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ARC Book Review-Must Love Dukes

by | Jan 7, 2014 | Book Reviews | 0 comments

ARC Book Review-Must Love DukesMust Love Dukes by Elizabeth Michels
Series: Tricks of the Ton #1
Published by Sourcebooks Casablanca on February 4th 2014
Genres: Historical Romance, Regency Era
Pages: 334
Format: eARC
Source: Sourcebooks Casablanca
ISBN: 140228599X
Goodreads
four-stars

The Mad Duke leaned in closer, his lips gently brushing her ear, and whispered, "I dare you."
She Can't Resist the Dare
Lillian Phillips could not imagine how her quiet, simple life had come to this. Blackmailed by the Mad Duke of Thornwood into accepting one wild dare after another...all because of a pocket watch. Desperate to recover her beloved father's pawned timepiece, Lily did something reckless and dangerous and delicious—something that led to a night she'd never forget.
He has a Reputation for Scandal
When Devon Grey, Duke of Thornwood, runs into a mesmerizing, intoxicating, thieving woman who literally stole from his bedchamber—with his new pocket watch—Devon plots his revenge. If the daring wench likes to play games, he's happy to oblige. After all, what's the use of being the Mad Duke if you can't have some fun? But the last laugh might just be on him...

My Review

Lily doesn’t exactly like what she has been forced to do. But when her brother starts selling off family heirlooms, she is desperate to get even a few of them back. So when she finds her fathers pocket watch she tracks it down to the new owner, Devon Grey. She follows him and they bump into each other close to a pub, they share drinks and end up sharing a very passionate night together. The next morning Lily disappears along with his watch, and Devon is furious. Now a year later, Devon and Lily see each other at a ball, and sparks fly, tensions rise, and their desire is reignited. Devon then blackmails her into doing certain tricks that leave them both laughing at fools of the Ton. When Lily is being forced to be betrothed to a man that is totally wrong for her, will Devon be able to put everything else aside and claim her before its too late….

This was such a fantastic read, I can’t even express how much I loved this story. I read this all last evening, and I loved every fun and humorous moment. Must Love Dukes is the first book from the debut author. I tend to get really nervous with debut authors, since I never know how I am going to enjoy them. After reading this title however, I am addicted to this author already and I can’t wait to get my hands on the next two books in the series. From the blurb, it seems like this is a super complicated story, and its anything but. I never felt like I had a hard time concentrating, in fact I had such a fun time reading Must Love Dukes. It does start out with these two sharing facts and history about each other, while not giving out the full truth of each others identities and end up sharing a bed together. Then the plot thickens just a touch when Devon blackmails Lily. The way he goes about blackmailing her is quite witty, and some of the things he makes her do is quite humorous and will have you laughing your seat off, because in the end they end up benefiting Lily. Toward the end of the story there is quite a conflict that rises up, and the reader will end up full of tension wondering how this couple will reach their HEA.

The Characters in this story were so fun to get to know. Devon is, well, I would marry him if I could LOL. The schemes he creates are so creative and full of original thinking. Devon is not your usual rake stereotype hero. There is quite a bit more to him than meets the eye. Devon has a close attachment to his mother and sister, and even though he is angry at Lily, he ends up assisting her in his silly like blackmail games. Lily was a very human like character. She definitely makes her share of mistakes, but she is also put in a horrible position. I did admire her backbone at times, but then there was other times I wished she stood up more to her brothers, and even Devon a bit more. You can see how stubborn she can be at times, and occasionally I wanted to shake her. At other times, my heart did go out to Lily, because out of a father and three brothers, only one brother seems to care for her at all, the other just want to sell her to the highest bidder. I did enjoy some of the side characters such as Devon’s family, and Lily’s brother (the nice one :).) My favorite was Devon’s mom, she was so endearing and I loved the way she tries to get Devon and Lily together.

Overall a sexy regency romp that will give you barrels of laughs, and captivate your attention from the first page. A delightful telling of a tale of two people that are more than perfect for each other. A wonderful beginning to Michels debut series that is guaranteed to give you a good time!! FABULOUS!!!

My Grade 
4.5 Blossoms

Heat Rating 
Warm

Other Books In Series 
Desperately Seeking Suzanna
How To Lose a Lord in Ten Days Or Less

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