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Devil You Know #1
How to Love a Duke in Ten Days
These men are dark, bold, and brave. And there is only one woman who can bring them to their knees...
Famed and brilliant, Lady Alexandra Lane has always known how to look out for to herself. But nobody would ever expect that she has darkness in her past—one that she pays a blackmailer to keep buried. Now, with her family nearing bankruptcy, Alexandra strikes upon a solution: Get married to one of the empire’s most wealthy eligible bachelors. Even if he does have the reputation of a devil.
LOVE TAKES NO PRISONERS
Piers Gedrick Atherton, the Duke of Redmayne, is seeking revenge and the first step is securing a bride. Winning a lady’s hand is not so easy, however, for a man known as the Terror of Torcliff. Then, Alexandra enters his life like a bolt of lightning. When she proposes marriage, Piers knows that, like him, trouble haunts her footsteps. But her gentleness, sharp wit, independent nature, and incredible beauty awakens every fierce desire within him. He will do whatever it takes to keep her safe in his arms.
Famed and brilliant, Lady Alexandra Lane has always known how to look out for to herself. But nobody would ever expect that she has darkness in her past—one that she pays a blackmailer to keep buried. Now, with her family nearing bankruptcy, Alexandra strikes upon a solution: Get married to one of the empire’s most wealthy eligible bachelors. Even if he does have the reputation of a devil.
LOVE TAKES NO PRISONERS
Piers Gedrick Atherton, the Duke of Redmayne, is seeking revenge and the first step is securing a bride. Winning a lady’s hand is not so easy, however, for a man known as the Terror of Torcliff. Then, Alexandra enters his life like a bolt of lightning. When she proposes marriage, Piers knows that, like him, trouble haunts her footsteps. But her gentleness, sharp wit, independent nature, and incredible beauty awakens every fierce desire within him. He will do whatever it takes to keep her safe in his arms.
440 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 27, 2019
About the author
Kerrigan Byrne
73 books4,742 followersIf you're anything like me, the best night is one spent with a brawny highlander, a mysterious werewolf, a conflicted vampire, or a hot-headed Irishman. My stories span the spectrum of romantic fiction from historical, to paranormal, to romantic suspense. But I can always promise my readers one thing: memorable and sexy Celtic heroes who are guaranteed to heat your blood before they steal your heart. Lose yourself in the enchanted Celtic Isles, you never know who, or what, will find you...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,458 reviews
July 19, 2020
i really really loved this one despite some initial misgivings
it feels odd to start off a review like this but i don't want it to get buried since i've not seen it mentioned anywhere else: the prologue to this book opens with a pretty graphic rape scene. i don't mean in the 70s historical romance alpha male forceful sex way i mean it in the truest sense of the word. it made my stomach turn and i can't help but wish that someone had warned me, whether that was reviewers or the book itself.
that being said... i really did enjoy this book. our heroine is understandably tense around men and has sworn off marriage and intimacy. watching her grow to trust a truly kind and understanding man was fantastic.
and this book struck the perfect balance of romance and plot AND setting. the newly married couple embarks on an archaeological dig for their honeymoon and after a series of misunderstandings they have to avoid consummating their marriage while also trying to find out who is out to kill them!
i'm usually a little wary when historical romance authors stray too much into plot territory because i feel like it's often contrived and silly but this one felt kind of high stakes! anyway, i enjoyed this book quite a bit and i really do think kerrigan byrne might be one of my favorite historical authors. can't wait for the second book!
it feels odd to start off a review like this but i don't want it to get buried since i've not seen it mentioned anywhere else: the prologue to this book opens with a pretty graphic rape scene. i don't mean in the 70s historical romance alpha male forceful sex way i mean it in the truest sense of the word. it made my stomach turn and i can't help but wish that someone had warned me, whether that was reviewers or the book itself.
that being said... i really did enjoy this book. our heroine is understandably tense around men and has sworn off marriage and intimacy. watching her grow to trust a truly kind and understanding man was fantastic.
and this book struck the perfect balance of romance and plot AND setting. the newly married couple embarks on an archaeological dig for their honeymoon and after a series of misunderstandings they have to avoid consummating their marriage while also trying to find out who is out to kill them!
i'm usually a little wary when historical romance authors stray too much into plot territory because i feel like it's often contrived and silly but this one felt kind of high stakes! anyway, i enjoyed this book quite a bit and i really do think kerrigan byrne might be one of my favorite historical authors. can't wait for the second book!
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December 3, 2020I'm trying to like this author better... But I know she loved writing this book.
May 22, 2020
I loved, loved How to Love a Duke in Ten Days by Kerrigan Byrne, who is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. No, not just favorite historical romance authors, but favorite authors. Full stop.
This is the second book from Kerrigan Byrne in a row that I've loved, and I think it's time to just suck it up and buy her whole backlist. This book was unputdownable.
Sometimes, I think I'm too harsh of a reviewer. I have trouble feeling enthusiastic about mediocre romance, and with over 1500 romances under my belt, I got bored easily. But then a book like How to Love a Duke in Ten Days comes along and knocks my socks off.
I loved almost everything about this story. I loved how it addressed the main character's (Trigger warning) with sensitivity and understanding. I knew going in that the book would have something to do with sexual assault from the #metoo at the author's dedication section, and I think the author did an excellent job balancing everything.
I also have a HUGE weakness for a scarred male MC, and his gruff, masculine, scarred face was giving me allllll sorts of good vibes.
The book was an excellent blend of female friendship, mystery, sensuality, sensitivity, romance and pain. I practically read it straight through in one sitting. I simply couldn't stop reading.
For those of you who want something compulsively readable, something to shake up your reading slump, look no further. Kerrigan Byrne will wow you with this one.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
goodreads|instagram|twitter|blog
This is the second book from Kerrigan Byrne in a row that I've loved, and I think it's time to just suck it up and buy her whole backlist. This book was unputdownable.
Sometimes, I think I'm too harsh of a reviewer. I have trouble feeling enthusiastic about mediocre romance, and with over 1500 romances under my belt, I got bored easily. But then a book like How to Love a Duke in Ten Days comes along and knocks my socks off.
I loved almost everything about this story. I loved how it addressed the main character's (Trigger warning) with sensitivity and understanding. I knew going in that the book would have something to do with sexual assault from the #metoo at the author's dedication section, and I think the author did an excellent job balancing everything.
I also have a HUGE weakness for a scarred male MC, and his gruff, masculine, scarred face was giving me allllll sorts of good vibes.
The book was an excellent blend of female friendship, mystery, sensuality, sensitivity, romance and pain. I practically read it straight through in one sitting. I simply couldn't stop reading.
For those of you who want something compulsively readable, something to shake up your reading slump, look no further. Kerrigan Byrne will wow you with this one.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
goodreads|instagram|twitter|blog
August 31, 2019
5 How to fall in love with a book in 1 day Stars
******Mild spoilers*****
"We are eternally bound," she repeated. "By secrets, blood, and pain." "And by trust, passion, and revenge," Francesca added darkly. "And by friendship, love, and..." Cecelia sniffed, pressing on the hands beneath her, as if she could touch the heart below it. "And hope. For without that, what reason do we have to endure?"-The Red Rogues
OMG Kerrigan Byrne is a brilliant writer. I knew I had a ARC due. I will be honest I didn't want to read this book. Or any book for that matter. I have been in a really crappy book funk. Everything I have read had been boring, meh, annoying, or just plain pissed me off. For the last few months, I have found myself not wanting to read anything, because I know I will end up angry at fictional characters, and want to throw my kindle against a wall. I was avoiding this book. Afraid my sour ass mood would color my view of the story. I decided to try and start it. If I started to feel annoyed, I would put it down and come back to it later. However two pages in, just two mind you, I was so enthralled that I couldn't put the book down. The story was so emotional, the characters so on point, that I read it all the way through. No sleep, didn't clean, had my husband make dinner. I could not be pulled away from this book til I got their HEA.
"Lately, I only feel safe when I'm with you."-Alexandra
"I like it when you say my name," he growled. "I'll like it even better when you moan it."-Piers
Piers was amazingly sexy, beastly, and protective. He had his issues, and wasn't perfect, but he was perfect for me. I love me some scarred heroes. Maybe it's just me, but there is something sexy about the strength and survival that scars represent. Piers had a dry sense of humor that had me cracking up. Alexandra was amazing and strong. It was nice to see how much of a fighter Alexandra was. She made a life for herself without a man, she was smart, brave, and loyal. As a sexual assault survivor, I hate when I read a book where a woman is assaulted, then jumps straight into bed with the hero. Like nothing happened and sex magically makes everything better. When the aftermath is depicted as easy to get over. Just glossed over like no biggie. Sexual assault is an ugly, life altering thing that changes a person forever. No two survivors are the same, or react the same. So I really loved that Kerrigan Byrne did a great job of painting the raw aftermath of healing. Of the scars that linger long after, but also of the beauty of taking back one's power and life. It was a nice balance. A touch of real without weighting down the book with too much dark. I love anything that sheds a realistic light on something that affects so many.
He could break her. He could protect her. She feared him. She needed him. She wanted....this.
The scream crawling up her throat finally erupted, muffled by the fabrics as her entire soul rent apart in one quivering, bone-shattering cry of pure, helpless, hopeless anguish. She'e thought she was healing. That her patient, tempting husband opened her body and mind, seducing her into the world of carnality. But no. She was broken. Damaged. Dirty. No matter how many baths she took. No matter how many tears she offered. How much restitution she paid or forgiveness she begged. No matter how many years were put between her and the night her body had been invaded. She was damaged. Soiled. Unclean and fallen.-Alexandra
The above quote is just so powerful, and raw. Piers and Alexandra were one of those amazing couples that you feel a real, and deep connection too. Their love was all consuming. Their passion was smoking hot. I felt the bond, felt the love, felt the story. They were not the only well written, and beautiful relationship in this book though. The Red Rogues, Alex and her two best friends Francesca and Cecilia were a lovely picture of female friendship and sisterhood. They would do anything for each other. It's a nice change to read about loyal female relationships, without all the catty, backstabbing drama that most books have. Truly this book was amazing, and I would recommend it to anyone that loves romance. I would say that as a reader maybe the Author should have put a bit more of a trigger warning on the book, other than the #metoo comment. The rape scene was very hard to read and may really upset some. That there is the only thing I would change about this book. It will be going into my top favorites of all time. I would give this book more that 5 stars if I could. I'm just blown away!!! I can't wait to read the next book!
"You don't know what it will cost me, Alexandra, to love you like this. It consumes me. It obsesses me. You've somehow, in less than a bloody fortnight, become more integral to my sustenance than the very air I breathe or the water I drink." -Piers
https://jessicasoverthetopbookobsessi...
******Mild spoilers*****
"We are eternally bound," she repeated. "By secrets, blood, and pain." "And by trust, passion, and revenge," Francesca added darkly. "And by friendship, love, and..." Cecelia sniffed, pressing on the hands beneath her, as if she could touch the heart below it. "And hope. For without that, what reason do we have to endure?"-The Red Rogues
OMG Kerrigan Byrne is a brilliant writer. I knew I had a ARC due. I will be honest I didn't want to read this book. Or any book for that matter. I have been in a really crappy book funk. Everything I have read had been boring, meh, annoying, or just plain pissed me off. For the last few months, I have found myself not wanting to read anything, because I know I will end up angry at fictional characters, and want to throw my kindle against a wall. I was avoiding this book. Afraid my sour ass mood would color my view of the story. I decided to try and start it. If I started to feel annoyed, I would put it down and come back to it later. However two pages in, just two mind you, I was so enthralled that I couldn't put the book down. The story was so emotional, the characters so on point, that I read it all the way through. No sleep, didn't clean, had my husband make dinner. I could not be pulled away from this book til I got their HEA.
"Lately, I only feel safe when I'm with you."-Alexandra
"I like it when you say my name," he growled. "I'll like it even better when you moan it."-Piers
Piers was amazingly sexy, beastly, and protective. He had his issues, and wasn't perfect, but he was perfect for me. I love me some scarred heroes. Maybe it's just me, but there is something sexy about the strength and survival that scars represent. Piers had a dry sense of humor that had me cracking up. Alexandra was amazing and strong. It was nice to see how much of a fighter Alexandra was. She made a life for herself without a man, she was smart, brave, and loyal. As a sexual assault survivor, I hate when I read a book where a woman is assaulted, then jumps straight into bed with the hero. Like nothing happened and sex magically makes everything better. When the aftermath is depicted as easy to get over. Just glossed over like no biggie. Sexual assault is an ugly, life altering thing that changes a person forever. No two survivors are the same, or react the same. So I really loved that Kerrigan Byrne did a great job of painting the raw aftermath of healing. Of the scars that linger long after, but also of the beauty of taking back one's power and life. It was a nice balance. A touch of real without weighting down the book with too much dark. I love anything that sheds a realistic light on something that affects so many.
He could break her. He could protect her. She feared him. She needed him. She wanted....this.
