A Kirkus Reviews 2019 Best Romance Novel, the first in an exciting new series by USA Today bestseller Kerrigan Byrne!They are a dangerous duke, a fierce lord, and an infamous earl—dark, bold, brave men who know exactly what they want. And there is only one woman who can bring them to their knees… Famed and brilliant, Lady Alexandra Lane has always known how to look out for to herself. But … how to look out for to herself. But nobody would ever expect that she has darkness in her past—one that she pays a blackmailer to keep buried. Now, with her family nearing bankruptcy, Alexandra strikes upon a solution: Get married to one of the empire’s most wealthy eligible bachelors. Even if he does have the reputation of a devil.
LOVE TAKES NO PRISONERS
Piers Gedrick Atherton, the Duke of Redmayne, is seeking revenge and the first step is securing a bride. Winning a lady’s hand is not so easy, however, for a man known as the Terror of Torcliff. Then, Alexandra enters his life like a bolt of lightning. When she proposes marriage, Piers knows that, like him, trouble haunts her footsteps. But her gentleness, sharp wit, independent nature, and incredible beauty awakens every fierce desire within him. He will do whatever it takes to keep her safe in his arms.
“Romantic, lush, and suspenseful.”—New York Times bestselling author Suzanne Enoch
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The first book in the new series by Kerrigan Byrne is as the British say “Brilliant”. The characters are flawed and scarred both physically and emotionally, but none the less they continue to live life treating others with the kindness that had not been shown to them. The writing is superb, keeping the reader guessing to the very end. But it does end with a HEA and cliff hanger for the next book.
In a girls school in France, Lady Alexandra Lane, Francesca Cavendish and Cecelia Teague share more than just been redheads, but ideas, wants and desire, so formed a private club, the Red Rouges Society. However, their activities, including pilfering, came to the attention of the headmaster, who decided that the perfect punishment for her was- rape. To defend herself, she grabbed a razor from the headmaster’s desk and killed him. Her friends take care of her and the ground keeper buries the body. But someone else saw and instead of coming to her aid, starts to blackmail her. The three decide that they will never marry, so it is a surprise ten years later, when Francesca summons her friends to Castle Redmayne to be her bridesmaids. Alexandra is now Dr Lane, with a doctorate in archeology from the Sorbonne. She comes to warn her friends about the blackmail. At the train station, she comes upon a magnificent man, who it turns out to be Piers Gedrick Atherton, the Duke of Redmayne, Francesca’s fiancee. Their fathers had promised them to each other a long time ago, but once both father’s were dead, they had ignored the contract, until Pier’s fiancee betrays him and he requires a heir and Francesca’s quest to find who murdered her parents, leads her to the Castle. Before the engagement can even take place there is an assassination attempt- but who was the intended victim? Alexandra and Piers are clearly made for each other, and for the first time in her life Alexandra is attracted to a man, so offers herself as a stand in for Francesca. But intrigue and danger follow them and Alexandra’s fear to share her secret with Piers causes painful conflicts until he finally puzzles it out for himself. She seems to have forgotten from the romance novels that they read as girls, that secrets always come out and the hurt that they were kept, rather than what they are, is what puts the relationship and in this case the people in danger.
I received a free ARC from NetGalley.com. This is my unbiased and voluntary review. I highly recommend it and hope to read the next book in the series once it is released.
ARC received via Netgalley for an honest review
This is my first Kerrigan Byrne read – I know, I know, I have been living under a rock – and now I am kicking myself that I have not had her stories on my radar before now!
I am on a historical romance kick lately, and How To Love A Duke In Ten Days is definitely a great one to add to my collection.
I loved that our main characters are flawed, and even though they are marrying for completely altruistic reasons, and that it may well be a loveless marriage, that there will be affection of some sort between them.
All is not easy in their lives, and as the story progresses there is a whodunnit that left me guessing right up to the reveal the whos, the whys and the WTFs!
I love, love, love Alexandra’s friends Cecilia and Francesca – collectively known as the Red Rogues, and man, I can not wait to learn more of their stories.
