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.
In this stunning new book I fell in love with this story, and yes its not quite a five star read, but it was so enjoyable and sweet and charming and I honestly think this is some of Barnes best work so far. I feel like her writing improves with each book that she writes. Now I did miss out on reading book one " A Most Unlikely Duke" but in all honesty I don't think you need to read this trilogy in order. And even though I always prefer to read books in order, I caught on quickly.
But basically here is what happens in this story. Amelia and her brother and younger sister are thrown into a life they never planned on. They all grew up on the streets, learning to survive in St Giles, and then they learn that her brother is up for being a Duke that he inherited. And their life is torn upside down and turvy. Amelia is having to learn so many new things and living a lifestyle she never really wanted and there are expectations for her to marry and VERY soon and she is just not quite ready. But when her brother leaves on a honeymoon with his new bride, his best friend, the Duke of Coventry, is to help Amelia and Juliette out in society.
At first, there is a good friendship that forms between Thomas and Amelia which quickly turns into something more. Thomas knows that Amelia is off limits, she is the sister of his best friend but Amelia is so different from the regular debutantes he meets among the Ton. And as they work together on a project that Amelia is passionate about, those sparks turn very real and Thomas will have to be brave enough to take a chance on Amelia.
Even though friendship would never be enough. With Coventry, she would awlays long for more.
There are so many unique dynamics in this story that makes this for a great romance. First off we have the forbidden romance between the best friend of the brother and the sister....I really love this trope so much and I do love reading a nice forbidden romance and this book was simply endearing. Then we have the fact that our hero is a father with a son who deals with autism (although back then they had no idea what that was, and just referred to it "troubled" children who needed more attention) and Thomas has been focusing on his welfare for years that he has neglected what he really wants until he falls in love with Amelia and he has to face up to himself and make some decisions for his future.
Then we have Amelia, who is struggling with her new life and wants to give back to the community. So she has a dream of building a school for those less fortunate who are poor and struggling. I truly admired this quality to her character, seeing a young woman who has only known the streets, and now has a life of luxury but wants to help those in need. The only aspect I wasn't sure about is the reaction of the Ton. Many of them were pleased and approved of her actions, but from what research I have done of England society back then, that was NOT approved of much so I thought that was a bit odd, but I think it worked out for the story as a basis and I loved that our heroine stands on her own and goes after her dreams which work with her new position pretty well. And we only get a couple interactions between Amelia and Thomas's son, but boy they were so charming especially since she "connects" with him in a way that no one else does and these moments definitely are heartfelt.
I found the romance to be very swoony and man some of the "moments" between these two especially the kissing scenes were beyond sexy. There is just something about kissing in the bushes and trying to keep it from everyone without being "ruined" that just adds a bit more excitement which is one of the reasons I just love this era and makes for a great setting for a romance. And boy they definitely have powerful chemistry, but there is only one bedroom scene toward the end, but what I found most impressive is that these "embraces" during the story are just as sexy as the actual bedroom scene. Which shows the true talent of a great writer. So good job to this author for creating such a warm and sexy romance that leaves you happy and eager for Juliette's story.
This is the second time that I have read The Duke Of Sin, of course its been years. So when I saw this, I just had to pick it up again and start reading it. I love reading from Adele Ashworth, her books are always filled with characters that captivate the heart and with a tender love that develops between the two characters, that I find myself aching for the same kind of love.
Vivien Dael Lamont is a thirty five year old woman, who is legally seperated from her husband. Her husband is a opium user and she paid him alot of money so she could build a life for herself. She builds up a respectable floral business. One day, her world comes crashing down all around her. A actor by the name of Gilbert Montague, blackmails her saying he has evidence of proof that she is not the widow that she has told everyone else. That she is in fact still married, and that she and her husband decided on a legal separation. But he is willing to hand over the evidence, if she will retrieve a sonnet of Shakespeare's from none other than the Duke of Trent. She goes to the Duke of Sin with a proposition, knowing she can't tell him the truth behind her really wanting the document. They come to a agreement that he will give it over, if she pays him with herself as a companion to him. Vivien knows that she has no choice, so she says yes. William, the Duke of Trent, doesn't trust Vivien or her reasons behind wanting the Sonnet. So he hires a private investigator, who finds out that there was a stranger that came to her home, and who had never come there before. So he sends a couple men after him, to follow him so that they can discover the mystery. Even though William, has been rumored to have murdered his wife, Vivien comes to a knowledge after getting to know him that he could never murder anyone. Although William guards himself, since he strongly suspects that she is hiding something from him, even so he finds that his defenses are faltering and that he is falling in love with her. As their bond strengthen, and the passion and love builds, there is a danger that will sneak upon them both and strengthen everything that they hold dear.
