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The Duke Trilogy #1
Duke of Sin
Vivian Rael-Lamont lives peacefully in the small town of Penzance, Cornwall, where everybody believes her to be widowed, when in truth she left London unwilling to let her husband's exploits taint her family name. All's well, until someone threatens to reveal her married status and expose her to scandal—unless she can obtain an original, signed copy of a Shakespearian play, owned by none other than the reclusive and mysterious William Raleigh, Duke of Trent.
Vivian is unexpectedly drawn to Raleigh, and, for the price of passion, he ends up joining her quest to catch the blackmailer, a discovery which only leads them to more danger. And although their bond only grows stronger, they soon realise the fruitlessness of their relationship—a married woman of noble background cannot enter into an illicit affair with the Duke of Sin...or can she?
Vivian is unexpectedly drawn to Raleigh, and, for the price of passion, he ends up joining her quest to catch the blackmailer, a discovery which only leads them to more danger. And although their bond only grows stronger, they soon realise the fruitlessness of their relationship—a married woman of noble background cannot enter into an illicit affair with the Duke of Sin...or can she?
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 26, 2004
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928 people want to read
About the author
Adele Ashworth
10books237followersAdele Budnick was born in 1963. She has always felt she's led a rather dull life on her road to becoming a romance author. Unfortunately, she's also often been wrong.
From the first time she stepped onstage to sing Petula Clark's "Downtown" for a crowd (at the age of three in a Juarez, Mexico, hotel restaurant, dancing on the table at the urging of the Spanish-speaking waitresses), she knew she was destined to be a singer. Her first miscalculation.
At the age of six, as she watched one of the Apollo rockets take off on live Saturday-morning television, interrupting the most important TV shows of the decade—The Monkeys and Scooby-Doo—she decided she would become a diplomat. Much to her mother's chagrin, Adele was caught in a heated discussion with a telephone operator who insisted it simply wasn't possible to put a six-year-old child through to President Nixon at the White House just to make a complaint about important programming interruption. Diplomacy clearly wasn't for her.
In elementary school, Adele, being a voracious reader, decided she would be a defense attorney just like Nancy Drew's father. (One knew at any age that one couldn't make a living simply by being a mystery solver like Nancy, but solving crimes as an attorney seemed practical.) After three years of knowing she was destined for Harvard Law School, Adele finished every published Nancy Drew novel (53 of them at the time) and moved on to reading romance. Thus ended her dreams of solving crimes. The idea of law school seemed far less enjoyable after immersing herself in Victoria Holt at the age of twelve.
The Song Bird Years
Adele continued to pursue her singing into her teen years, deciding she was either going to be an editorial reader for a publishing company (because all she loved to do was read) or a Singing Superstar. She figured becoming a Superstar was probably an easier goal to achieve, and so, between reading romances (and in the late 70s there were very few to read), she practiced her art, training her developing coloratura soprano voice with private lessons from one of the best operatic instructors in the city of Albuquerque. Through numerous All-State Choir rehearsals, Jr. and High School choir practice, and various musical productions, she knew she was destined for stardom.
And then at the age of fifteen, her private vocal instructor told her the cold, hard facts: To really make it as a Broadway Singing Superstar, one not only has to read music well, but be able to act and dance and live on pennies. Adele does not dance (unless you count nightclubs in college and that time in Mexico when she was three�) and the "living on pennies" bit seemed highly questionable. Since her acting and music reading talents were also suspect, she decided Broadway might not be for her. Reality sure can be a shocker.
On the Career Path
In college as a journalism major (only because she had to major in something that might get her a paying job), she continued to pursue private vocal instruction with the University of Utah's finest, while performing in various musicals and college recitals. Having directed her through the lead in Cinderella, her drama teacher urged her to try out for local beauty—ahem—scholarship pageants. That was it. Adele was destined to be a singing, reading, reporting, Miss America.
Unfortunately, reality struck again. Not only was Adele a bit lacking in genius (to put it bluntly), being five feet and two inches tall, and possessing quite possibly the shortest legs in the history of womanhood left Adele doing well in talent portions of the contests, but lacking other…necessary attributes. Aside from being crowned Miss Sandy City and Miss Salt Lake County, the pageant thing never went anywhere. Alas, the Singing Beauty Queen future was out.
But Adele worked very hard at her favorite pastime and, by her senior year in college, she'd read just about every Kathleen E. Woodiwiss, Victoria Holt, Shirley Busbee, Laurie McBain,
From the first time she stepped onstage to sing Petula Clark's "Downtown" for a crowd (at the age of three in a Juarez, Mexico, hotel restaurant, dancing on the table at the urging of the Spanish-speaking waitresses), she knew she was destined to be a singer. Her first miscalculation.
At the age of six, as she watched one of the Apollo rockets take off on live Saturday-morning television, interrupting the most important TV shows of the decade—The Monkeys and Scooby-Doo—she decided she would become a diplomat. Much to her mother's chagrin, Adele was caught in a heated discussion with a telephone operator who insisted it simply wasn't possible to put a six-year-old child through to President Nixon at the White House just to make a complaint about important programming interruption. Diplomacy clearly wasn't for her.
In elementary school, Adele, being a voracious reader, decided she would be a defense attorney just like Nancy Drew's father. (One knew at any age that one couldn't make a living simply by being a mystery solver like Nancy, but solving crimes as an attorney seemed practical.) After three years of knowing she was destined for Harvard Law School, Adele finished every published Nancy Drew novel (53 of them at the time) and moved on to reading romance. Thus ended her dreams of solving crimes. The idea of law school seemed far less enjoyable after immersing herself in Victoria Holt at the age of twelve.
The Song Bird Years
Adele continued to pursue her singing into her teen years, deciding she was either going to be an editorial reader for a publishing company (because all she loved to do was read) or a Singing Superstar. She figured becoming a Superstar was probably an easier goal to achieve, and so, between reading romances (and in the late 70s there were very few to read), she practiced her art, training her developing coloratura soprano voice with private lessons from one of the best operatic instructors in the city of Albuquerque. Through numerous All-State Choir rehearsals, Jr. and High School choir practice, and various musical productions, she knew she was destined for stardom.
And then at the age of fifteen, her private vocal instructor told her the cold, hard facts: To really make it as a Broadway Singing Superstar, one not only has to read music well, but be able to act and dance and live on pennies. Adele does not dance (unless you count nightclubs in college and that time in Mexico when she was three�) and the "living on pennies" bit seemed highly questionable. Since her acting and music reading talents were also suspect, she decided Broadway might not be for her. Reality sure can be a shocker.
On the Career Path
In college as a journalism major (only because she had to major in something that might get her a paying job), she continued to pursue private vocal instruction with the University of Utah's finest, while performing in various musicals and college recitals. Having directed her through the lead in Cinderella, her drama teacher urged her to try out for local beauty—ahem—scholarship pageants. That was it. Adele was destined to be a singing, reading, reporting, Miss America.
