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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4.5 Stars
These men are dark, bold, and brave. 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 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.
Piers Gedrick Atherton, the Duke of Redmayne, is seeking revenge against a woman who jilted him 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 subdues a runaway horse. When she proposes marriage, Piers knows that, like him, trouble haunts her footsteps.
I was drawn into the book from the first page which described Alex’s horrifying experience, it then moved forward a decade to Piers & Alex meeting on a railway station, a stallion was spooked by a storm & Alex saved people from being trampled. There was an immediate spark of attraction which was a first for Alex & she mistakenly thinks Piers is the stable master for the Duke When Piers was described he’s scarred & at this point I thought oh no not another beauty & the beast story as this trope is my least favourite. However the more I read the more I was engrossed as this story was so much more than a scarred hero & beautiful heroine in fact the reverse was true. I loved Piers he was so gentle & understanding with Alex even when he doubted her reasons for marrying him. Alex was a strong woman who had tried to block out her past by excelling in her work. As well as a lovely romance there was the mystery as to who the blackmailer was & also who was trying to murder one of the ‘red manes’. I look forward to the rest of the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
This was an absolute stellar beginning to the Devil You Know historical romance series by Kerrigan Byrne. I’ve read all the books from her Victorian Rebels Series and enjoyed every single one. Within that series, I have a favorite, but this book just gave it some serious competition.
How to Love a Duke in Ten Days was an emotionally charged novel on so many levels. After the shocking and gut-wrenching prologue (definite triggers,) the numerous and varied emotions I felt continued to war with each other after every other chapter. One moment, I would be devastated and the next I couldn’t wipe the grin off my face. That grin was a direct result of the major swooning going on and some fabulous banter. A somewhat broken and occasionally insecure alpha-hero paired with an equally broken, but independent heroine created quite the combustible couple.
Aside from the prologue and epilogue, the story spanned 10 days. There are times when an insta-love romance works for me and most times when they don’t. For me this story was an example of when it works. Those ten days between Piers and Alexandra were full of interactions and events that managed to convince me of their accelerated feelings for each other. Also, I was completely enamored with this couple and suspending belief was not at all difficult.
While I have been continually impressed with this author’s writing, there were moments in this particular story that I was mesmerized with the descriptive writing. The visualizations she evoked were so fascinatingly real that I found myself re-reading passages in awe. For me, this book is some of Byrne’s finest writing and I’m already anxious for Cecelia and Francesca’s stories. They can’t arrive soon enough.
Stories you can sink your teeth into – Kerrigan Byrne’s books are so wonderfully written that every time you say “just one more chapter”. Is Piers the beast in this story or is Alexandra’s demons? The gentleness and patience of Piers is so exceedingly sexy. I am blown away every time I read one of Ms. Bryne’s stories. They are compassionate and insightful. I could gush over and over. But please give these stories a try – you will not regret it especially if you are like me and like angst.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
On August 27th Kerrigan Byrne brings us the first in a new series. We start the Devil You Know series with How To Love A Duke In 10 Days. Ms Byrne is out of the gate with a tough subject…rape. Actually, it’s more about the aftereffects of the rape. The first of our three boarding school friends is Lady Alexandra Lane. When the unthinkable happens her friends stand beside her, help her (that’s an understatement), and keep her (and their) secrets. A lifelong close friendship like this is rare and lovely. She meets the Duke of Redmayne in an original way. While departing a train, the Dukes horse is spooked & runs amuck. Alex bravely stops the horse but it knocked out, leaving the Duke to take her home with him. During an adventure piers Atherton was clawed by a big cat. He’s scarred, lucky to be alive, and not in a good mood. These two wounded souls help each other finally move forward. They’re good for each other. I’m not sure anyone else could have reached Alex, Piers being a kindred spirit of sorts. By the time their happily ever after came around I was relieved. I got invested in the characters and wanted them to have a good ending, or beginning. I’m now on pins and needles, I have to wait until Spring 2020 for the next installment. If All Scot And Bothered is who I think it is…I’m soooo there. Bring it on. Happy reading.
#Netgalley #KerriganByrne #HowToLoveADukeIn10Days #DevilYouKnow #StMartin’sPress #Romance
Just letting you know that you might need to brace yourself for the opening scenes in the opening chapter. But it also sets the scene for a secret the rest of the book. A secret that is mentioned that Alexandra was being blackmailed for.
The Red Rogues was made up of three redheaded young women at a posh girl’s academy. Alexandra, Cecelia and Francesca were intelligent young women who wanted to learn more than just deportment and all the “skills” that society wanted them to learn. They yearned to pursue subjects that boys were allowed but girls were not. They also began to teach themselves languages, to drink like gentlemen did among other things. The bond was strong and became even stronger after “The Incident”. They never called it that but I am using that phrase so I don’t give too much away. These girls were so different in personalities but so much the same when it came to loyalty. I enjoyed that a lot. After having read this book I now want to know each of their stories too!
I’ll admit about mid-way through the book I had a suspicion of who the blackmailer was. And I wanted to rush through to see if I was right. But I held myself back because the story was just too good to rush through. I’m sure glad that I waited, the blackmailer wasn’t who I thought it was and turned out to be a surprise.
Other twists, turns, and surprises are included in the story. And also a lot of emotions and mistrust which made this a really good story. So often Alexandra and Piers would make a good step forward and then doubts would come in and they would be back 3 steps and have to start all over. Piers was huge and fierce but that’s not all that he was. But he’d also been hurt emotionally and not just from his facial scarring. He’s used to being suspicious of people because of his title and wealth. Women especially had proved unfaithful beginning with his mother. So, you can see there is a strike against Alexandra before things even get started.