It been years since I have read this book, and I only remembered how well I love the story and how well written it was. I love most of the aspect of the story, except for the fact that Vivien is still married. Although that certain situation is resolved, but I am picky about love stories like that. That was my only problem with the book though, other than that I truly was endeared to this book. There was such a sensual feeling throughout the whole book, that set my senses on fire. There was also such a tender love that develops between the two. I found myself wanting more after each page, and looking forward to each page. It was definitely a book that I could hardly put down, so I am looking forward to read the rest of the series.
Bridget Crumb, is the Duke Of Napier's housekeeper, but she has come to work for Valentine with a hidden agenda. He is blackmailing her mother and she needs to find the proof even if that means she has to hide certain truths from her employer, the most feared of all the Aristocracy. the Duke of Napier is vain and he is arrogant and he intimidates everyone that he comes across. He has no rules of right or wrong, just the rules that he lives by and doesn't apologize to anyone. He is intrigued by one person though, other than his sister his "seraphine" has put a spell over him and he has never felt so captivated by anyone before. But as Bridget and Val both have secrets and are trying to deceive one another, one of them will have to surrender but who will it be in the game of love and true test of wills?
The Hero
Valentine, the Duke of Napier is a man that every man, woman and child knows of in London and England everywhere. He has recently come back to England after being sent away in exile and seeks his revenge on a certain group of men with no scurples, the Lords of Chaos. Valentine, was raised to be a Duke but his father was the worst of the worst. And trained Val to not feel anything and if he does love anything or anyone to kill it so it won't weaken him. From the time he was a boy, he has only known sorrow, death and the need to never let himself ever become vulnerable.
"You have to kill the thing you love."
Val, is a hero that is unlike any hero you have ever read before. He is quite outrageous and vain and cocky and not your traditional "hero" of any sort. In fact, he is the type of character that could be a villain if the situation warrants it.
“This is who I am, Séraphine. Naked, with blade and blood. I am vengeance. I am hate. I am sin personified. Never mistake me for the hero of this tale, for I am not and shall never be. I am the villain.”
But he is also a man who hides the true parts of himself, where the lines of right and wrong are blurred due to his past. But he is also a hero you fall madly in love with despite his flawed and confusing personality.
The Heroine
Bridget was born a bastard, and never had the chance to live the life that she was meant to if she had been born on the right side of the blanket as it were. Bridget was raised by a foster family, and is a efficient and prim housekeeper. She knows the rules and is commanding of her "staff". Bridget runs a very tight ship and is professional but she also has a hidden agenda on a mission for her aristocratic mother. I really adored Bridget and she made the best match for Val. She has a good head on her shoulders, and she is firm yet understanding. She is very intelligent and uses common sense. I like that she wasn't simpering or too passive especially around Val. She isn't afraid of him at all and I liked how she didn't judge him like everyone else did. She took him at face value and had a heart of gold which Val needs.
Plot and Story Line
Duke Of Sin I had heard so many fabulous things about, and now having read this one I now know why. I honestly didn't know if I would care to like this one at first. But somehow, Elizabeth Hoyt had me falling for the anti hero. Now Val isn't your typical hero at all!! In fact, its one of the things I found most refreshing about this book was the hero. He was full of oxy morons in ways you don't expect. He likes to wear bright colors, he is vain about his appearance, he is also cunning and brutal at times, but he is playful and likes to play games with people. It almost like he is trying to shock people to the best of his ability. He is a man that never really grew up into an adult. There is almost a childlike quality about him in some ways. He doesn't act like any normal villain at all. He is what really makes this story so fascinating. The way this author writes him is unique and I have never read a hero like Val here. And THAT ladies and gentleman is what makes this story pull the reader in. Now our heroine, is his opposite in every way. She may be working for him with an ulterior motive, but with the best of intentions. She sees the real Val, and not the man he normally portrays. She is good and honest and keeps him on the right track (most of the time). It was interesting to see how "fire" and "ice" could work so well together.
He leaned over it, reaching for the headboard, and opened the concealed compartment.
Empty.
Oh.
Oh, Seraphine.
He felt the grin spread over his face, felt his cock throb and stiffen. Suddenly the day was bright, singing with vibrant colors and stratagems.
She’d outmaneuvered him.
And that? That hadn’t happened in a very, very long time.
