He’s lethal and ruthless.Suspended from his work as an agent for the Crown, Griffin, Duke of Strathmore, exists under a dark cloud of suspicion for crimes he didn’t commit. He’s on a desperate race to clear his name by any means until a grave error lands him under house arrest with the last sort of distraction he needs.She’s the sister of his nemesis.Lady Violet West is about to be married to the … to be married to the most boring man in England. When the disgraced Duke of Strathmore lands in her lap—literally—she decides he is the answer to her longing for adventure. Though her brother is convinced of Strathmore’s guilt, Violet isn’t as certain.
Falling in love is out of the question.
Griffin doesn’t want her interference. Violet won’t take no for an answer. So begins a secret partnership between the fallen duke and the determined lady. Their quest to uncover the truth leads to danger and desire. But the most perilous risk of all is losing their hearts.
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I have been eagerly awaiting the day Griffin would get his own story since being introduced to him in the book Her Reformed Rake. I was not disappointed! I always feel like I read one of Scarlett Scott’s books and say “this is my ultimate favorite hero.” But here I am again saying it again! I adore Griffin so much. He has a tragic period in his life but he comes from a loving home, he is easily one of the most humorous heroes I have had the pleasure to read. Not to spoil anything but I will never hear the word “flower pot” again and not laugh to myself. The heroine was so perfect. She is not a weak miss though her brother would like to pretend she is. Her bavk story was haunting and I love that Scott touched on both Bipolar and Alzheimer’s, especially since they certainly had those diseases even if not the clinical names. This story ticked all my boxes-wit, humor, mystery, action, steamy romance, true love and HEA. Now I can not wait to see how our heroine Violet’s brother gets his own come uppance and match in the next book!
Griffin, Duke of Strathmore, is under a cloud of treason for selling secrets to radical Irish. For over 15 years, he has served England and suffered torture for his country. Now planted papers found in his home implicate him. Since he is a peer, he is under house arrest at the home of the new head of the elite League, his nemesis Lucien West, Duke of Arden. His sister, Lady Violet West, who is engaged to an earl – a match promoted by her brother – is crocheting and Griffin trips over the ball of yarn, landing in Violet’s lap. At 24, Violet sees herself as plain and on the shelf – but she is attracted to the very handsome Griffin. Unlike the earl and her brother, Griffin sees a lovely woman and listens to her thoughts instead of telling her what to do. At first, Griffin uses her attraction to put off his going to prison, but he is genuinely attracted by her honesty and kindness. When she asks if he is guilty, Violet believes in Griffin’s innocence and vows to help him discover the traitor. The more time she spends with the earl, the more Violet realizes he cares more for his mother and plants than her. All it took was a kiss with Griffin for her to come up with a plan – they should marry, giving Griffin time to prove his innocence and her brother would be reluctant to imprison her husband. All goes as planned and they escape to Griffin’s friends – former agents in the League – for help. Violet falls hopelessly in love with her husband, but knows little of the demons he carries from the tortures inflicted on him when he was a prisoner of the French. He has been a solitary man, not trusting in others. But the day after their marriage, Violet overhears Griffin explain to his friends that he manipulated Violet into thinking her plan was her own idea and using her as a pawn. Heartbroken she runs into Lucien who is searching for her. When Griffin realizes what he has done and the pain he caused Violet, he follows and surrenders to Lucien. Beaten and shackled Griffin confesses all to Violet and his love. But as he is taken away to prison, Violet is determined to free her husband from this crime he is innocent of. Together with his friends, they face life and death at the hands of the true Judas. Can Violet save Griffen and his friends and her brother?? Romantic and enchanting story of loyalty, friendship and the power of love!!
Reckless! But In A Good Way
Well, perhaps to an outsider, Violet’s and Griffin’s actions might seem reckless, but both had a lot at stake. Violet faced a lifetime of marital boredom, and Griffin faced death and disgrace. I admired them daring to take a chance and was disappointed their bold plan wasn’t detailed more. I was looking forward to seeing the two of them carry it out.
In my opinion, the explicit sex and crude language were overdone, but fortunately, it didn’t overshadow the emotional connection Violet and Griffin shared. It was clear how deeply they cared for each other. Otherwise, I would not have enjoyed this story as much.
Scarlett Scott manages to make kissing delectable and sex last for pages without boring the reader. Add period detail, action and intrigue, and some laugh-out-loud moments, and she produces a wonderful escapist romp.