Unfortunately, reality struck again. Not only was Adele a bit lacking in genius (to put it bluntly), being five feet and two inches tall, and possessing quite possibly the shortest legs in the history of womanhood left Adele doing well in talent portions of the contests, but lacking other…necessary attributes. Aside from being crowned Miss Sandy City and Miss Salt Lake County, the pageant thing never went anywhere. Alas, the Singing Beauty Queen future was out.
But Adele worked very hard at her favorite pastime and, by her senior year in college, she'd read just about every Kathleen E. Woodiwiss, Victoria Holt, Shirley Busbee, Laurie McBain,
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
March 17, 2019
4 Estrellas. He disfrutado mucho de ésta novela, es un buen ejemplo de toda la buena literatura romántica que se escribía y publicaba hace más de diez años, y que por desgracia hemos perdido en los últimos tiempos. Hacía mucho que no leía a Adele Ashworth, principalmente porque una de sus novelas me encantó y otra no me gustó nada, así que no es de extrañar que me tomara un descanso.
“Dulce pecado� es el primer libro de la trilogía Duques, que como su título indica, los personajes son tres amigos duques. En ésta novela el protagonista es Willim Raleigh, el duque de Trent. Will es un hombre taciturno y con un oscuro pasado, hace años fue víctima de un escándalo y se dice de él que asesinó a su primera esposa, por eso vive recluido en su hacienda de Penzance en Cornwall y nunca alterna con la sociedad.
La protagonista, Vivian Rael-Lamont, es una mujer viuda que también huye del pasado que dejó atrás en Londres. Lleva diez años viviendo en Penzance, llevando una existencia cómoda y satisfecha, y un fructífero negocio como la florista local. Pero no durará mucho ésta pacífica situación, un día recibe la extraña visita de un actor local con un chantaje, ha descubierto su pasado y amenaza con hacerlo público si no sigue unas instrucciones; deberá hacerse con un documento firmado por el mismísimo William Shakespeare, y que custodia el duque de Trent.
William y Vivian llevaban un tiempo conociéndose, pero nunca habían intimado más allá de algunos arreglos florales que Will le había encargado. Aún así, éste tenía a la atractiva viuda en gran estima; por eso mismo es una sorpresa que un día ella se presente en su casa con la intención de comprarle el manuscrito de Shakespeare. En seguida a William le llama la atención semejante proposición, pues pocas personas saben que él lo posee, y aunque le intriga Vivian no parará hasta averiguar los motivos que se esconden tras su petición.
En ésta novela tendremos por un lado el romance de los protagonistas, que se irá fraguando poco a poco, y también la investigación que se esconde tras el manuscrito. Will se siente fascinado por Vivian, pero a la vez sabe que no puede fiarse de ella, así que le hace una proposición, el manuscrito será suyo en un par de semanas si ella accede a ser su amante. La situación de Vivian es desesperada y hará lo posible para que su pasado no salga a la luz, por eso acepta la escandalosa propuesta de William.
A decir verdad, el acuerdo de Will y Vivian, poco a poco los lleva a conocerse, a intimar y a enamorarse, pero serán muchos los motivos que hará imposible un romance entre ellos, para empezar; el escandaloso pasado de William y la muerte de su esposa, para seguir, la propia reputación de Vivian, que es una respetable viuda en una localidad pequeña, donde una relación entre ambos podría destruir la vida que lleva, además del gran secreto que Vivian esconde, y que hace imposible que pueda haber algo entre ellos.
El punto fuerte de ésta novela ha sido el romance, lo he disfrutado como no lo hacía con una novela de éste tipo desde hacía un montón de tiempo. Desde el principio el lector es testigo de la química que existe entre sus protagonistas, además de la atracción de que son unos personajes maduros y con un recorrido, aquí no tendremos a una pareja joven recién salida de los salones londinenses, si no que son unas personas heridas por la vida y su pasado, que se encuentran en un momento de verdadera necesidad.
En cuanto los sentimientos de Will por Vivian sean tan fuertes, no dudará en ningún momento en mantenerla a salvo. Sí, Will desconfía de los motivos de Vivian, y por ello mismo debe protegerse a sí mismo de ella, y a ella de lo que le amenaza, pues en seguida comprende que Vivian debe ser víctima de un chantaje, pues no la cree capaz de la atrocidad de engañarle.
Por lo demás no puedo comentar mucho porque si no desvelaría toda la trama. Como lectora la he disfrutado mucho y me ha enganchado. El romance histórico, de regencia o victoriano es mi favorito, y en cuanto encuentro una novela interesante con una bonita historia sé que me cautivará, y éste ha sido el caso. El libro no es que sea gran cosa, pero es un muy entretenido y en seguida me enganchó. Lo único a lo que puedo ponerle una falta es que la trama del manuscrito y el chantajista me resultó un poco chapucera y creo que la autora se la quitó de encima demasiado pronto, creo que podría haberle dado más juego, pero aún así la historia ha funcionado gracias a los caracteres tan bien creados de sus protagonistas.
Leer éste libro ha sido un acierto, y aunque hemos conocido muy poquito a los amigos duques de William, no dudo de que más adelante me animaré a seguir leyendo ésta trilogía.
“Dulce pecado� es el primer libro de la trilogía Duques, que como su título indica, los personajes son tres amigos duques. En ésta novela el protagonista es Willim Raleigh, el duque de Trent. Will es un hombre taciturno y con un oscuro pasado, hace años fue víctima de un escándalo y se dice de él que asesinó a su primera esposa, por eso vive recluido en su hacienda de Penzance en Cornwall y nunca alterna con la sociedad.
La protagonista, Vivian Rael-Lamont, es una mujer viuda que también huye del pasado que dejó atrás en Londres. Lleva diez años viviendo en Penzance, llevando una existencia cómoda y satisfecha, y un fructífero negocio como la florista local. Pero no durará mucho ésta pacífica situación, un día recibe la extraña visita de un actor local con un chantaje, ha descubierto su pasado y amenaza con hacerlo público si no sigue unas instrucciones; deberá hacerse con un documento firmado por el mismísimo William Shakespeare, y que custodia el duque de Trent.
William y Vivian llevaban un tiempo conociéndose, pero nunca habían intimado más allá de algunos arreglos florales que Will le había encargado. Aún así, éste tenía a la atractiva viuda en gran estima; por eso mismo es una sorpresa que un día ella se presente en su casa con la intención de comprarle el manuscrito de Shakespeare. En seguida a William le llama la atención semejante proposición, pues pocas personas saben que él lo posee, y aunque le intriga Vivian no parará hasta averiguar los motivos que se esconden tras su petición.
En ésta novela tendremos por un lado el romance de los protagonistas, que se irá fraguando poco a poco, y también la investigación que se esconde tras el manuscrito. Will se siente fascinado por Vivian, pero a la vez sabe que no puede fiarse de ella, así que le hace una proposición, el manuscrito será suyo en un par de semanas si ella accede a ser su amante. La situación de Vivian es desesperada y hará lo posible para que su pasado no salga a la luz, por eso acepta la escandalosa propuesta de William.