And the way these two act around each other is quite entertaining. I had a blast of fun with their antics and I couldn't get enough of them or the way this story develops. The romance is unconventional, and not what you expect with a Duke and Housekeeper love match. These two just jump in the fire, and what makes their story so fantastic is how they balance each other out so perfectly.
“Séraphine, Séraphine, Séraphine. O most beloved of women, most fiery of saints, never leave me, please. I’ll erect columns of white marble to you, build gardens of delights for you, cause ships to sail and warriors to rise for you if you’ll only remain by my side.”
We also get a group of "new" villains. So if you think Val is the villain of the story, you are SO wrong there. We have a group of men who are horrible and should be shot for what they do in secret. I am quite interested to see what Hoyt does with it.
The Narration
What a talented narrator and she did the british accents so well and definitely makes you forget about reality. I liked that she handles the different personalities of the characters. The use of tones and emotions and attitudes are done just right. Definitely not the last time I will be listening to her.
The Cover
What a Cover right? I love the pink and watermelon like green. For some reason the colors remind me of watermelon gum. Yes that is right....GUM of all things. And the stepback is gorgeous as always with this series.
Overall View
The Duke of Sin is a compelling romance with some unique yet dark twists to keep you coming back for more. Its a tale that ENTHRALLS ITS READER!!!
The Duke That I Marry is the last book in the "Spinster Heiresses" trilogy and it was such fun to finally get the conclusion to this set of books. I have to say I was nervous about picking this up because this author is a hit or miss for me, sometimes, I struggle with getting into her writing. But I had no worries when reading this book and I am pretty grateful for that. This book was quite interesting and despite some issues I had with the heroine at times, overall, it was a likable read.
Men rarely ever do what you wish, or expect.
It sets off with Willa Reverly who is about to be married, but when her fiancee hasn't spoken much to her since the betrothal party, she decides she doesn't want the life her mother lives with her father....not being enough for anyone. So she sends him a letter to break their engagement ....the day before the wedding. Matthew Addison, the newly appointed Duke, has much riding on his shoulders and needs the funds that his marriage to Willa will bring. He comes from a family who have married for love. But too many are relying on him after his grandparents were blackmailed and lost all their funds. But when Willa tries to jilt him, he goes to London, and realizes that he made mistakes with her, and with some persuasion convinces her to marry him. Not only do Matt and Willa have to work through some complications with their marriage but there is a dangerous blackmailer who is a danger to them.
With Willa, he was more himself. The light illuminating her was an inner one.
The Duke That I Marry was such an interesting book and I did quite enjoy it. But my biggest complaint about this book was the heroine. *sigh* oh boy did I struggle with her at times. I really tried to be patient and understanding with her character but she was so not deserving of Matt. She was very selfish ridden, she really only ever thought of herself when Matt was the opposite. He would move mountains to keep her happy and content. We never really see her working nearly as hard as Matt to keep their marriage happy and strong. I really struggled with their wedding night and how she treated him. The author went really realistic on this scene (and its the only sex scene so I wish the author had put in a second one so we could see something better happen) we see the pain of being a virgin but Willa was really brutal with him and so judgmental. But she does redeem herself in the end though when she learns to stand by her husband when a dangerous villain comes for them.
He’d always thought true love was full of drama and turmoil. It wasn’t. Love was the sense that he was right where he was supposed to be. That at last, he’d found his home.
Even though I struggled with the heroine, I adored the hero. Matt just stands by Willa, he is willing to admit to his mistakes and try harder at being a better man and husband. I love how committed he is to her and how determined he is to make their marriage a love match and what a fighter he is for their relationship. He is definitely the type of hero that is "marriage material" and definitely a book boyfriend to this reader.
Overall I found this book to be truly enlightening and a fun entertaining regency romance that fans of this author will enjoy to their hearts content.
This review was originally posted on Addicted To RomanceI received this book for free from St. Martin's Paperbacks in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
*May Contain Spoilers*
The Duke With The Dragon Tattoo is the sixth installment in this incredible series by Kerrigan Byrne. After seeing all the raving reviews for this book I knew I was in for a great time with this book here and I have to say this one might be my favorite of the series, even more than Highlander which had been number 1 for me but this book was INCREDIBLE and I don't think I could ever give this book the right justice that it deserves...but I certainly will try.
