Desire knows no reason…
When Lady Delilah Chambers finds herself stranded at a country inn on a rain-swept evening, she’s forced to fend off a group of ruffians with the help of a handsome gentleman. Irresistibly drawn to each other, Leela and the stranger spend one reckless night in each others’ arms—and then go their separate ways. But the very next day Leela receives the shock of her life when she meets the duke who is set on wedding her beloved stepdaughter.
When it finds two destined hearts…
One night isn’t enough with a woman as fierce, fiery, and brilliant as Leela. Elliot Townsend, Duke of Huntington, cannot believe his good fortune when their chance encounter leads to an unforgettable evening of passion. Yet Hunt’s luck runs out when he is introduced to his prospective mother-in-law. Dowagers aren’t supposed to look like this…
Leela and Hunt are determined to keep each other at arm’s length, which should be easy enough for two intelligent adults with reputations to uphold. The problem is all logic is lost when it comes to a passion that refuses to be ignored.
Her Night with the Duke
By dianaquincy
Just a wonderful read. The plot is somewhat familiar, a torrid one-night encounter at an inn, and the shocking revelation the next day that the heroine has slept with the likely fiancé of her stepdaughter. He behaved abominably, since he was on the way to propose marriage. She, on the other hand, was footloose and fancy free. Yet both act honorably from that point on, seeking to do the right thing despite their own happiness.
Leela — Delilah Chambers, the Dowager Countess of Devon — is a unique heroine, daughter of the Mad Marquis and an Arab mother, she is caught between worlds. She resolves society’s disdain by creating her own world, traveling, writing popular travel books and separating herself from her late husband’s family. Her stepson can’t stand her (because he is attracted to her) and she is only back at her old home to lend support to a beloved stepdaughter, Victoria.
It is Victoria to whom the Duke of Huntington is as good as pledged; he meets Leela at an inn, with both stuck because of bad weather. She has taken out a trusty night to stop ruffians and he comes to her aid. It is one of the best meet-cutes ever. She is strong, smart, sassy and very nearly invincible. Until she spends one night with Hunt, or Elliot Townsend as she first knew him. He and Lady Victoria continue on their way to their inevitable union, despite the sizzling attraction between duke and dowager. How that near-disaster of a marriage is avoided is just one twist in this rollicking book. You will not be able to put it down. (I reviewed an ARC from NetGalley. Opinions mine.)
Her Night with the Duke by Diana Quincy is the first in a new series titled: Clandestine Affairs. This is a wonderful historical romance that kept me entertained from beginning to end. I have to admit that this is my first book that I have read by this author, and she has most definitely made me a fan.
I loved Leela and Hunt. The chemistry was there, and their interactions before they found of who one another really was, and thereafter during their “predicament” was excellent. I loved Leela as a character best of all. She was smart, independent, no nonsense, stubborn, bold, likeable, and a good person over all. She experienced many obstacles and adversities growing up, so one can completely understand her hesitancies and hang-ups. However, I am glad that she was able to adjust those prejudices as the story went on. I enjoy dynamic, complex, and wonderfully written characters. It seems it is hard to find those types of characters and also like them at the same time. Ms. Quincy most certainly accomplished that goal for me. Fellow readers will love this story. It is so much more then what I was expecting.
I loved the plot, the obstacles placed in front of the characters, and the changes/growth that occurred during their journeys. I also enjoyed the ending and can’t wait to see another character from this excellent cast staring in the next installment.
I can’t wait to read more from this series, and from this author. I highly recommend.
5/5 stars
Thank you to NG and Avon/HarperCollins for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.