The Duke of Ruin is a Winner -
593173
Simon Hastings, The Duke of Ruin, is a generous, kind, likable, young, man.  We first met him and Diana in The Duke of Ice as friends to Nicholas Bateman.  This is a stand-alone book, but would be great read in the series.

Simon and Diana, already friends, begins with Simon sent to warn Diana that Nicholas is leaving to marry Violet, a woman he has long loved.  Simon offers to help Diana in any way he can to ease her broken betrothal with Nicholas.  Diana is more concerned with what her father will say and do than she is about losing Nicholas.

Affable Simon, who was believed to have been responsible for the death of his first wife, does everything he can to atone for that tragedy.  He goes out of his way to help others.  He even offers to marry Diana in place of Nicholas.  Diana had only asked Nicholas to marry her so she could escape her cruel father.  She declines, but accepts his help to leave London.

So, off they head with Diana leaving her father a misleading note about her location.  Along the journey to Dianas cousins home, these two begin to fall in love, but neither is quite aware of it.  Their romance is somewhat sensual at times, with more sensual moments to come.

As they become closer, Simon begins to go through the cycle of mourning his deceased wife.  He cannot believe how Diana understands him so well. Diana seems to be everything Simon would want in a wife, but he struggles with his wifes death.

There is so much good in The Duke of Ruin.  Both Diana and Simon have their issues, but they strengthen each other in so many ways.  Simon begins to see how things can and should be through almost losing Diana, too.  This is a great next in the series!  Cannot wait to see what happens for Verity.  Thank you Net Galley for sharing this book in exchange for an honest review.
2994515
The Duke's Perfect Wife
(Highland Pleasures #4)
by Jennifer Ashley
 4 stars

Reviewed by: Angels

Format:Paperback/Kindle/Audio

Published:Mass Market Paperback

Source:Purchased Copy

Genre: Historical  Romance

Blurb

Lady Eleanor Ramsay is the only one who knows the truth about Hart Mackenzie. Once his fiance, she is the sole woman to whom he could ever pour out his heart.

Hart has it all--a dukedom, wealth, power, influence, whatever he desires. Every woman wants him--his seductive skills are legendary. But Hart has sacrificed much to keep his brothers safe, first from their brutal father, and then from the world. He's also suffered loss--his wife, his infant son, and the woman he loved with all his heart though he realized it too late.

Now, Eleanor has reappeared on Hart's doorstep, with scandalous nude photographs of Hart taken long ago. Intrigued by the challenge in her blue eyes--and aroused by her charming, no-nonsense determination--Hart wonders if his young love has come to ruin him . . . or save him.

My Thoughts and Review

Have to say that Eleanor was my favorite character in this book and made it a whole lot of fun used to be engaged to hart MacKenzie many years ago but, someone came between them and upset there engagement and unfortunately it had ended not on a friendly note.

Many years later Eleanor still love her long lost Duke and comes to him when she starting receiving nude photos of him take when he was a young man, Being a Duke now and running for political office these photos must not surface and ruin his chance at something he has work so hard for all his driven life !

This story had many things going on in it. The Duke is a driven man with a tortured past who does what he does for his family of brothers. He is a hardened man who people fear. But, Eleanor is the only one who can thaw Harts heart and is also his weakness. This couple made a great pair and Eleanor is the one women strong enough to chip away at his heart of armor. She has quick whit and a sassy personality.

The other characters of the book make it successful too. Harts brothers are so different lending there personalities to the story as well and also there wives. The story had all the things that made a good book you laugh ,it had a mystery too it to solve,likable characters and a nice easy romance long over do. But,also the book had you feeling Harts real pain and suffering that you could relate to knowing he just needs the right women to heal him to have the same life that his brothers have .The book was part of a continuing series and an enjoyable read.

What was nice to see also in this story that was out of the ordinary was how Lady Eleanor Ramsay is not a up tight miss who follows the rules of society but a adventurous sort which will surprise you so your in for a real treat. As always looking forward to Jennifer's next novel...
2619608
Prepare yourself to shed some tears, because Loved by a Duke, will take you on a roller coaster ride of strong emotions. Christi Caldwell, really caught me by surprise, with her fourth story in The Heart of a Duke series. She nicely blended her rich characters Daisy, a gentle, unsecured and romantic young woman and matched her with the tortured Duke, named Auric.