The scream crawling up her throat finally erupted, muffled by the fabrics as her entire soul rent apart in one quivering, bone-shattering cry of pure, helpless, hopeless anguish. She'e thought she was healing. That her patient, tempting husband opened her body and mind, seducing her into the world of carnality. But no. She was broken. Damaged. Dirty. No matter how many baths she took. No matter how many tears she offered. How much restitution she paid or forgiveness she begged. No matter how many years were put between her and the night her body had been invaded. She was damaged. Soiled. Unclean and fallen.-Alexandra
The above quote is just so powerful, and raw. Piers and Alexandra were one of those amazing couples that you feel a real, and deep connection too. Their love was all consuming. Their passion was smoking hot. I felt the bond, felt the love, felt the story. They were not the only well written, and beautiful relationship in this book though. The Red Rogues, Alex and her two best friends Francesca and Cecilia were a lovely picture of female friendship and sisterhood. They would do anything for each other. It's a nice change to read about loyal female relationships, without all the catty, backstabbing drama that most books have. Truly this book was amazing, and I would recommend it to anyone that loves romance. I would say that as a reader maybe the Author should have put a bit more of a trigger warning on the book, other than the #metoo comment. The rape scene was very hard to read and may really upset some. That there is the only thing I would change about this book. It will be going into my top favorites of all time. I would give this book more that 5 stars if I could. I'm just blown away!!! I can't wait to read the next book!
"You don't know what it will cost me, Alexandra, to love you like this. It consumes me. It obsesses me. You've somehow, in less than a bloody fortnight, become more integral to my sustenance than the very air I breathe or the water I drink." -Piers
https://jessicasoverthetopbookobsessi...
August 20, 2019
***4 Stars***
I have been a fan of Kerrigan Byrne from her first book. She is an outstanding storyteller and her novels contain deep and dark emotional themes. This novel continues to exemplify her writing skill and her ability to evoke an emotional response.
Lady Alexandra Lane has a dark secret that not only leaves emotional scars but has also caused her fear of revelation throughout the years. Only a few know her secrets, namely her two best friends, and they are all bound by their loyalty and love for each other. Now Alexandra is afraid of the consequences of her secret being revealed by a blackmailer. Her character is noted to be strong, intelligent, independent and serious.
Piers Atherton, the Duke of Redmayne, bears both emotional and physical scars. He is bent on revenge after being ditched by his fiancée. He is immediately drawn to the uniqueness of Alexandra. His character is of a hunter/outdoorsman, open, funny and a rescuer/protector.
The story is fast paced and I read it in one sitting. I love how much time the couple spends together, getting to know one another. There is not a significant secondary story which lends to more time with the couple. Excellent dialogue with some laugh out loud moments with Piers dry humor. Overall a good read and a highly recommend.
I have been a fan of Kerrigan Byrne from her first book. She is an outstanding storyteller and her novels contain deep and dark emotional themes. This novel continues to exemplify her writing skill and her ability to evoke an emotional response.
Lady Alexandra Lane has a dark secret that not only leaves emotional scars but has also caused her fear of revelation throughout the years. Only a few know her secrets, namely her two best friends, and they are all bound by their loyalty and love for each other. Now Alexandra is afraid of the consequences of her secret being revealed by a blackmailer. Her character is noted to be strong, intelligent, independent and serious.
Piers Atherton, the Duke of Redmayne, bears both emotional and physical scars. He is bent on revenge after being ditched by his fiancée. He is immediately drawn to the uniqueness of Alexandra. His character is of a hunter/outdoorsman, open, funny and a rescuer/protector.
The story is fast paced and I read it in one sitting. I love how much time the couple spends together, getting to know one another. There is not a significant secondary story which lends to more time with the couple. Excellent dialogue with some laugh out loud moments with Piers dry humor. Overall a good read and a highly recommend.
August 31, 2019
Listening enhanced my love for this story...
I was so excited when I realised that How To Love a Duke in Ten Days was going to be available in audio. I'm a huge Kerrigan Byrne fan and her previously released, Victorian Rebels series is not available in Australia (YET...please be yet). My listening experience was everything I hoped for and more.
The characters came to life for me and I loved stepping into their world and hearing them. Derek Perkins is a master at his craft and is one of my very favourite male narrators. His clear and precise voice is enhanced by his talent with accents and characterisations. In my head, I often apologise to Mr Perkins that such a classically sounding narrator has to say the "F" word aloud and narrate intimate scenes. It almost seems out of character to his voice. The best way to describe it is trying to imagine Mr Darcy swearing (of course I'm thinking Colin Firth's). Now, I'm not saying he shouldn't say those words, though, because I loved hearing Piers' frustration...and naughty thoughts.
I loved reading this story and I loved listening too. I'm so glad I have my very first Kerrigan Byrne historical romance on audible and I am sure it will be regularly re-read/listened to. That is until the Victorian Rebels comes to Australia... HINT... HINT... PRETTY PLEASE WITH SUGAR ON THE TOP!! (sorry for shouting)
**********
Holy Friggerroly…that was bloody AWESOME!!
I saw a post on Twitter the other day that made me a little sad. No book or author was mentioned but a reviewer was disheartened and ready to give up reviewing after she’d been targeted and harassed because of a negative review. That bothered me, but then, I was also upset by a comment that was further down in the post. Another reviewer was complaining about all the OTT fangirling reviews.
Hmmm…
Now, how am I going to convince you to read this awesome story that is my absolute favourite from Kerrigan Byrne (since her last release) without sounding OTT fangirling? Well, friends and fellow readers, I just can’t. Sorry, you’ll just have to grin and bear my fangirling tendencies because I LOVE THIS AUTHOR and I LOVE HER HISTORICAL ROMANCES!!
Seriously, Kerrigan Byrne can do no wrong in my eyes. Well, maybe she could do wrong if I knew her in real life, but writing-wise, she is a BLOODY MASTER at her craft. How to Love a Duke in Ten Days was amazing and kept me enthralled from start to finish. As soon as this story loaded up on my Kindle, I HAD to start. I squirmed with glee at the turn of the first page and sighed in contentment with every page turned after that. Ms Byrne’s words…worlds…characters are my happy place and I’m sad to say goodbye at the end.
I absolutely love Kerrigan Byrne’s ability to capture my attention at the beginning with a scene that was thought-provoking and a little heartbreaking. This author sucks you in by showing us the heroine at her most vulnerable. We then get to see her survive, grow and eventually conquer the demons that made her vulnerable. To be honest, that squirmy, uncomfortable, icky feeling she leaves me with is something I look forward to. Isn’t that weird? I guess the appeal is in knowing that this character WILL win in the end. If that win is just in love, then I’m fairly satisfied. If that win also happens to be from conquering a fear or getting past a barrier, then I’m ecstatic.
When I met Alexandra and her Red Rogue friends Cecilia and Francesca, I knew that I was meeting new friends. When I met Piers, the hero, I knew I was meeting my next favourite HERO!!! This man made my heart flutter. Big, broody and bossy…just the way I love them. So, on meeting him I was fluttery, by the end, I was swooning, sighing and squirming with delight. He’d fallen and he’d fallen hard…I love it when the hero falls hard for his heroine.
How to Love a Duke in Ten Days left me extremely satisfied, but I can admit that at times it was hard to read. Alexandra had a horrible thing happen to her at a young and vulnerable age. If she hadn’t had the support and love from her two friends, there’s a good chance she may not have survived. While the journey was a little rocky at times, I was never in any doubt that Piers and Alexandra would work through their problems together. I knew that Piers would be thoughtful and understanding. He cared about Alexandra's feelings and while Piers knew it left him vulnerable, showed her how much she meant to him.
Yes, I have written a very positive review, but I know this book will not be for everyone. For starters, if you’re not a fan of sexy stories, this is probably not for you. If a wee bit of mystery, a touch of angst and a smidge of secrets, lies and betrayals make you run for the hills, then maybe avoid this one. How to Love a Duke in Ten Days does touch on some sensitive issues but I never felt overwhelmed and thought the author handled it very well.
From the first page to the last, I was captivated. Piers and Alexandra’s love story was exactly what I’m looking for in my historical romance reads. I smiled, sighed, sniffled and squirmed throughout this story and I loved every minute of it. If you haven’t read a Kerrigan Byrne historical romance yet, this start to The Devil You Know series would be a fantastic introduction. But be warned…once you start, you won’t be able to stop.
Stacey is Sassy, received an advanced copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.
I was so excited when I realised that How To Love a Duke in Ten Days was going to be available in audio. I'm a huge Kerrigan Byrne fan and her previously released, Victorian Rebels series is not available in Australia (YET...please be yet). My listening experience was everything I hoped for and more.
The characters came to life for me and I loved stepping into their world and hearing them. Derek Perkins is a master at his craft and is one of my very favourite male narrators. His clear and precise voice is enhanced by his talent with accents and characterisations. In my head, I often apologise to Mr Perkins that such a classically sounding narrator has to say the "F" word aloud and narrate intimate scenes. It almost seems out of character to his voice. The best way to describe it is trying to imagine Mr Darcy swearing (of course I'm thinking Colin Firth's). Now, I'm not saying he shouldn't say those words, though, because I loved hearing Piers' frustration...and naughty thoughts.
I loved reading this story and I loved listening too. I'm so glad I have my very first Kerrigan Byrne historical romance on audible and I am sure it will be regularly re-read/listened to. That is until the Victorian Rebels comes to Australia... HINT... HINT... PRETTY PLEASE WITH SUGAR ON THE TOP!! (sorry for shouting)
**********
Holy Friggerroly…that was bloody AWESOME!!
I saw a post on Twitter the other day that made me a little sad. No book or author was mentioned but a reviewer was disheartened and ready to give up reviewing after she’d been targeted and harassed because of a negative review. That bothered me, but then, I was also upset by a comment that was further down in the post. Another reviewer was complaining about all the OTT fangirling reviews.
Hmmm…
Now, how am I going to convince you to read this awesome story that is my absolute favourite from Kerrigan Byrne (since her last release) without sounding OTT fangirling? Well, friends and fellow readers, I just can’t. Sorry, you’ll just have to grin and bear my fangirling tendencies because I LOVE THIS AUTHOR and I LOVE HER HISTORICAL ROMANCES!!
Seriously, Kerrigan Byrne can do no wrong in my eyes. Well, maybe she could do wrong if I knew her in real life, but writing-wise, she is a BLOODY MASTER at her craft. How to Love a Duke in Ten Days was amazing and kept me enthralled from start to finish. As soon as this story loaded up on my Kindle, I HAD to start. I squirmed with glee at the turn of the first page and sighed in contentment with every page turned after that. Ms Byrne’s words…worlds…characters are my happy place and I’m sad to say goodbye at the end.
I absolutely love Kerrigan Byrne’s ability to capture my attention at the beginning with a scene that was thought-provoking and a little heartbreaking. This author sucks you in by showing us the heroine at her most vulnerable. We then get to see her survive, grow and eventually conquer the demons that made her vulnerable. To be honest, that squirmy, uncomfortable, icky feeling she leaves me with is something I look forward to. Isn’t that weird? I guess the appeal is in knowing that this character WILL win in the end. If that win is just in love, then I’m fairly satisfied. If that win also happens to be from conquering a fear or getting past a barrier, then I’m ecstatic.
When I met Alexandra and her Red Rogue friends Cecilia and Francesca, I knew that I was meeting new friends. When I met Piers, the hero, I knew I was meeting my next favourite HERO!!! This man made my heart flutter. Big, broody and bossy…just the way I love them. So, on meeting him I was fluttery, by the end, I was swooning, sighing and squirming with delight. He’d fallen and he’d fallen hard…I love it when the hero falls hard for his heroine.
How to Love a Duke in Ten Days left me extremely satisfied, but I can admit that at times it was hard to read. Alexandra had a horrible thing happen to her at a young and vulnerable age. If she hadn’t had the support and love from her two friends, there’s a good chance she may not have survived. While the journey was a little rocky at times, I was never in any doubt that Piers and Alexandra would work through their problems together. I knew that Piers would be thoughtful and understanding. He cared about Alexandra's feelings and while Piers knew it left him vulnerable, showed her how much she meant to him.
Yes, I have written a very positive review, but I know this book will not be for everyone. For starters, if you’re not a fan of sexy stories, this is probably not for you. If a wee bit of mystery, a touch of angst and a smidge of secrets, lies and betrayals make you run for the hills, then maybe avoid this one. How to Love a Duke in Ten Days does touch on some sensitive issues but I never felt overwhelmed and thought the author handled it very well.
From the first page to the last, I was captivated. Piers and Alexandra’s love story was exactly what I’m looking for in my historical romance reads. I smiled, sighed, sniffled and squirmed throughout this story and I loved every minute of it. If you haven’t read a Kerrigan Byrne historical romance yet, this start to The Devil You Know series would be a fantastic introduction. But be warned…once you start, you won’t be able to stop.
Stacey is Sassy, received an advanced copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.
September 29, 2019
***A 2019 TOP PICK***
5+ STARS!!
Alexandra and Piers lit up every corner of my jaded heart. Their story kept me completely engrossed and constantly hovering between heartbreak and joy. What an incredible balance the author struck between fairy tale and nightmare.
Trigger warning:
Plot: How to Love a Duke in Ten Days is about a marriage of convenience between two people who, on the surface, have nothing in common. Dig a little deeper and it becomes clear their lives are both shaped by terrible tragedy and betrayal, with one wearing their scars on the inside and the other for all the world to see.
Did I mention I loved this book?!
Lady Alexandra Lane was a superb heroine. Her strength and courage were only outdone by her ability to adapt to changing circumstances with a level head. When she sees a potential solution to her problems in Redmayne, she seizes it . . . despite her past.
A huge thank you to MONIQUE for reading this with me! I think she did a much better job in her review of capturing the essence of this wonderful story, and I encourage you to read it HERE.
5+ STARS!!
