The Duke of Deceit
Author: Anna Harrington
Reviewer: Jen
Rating: B
March’s TBR optional theme: Rizz (as in Charisma) And thank you Wendy for explaining what it means!
What I’m Talking About:
The Duke of Deceit is an entertaining reformed-bad-boy historical. Although in this case, the Duke of Crewe, Lucien Grenier is actually a good guy who is pretending to be a blackguard to protect a huge secret that would destroy his family and dukedom. Jessamyn St Claire wants Lucien to marry her sister Amanda because she believes he got her with child.
Jess is stubborn, righteous, and loyal. She will do whatever it takes to get others to do what she perceives as right. What Jess doesn’t do is pay attention to the signs and figure out that he’s innocent, and marrying the duke is not what Amanda wants. Jess gets so caught up in her plans to destroy Lucien’s reputation by making him good that she doesn’t realize she’s falling for him. They are perfect for one another because she won’t back down and she’s not afraid of his reputation. Lucien finds he can open his heart to her because she listens and is genuine. Plus, they both have daddy issues, which allows each to better understand the other.
At first, I was worried that misunderstandings would overwhelm the story because Lucien and Jess aren’t talking about what is really going on. But just when I thought I would get full on frustrated, the author sits them down and gets them to talk. That doesn’t mean the air is cleared, but at least each knows what is going on. I do like that Jess comes to the realization on her own that what she’s doing isn’t right and once she learns the truth from Amanda, allows her own heart to get involved.
The Duke of Deceit is fairly predictable, but I enjoyed watching Jess and Lucien spar and then love. I adore the addition of Lucien’s brother Phillip. We don’t often see characters with disabilities or genetic disorders in historicals because back then, they were often institutionalized or killed. He’s a great supporting character, and also his situation gives readers a glimpse of the true nature of Lucien.
The Duke of Deceit is filled with sexy times, strong opinions, and emotional moments.
My Rating: B
Jen
About the Book:
No good deed goes unpunished…and no blackguard unloved.
Lucien Grenier, Duke of Crewe, prides himself on his reputation – selfish, black, and wicked. Or, at least, that’s what he wants everyone to believe. What better way to keep society from discovering his secrets? But when rumors arise that he is doing good deeds for charities, children, reformers—even nuns—he has far more to lose than his wicked reputation; he might just lose his dukedom.
Jessamyn St Claire is determined to hit Lucien where it hurts most—his black reputation. Eight months ago, he ruined her sister, and now Jess wants retribution. Her plan? To take Lucien from rakehell to respected peer unless he marries her sister. But as Jess works to rehabilitate his character, she discovers that Lucien’s bad reputation is mere pretense. The more she uncovers, the more she learns of his goodness…and the more he captures her heart. Soon, it isn’t Amanda whom Lucien wants to marry but Jess.
Little does she know that there’s one remaining secret with the power to destroy them both…
Release Date: December 19, 2024
Publisher: Self-published
Series: The Dukes of Darkness #2
Genre: Historical Romance
Format(s): paperback (310 pages), e-book
Book Source: purchased with my own funds