I will definitely be going back through Ms Byrne’s back catalogue and finding some more great reads.
This is only the 2nd book by this author I’ve read and I am really enjoying them. How to Love a Duke in 10 days, book 1 in the new Devil You Know Series, was an emotional read that was difficult at times, but written so beautifully. Alexandra is such a strong woman to endure what she had and still make something of herself. She’s traveled the world and is a renowned archeologist, I admired her so much! I also was in awe of the friendship between her and Francesca and Cecelia. I loved how they would do anything for each other.
The hero in this story is Piers Gedrick Atherton, Duke of Redmayne also known as the Terror of Torcliff. He too was a tortured soul, his need of a wife was not for the greatest reason and he really did not care who it was, but once he met Alexandra he could not stop thinking about her. He was just so wonderful with Alexandra. Even with the fears she carried, the way Piers was so gentle with her and so patient, Alexandra was able to finally allow herself to feel desire. The only real issue I had was Piers reaction to Alexandra when they finally consummated their marriage, I felt it was really harsh, especially with what she had endured in the past. Granted Piers did not know and when he finally figured it out, the utter remorse he felt was enough for me to forgive him.
The suspense storyline was intriguing and definitely kept my interest. The drama brought out the protective instinct from Piers that I adored. The chemistry was intense. The secondary characters were fascinating and I am chomping at the bit to get to their stories. A wonderful read and I definitely recommend it.
NOBODY does historical like Kerrigan Byrne! I was sucked into the story from the very beginning and stayed there the whole time. I am not a fan of the mystery/intrigue but Byrne does it so well I don’t even notice. Alexandra was so amazingly strong and admirable. Actually, all 3 of the ladies are amazing. Piers was equally fantastic. I was so invested in this couple, I was mentally castigating Piers for not seeing the signs of what happened to Alexandra sooner. Once he go out of his head, his reaction was fierce and satisfying. SOOOO looking forward to Cecilia and Francesca’s books.
Closer to 3 1/2. I loved the premises for the story. The ending was perfect besides a few sticking points. My problem with the book was I felt it was almost 30% dialogue and 70% musing. There was entirely too much thinking being done and less talking/action taking place for me. The actual story was touching, romantic, and emotional..but I found myself skimming over 1-2 pages to get to the dialogue. Thank you for the advanced copy.
Wow!! This book had me on a roller coaster of emotions. It started with the Prologue – which gave me a pit in my stomach, a feeling of hate, wanting revenge and the love of friends. I love romance books, but this was more then a romance book. Piers was a very understanding, patient and had a protective instincts you have to admire. Alexandra was very strong women who went thru so much in her life. This book will keep you interested the whole time you are reading.
Kerrigan Byrne writes so well I felt like I was in the story feeling all the emotions of each character.
This is the first book I have read by Kerrigan Byrne, and now she will always be on my to be read list.
I can not wait for the next book.
I received a free copy from Netgalley for a honest review.
“If there is a battle to fight, a villain to face, I beg you to allow me the honor. Because the cruelest thing you could do, is sentence me to a world without you in it.”
Haunted by an unspeakable crime and bonded with secrets they vow to take to their graves, Lady Alexandra Lane and her two dearest friends make a pact to never allow a man power over them. Years pass, and Alexandra is shocked to receive a notice that she has been invited to a wedding…as well as a cry for help.
Piers Gedrick Atherton, Duke of Redmayne and known as the Terror of Torcliff, has been tasked with procuring a bride. So no one is more shocked than he when Lady Alexandra offers herself to him.
What starts off as a wedding for vengeance turns into an epic adventure filled with secrets from the past, blackmail, murder, and perhaps, dare we say, love? Can Alexandra find it in herself to trust a man again? Will Piers forget the wrongs of his own past to allow his tortured soul to love and be loved? Ten days can feel like an eternity…depending on one’s perspective.