A decir verdad, el acuerdo de Will y Vivian, poco a poco los lleva a conocerse, a intimar y a enamorarse, pero serán muchos los motivos que hará imposible un romance entre ellos, para empezar; el escandaloso pasado de William y la muerte de su esposa, para seguir, la propia reputación de Vivian, que es una respetable viuda en una localidad pequeña, donde una relación entre ambos podría destruir la vida que lleva, además del gran secreto que Vivian esconde, y que hace imposible que pueda haber algo entre ellos.
El punto fuerte de ésta novela ha sido el romance, lo he disfrutado como no lo hacía con una novela de éste tipo desde hacía un montón de tiempo. Desde el principio el lector es testigo de la química que existe entre sus protagonistas, además de la atracción de que son unos personajes maduros y con un recorrido, aquí no tendremos a una pareja joven recién salida de los salones londinenses, si no que son unas personas heridas por la vida y su pasado, que se encuentran en un momento de verdadera necesidad.
En cuanto los sentimientos de Will por Vivian sean tan fuertes, no dudará en ningún momento en mantenerla a salvo. Sí, Will desconfía de los motivos de Vivian, y por ello mismo debe protegerse a sí mismo de ella, y a ella de lo que le amenaza, pues en seguida comprende que Vivian debe ser víctima de un chantaje, pues no la cree capaz de la atrocidad de engañarle.
Por lo demás no puedo comentar mucho porque si no desvelaría toda la trama. Como lectora la he disfrutado mucho y me ha enganchado. El romance histórico, de regencia o victoriano es mi favorito, y en cuanto encuentro una novela interesante con una bonita historia sé que me cautivará, y éste ha sido el caso. El libro no es que sea gran cosa, pero es un muy entretenido y en seguida me enganchó. Lo único a lo que puedo ponerle una falta es que la trama del manuscrito y el chantajista me resultó un poco chapucera y creo que la autora se la quitó de encima demasiado pronto, creo que podría haberle dado más juego, pero aún así la historia ha funcionado gracias a los caracteres tan bien creados de sus protagonistas.
Leer éste libro ha sido un acierto, y aunque hemos conocido muy poquito a los amigos duques de William, no dudo de que más adelante me animaré a seguir leyendo ésta trilogía.
August 10, 2019
3,5. Segundo libro que leo de la autora, tras “Un hombre que promete�, que me gustó mucho. En esta ocasión, de nuevo los protagonistas son personajes maduros, incluso viejos para la época en que transcurre la historia: un atractiva viuda que es más de lo que aparenta y un duque del que todos sospechan que asesinó a su mujer, dos seres solitarios recluidos por voluntad propia en un pequeño pueblo del sur de Inglaterra.
El romance entre la pareja protagonista, Vivien y Will, el duque de Trent, es lo mejor del libro, la química entre ellos es maravillosa, así como los diálogos chispeantes y sus sensuales encuentros. Por el contrario, la trama de suspense es lo que menos me ha convencido, es confusa y a veces me ha parecido mal hilada.
A pesar de ello, me ha gustado bastante, por lo que seguiré con el resto de los libros de la trilogía, protagonizados por los dos mejores amigos del protagonista, Sam y Colin, también duques.
#RitaAdele #RetoRita3
El romance entre la pareja protagonista, Vivien y Will, el duque de Trent, es lo mejor del libro, la química entre ellos es maravillosa, así como los diálogos chispeantes y sus sensuales encuentros. Por el contrario, la trama de suspense es lo que menos me ha convencido, es confusa y a veces me ha parecido mal hilada.
A pesar de ello, me ha gustado bastante, por lo que seguiré con el resto de los libros de la trilogía, protagonizados por los dos mejores amigos del protagonista, Sam y Colin, también duques.
#RitaAdele #RetoRita3
August 2, 2019
3.5 - 4
Reseña completa:
No sé
Si tengo que valorar la forma en que esta historia sencilla y nada original que me ha entretenido mucho , le daría las 4 por que me ha durado un suspiro
Pero luego analizo y, eso, que tampoco tiene mucho más que me haya sorprendido, y lo dejo en 3.5
de todas formas me ha gustado lo suficiente como para seguir en algún momento con la trilogía
Me gustas estas historias en las que lo que destaca es el buen saber de la autora en enganchar al lector con un gran tópico pero a mí me ha mantenido atrapada.
Reseña completa:
No sé
Si tengo que valorar la forma en que esta historia sencilla y nada original que me ha entretenido mucho , le daría las 4 por que me ha durado un suspiro
Pero luego analizo y, eso, que tampoco tiene mucho más que me haya sorprendido, y lo dejo en 3.5
de todas formas me ha gustado lo suficiente como para seguir en algún momento con la trilogía
Me gustas estas historias en las que lo que destaca es el buen saber de la autora en enganchar al lector con un gran tópico pero a mí me ha mantenido atrapada.
March 24, 2013
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.
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.
September 8, 2008
A different kind of historical romance with what appears to be a dark and brooding hero but is really a man looking for a woman to love and who will love him back with as much intensity. The author has some of the best sexual tension with quick, crisp dialog between the h/h that just leaves you panting when they’ve finished their “conversations�. There are you times when you’re saying to yourself, “just kiss her dammit!�! The sex is steaming hot with some borderline erotic scenes –certainly not what you’d find in your typical historical fare.
The ending was good but I was left wanting a bit more, if it weren’t for that it’s a 4.5 star rating for me.
The ending was good but I was left wanting a bit more, if it weren’t for that it’s a 4.5 star rating for me.
August 19, 2019
Bonita historia con una trama diferente a lo que siempre vemos en las historias de época, chantaje misterio, intriga y mucha pasión, Vivian es una protagonista que para ocultar su pasado se gana la vida cultivando y vendiendo flores, el protagonista un duque muy guapo pero atormentado y solitario.
El tema del chantaje estuvo medio raro, pero igual disfrute como se va dando la relación entre ellos, otro punto que me ha gustado es que al ya no ser ellos tan jóvenes, expresen con total libertad lo que les gusta y sienten, le doy 3.5. Una historia más del #RetoRita 3.0
El tema del chantaje estuvo medio raro, pero igual disfrute como se va dando la relación entre ellos, otro punto que me ha gustado es que al ya no ser ellos tan jóvenes, expresen con total libertad lo que les gusta y sienten, le doy 3.5. Una historia más del #RetoRita 3.0
August 16, 2019
#RetoRita3 #RitaAdele
Ha sido una historia entretenida, bien escrita y que me ha gustado.
Pero me quedado con la sensación de que me ha faltado algo más, creo que ha sido por los personajes. Que no me han terminado de llegar como pareja, a parte ella a veces me ha sacado un poco de quicio.
También habido partes de la historia que para mi gusto se han alargado mucho.
Aún así no deja de ser una mala historia,
creo que más adelante me animaré con los dos otros libros que hay, puede que me gusten un poco más.