In this story, we have our fated Rook....whose character we have been teased about and so we finally get his story. It starts out when he was a boy in Newgate Prison, and he is getting a tattoo done on his arm which we are included into the why of quite yet, and then we see him being dragged out. Our darling heroine, Lorelei, is traveling with her father and brother (she is fourteen at this point) and sees a man abused and barely alive and she insists that they stop to help him. She is unable to since she has a bummed leg (where her brother broke her ankle and she never was able to see medical care for it)
Lorelei works on healing him alongside the local doctor, and slowly Ash begins to heal with the tender care of Lorelei. Ash has no memory of his life before, but he does have a feeling it was brutal. He knows that he isn't worthy of Lorelei's tender touch but he also is drawn to her in a way he has never felt before. Lorelei motivates him to heal and to live and to become worthy of her someday. When he recovers though, working for her father, already making plan to declare his love for her when her brother kidnaps him and sells him to be a slave on a ship.
It has now been twenty years since that fateful day, and Lorelei never knew what happened to her beloved Ash or his sweet promise to her. Lorelei is now thirty-four years old, and she has never forgotten Ash but he can't save her for what her brother is forcing her to do. Her brother is abusive and controlling. She has had to live under his control for years, including the horrible treatment of his own wife who lost their babe to his abuse. Now he has lost everything they had with his gambling debts. And so she will have to marry a rich but very old man to save them from being on the streets. She knows its the right thing, but then when she arrives at the wedding, her brother is killed right in front of her by a pirate by the name of "Rook" who then kidnaps her and he resembles a boy she once knew....her beloved Ash and he has come back to claim her as his. He takes her and her sister in law on his ship and marries her. But now Rook puts himself in Lorelei's mercy, that he will do anything for her. Lorelei is intrigued yet frightened a bit of this new Ash that hardly resembles the boy she once fell in love with, but she begins to see that he is in there hidden beneath layers of abuse and pain and only she can recover his heart...
The Duke With The Dragon Tattoo is one of the most heart wrenching and captivating second chance romances I have ever read in my life....it was so beautifully written in depth and heart-tugging emotion that will have you going through a box of tissues. I was swept away in their story that instantly got my attention from their first meeting. This is where you believe in instant love matches because Ash and Lorelei have an instant connection to each other that is powerful. Even as just kids, not even full adults, they realize the amazing gift they have in each other. We see these little moments of emotion and soul like connection in where they understand each other. Both of them have had rough lives. We see the joy and sorrow that love can bring to you especially when you are torn away against your will.
The hero is very badass...I mean he has become a bit of an anti-hero almost...definitely a bad boy. He was sold, forced to serve others and was severely beaten over the years. Until after fifteen years of it, he and the other slaves rose up against their masters and forged their own future. Building up their own fortune and abilities and fighting against anyone that attacked them. Now they are on the hunt for the greatest treasure, and the map of this priceless treasure is embedded in his tattoo. Ash "Rook" has been keeping tabs on Lorelei planning for the one day he can come back and fulfill his promise. But then when he learns that she is to be married, he knows he can't allow that and it ups his plans a bit. We see the sorrow and the torment that Rook has suffered over the years and how it has hardened him into being a pirate. He also wants revenge on those that have harmed the woman he still loves after all this time.
Our heroine is such a wonderful woman. She is strong and compassionate and the abuse she has suffered at the hands of her brother has never broken her, only made her stronger. She has a deep love for all animals and any time she comes across an animal hurt or injured she cares for it. I loved her level of empathy and understanding she has for everything and everyone, she is so accepting of Rook even though he kidnaps her and is a pirate and forces a marriage between them. But she sees what is behind the tough exterior and that he would never force her to have sex with him. I loved how wise she is, and has this inner strength of iron you just have to admire.
The sexual chemistry between them that builds is phenomenal and man I felt so immersed in their sexy moments that could smolder your home. I loved how well written these sexy moments were written. They were HOT and sensual with just the right level of emotion that they develop the intimacy that is building between these two.
The Duke With The Dragon Tattoo swept me away in the adventure, the treasure hunting, the suspense and the love story that is truly a compelling and heart-achingly romance that fills you up...AN ENTHRALLING ADVENTURE OF LOVE ON THE HIGH SEAS!!
