Though she works two jobs and earns enough to keep herself off the streets of Victorian-era London, twenty-one-year-old Eloise Smith has developed a naughty habit of stealing trinkets from those around her. When a gentleman who introduces himself as the Duke of Savoy takes an interest in Eloise, however, he decides to put a stop to her thieving with the aid of his riding crop.The duke knows how … knows how to deal with a young lady in need of stern correction, and when Eloise is caught with yet another item that doesn’t belong to her, she is chastised even more shamefully. As she is forced to confess the full extent of her misdeeds with her well-punished bottom still on display, Eloise cannot help longing to be claimed hard and thoroughly, but the man who has set out to tame her has a secret of his own. Will the truth bring their newfound romance to an end?
Publisher’s Note: The Duke and the Thief includes spankings and sexual scenes. If such material offends you, please don’t buy this book.
more
Lots of dominating attention from the Duke towards Eloise. She is strong headed and passionate in her dealings. Can the Duke show her tough love and will she except it?
I love that two of my favorite authors teamed up to write this one. It totally hit the spot! There is a beautiful romance blended in with the heat, but there is also some serious heartache. This one touched all the emotions, so be prepared for that. I loved it and would love to see more co-writing by these two.
Fun read that includes a bit of mystery and plenty of spanking.
This is my first read by these two authors and I wasn’t disappointed. I enjoyed the story and the writing skill. I’ll be reading more from these two in the future.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of the book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This slightly dark romance is set in historical England and is about a young widow (Elisabeth) who is forced by circumstances beyond her control to leave her baby girl (Eloise) at a foundling hospital. Years later, this child has become an adult and while working as a dressmaker’s assistant, Eloise is handed a card for a gentlemen’s club and from here, her journey and the story begin.
There is: twists & turns, intrigue, attractions, arrangements, acceptance, domination/submission, consensual spanking, memories, verbal conflict, deceit, theft, betrayal, lies, abduction, attempted murder, law enforcement, beneficiary, discovery, happiness, trust, love and some explicit steamy scenes.
The characters continue to develop throughout the plot and become well-developed with individual personalities. The story-line and plot is fascinating and suspenseful with some interesting surprises for the reader. I really enjoyed reading this slightly dark historical romance and would recommend it.
What an intriguing story. I really enjoyed reading. Finding a way to get ahead during difficult times thru being a gentleman’s plaything is nothing new but her reactions and her reasons for stealing were. Not to say that I didn’t enjoy reading about the spankings because that was just plain hot but I was caught up as to the why. I was taken by surprise with the ending too.
A beautiful tale – took me on a journey to another time. A wonderful historical romance with twists and turns that keep you hoping for a happy conclusion even when you fear the worst. The authors draw you into another time and place with such realism that the sights and smells come alive, and you become emotionally invested in the outcome. I loved how the authors took all of the scattered pieces and brought them together seamlessly, starting with the thimble. Beautifully written.
Victorian with a Twist!
“The Duke and the Thief” offers much more than the typical Victorian romance. The professional writing styles of both authors flows seamlessly across the page, transporting readers back to another place and time. With vivid portrayals of Victorian era London, readers are regaled with powerful depictions of Victorian London society from the abject poverty of White Chapel, brothels catering to the kinks of affluent men, to country lodges where prosperous men retreat for privacy and kinky play. The plot is filled with mystery, suspense, intrigue, several twists and turns, engaging readers from the first page to the very last. The story features a strong, totally identifiable female lead, an intriguing male protagonist and their entangled journey toward trust, love and happiness.
Victorian era enthusiasts with a penchant for punishment will undoubtedly appreciate “The Duke and the Thief”!
Disclaimer: Children 18+ due to explicit sexual content. No Kindles were seriously harmed while reading this novel.
Disclaimer for the Disclaimer… The term “seriously harmed” is not intended to include: overheating, scorch marks, minor melting or inconsequential fire that can be put out with an extinguisher. Fire retardant gloves highly recommended while reading. Reviewer is not responsible for run-on sentences, appalling grammar or questionable punctuation.
RATING DETAILS (Based on 1 to 5 Gold Stars):
Steam Factor: 5 Naughty Stars
Writing Style: 5 Professional Stars
Plot: 5 Intriguing Stars
Engaging Characters: 5 Identifiable Stars
Satisfying Conclusion: 5 Heartfelt Stars
From the very beginning, this book regarding the interaction of Eloise, a foundling and Adam, a “duke,” intrigued and excited me. There is a question and a mystery. What could it be? Why does “the duke” single out Eloise? What does he really want? What does he think she has done? If she has erred, is it bad enough to merit such firm discipline? I was continually surprised with the path this story took. Incredible punishments were accompanied by deep pain and arousing pleasure.
Even as “the duke’s” incentive and Eloise’s motivations were revealed, the excitement continued. My heart was racing, chest tightening and butterflies fluttering in my stomach. What will Adam do? Will Eloise be able to accept the consequences of her actions? Will he be able to help her atone? This story stole my breath. It is deliciously painful and excitingly pleasurable. And, the surprises, as well as the glorious sensuality, just continued right until the end.
This was the first book I have read by this author and did not know what to expect, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. The characters were well developed and there was a sense of intrigue, both about who the “Duke” reallly was and what was going on. The spanking scenes were erotic and the developing relationship between Eloise and Adam was lovely and very feel good. While this was a simple plot it had moments of sadness and regret a series well as humour. A very double happy ending made it a fun read.