Thorne grew up at the Enderley estate and has taken after her father in being the steward and ever since her father died two years previous, she has taken the responsbility of seeing to the needs and caring of the Enderley estate. She has come to love this home in the country despite the challenges but she is also worried about the new Duke and wonders if he will be like his father and brothers. But when they first meet, she sees that Nicholas is very different from his father and brother. He is bitter against his past, and Mina remembers the young boy she used to know but then disappeared one day. At first it seems like their relationship will be strictly professional, but there is a raw chemistry between Mina and Nicholas and sparks fly and soon they will discover a tender love in each other's arms.
A Duke Changes Everything is simply a sweet filled romance that gave me all the feels and more. I didn't know at first what to expect from this book, and I am thrilled to say that it met my expectations. We have a hero that is a rogue, has risen above some terrible events in his childhood and made sure he was a success since his father never thought he would amount to anything. He has strong friendships and his share of women but he is responsible and intelligent although bitter against anything connected to his family. The heroine, is strong and smart but also kind and thoughtful. She takes care of the tenants when she can and she sees to the servants and they are her family. She has been betrayed by a man she thought she loved but who was just toying with her affections. Now she is ready to just be a spinster and live her life on the estate...until she meets Nicholas and everything changes. I first want to say that the chemistry between these two is explosive and awe inspiring and keeps the reader captivated at times. I was swept away by their sensual moments that take your breath away.
It was also interesting to see the changes in these characters. They begin to see life in a different perspective and seem to be so aware of the development of their relationship and just go with it. Neither of them fight what they feel for each other too hard and I love seeing them embrace their emotions instead of fighting so hard and its subtle so its more of a gradual acceptance and a lovely friendship forms between them. I love seeing these two share with each other their past experiences and this is where the emotional intimacy between them really builds and is felt by the reader.
Overall I found A Duke Changes Everything to be a stunning and packed with endearing characters that you can be proud of....characters that grow and form a love that will leave you with a smile! BEAUTIFULLY DONE!
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
*May Contain Spoilers*
A Duke By Default is the second book in the reluctant royals series and man this book was just as good as the first one and it kicked butt!! This book was so wonderful and of course, I was expecting it with Alyssa Cole at the helm, but man bring me a sexy scot (no matter the century) and I cave. But it was so much more depth than I was really expecting and I loved getting to see a more personal view to Portia. This is a story that features a heroine that is the "knight in shining armor" for her Duke and seeing Portia being such a strong rock for our hero was so heart felt and really get to your emotions in all the right ways.
Our lovely book starts our when our heroine, Portia Hobbs, accepts an internship in Edinburgh, Scotland to learn to be a swordmaker and work along side the man that started a medieval martial arts center. At first, she is a bit disappointed when he promises to come pick her up from the airport, only to one of his associates pick her up. Portia is wanting a fresh start with this job where she takes a step back from drinking and the one night stands she has made a habit of.
But unfortantely her goal to have this new job start off without a hitch, doesn't exactly go according to plan here. not exactly the best way to greet your new boss for sure so yeah he isn't happy and now Portia is feeling a bit down with the whole situation but she also refuses to give up and let this ruin her future.
Tavish agrees to give her a chance despite their first meeting, at first Tavish is very resistent to even working with Portia, she seems too clean and put together for what he does. He is 38 years old, the son of Chilean mother and a Scottish birth father, although his step father is his real father. He has always had an interest in historical weaponry, most especially medieval weapons like claymores and swords and the like. Tavish wants to have a place that everyone is welcome, no matter where they come from and that everyone deserves equal opportunities and not to be judged by the color of their skin. He is patient with children and seeks them out to bring them to his classes to "keep them out of trouble". Tavis is a bit grumpy and has an outer gruff layer, but has a vulnerability that appeals to Portia.
Portia has her own vulnerabilities though that she is dealing with. She struggles with ADHD, she suffers guilt from certain circumstances with her sister and her parents. Her parents don't understand Portia, and they don't accept her for who she is. They tend to put her down because she is single and 30 and hasn't decided on what she wants for a career. So she has some personal emotional struggles that she deals with daily and trying not to get back in the rut of "pleasing " her parents that could never be satisfied with who she really is. I really connected with Portia, because I see so much of myself in her. ( I am 31, single and still unsure of the career I want and I don't have the best relationship with my folks so I resonated with her struggles)
The romance begins pretty slowly between Tavish and Portia, I would definitely put this in a slow burn romance column. At first, we have the whole boundary of the fact that these two don't really like each other very much and then we also have a bit of angst between them. Tavish is a grouch at times, doesn't like technology or many people bugging him about things. Portia is quite opposite, she is a social creature, she lives for her phone and the computer and is more upbeat and happy most of the time. But we see how ADHD is a daily struggle for her, and I really liked seeing a more realistic viewpoint of it in a romance, because it is real for many people in the world today, and Alyssa Cole did a great job of implementing it in Portia's personality.
I actually loved the way that Tavish and Portia come together in this story, and seeing how Portia is slowly saving Tavish and his buisiness which sales are really dropping and he doesn't know why. So Portia works are revamping his website, and making the company more presentable. She is very knowledgable when it comes to medieval weaponry and Tavish slowly starts to realize how much she is doing for him. But then there is a kicker, in her research, she stumbles across something that will change Tavish's life forever, of who his birth father is and that he is in line for a title. This is where their relationships connects even more, because Tavish start to rely on Portia but begins to realize he needs to see if he can handle the pressure on his own.
