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Secret Lives of the Ton #1
An Unsuitable Duchess
The scandal of the season!
For American Katrina Vandenberg, the rules of London society are stifling. So, when a rare moment of solitude at a particularly tedious ball is interrupted, she's disappointed…until she lays eyes on a very handsome stranger!
Julian Carlisle, Duke of Lyonsdale, is destined for a dull marriage of convenience, and Katrina couldn't be further from the docile, blue-blooded bride he needs. An affair would be scandalous, but could there be a way for this highly unsuitable woman to become Julian's perfect duchess after all?
Secret Lives of the Ton
What Society doesn't know�
282 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 24, 2016
39 people are currently reading
611 people want to read
About the author
Laurie Benson
33books112followersLaurie Benson is an award-winning historical romance author who writes books about men in boots and the women who fall for them. She began her writing career as an advertising copywriter, where she learned more than you could ever want to know about hot dogs and credit score reports. Her interest in history began when she was in elementary school, and that interest was fueled by many visits to many museums. In 2015 Laurie was honored to become a Romance Writers of America Golden Heart® finalist.
When she isn't at her laptop avoiding laundry, Laurie can be found browsing antique shops, going on ridiculously long hikes, or sitting in her car on the school pickup line. She lives with her husband and two sons in a house filled with testosterone—even her bunny is a boy.
Laurie is represented by Courtney Miller-Callihan of Handspun Literary Agency.
Learn more about Laurie by visiting her website at lauriebenson.net. You can also follow her on Twitter at @lauriebwrites and like her on Facebook at .
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the ŷ database with this name.
When she isn't at her laptop avoiding laundry, Laurie can be found browsing antique shops, going on ridiculously long hikes, or sitting in her car on the school pickup line. She lives with her husband and two sons in a house filled with testosterone—even her bunny is a boy.
Laurie is represented by Courtney Miller-Callihan of Handspun Literary Agency.
Learn more about Laurie by visiting her website at lauriebenson.net. You can also follow her on Twitter at @lauriebwrites and like her on Facebook at .
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the ŷ database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 10, 2019
I didn't find this book very enjoyable. The MCs were simplistic and not well developed. The historical details were a thin veneer, hiding the fact that this was in essence a modern tale. I did like that this book was relatively clean and that the h doesn't fall into bed with the H, but that's about it.
I didn't like the OW who played a large role in this book. She and the H were still conducting their liaison at the beginning of this book, and while I appreciate the author not dragging that out, I didn't enjoy having to see/read about the OW at regular intervals throughout this story. It also didn't help that the H felt the need to marry someone else, who was more duchess material, for 90% of this book. It got old after a while and I wanted some super smart, wealthy, kind, and studly American to sweep the h off her feet and make her forget all about the H.
Overall, I can't recommend this book to anyone who truly enjoy historical romance. This wasn't very historical and the romance wasn't very romantic. The two star rating is really for the fact that it could've been much worse, filled with every single trope that I absolutely loathe. So there's that.
I didn't like the OW who played a large role in this book. She and the H were still conducting their liaison at the beginning of this book, and while I appreciate the author not dragging that out, I didn't enjoy having to see/read about the OW at regular intervals throughout this story. It also didn't help that the H felt the need to marry someone else, who was more duchess material, for 90% of this book. It got old after a while and I wanted some super smart, wealthy, kind, and studly American to sweep the h off her feet and make her forget all about the H.
Overall, I can't recommend this book to anyone who truly enjoy historical romance. This wasn't very historical and the romance wasn't very romantic. The two star rating is really for the fact that it could've been much worse, filled with every single trope that I absolutely loathe. So there's that.
January 17, 2017
An Unsuitable Duchess an exquisitely detailed historical featuring, Julian Carlisle, the Duke of Lyonsdale, and American heiress, Katrina Vandenberg, was romantic, sweet, humorous and insightful. The chemistry between Julian and Katrina is sensual and entrancing. The supporting characters are unique and interesting.
I marveled over the way in which Americans were viewed by the English after the war. And Katrina's views on marriage, British society and the nobility was refreshing and informative. Julian was a kind, thoughtful, family-oriented guy. He was likable even when he made mistakes and thought he was doing the right thing. I valued his loyalty and his torture over making the right decisions.
I enjoyed everything about this novel, especially in learning about certain ins-outs of what was expected of men and women. Fascinating tidbits, such as how popular satirical caricatures were the norm and a popular fixture in society , was new to me. The life of ease wasn't always so easy when one had wealth and status. Particularly for women, where one mistake could cost a lady everything.