Ha sido una historia entretenida, bien escrita y que me ha gustado.
Pero me quedado con la sensación de que me ha faltado algo más, creo que ha sido por los personajes. Que no me han terminado de llegar como pareja, a parte ella a veces me ha sacado un poco de quicio.
También habido partes de la historia que para mi gusto se han alargado mucho.
Aún así no deja de ser una mala historia,
creo que más adelante me animaré con los dos otros libros que hay, puede que me gusten un poco más.
November 27, 2011
4 stars.
Adele Ashworth is a new author to me, and if this book is any indication, she will soon be one of my new favourites. This book has almost everything needed for a perfect historical romance read:
An excellent sense of the era: No wallpaper here! From beautifully detailed descriptions of the Duke's home, their clothing and lifestyle, to the depictions of class differences (for example, the tea served to the heroine when she attends the Duke's residence is "a wonderfully strong Lapsang Souchong. Somewhat unconventional for standard fare, especially when serving to a guest of the lower class.") The distinction between the classes plays a large part in this book.
An excellent Hero: The Duke of Trent resides at his country estate. He is a virtual recluse there, shunned by society after being acquitted of killing his wife. Will is gorgeous, noble and LONELY. A bit tortured too, with a sad, sad history.
A just-as-excellent heroine: Vivian lives in an exile of sorts as well, except hers is of her own making. She lives quietly as a widow in the village of Penzance and makes her living as a florist. Her secret is that she is not a widow at all. Her story is just as sad as Will's.
A scandalous bargain: He has something she needs, she has something he wants. A deal is struck, and the tension and chemistry between the H/h is palpable.
Chemistry, chemistry, chemistry!!!!: And teasing, flirting comments. And funny, sexy pillow talk.
Some excellent steamy bits: WHEW. 'Nuff said.
A bit of intrigue, blackmail and danger: Because you have do SOMETHING other than just have sex, right?
The prettiest declaration of love I've read in quite a while: I know I shouldn't, but I can't help myself -- here's part of it, hidden by a spoiler tag.
It also had a bits and pieces of the following (dammit!), which pulled my rating down:
A few cheesy bits of sexy dialogue: I'm not going to tell you here, you'll know the second you read them which ones they are.
A stupid, contrived misunderstanding + Hero behaving like an asshat: Part of this was necessary to the story, but I'm not sure the rest of it served much purpose other than giving the author an opportunity to introduce her Heroes for the rest of the trilogy. Great couple of guys - they figured out what was going on when the Hero couldn't, and thus saved him from further asshattery.
All in all this was a wonderful book -- I'm keeping it, I'll most likely re-read it, and I'm eagerly anticipating the rest of the series.
(Adele Ashworth also has a decent-sized backlist, which is always good news when you find an new author you like.)
Adele Ashworth is a new author to me, and if this book is any indication, she will soon be one of my new favourites. This book has almost everything needed for a perfect historical romance read:
An excellent sense of the era: No wallpaper here! From beautifully detailed descriptions of the Duke's home, their clothing and lifestyle, to the depictions of class differences (for example, the tea served to the heroine when she attends the Duke's residence is "a wonderfully strong Lapsang Souchong. Somewhat unconventional for standard fare, especially when serving to a guest of the lower class.") The distinction between the classes plays a large part in this book.
An excellent Hero: The Duke of Trent resides at his country estate. He is a virtual recluse there, shunned by society after being acquitted of killing his wife. Will is gorgeous, noble and LONELY. A bit tortured too, with a sad, sad history.
A just-as-excellent heroine: Vivian lives in an exile of sorts as well, except hers is of her own making. She lives quietly as a widow in the village of Penzance and makes her living as a florist. Her secret is that she is not a widow at all. Her story is just as sad as Will's.
A scandalous bargain: He has something she needs, she has something he wants. A deal is struck, and the tension and chemistry between the H/h is palpable.
Chemistry, chemistry, chemistry!!!!: And teasing, flirting comments. And funny, sexy pillow talk.
Some excellent steamy bits: WHEW. 'Nuff said.
A bit of intrigue, blackmail and danger: Because you have do SOMETHING other than just have sex, right?
The prettiest declaration of love I've read in quite a while: I know I shouldn't, but I can't help myself -- here's part of it, hidden by a spoiler tag.
It also had a bits and pieces of the following (dammit!), which pulled my rating down:
A few cheesy bits of sexy dialogue: I'm not going to tell you here, you'll know the second you read them which ones they are.
A stupid, contrived misunderstanding + Hero behaving like an asshat: Part of this was necessary to the story, but I'm not sure the rest of it served much purpose other than giving the author an opportunity to introduce her Heroes for the rest of the trilogy. Great couple of guys - they figured out what was going on when the Hero couldn't, and thus saved him from further asshattery.
All in all this was a wonderful book -- I'm keeping it, I'll most likely re-read it, and I'm eagerly anticipating the rest of the series.
(Adele Ashworth also has a decent-sized backlist, which is always good news when you find an new author you like.)
February 14, 2024
Me ha faltado un poco de todo en este libro que he leído en diagonal.
Desde el principio me pareció bastante simple, predecible. Sentí que la autora no quiso complicarse mucho y era un libro tipo. Es cierto que hubo un momento que captó mi atención pero la destrozó al segundo cuando con la protagonista inconsciente por un fuerte golpe sangrante en la cabeza, el buen protagonista recorre una larga distancia en su caballo con ella, hace que sus santas criadas llenen una bañera de agua caliente, se dedique a desnudar a esa pobre mujer con el tipo admirando el cuerpo desnudo de esa pobre moribunda y la ¿bañe? ¿De verdad?
Por otro lado he encontrado muchos errores tipo “aun que� entre otros o con el nombre de la protagonista Vivian ponia “Viva o Vive�.
He visto que es una serie pero yo me detengo aquí.
Desde el principio me pareció bastante simple, predecible. Sentí que la autora no quiso complicarse mucho y era un libro tipo. Es cierto que hubo un momento que captó mi atención pero la destrozó al segundo cuando con la protagonista inconsciente por un fuerte golpe sangrante en la cabeza, el buen protagonista recorre una larga distancia en su caballo con ella, hace que sus santas criadas llenen una bañera de agua caliente, se dedique a desnudar a esa pobre mujer con el tipo admirando el cuerpo desnudo de esa pobre moribunda y la ¿bañe? ¿De verdad?
Por otro lado he encontrado muchos errores tipo “aun que� entre otros o con el nombre de la protagonista Vivian ponia “Viva o Vive�.
He visto que es una serie pero yo me detengo aquí.
September 5, 2019
La reseña en el blog
December 23, 2022
Sooooo romantic! I melted whilst reading it! 😍😍😍 The electricity between Will and Vivian literally leapt off the pages of the book. I was mesmerised, enchanted and beguiled💓💓💓And the last part of the book was perfect!!! Chef’s kiss 😘 to Ms. Ashworth for writing a masterpiece!