How very cruel it was to fear and crave something - someone - in equal measure.GAH! There was nothing I didn't LOVE here. This book exceeded ALL my expectations:
Alexandra and Piers lit up every corner of my jaded heart. Their story kept me completely engrossed and constantly hovering between heartbreak and joy. What an incredible balance the author struck between fairy tale and nightmare.
Trigger warning:
Plot: How to Love a Duke in Ten Days is about a marriage of convenience between two people who, on the surface, have nothing in common. Dig a little deeper and it becomes clear their lives are both shaped by terrible tragedy and betrayal, with one wearing their scars on the inside and the other for all the world to see.
Did I mention I loved this book?!
Lady Alexandra Lane was a superb heroine. Her strength and courage were only outdone by her ability to adapt to changing circumstances with a level head. When she sees a potential solution to her problems in Redmayne, she seizes it . . . despite her past.
It didn't seem ludicrous to imagine that he was invulnerable, a bulwark against all that would do her harm.And Piers, the broody Duke of Redmayne had me swooning. He proved, again and again, his depth of character went far beyond the scarred, savage facade he showed the ton.
The instinct to protect his woman from any and all threats had become the strongest of all.No word of a lie, every single scene was infused with heart and soul and emotion. Kerrigan Byrne knocked me off my feet with her talent . . .
All the words spoken and unspoken between them hovered in the sea air until they fell at their feet like shards of shattered glass.The conversations were deep and meaningful, Piers and Alexandra's actions remained true to their characters, and the author's incredible sense of romance left me a hot mess.
Among the mess, Alexandra's confidence might have been found. Along with her heart.
Two restless souls that would never be still. And would no longer have to wander alone.I wholeheartedly recommend!
A huge thank you to MONIQUE for reading this with me! I think she did a much better job in her review of capturing the essence of this wonderful story, and I encourage you to read it HERE.
October 3, 2019
3.5 stars overall, rounded to 4 stars. But if I could choose the "real" score, it would be 3.5. It feels too low to round to 3, but 4 is definitely me being GENEROUS.
Writing was fine, no glaring errors. But I've tried this author before (sample) and just didn't get into her style as much as my other fave historical rom authors like Lisa Kleypas, Julie Anne Long, Tessa Dare, Mary Balogh, Elizabeth Hoyt, and a number of other ones. (Side bar, many of these authors are now on my - will not read again until they get out of their bad writing funk, but the good books they wrote are still rather incomparable).
There is a plot - murder, blackmail, conspiracy, etc. There is a mystery. There is one of my fave tropes - beauty and the beast, tho I wish as I said below, we can have a plain Jane and beast for once. And that was all fine, and I might have even cared more about it if the MCs themselves HAD MORE CHEMISTRY.
OK, rounding down to 3 stars.
I read romances first and foremost for the romance. I need to feel the push and pull, the intensity of the feelings, and in HR particularly, I like there to be wit and "anticipation." See my notes below. It's not that I need sex scenes every other page, but to drag everything out to 83% before they finally got it on WOULD have worked if I had felt my heart strings tug all along the book.
I did not feel any heart string tugging through the whole entire book! So I don't know if it's the style or the actual MC interaction or what it was, but I just didn't feel it. I hate not FEELING it when I paid full price for a book (which happens rarely these days). And bc I didn't feel it, I kept skipping. I WANTED to get to sections of MC interaction that drew me in and made me swoon and tears my heart or makes me laugh. None of these things happened.
Now, don't get me wrong, both MCs are not bad MCs. Nothing about either of them irritates me. You understand the misunderstandings that occur from both their perspectives and it's not terribly contrived. But somehow, I didn't feel it with the couple. Maybe it's missing humor. I didn't crack a smile even once. Maybe it's the language and lack of witty repartee. Don't know. It's just missing "something."
So, don't know if I will read this author again esp. if it costs me $. If a book is ever FREE, I might give it another go.
Writing was fine, no glaring errors. But I've tried this author before (sample) and just didn't get into her style as much as my other fave historical rom authors like Lisa Kleypas, Julie Anne Long, Tessa Dare, Mary Balogh, Elizabeth Hoyt, and a number of other ones. (Side bar, many of these authors are now on my - will not read again until they get out of their bad writing funk, but the good books they wrote are still rather incomparable).
There is a plot - murder, blackmail, conspiracy, etc. There is a mystery. There is one of my fave tropes - beauty and the beast, tho I wish as I said below, we can have a plain Jane and beast for once. And that was all fine, and I might have even cared more about it if the MCs themselves HAD MORE CHEMISTRY.
OK, rounding down to 3 stars.
I read romances first and foremost for the romance. I need to feel the push and pull, the intensity of the feelings, and in HR particularly, I like there to be wit and "anticipation." See my notes below. It's not that I need sex scenes every other page, but to drag everything out to 83% before they finally got it on WOULD have worked if I had felt my heart strings tug all along the book.
I did not feel any heart string tugging through the whole entire book! So I don't know if it's the style or the actual MC interaction or what it was, but I just didn't feel it. I hate not FEELING it when I paid full price for a book (which happens rarely these days). And bc I didn't feel it, I kept skipping. I WANTED to get to sections of MC interaction that drew me in and made me swoon and tears my heart or makes me laugh. None of these things happened.
Now, don't get me wrong, both MCs are not bad MCs. Nothing about either of them irritates me. You understand the misunderstandings that occur from both their perspectives and it's not terribly contrived. But somehow, I didn't feel it with the couple. Maybe it's missing humor. I didn't crack a smile even once. Maybe it's the language and lack of witty repartee. Don't know. It's just missing "something."
So, don't know if I will read this author again esp. if it costs me $. If a book is ever FREE, I might give it another go.
May 16, 2020
3.5 stars
If I took a break from reading the Victorian rebel series to read another book by the same author, does it count as taking a break?
Just when I thought that Kerrigan Byrne’s books couldn’t get any darker, they end up shocking me more. The beginning of this book was just as dark and hard to read as every other Kerrigan Byrne’s book I read, if not more. It took me some time to get into this book. The beginning of this one was kinda slow. It started to get more interesting in the second half of the book.
My favorite thing in this book is the females friendship. They were so strong and so supporting to each other. I loved them all. Alexandra was such a magnificent character. She has been through something terrible and unimaginable, but she made a life for herself without needing a man. Piers was okay. I neither liked nor hated him. He just felt like a secondary character in the book.
If I took a break from reading the Victorian rebel series to read another book by the same author, does it count as taking a break?
Just when I thought that Kerrigan Byrne’s books couldn’t get any darker, they end up shocking me more. The beginning of this book was just as dark and hard to read as every other Kerrigan Byrne’s book I read, if not more. It took me some time to get into this book. The beginning of this one was kinda slow. It started to get more interesting in the second half of the book.
My favorite thing in this book is the females friendship. They were so strong and so supporting to each other. I loved them all. Alexandra was such a magnificent character. She has been through something terrible and unimaginable, but she made a life for herself without needing a man. Piers was okay. I neither liked nor hated him. He just felt like a secondary character in the book.
July 25, 2019
4.3 stars
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
How to Love a Duke in Ten Days is the first book in the new series Devil You Know by Kerrigan Byrne and it is a wonderful start. The Prologue starts us off with seventeen year old Alexandra as she is called into the headmaster's office of the ladies' finishing school she has been attending in France. I do want to mention that there is a pretty intense rape scene, some might want to avoid reading. Skipping the prologue to avoid it would be possible but you would miss some bonding knowledge between Alexandra and her friends. The rest of the book has mention of the rape and how it affects Alexandra's relationships and how she is, can, and could be triggered in intimate moments with our hero Piers. I thought the author handled the respect and emotions beautifully around this issue and it provided some moments of tears and smiles.
A confusion of sensations paralyzed her. How could she feel both panicked and protected?
If you've read Byrne's work before, you'll know how her stories balance light and dark moments, she mastered them in this book. The fear Alexandra feels with Piers in the beginning before she knows him was tempered exquisitely with the playfulness between the two. Alexandra and Piers get to know one another and the first half is Alexandra learning to trust Piers.
After the prologue, we jump ahead in time ten years and Alexandra gets a note from her friend Francesca telling her she needs her help and an invite to her betrothal ball to the Duke of Redmayne aka The Terror of Torcliffe. Francesca, along with Cecilia, are the friends Alexandra made at the France school and they formed The Red Rogue Society. They all have red hair and sneak away at night to “further their education”, basically try things young men get to experience but are forbidden to ladies. The night of Alexandra's rape bonds them together, along with the school's gardener, as they bury a secret. I loved how Byrne wrote this group of women and how their personalities were so different but their friendship was solid. I feel like historical romance is full of men groups who are bonding together in some way and I liked the script flipping here.
She was a soft, silver moonbeam in a room full of glowing golden candles.
And all the more radiant for it.
When Alexandra and Piers meet there was a definite crackling of tension but even though these two were very guarded characters, it was their lightness together that won my heart. Byrne's writing style is very reminiscent of the bodice rippers of old, you'll get some faint purple prose elongated sex scenes and drama, which sometimes can get a bit much. I thought this was most apparent with Pier's nickname of Terror of Torcliff; except for the scars on his face, there didn't seem to be a reason for it. I also thought his background could have be fleshed out more, we're told about his mother and father, but especially his relationship with his half-brother, it wasn't as filled out as I would have liked.
The reason for Piers wanting to get married is so that he can produce heirs because he doesn't want his cousin inheriting, the cousin who ended up marrying Piers fiancee. This whole situation is probably what I would have cut out as it too wasn't especially filled out and the vitriol towards the ex-fiancee felt a bit much and I'm just particularly sensitive towards hate at woman at the moment. Bringing Piers in through Francesca would have worked on it's own for me.
Francesca wanting to marry Piers is a whole conversation, there is a lot happening in this book, but Byrne does for the vast majority keep it together. Besides the red hair and more adventurous attitudes, The Red Rogues bond together for support because Cecilia has a very cruel father and Francesca watched her whole family be murdered by men in masks. While Francesca is obviously not the star of this story, her murder mystery definitely plays a solid underlining to it. This murder mystery, along with the first half mostly taking place in Piers' castle help to give this a slight Gothic feel.
She wondered if the world wold ever recognize that the Terror of Torcliff had never been a terror at all. But a man. A man possessed of so much wit, skill, charm, intellect, and humor, he was forever surprising her. Often delighting her.
Enchanting her, even.
The second half changes gears and after a little bit of marriage of convenience, the story moves to Normandy for Alexandra and Piers' honeymoon. As Alexandra has a doctorate of archaeology, Piers takes her to a current excavation of who could be a former Viking ancestor from William the Conqueror time. Some might think this comes in a bit oddly but I loved it, this additive was fun and what I look for when I read historical romance. It also helped to tie in the other mystery, someone has been blackmailing Alexandra over what happened ten years ago. Needing money to keep paying the blackmailer was the reason for Alexandra jumping in to marry Piers (Francesca never wanted to marry him, it was a set-up to gain info on who was responsible for her family's murder). This mystery wasn't quite as intriguing as Francesca's and I thought the ending conclusion was obvious and too Scooby Doo villain drama-ish.
While the first half was about Alexandra trusting Piers, the second half moves to Piers learning to trust Alexandra when he learns she's not a virgin. His issues with how his mother slept around and the betrayal from his ex-fiancee cloud his judgment and he says he won't touch her until ten days, when she gets her courses. Piers doesn't even want to be around Alexandra but she sets-up that they have to be together to learn one another for at least an hour a day. This setup is brought up and then kind of abandoned but the building blocks for the couple's relationship were still there so I didn't mind.
Because this inexhaustible emotion gathering inside of him threatened to completely dismantle him. He knew, then and there, that he'd walk through hell for her. He'd slay dragons and face entire armies. He'd circumnavigate the globe to lay her foes at her feet. And the power of whatever suffused him would assure him victory.
The story does start to drag a sliver around the sixty percent mark but I'm not sure what I would cut out. As I said, this is a busy story with Alexandra getting blackmailed, Francesca's murder mystery, someone trying to murder Alexandra or Piers or both, and the whole falling in love, but instead of a clogged incoherent story, Byrne ties everything together soundly and creates one heck of a reading journey. The best part is that I saw these two fall in love and all the other tidbits were great bonuses. Cecilia and Piers' half brother Ramsey are teased as the next couple and I can't wait to read their story and maybe get more information on Francesca's compelling story. I highly recommend How to Love a Duke in Ten Days, don't miss out on what looks to be shaping up to one amazing series.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
How to Love a Duke in Ten Days is the first book in the new series Devil You Know by Kerrigan Byrne and it is a wonderful start. The Prologue starts us off with seventeen year old Alexandra as she is called into the headmaster's office of the ladies' finishing school she has been attending in France. I do want to mention that there is a pretty intense rape scene, some might want to avoid reading. Skipping the prologue to avoid it would be possible but you would miss some bonding knowledge between Alexandra and her friends. The rest of the book has mention of the rape and how it affects Alexandra's relationships and how she is, can, and could be triggered in intimate moments with our hero Piers. I thought the author handled the respect and emotions beautifully around this issue and it provided some moments of tears and smiles.
A confusion of sensations paralyzed her. How could she feel both panicked and protected?
If you've read Byrne's work before, you'll know how her stories balance light and dark moments, she mastered them in this book. The fear Alexandra feels with Piers in the beginning before she knows him was tempered exquisitely with the playfulness between the two. Alexandra and Piers get to know one another and the first half is Alexandra learning to trust Piers.