I am beyond in love with this book!!!! Kerrigan Byrne has written an amazing story of how two broken people find a way to heal each other…even when some scars can’t be seen. How to Love a Duke in Ten Days is a beautifully written historical romance that was impossible to put down and left this reader with a book hangover for days! Did not want it to end! 5+ Stars!! Highly recommend!
*Received ARC via NetGalley for honest review*
Review courtesy of Romance Junkies
Piers Atherton, the Duke of Redmayne, needs to secure a bride to thwart his scheming cousin. His scarred face earns him the nickname, The Terror of Torcliff. At the train station close to his castle home, Piers runs across his betrothed’s friend. The secrets in Alexandra’s haunted gaze arouses his instinctual need to protect, so when she proposes marriage, Piers accedes. Strange incidents follow them on their honeymoon. Can Piers protect Alexandra from harm? Will he learn the full scope of his wife’s secrets?
Lady Alexandra Lane is the bluestocking daughter of an impoverished earl. She worries about how to pay her blackmailer so her shameful secrets remain hidden. When she travels to Devonshire to aid a friend, Alexandra encounters the woman’s unwanted betrothed. She believes Piers is the answer to her problems, and she offers to take her friend’s place at the altar. Accidents follow them, threatening their lives. Can Alexandra learn to trust Piers? Or will her secrets be a constant rift between them?
Piers is such a gruffy and scarred teddy bear. He too has demons to conquer and overcome. I like how Alexandra gives him a reason to exorcise them for good and open his heart to trust again. I adore how Piers recognizes a fellow kindred spirit in Alexandra. They both enjoy traveling and seeing the world. What I love the most about Piers is the patience he shows Alexandra. I think, on some fundamental level, he sensed the trauma she suffered. It just never registered until all the signs walloped him upside the head.
Alexandra is such an inspiration for women, especially those who have suffered from sexual assault. She has survived the worst ordeal a woman can face. I admire the inner strength Alexandra exudes when she faces her inner demons while taking steps to overcome for good. She knows the process will be painful and difficult, yet she endures for the promise of a family of her own. What I adore the most about Alexandra is her steadfast loyalty to her two friends. She perseveres her blackmailer’s demands to protect them. Alexandra also dropped everything to come to her friend’s aid, regardless of the trouble.
HOW TO LOVE A DUKE IN TEN DAYS is book one in Kerrigan Byrne’s brand new historical romance series, DEVIL YOU KNOW. I eagerly anticipated this book. It did not disappoint. I love how this story has the same dark edginess as the author’s VICTORIAN REBELS series, without it being too similar.
HOW TO LOVE A DUKE IN TEN DAYS is an emotive tale of two wounded souls overcoming their inner demons to forge a loving future. I had a rough time putting this book down and devoured half of it in one sitting. I cannot wait for Cecelia and Ramsay’s book.
Okay, I’m not sure if I’ve read anything by Kerrigan Byrne in my book library of “to be read” but this was one fantastic story that had my absolute attention from the beginning pages to its ending. This the first in this series of the Devil You Know.
How to Love a Duke in Ten Days started off a bit tragic and was not what I was expecting, however the author’s writing style capture my attention and a little heartbreaking for Lady Alexandria, the heroine of the story. It shows her vulnerability as well as her strength to overcome the affliction that torments her every day. Nonetheless, she survives her circumstances and becomes a woman who has to overcome the demons that tries to conquer her life. She’s not alone with living with secrets…her closest friends Cecilia (Cecil) and Francesca (Franc) have their share of demons too.
The Hero of the story, Piers, the Duke of Redmayne is a bossy internally handsome hero. Although he is not quite handsome on the outside…with scars marking his face, his inner beauty flourishes the brooding austere that has painted him the Terror of Torcliff. He was patience, thoughtful and understanding with Alexandria when she was not forthcoming with what had happened to her as a young girl. Both characters fell in love at first sight. Their love gradually deepened for one another as they uncovered little by little things in their past that would dictate the outcome of their future together.
