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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This was my first historical romance and I can say that it was good. I needed to get adjusted to how the story would flow but once I did I found myself intrigued. Alexandra and Piers are two people who deserved the best in life. And while their union was an arrangement at first, you couldn’t deny the chemistry and it was a matter of time before it would combust. Seeing how their relationship would progress and with the suspense thrown in I was fascinated to see how it would all play out. Piers and Alexandra were good together and I enjoyed seeing their feelings grow and how deep they got. I really liked Piers-he’s a good man. And Alexandra has so much strength. Overall a pleasant read. I’m also interested in reading more about Alexandra’s two friends and hopefully getting more from Piers and Alexandra. *Warning: there is a very tough scene right at the beginning of the book which can cause triggers*
A beginning that had me tensing and furious at a power hungry desolute that changed the lif of Lady Alexandra at seventeen years old. An unspeakable act against her and a self preservative act she took in return could not end well. But it seemed the secret would be kept until she began receiving blackmail notices. Got your attention? It certainly grabbed mine and I truly could not stop reading until I turned that last page.
But Fate seems to bring together two wounded people together in Kerrigan Byrne’s new masterpiece with her signature gift for bringing emotions alive and creating characters that pull at the heart. To say this story held everything a historical romance should, even though at times a little dark with the past events, it was truly amazing.
The group of three friends that called themselves The Red Rogues due to their red hair was formed while they were all at school together in Switzerland but they formed a bond that was unbreakable.
Alexandra, Cecelia and Francesca all had past secrets they told each other.
Piers, the Duke of Redmayne had his own secrets and was set on revenge but needed to have a wife. Known as the Terror of Torcliff, as he and Alexandra meet at a time that they both need something and can help each other.
A breathtaking romance with such deep emotions that held me in it’s grip. I highly receommend and cannot wait for the next book in this series. One of the best stories I have read so far this year!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from St. Martin’s Press via NetGalley and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
First just let me say that this book should come with a warning of rape that occurs in the Prologue. The scene is written in such a way that it isn’t too graphic in detail but I feel that it should come with a warning as it could trigger a response to some. Also it could offend others. That being said, I did enjoy the book.
I did appreciate the dual POV format. Being inside of the characters’ thoughts, especially Alexandra, really helped me to connect with her character. I felt deeply for what her history was and was really able to understand her better. Piers was a male protagonist that I felt for as well. Do to an incident that caused disfigurement, people turned away from him.
This story really had a lot of things going on. First who was the target of all of the mayhem? There were four characters to choose from. Second, who was behind all of the mayhem? There were many different suspects to choose from there. There were some scenes that I felt were a little too drawn out with a lot of back drop. Also there were times that I had to re-read sections as I got a little confused as to what the author was trying to say. Even though I had a few issues with the story-telling, the plot was fascinating and kept me glued to the e-reader.
If you like a good mystery with your romance and can tolerate the issue of violence against a female teenager in the form of rape and are over the age of 18, then you may want to consider this book. I look forward to reading more of this series.
So excited to start a new series from this author!!! This book has it all and its amazing! I really loved the friendship and closeness of the 3 best friends through think and thin. And continuing to be best friends so many years later. Alexandria is so strong. Stronger than even she knows. Piers is the type of man that makes you want to strangle him and love him at the same time. But, hes perfect for Alexandria! This story has the right amount of suspense, love, and even some history(with an archeological dig). I absolutely loved this book and cant wait for more!!!
Kerrigan Byrne does it again! I’ve read and re-read her Victorian Rebels series. Her prose is lyrical, beautiful, and evocative of Lisa Kleypas. Ms. Byrne doesn’t shy away from the dark and so, when the light shines on her characters, it is even more powerful. I love Alexandra and Piers’ story so much. Alexandra’s tragic past is handled well and her ultimate healing is worth the wait. If you love to be completely immersed into a book, to the point the real world fades away, read this story. Highly recommend!
This story is full of mystique and adventure. The heroine, Alexandra, is brave and feisty without going overboard, I envy her career path, and I may want to steal her husband (OK, I do!).
