Series: The Secret Life of Scoundrels, #1
Published by Forever on November 24th 2015
Genres: Historical Romance, Regency Era
Pages: 384
Format: eBook
Source: Library
ISBN: 145553403X
ALL'S FAIR IN LOVE
Battlefields and barrooms hold much more interest for Edward Westover, Duke of Swarthmore, than a little girl's fondness for dolls and lace. When he takes possession of his enemy's estate, everything that villain held dear—including his daughter—belongs to Edward. Hire a governess, arrange a dowry, give a few reassurances, and be off on his way—that's Edward's plan. But he's in for the shock of his life. For his new ward is a beautiful, impetuous, and utterly irresistible woman...
...AND WAR
Kate Benton is stunned. Who is this arrogant, infuriating man who's invited himself into her home and taken over her life? Her vow: to do everything in her power to convince him to leave her—and Brambly House—alone. Yet as chilly days melt into sultry nights, Kate sees glimpses of kindness underneath Edward's cool façade . . . and a passionate nature that takes her breath away. There's so much she doesn't know about this man. But does she dare trust this devilish duke with her heart?
Summary
Edward Westover, never thought that he would become the next Duke. But when his brother and his wife are killed, he is brought back from fighting the war, to deal with his grief and new responsibilities and getting justice for the man that killed his brother and friend. His plan is to ruin this man and control his finances the rest of his life. What he didn’t count on is that he had a daughter, and a innocent one at that. Kate Benton, has lived in the home she inherited from her grandparents and taking care of the tenants any way she could, with an absent father most of the time. She is shocked with a Duke comes to inform her of change of circumstances and that he is now her guardian and that her own father signed away all of his rights. What she never expected was to fall in love with Edward but both of them realize that trust is key and mistakes are made where Kate will need to prove how genuine her feelings are for Edward, and Edward will need to learn to let go of the past to keep what Kate offers…
The Hero
Edward was content with his life as a soldier. He lost the woman he thought he loved to his own brother who wanted wealth and prestige more than she wanted him. Edward vowed to never fall in love again. But he is shocked when he meets the beautiful and feisty Kate Benton, the daughter of his enemy. He never thought he could have feelings for a woman ever again, but when she hurts him unknowingly, he locks away his heart for good. Edward is a man that that is prideful and strong. He does what is necessary and doesn’t feel its necessary to apologize to anyone. I had such a fun time with his character—he could be quite outrageous at times, and a bit alpha at times that sends chills down the spine. But I truly loved seeing his character learn some painful truths and let himself accept love again.
The Heroine
Kate Benton is a heroine I could stand behind 100%. What I really liked about Kate was seeing her character shine through the whole story and I love how devoted she is to Edward. Now she does make some mistakes, but its more out of love than anything else so I felt more understanding on the reasons behind those mistakes. I love how true she is to the people she cares for. She has been studying healing and herbs to help her tenants who don’t have a doctor nearby. What I really admired about her character was how she stands up to Edward. Even when things between them take a turn, you see how she never loses faith in him. Love that.
Plot and Story Line
Dukes Are Forever is the debut novel of a exciting series by Harrington. This was my first time trying this author out and I can tell you it won’t be my last. I truly loved this book and I honestly couldn’t put it down which really surprised me. I love finding these authors that write some great books you don’t expect. I never know if I am going to love it or not when it comes to Regency. But Anna Harrington really did wonders with this story. The story is quite compelling and I found their chemistry quite sweet and engaging It wasn’t too complicated in the beginning. They act upon their feelings, and with the hero being her “guardian” we see how they don’t have to worry as much about chaperones and get to enjoy being together for a while. And man we get some sexy times going on between these two. But then their relationship goes down hill when a small secret and misunderstanding occurs. Now the hero does overact a bit, but you understand why with his history with women which isn’t very good. But our heroine, is so understanding about it. She doesn’t become mean or bitter or lash out cruely. She is patient with him and gives him time. I truly adore a heroine that doesn’t overeact, and is more understanding even when she isn’t treated the best. That shows true character and she definitely proves herself in this story.
The Cover
WHAT a beautiful cover…the dress is breathtaking. I just love the color of teal and gold here and what a classy backdrop with the stairway and flowers. I LOVE her hair too.
Overall View
Dukes Are Forever is a sweet and sassy romance that has a vibrant vibe and is truly romantic from beginning to end!!
I was really drawn to this cover when I first saw it on Goodreads. And knowing details about the hero and heroine now makes me want to pick this up even more! I love a compassionate but strong heroine and a hero who has some alpha tendencies. 😉
I read the third book in this series and really liked the writing and the romance, though I struggled a little bit with the heroine. I told myself I’d pick up the rest of the books in the series though. This one sounds really good. I already like Edward just from your review. And the heroine sounds lovely too. I’ll have to pick this book up for sure now. 🙂
Oh yay! I’m so glad you enjoyed this one too! She really came out strong with her debut. Book two was fantastic as well. I hope you have a great time with them!
It was sure fun, I should try more by her
This sounds kind of like A Scot in the Dark by Sarah MacLean. That one didn’t work all that much for me so I wonder if this one would. Thanks for the review!
A bit alpha you say. Oh my kind of hero. Love the name of this series.
Sounds like a good one! These two sure find themselves in an original and difficult situation and it seems fun to see how they both deal with the circumstances and falling in love. The characters both sound likeable!