October 1, 2020
One of those Avon covers that keep calling like a siren call so I finally bit the bullet and read it. I remember seeing this cover in the library years ago, and the purple and yellow letters were so very striking in person.
Annnyways. Vivian is a widower (with secrets!) who runs a flower business in a small town. Unfortunately for her, she is being blackmailed into securing a rare manuscript currently in the possession of William Raleigh, the Duke of Trent. This reminded me at times of Mary Jo Putney's Dearly Beloved. Uh, not at all because of the plot if you have read it but do you remember that scene when Putney's heroine makes the decision to be a mistress so she can find love and she does it in this very 90s fashion, walking out at night and like laughing/crying? It's a sentimental moment that I think is supposed to feel very empowering but is a lil cheesy. Sometimes, the prose here reminded me of that. It was a little overwrought. I think the pacing was off for me so when I had to read lines like this, " No loathing, no fear. She had given him a brush of warm compassion without repulsion, and he had relished it in its simplicity" it did fall a little flat.
My attention wavered in the middle but I enjoyed the overall mystery and the reveal of who Vivian was at the end. If I had to nitpick, I’d wonder why William didn’t know who was behind it if he knew the history of the rare manuscript. I also agree with some GoodReads reviewers here that William’s contrived making-a-scene scene was an illogical conclusion to jump to and really only to introduce the rest of the dukes in Adele Ashworth's Duke trilogy.
Annnyways. Vivian is a widower (with secrets!) who runs a flower business in a small town. Unfortunately for her, she is being blackmailed into securing a rare manuscript currently in the possession of William Raleigh, the Duke of Trent. This reminded me at times of Mary Jo Putney's Dearly Beloved. Uh, not at all because of the plot if you have read it but do you remember that scene when Putney's heroine makes the decision to be a mistress so she can find love and she does it in this very 90s fashion, walking out at night and like laughing/crying? It's a sentimental moment that I think is supposed to feel very empowering but is a lil cheesy. Sometimes, the prose here reminded me of that. It was a little overwrought. I think the pacing was off for me so when I had to read lines like this, " No loathing, no fear. She had given him a brush of warm compassion without repulsion, and he had relished it in its simplicity" it did fall a little flat.
My attention wavered in the middle but I enjoyed the overall mystery and the reveal of who Vivian was at the end. If I had to nitpick, I’d wonder why William didn’t know who was behind it if he knew the history of the rare manuscript. I also agree with some GoodReads reviewers here that William’s contrived making-a-scene scene was an illogical conclusion to jump to and really only to introduce the rest of the dukes in Adele Ashworth's Duke trilogy.
April 28, 2009
Mindlessly amusing in the beginning, until ridiculously cliche and overwrought plot points kept on piling up.
Off the top of my head:
Widow Virgin
Opium induced Flaccidity
Scheming Family-in-law
Wife Murdering Hero
Double identities
Suicide for star crossed love
Murder to keep someone quiet
Falsely accused hero
Blackmail
Kidnapping and ransom of heroine
Assuming Betrayal
Virginity used to help clear heroine of betrayal
Can't be together due to some overwhelming (yet justifiably allows us to be ok with them falling in love) techinicality
Oh no! Village people will gossip!
Reputations will be Ruined!
Deus Ex Machina in the form of Parliment!
But oh no, he was dead all along!
That list was actually pretty fun to make, and scarily long. Add it to a stupid title and a clinch backcover, and this book isn't worth it.
Will and Vivian actually had some good moments together, and the dialogue/relationship was ok believable. It got killed with the application of plot though.
Also, the villany was horribly inept: Get the chick to sleep with the Duke to get a sonnet. But, oh no! They'll get close and try to do a forgery. Instead, let's just kidnap her and give the hero THREE days to track me down in my hillbilly secluded cabin. I'm sure to come out unharmed and unpunished!
Ok, enough ranting.
Off the top of my head:
Widow Virgin
Opium induced Flaccidity
Scheming Family-in-law
Wife Murdering Hero
Double identities
Suicide for star crossed love
Murder to keep someone quiet
Falsely accused hero
Blackmail
Kidnapping and ransom of heroine
Assuming Betrayal
Virginity used to help clear heroine of betrayal
Can't be together due to some overwhelming (yet justifiably allows us to be ok with them falling in love) techinicality
Oh no! Village people will gossip!
Reputations will be Ruined!
Deus Ex Machina in the form of Parliment!
But oh no, he was dead all along!
That list was actually pretty fun to make, and scarily long. Add it to a stupid title and a clinch backcover, and this book isn't worth it.
Will and Vivian actually had some good moments together, and the dialogue/relationship was ok believable. It got killed with the application of plot though.
Also, the villany was horribly inept: Get the chick to sleep with the Duke to get a sonnet. But, oh no! They'll get close and try to do a forgery. Instead, let's just kidnap her and give the hero THREE days to track me down in my hillbilly secluded cabin. I'm sure to come out unharmed and unpunished!
Ok, enough ranting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 25, 2018
Will, the reclusive duke thought to have murdered his wife. Vivian, a 34-year-old immensely respectable widow (with her own secrets) favors tending her floral business.
A nice build of attraction between these two apprehensive people. Very good suspense which I love in a romance and middle age characters. Although 34 is not considered middle aged. The author spiced up the story with a secondary character suffering from a bipolar disorder.
My first book by Ms. Ashworth.
A nice build of attraction between these two apprehensive people. Very good suspense which I love in a romance and middle age characters. Although 34 is not considered middle aged. The author spiced up the story with a secondary character suffering from a bipolar disorder.
My first book by Ms. Ashworth.
March 31, 2019
Me gustó mucho! Le hubiese dado las 4 estrellas pero eso epílogo se quedó corto. Quería saber que había pasado con ellos algo más adelante, pero bueno, igual me encantaron ellos y su historia.
February 7, 2013
Duke of Sin, Adele Ashworth - I've only read Winter Garden and quite enjoyed it and so I've been looking forward to reading some other highly rated Ashworth novels, of which she has quite a few. I enjoyed the initial premise of a widow seeking to make a life for herself in relative solitude in a small coastal town, developing her own business as a florist. I enjoyed too the hero's backstory as a man living in self-imposed solitude after being accused of his wife's death. These two lonely creatures each with difficult histories are meant to share their lives. I looked forward to the book and it does start off well. Unfortunately, I grew a bit tired of the melodrama surrounding the mystery that brings Vivian and Will together. Even one of the bizarre and tragic events they must overcome would sustain an entire novel quite well but a half dozen of them made my head swim. I enjoyed the writing and the entire story but in the end felt a bit exhausted by the obstacles the couple must overcome. The mystery and the couple's own individual history overshadowed the romance in this one.
January 4, 2012
I was really hoping to love this book. It had all the right earmarks for me: Lonely duke meets equally lonely widow with a secret and he helps her foil an extortion plot.
Unfortunately, there was too much "telling" and not enough "showing" for me to really get invested in either of the them.
The character development and courtship I crave in a romances was lacking. No doubt there were some scenes and moments that really worked and kept me reading but after I finished the book, I felt generally underwhelmed.