What I really liked is seeing what a strong pairing these two were. Portia and Tavis are so good for each other and balance each other out just right. Portia is truly remarkable in this book and how she helps Tavis is so many different ways. I admire an author that can make the heroine be the "knight in shining armor" and boy is she ever....he even calls her his "knight"
I really liked seeing this close connection form between Tavish and Portia and seeing them come to where they fight for each other and wanting to stay together and what they are both willing to do to make that happen. I would say that this ending is between a HFN and a HEA, it wasn't exactly either one, but I am leaning towards HEA. From beginning to end this romance is engaging, full of laughs and sexual tension to make you swoon!! A Satisfying romance that keeps you fully engaged in this sweet and loveable pairing.
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*May Contain Spoilers*
A Duke By Default is the second book in the reluctant royals series and man this book was just as good as the first one and it kicked butt!! This book was so wonderful and of course, I was expecting it with Alyssa Cole at the helm, but man bring me a sexy scot (no matter the century) and I cave. But it was so much more depth than I was really expecting and I loved getting to see a more personal view to Portia. This is a story that features a heroine that is the "knight in shining armor" for her Duke and seeing Portia being such a strong rock for our hero was so heart felt and really get to your emotions in all the right ways.
Our lovely book starts our when our heroine, Portia Hobbs, accepts an internship in Edinburgh, Scotland to learn to be a swordmaker and work along side the man that started a medieval martial arts center. At first, she is a bit disappointed when he promises to come pick her up from the airport, only to one of his associates pick her up. Portia is wanting a fresh start with this job where she takes a step back from drinking and the one night stands she has made a habit of.
But unfortantely her goal to have this new job start off without a hitch, doesn't exactly go according to plan here.
Spoiler
When she arrives, she hears a sound of a woman struggling and sees a tall big man attacking her, and thinking the woman is in danger, she attacks him with her pepper spray--and yeah they were training so no attack :PTavish agrees to give her a chance despite their first meeting, at first Tavish is very resistent to even working with Portia, she seems too clean and put together for what he does. He is 38 years old, the son of Chilean mother and a Scottish birth father, although his step father is his real father. He has always had an interest in historical weaponry, most especially medieval weapons like claymores and swords and the like. Tavish wants to have a place that everyone is welcome, no matter where they come from and that everyone deserves equal opportunities and not to be judged by the color of their skin. He is patient with children and seeks them out to bring them to his classes to "keep them out of trouble". Tavis is a bit grumpy and has an outer gruff layer, but has a vulnerability that appeals to Portia.
"do you have any books about dukes?” The librarian’s eyes went wide and she rubbed her hands together with glee. “We have a fantastic romance section,” she said. “Do you need recommendations? How do you like your dukes? Grumpy? Tortured? Alpha, beta, or alpha in the streets, beta in the sheets?” “Actually, I meant nonfiction,” Portia said glumly. The librarian sighed. “Aye. Just a warning, love—the non-fic dukes are not nearly as fun.” Portia sighed. The librarian had no idea."
Portia has her own vulnerabilities though that she is dealing with. She struggles with ADHD, she suffers guilt from certain circumstances with her sister and her parents. Her parents don't understand Portia, and they don't accept her for who she is. They tend to put her down because she is single and 30 and hasn't decided on what she wants for a career. So she has some personal emotional struggles that she deals with daily and trying not to get back in the rut of "pleasing " her parents that could never be satisfied with who she really is. I really connected with Portia, because I see so much of myself in her. ( I am 31, single and still unsure of the career I want and I don't have the best relationship with my folks so I resonated with her struggles)
The romance begins pretty slowly between Tavish and Portia, I would definitely put this in a slow burn romance column. At first, we have the whole boundary of the fact that these two don't really like each other very much and then we also have a bit of angst between them. Tavish is a grouch at times, doesn't like technology or many people bugging him about things. Portia is quite opposite, she is a social creature, she lives for her phone and the computer and is more upbeat and happy most of the time. But we see how ADHD is a daily struggle for her, and I really liked seeing a more realistic viewpoint of it in a romance, because it is real for many people in the world today, and Alyssa Cole did a great job of implementing it in Portia's personality.
I actually loved the way that Tavish and Portia come together in this story, and seeing how Portia is slowly saving Tavish and his buisiness which sales are really dropping and he doesn't know why. So Portia works are revamping his website, and making the company more presentable. She is very knowledgable when it comes to medieval weaponry and Tavish slowly starts to realize how much she is doing for him. But then there is a kicker, in her research, she stumbles across something that will change Tavish's life forever, of who his birth father is and that he is in line for a title. This is where their relationships connects even more, because Tavish start to rely on Portia but begins to realize he needs to see if he can handle the pressure on his own.
Because if anyone should be worrying about not being good enough, it’s me. I’m a bloody Bodotria geezer who makes swords and has a shite attitude. Christ, what are you even doing standing this close to me? Are you mad?” Her next sob turned into choked laughter, and she looked up at him with a sliver of pleasure in her eyes. “Bodotria Geezer is your new supervillain name.
What I really liked is seeing what a strong pairing these two were. Portia and Tavis are so good for each other and balance each other out just right. Portia is truly remarkable in this book and how she helps Tavis is so many different ways. I admire an author that can make the heroine be the "knight in shining armor" and boy is she ever....he even calls her his "knight"
I wish you could see yourself through someone else’s eyes. Mine. You can think what you want about yourself, but I’ve two eyes and a brain in my head and the view right now? It’s bloody brilliant.
I really liked seeing this close connection form between Tavish and Portia and seeing them come to where they fight for each other and wanting to stay together and what they are both willing to do to make that happen. I would say that this ending is between a HFN and a HEA, it wasn't exactly either one, but I am leaning towards HEA. From beginning to end this romance is engaging, full of laughs and sexual tension to make you swoon!! A Satisfying romance that keeps you fully engaged in this sweet and loveable pairing.
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