Regina (virgosun) reviewed What a Devilish Duke Desires (Sinful Scoundrels, Bk 3) on + 889 more book reviews
I don't think I've ever come across a historical romance involving a dance competition at Almack's, and I'm not sure if that's even historically correct or just a fun spin on the romantic fantasy, but it sure caught my attention. I wasn't sure what to expect, but the idea was enough to make me read with relish from cover to cover.
It's universally known that dukes pretty much have free rein and can get out of anything they don't want to do. So how did Harry get roped into the nutty scheme? Turns out the Dancing with the Stars-like competition was merely the backdrop needed to connect Harry and Lucy, the dedicated and enterprising dance instructor hired by his mother to give lessons to members of the ton. Yes, I was a little disappointed that they were not a competing dance couple.
Theirs was a classic romance of love crossing social class. Harry, having recently inherited the title, didn't carry the inbred arrogance typical of the highest ranking aristocrats making him much more open to a serious relationship with a common girl. Lucy, however, knew it was only a temporary but irresistible affair. Normally, they never would have crossed paths socially, yet they managed to remain within each others' radar with chance encounters and secret rendezvous. Perfect for heated lovers' liaisons, which make delicious reading!
And I love heroes who cry when faced with possibly losing their lady loves. Harry was a great guy since he had that heady combination of sensitive and strong. Lucy was just plain fun with a lot of pluck but not in your face with it. Harry did a good job at courting (sigh), and I was happy to see this really cute couple overcome their social and familial challenges.
Although I was initially inclined to give an average rating, What a Devilish Duke Desires deserves higher marks for original use of a dance competition in a historical romance. An entertaining read at 3.5 stars.
It's universally known that dukes pretty much have free rein and can get out of anything they don't want to do. So how did Harry get roped into the nutty scheme? Turns out the Dancing with the Stars-like competition was merely the backdrop needed to connect Harry and Lucy, the dedicated and enterprising dance instructor hired by his mother to give lessons to members of the ton. Yes, I was a little disappointed that they were not a competing dance couple.
Theirs was a classic romance of love crossing social class. Harry, having recently inherited the title, didn't carry the inbred arrogance typical of the highest ranking aristocrats making him much more open to a serious relationship with a common girl. Lucy, however, knew it was only a temporary but irresistible affair. Normally, they never would have crossed paths socially, yet they managed to remain within each others' radar with chance encounters and secret rendezvous. Perfect for heated lovers' liaisons, which make delicious reading!
And I love heroes who cry when faced with possibly losing their lady loves. Harry was a great guy since he had that heady combination of sensitive and strong. Lucy was just plain fun with a lot of pluck but not in your face with it. Harry did a good job at courting (sigh), and I was happy to see this really cute couple overcome their social and familial challenges.
Although I was initially inclined to give an average rating, What a Devilish Duke Desires deserves higher marks for original use of a dance competition in a historical romance. An entertaining read at 3.5 stars.
