Welcome to Regency England — a world of charming gentlemen, elegant ladies, and sizzling passion! Enjoy this stunning read from USA Today Bestselling author Wendy Vella.Daniel, Duke of Stratton, learns of his betrothal to Miss Berengaria Evangeline Winchcomb minutes before his father’s death. Having gambled his fortune away, all the late Duke had left to sell was his son. To save his family’s … was his son. To save his family’s honor Daniel agrees to the marriage, but society’s favorite bachelor is no longer a charming easygoing man— his father’s betrayal has left him angry and with a thirst for revenge.
Eva learns she is to wed the Duke of Stratton on the way to the church. Inside she feels a flicker of hope that at last she is to leave her horrid family— however that flicker is short-lived as she faces the cold unyielding man who is now her husband.
BOOKS IN THE REGENCY RAKES SERIES
Duchess By Chance
Rescued By A Viscount
Tempting Miss Allender
more
Tale as old as time when your father wins you a husband at cards… This seemed to be a popular way to gain a husband in Victorian era. I liked the book but despite all the horrors that Eva has gone through, it still felt light-hearted and not as angsty as I thought it would be.
Eva has lived with her father’s and elder brothers’ abuse all her life. So when the chance presents itself to escape a life of drudgery and be free from them, she takes it and marries a stranger who happens to be a duke. Not that the had a choice, mind you. She would have been forced but she accepted her fate with grace. But then she got worried that she might have exchanged one monster for another as her new husband didn’t make it easy for her.
Daniel is leg shackled to a timid woman of no consequence. He is spitting mad that his father can dictate him what to do even from the grave. I can understand the anguish but it seemed boorish to me to take his frustrations on the woman near him. It’s not like she had a choice. But I was happy to see that once he cooled off he finally saw reason and saw the real beauty that his wife was.
I liked them together. They took time to get to know each other. And Daniel, who is usually a silver tongued rogue, turned into bumbling jealous idiot when facing Eva. Once they worked out their differences their love was sweet and passionate. But Eva’s father and his crony Huxley kept tormenting her. Now, I know Eva was sheltered, and to a young woman of barely 18 years old her own father might look intimidating. But for the love everything chocolate and sugary why, when a woman is blackmailed by her disreputable relatives who from life excesses probably look like grumpy trolls and have stamina of one, would Eva think that her virile, athletically fit and strong husband would be in such a danger! Why not come clean? That piece of drama I didn’t like. The rest of it was great!
Plus the book needed good editing since sometimes somehow Eva’s best friend’s name Ms Belmont magically transformed into Ms Belton! Yes, it kept getting in the way of the story as many other misprints. I really liked the side characters though, the humor that made me laugh out loud many times. So all in all I enjoyed this book! I recommend it!
Loved this story.
This is a casual read, not very unique. It’s a sweet tale with a very predictable story-line.
Read in one night
This author keeps her readers turning the page.
Loved it
Excellent characterization. During a time when women were given few choices it’s nice to read a book where an unfortunate beginning becomes a delight to all.
I enjoyed the characters and easy reading of this novel. Nice happy ending with a little kick butt included.
Good book
A good example how you can rise above an awful chilrhood if you are just given a chance. Oh that we all had a Prince Charming!
I enjoyed this book and recommend it highly. I look forward to reading other books by this author.
Surprising good read
Likeable characters, and a fun quick read, but the typos were pretty distracting.
Wonderful storyline and ending.
I couldn’t get enough of this book… loved it!
This was an okay relatively quick read. I didn’t think characters lead behavior was consistent through the book. In the heroine’s case, her fear and anxiety drove the abusive story line but then it would fade out at times. Comments and descriptions of the hero’s temper ( possibly violent like his father’s ) were also inconsistent. I’m glad they had their happy ending but I wasn’t left with a need to follow up with the next book in the series. More of a meh.
I liked this book a great deal and will probably look at it again as I do with books that I enjoy reading.
Great read.
Excellent from beginning to end
I enjoyed this one.