Piers is the kind of hero I’m partial to- broody, roguish, possibly broken, wild, …need I go on? He’s a poster boy for anti-heroes. Both are lonesome and guard their hearts with care.
Kerrigan Byrne layers romance with lots of witty banter. The result is a delightful journey.
How to Love a Duke in Ten Day is the first book by this author I have read, and a great start for a new series. I loved meeting the Red Rogues, I found them to be a colorful group of women, who brought their own individual characters to the story. I loved reading Alexander and Pier’s story, and look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Again, another Kerrigan Byrne has left me destroyed after reading it. I should have known better. The last book I read by her left me an emotional mess, and it took me days to get over it. But, at the same time, I am so glad that I read it.
I included a trigger warning at the beginning of the review (scroll up). How to Love a Duke in Ten Days starts with Alexandra’s rape by Headmaster Maurice de Marchand. The act itself wasn’t graphic, but the aftermath was.
I thought that Alexandra was a strong woman. She was also ahead of her time. In the era that How to Love a Duke in Ten Days takes place, independent women were few. Alexandra earned her doctorate in college, and she traveled the world, which was another rarity. It was refreshing to read. I liked how she refused to let the rape define who she was. She tried so hard to overcome her fear of men touching her. I was in tears during those scenes. I also loved how she was determined to protect her friends, no matter what. That included keeping them in the dark about the blackmailer and volunteering to marry Piers.
I wasn’t sure about Piers for 75% of the book. He didn’t trust Alexandra. He thought that she was going to sleep with everyone that she saw. Which made me roll my eyes. But at the same time, I understood why he felt that way. The explanation is in the book, so I won’t be going into it here. I also thought that he should have had a clue that something was off with Alexandra when she gave him those rules. But, once he found out what happened to her, he turned into a man worthy of her. His reaction was the reaction that every man who loves a woman who was sexually assaulted should be. My opinion of him changed after that.
The storyline involving the rape, Alexandra killing the Headmaster, and the blackmail was well written. I was as surprised as Alexandra when it was revealed who was blackmailing her. Talk about a twist!! I thought it was the same person Alexandra thought it was up until that point.
The storyline involving Piers and the attempts on his life was well written also. I did guess at who was behind the attempts on his life. But it was who carried it out that surprised me. I didn’t see that coming either.
I can’t rate the sex scenes in the book because Alexandra’s rape overshadowed them. I will say that Piers and Alexandra’s sexual attraction and chemistry was there.
The end of How to Love a Duke in Ten Days was explosive. I loved how the author tied the blackmail storyline and the attempts on Piers life together. The epilogue was my favorite part of this book. It showed how far Alexandra had come in two years!!
If you like reading stories that have your emotions all over the place, than this one is for you. I don’t read a lot of historical romance, but this blurb caught my eye. I’m glad I picked this one up!
Lady Alexandra Lane was a female character that I immediately liked. She’s so fierce and strong, I couldn’t help but admire her. Piers Gedrick Atherton was so brooding and tortured. I loved him so hard. These two together had some of the best (and HOTTEST) chemistry I’ve read in awhile.
The seerts, the suspense, and the grit of all of this. It was everything and then some. I will defiantly be checking out her back list of books.
These comments will be brief and to the point, folks. I personally cannot recommend a romantic read where the opening chapter is the heroine being raped as a child. I do not care what the intent was. I do not condone using that horrific type of graphic, abusive content to set-up/sell a storyline, especially in a romantic tale. My heart goes out to those who have experienced this type of unforgivable evil and found themselves without warning getting a front row seat to the intense fear, pain, and suffering of this young girl’s brutal attack. I felt blindsided myself. I simply do not have the words to adequately describe my shock, dismay, and utter disappointment.
Dedicating this book to the survivors of the “metoomovement” does not justify this, IMHO. I’m used to this author’s writing style and know she at times pushes the envelope. I’ve read several of her books and have enjoyed them. As an avid mafia romance reviewer, I’m used to very dark content. This simply personally and very definitely crossed a line with me and completely ruined my enjoyment of this book. No…Just no…Is all I really have to say about this one.
Title: How to Love a Duke in Ten Days, Series: Devil You Know (Book 1), Author: Kerrigan Byrne, Pages: 440, opening chapter is heroine being raped as a child, should have had a better disclaimer.