Unfortunately, there was too much "telling" and not enough "showing" for me to really get invested in either of the them.
The character development and courtship I crave in a romances was lacking. No doubt there were some scenes and moments that really worked and kept me reading but after I finished the book, I felt generally underwhelmed.
February 16, 2015
4.5 stars
A great story with wonderful writing, likable characters and intriguing plot. The end however was way to sweet for my taste and left me with a mild case of diabetes...
A great story with wonderful writing, likable characters and intriguing plot. The end however was way to sweet for my taste and left me with a mild case of diabetes...
September 26, 2018
2,5 - Tra le letture di settembre questa è stata senza dubbio la meno convincente.
E dire che di solito con gli Oro vado abbastanza sul sicuro, ma davvero non capisco come questo possa essere considerato uno dei romanzi più famosi della Ashworth (forse il resto della trilogia sarà migliore, chissà).
Ad essere sinceri, l'inizio è pure carino, con questa interessante figura di gentildonna giardiniera che si nasconde in un villaggio sotto falso nome ed è costretta a lavorare (ma con i fiori...) per poter sopravvivere.
Poi c'è il duca misterioso che vive nel maniero del medesimo villaggio e che è costretto a condurre vita ritirata a causa delle dicerie sulla morte della prima moglie.
Mah. Già il fatto che due personaggi così atipici si ritrovino nel medesimo luogo sperduto e che entrino in contatto a causa di un ricatto ti fa sollevare un sopracciglio (comunque negli historical ci sta giusto giusto), poi che il ricatto riguardi un personaggio che è a sua volta collegato a un altro e che porti a sbocchi indesiderati ti riempie di perplessità (tanto da far desiderare di avere un monocolo a disposizione), e poi... il libro si perde, l'intreccio si fa fumoso, e non vedi l'ora di arrivare in fondo.
I due - nonostante l'intrigo - risultano insipidi.
Sembravano invece più promettenti gli amici di William, gli altri due duchi che dovrebbero divenire protagonisti dei prossimi libri, ma che qui rimangono sullo sfondo ed è un vero peccato.
E dire che di solito con gli Oro vado abbastanza sul sicuro, ma davvero non capisco come questo possa essere considerato uno dei romanzi più famosi della Ashworth (forse il resto della trilogia sarà migliore, chissà).
Ad essere sinceri, l'inizio è pure carino, con questa interessante figura di gentildonna giardiniera che si nasconde in un villaggio sotto falso nome ed è costretta a lavorare (ma con i fiori...) per poter sopravvivere.
Poi c'è il duca misterioso che vive nel maniero del medesimo villaggio e che è costretto a condurre vita ritirata a causa delle dicerie sulla morte della prima moglie.
Mah. Già il fatto che due personaggi così atipici si ritrovino nel medesimo luogo sperduto e che entrino in contatto a causa di un ricatto ti fa sollevare un sopracciglio (comunque negli historical ci sta giusto giusto), poi che il ricatto riguardi un personaggio che è a sua volta collegato a un altro e che porti a sbocchi indesiderati ti riempie di perplessità (tanto da far desiderare di avere un monocolo a disposizione), e poi... il libro si perde, l'intreccio si fa fumoso, e non vedi l'ora di arrivare in fondo.
I due - nonostante l'intrigo - risultano insipidi.
Sembravano invece più promettenti gli amici di William, gli altri due duchi che dovrebbero divenire protagonisti dei prossimi libri, ma che qui rimangono sullo sfondo ed è un vero peccato.
November 10, 2013
Have you ever read, oh, a Regency, where the heroine is reading a Horrid Novel?
This is that Horrid Novel.
There's a lot of heat between Our Hero and Our Heroine, and for the first, mmmm, half of the novel their dialogue is outstanding. Everything else is HORRID. We have ridiculously long and detailed descriptions of rooms, that I guess are meant to stand in for characterization, because they aren't world-building and honestly there isn't any characterization either. Please note, authors, repetition of a single notable fact about your characters is NOT ACTUALLY CHARACTERIZATION.
The mystery plot is convoluted crap. It just makes no goddamn sense. And there's no reason but Plot for most of it to happen. There's no reason but Plot for Our Hero to be all wounded and in his feels. Then the sequel-bait shows up for two scenes. Then it ends and we just kind of hang out in THWARTED LOVE land and then OH WAIT HAPPY ENDING SORRY.
And while I've often thought "you know, sex in actual life would take more than a page", turns out I don't actually want to read incredibly detailed descriptions of it that go on for ten-or-more-pages-I-lost-count.
This is that Horrid Novel.
There's a lot of heat between Our Hero and Our Heroine, and for the first, mmmm, half of the novel their dialogue is outstanding. Everything else is HORRID. We have ridiculously long and detailed descriptions of rooms, that I guess are meant to stand in for characterization, because they aren't world-building and honestly there isn't any characterization either. Please note, authors, repetition of a single notable fact about your characters is NOT ACTUALLY CHARACTERIZATION.
The mystery plot is convoluted crap. It just makes no goddamn sense. And there's no reason but Plot for most of it to happen. There's no reason but Plot for Our Hero to be all wounded and in his feels. Then the sequel-bait shows up for two scenes. Then it ends and we just kind of hang out in THWARTED LOVE land and then OH WAIT HAPPY ENDING SORRY.
And while I've often thought "you know, sex in actual life would take more than a page", turns out I don't actually want to read incredibly detailed descriptions of it that go on for ten-or-more-pages-I-lost-count.
June 14, 2009
Loved this book! Not the typical historical romance, Duke of Sin has highly unusual yet flawed characters. Vivian is divorced member of the nobility living in secret as a widowed flower merchant in Cornwall to avoid the scandal to her family. When she encounters a blackmailer who wants her to procure a signed Shakespearean sonnet in the possession of the local Duke, Will Raleigh, she quickly makes a bargain with him. Raleigh is the local recluse, having been acquitted of the murder of his wife years ago in the eyes of the law, but not public opinion. The interesting and unusual plot line, the atypical characters, and the tension between the Vivian and Will all make this a novel I will remember fondly.
October 13, 2008
Ít was entertaining but not what I was expecting.
July 24, 2017
Primer libro que leí de esta autora y me encantó.... su forma de escribir, los personajes... muy bueno!!
September 11, 2018
Oh my goodness...I LOVED this story. This was such a fabulous historical romance. Such a tender, lovely story about two people all alone in the world finding each other.
I picked up this book because I found it on a goodreads list with the words "reclusive duke" - let's be honest, this is my catnip. lol I love a reclusive hero working through obstacles or shunned by the world living as an outcast because of tragedy/misfortune. I find that journey to the happily ever after much more emotionally charged and so satisfying to read. Duke of Sin did not disappoint!
