Available for a LIMITED TIME ONLY! Enjoy eight historical romances from bestselling authors, featuring dashing, roguish dukes who are willing to risk it all to get the lady their heart desires. When these powerful, bold men take a chance on love, nothing can stop them.
I was invited to participate in this release blast and book tour by Barclay Publicity, and I'm going to give each of these a very brief review and star rating of their own before an overall rating for the book.
THE FORBIDDEN DUKE by Darcy Burke The Forbidden Duke helps ruined Eleanor find a second chance for happiness. What will she say when she learns of the role he played in her downfall?
Thoroughly enjoyed this one. The duke is suffering from a massive case of guilt and really seems sweet; it wasn't really his fault her reputation was ruined but he's still determined to make it up to her. Five stars. THE DUKE WHO KNEW TOO MUCH by Grace Callaway A spinster and rake join forces to catch a murderer. Wills clash and passion flares; will they risk all for love—before it’s too late?
This was that most unusual of Regencies; a BDSM romance. It was rather well done; the hero's background is detailed enough to make the reader understand his desperate need to be in control, and god knows the heroine, Emma, was reckless enough to need a firm hand.I struggled to like Emma, so I'm giving this one four stars too. THE DUKE’S MATCH GIRL by Lila DiPasqua The only woman Leo, Duke of Mont-Marly, has ever yearned for is the adorably unconventional beauty who got away. Suzanne creates and selling matchsticks, elixirs for the ill…and is still so damned alluring. Leo is determined to give her a Christmas beyond her wildest imagination...
There always seems to be one book in a box set that just doesn't fly, and for me it was this one. The hero was an arrogant, spoiled, despicable ass. Insisting on Suzanne coming away with him without giving her the slightest assurance was just foul behaviour. Two stars.
WAITING FOR A DUKE LIKE YOU by Shana Galen Pursued by assassins, Princess Vivienne of Glynaven escapes to England. The Duke of Wyndover aids her, but is he the man she’s been waiting for?
These two apparently had a past meeting where the duke fell for her, and I wish it had been described more thoroughly. Pretty sure this one fits into a series somewhere and you'd need to be reading that one to get the most out of this. Three stars. WHEN I MET MY DUCHESS by Caroline Linden The Duke of Wessex realizes he’s about to marry the wrong woman when he meets his bride’s sister…and the wedding may become a scandal.
This was one of my favourites. There were a lot of shenanigans as everyone finally figured out they were all marrying the wrong people and sorted themselves out. Funny, charming and poignant all at the same time. Five stars. I SPY A DUKE by Erica Monroe A governess entering into a marriage of convenience with a duke gets more than she bargained for, as he's also a spy for the crown.
Wow, there was a LOT going on in this story. Caution; it starts with a very bloody and violent death of the sister of one of the main characters, and the high stakes are set by this shocking scene. It was all a bit too far-fetched for me. Three stars. THE MISFORTUNE OF LADY LUCIANNA by Christina McKnight The Duke of Montrose has only one choice: find a wealthy heiress to wed. When his quest brings him to Lady Lucianna, he can’t deny that he wants her for more than just her dowry.
Unfortunately, Lucianna's a spoiled little brat, and the major plot theme is never actually tied off. While I like Christina McKnight's writing, this one's a miss. Three stars. THE DUKE’S ACCIDENTAL WIFE by Erica Ridley The unflappable Duke of Ravenwood meets his match in this rollicking New York Times best-seller!
Probably my favourite story in the set. Ravenwood and Kate were wonderful together, although her paranoia about childbirth seemed a bit excessive at first, I thought about it and then realized that childbirth was extremely dangerous in those days, with a high mortality rate for both infant and mother. Ravenwood's patience with her was lovely and I really believed in their romance. An aunt with dementia was a great side-plot. Five stars.
Overall rating: Four stars. A few hits and a few misses, but definitely worth the 99¢ for the good stories!
The Desires Of A Duke is available at Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review from the author's representatives.
Christina McKnight and Barclay Publicity are running a giveaway to celebrate and you can enter to win a $25 Amazon gift card! Just enter the Rafflecopter below!