Book 1 – How to Love a Duke in Ten Days
Book 2 – All Scot and Bothered
Book 3 – The Importance of Being an Earl
(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review, nor is there any affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author/publisher/NetGalley.)
Kerrigan Byrne has done it again with her latest book, HOW TO LOVE A DUKE IN TEN DAYS, book #1 in her newest series, DEVIL YOU KNOW. Filled with emotions, suspense, mystery, tragedy, trust, and love.
What an awesome cast of characters, they will definitely pull at your heart strings. MAY NEED TISSUES, with this well written and well excuted story.
Follow, Lady Alexandra Lane and
Piers Gedrick Atherton, the Duke of Redmayn, better known as the Terror of Torcliff. Suspenseful, romantic with secrets and
Finding a HEA. Will wait patiently for Book 2. Amazing story! #NetGalley, #HowToLove a DukeinTenDays
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy, however, these are my honest opinions. I was in no way required nor compensated to write a review.
Rating: 5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewer: AprilR
This is an emotionally charged story that begins with trauma and ends with hope. Lady Alexandra Lane has become a noted archaeologist. She seems strong and independent, but she is paying a blackmailer to keep her dark past a secret. Piers Atherton, the Duke of Redmayne, bears the physical scars of an animal attack while on a hunting expedition and the emotional scars of betrayal. Their marriage could be the source of healing for the two of them or the means to the end of both of them. Fast paced and darkly exciting, this story is packed with action, intrigue, danger, secrets, and betrayal. Someone is trying to kill Alexandra? Piers? Both? How can they know who is friend and who is enemy? Who can they trust, friends, family, colleagues, when they don’t yet trust each other?
How to Love a Duke in Ten Days is the first story of three school friends, each with a dark secret, and all sworn to keep the confidences and protect each other. The main characters, Alexandra and Piers, are not especially easy to get to know at first, for the reader and each other. There is a lot standing in the way of understanding and love. They are joined by an extremely interesting cast of characters. This one is a hold-your-breath ride all the way through, but when you finally exhale, it is with a smile. I recommend this story; it’s a good one.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.
It has been quite a while since I’ve read a historical romance, and I couldn’t have picked a better story to dive back into the genre! This was my first Kerrigan Byrne book and tons of my friends and authors as well raved about her stories so when I saw this available on Netgalley I quickly snatched it up!
I really loved Alexandra and her best friends Cecilia and Francesca. The Red Rogues, their own little secret sisterhood they formed in school and still hold dear 10 years later. These three women were headstrong and forward thinking and not afraid to wade into the male dominated world.
Piers Atherton, the Terror of Torcliff, the Duke of Redmayne who is one hot alpha male who is just as gorgeous as he is scary looking with the scars that line his face. One look at Alexandra and he is enthralled, even though he is supposed to be marrying her best friend.
This story has all the makings of an amazing romance. There is the attraction and tension between Piers and Alexandra. There is the desire that neither one wants to admit, as propriety dictates they not speak of such things. I had almost forgotten how eloquent the writing is when reading a historical romance, but Kerrigan really amazed me with how well written this story is.
I didn’t want this story to end!! I am dying for more of this world, and reading the very last chapter has me so exited for the next book!! I can’t wait to dive into more of Kerrigan’s stories!
Many thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance review copy of this book in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
How to Love a Duke in Ten Days
Devil You Know book 1
by Kerrigan Byrne
Well only Kerrigan Byrne knows how to start a series with a bang! This was absolutely THE BOMB!!! Oh my GOSH! The first part of the book just floored me, poor Alexandra didn’t expect that, I didn’t expect it, I was so tense I felt her pain I cried for her, her innocence and her as an individual HER. The Red Rogues – Lady Alexandra Lane, Lady Cavendish and Cecilia Teague created their private girl club to read books away from their school master, they had no idea their pranks would have devastating consequences for one of them. Three women with secrets of their own create a lifelong friendship and one devastating experience that they carry for ten years. I loved the way these girls were resourceful and would do anything for each other, and Alex would do anything for them….even marry the man they call the Terror of Torcliff instead of her friend.