All in all, a delightful book that I would read again.
I marveled over the way in which Americans were viewed by the English after the war. And Katrina's views on marriage, British society and the nobility was refreshing and informative. Julian was a kind, thoughtful, family-oriented guy. He was likable even when he made mistakes and thought he was doing the right thing. I valued his loyalty and his torture over making the right decisions.
I enjoyed everything about this novel, especially in learning about certain ins-outs of what was expected of men and women. Fascinating tidbits, such as how popular satirical caricatures were the norm and a popular fixture in society , was new to me. The life of ease wasn't always so easy when one had wealth and status. Particularly for women, where one mistake could cost a lady everything.
All in all, a delightful book that I would read again.
February 19, 2017
Witty, charming and touching with brilliant interplay between hero and heroine, this is a wonderful book and I highly recommend it. One of those books where you are drawn in and not let go till the very end.
May 7, 2019
Esu turbūt iš tokių skaitytojų, kurios daugiau ar mažiau gali skaityti įvairią literatūrą ir joje atrasti tai, kas padeda paįvairinti literatūrinį skonį. Pastaruoju metu skaitydama, mano galva rimtesnius, sunkesnius ar didesnio skaitytojų dėmesio sulaukusius kūrinius, tiesiogine ta žodžio prasme, norėjau bent akimirkai pailsėti ir paskaityti kažką lengvo ir neįpareigojančio. Visada džiaugiuosi, kad yra žmonių, o ypatingai leidyklos atstovų, kurie kaskart su savo rekomendacijomis pataiko būtent tuo momentu, kai nori kažko, bet nemoki tiksliai įvardinti ko. Todėl, kaip aš mėgstu sakyti, kad kai nežinai, ką nori skaityti, visada čiupk meilės romaną. Tikrai neprašausi pro šalį. Kaip ten yra sakoma: "Bus ir vilkas sotus, ir avis sveika". Taigi, grįžtant prie knygų skaitymo, šį kartą mano perskaityta knyga tokia netradicinė man pačiai, nes pastaruoju metu skaitau kiek kitokią literatūrą. Tai nauja leidyklos "Svajonių knygos" trijų knygų serijos"Jiems pavydės net žvaigždės" pirmoji knyga "Pokylių sezono sensacija". Tai tikras Londono grietinėlės gyvenimas, tituluotųjų meilė, pokylių salės, aukštuomenės puotos, damos su pūstomis suknelėmis, įtakingi vyrai su smokingais ar frakais. Kaip mano vyras pasakytų: "Tikras zefyrinis gyvenimas"😀 Man tokie romanai visada buvo, yra ir bus atgaiva sielai, atitrūkimas kartais nuo barbariško gyvenimo ir mėgavimąsis tikru istoriniu romanu, kuriame netrūksta meilės, lengvos erotikos, maištaujančių protų ir Amūro, kuris tik ir šaudo savo strėles į atšiaurios šalies žmonių širdis. Ech, kaip gera su knygos herojais pabuvoti Anglijoje ir pasinerti į jų gyvenimus. Tokia ir yra ši knyga: lengva kaip vasaros brizas, kartkartėm banguota kaip vandenynas, vietomis maištaujanti, bet visada laimingai pasibaigianti kaip kokia pasaka, kurią skaitai nesustodama, nes vis norisi skaityti ir sužinoti, kas bus toliau. Šioje knygoje sutiksime garbingus žmones, kuriuos titulai ir valdžia juos lydi nuo mažų dienų. Tačiau kartu likimas jiems užkrovęs ir pareigas, kurios niekaip nesusijusios su laimingu gyvenimu. Toks gyvenimas yra ir amerikietės Ketrinos, kurį varžo aukštuomenės etiketo taisyklės. Tačiau vieną dieną pokylyje ji sutinka gražų nepažįstamąjį, kuris...parodo jai žvaigždes. Kas jis? Kokia lemtis laukia šių dviejų žmonių? Ar nekilmingai merginai lemta tapti hercogiene? Visus atsakymus galima rasti šioje knygoje. Perskaičius šią knygą, man taip ir norisi pasakyti, kad tai pasaka suaugusiems. Ir tikrai nesigėdiju, kad skaitau tokias knygas. Ne dėl leidyklų, ne dėl įsipareigojimų, o dėl savęs, nes kartais gyvenimas nebūna vien tik saldus. Todėl tikrai žinau, kad ir kitas šios serijos knygas skaitysiu su didžiausiu malonumu tarp savo kitų skaitomų rimtų kūrinių. Ir šis istorinis meilės romanas tikrai nėra skirtas tik vyresnio amžiaus moterims. Jame tikrai galima atrasti ir paprastų gyvenimo tiesų, kurios lydi kiekvieną iš mūsų. Todėl mano patarimas būtų toks, kad mokėti atsirinkti gyvenime, kas svarbu, o kas ne, yra labai gerai, bet dar geriau yra pastebėti, kad tikras grožis randamas ir pačiose netikėčiausiose vietose. Taip ir su knygomis. Mokėkime pastebėti, atsirinkti, bet tuo pačiu išmokime kiekvienoje jų atrasti ir kažką gero ne tik kitiems, bet ir sau📕
