Note: I received an ARC of this book in return for an honest review
Adam Penrose, Duke of Stratton is a member of London’s elite Society of Decadent DuNote: I received an ARC of this book in return for an honest review
Adam Penrose, Duke of Stratton is a member of London’s elite Society of Decadent Dukes. He is scandalous, dark and brooding, and is out for revenge. Clara Cheswick is the gorgeous daughter of his family’s sworn enemy. So of course he is attracted to her at first sight, but why?
I absolutely loved this book. I didn’t want to put it down. In the beginning I was thinking to myself that I shouldn’t “like” Adam, but I couldn’t help but do so. Clara is one of my favorite type of female characters. She is strong, intelligent and independent. She knows what she wants and isn't going to let a male, no matter how attractive, take over her life.
The story line came across as very true to life. You could picture the characters perfectly, from Clara’s domineering grandmother, insecure brother and innocent sister to Adam’s fellow “Dangerous Dukes” who support their friend no matter what.
The setting goes from country houses to London to horse races at Epsom. It’s a fast paced story with some interesting twists and turns that I didn’t see coming.
Epilogue Whore Alert: No epilogue, but there are more books in the series, so hopefully we will get updates on Adam and Clara. ...more
I'll be honest that this book moved a bit slowly for me at first, however, it was all character development so in the end it all made sense. I loved thI'll be honest that this book moved a bit slowly for me at first, however, it was all character development so in the end it all made sense. I loved the second half of the book. Joss and Augusta both come in to their relationship with a lot of baggage and I always enjoy seeing two mature, strong characters work through obstacles. These two characters didn't disappoint. The attraction between the two was explosive. Set in Bath, there were a lot of additional characters. Some I liked more than others.
All in all this is a very entertaining and satisfying story.
Epilogue Whore Alert: Yes.. the epilogue was everything an epilogue should be!!...more
This book was a bit slow to get going for me. It took a long time for me to like and/or care about the characters. I've read other books with characteThis book was a bit slow to get going for me. It took a long time for me to like and/or care about the characters. I've read other books with characters who were autistic, and I've really liked or even loved them almost immediately. That didn't happen here.
The basic premise is that Grace "traps" Jeffrey in to marriage and then must learn to live with the enigmatic man. They both have secrets and the developing relationship is interesting to watch.
I did stick with the book and the second half is much better than the first. I'm glad that I did finish.
Epilogue Whore Alert: It did have a very satisfying epilogue. Loved it.
I've loved the series and didn't think anything could top the first book, Lord and Lady Spy,but this book may do it.. or tie at least.
I absolutely lovI've loved the series and didn't think anything could top the first book, Lord and Lady Spy,but this book may do it.. or tie at least.
I absolutely love the characters of Jane and Dominic. Jane is a strong, confident female. Dominic is all adult male on the outside and battered little boy inside. My favorite theme in romance novels is when the two main characters help each other "heal". In this book that does happen. Dominic helps Jane realize that there is more to life than being a spy. She helps Dominic over come the emotional scars of his past.
Another nice perk to this book is that all of the characters from past books are in it. It was a wonderful ending to a great series.
Epilogue Whore Alert: No real epilogue, however, the last chapter was very, very close to being an epilogue..so I'm not complaining....more
This was a very nice collection of short stories that all center around an annual Christmas party at 3 Grosvenor Square. I expected the stories to allThis was a very nice collection of short stories that all center around an annual Christmas party at 3 Grosvenor Square. I expected the stories to all take place at the same party, however they don't. They take place in different years. The only common characters are the hostess and her "interesting" butler.
This is the debut novel for this author so I had no idea what to expect. After only a few pages I knew this book had something special. I was hooked bThis is the debut novel for this author so I had no idea what to expect. After only a few pages I knew this book had something special. I was hooked by the characters and the story immediately. The rest of the book turned out to be quite an emotional roller coaster, but with a satisfying conclusion.
Cora and Guy, as well as Cora's brother, Ethan, work for the English spy network, Nexus. They have been close friends for at least a decade. There is nothing that these three won't do for their country and more importantly, each other.