Their love story is so touching and their relationship very complex! When, I first started to read this beautiful story, set in the Regency era, I fell in love with the heroine Daisy, because of her flaws and insecurities, I found it refreshing to find an heroine doubting herself like a real woman. I did find Auric a little ungrateful. But, I soon, changed my mind when I discovered the real man! Love has many ways, to reunited two beautiful souls, in need of passion. With time, patience, and trust, will Daisy and Auric, accept their past and move on with their lives?

I could not put it down, it's a real page turner! Some scenes are very touching emotionally!

I am a huge fan of Christi Caldwells novels, she really writes charming historical romances that please me. Loved by a Duke, really made me cried and feel some beautiful emotions.

Do give it a try, you won't be disappointed!
3576492
My first read of 2018 was a good one. The Duchess Deal: Girl Meets Duke 1 nicely kicks off Tessa Dares Girl Meets Duke series. It is regency romance with a beauty and the beast vibe to it.

The Duke of Ashbury has been badly scarred at war and lives his life in solitude with his servants as company. He was engaged but it was broken off after he returned from the war. Emma Gladstone is the seamstress that was working on the Dukes bride to bes wedding dress and now that the wedding is off, she finally shows up at the Dukes doorstep hoping to collect the money they owe her for the dress. The Duke has been thinking that he needs an heir to leave his wealth to and he wants to find a wife. When Emma Gladstone comes knocking at his front door the timing cant be more perfect. He makes her the offer. Marry him and she will be set for life with his wealth, all that he asks for is she provide him an heir. He believes himself unlovable due to the scarring.

Emma initially refuses but afterwards she agrees, knowing the offer is once in a lifetime plus she needs the marriage in order to help her unwed pregnant friend so win win.

First off, I loved the Duke of Ashbury a.k.a. Ash straight away. Hes tall, brooding but sarcastically funny and one half of his body is scarred. I fell for the beauty and the beast trope hook line and sinker. He is cranky at times but has a good heart. Alot of the story-line is about his being able to accept that she truly loves him.
I also liked Emma. She is straightforward and intelligent and speaks what is on her mind. She has her own painful past and it is slowly revealed as the story flows. The interactions between these two were so fun to read and it was nice watching them fall in love.

As usual, Tessa Dare does not disappoint. She writes couples whose personalities compliment each other and heroines who can take care of themselves and she adds a nice dose of humor to her stories that make them really enjoyable. The writing flows smoothly and whenever I would put this book down I couldn't wait to pick it up again.

This was a story about how nobody is perfect and about second chances and about loving someone for who they really are. Also, about accepting yourself and leaving the past where it belongs, in the past. I highly recommend her books to fans of the genre or to anyone looking to get swept away into a good romance.
4198293
In order to ensure peace between English Castle Prudhoe and Scottish Clan Kerr, (two warring factors along the Northumberland Border), The Lady Carington Kerr's father (Laird Sian Kerr) has offered his daughter as a hostage to Lord Richard d'Umfraville, as insurance.  Her being hostage is in exchange for peaceful relations.  Lady Carington has no choice in the matter.  She is merely collateral.  Regardless, she escapes several times before Sir Creed de Reyne is ordered to guard and protect her.  He is ordered to keep her with him at all times to keep her safe as she is detremental to their Lord's peace negotiations.

Lady Carington is a very strong willed woman.  She's an only child to a Scottish Laird, and somewhat spoiled - - expecting her demands to be met without delay.  She's feisty, plucky and smart.  She's also very beautiful in all her petiteness.  And she's thoroughly angered, afraid, and apprehensive about being forced to leave Scotland for England, to live with strangers.

Sir Creed de Reyne is a noble Knight dedicated to his duty to serve Lord Richard d'Umfraville of Prudhoe, and his King.  He is the Guardian of Darkness.  He never sleeps at night...that is, the Darkness is his domain.  And he does NOT want to be protector to Lady Carington and is thoroughly confused and angry to find himself glad that she is under his sole protection.  He doesn't like being attracted to her.  He thinks the new found emotions she stirs within him are stupid and he's determined to ignore them.  He has no idea what to make of the emotions he's feeling.  He's a quiet and controlled man...he doesn't anger easily but reacts to danger or trauma calmly and with control.

