Forever Romance Spotlight + Review: Duke of Pleasure by Elizabeth Hoyt

DUKE OF PLEASURE 

The Maiden Lane Series, 11

Elizabeth Hoyt 

Grand Central Publishing Mass Market

November 29, 2016

IN THE ARMS OF DANGER

Bold. Brave. Brutally handsome. Hugh Fitzroy, the Duke of Kyle, is the king's secret weapon. Sent to defeat the notorious Lords of Chaos, he is ambushed in a London alley-and rescued by an unlikely ally: a masked stranger with the unmistakable curves of a woman.

IN THE HEAT OF DESIRE

Cocky. Clever. Courageously independent. Alf has survived on the perilous streets of St. Giles by disguising her sex. By day she is a boy, dealing in information and secrets. By night she's the notorious Ghost of St. Giles, a masked vigilante. But as she saves Hugh from assassins, she finds herself succumbing to temptation . . . 

ONE KISS WILL CHANGE THEIR LIVES FOREVER

When Hugh hires Alf to investigate the Lords of Chaos, her worlds collide. Once Hugh realizes that the boy and the Ghost are the same, will Alf find the courage to become the woman she needs to be-before the Lords of Chaos destroy them both?

My Thoughts:

Author's Pal Spotlight + Review + Giveaway: Duchess Decadence by Wendy LaCapra

Duchess Decadence

Furies, #3

Wendy LaCapra

Entangled Scandalous

October 19, 2015

Book Blurb:

Thea Worthington, Duchess of Wynchester divides her time between social engagements and playing her luck against fickle fortune. Yet every gamble is only a bluff—a means to hide from the pain deep within her, and the loss of a babe she never held in her arms. Now Thea's luck is about to run out. Her estranged husband has returned and seeks a reunion...

Plagued with guilt over what happened to his wife three years ago, the Duke of Wynchester has kept his distance. The duke is resolved to piece his family back together, especially now that he's discovered his beloved brother—long thought dead—still lives. But Thea's lovely, porcelain facade is on the verge of cracking...spurred on by the duke's brother's secretive, malevolent animosity.

With everything riding on her future, Thea plays a daring game of chance for love and her marriage...and this time, the dice are most certainly rigged.

My Thoughts:

Tasty Book Tours Spotlight + Giveaway: How to Marry a Royal Highlander by Vanessa Kelly

How to Marry a Royal Highlander
The Renegade Royals # 4  

By: Vanessa Kelly  

Releasing June 30, 2015

Zebra

Blurb

Illegitimate yet thoroughly irresistible, the Renegade Royals are leaving behind their careers as daring spies for the greatest adventure of all…

At sixteen, Alasdair Gilbride, heir to a Scottish earldom, fled the Highlands and an arranged betrothal. Ten years later, Alasdair must travel home to face his responsibilities. It’s a task that would be much easier without the distracting presence of the most enticing woman he’s ever met…

After one escapade too many, Eden Whitney has been snubbed by the ton. The solution: rusticating in the Scottish wilderness, miles from all temptation. Except, of course, for brawny, charming Alasdair. The man is so exasperating she’d likely kill him before they reach the border—if someone else weren’t trying to do just that. Now Eden and Alasdair are plunging into a scandalous affair with his life and her reputation at stake—and their hearts already irreparably lost…

My Thoughts: 

A Duke But No Gentleman by Alexandra Hawkins (Review)

Alexandra Hawkin's A Duke But No Gentleman is definitely not for everyone. Some aren't going to like the hero and say he isn't a real hero. That might be a tad bit true. However, Alexandra's heroes aren't really hero material, they tend to be down right scoundrels. So, if this isn't your type of guy you might want to move on, but if you are willing look past bastard of a hero you might find this enjoyable. Enough of the preamble and lets get on with my thoughts.

I for one do enjoy Alexandra Hawkin's writing, and I did enjoyed her A Duke But No Gentleman. At the beginning of the story we meet Tristan Bailey Rooke, Duke of Blackbern and Cason Brant, Marquess of Norgrave. Now these two guys have been best friends for ever, and practically did everything together even shared women. Yes, they sound like upstanding gentleman <insert the eye roll>. So, when Blackbern encounters Lady Imogene he kind wants to keep her a secret, but his friend is all too keen. Basically, the wager is established. It can't be any simple wager, oh no it has to be the claiming of her maidenhead. We see them trying to charm and seduce the young lady. Neither one of them actually plays fair, but Norgrave is a bit more ruthless in his pursuit.

Now Imogene is taking in her first season and enjoying the attention that she is receiving from these two scoundrels. Yes, they are scoundrel. However, I actually thought Blackbern wasn't as bad as Norgrave. Norgrave gave off this icky, slimy feeling. However, that's how you are suppose to feel and you are suppose to like Blackbern more. Imogene actually is drawn more to Blackbern. Even though Blackbern is a scoundrel you are given the impression that he is better between the two.

I stand with those who liked A Duke But No Gentleman. I had no problem with Blackbern lacking a moral fiber. I did like the guy. *Spoiler* I could have fine without the rape scene, but it was Norgrave's way at attacking Blackbern. Norgrave definitely had no morals, he was ruthless. I did like the interaction between Imogene and Blackbern, they were kind of fun to watch there banter.

Like I said at the beginning this story is not for everyone. I think those who had enjoyed Alexander's previous work will enjoyed this story. It is a little rough at times, but it was still enjoyable. If you don't mind a not quite a hero guy, you might enjoy A Duke But No Gentleman.

Copy provided by St. Martin via NetGalley.

Rating:
4 1/2 Stars