P. S. Kitos šios serijos knygos vadinasi "Laimingiausi pasaulyje" ir "Tegyvuoja meilė"
P. S. Kitos šios serijos knygos vadinasi "Laimingiausi pasaulyje" ir "Tegyvuoja meilė"
February 8, 2018
Mixing an American and a Duke led to some interesting places. Katrina was intriguing with her very proper behavior when required and her more colonial tendencies as time. I found her fun to read. Julian's desire to do what was expected of him made him a bit aloof at times, but when he realized life had more to offer than duty, I enjoyed him more. I loved this story and look forward to reading the rest of the series.
I received this book free through Harlequin, and this is my unsolicited review.
I received this book free through Harlequin, and this is my unsolicited review.
February 12, 2018
An exciting read!
Two different worlds collide when a Duke falls for a lovely American who he knows is perfect, just not perfect enough to be his Duchess. A great read! A sublime start for Laurie Benson
Two different worlds collide when a Duke falls for a lovely American who he knows is perfect, just not perfect enough to be his Duchess. A great read! A sublime start for Laurie Benson
September 3, 2016
I adored this book! Following an American author's daughter, who has a refreshing take on the rules of the ton, and a rather staid Duke focused on his duties over happiness, the plot of this regency romance was different than most in this genre.
I loved the hero and heroine, and watching them struggle with not only keeping their reputations flawless, navigating the viper's nest that is the ton, and begrudgingly fall in love. There was a time when I thought they'd never get past their blindness of their feelings and reach their HEA!
There was minimal heat in this story, and almost no bedroom scenes, but the intensity was still evident in everything the hero and heroine did.
The side characters were just as wonderful as the main characters, and I hope future installments of this series focus on some of them. I highly recommend this to everyone who enjoys reading about the ballrooms of London and love conquering all!
I loved the hero and heroine, and watching them struggle with not only keeping their reputations flawless, navigating the viper's nest that is the ton, and begrudgingly fall in love. There was a time when I thought they'd never get past their blindness of their feelings and reach their HEA!
There was minimal heat in this story, and almost no bedroom scenes, but the intensity was still evident in everything the hero and heroine did.
The side characters were just as wonderful as the main characters, and I hope future installments of this series focus on some of them. I highly recommend this to everyone who enjoys reading about the ballrooms of London and love conquering all!
July 21, 2019
An excellent debut novel and the first book in the "Secret Lives of the Ton Series" by author Laurie Benson. I adored the hero and heroine in this book and the secondary characters are excellent. The banter between all is fun and entertaining and the story is well written. I'm looking forward to reading the other books in this series. Laurie Benson has become an automatic buy for me!
July 8, 2016
It's a debut novel, and it shows. The dialogue is awkward, and scenes break at odd places. However, there is some great stuff in here, like the reading together scene. I would read more from this author.
July 28, 2021
Įdomi, lengvai skaitoma knyga.
Read
July 3, 2016Miniseries:
March 27, 2023
Buvo gana nuobodu 🙄 tokia labai vidutiniska knyga: cia nera L.Kleypas ar Tessa Dare humoro, nei Mcnaught dramos, nei Amandos Quick trilerio su blogiukais, nei senosios kartos rasytoju, tokiu kaip Busbee itampos ir jausmu audros...