Piers Gedrick Atherton, the Duke of Redmayne better known as the Terror of Torcliff is a man bent on revenge but first he needs a bride. He’s a big burly man with a commanding personality that doesn’t tolerate fools, and with secrets of his own! ( oh my he’s my new book boyfriend!!!!) ) and Alex spoke to the part of him that was broken, he actually has a soft side to him that he kept hidden. At first things didn’t go well with the wedding night but slowly Piers put the pieces together and he felt her pain with everything in him! This is a breathtaking love story with a slow-burn sizzle to it. I looooved it! Kept me turning the pages to the very last page! Kerrigan Byrne really knows how to keep her readers glued to every word! Well done Kerrigan Byrne and can’t wait to read the next in the series!
I Received a Complementary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This is my honest unbiased opinion.
Engaging, unique, and captivating, I was sucked in from the beginning. Kerrigan Byrne tackles a difficult and timely subject with care and respect. Lady Alexandra is unique for her time as a blue stocking with an advanced education, career, and determination never to marry. Piers is unique for a peer as he prefers adventure and travel to enjoying his status. Circumstances bring Alexandra and Piers together, but they find a kindred spirit and someone who captivates them. Their chemistry is apparent from the start, but they have to navigate society, secrets, mystery, and their pasts. Kerrigan Byrne developed an intriguing and entertaining cast of characters in a story both heartbreaking and heartwarming. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Beauty and The Beast come to life. The Duke of Redmayne was an adventurer till he was injured. Now people only see the scars, not the man beneath. Lady Alexandra Lane is part of trio of red heads that have vowed to never marry. She has chosen the life of an archeologist and is known in her field. From the moment they meet, there is this feeling they were meant to be. Only her friend Lady Francesca was promised to him. I love how they chose each other. There is still the matter of who is trying to kill who.
I loved the ending!
Intense with compelling characters. Full review at maidamalby.com
This was my first Byrne Kerrigan’s book, and won’t be my last. This is the first book in he Devil You Know Series. OMG! I love this dark historical romance! All the characters are great. Alexandra is a beautiful and strong character. Her past is heartbreaking. I love Piers. He is handsome, bossy, alpha, but also loving, caring and protective. They are perfect together, and their chemistry is strong. Alexandra’s friends, Cecilia and Francesca, are beautiful. I love their friendship. The storyline is absolutely captivating, filled with mystery, and secrets. This book is also available in audiobook, and I would love to revisit it this way. I highly recommend this story. Now, I’m looking forward for the next book in the series, and for more books written by this author.
This book contains a richness of characterization, plot and immediate love story. Not only do we see Alexandra and Piers (a duke, naturally) fall in love, we learn her painful backstory, meet her friends (the Red Rogues and future heroines) and discover an over-arching murder mystery that we are dying to see resolved. This is masterful storytelling from Kerrigan Byrne as this first in a series lays out not just the story of this couple, but foreshadows future love stories as well as the broader story that gives the tale its depth.
All of it starts with wonderful leading characters. Lady Alexandra Lane is a heroine who has suffered — the opening of the book is shocking and will be difficult for some — and the Duke of Redmayne is swoon-worthy, but marked by physical and internal scars. They both have difficulties from the past that have to be worked through and that journey to trust and love is not easy. Yet their story is just one thread in this complicated story, and the resolution of the love story leaves much to be uncovered, which is why we can’t wait for the rest of the series. Great first installment. (I received a copy on NetGalley. Opinions mine.)
Just wow! This story had me feeling so much that I couldn’t take a break while reading it. In the usual great writing, we have a marriage of convenience that becomes more that that in just ten days. Why ten days you want to know? Well, you gonna have to read the book to understand because I won’t give any spoilers on this story. I loved everything about it, from the long time friendship and the secret that bounds them together, I had my heart broken in million pieces at the beginning of the book and it may give some triggers for some readers, but you have to read it all to understand everything. The duke is like the Beast that finds himself unable to fall in love with his wife and the mystery and suspense they get through while in their honeymoon will keep you up all night for sure. I can’t wait to read the next stories of this series. Don’t walk, run buying this book!