I liked how this story didn't immediately do to the physical side of Vivian and Will's relationship. Will doesn't just want to just into bed with her...he's been isolated for so long, he literally wants a companion. Someone to have dinner with, someone to chat with. He's also being cautious because this proposition from Vivian is unusual but mostly, he wants a friend. His inner dialogue just kills me because Will is so happy when Vivian is around. He doesn't want to trust her, but he can't help but like her. His conflicting emotions just make him so endearing and a very worthy hero. Will is what made this book so spectacular for me. I loved his character and the gentle and endearing way he cherished Vivian. Near the end he decides she has betrayed him and it was so heartbreaking to watch him suffer! Thank goodness his friends came along and pointed out the truth.
Vivian...now I wasn't crazy about her history since she was still technically married, but I accepted it. The book describes her situation as something similar to a divorce but she does not have the right to remarry. So I think the book does an ok job of making Vivian and Will's relationship morally and legally acceptable. And the end kind of wobbles between different methods to give this couple their happily ever after. It may me laugh how Ashworth finally resolved it in the end it was so abrupt it just seemed to come out of no where and then the book ended. But I did like Vivian...her reasons for meeting Will were deceitful but every interaction with Will was grounded and honest. Being blackmailed forced her to reach out to Will but after that her time with him was never forced and always pleasant.
The attraction between these two was so strong and I loved how Ashworth extended the tension. It is truly masterful and so breathtaking to read. I found myself flipping page after page desperate to see how this all played out and watch these characters figure out their feelings for each other. I did enjoy the mystery surrounding Will's first wife...I was definitely kept on my toes trying to figure that out. And the way Ashworth tied it all together in the end was intriguing.
Overall, Duke of Sin was a wonderful, sexy read. Ashworth takes two wounded characters and gives them love worth fighting for. Brilliantly written and certainly a book I could read again and again.
I picked up this book because I found it on a goodreads list with the words "reclusive duke" - let's be honest, this is my catnip. lol I love a reclusive hero working through obstacles or shunned by the world living as an outcast because of tragedy/misfortune. I find that journey to the happily ever after much more emotionally charged and so satisfying to read. Duke of Sin did not disappoint!
I liked how this story didn't immediately do to the physical side of Vivian and Will's relationship. Will doesn't just want to just into bed with her...he's been isolated for so long, he literally wants a companion. Someone to have dinner with, someone to chat with. He's also being cautious because this proposition from Vivian is unusual but mostly, he wants a friend. His inner dialogue just kills me because Will is so happy when Vivian is around. He doesn't want to trust her, but he can't help but like her. His conflicting emotions just make him so endearing and a very worthy hero. Will is what made this book so spectacular for me. I loved his character and the gentle and endearing way he cherished Vivian. Near the end he decides she has betrayed him and it was so heartbreaking to watch him suffer! Thank goodness his friends came along and pointed out the truth.
Vivian...now I wasn't crazy about her history since she was still technically married, but I accepted it. The book describes her situation as something similar to a divorce but she does not have the right to remarry. So I think the book does an ok job of making Vivian and Will's relationship morally and legally acceptable. And the end kind of wobbles between different methods to give this couple their happily ever after. It may me laugh how Ashworth finally resolved it in the end it was so abrupt it just seemed to come out of no where and then the book ended. But I did like Vivian...her reasons for meeting Will were deceitful but every interaction with Will was grounded and honest. Being blackmailed forced her to reach out to Will but after that her time with him was never forced and always pleasant.
The attraction between these two was so strong and I loved how Ashworth extended the tension. It is truly masterful and so breathtaking to read. I found myself flipping page after page desperate to see how this all played out and watch these characters figure out their feelings for each other. I did enjoy the mystery surrounding Will's first wife...I was definitely kept on my toes trying to figure that out. And the way Ashworth tied it all together in the end was intriguing.
Overall, Duke of Sin was a wonderful, sexy read. Ashworth takes two wounded characters and gives them love worth fighting for. Brilliantly written and certainly a book I could read again and again.
September 1, 2024
For most of this book, I was enjoying the characters and the flow of the story. I even questioned why Duke of Sin didn't have a higher rating. However, for the last 10 or more chapters I started to notice why...
Initially, I loved the dialogue and attraction between Will & Vivian. Two intelligent people, witty and competent in their own rights. I perhaps thought their 'relationship' began quite quickly, but I didn't mind too much since I enjoyed them together.
The mystery behind whether Will murdered his wife or not wasn't too dramatic but did keep me interested to learn his back story. The story around Vivian, her "deceased" husband and her background was the main mystery in my opinion, but I can't say I was overly convinced once it all came to light. Or maybe I just didn't find it all that interesting.
Now, the blackmailing plot was a big focus in Duke of Sin, but I don't think it was a very strong plot. It wasn't fully fleshed out and did get a bit confusing at times. Once things were revealed, I was left feeling underwhelmed. There was also a big misunderstanding from Will that irked me a bit, as it seemed a bit out of nowhere and made Will seem a little stupid.
I'm not much of a history buff despite the fact I read historical romances, but I did not think the dialogue between Will & Vivian during their intimate moments was right for the time period. Supposedly meant to be sexy but was cheesy and cringe; it's not the type of intimate dialogue I like in HR. In fact, their entire relationship towards the end was cheesy and cringe, which I was disappointed in since I initially enjoyed Will & Vivian's attraction to each other.
Towards the end the characters were separated for a few months and I'm not entirely sure why other than to provide more filler to the book. The whole situation around them trying to find a way to was all rushed and convenient as well.
Duke of Sin started off strong but gradually declined the further I read, and in the end I felt underwhelmed. I would read more by this author though, I enjoyed the simple but elegant writing style.
Initially, I loved the dialogue and attraction between Will & Vivian. Two intelligent people, witty and competent in their own rights. I perhaps thought their 'relationship' began quite quickly, but I didn't mind too much since I enjoyed them together.
The mystery behind whether Will murdered his wife or not wasn't too dramatic but did keep me interested to learn his back story. The story around Vivian, her "deceased" husband and her background was the main mystery in my opinion, but I can't say I was overly convinced once it all came to light. Or maybe I just didn't find it all that interesting.
Now, the blackmailing plot was a big focus in Duke of Sin, but I don't think it was a very strong plot. It wasn't fully fleshed out and did get a bit confusing at times. Once things were revealed, I was left feeling underwhelmed. There was also a big misunderstanding from Will that irked me a bit, as it seemed a bit out of nowhere and made Will seem a little stupid.
I'm not much of a history buff despite the fact I read historical romances, but I did not think the dialogue between Will & Vivian during their intimate moments was right for the time period. Supposedly meant to be sexy but was cheesy and cringe; it's not the type of intimate dialogue I like in HR. In fact, their entire relationship towards the end was cheesy and cringe, which I was disappointed in since I initially enjoyed Will & Vivian's attraction to each other.
Towards the end the characters were separated for a few months and I'm not entirely sure why other than to provide more filler to the book. The whole situation around them trying to find a way to was all rushed and convenient as well.
Duke of Sin started off strong but gradually declined the further I read, and in the end I felt underwhelmed. I would read more by this author though, I enjoyed the simple but elegant writing style.