I loved this story.  At times I bawled buckets...BUCKETS!!  And other times I had to laugh.  True, the story doesn't progress very fast and sometimes it can be tedious with it's slow pace, but the plot is nevertheless told extremely well in all it's romantic sweetness.  It has the usual elements of a good plot.  Suspense, murder/intrigue...the usual villains wreaking havoc on our lovebirds.  And at times the plot is predictable until Ms. Le Veque throws in a few curve balls.

All in all, a fun. romantic adventure and great read.  (And doesn't Ms. Le Veques books have the most AWESOME cover pictures??!?)
123110
A jilted young woman, a scandalous Duke rumoured to have murdered his wife, the Duke's ducal friend turning his back on his fianc to pursue his one true love, an atrocious father, and a hastily undertaken journey of a week or more. All the ingredients for a rather laughable, yet enjoyable romance. A note of seriousness underlies the playfulness. The tea sipping Duke of Ruin cannot face himself let alone others. He's convinced he killed his wife but is unsure of exactly what happened. He's been running from himself and others ever since. Diana Kingman has had all her choices stolen from her, mostly by her emotionally and physically abusive father (after all women are little more than bartering goods), and now her once fiance is opening her up to even more gossip and abuse. This is the last straw. When Simon Hastings, the Duke of Romsey, aka the Duke of Ice, offers to take her to a safer place to mull over her choices, she accedes and therein our tale begins. I'm not sure if this is a Shakespearean tragedy or a romantic farce. Of course they are drawn to each other and the journey to their HEA ending is filled with all sorts of road blocks and just as many green lights.
An enjoyable, and rather racy romp that sometimes made me blink. Ah well!

A NetGalley ARC
4741061
Say Yes to the Duke was a really delightful read. Kramer created a romance that tugged at my heart and had me aching hopeful that these two would find a way to be together despite Society's rules and expectations and being from different classes. The whole forbidden romance? It just kills me--gah it was so good! I love seeing true romance overcome the greatest of odds. And these two? They were wonderful.

I absolutely loved the characters. Janice is one of my all time favorite heroines. She really grew as a character and with each page I fell even more for her as she came into her own and took charge of things. She's kind and strong, doesn't hold her status over other people and is just an accepting and lovely woman who cares for others.

And Luke. Oh. My. Girly. Swoon. He's got an aura of power surrounding him that is so incredibly sexy. To the world he's a mere groom but he's actually the rightful heir to the dukedom and searching for proof at the Duke's estate. You could totally see him in the role of Duke but at the same time he's a bit unpolished. He's been a fighter. And a boxer. And lived a hard life on the streets but that rawness makes him even more yummy and exciting. He's also a rescuer of puppies. Be still my heart. <3

The two were so sweet together and were people I'd love to be around in real life. They had a couple steamy moments as well that were oh so very nice even though it didn't go "too far" for the majority of the book. Whew. Janice definitely didn't shy away from her sexual attraction and I loved that boldness about her. There was a nice bit of humor added to the mix as well that made it such a fun experience. And dang that cover...is gorgeous!
32562
Lady Caitlin Southall can not believe that her home, her mothers home which is being held in a trust for her, was lost in a card game.  She becomes even more frustrated when she learns the most notorious rake and her neighbor, Harlow Telford, Duke of Dangerfield is the one that won her home and will not return it like a gentleman when he learns of her situation.  Oh no.  Caitlin's temper gets the best of her and she challenges Harlow to the best of three events to see who wins the home--but her loss will come with her losing herself in his bed.

Harlow is troubled when he hears that the home he won was being held in a trust but he has his own personal reasons for needing to own Caitlins home and he has no intention of losing the bet.  He knows what must happen after Caitlin loses and he hopes it will be a win/win situation for them both but in the process he needs to trump the lovely lady in cards, baking and horse racing all while trying to hold on to his heart.