Siaip veikejai buvo patrauklus, ir tai ne “clean romance�, tad gavom buciniu, ir netgi viena meiles scena, ko jau beveik nesitikejau 😂 paprastai pas kitas rasytojos ju buna bent pora 🤷♀�
Siaip veikejai buvo patrauklus, ir tai ne “clean romance�, tad gavom buciniu, ir netgi viena meiles scena, ko jau beveik nesitikejau 😂 paprastai pas kitas rasytojos ju buna bent pora 🤷♀�
July 7, 2017
Having read Hart & Sarah's story, the third in this trilogy, I had to go back to the beginning and read them all.
I wasn't disappointed. Katrina is gorgeous and Julia is exactly the sort of proper, buttoned up hero I love the most, burdened by responsibility and always trying to do the right thing by everyone but himself.
And that library scene..... A brilliant will they/won't they romance!
I wasn't disappointed. Katrina is gorgeous and Julia is exactly the sort of proper, buttoned up hero I love the most, burdened by responsibility and always trying to do the right thing by everyone but himself.
And that library scene..... A brilliant will they/won't they romance!
October 10, 2017
This was such a nice surprise. I thoroughly enjoyed everything about it. It was a fast entertaining read that left me feeling happy. I adored both characters and they felt very real. It was funny and had a lot of interesting side characters. I just loved it. This is a hidden treasure for regency romances.
July 29, 2019
Great Romance
I loved this book. It was made more than an ordinary romance by the reasonably realistic conflict arising from the war of 1812 and the attitude toward Americans directly afterward. Too many books feature American heroines without addressing this. Very well written and believable. I will follow this author and look forward to her next book.
I loved this book. It was made more than an ordinary romance by the reasonably realistic conflict arising from the war of 1812 and the attitude toward Americans directly afterward. Too many books feature American heroines without addressing this. Very well written and believable. I will follow this author and look forward to her next book.
May 24, 2023
Kaip tik toks lengvai skaitomas kūrinys, kokio man šiuo metu norėjosi. Meilės romanas, kurio veiksmas vyksta Anglijoje, Londone, prieš 200 metų. Kitoks gyvenimas, kitokie papročiai ir visuomenės taisyklės. Gaunasi įdomus rezultatas ir su šiokiu tokiu prieskoniu, netikėtumu. Džiaugiuosi radusi šią knygų seriją ir nekantrauju griebtis antrosios.
May 6, 2024
Excellent
Very good writing. The characters are well developed and believable. Excellent dialogue and plot. Exceedingly enjoyable book. I am looking forward to reading the other two books in the series.
Very good writing. The characters are well developed and believable. Excellent dialogue and plot. Exceedingly enjoyable book. I am looking forward to reading the other two books in the series.
August 21, 2016
An accomplished debut novel from an outstanding new writer of Regency romantic fiction, Laurie Benson’s An Unsuitable Duchess is a sophisticated tale of intrigue, passion and desire that will keep readers riveted from beginning to end!
When Katrina Vandenberg had accompanied her writer father to London, the last thing the free-spirited American had been thinking about was marriage. Fiercely independent, intelligent and feisty, Katrina soon began to find the rules of society and the strictures of the Ton decidedly stifling. She yearned to go back home and not have to worry about the insignificant minutiae that the members of polite society were absolutely obsessed with. However, things quickly began to look up for Katrina when she clapped eyes on one of England’s most eligible � and most dangerously attractive- bachelors, Julian Carlisle, the Duke of Lyonsdale.
Julian is a man who is well aware of what is expected of him. The burden of duty and responsibility lie heavily upon his shoulders and he knows that he is expected to make a suitable match and marry a woman fit to fill the august position of the new Duchess of Lyonsdale. With his mother practically throwing the highly suitable Lady Mary Morley his way, Julian knows that it’s only a matter of time until he agrees to do his dear mama’s sensible bidding. But that was before he came across the smart, erudite and beautiful Katrina Vandenberg!
Julian knows that Katrina is as far removed from society � and his mother’s � idea of a suitable wife as it is possible to get. The next Duchess of Lyonsdale should be poised, biddable and more importantly English, and Katrina fulfills none of these criteria. Yet, Julian cannot seem to stop thinking about her � nor can he shake off this feeling that she is the only woman he can imagine spending the rest of his life with! He knows that he should give the pretty American a wide berth and concentrate on wooing Lady Mary, but that soon proves to be easier said than done!
With fate � not to mention his friend, the rakish Earl of Hartwick- seeming intent on pushing the two of them together, will Julian have the courage to choose his heart’s desire over duty? With so many obstacles standing in their way, does their relationship stand a chance of surviving? Or is their love just not meant to be?