After the prologue, we jump ahead in time ten years and Alexandra gets a note from her friend Francesca telling her she needs her help and an invite to her betrothal ball to the Duke of Redmayne aka The Terror of Torcliffe. Francesca, along with Cecilia, are the friends Alexandra made at the France school and they formed The Red Rogue Society. They all have red hair and sneak away at night to “further their education”, basically try things young men get to experience but are forbidden to ladies. The night of Alexandra's rape bonds them together, along with the school's gardener, as they bury a secret. I loved how Byrne wrote this group of women and how their personalities were so different but their friendship was solid. I feel like historical romance is full of men groups who are bonding together in some way and I liked the script flipping here.
She was a soft, silver moonbeam in a room full of glowing golden candles.
And all the more radiant for it.
When Alexandra and Piers meet there was a definite crackling of tension but even though these two were very guarded characters, it was their lightness together that won my heart. Byrne's writing style is very reminiscent of the bodice rippers of old, you'll get some faint purple prose elongated sex scenes and drama, which sometimes can get a bit much. I thought this was most apparent with Pier's nickname of Terror of Torcliff; except for the scars on his face, there didn't seem to be a reason for it. I also thought his background could have be fleshed out more, we're told about his mother and father, but especially his relationship with his half-brother, it wasn't as filled out as I would have liked.
The reason for Piers wanting to get married is so that he can produce heirs because he doesn't want his cousin inheriting, the cousin who ended up marrying Piers fiancee. This whole situation is probably what I would have cut out as it too wasn't especially filled out and the vitriol towards the ex-fiancee felt a bit much and I'm just particularly sensitive towards hate at woman at the moment. Bringing Piers in through Francesca would have worked on it's own for me.
Francesca wanting to marry Piers is a whole conversation, there is a lot happening in this book, but Byrne does for the vast majority keep it together. Besides the red hair and more adventurous attitudes, The Red Rogues bond together for support because Cecilia has a very cruel father and Francesca watched her whole family be murdered by men in masks. While Francesca is obviously not the star of this story, her murder mystery definitely plays a solid underlining to it. This murder mystery, along with the first half mostly taking place in Piers' castle help to give this a slight Gothic feel.
She wondered if the world wold ever recognize that the Terror of Torcliff had never been a terror at all. But a man. A man possessed of so much wit, skill, charm, intellect, and humor, he was forever surprising her. Often delighting her.
Enchanting her, even.
The second half changes gears and after a little bit of marriage of convenience, the story moves to Normandy for Alexandra and Piers' honeymoon. As Alexandra has a doctorate of archaeology, Piers takes her to a current excavation of who could be a former Viking ancestor from William the Conqueror time. Some might think this comes in a bit oddly but I loved it, this additive was fun and what I look for when I read historical romance. It also helped to tie in the other mystery, someone has been blackmailing Alexandra over what happened ten years ago. Needing money to keep paying the blackmailer was the reason for Alexandra jumping in to marry Piers (Francesca never wanted to marry him, it was a set-up to gain info on who was responsible for her family's murder). This mystery wasn't quite as intriguing as Francesca's and I thought the ending conclusion was obvious and too Scooby Doo villain drama-ish.
While the first half was about Alexandra trusting Piers, the second half moves to Piers learning to trust Alexandra when he learns she's not a virgin. His issues with how his mother slept around and the betrayal from his ex-fiancee cloud his judgment and he says he won't touch her until ten days, when she gets her courses. Piers doesn't even want to be around Alexandra but she sets-up that they have to be together to learn one another for at least an hour a day. This setup is brought up and then kind of abandoned but the building blocks for the couple's relationship were still there so I didn't mind.
Because this inexhaustible emotion gathering inside of him threatened to completely dismantle him. He knew, then and there, that he'd walk through hell for her. He'd slay dragons and face entire armies. He'd circumnavigate the globe to lay her foes at her feet. And the power of whatever suffused him would assure him victory.
The story does start to drag a sliver around the sixty percent mark but I'm not sure what I would cut out. As I said, this is a busy story with Alexandra getting blackmailed, Francesca's murder mystery, someone trying to murder Alexandra or Piers or both, and the whole falling in love, but instead of a clogged incoherent story, Byrne ties everything together soundly and creates one heck of a reading journey. The best part is that I saw these two fall in love and all the other tidbits were great bonuses. Cecilia and Piers' half brother Ramsey are teased as the next couple and I can't wait to read their story and maybe get more information on Francesca's compelling story. I highly recommend How to Love a Duke in Ten Days, don't miss out on what looks to be shaping up to one amazing series.
July 22, 2019
4 STARS
Who's a reader that will jump on whatever book Kerrigan Byrne writes but was even MORE excited for a brand new series?
Spoiler alert; it was me.
I'm obsessed with Byrne's historicals and when I saw that she's coming out with a brand new series, I jumped on it so quick I'm pretty sure I left a dust trail behind me.
The premise to this series is definitely delicious with three friends bonded by dark secrets that threaten to ruin them all.
And while Byrne is a master when it comes to creating tortured and broken heroes, it was a nice change of pace to get that from the female character. Lady Alexandra Lane is a heroine that grabs your attention immediately and you can't help but bond with. This woman is a survivor in every sense of the word, and I loved that extra zing of fierceness to her. I loved how Byrne took a delicate and yet poignant subject and shed all the more light on it. Alexandra's past is not an easy one, but it's not laced in morbid detail either. The author gives the reader just enough of a glimpse to set the tone and boy did it set the tone.
Piers Gedrick Atherton, the Duke of Redmayne, is exactly how he sounds from the blurb; intense, brooding, and driven by revenge. His potential bride is not exactly thrilled at the idea of marrying the Terror of Torcliff, particularly since it clashes with her own agenda. So color him surprised when her friend strikes a bargain to marry him in her stead.
Alexandra and Piers were everything. EVERYTHING. I loved watching this brooding man fall harder and harder for her even though he fights it at every turn. Alexandra has dark secrets and Piers is full of preconceived ideas due to his past. There's a dark undercurrent to their union, paved with deadly secrets and scorching chemistry.
I was immediately enraptured with this world and these characters. I'm so excited for the next book in the series! If you're looking for a Historical Romance with a dash of grit, suspense, and plenty of action, you need this book in your life.
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
Kissing Piers Gedrick Atherton was like standing at the mouth of the Nile and realizing the scope of it was beyond comprehension. That the beauty matched the peril, and in the awe-inspiring danger existed its own strange appeal.
Who's a reader that will jump on whatever book Kerrigan Byrne writes but was even MORE excited for a brand new series?
Spoiler alert; it was me.
I'm obsessed with Byrne's historicals and when I saw that she's coming out with a brand new series, I jumped on it so quick I'm pretty sure I left a dust trail behind me.
The premise to this series is definitely delicious with three friends bonded by dark secrets that threaten to ruin them all.
“And by trust, passion, and revenge,”
And while Byrne is a master when it comes to creating tortured and broken heroes, it was a nice change of pace to get that from the female character. Lady Alexandra Lane is a heroine that grabs your attention immediately and you can't help but bond with. This woman is a survivor in every sense of the word, and I loved that extra zing of fierceness to her. I loved how Byrne took a delicate and yet poignant subject and shed all the more light on it. Alexandra's past is not an easy one, but it's not laced in morbid detail either. The author gives the reader just enough of a glimpse to set the tone and boy did it set the tone.
Piers Gedrick Atherton, the Duke of Redmayne, is exactly how he sounds from the blurb; intense, brooding, and driven by revenge. His potential bride is not exactly thrilled at the idea of marrying the Terror of Torcliff, particularly since it clashes with her own agenda. So color him surprised when her friend strikes a bargain to marry him in her stead.
Alexandra and Piers were everything. EVERYTHING. I loved watching this brooding man fall harder and harder for her even though he fights it at every turn. Alexandra has dark secrets and Piers is full of preconceived ideas due to his past. There's a dark undercurrent to their union, paved with deadly secrets and scorching chemistry.
I was immediately enraptured with this world and these characters. I'm so excited for the next book in the series! If you're looking for a Historical Romance with a dash of grit, suspense, and plenty of action, you need this book in your life.
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
February 22, 2021
Loved it!! This was such a heartfelt, beautiful story. Piers and Alexandra are true soulmates. I am so glad they found each other and the happiness they so deserve.
Kerrigan Byrne writes the most touching, beautiful Historical Romances and this book wasn’t the exception. Its going straight to my faves not only of 2019 but of all time!
Kerrigan Byrne writes the most touching, beautiful Historical Romances and this book wasn’t the exception. Its going straight to my faves not only of 2019 but of all time!
September 9, 2019
3.5 stars
This book does NOT start off as a normal historical romance with a meet-cute moment between the hero and heroine. Instead it starts with (trigger warning and major spoiler warning!). So yeah, this was different. For the most part I actually enjoyed this book, and I would have rated it higher if:
A) the heroine had a little more fire to her, she had a very straight forward, analytical personality that wasn't particularly endearing
B) the hero had a more interesting backstory to how he got his scars, figuratively and literally
C) the big mystery reveal scene wasn't so over the top! I mean that many people all there at once was just ridiculous and I wasn't shocked or emotionally involved with any of the reveals.
It really was thisclose to being a four star book though based on writing talent, I just wanted a little MORE from the story itself. I'll still pick up the next book in this series when it comes out.
This book does NOT start off as a normal historical romance with a meet-cute moment between the hero and heroine. Instead it starts with (trigger warning and major spoiler warning!). So yeah, this was different. For the most part I actually enjoyed this book, and I would have rated it higher if:
A) the heroine had a little more fire to her, she had a very straight forward, analytical personality that wasn't particularly endearing
B) the hero had a more interesting backstory to how he got his scars, figuratively and literally
C) the big mystery reveal scene wasn't so over the top! I mean that many people all there at once was just ridiculous and I wasn't shocked or emotionally involved with any of the reveals.
It really was thisclose to being a four star book though based on writing talent, I just wanted a little MORE from the story itself. I'll still pick up the next book in this series when it comes out.
January 5, 2020
(Before I begin my review, I just have to get something off my chest. This is the second historical romance in two months of reading in which I've found a hero mauled and disfigured by a Peruvian jaguar. Used to be, our heroes ended up disfigured because of war injuries or maybe the occasional mauling by a Bengal tiger. What's with this new spate of Peruvian jaguars? I confess to a fondness for Peru, having lived there for 15 years in the past. Never once was I mauled by a jaguar, although I do remember being snarled at by a Peruvian dog.)
Okay. There now. Guess I'm ready to review this book. It's been a while since I read an HR by Byrne. Her very first one, THE HIGHWAYMAN, was a Vine ARC in 2015 and I was impressed by its promise. Lots of angst and suffering, fairly good romance, good command of English and grammar. Then I read her second, THE HUNTER, but there was just something about a paid killer as romantic hero that turned me off. The third book in that series was a DNF for me and I did not expect to try her books again, but pickings are slim for me and this one was at a bargain price and touted as a Kirkus Reviews 2019 Best Romance Novel so...
Well, this does have its moments that are well done. The heroine traumatized by an egregious act upon her as a teen and now closed off to men and the possibility of romantic love. The hero a bit on the "tortured" side because of a selfish, slutty mother and, of course, the number that nasty Peruvian jaguar did on his physical perfection. Could have been good. I'm all for angst when done well.
Unfortunately, this was not done as well as I'd have liked. As a matter of fact, most of this story bored me and I was super happy to finish. Perhaps if the plot could have concentrated more on the heroine's trauma without going off into uninteresting tangents, it might have succeeded for me. Instead we have to veer off into a lame mystery, with somebody trying to kill somebody, somebody blackmailing somebody, and a supremely uninteresting bit about archaeology.
And on almost every page we have to read about how sexy and strong the hero is, how lovely the heroine and her two besties are. And don't get me started on the scars. For someone who claimed not to be affected by the hero's disfigurement, the heroine managed to keep noticing and thinking about it continually. And when not thinking about everyone's physical appearance, the H and h are fixated on sex or the lack of it or the avoidance of it.
Boring, boring. What was Kirkus thinking?
Okay. There now. Guess I'm ready to review this book. It's been a while since I read an HR by Byrne. Her very first one, THE HIGHWAYMAN, was a Vine ARC in 2015 and I was impressed by its promise. Lots of angst and suffering, fairly good romance, good command of English and grammar. Then I read her second, THE HUNTER, but there was just something about a paid killer as romantic hero that turned me off. The third book in that series was a DNF for me and I did not expect to try her books again, but pickings are slim for me and this one was at a bargain price and touted as a Kirkus Reviews 2019 Best Romance Novel so...
Well, this does have its moments that are well done. The heroine traumatized by an egregious act upon her as a teen and now closed off to men and the possibility of romantic love. The hero a bit on the "tortured" side because of a selfish, slutty mother and, of course, the number that nasty Peruvian jaguar did on his physical perfection. Could have been good. I'm all for angst when done well.
Unfortunately, this was not done as well as I'd have liked. As a matter of fact, most of this story bored me and I was super happy to finish. Perhaps if the plot could have concentrated more on the heroine's trauma without going off into uninteresting tangents, it might have succeeded for me. Instead we have to veer off into a lame mystery, with somebody trying to kill somebody, somebody blackmailing somebody, and a supremely uninteresting bit about archaeology.