There are times within the story that your heart goes out to Alexandra, who became a victim of rape by a despicable man who was head of the school and one who took advantage o the young girls under his charge. I loved the friendship and support that the Red Rogues had for one another, especially the love they shared in helping one another out no matter what the circumstance. Piers was the epitome of a gentleman in disguise who really cared about Alexandra’s feelings and he at every chance showed her that intimacy doesn’t have to hurt.
The author has a well-written, wonderful plot and enjoyable characters that make this novel well worth the read. It has its positive sides, as well as negative sides but they are there to make each character a bit stronger and have the ability to overcome the obstacles that are hindering from moving forward with their lives. I truly loved Piers and Alexandra through all the obstacles they had to confront. The story had its share of twists and suspense and I found myself second guessing who the villains were near the end. Oh what a touch of angst, secrets, lies, betrayals and mystery. Although the story touches on sexual abuse against young women, I never felt overwhelmed by that fact and thought the author did a good job with handling that part of the story.
If you’re looking to start a new series, this is one I highly recommend for your historical romance read. The H/h will draw you into their world. You will find your heart tugged and eyes teary from time to time. I loved this story and would love to take a stab at an audiobook version with one of my favorite narrators (i.e., Anne Flosnik, Rosalyn Landor, Braden Wright…just a few). Highly recommend this read.
I thank the author and St. Martins Press for allowing me to receive this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
How to Love a Duke in Ten Days is the first book of the Devil You Know series and a wonderful start of the series. This author is one of my favorites so I was so excited to read it. I loved all the characters, but this book was Piers and Alexandra’s story. Piers, the Duke of Redmayne, needed to get married and have an heir, so he decided to honor a childhood betrothal. Lady Alexandra arrived at his estate after receiving an invitation from one of her best friends, Francesca. The Red Rogues (Francesca, Cecelia and Alexandra) were close friends from school and had bonded over childhood secrets. Francesca was trying to avoid marriage to Piers. Alexandra is being blackmailed and decides to marry Piers in order to have his protection. There are several mysteries happening in the book with lots of unexpected twists. It kept the reader’s attention throughout the book. I can’t wait to read Francesca and Cecelia’s stories. I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Overall nicely done. The prologue is very dark and violent. The rest is not quite so dark (fortunately) however murder attempts are made; the question is who is supposed to be the victim. There are nasty relations, some great friends, and a lot of jealousy.
Call it a pet peeve, but I extremely dislike dialogues being interrupted by overly long thoughts or memories of the characters. In one rather heated scene, Piers thinks back to his parents marriage while arguing with Alexandra. While these memories provide some information which helps the reader understand Piers and his angry reaction, the length of the interruption is so long I was tempted to skim (I didn’t) but went back to re-read the earlier portion of the dialogue. This cost a star.
I received a free advance copy via netgalley and voluntarily post my review.
YESSS!!!! Great, start for first book in a new series! Oh gosh and that Prologue! Kerrigan sure knows how to write a tragic scene. I also loved how the title actually coincides with part of the plot in the story. This is a slight part Beauty and the Beast retelling and how Piers and Alexandra meet was so vivid and detailed, I’ll never forget it! This also was more of a slow burn romance but the story is still a page-turner. I can’t wait for the other ladies books! Kerrigan sort of left us a tease for Cecilia.
I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Impressed, awed, entangled, absorbed, love, all words to describe how I feel about this book. How to Love A Duke In Ten Days is a magnificent historical romance by Kerrigan Byrne. Ms. Byrne has provided readers with a book that will suck them into this story and keep them guessing. This story is well-written and a smooth read. Kudos to Ms. Byrne for the stellar cast of characters she has created, I loved them! Alexandra is raped but kills her attacker. With help from her friends and a servant, they bury him but now she’s being blackmailed. Piers is the Duke of Redmayne, scarred and fierce. Piers and Alexandra’s story is packed, cover to cover with drama, action, steamy sex, suspense and humor. A solid 6 star read for How To Love A Duke In Ten Days, I can’t wait to read more from Kerrigan Byrne. How To Love A Duke In Ten Days is book 1 of the Devil You Know Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
I read a print copy of this book that I won from Goodreads. All thoughts and opinions are my own.