Historical romance readers have got a wonderful treat in store for them with An Unsuitable Duchess. Written with confidence, sophistication and flair, An Unsuitable Duchess is a charming, passionate and highly intriguing Regency tale that plunges readers into a refined Regency world which they will never want to leave.
Packed with wonderful characters that leap off the pages, poignant romance, delightfully vivid descriptions of high society life and plenty of dramatic secrets and red-hot sensuality to keep readers glued to its pages, An Unsuitable Duchess is a fabulous debut novel from a wonderful new writer whose books are destined for keeper shelves everywhere: Laurie Benson!
When Katrina Vandenberg had accompanied her writer father to London, the last thing the free-spirited American had been thinking about was marriage. Fiercely independent, intelligent and feisty, Katrina soon began to find the rules of society and the strictures of the Ton decidedly stifling. She yearned to go back home and not have to worry about the insignificant minutiae that the members of polite society were absolutely obsessed with. However, things quickly began to look up for Katrina when she clapped eyes on one of England’s most eligible � and most dangerously attractive- bachelors, Julian Carlisle, the Duke of Lyonsdale.
Julian is a man who is well aware of what is expected of him. The burden of duty and responsibility lie heavily upon his shoulders and he knows that he is expected to make a suitable match and marry a woman fit to fill the august position of the new Duchess of Lyonsdale. With his mother practically throwing the highly suitable Lady Mary Morley his way, Julian knows that it’s only a matter of time until he agrees to do his dear mama’s sensible bidding. But that was before he came across the smart, erudite and beautiful Katrina Vandenberg!
Julian knows that Katrina is as far removed from society � and his mother’s � idea of a suitable wife as it is possible to get. The next Duchess of Lyonsdale should be poised, biddable and more importantly English, and Katrina fulfills none of these criteria. Yet, Julian cannot seem to stop thinking about her � nor can he shake off this feeling that she is the only woman he can imagine spending the rest of his life with! He knows that he should give the pretty American a wide berth and concentrate on wooing Lady Mary, but that soon proves to be easier said than done!
With fate � not to mention his friend, the rakish Earl of Hartwick- seeming intent on pushing the two of them together, will Julian have the courage to choose his heart’s desire over duty? With so many obstacles standing in their way, does their relationship stand a chance of surviving? Or is their love just not meant to be?
Historical romance readers have got a wonderful treat in store for them with An Unsuitable Duchess. Written with confidence, sophistication and flair, An Unsuitable Duchess is a charming, passionate and highly intriguing Regency tale that plunges readers into a refined Regency world which they will never want to leave.
Packed with wonderful characters that leap off the pages, poignant romance, delightfully vivid descriptions of high society life and plenty of dramatic secrets and red-hot sensuality to keep readers glued to its pages, An Unsuitable Duchess is a fabulous debut novel from a wonderful new writer whose books are destined for keeper shelves everywhere: Laurie Benson!
May 26, 2016
Well, I just finished reading AN UNSUITABLE DUCHESS, by LAURIE BENSON. WOW!!!!!!!!!! I literally could not put it down. This story is so captivating. I felt as if I was watching it and reading it simultaneously. The descriptions of the characters, the settings, and the story lines are so vivid. The characters are exciting with many aspects to their personalities, you can't predict what happens next. Laurie blends history, romance, humor, drama, intrigue and the range of human experience and feelings. They are so well interwoven and provide such depth. Laurie you are such a talented writer. I can't wait til your 2nd book comes out. Thanks for an amazing story.
September 26, 2016
This time period is interesting in the differences of opinion concerning English and American people being together.I loved the "green pointy eared children" line.In our society today we have overcome some of these issues and much more is accepted.Family life sure can be many different ways and it is accepted as normal.For dukes and earls still today things might be the same(trying to be with someone of a certain status),but for most of us it is who you fall in love with.For Julian and Katrina their attraction was there from first sight.I was amused at their interactions and trying to hide it,but in the end-love won.
May 31, 2016
You'll want this one loaded to your kindle for those lazy summer days. Ms. Benson has a sense of humor - mostly depicted in her heroine but spread wonderfully through all the characters.
Katrina Vandenberg is a feisty American - sometimes with a humorous smartmouth - in London with her father. Julian Carlisle is a proper man who accepts he must marry a suitable English lady and make her his duchess.
Their chemistry is enjoyable to the very last page. It is a story filled with wit, humor, and a romantic book reading (sigh).