And on almost every page we have to read about how sexy and strong the hero is, how lovely the heroine and her two besties are. And don't get me started on the scars. For someone who claimed not to be affected by the hero's disfigurement, the heroine managed to keep noticing and thinking about it continually. And when not thinking about everyone's physical appearance, the H and h are fixated on sex or the lack of it or the avoidance of it.
Boring, boring. What was Kirkus thinking?
August 21, 2019
Lady Alexandra Lane leads an interesting but solitary life, except for her career and relationship with her two best friends from her school days. She’s scholarly and learned but is emotionally scarred and burdened by a ten-year old event that only a few know about. However, one of them is her anonymous blackmailer who has drained her financially. Piers Atherton, the Duke of Redmayne, is hosting a weekend celebration at his estate to announce his betrothed, yet to be named but rumored to be one of Alexandra’s best friends who’s a reluctant bride. He has strong motives to marry but not necessarily to a specific woman. Circumstances change where Piers and Alexandra might alter the original plan.
I’ve wanted to read this author for a very long time, have even collected a lot of her books; so, when this opportunity presented itself, I was more than thrilled. There was something about the synopsis that hinted at more and my instincts paid off. This was a meaty story centered around two very appealing characters, and I don’t necessarily mean physically. Alexandra was shaped by what happened years ago, created so many layers it made her fascinating. Piers is physically imposing with an even larger personality and demons. The conflicts and challenges were immense and the intrigue even grander. I also loved Alexandra’s two friends who are vital to the story.
I loved everything about this story...the characters, mysteries, subterfuge, romance and the stunning prologue that sets the stage for everything that comes after. Alexandra and Piers are well crafted, so much that you eventually know what they will and won’t do. No predictable paths here except where it’s natural for the two of them. There’s quite a bit going on but I appreciated that I got to discover it all by reading the book and won’t deprive anyone of that pleasure. Just know that you’ll be swept up and captivated by it all.
(Thanks to St. Martin���s Paperbacks for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
I’ve wanted to read this author for a very long time, have even collected a lot of her books; so, when this opportunity presented itself, I was more than thrilled. There was something about the synopsis that hinted at more and my instincts paid off. This was a meaty story centered around two very appealing characters, and I don’t necessarily mean physically. Alexandra was shaped by what happened years ago, created so many layers it made her fascinating. Piers is physically imposing with an even larger personality and demons. The conflicts and challenges were immense and the intrigue even grander. I also loved Alexandra’s two friends who are vital to the story.
I loved everything about this story...the characters, mysteries, subterfuge, romance and the stunning prologue that sets the stage for everything that comes after. Alexandra and Piers are well crafted, so much that you eventually know what they will and won’t do. No predictable paths here except where it’s natural for the two of them. There’s quite a bit going on but I appreciated that I got to discover it all by reading the book and won’t deprive anyone of that pleasure. Just know that you’ll be swept up and captivated by it all.
(Thanks to St. Martin���s Paperbacks for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
August 30, 2019
Wow. Okay... where do I even start?! It is rare for me to be blown away, especially in this genre because I have read so many HRs and have seen similar plots unfold time after time. In this case, however, even when there was some re-treading of themes, it was executed so well that it somehow made what is old feel new all over again.
The story opens as Alexandra Lane, the daughter of an earl, is set to graduate from her preparatory school.... and things go horribly wrong. Luckily, she has the aid and devotion of her fellow Red Rogues - her 2 best friends (Francesca and Cecilia) who also have a variation of red hair and who are part of a "secret society" where they indulge in delights only permitted by men in polite society. Her friends help Alexandra deal with the fallout and share their own secrets so that they are bonded forever by them. But someone else knows what happened that night, and that person has bled Alexandra dry by blackmailing her over the last 10 years which is where the story resumes. Alexandra is now a respected archeologist who has eagerly accepted spinsterhood as her traumatic experience in the past has made it impossible for her to ever trust a man. She has now found herself in dire financial straights and is trying to determine her best course of action when she is sidetracked by an urgent request from the Red Rogues to join her at Castle Redmayne for Francesca's sudden nuptials to the Duke of Redmayne: Piers, aka the Terror of Torcliff.
Piers has come to terms with the fact that he must end his wanderlust (at least temporarily) to secure his legacy as the duke. He considers himself a huntsman and adventurer, though his last excursion left him near death with half of his face horribly scarred. As unsightly as he believes himself to be, he recalls that there is a betrothal contract and decides to call it in. The problem is that he and his bride are more likely to kill each other than coexist peacefully; thus, he is dreading what lies ahead. Then he encounters an intriguing woman: Alexandra Lane. She is both courageous and terrified; brilliant and naive; dowdy and exquisite --- a mystery he cannot help but want to unravel. And since Alexandra is in desperate need of funds to keep her blackmailer at bay AND knows her friend Francesca doesn't want to marry Piers, she offers herself to the "beast." But as she trusts no man and Piers has too many reasons to be wary of women, will they ever learn to trust one another? And even if they can, will they have a future when they are constantly dodging death as someone is after one of ... or both of them?
What I liked:
--- The main characters were very "real" - gritty, raw - the good, the bad, and the ugly all on display, which not only made the characters more relatable, but made the reader feel so much more invested in their HEA
--- There were twists I definitely didn't see coming (I will say that I called the first reveal and the very last reveal in the epilogue - points for me! haha!)
--- The ancillary characters were also really fun - I am excited to read the other 2 Red Rogues' stories!
--- The writing style of this book is straight up superb - the visuals Byrne created with the words was like poetry at times - very eloquent and well done!
--- Heartbreaking scenes that made the reader feel almost as pained as the characters
--- Steamy goodness
What I didn't like as much:
--- The only thing that stands out to me here is Piers kind of pissed me off by being so untrusting - I understand it to an extent, but he was acting a bit too dickish at times, imo
--- One other thing mild
I normally dislike angst in my stories (I tend to prefer the "us against the world" kind of romance vs the ones with relationship angst), but this one worked for me because the angst didn't feel unnecessary or manufactured which is my real pet peeve. A highly recommended read if you enjoy a a well-written historical romance with sizzle, intrigue, and emotion that holds your attention from cover to cover!
Plot --- 5/5
Main Characters --- 5/5
Supporting Cast --- 5/5
Steam Level* --- 3.5/5
Violence --- nothing graphic (possible trigger: sexual abuse)
Language --- some (the H likes the f word)
POV --- 3rd
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild; 2/5 - sensual but nothing descriptive; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere; 4/5 - yes please! ; 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
The story opens as Alexandra Lane, the daughter of an earl, is set to graduate from her preparatory school.... and things go horribly wrong. Luckily, she has the aid and devotion of her fellow Red Rogues - her 2 best friends (Francesca and Cecilia) who also have a variation of red hair and who are part of a "secret society" where they indulge in delights only permitted by men in polite society. Her friends help Alexandra deal with the fallout and share their own secrets so that they are bonded forever by them. But someone else knows what happened that night, and that person has bled Alexandra dry by blackmailing her over the last 10 years which is where the story resumes. Alexandra is now a respected archeologist who has eagerly accepted spinsterhood as her traumatic experience in the past has made it impossible for her to ever trust a man. She has now found herself in dire financial straights and is trying to determine her best course of action when she is sidetracked by an urgent request from the Red Rogues to join her at Castle Redmayne for Francesca's sudden nuptials to the Duke of Redmayne: Piers, aka the Terror of Torcliff.
Piers has come to terms with the fact that he must end his wanderlust (at least temporarily) to secure his legacy as the duke. He considers himself a huntsman and adventurer, though his last excursion left him near death with half of his face horribly scarred. As unsightly as he believes himself to be, he recalls that there is a betrothal contract and decides to call it in. The problem is that he and his bride are more likely to kill each other than coexist peacefully; thus, he is dreading what lies ahead. Then he encounters an intriguing woman: Alexandra Lane. She is both courageous and terrified; brilliant and naive; dowdy and exquisite --- a mystery he cannot help but want to unravel. And since Alexandra is in desperate need of funds to keep her blackmailer at bay AND knows her friend Francesca doesn't want to marry Piers, she offers herself to the "beast." But as she trusts no man and Piers has too many reasons to be wary of women, will they ever learn to trust one another? And even if they can, will they have a future when they are constantly dodging death as someone is after one of ... or both of them?
What I liked:
--- The main characters were very "real" - gritty, raw - the good, the bad, and the ugly all on display, which not only made the characters more relatable, but made the reader feel so much more invested in their HEA
--- There were twists I definitely didn't see coming (I will say that I called the first reveal and the very last reveal in the epilogue - points for me! haha!)
--- The ancillary characters were also really fun - I am excited to read the other 2 Red Rogues' stories!
--- The writing style of this book is straight up superb - the visuals Byrne created with the words was like poetry at times - very eloquent and well done!
--- Heartbreaking scenes that made the reader feel almost as pained as the characters
--- Steamy goodness
What I didn't like as much:
--- The only thing that stands out to me here is Piers kind of pissed me off by being so untrusting - I understand it to an extent, but he was acting a bit too dickish at times, imo
--- One other thing mild
I normally dislike angst in my stories (I tend to prefer the "us against the world" kind of romance vs the ones with relationship angst), but this one worked for me because the angst didn't feel unnecessary or manufactured which is my real pet peeve. A highly recommended read if you enjoy a a well-written historical romance with sizzle, intrigue, and emotion that holds your attention from cover to cover!
Plot --- 5/5
Main Characters --- 5/5
Supporting Cast --- 5/5
Steam Level* --- 3.5/5
Violence --- nothing graphic (possible trigger: sexual abuse)
Language --- some (the H likes the f word)
POV --- 3rd
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild; 2/5 - sensual but nothing descriptive; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere; 4/5 - yes please! ; 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
January 2, 2020
4 Stars
Overall Opinion: I liked this! I appreciated how they were damaged but found their true selves with each other. It was a good mix of sweet, funny, sad, and sexy! I would recommend this to anyone wanting to try out the hr genre because it felt like a well rounded book. My only complaint is that I wanted to experience more of their HEA...but that's probably me being greedy again 😜
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Alexandria and Piers' story. Alexandria is headed to one of her dear friends after receiving an invitation to be a bridesmaid in a mysterious wedding as well as a brief cry for help in a cryptic note. She is on a mission of her own as well because her family has run out of money and a blackmailer hasn't been paid and might expose her and her dear friends after a criminal act ten years prior. Piers is drawn the the mysterious Alexandria, but he is on a revenge mission to marry the next available lady and make some heirs. There are some sad scenes, some sweet and funny scenes, some murder plots, and some sexy times...and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between focusing mainly on Alexandria and Piers in 3rd person narrative.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove:If it was supposed to be within 10 days, yes. But it didn't really feel like the instalove that usually bugs me.
H (Hero) rating: 4.5 stars. Piers. I really liked him. He was a great mix of super sweet and caring, protective and alpha, and sexy!
h (heroine) rating: 4 stars. Alexandria. I liked her. She was strong and super loyal and I appreciated how she cared for others.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Hot. They have some hot tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: Yes, but not super descriptive
Cheating: Not between mcs
Separation: No
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This had a cute ending with what I would call a HEA. As it seems is usual lately, I wanted more though!
Safety: This one is probably either Safe with exception or Not Safe for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences.
Overall Opinion: I liked this! I appreciated how they were damaged but found their true selves with each other. It was a good mix of sweet, funny, sad, and sexy! I would recommend this to anyone wanting to try out the hr genre because it felt like a well rounded book. My only complaint is that I wanted to experience more of their HEA...but that's probably me being greedy again 😜
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Alexandria and Piers' story. Alexandria is headed to one of her dear friends after receiving an invitation to be a bridesmaid in a mysterious wedding as well as a brief cry for help in a cryptic note. She is on a mission of her own as well because her family has run out of money and a blackmailer hasn't been paid and might expose her and her dear friends after a criminal act ten years prior. Piers is drawn the the mysterious Alexandria, but he is on a revenge mission to marry the next available lady and make some heirs. There are some sad scenes, some sweet and funny scenes, some murder plots, and some sexy times...and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between focusing mainly on Alexandria and Piers in 3rd person narrative.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove:If it was supposed to be within 10 days, yes. But it didn't really feel like the instalove that usually bugs me.
H (Hero) rating: 4.5 stars. Piers. I really liked him. He was a great mix of super sweet and caring, protective and alpha, and sexy!
h (heroine) rating: 4 stars. Alexandria. I liked her. She was strong and super loyal and I appreciated how she cared for others.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Hot. They have some hot tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: Yes, but not super descriptive
Cheating: Not between mcs
Separation: No
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This had a cute ending with what I would call a HEA. As it seems is usual lately, I wanted more though!
Safety: This one is probably either Safe with exception or Not Safe for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences.
September 28, 2019
ALL THE 'BEAUTIFUL, HEARTBREAKING, SWOONY' STARS
This. Book. Is. Everything!!! I truly don't have the words to do this book justice. I have a lot of favorite historical romances but it's not exaggerating if I say that this one just became my favorite of them all.
Kerrigan Byrne really has a way with words. I immensely enjoyed reading her Victorian Rebels series. All the books were 5 stars for me but How To Love a Duke in Ten Days has reached a new level of awesomeness. I got absorbed in the book from page one. I was feeling with the characters from the very start. I laughed and cried with them, I wanted to hug them and give them comfort. I high-fived Alexandra every time she stood up for herself and I swooned every time Piers put knights in shining armors to shame with his gallantness.