This was my first experience reading Bronwen Evans and I really enjoyed it.  The story worked well with the length, about half the length of a full length novel, and I didn't feel like the romance was rushed.  There is a back story of our couple knowing each other previously and that always helps move a novella along for me.  I really enjoyed Caitlin and her passion for securing her future and her boldness but who I really enjoyed was Harlow.  I don't really want to give away much of the storyline as it came as a pleasant surprise, but I was really surprised at the decenty of him underneath his rakish persona.  Watching the sparks fly between this couple was fun and leads to some very steamy encounters until they finally seal the deal.  However, Harlow is still keeping quite a big secret from Cate and when it is finally revealed it leads to heartbreak and sets up for tragedy.  The only thing that sort of bothered me about the story was the ending.  It has a double whammy that is a bit over dramatic and I'm not sure it needed to be in there.  I understood the first punch but the second tied everything up a little to neatly.  This was the only part where I felt a longer story would have been welcome.

Overall though I really enjoyed this story.  It is fast paced and filled with sharp barbs between our couple and plenty of heated passion all while gradually falling in love with each other and learning to appreciate what the other had to offer .  The supporting characters (two of Harlow's friends whom I hope are the next two books) add a bit of humor to the story as well.  If you are looking for a great way to spend an afternoon, Harlow and Cate's romance is one that is sure to heat up your blood, make you laugh and end with a sigh.  4 stars

A fun quote:

  "Good God, how's a man to concentrate with those staring at him all night?  And I thought I preferred you in trousers.  Well, played Lady Southall."
4772646
This is a goid book.  The Duke's grief was heartfelt.  I loved Katherine's feisty and stubborn personality.  A good epilogue is great ncluded.
1344776
The Counterfeit Duke by Agnes Forest is an entertaining historical romance.  Ms. Forest has delivered a well-written book.  My favorite thing about this book is the outstanding characters.  Andrew's best friend was dying and made him promise to switch identities with him so he could take care of Philip's dukedom and his friend Ella.  Ella figured it out quickly but didn't say anything because Andrew/Philp was doing such a great job.  Their story is packed with drama, secrets, humor and just a little spice.
I enjoyed reading The Counterfeit Duke and would be happy to read more from Agnes Forest in the future.  This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.

I voluntarily read a complimentary copy of this book that I received from Bookfunnel.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.
1698897
Why haven't I been reading Christi Caldwell?  "For the Love of the Duke" was not without flaws, but overall, it was a very enjoyable romance! I really liked Katherine the heroine who has lived in the shadow of her beautiful twin. Practical Katherine, shaped by her father's drinking and gambling, has a very cynical view of men and is not looking for anything as fanciful as love. A chance (but fated?) encounter with Jasper, the 8th Duke of Bainbridge shakes up her world. After the death of his beloved wife and child, Jasper has still not emerged from the haze of grief. I have read other reviews criticizing the extinct of Jasper's mourning, but I find Jasper's devotion touching.  (I hope that if I died first that my husband wouldn't just pick up with the first woman to come along!) Anyway, poor Katherine finds herself falling in love with a man who seems to be in love with a ghost---how do you compete with that? In general, this romance has a fairly predictable structure, but I still loved it.  The Wordsworth quote at the beginning was a fine touch.
898693
Diana has never known anything other than her training to become a duchess. After years and years of ridicule from her own father, Diana has found her way out. Only then enters Simon and smashes her dreams. Simon is a good, kind-hearted Duke doing his best to make amends for his past. He feels compelled to help Diana in anyway possible, which led them to becoming the Duke and Duchess who eloped.

Diana and Simons relationship is a joyous thing to watch blossom. Their personalities easily compliment each other, Dianas allows Simons to lower his guard and earn his trust; while Simons provides Diana with the strength she needs to move past her families ill will. A person heart will ache for the pain that Simon has carried around, wish for happiness, and be proud at how fiercely they defend each other. Ms. Burke created some very tender moments between Diana and Simon, and between the secondary characters. The plot is full of adventures, new towns, cities, inns and stuffy old gossip hounds. This is a fast paced novel that held me in until the last page. There are so many things that deserve to be listed on here for reason why to read The Duke of Ruin, however I don't want to spoil anything. This was my first Dracy Burke novel and Im so sad to have found her eight novels deep in this series, but now I can go binge read the seven previous while I wait for the ninth. Please if you love historical romance or are on the fence about it, Ms. Burke will show you historical romance at its best.

Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
773572
The Duke's Accidental Wife by Erica Ridley is the seventh in the "Dukes of War" regency romance series and can be read entirely as a standalone though there are inclusions of characters from prior novels into this one. It's a solid five-star read filled with luxurious descriptions of the era which fully capture the feeling of a book set in the Regency era without losing the reader in unfamiliar language.

'Kate' -Miss Katherine Ross- steals the spotlight from page one with her effervescent personality and zeal for life. Her passion for the arts makes the reader want to go out and sponsor a future dancer, painter, or singer immediately to be a part of the art movement. It takes a while to distinguish her reality from the front she presents to the world as a carefree hoyden. In discovering she's a lonely woman who was orphaned at a young age, one can embrace her as someone who needs love yet is terrified to go after it due to her fear of either losing a child or dying in childbirth herself given she was raised by an aunt who worked as a midwife.

"The sight of tiny coffins even smaller than Kate herself had been more than enough to convince her never to take such a risk."

'Ravenwood' -Lawrence Pembroke, Duke of Ravenwood- never had the qualms of starting a family which Kate harbored. He wanted nothing more than a doting wife, children to love, a family of his own to claim in his empty home since he, too, had lost his parents at an early age leaving him to grow up with no one other than his sister and a guardian who wanted him dead so he could inherit the Dukedom for himself. Unraveling the guarded man from his layers of protection keeps the reader fascinated, desperate to learn more about him as the book progresses. His romantic qualities conflict with his icy "Frost King" exterior in a way which makes him deliciously desirable.

"All anyone saw now when they looked at him was what he allowed them to see."

Watching Ravenwood slowly allow Kate to see more and more of himself as she exposes more and more of herself to him is breathtaking. The history of the time period the story is set in is embraced fully without being overwhelming to the reader. The storyline of their romance remains at the forefront no matter how often matters of the time are brought up. It's rare to start a series at book seven without feeling a loss from having not read any of the prior titles, but the Dukes of War series truly does allow each title to standalone; I would encourage anyone who wanted to try an historical romance to give The Duke's Accidental Wife a try because it deserves every star it can be awarded for its rating.

I love I was able to enjoy the story without feeling I was missing out on the series and I love even more there is a series so I can continue reading this wonderful world without waiting for the next title to release! Light on the sex and heavy on the history, I'd recommend The Duke's Accidental Wife for a fun read any day.
425865
After accolades from her debut novel SCANDAL'S DAUGHTER, author Christine Wells shows immense promise with another steamy and yummy historical with THE DANGEROUS DUKE.

Set in the ever popular Regency period, Maxwell Brooke a celebrated and exacting operative for the Home Office has unexpectedly become a duke.  In line for the title it was a horrific twist of fate that arsonists set fire to Lyle Castle which ended up killing the four heirs who would have inherited the title.  Bent on bringing the perpetrators to justice Maxwell, now the Duke of Lyle, jailed the stubborn Reverend Stephen Holt who refused to divulge the whereabouts of said arsonists.

Lady Kate Fairchild, mystified over her inability to have her brother released from prison, hastily and without thought of the repercussions, threatened to publish her memoirs which could embarrass high placed members of the crown unless her brother is freed; said memoirs being only a figment of her imagination.  After attempts are made on her life, Lyle made plans to kidnap her and have her hidden diary, thinking they contained her memoirs, translated.  After the translation Lyle learned not state secrets, but Kate's most intimate sexual fantasies; and Lyle is more than ready to grant her every single one!