Katrina Vandenberg is a feisty American - sometimes with a humorous smartmouth - in London with her father. Julian Carlisle is a proper man who accepts he must marry a suitable English lady and make her his duchess.
Their chemistry is enjoyable to the very last page. It is a story filled with wit, humor, and a romantic book reading (sigh).
June 16, 2016
A fresh and utterly charming story of two enormously appealing people who have immediate chemistry and then proceed to fall in love as they get to know each other. The heroine is the daughter of an American diplomat while the hero is a Duke who believes he must marry for duty and not for love. The banter between these two sparkles and I found myself smiling more than once as I read. The book also has a cast of strong and very likable secondary characters. I loved it and can't read to read the author's next book.
June 3, 2016
I received this book through ŷ Giveaways. I was thoroughly charmed by this book. I laughed out loud many times. The Duke's Grandma was a hoot and I liked her immediately. The heroine and the hero are interesting and lovable. It has a good plot, is well written and very entertaining. I also received some wonderful tea from Laurie which I enjoyed while reading her book. Buy this book. It was a fun and lovely read.
June 18, 2016
I love strong heroines and this one was amazing! She stood on her own and didn't take any flack from anyone while still acting like a lady. I loved that Julian caught her attention without her even knowing who he was. The witty banter between the two was what caught my attention and their interaction kept me reading! A new to me author who I'll be following from now on! Wonderfully written for a first book!!
June 13, 2016
After reading another Harlequin Historical debut author's book last month and being pleasantly surprised (That Despicable Rogue) and impressed by the quality of the story, I happily picked up An Unsuitable Duchess by another of their debut authors, Laurie Benson. It was another hoot. Fun plot, engaging characters and a very enjoyable read throughout.
April 6, 2017
Completely and utterly adored this wonderful book, so much I couldn't put it down until I finished it, I was completely captivated and moved by all aspects of the journey of our Hero and heroine and also driven nuts in the best possible way into shouting at the book due to certain peoples stubbornness
Read
June 1, 2016Miniseries:
July 7, 2016
Nicely written and I look forward to reading more from this author.
November 9, 2018
THIS WAS A CLASSIC SPIN ON DUKE MEETS UNCONVENTIONAL WOMAN WHOM HE LATER DOES INDEED MARRY. ONE OF MY FAVOURITE TROUPES, AND IT WAS THOROUGHLY ENJOYABLE!
OUR HERO is a Duke, and also a widower who married at his family's bidding because it was his duty. After the death of his wife and stillborn son, his mother is harranguing him to get married again and produce an heir. Despite having been married, he never loved his wife and he's never met any woman who stirs his interest until an encounter with a beautiful American woman who arouses his desires, plagued his thoughts and made him think of the unthinkable - like breaking the rules he govern and conforms to. If he's the powerful Duke, then why can't he get what he wants?
OUR HEROINE is charming in her own way, she's not just beautiful but also innocently sweet but fiery in nature. Having come from New York to London with her barrister/author father, she's enjoying herself for 3 months in a foreign country, delighting in their absolute culture differences. One night at a ball, she meets an imposing man whom they share an attraction, and there is the push and pull between them, the longing that thrums whenever they meet again! Their relationship bordered on taboo and thats what made it delicious and also a tad ANGSTY to read.
OVERALL the romance was smoothly written, I could watch their relationship build and how the characters sorted out their thoughts, actions and feelings were also nicely paced and wrote beautifully.
OUR HERO is a Duke, and also a widower who married at his family's bidding because it was his duty. After the death of his wife and stillborn son, his mother is harranguing him to get married again and produce an heir. Despite having been married, he never loved his wife and he's never met any woman who stirs his interest until an encounter with a beautiful American woman who arouses his desires, plagued his thoughts and made him think of the unthinkable - like breaking the rules he govern and conforms to. If he's the powerful Duke, then why can't he get what he wants?
OUR HEROINE is charming in her own way, she's not just beautiful but also innocently sweet but fiery in nature. Having come from New York to London with her barrister/author father, she's enjoying herself for 3 months in a foreign country, delighting in their absolute culture differences. One night at a ball, she meets an imposing man whom they share an attraction, and there is the push and pull between them, the longing that thrums whenever they meet again! Their relationship bordered on taboo and thats what made it delicious and also a tad ANGSTY to read.
OVERALL the romance was smoothly written, I could watch their relationship build and how the characters sorted out their thoughts, actions and feelings were also nicely paced and wrote beautifully.
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