I received this book for free from Avon in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
A Duke Changes Everything by Christy Carlyle Also in this series: Anything But a Duke
Series: Duke's Den #1
Published by Avon on November 27, 2018
Genres: Historical Romance, Regency Era
Pages: 384
Format: eARC
Source: Avon
ISBN: 0062853961
In the first novel in Christy Carlyle’s sizzling Duke’s Den series, three men, intent on making a fortune, discover irresistible opportunities . . .
Nicholas Lyon gambled his way into a fortune and ownership of the most opulent, notorious gentlemen’s club in England. But when Nick’s cruel brother dies, he inherits a title he never wanted. The sooner Nick is rid of the estate that has always haunted him, the sooner he can return to the life he’s built in London. But there’s one obstacle—the exquisite Thomasina Thorne.
When the new heir to the Tremayne dukedom suddenly appears in Mina Thorne’s life, she’s flustered. Not only is he breathtakingly handsome, but he’s also determined to take away her home and position as steward of the Enderley estate. If Mina learns what makes the enigmatic duke tick, perhaps she can change his mind—as long as she doesn’t get too close to him.
With each day Nick spends with Mina, his resolve weakens as their colliding wills lead to explosive desire. Could she be the one woman who can help him finally bury the ghosts of his past?
A Duke Changes Everything is the first book of a new series by Carlyle and I have to say that this being my first Christy Carlyle…this book was a winner for me! I was very impressed with this book. Now I am not going to say this was the best book of the year or anything, but I found it refreshing for a regency style romance and had a old style historical romance writing style that I fell head over heels in love with. There is so much that can draw you into such a book. Now I will admit that Avon did a superb job with the cover, because the cover art alone got me to grab this book up even though I hadn’t tried out this author before and had no idea if I would love it or hate it but I can happily say that I truly enjoyed this one.
This story starts out with our hero, Nicholas Lyon who is co owner of a gambling hell in London. He and his friends built their place out of the ground and is becoming very successful. All three men have worked hard to make their business sucessful. Nicholas loves numbers and is in charge of the accounts for the club and will spend all day happily in the books. But then he received word that his older brother has passed away and now Nicholas is the new Duke of Tremayne. Nicholas has very bitter feelings towards his father and brother and with good reason he has no desire to be the new Duke but now he has no choice. So he heads down to his late father’s estate out in the country and a place that holds painful memories for him.
Mina Thorne grew up at the Enderley estate and has taken after her father in being the steward and ever since her father died two years previous, she has taken the responsbility of seeing to the needs and caring of the Enderley estate. She has come to love this home in the country despite the challenges but she is also worried about the new Duke and wonders if he will be like his father and brothers. But when they first meet, she sees that Nicholas is very different from his father and brother. He is bitter against his past, and Mina remembers the young boy she used to know but then disappeared one day. At first it seems like their relationship will be strictly professional, but there is a raw chemistry between Mina and Nicholas and sparks fly and soon they will discover a tender love in each other’s arms.
A Duke Changes Everything is simply a sweet filled romance that gave me all the feels and more. I didn’t know at first what to expect from this book, and I am thrilled to say that it met my expectations. We have a hero that is a rogue, has risen above some terrible events in his childhood and made sure he was a success since his father never thought he would amount to anything. He has strong friendships and his share of women but he is responsible and intelligent although bitter against anything connected to his family. The heroine, is strong and smart but also kind and thoughtful. She takes care of the tenants when she can and she sees to the servants and they are her family. She has been betrayed by a man she thought she loved but who was just toying with her affections. Now she is ready to just be a spinster and live her life on the estate…until she meets Nicholas and everything changes. I first want to say that the chemistry between these two is explosive and awe inspiring and keeps the reader captivated at times. I was swept away by their sensual moments that take your breath away.
It was also interesting to see the changes in these characters. They begin to see life in a different perspective and seem to be so aware of the development of their relationship and just go with it. Neither of them fight what they feel for each other too hard and I love seeing them embrace their emotions instead of fighting so hard and its subtle so its more of a gradual acceptance and a lovely friendship forms between them. I love seeing these two share with each other their past experiences and this is where the emotional intimacy between them really builds and is felt by the reader.
Overall I found A Duke Changes Everything to be a stunning and packed with endearing characters that you can be proud of….characters that grow and form a love that will leave you with a smile! BEAUTIFULLY DONE!
About Christy Carlyle
Fueled by Pacific Northwest coffee and inspired by multiple viewings of every British costume drama she can get her hands on, USA Today bestselling author Christy Carlyle writes sensual historical romance set in the Victorian era. She loves heroes who struggle against all odds and heroines who are ahead of their time. A former teacher with a degree in history, she finds there's nothing better than being able to combine her love of the past with a die-hard belief in happy endings
Ahhhh I loved this one too ? sweet review, hon!