Piers and Alexandra's romance was one of the most beautiful love stories I've ever read. From their first meeting which was brilliantly written and through the course of only ten days, they completely stole my heart. And the best part was that it didn't feel like an insta-love. Their emotions were so wonderfully developed and their relationship was built on genuine feelings. They simply couldn't be more perfect.
I know I'm repeating myself but they were both really amazing characters. Both of them had demons of their own but they conquered them all. Alexandra went through so many horrible things in her life and it was very inspiring how strong she was. She didn't allow the world to grind her down just because she is a woman. Along with her best friends Cecilia and Francesca, they were a force of nature. And Piers was just wonderful. Totally marriage material. I especially loved about him how despite being all alpha and dominant, he was so patient and gentle with Alexandra, how he respected her and was prepared to give up everything for her. I think he's now my favorite hero.
I'm looking forward to the next two books in this series. I believe Cecilia and Francesca's stories will be equally amazing. And the epilogue confirmed with whom Cecilia will end up. Yay!
BR with Melanie. I'm so happy this one was our first 5 stars book!
“Didn’t you say all men are beasts?”
“Of course we are.” His knuckle caressed her cheek. “It’s why we need a beauty like you to temper us. To tame us. To teach us how to appreciate something delicate.”
This. Book. Is. Everything!!! I truly don't have the words to do this book justice. I have a lot of favorite historical romances but it's not exaggerating if I say that this one just became my favorite of them all.
Kerrigan Byrne really has a way with words. I immensely enjoyed reading her Victorian Rebels series. All the books were 5 stars for me but How To Love a Duke in Ten Days has reached a new level of awesomeness. I got absorbed in the book from page one. I was feeling with the characters from the very start. I laughed and cried with them, I wanted to hug them and give them comfort. I high-fived Alexandra every time she stood up for herself and I swooned every time Piers put knights in shining armors to shame with his gallantness.
“My appearance, my manners, and my voice may be harsh, Alexandra, but I promise you my hands will never be anything but gentle with you.”
Piers and Alexandra's romance was one of the most beautiful love stories I've ever read. From their first meeting which was brilliantly written and through the course of only ten days, they completely stole my heart. And the best part was that it didn't feel like an insta-love. Their emotions were so wonderfully developed and their relationship was built on genuine feelings. They simply couldn't be more perfect.
Now that she’d fallen in love with her husband. No, not fallen, per se. But drifted into it in barely recognizable shifts of her heart. He’d become necessary. A curator of healing and joy.
“What do I do?” she pleaded.
“Hold on to me, Alexandra,” he whispered, folding her against him. “Just be here. Just be mine.”
I know I'm repeating myself but they were both really amazing characters. Both of them had demons of their own but they conquered them all. Alexandra went through so many horrible things in her life and it was very inspiring how strong she was. She didn't allow the world to grind her down just because she is a woman. Along with her best friends Cecilia and Francesca, they were a force of nature. And Piers was just wonderful. Totally marriage material. I especially loved about him how despite being all alpha and dominant, he was so patient and gentle with Alexandra, how he respected her and was prepared to give up everything for her. I think he's now my favorite hero.
They were perfect for each other. Two restless souls that would never be still.
And would no longer have to wander alone.
I'm looking forward to the next two books in this series. I believe Cecilia and Francesca's stories will be equally amazing. And the epilogue confirmed with whom Cecilia will end up. Yay!
BR with Melanie. I'm so happy this one was our first 5 stars book!
September 2, 2019
TITLE: HOW TO LOVE A DUKE IN TEN DAYS
AUTHOR: Kerrigan Byrne
SERIES: Devil You Know #1
RELEASE DATE: August 27 2019
GENRE: Historical Romance
THEMES & TROPES: Trigger warning
RATING: 5 STARS
CLIFFHANGER: No
READ MY REVIEW ON THE BLOG
HOW TO LOVE A DUKE IN TEN DAYS starts with a harrowing scene that had me chewing my nails, clutching my pearls, dropping my stomach and dreading the future of this brave, beautiful heroine. I was devastated for Alexandra from the very beginning of this book but this woman, this amazing, courageous, above-average intelligent woman was everything I hoped for. Alexandra never wanted to get married, or even be touched by another man but in order to keep her secrets and protect the two women she loved most in this world, she offered the man, called "The Terror of Torcliff" her hand in marriage. That's the kind of loyalty that is unequaled and only grows through a special bond of trust and shared secrets. That's, in a nutshell, Alexandra and her friends Cecilia and Francesca.
The man called this beastly name is Piers, a man who has had his share of heartbreak. While he was fighting death abroad his cousin stole his fiancee and married her, a woman Piers thought to be in love with. His mother was a harlot who couldn't keep her skirts down. Piers is no stranger to betrayal so he finds Alexandra's forwardness and honesty refreshing.
Could she be real? Did he hold in his arms the rarest of creatures? A woman of substance. Of integrity? One who tended more carefully to the capacity of her heart than to her coiffure? One who thrived on intellect and honor and genuine interaction rather than the empty endorsements of her peers?
When you see how this heroine makes a purring cat, a besotted fool out of this hero with her gentleness, her courage, her sweetness you get really angry when he behaves like a jerk. Thankfully, that never lasted very long. I loved this man - he was fiercely protective, wickedly sexy, brooding and bad-tempered but surprisingly full of humor. Yes, that's totally a contradiction but you'll see what I mean when you read this story. And I loved how he fought his feelings for Alexandra so hard, yet couldn't help but fall head over heels.
“I sometimes forget…” he murmured as though to himself. Alexandra swallowed layers of nerves before she could speak.
“Forget what?”
“How beautiful you are.” He undid his cravat as he traveled the length of the sitting room. “Then I see you and realize that memory cannot compare to reality. I’m left as breathless as the first time we met.”
Their bond was special and while this is very insta I don't care. Not even a little. And c'mon, check the title...HOW TO LOVE A DUKE IN TEN DAYS? Hello Captain Obvious.
Alexandra was a gentle soul with a steely will and I rooted so hard for her because of her pain. Piers made her feel worthy and became her champion, protector and lover. They made so much sense to me together that I was happy to see how these two people, who experienced so much trauma and heartbreak, found their due, a love so extraordinary and deep, a companion and friend for life. And above all, trust.
“I—I don’t know how to please you,” she confessed, suddenly daunted. He gazed up at her with a patience so tender, so genuine, it released a swell of emotion inside her.
"Don’t you know by now, Alexandra, that everything you do pleases me? To look at you pleases me. To touch and kiss you pleases me. The scent and taste and shape of you is the greatest pleasure I’ve ever known. Anything you do beyond that…”
This book got me out of a book funk I keep falling back into. I don't know why it's not going away but there are these special ones that seem to have the ability to put that slump to rest, at least or a while. I fell deeply in love with Alexandra and Piers but I also declare my love for all the side characters. I loved Cecilia and Francesca, they are the kind of friends who not only hand you the shovel if there is a body to bury but who literally help you bury it. I also found Piers's half brother intriguing, enigmatic and charismatic and I can't wait to see this man fall hard.
The suspense part is done really well and while I guessed one of the villains correctly I was totally taken back by the other. So brownie points for that!
Before I finish my review I want to remark on Kerrigan Byrne's extraordinary gift. Her words, the way she builds sentences, the feelings her words evoke are nothing short of beautiful. HOW TO LOVE A DUKE IN TEN DAYS is a wonderful story with delicious angst, heartbreaking revelations packed in subtle and fine humor that doesn't go unappreciated because of the nature of the topic. I can't wait for spring 2020 when we get the next book in this series. If you're a fan of HR and haven't read Ms. Byrne's stories yet this is a good time. This is the start of a new series so you have no excuse.
He knew, then and there, that he’d walk through hell for her. He’d slay dragons and face entire armies. He’d circumnavigate the globe to lay her foes at her feet.
October 3, 2019
4.5 Shining Stars
Piers may not be perfect, but he is one yummy broody hero – perfect for Alexandra (Alex), who has endured more than enough over the years (tortured by a trauma and its consequences). Secrets, distrust and danger threaten the passionate bond these two are forming, but those out to harm and destroy them underestimate Pier’s and Alex’s will and desire to protect one another.
Loved the idea of The Red Rogues, and wish the author had given us more snippets into the antics of Alex and her two best friends Francesca and Cecilia
My impatience to read this was so justified, overall this was a delectable little morsel, especially the last 38% or so – it had my emotions ensnared and my nose deep in my kindle.
Really don’t want to wait until 2020 for the next book in the series.
Potential Triggers:
Piers may not be perfect, but he is one yummy broody hero – perfect for Alexandra (Alex), who has endured more than enough over the years (tortured by a trauma and its consequences). Secrets, distrust and danger threaten the passionate bond these two are forming, but those out to harm and destroy them underestimate Pier’s and Alex’s will and desire to protect one another.
Loved the idea of The Red Rogues, and wish the author had given us more snippets into the antics of Alex and her two best friends Francesca and Cecilia
My impatience to read this was so justified, overall this was a delectable little morsel, especially the last 38% or so – it had my emotions ensnared and my nose deep in my kindle.
Really don’t want to wait until 2020 for the next book in the series.
Potential Triggers:
August 26, 2019
I was so worried about HOW TO LOVE A DUKE IN TEN DAYS. The opening chapters, in some ways, read a lot like THE HIGHWAYMAN, the first book by this author I loved (and unrelated to this series..). I was side-eyeing the story, some familiar elements, until.. those similarities dissipated and this story, different and with its own strengths, emerged.
Loneliness was safer than love.
This book is dedicated to survivors, to the #metoo movement, and that probably says a lot about some of the content in this book. Infact the very first chapter opens up with a sexual assault on our heroine and she spends the rest of the story dealing with the aftermath. She learns to disguise her form and navigate life to avoid touch, avoid danger, and basically any men who could be a threat. She becomes a traveler, an academic, preferring the company of dead men and their bones to real flesh and blood ones. Even though it's a dead man who haunts her.. as well as a very real person who is blackmailing her over it.
Just who were these ladies? Where were the tears and histrionics? Couldn't they have at least afforded him a modicum of feminine display for his — he wasn't too modest to say — rather heroic behaviour?
She and her two best friends from school reunite when one of them announce their engagement to a duke. And it's when Alexandra inadvertently runs into said duke, prior to an introduction, that her carefully curated life goes off script.
"I know we're both in a great deal of trouble at the moment, but that is no reason to marry a man. When has the addition of anyone of the opposite sex ever improved one of our situations?"
It's no secret that Byrne's specialty is dark, damaged, anti-heroes. But this time, with Piers, she gives her typical (atypical?) hero a bit of a twist; he's dark, he's damaged, but he's also charming. Funny. Tender. Kind. He's not an anti-hero, more just resigned to his fate, for all that he's blessed with riches and a dukedom. He'd rather tend the horses, travel, and be far from the ton and their two-faced-ness, as well as any and all wearying social niceties.
"You're like no duke I've ever met."
"And you're unlike any lady of my acquaintance."
"I–I didn't at all mean that as a slight."
"And I was paying you the highest compliment."
Both have secrets. Both have their own scars. And both somehow discover this incredible connection over the course of (you guessed it) ten days. While I would almost never buy this in a contemporary, and I'm sure I've doubted it in a HR, too, somehow.. Byrne makes me believe it. The intensity of the events, with (multiple!) near death close-calls, the emotional rollercoasters they have to navigate as they get to know each other, plus the heightened connection by way of their attraction and everything they have to navigate in order to be together.. it just works. In the same way that the secret, hovering over their heads, worked. It wasn't something that could just be blurted out and I didn't begrudge it for its existence. Every reason for keeping it a secret was valid. Somehow everything about this story just.. fit. Everything that was introduced was handled beautifully, respectfully, and overall this was just so well done. Even the outlandish or harder to believe bits.
"All I'm asking is for you to have mercy on me, [..]. If there is a battle to fight, a villain to face, I beg you to allow me the honour. Because the cruelest thing you could do, is sentence me to a world without you in it."
This was all the swoon, all of the fun, all of the mystery (though I did actually guess right!), that I’ve come to love from Byrne and I'm so relieved considering the last additions to the Victorian Rebels series had me worried. They seemed to be missing some of the early spark I had come to love and rely on from this author; but the same cannot be said here. It might feel a little familiar for those who know, and love, the aforementioned series.. but it's in the best kind of way. And it definitely stands apart. I'm very keen to read on in this series, which, additionally, had the next couple cunningly teased (not that we couldn't guess..) in the epilogue. Just to hook you. So, consider me hooked!
** I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
---
This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
Loneliness was safer than love.
This book is dedicated to survivors, to the #metoo movement, and that probably says a lot about some of the content in this book. Infact the very first chapter opens up with a sexual assault on our heroine and she spends the rest of the story dealing with the aftermath. She learns to disguise her form and navigate life to avoid touch, avoid danger, and basically any men who could be a threat. She becomes a traveler, an academic, preferring the company of dead men and their bones to real flesh and blood ones. Even though it's a dead man who haunts her.. as well as a very real person who is blackmailing her over it.
Just who were these ladies? Where were the tears and histrionics? Couldn't they have at least afforded him a modicum of feminine display for his — he wasn't too modest to say — rather heroic behaviour?
She and her two best friends from school reunite when one of them announce their engagement to a duke. And it's when Alexandra inadvertently runs into said duke, prior to an introduction, that her carefully curated life goes off script.