OH MY GOSH!!! I LOVED this one!! I can't even put into words how much I fell in love with "The Duke's Perfect Wife". I actually haven't read this series for quite a few years, not since they first came out, and I can't believe it took me so long to read this one. Ever since the first in the series, I just fell in love with all of the characters. How great it was to see them all in Hart's story. Hart I have always loved...even though he is manipulative and craves power...but more importantly he loves very deeply. He does everything he can to protect those in his close circle, especially his family. The career he has made for himself is sky rocketing, and is most popular among England, even though he is a Scot and wears a kilt (so so sexy!!!)Eleanor, is a fighter, and I just loved that about her. She stands up to Hart, which could be very amusing, and isn't afraid of him at all. I really loved the sparks that fly between these two...even verbally. The bed scenes...well *sigh* so sweet and tender at times, but very steamy, I felt like I was in a oven!! The plot was very thrilling and exciting, and so mysterious at times, I kept guessing what was going to happen, and I ended up guessing wrong!! LOL Such adventure reading Ashley's historical's. I am never bored, and I always find myself totally engrossed in this one. I always know when I pick up her books I will enjoy it, and it was the same for this one. I think it had me from the first paragraph and I was hooked and It was pretty hard putting it down. I have always loved the way this author writes her stories...so powerful and heart wrenching. It touches something deep inside this reader, and I am sure every other reader who has had the opportunity to read her wonderfully written works. I couldn't help but fall in love with Hart....a hero to just dream about for years!!! A story that will capture your heart and take you on a adventure of love and passion and danger! A Delectable treat.
Duncan has been at Raphael's side for over a hundred years, ever since he was first turned. Now it is time for Duncan to become a vampire lord, and his territory will be Washington D.C. where secrets and betrayal are abundant. He will do everything to make it is, no matter who gets in his way. Emma Duquet, is searching for her best friend and roommate who disappeared, and she knows that a vampire is responsible. Emma is tough as nails, but when she encounters Duncan, all her toughness goes out the window. Duncan can't help but feel drawn to Emma, whose vulnerability and beauty speak to his soul. He has never known such tenderness toward anyone, except his closest friends. Now that he has just taken over his new territory he must take care, but he can't help but resist Emma and her plea for help. As they search for those that have been committing atrocious acts, a fierce desire flares between Duncan and Emma, a desire that threatens to consume them or build a stronger love than either of them imagined.
Duncan is the fifth installment in the series. D.B. Reynolds, with the help of Belle Books, has been re publishing this series, with such beautiful covers. I think Duncan is my favorite, and I love the blue background with the blond hair with this beautiful specimen, I could definitely look at him all day. When I was able to get a copy of this ARC through Netgalley and Bellebooks, I was excited and downloaded it right away and could hardly wait to read it. I have been waiting for Duncan's story ever since I first saw his character in the first book Raphael. We do see a little of Raphael and Cyn but not nearly as much as the previous books, but I was okay with that. It was nice to have this story to have more focus on Duncan and Emma. We actually see their first interaction pretty close to the beginning of the story. We see instant fire and sparks between these two and oh boy you could build a fire with that heat. Duncan and Emma are magical together. I felt like they were such a good fitted pair, and evenly matched. Duncan may be a powerful vampire lord, but he has battled like nothing when it comes to Emma. You see his love for Emma that rings like crystal glass. The reader almost becomes envious. Emma is darling, and I love her strength and resilience, and her way of not giving in to Duncan's orders, but handling him like a mate and not one of his minions. She definitely knows how to handle him and it was exciting seeing these two get over the hills and rocks to true love. There is quite a bit of a conflict involved, where you see secrets revealed and a betrayal you never expect or see coming.
Overall a stunning vampire romance that takes your breath away with every chapter. A tale of a love that is hard fought and worth every moment. Characters that instill a charming quality to entice the reader. And a powerfully written story to make the reader weak in the knees and cheering for this couple in finding their HEA! MAJESTICALLY DONE!!!
Poppy, is content to be a spinster until she can find a man worthy enough to love, and one who returns that love. So she has created a fake husband to protect herself, however she is shocked when the fake husband, is very real and she is at a loss at what to do since he knows of her scheme and traps her into a real betrothal, one she can't turn and walk away from. Nicolas needs a fiancee, especially since recently he was named one of the Prince Regent's "impossible bachelors", and Poppy is perfect especially with the scheme he has recently found out that involves him. Nicholas never expected to find Poppy full of life and spirit and will do anything he can do keep her in his life....Dukes To The Left, Princes to the Right is the second in the Impossible Bachelors by Kieran Kramer. I have recently discovered this author, and I have been thoroughly entertained by each of her books that I have read so far. I loved the story line to this story.....the characters were lively and charming, the plot was engaging and the interaction between Poppy and Nicolas was definitely satisfying to this reader. I just loved this style of writing this author has, and this story was riveting and I was left at the end of it feeling fully satisfied!!!! A Wonderful Read!
trying to deceive one another, one of them will have to surrender but who will it be in the game of love and true test of wills?
Summary.
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