January 29, 2021
I lati positivi di questo libro sono: non è troppo lungo, è scritto in maniera elegante, i dialoghi sono belli e i due protagonisti sono simpatici e abbastanza credibili.
Vivian è una donna indipendente, pragmatica, matura e affronta i problemi in modo diretto e senza scoraggiarsi. Lavora come floricultrice in un paesino di campagna quando un losco figuro le si presenta alla porta minacciandola di rivelare a tutti il suo segreto se non ruberà un manoscritto che possiede il Duca di Trent. Vivian decide di chiedere all'uomo di venderglielo invece il duca attratto dalla donna le propone un patto. Will é un uomo taciturno, scontroso e preferisce vivere una vita da recluso dopo lo scandalo che lo ha visto coinvolto. A volte è un po' incoerente perché da maschio alpha si trasforma in un uomo dubbioso per poi tornare ad essere un uomo pronto a salvare la sua amata.
Da questo punto comincia un romantico corteggiamento tra due persone schiette che si concluderà con un epilogo coinvolgente. L'autrice in questo caso é riuscita a creare una certa tensione attraverso i dialoghi e gli interludi romantici (il livello di sensualità è sicuramente alto).
La storia è un po' lenta nello svilupparsi: all'inizio in particolar modo poi nella parte centrale in cui si parla del misterioso segreto di Vivian la storia diventa più intrigante.
Il lettore in questa vicenda é messo al corrente soprattutto dei pensieri e sensazioni di lui cosa che trovo davvero affascinante.
Per quanto riguarda il contesto storico (ambientazione in epoca vittoriana) c'è ben poco che possa affascinare considerato che tutte la vicende si svolgono in campagna e hanno ben pochi contatti con la comunità o eventi dell'epoca.
Vivian è una donna indipendente, pragmatica, matura e affronta i problemi in modo diretto e senza scoraggiarsi. Lavora come floricultrice in un paesino di campagna quando un losco figuro le si presenta alla porta minacciandola di rivelare a tutti il suo segreto se non ruberà un manoscritto che possiede il Duca di Trent. Vivian decide di chiedere all'uomo di venderglielo invece il duca attratto dalla donna le propone un patto. Will é un uomo taciturno, scontroso e preferisce vivere una vita da recluso dopo lo scandalo che lo ha visto coinvolto. A volte è un po' incoerente perché da maschio alpha si trasforma in un uomo dubbioso per poi tornare ad essere un uomo pronto a salvare la sua amata.
Da questo punto comincia un romantico corteggiamento tra due persone schiette che si concluderà con un epilogo coinvolgente. L'autrice in questo caso é riuscita a creare una certa tensione attraverso i dialoghi e gli interludi romantici (il livello di sensualità è sicuramente alto).
La storia è un po' lenta nello svilupparsi: all'inizio in particolar modo poi nella parte centrale in cui si parla del misterioso segreto di Vivian la storia diventa più intrigante.
Il lettore in questa vicenda é messo al corrente soprattutto dei pensieri e sensazioni di lui cosa che trovo davvero affascinante.
Per quanto riguarda il contesto storico (ambientazione in epoca vittoriana) c'è ben poco che possa affascinare considerato che tutte la vicende si svolgono in campagna e hanno ben pochi contatti con la comunità o eventi dell'epoca.
July 18, 2019
El libro comienza un poco lento y temía que fuera de esos libros de época que llegan a aburrirte pero lo que vino después me ha dejado satisfecha.
Me ha encantado porque lleva de todo un poco, lleva romance claro, pero también te trae suspenso, enredos, risas, persecuciones, y una pizca de picardía que no te deja debiendo nada.
El género del romance no es de mis predilectos, pero a forma en que la escritora ha conjugado todo ha echo de este libro uno que se disfruta.
Te lleva por los pensamientos del duque de Trent que es comprensivo, complicado, oscuro, varonil y a quien creo que más de una quisiera encontrarse.
Los pensamientos de Vivian como una mujer sufrida pero que espera lo mejor de la vida, incomprendida, trabajadora, fuerte pero débil, que sabe cuidarse sola pero que deja que la protejan. No es como la típica chica en peligro que espera a su príncipe al rescate (bueno un duque en este caso) y eso me ha gustado mucho de Vivian.
Nunca había leído una historia de está autora, pero sin duda ha llamado mucho mi atención.
No se imaginan la curiosidad que siento por saber como continua esta historia, así que los dejo porque quiero comenzar con "Un romance escandaloso" la segunda parte de esta interesante trilogía.
Me ha encantado porque lleva de todo un poco, lleva romance claro, pero también te trae suspenso, enredos, risas, persecuciones, y una pizca de picardía que no te deja debiendo nada.
El género del romance no es de mis predilectos, pero a forma en que la escritora ha conjugado todo ha echo de este libro uno que se disfruta.
Te lleva por los pensamientos del duque de Trent que es comprensivo, complicado, oscuro, varonil y a quien creo que más de una quisiera encontrarse.
Los pensamientos de Vivian como una mujer sufrida pero que espera lo mejor de la vida, incomprendida, trabajadora, fuerte pero débil, que sabe cuidarse sola pero que deja que la protejan. No es como la típica chica en peligro que espera a su príncipe al rescate (bueno un duque en este caso) y eso me ha gustado mucho de Vivian.
Nunca había leído una historia de está autora, pero sin duda ha llamado mucho mi atención.
No se imaginan la curiosidad que siento por saber como continua esta historia, así que los dejo porque quiero comenzar con "Un romance escandaloso" la segunda parte de esta interesante trilogía.
November 8, 2021
Después del primer libro que me resultó muy entretenido e intenso tengo la sensación de que todos los demás se están desinflando un poco. Los dos protagonistas son agradables de leer y la historia deja una sensación agradable pero suave. No he sentido que haya grandes dramas ni problemas. Los personajes tienen su trasfondo, pero resultan un poco planos. Las escenas románticas entre los protagonistas son quizás, lo mejor del libro. La historia que mueve a los protagonistas a estar juntos es perfectamente olvidable (de hecho, ya he olvidado gran parte de los detalles).
En resumen, un libro fácil y agradable de leer, entretenido pero no es de los que dejan huella.
En resumen, un libro fácil y agradable de leer, entretenido pero no es de los que dejan huella.
January 30, 2019
Hated this book. I've recently read several of Hoyt's Maiden Lane series. They were fine, not terrific. This title is horrible. The hero??? is an arrogant, blackmailing murderer. The heroine seems to be a sensible woman with strong character. But she falls in love with an arrogant, blackmailing murderer. I skimmed the 2nd half of the book hoping for some element of redemption in main character. Nope. He had crappy parents and a shitty childhood. But he is so repulsive, he is not my idea of a hero.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2019
Super engaging and really lovely. It's not one of the all-time best romances I've ever read, but it was really refreshing after a long romance break, and I was impressed that I didn't predict the twists of the mystery. All-in-all I would suggest it to anyone who needs a fun, feel-good romantic story!
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