"I know we're both in a great deal of trouble at the moment, but that is no reason to marry a man. When has the addition of anyone of the opposite sex ever improved one of our situations?"
It's no secret that Byrne's specialty is dark, damaged, anti-heroes. But this time, with Piers, she gives her typical (atypical?) hero a bit of a twist; he's dark, he's damaged, but he's also charming. Funny. Tender. Kind. He's not an anti-hero, more just resigned to his fate, for all that he's blessed with riches and a dukedom. He'd rather tend the horses, travel, and be far from the ton and their two-faced-ness, as well as any and all wearying social niceties.
"You're like no duke I've ever met."
"And you're unlike any lady of my acquaintance."
"I–I didn't at all mean that as a slight."
"And I was paying you the highest compliment."
Both have secrets. Both have their own scars. And both somehow discover this incredible connection over the course of (you guessed it) ten days. While I would almost never buy this in a contemporary, and I'm sure I've doubted it in a HR, too, somehow.. Byrne makes me believe it. The intensity of the events, with (multiple!) near death close-calls, the emotional rollercoasters they have to navigate as they get to know each other, plus the heightened connection by way of their attraction and everything they have to navigate in order to be together.. it just works. In the same way that the secret, hovering over their heads, worked. It wasn't something that could just be blurted out and I didn't begrudge it for its existence. Every reason for keeping it a secret was valid. Somehow everything about this story just.. fit. Everything that was introduced was handled beautifully, respectfully, and overall this was just so well done. Even the outlandish or harder to believe bits.
"All I'm asking is for you to have mercy on me, [..]. If there is a battle to fight, a villain to face, I beg you to allow me the honour. Because the cruelest thing you could do, is sentence me to a world without you in it."
This was all the swoon, all of the fun, all of the mystery (though I did actually guess right!), that I’ve come to love from Byrne and I'm so relieved considering the last additions to the Victorian Rebels series had me worried. They seemed to be missing some of the early spark I had come to love and rely on from this author; but the same cannot be said here. It might feel a little familiar for those who know, and love, the aforementioned series.. but it's in the best kind of way. And it definitely stands apart. I'm very keen to read on in this series, which, additionally, had the next couple cunningly teased (not that we couldn't guess..) in the epilogue. Just to hook you. So, consider me hooked!
** I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
---
This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
October 20, 2019
https://www.instagram.com/p/B1r1jQ7oeQj/
5 ‘Her Beast’ Stars
Oh my world, How To Love a Duke in Ten Days ended up surpassing all my already huge expectations! Ms. Byrne truly is the MASTER of dark/gothic historical romance! The rawness of the emotions, the carefully constructed and weaved setting, and the most well crafted and complex of characters stole my breath – along with my heart – away! Broken and imperfect, but yet so PERFECT for each other, Pries and Alexandra are what romance dreams are made off! HR perfection!
Ahhhh, this book! I should have expected an emotional and heart touching read since Ms. Byrne always gives us all the feels but this was so much more! With an opening scene, with Alexandra’s assault, we see instantly that this story will rip us apart, instantly upon their first meeting and unmeasurable hope and happiness overflows us, because we can FEEL these two are meant to be.
Once a man tasted ambrosia, the idea of any other sustenance curbed the appetite.
“If every woman tasted like you, a man would hunger for nothing else.”
Alexandra was such a beautiful, and broken, female lead. Normally in HR we usually see the hero being the broken one, but here, even though heartbreaking it witness all the events and her pain, shame and guilty, how strong and resilient she was, as it was fantastic to see first hand them falling for one another, and put each other broken pieces together, bit by bit.
“Didn’t you say all men are beasts?”
“Of course we are.” His knuckle caressed her cheek. “It’s why we need a beauty like you to temper us. To tame us. To teach us how to appreciate something delicate.”
He was her beast now. May God have mercy on her soul.
Piers is now on my TOP Book Boyfriend List! I love a goody and scarred hero, and he fit the role to a T, even with his maddening moments, lol. He was just sooooooo swoon worthy, whispering the most beautiful and loving of statement to Alexandra. SO caring and protective, truly what I loved the most in romance!
“I sometimes forget…”
“Forget what?”
“How beautiful you are.” He undid his cravat as he traveled the length of the sitting room. “Then I see you and realize that memory cannot compare to reality. I’m left as breathless as the first time we met.”
“My appearance, my manners, and my voice may be harsh, Alexandra, but I promise you my hands will never be anything but gentle with you.”
The secondary characters take on a big role here as is with Ms. Byrne’s other series, enticing us with this trio of strong and independent women each with an agenda of their own, Red Rogues. As well as Ramsay, Piers' brother, that left me wondering if he’ll indeed be paired with a certain redhead. I sure hope so! ;)
How To Love a Duke In Ten Days is HR excellence at its finest! All the feelings, all the experiences, the friendship, the mystery, the suspense, the blooming relationship, the passion, and most of all, love, make this one of my all time fav of the genre.
This book truly was perfection for me, I wouldn’t change one bit of their journey, even the horrifying moments and pain, took them to most amazing of HEA, and Kerrigan Byrne once again delivers an outstanding story of friendship, partnership and soul mate love! Can’t wait to see which of the Red Rogue will fall next! <3 <3 <3 <3 <3
“the cruelest thing you could do, is sentence me to a world without you in it.”
“I want all of you, Alexandra. I want your pleasure and your pain. Your sins and your secrets. Your past and your passions, your opinions and your pretenses. I want to know everything. All of it. To be the only one with whom you share them. I’m a selfish bastard, wife, and I’ll thank you to indulge me. I want you without limitations and beyond suspicions.”
ARC kindly provided by the publisher ST. Martin’s Press for an honest review
For full review with Release Blitz, check out my Blog post,
http://gisspotreviews.com/index.php/2...
August 10, 2019
Oh sighhhhh! I loved this story! Hotttt-
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I have to say I absolutely enjoyed this book thoroughly. It definitely is something special that seem to be above and beyond the normal historical romance.
I think what the differences is that this one focused more on the attraction between the two characters and not endless stiff conversation that slowly built into something by the end of the book.
In this story, the two main characters felt their connection quickly and we are treated to all of the hot glances, teasing and tantalizing descriptions, and the build up that got even better the further we get into the story.
Piers was from solid Viking stock and full of unexpected pleasures. He certainly gave Alexandra unexpected pleasures too! Tender and sensual, dominant, and possessive in all of the right ways.
Alexandra was brilliant, courageous, and oh, so innocent. The best part, she was not afraid to go after what she wanted to hide her secrets, namely Piers!
This author charmed me with over top creativity, heated descriptions, and tense but passion-filled build up. Plus, the main events were enough to make your temperature rise a bit too!
I just really enjoyed the story completely. In fact, I don’t recall the last time I gave an historical romance five stars. But I’m certainly not letting that hold me back today.
If you are looking for something different and unique, interesting and captivating, that will tickle your fancy while reeling you in completely, this author certainly has nailed it.
* copy received for review consideration
full review - https://amidlifewife.com/how-to-love-...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I have to say I absolutely enjoyed this book thoroughly. It definitely is something special that seem to be above and beyond the normal historical romance.
I think what the differences is that this one focused more on the attraction between the two characters and not endless stiff conversation that slowly built into something by the end of the book.
In this story, the two main characters felt their connection quickly and we are treated to all of the hot glances, teasing and tantalizing descriptions, and the build up that got even better the further we get into the story.
Piers was from solid Viking stock and full of unexpected pleasures. He certainly gave Alexandra unexpected pleasures too! Tender and sensual, dominant, and possessive in all of the right ways.
Alexandra was brilliant, courageous, and oh, so innocent. The best part, she was not afraid to go after what she wanted to hide her secrets, namely Piers!
This author charmed me with over top creativity, heated descriptions, and tense but passion-filled build up. Plus, the main events were enough to make your temperature rise a bit too!
I just really enjoyed the story completely. In fact, I don’t recall the last time I gave an historical romance five stars. But I’m certainly not letting that hold me back today.
If you are looking for something different and unique, interesting and captivating, that will tickle your fancy while reeling you in completely, this author certainly has nailed it.
* copy received for review consideration
full review - https://amidlifewife.com/how-to-love-...
November 23, 2023
How to Love a Duke in Ten Days by Kerrigan Byrne
Devil You Know series #1. Historical romance. Trigger warnings: active rape in the prologue. Start with chapter 1 to avoid it but the consequences of the trauma are throughout the story.
Lady Alexandra Lane knows how to look out for herself. She has been paying a blackmailer to keep a secret, but with her family nearing bankruptcy, she proposes married to a wealthy bachelor.
Piers Gedrick Atherton, the Duke of Redmayne is intrigued when receiving a proposal by the beautiful Lady Alexandra. Accepting though he knows she is keeping secrets, he can’t resist her charms. The two fall quickly in love but those secrets are not making it easy.
I want to say I loved this as much as many of the readers in the reviews, but while I enjoyed the ending and glad they both fell deeply in love, I didn’t like Piers through much of the book. Arrogant and privileged. I certainly understood Alexandra not wanting to reveal her horror, but that lack caused a lot of turmoil for both of them.
There was a bit of mystery element with the blackmailer and “accidents” as the couple travels that added a bit of suspense.
In the end, the couple is happy and loving.
Devil You Know series #1. Historical romance. Trigger warnings: active rape in the prologue. Start with chapter 1 to avoid it but the consequences of the trauma are throughout the story.
Lady Alexandra Lane knows how to look out for herself. She has been paying a blackmailer to keep a secret, but with her family nearing bankruptcy, she proposes married to a wealthy bachelor.
Piers Gedrick Atherton, the Duke of Redmayne is intrigued when receiving a proposal by the beautiful Lady Alexandra. Accepting though he knows she is keeping secrets, he can’t resist her charms. The two fall quickly in love but those secrets are not making it easy.
I want to say I loved this as much as many of the readers in the reviews, but while I enjoyed the ending and glad they both fell deeply in love, I didn’t like Piers through much of the book. Arrogant and privileged. I certainly understood Alexandra not wanting to reveal her horror, but that lack caused a lot of turmoil for both of them.
There was a bit of mystery element with the blackmailer and “accidents” as the couple travels that added a bit of suspense.
In the end, the couple is happy and loving.
January 26, 2023
He may be a duke, but she was the prize.
I don’t have the words to describe my feels for this book, but I’ll try my best. It’s been so long since I’ve read a historical romance like this. Kerrigan writes that kind that gives me goosebumps and makes me shout! This is how you write HR!!! The hero was so perfect. A man of his time. Flawed with a scratched face, but everything you could want in a strong alpha male and yet so tender, sensitive and passionate towards Alexandra.
I absolutely LOVED this heroine. Alexandra endured such horror as rape at the tender age of 17. The way Kerrigan writes this whole topic just astounds me. Such delicacy and care. I love the whole process and how Alexandra worked through her demons, and the tender scene between her and Piers as she crumbled when he realized the truth. Perfection. I’m hooked on Kerrigan and I’m set to read all her masterpieces from this point on. Bravo!!! Infinite stars!
“Reaching, but not touching. Aching, but not speaking. Because language hadn’t yet invented words for this sort of pain, and therefore neither had it words for comfort.”
This quote I felt in my bones. So many memorable scenes.
I don’t have the words to describe my feels for this book, but I’ll try my best. It’s been so long since I’ve read a historical romance like this. Kerrigan writes that kind that gives me goosebumps and makes me shout! This is how you write HR!!! The hero was so perfect. A man of his time. Flawed with a scratched face, but everything you could want in a strong alpha male and yet so tender, sensitive and passionate towards Alexandra.
I absolutely LOVED this heroine. Alexandra endured such horror as rape at the tender age of 17. The way Kerrigan writes this whole topic just astounds me. Such delicacy and care. I love the whole process and how Alexandra worked through her demons, and the tender scene between her and Piers as she crumbled when he realized the truth. Perfection. I’m hooked on Kerrigan and I’m set to read all her masterpieces from this point on. Bravo!!! Infinite stars!
“Reaching, but not touching. Aching, but not speaking. Because language hadn’t yet invented words for this sort of pain, and therefore neither had it words for comfort.”
This quote I felt in my bones. So many memorable scenes.
October 4, 2020
TW for a rape
it happens pretty early on in the book
try to stop me from reading more books by this author...
and really try to stop me from reading other books in this series....
I really, really enjoyed this book!
Even though I have this book as a paperback, I listened to this as audio (on Scribd) and let me tell you I think I blushed at some point...yeah honest to God blush...what is happening...
This book was pleasant surprise from start to finish!
I was feeling all the feelings!!!
Recommendation for sure!!!
it happens pretty early on in the book
try to stop me from reading more books by this author...
and really try to stop me from reading other books in this series....
I really, really enjoyed this book!
Even though I have this book as a paperback, I listened to this as audio (on Scribd) and let me tell you I think I blushed at some point...yeah honest to God blush...what is happening...
This book was pleasant surprise from start to finish!
I was feeling all the feelings!!!
Recommendation for sure!!!
August 18, 2020
Sale Alert: Kindle daily deal 18Aug20 $1.99
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Kerrigan Byrne always tells a different story but they always have one thing in common. At least one of the main characters, if not both have been through something horrific and heartbreaking.
Alexandra’s horrible experience happens in boarding school in the very first chapter. She has been carrying the secret for the last ten years, along with her two best friends, bound together forever by shared secrets. However, someone knows. They are blackmailing Alex and soon the secret will come to light because she doesn’t have the money to pay them anymore.