***  Whew... one word - steamy! Lyle is one fabulous creation, tall, dark, and dangerously sexy.  Having spent so many years as a top operative in the field, Lyle had learned to bank his desires and feelings.  Letting down ones guard and letting emotions and feelings get in the way was a good way to get killed, but from the very moment he met Lady Kate he found her wit and intelligence as rapier sharp as his own. Lyle could not get her out of his mind.  Along the same lines, Lady Kate who endured a loveless marriage was now widowed. Kate had found solace in her fantasy lover but was now set ablaze by the very dangerous sharp eyed duke.  Both leads were cast perfectly in the war of the love. I loved the author's interpretation of the transition that overcame Lyle's mindset after realizing how much Kate meant to him and the risk he was taking if and when she discovered the truth of her kidnapping.

As expected no book has action and depth without having very well defined supporting characters that entertain as well having a compelling plot.  In this Wells fashioned extremely well done characters, from Jardine, another of the Home Office's operatives; Lyle's sister Louisa; and Lyle's ubiquitous hero worshipping assistant Perry, not to mention the very pregnant Fanny and her amorous husband Romney.

While I pretty much figured out early in the book who the villain was, the question of "why" became the greater mystery, but all was tied up very nicely at the end.  Unfortunately, for me I was left with an unanswered question of what would happen between Jardine and Louisa whose last parting words were so emotionally laden I wanted their story to go on.  I sincerely hope that Ms. Wells comes back with a sequel to answer that puzzle.

Bottom line: Good suspense, superb sensuality, and emotionally satisfying give this novel high marks and a very high recommendation.

Marilyn Rondeau, for [...]
2180920
I love a good Regency Romance, and Redeeming the Earl does not disappoint. Fans of Amanda Quick will enjoy this because of the feisty heroine who has a secret life as the author of the famous Unscandal Sheet that seeks to expose the truth behind all the salacious rumors that hit the ton. Rebecca finds herself fascinated by Charles Edwards, the infamous Earl of Dunmore, who is looking for wife number 5.

Spinster Rebecca, firmly on the shelf and denigrated by her father until she seriously doubts her appeal, finds herself falling for the handsome earl despite the rumors that circulate about the mysterious deaths of all his wives. Charles, heretofore untouched emotionally, has never felt the love other men proclaim for women. He just needs an heir. When he meets Rebecca, his interest--and his desire--is stirred even as he tries to control himself "the way a gentleman should."

These two are meant to be together, but it's one step forward and two steps back in their romance. When it becomes apparent that Rebecca's life is in danger, Charles will move heaven and earth to keep her safe--even as she fights against him. Redeeming the Earl is a lovely romance full of intrigue. Don't miss it.
4089395
4-1/2*  John Fitzhugh Barrett, fostered out at six-years old was told and believed he was a bastard.  Now grown up he is suddenly informed he is the heir apparent to a marquessate. Most thought he would immediately visit Somerfield Park to view his inheritance, but he only wanted his freedom and set out for London to sow some wild oats.  Unfortunately, his choice of friends only dragged him further down the road to disaster as he stubbornly refused to accommodate his new family.

It wasn't until he saved a young lady of quality, proof positive to Miss Rebecca Kearsey, daughter of a destitute baron, that guilt by association didn't pertain to John.  He was her hero for all time and even though her standing as the daughter of a minor earl would not put her in competition as a candidate for wife of a Marquess, she couldn't help but dream.  As it turned out, when it came to John, his family noticed Rebecca seemed to hold some sway over him and his grandmother wasn't above using her to get John to Somerfield Park.

***  This was another shining example of author Mia Marlowes talent for keeping the reader totally engrossed in a fast-paced, well-written romance, complete with a dusting of suspense.  NEVER RESIST A RAKE was an endearing treat and the romance between John and Rebecca was quite sweet. However, if one were at the House Party at Somerfield park one would easily see that many of the guests had their own agendas.

So come and enjoy the house party with the creme of the crop of desirable debutantes, Johns grandmama has selected and would foist upon him for consideration of marriage.  But don't overlook the surprise guests John invited on his own.  And do totally enjoy a wonderful co-conspirator John is in cahoots with to foist upon dear grandmama in order to gain his perfect mate!

Bottom line:  NEVER RESIST A RAKE has a lot going for it including a beautifully played out romance, a rat of a former friend, and how one very astute barons daughter was able to bring John back to relish and appreciate his new family.

Marilyn Rondeau
3867193
If your a fan of the Duke it's one of his best. Ejoy