The story starts with Guy and Ethan being sent to rescue a fellow spy from a terrifying French operative. Along the way they end up rescuing Cora from the same madman. This sets off a series of events that put the trio in constant danger. Just when you think they are safe for awhile.. the tables turn. Just when you think one or all of them are about to meet their end.. they are saved.
After years of working as spies, coupled with troubled childhoods, both Cora and Guy have a lot to overcome in order to begin thinking about a future together. I liked that no matter how grave the situation looked, these two strong, independent individuals never gave up on the possibility of a dream they both shared. If one was feeling as if the future was bleak, the other would not give up.
The side characters are interesting as well. The relationship between Cora and her retinue of servants is complicated and steadfast. I found myself instantly caring about these people who loved Cora as much as Guy did. There is even a kitten that tugs at your heartstrings.
All in all this was a wonderful debut novel and I look forward to more from Ms. Devlyn!! ...more
I got this book because it was free. I had never read anything by this author before. I was pleasantly surprised. Shortly after starting the book I reI got this book because it was free. I had never read anything by this author before. I was pleasantly surprised. Shortly after starting the book I realized that I was really enjoying it. The characters are "real" and likable. I connected with them immediately. I liked all of the secondary characters.. which makes me happy that they will all have their own stories!
The plot revolves around Lilly being caught up in a scandal caused by her step father. Dominic is assigned to investigate. There are a few ways that this story could have gone .. some of which I wouldn't have enjoyed, but it didn't. I really liked how Lilly and Dominic's inevitable relationship develops!
I can't wait for more books by this author!...more
I finished reading this book this morning.. and found my self sitting on the couch with tears in my eyes.. ALWAYS the sign of a good book!
As I've mentI finished reading this book this morning.. and found my self sitting on the couch with tears in my eyes.. ALWAYS the sign of a good book!
As I've mentioned before, I love books where the two characters have to help each other heal or grow. In this book Rafe needs a lot of "healing" and Eve needs to do a lot of "growing" in to the woman she was meant to be. Watching these two very complex characters drag each other kicking and screaming in to a new reality is wonderful.
This book is especially satisfying since it is the third book in the "Lost Lords" series and having read the first two books, we already "know" Rafe's brothers, Tristan and Sebastian. They and their wives have substantial roles in this story. Even though it is part of a series, you could read it as a stand alone. The author does manage to work in the basic background story, however I would highly recommend that you read Tristan and Sebastian's stories first.
Basically Rafe is the youngest of the three brothers. He had been "left behind" by the older brothers when the the three were forced to hide for 10 years. The perceived abandonment leaves Rafe with a hardened heart. He doesn't want to need or love anyone. At the same time, his 10 years of being on his own built him in to a successful, wealthy and confident man. The things he went through to get there also left him emotionally scarred.
Eve is the illegitimate daughter of an Earl who had been brought up with a false sense of what her life would inevitably become. She envisioned marriage to a titled man and children. At the death of her father her whole world gets turned up side down and she is forced to face the truth about what her future will really be. When Rafe steps in to her life she must take stock of what her choices really are.
The relationship between these two tortured characters develops tenderly. You as the reader literally "feel" every emotion that both of them experience. Hence the tears on the couch!
Epilogue Whore Alert: This book has a wonderful epilogue 10 years in the future. You will love it! ...more
This book was a challenge for me. I totally liked and cared about the characters and I wanted to see what happened in the end, however, the relationshThis book was a challenge for me. I totally liked and cared about the characters and I wanted to see what happened in the end, however, the relationship between Tristan and Marguerite frustrated the heck out of me.
I don't mind when a relationship starts with either one or the other character not being honest about feelings or motives, however, I like to see progress. I like to see them work it out. In this book, every time you think they are coming together.. they take 3 giant steps backward. I don't think that I would have minded if they had some tender, romantic moments throughout the book, but they don't.
There were too many times that I wanted to just stop reading (which I hardly ever do.. I always finish a book once I start) however, I really did want to see what happened. At least the ending was worth it. I guess I just wish that more of those scenes were spread through out the book rather than having them ONLY at the end.
There were also quite a few typos and misspellings.
I discovered and fell in love with Ms. Kent's writing with the Duchess series. I liked the first book in the Desire series..but had similar feelings about the second book as I did with this one. I had hoped that this one would be better .. and was in fact more frustrating to read.