Piers, The Duke of Redmayne, saddled with the moniker the Terror of Torcliff needs a wife. It just so happens that Francesca, one of Alexandra’s partners in crime, was betrothed to him when they were children. For him to get the revenge he wants he needs to marry and produce an heir. Should it matter that neither of them seems to care at all for the other?
One woman’s nightmare is another woman’s dream and the Terror of Torcliff might just be exactly what Alexandra needs to both protect her from the blackmailer and break down some of the walls she has put up around herself since her trauma. There is something about this beast of a man that calls to Alexandra and she might just be brave enough to explore it.
Both Piers and Alex have skeletons in their closet and don’t trust easily. Each will have to take a journey if they are going to find some common ground and figure out how to make this marriage of convenience a love match. In addition, someone might be trying to kill Alexander or Piers. It is unclear which one is in more danger, better to stick together until they can sort that out too.
I really enjoyed this marriage of convenience tale. Alexandra is incredibly likeable and I love how scholarly she is and how much the Terror of Torcliff enjoys her intellect. He is a man and a little thick headed at times but once he starts to figure out this woman that he married he is quite dreamy.
Get first book in a new series of strong women who are willing to take on some savage men.
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Kerrigan Byrne always tells a different story but they always have one thing in common. At least one of the main characters, if not both have been through something horrific and heartbreaking.
Alexandra’s horrible experience happens in boarding school in the very first chapter. She has been carrying the secret for the last ten years, along with her two best friends, bound together forever by shared secrets. However, someone knows. They are blackmailing Alex and soon the secret will come to light because she doesn’t have the money to pay them anymore.
Piers, The Duke of Redmayne, saddled with the moniker the Terror of Torcliff needs a wife. It just so happens that Francesca, one of Alexandra’s partners in crime, was betrothed to him when they were children. For him to get the revenge he wants he needs to marry and produce an heir. Should it matter that neither of them seems to care at all for the other?
“You’ll meet him tomorrow, and see for yourselves how incredibly ill-suited we are. Were we to marry, our life would be years and years of senseless battles, him trying to put me in my place, and me trying to murder him in his sleep.
I’m telling you, I won’t do it.”
One woman’s nightmare is another woman’s dream and the Terror of Torcliff might just be exactly what Alexandra needs to both protect her from the blackmailer and break down some of the walls she has put up around herself since her trauma. There is something about this beast of a man that calls to Alexandra and she might just be brave enough to explore it.
“Men like me can just tell.” Her heart kicked against her lungs, evoking shorter, shallower breaths. “Men like you?”
“Hunters.” The vibration of the word spread down her spine and unfurled in the most alarming places. “Your lips, innocent as they are, beg to be kissed whenever I am near. Your tongue moistens them. Your teeth worry at them. And when I stare, as I am doing now, they soften and part, like an invitation…”
Both Piers and Alex have skeletons in their closet and don’t trust easily. Each will have to take a journey if they are going to find some common ground and figure out how to make this marriage of convenience a love match. In addition, someone might be trying to kill Alexander or Piers. It is unclear which one is in more danger, better to stick together until they can sort that out too.
I really enjoyed this marriage of convenience tale. Alexandra is incredibly likeable and I love how scholarly she is and how much the Terror of Torcliff enjoys her intellect. He is a man and a little thick headed at times but once he starts to figure out this woman that he married he is quite dreamy.
Get first book in a new series of strong women who are willing to take on some savage men.
December 2, 2023
This is a well-written, entertaining, steamy historical romance novel. It has a likable, intelligent female protagonist who overcomes a trauma, an engaging, caring male protagonist, supportive friends, intrigue, mystery, secrets, witty banter, sizzling chemistry, a heart-warming romance, and a happily ever after ending. This is the first entry in Ms. Byrne's Devil You Know series. I am looking forward to reading the next entry with great anticipation. I listened to the audio book, and the narrator, Mr. Derek Perkins, has a captivating, expressive voice, and does an outstanding job depicting the characters and their personalities.
August 14, 2019
This review was originally posted on Addicted To RomanceI received this book for free from St. Martin's Paperbacks in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
How To Love A Duke In Ten Days is the first book in this authors NEWEST series...yep you heard me she has a new series and it starts out with a bang. Just like "The Highwayman" it starts off fresh, gritty and real and I am all for it and it worked for me in so many ways. There is so much that I admire about this author here and this book surprised me. I am not sure why I was so shocked it delighted me so much here, but it really did and in ways I wasn't expecting. Just fair warning there are some darker elements included in the story so this story might not work for everyone because of those elements such as abuse and rape.
Our delightful story starts off with a friendship that is formed between three women. Lady Alexandra along with two other women while at a school is sexually assaulted by the headmaster and in trying to defend herself, the headmaster ended up dead and Alexandra along with her two friends covered up the evidence and have kept it a secret for over ten years. But Alexandra still suffers from the trauma and focuses on her archaelogical and traveling work instead of the memories that haunt her. She is called upon for her friend Francesca who is betrothed and to marry the Duke of Redmayne, but in a turn of events she finds herself offering herself up to Piers instead when there is a threat against all those she loves.
Their match is one of a marriage of convenience but there are sparks between them when they kiss and Alexandra hopes that chemistry builds and that she can finally find some peace from the nightmares of the past. But with her life in danger and those she loves, she needs the money and power that protects her by being the Duchess of Redmayne. But Piers is unlike any man she has ever known and he makes her feel safe and cherished in a way she has never experienced. But when her enemy follows them on their honeymoon, their lives are threatened when the danger escalates....can they find a way to defeat their enemy or will their enemy defeat them....
This was truly a magnificent book and honestly I am really struggling to write this review in such a way that gives this book the right justice that it truly deserves. Because this book was breathtaking in all that it contains and there are really no words to display my love for this book. Because once again Kerrigan Byrne has wowed me in such a way that humbles me. Now there are two major factors that I guarantee you will fall for....the friendship in this trio of ladies and the romance between Pier and Alexandra. Now first lets discuss this friendship. I just love seeing any friendships in romance whether they are male or female focused...it doesn't matter because both are beautiful to see in any story. We see the tight bond that these three have. They each have a painful secret and the way they first come together for Alexandra and protect her and risk their own lives and reputations for her was so heartfelt. To have that type of bond of friendship is rare and we see how their bond is cemented throughout the story.
Now for the actual romance between Piers and Alexandra. Both of them have trauma's or some form of abuse they both have suffered. Piers was pretty abused by his mother and suffered a attack from a jaguar in the jungle on his travels and is scarred because of it. Of course, our heroine has suffered from being sexually assaulted and what her family has suffered financially but has still maintained her goals and dreams and the way she sacrifices herself for her friends is such a beautiful tribute to the friendship. But I also believe for Alexandra that when there is a kissing scene between herself and Piers she felt something she hadn't felt before and desired more. There is something that see in each other from the very beginning and even though Alexandra knows having to share sex with Piers will be a challenge, she is willing to do what it takes to protect those she loves and I truly admired her courage and core of strength to do that. We see from their relationship that it does get rocky at times, and yes Piers has NO clue what she has suffered so I really felt bad for him. Because in many ways he is completely in the dark about what Alexandra is suffering. You as the reader understand why this is happening but at the same time wanting Alexandra to come clean with the truth. But Piers is no idiot and boy I wanted to cheer for him in how he learns the truth because he is my HERO. His life hasn't been easy for him either and I just truly adored the way these two connect and truly accept each other without judgment.
Overall I found How To Love A Duke In Tend Days to be a emotionally raw packed love story that delivers in sensuality, thrills of adventure and true intimacy that is deep and awe filled!! A sensual gem to hold close to your heart!
How To Love A Duke In Ten Days is the first book in this authors NEWEST series...yep you heard me she has a new series and it starts out with a bang. Just like "The Highwayman" it starts off fresh, gritty and real and I am all for it and it worked for me in so many ways. There is so much that I admire about this author here and this book surprised me. I am not sure why I was so shocked it delighted me so much here, but it really did and in ways I wasn't expecting. Just fair warning there are some darker elements included in the story so this story might not work for everyone because of those elements such as abuse and rape.
Our delightful story starts off with a friendship that is formed between three women. Lady Alexandra along with two other women while at a school is sexually assaulted by the headmaster and in trying to defend herself, the headmaster ended up dead and Alexandra along with her two friends covered up the evidence and have kept it a secret for over ten years. But Alexandra still suffers from the trauma and focuses on her archaelogical and traveling work instead of the memories that haunt her. She is called upon for her friend Francesca who is betrothed and to marry the Duke of Redmayne, but in a turn of events she finds herself offering herself up to Piers instead when there is a threat against all those she loves.
Their match is one of a marriage of convenience but there are sparks between them when they kiss and Alexandra hopes that chemistry builds and that she can finally find some peace from the nightmares of the past. But with her life in danger and those she loves, she needs the money and power that protects her by being the Duchess of Redmayne. But Piers is unlike any man she has ever known and he makes her feel safe and cherished in a way she has never experienced. But when her enemy follows them on their honeymoon, their lives are threatened when the danger escalates....can they find a way to defeat their enemy or will their enemy defeat them....
This was truly a magnificent book and honestly I am really struggling to write this review in such a way that gives this book the right justice that it truly deserves. Because this book was breathtaking in all that it contains and there are really no words to display my love for this book. Because once again Kerrigan Byrne has wowed me in such a way that humbles me. Now there are two major factors that I guarantee you will fall for....the friendship in this trio of ladies and the romance between Pier and Alexandra. Now first lets discuss this friendship. I just love seeing any friendships in romance whether they are male or female focused...it doesn't matter because both are beautiful to see in any story. We see the tight bond that these three have. They each have a painful secret and the way they first come together for Alexandra and protect her and risk their own lives and reputations for her was so heartfelt. To have that type of bond of friendship is rare and we see how their bond is cemented throughout the story.
Now for the actual romance between Piers and Alexandra. Both of them have trauma's or some form of abuse they both have suffered. Piers was pretty abused by his mother and suffered a attack from a jaguar in the jungle on his travels and is scarred because of it. Of course, our heroine has suffered from being sexually assaulted and what her family has suffered financially but has still maintained her goals and dreams and the way she sacrifices herself for her friends is such a beautiful tribute to the friendship. But I also believe for Alexandra that when there is a kissing scene between herself and Piers she felt something she hadn't felt before and desired more. There is something that see in each other from the very beginning and even though Alexandra knows having to share sex with Piers will be a challenge, she is willing to do what it takes to protect those she loves and I truly admired her courage and core of strength to do that. We see from their relationship that it does get rocky at times, and yes Piers has NO clue what she has suffered so I really felt bad for him. Because in many ways he is completely in the dark about what Alexandra is suffering. You as the reader understand why this is happening but at the same time wanting Alexandra to come clean with the truth. But Piers is no idiot and boy I wanted to cheer for him in how he learns the truth because he is my HERO. His life hasn't been easy for him either and I just truly adored the way these two connect and truly accept each other without judgment.
Overall I found How To Love A Duke In Tend Days to be a emotionally raw packed love story that delivers in sensuality, thrills of adventure and true intimacy that is deep and awe filled!! A sensual gem to hold close to your heart!
October 1, 2019
Ever since I read The Highwayman a few months ago and LOVED it, I have been dying to read another Kerrigan Byrne book. When I received an ARC of this from the publisher, I about died from excitement and dove right in!
After the most horrific night of her life, Lady Alexandra Lane makes a pack with her best friends to always be there for each other and keep each other's secrets no matter what. Now, a blackmailer is after her money and Alexandra's only option is to find a man to protect her. The Duke of Redmayne needs a bride, so when Alexandra offers her hand, he knows he can't refuse. The more time the two spend together after their marriage, the more they start to genuinely like each other...
When this book started, I absolutely loved Alexandra's relationship with her best friends. They were so fiercely loyal and went through so much together. Even when Alexandra decided she had to get married to protect herself, they were there for her. Then, once she married Piers, I loved how Alexandra and her new husband challenged each other and how Alexandra showed him just how fierce and intelligent she was.
While the middle did lull a bit, I enjoyed following Piers and Alexandra on their honeymoon and how Alexandra was still determined to keep her secrets from him. There was even some suspense thrown in at the end and I loved how protective Piers was when it came to his new wife.
Overall, this was another great read from Kerrigan Byrne. She has easily become one of my new historical romance authors and I can't wait to read even more from her!
After the most horrific night of her life, Lady Alexandra Lane makes a pack with her best friends to always be there for each other and keep each other's secrets no matter what. Now, a blackmailer is after her money and Alexandra's only option is to find a man to protect her. The Duke of Redmayne needs a bride, so when Alexandra offers her hand, he knows he can't refuse. The more time the two spend together after their marriage, the more they start to genuinely like each other...
When this book started, I absolutely loved Alexandra's relationship with her best friends. They were so fiercely loyal and went through so much together. Even when Alexandra decided she had to get married to protect herself, they were there for her. Then, once she married Piers, I loved how Alexandra and her new husband challenged each other and how Alexandra showed him just how fierce and intelligent she was.
While the middle did lull a bit, I enjoyed following Piers and Alexandra on their honeymoon and how Alexandra was still determined to keep her secrets from him. There was even some suspense thrown in at the end and I loved how protective Piers was when it came to his new wife.
Overall, this was another great read from Kerrigan Byrne. She has easily become one of my new historical romance authors and I can't wait to read even more from her!
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