Am I satisfied with the ending though? You betcha!
“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”
This first book in the series is totally different from the historical romance books you are used to reading. The beginning may look the same, but get ready…
Three girl friends studying at the same school, L’Ecole de Chardonne.
One of them is called in the headmaster’s room because he discovered their secret.
They, eager for knowledge, used to meet in a cave to read, learn, and talk about subjects only allowed for men, such as Poe, Dumas, Latin, Algebra.
They called each other by male names: Alexandra was Alexander; Cecelia, Cecil, and Francesca, Frank.
The headmaster acts totally inappropriately for someone of his importance, and that makes Alexandra take emergency and definite actions.
The three friends now change from Red Rogues Society, a group that just wanted to learn, to a society with dangerous secrets.
On this basis, the three swear never to marry and always be ready to help each other.
Years later, Francesca writes to her two friends asking for help.
She should have to marry the terrible Duke of Redmayne, and she was sure he was to blame for her family massacre years ago.
Piers Atherton was so terrible that he was known as The Terror of Torcliff.
He would rather have to deal with his wild horses a thousand times than with other people, but there was an engagement contract signed in his childhood with Lady Francesca Cavendish, and he would honor it.
However, with the arrival of his fiancee’s friends, Piers finds himself between the fulfillment of a family agreement and the voice of his heart, which for the first time began to beat.
In addition to this there’s a great secret involving Francesca that endangers the life of the woman he loved.
—————-
The book is dedicated to all women who have suffered from being considered fragile sex and to the #metoo movement.
From this beginning, we already know that the secrets of the three friends are serious, especially when referring to women of that century.
The plot is well made, the characters are strong and with each new event the reader is thrilled about how everything will happen.
I can’t wait for the story of the other friends, women who don’t wait for their enchanted princes in silver armor but who can defend themselves.
More than 5 stars
Series: Devil You Know #1
Publication Date: 8/27/19
Number of Pages: 448
I LOVED this book, but I want to start my review by telling you that if you have triggers to which you are sensitive, you might want to skip at least the prologue because it is quite graphic. It is very well written, gripping, intense, and breathtaking, but it is also graphic and heart-wrenching. I’m mentioning the trigger because it is not mentioned in the blurb as I believe it should be.
You’ll love the characters in this book. They are so real, so sharply defined, you’ll feel as if you know them: Emotions are so well described that you don’t feel as if you are reading them – you feel as if you are experiencing them: It is wonderfully written with descriptions so crisp and clear that you will feel the fear, anger, heartache and love yourself. The book perfectly sets up the series and introduces the characters for future books while focusing intensely on the mystery and romance of the current stars. The heroine is exceptionally well done. She’s strong, intelligent, and resourceful without being selfish and self-centered.
The Red Rogues Society was formed by three very intelligent, strong-willed, and adventuresome young ladies who were attending the Ecole de Chardonne for girls. They chose Red because each of them had some shade of red hair. Being unhappy with the limitations of the education girls were given, they would hide away and read materials (like war reports and lascivious poetry) they weren’t supposed to read. They taught themselves Latin, algebra, and other subjects they were normally denied. They were sworn friends forever and would protect each other no matter what. These young ladies were Francesca Cavendish, Cecelia Teague, and Alexandra Lane.
Each of the young ladies of the Red Rogues Society has ample reason to distrust men and each has her own secrets to protect. They share those secrets with each other, but with no others. Alexandra has been paying a blackmailer to keep her secret for the last ten years. She has no idea how they learned her secret, but she has to pay to protect herself as well as all of those she holds dear. Her family has lost all of its wealth and she has no idea how she’ll manage to pay the blackmailer – until the opportunity presents itself just perfectly – IF she can manage to swallow down her fear and seize that opportunity.
Piers Gedrick Atherton, The Duke of Redmayne, the Terror of Torcliff, is a scarred and flawed man. He’ll never, ever trust another woman and love is something that is totally foreign to him. Others view him, and he views himself, as a monster – scared on the outside and the inside. As a duke, he finds himself in need of an heir because there is no way he wants his cousin, Patrick Atherton, to inherit. His parents set up a betrothal for him when he was a child and he now intends to implement that betrothal. It will be two people living their own separate lives except to create an heir. He has no desire for love, affection, or caring – he doesn’t even have to particularly like her. Then, he meets her friend and wishes things could change.
Excellently written and filled with drama, excitement, danger, and love, this book will provide you with several hours of highly emotional entertainment. It reaches out and pulls you in and absolutely will not release you until long after you’ve read the last page. Speaking of that last page – the Epilogue is absolutely wonderful and gives you a very small peek at the characters for the next book.
This is definitely a book I can highly recommend.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Three women in a very different time than my present. I don’t read a lot of historical romance although it was really what started me reading the genre. I really need to read more, I have thoroughly enjoyed this journey to the past.
About to graduate from boarding school, Lady Alexandra is summoned to the headmaster’s office. It’s late, not the usual time one would be called to be disciplined and while he has a valid point about the infraction, what he does about it unthinkable. What Lady Alexandra does is totally appropriate, sets the scene for this story and binds the three friends Francesca, Cecilia and Alexandra together in secrecy.
Ten years later, Alexandra travels to Maynemouth, Devonshire for the masquerade where Francesca’s engagement is to be announced. She and Cecilia will be there to support her regardless of the outcome. However Alexandra has a bigger problem, she has been blackmailed about the incident at school for years, but now her family is in dire financial straits and she can’t pay. All their futures are at risk because of her actions so many years ago.
In very unusual circumstances, Alexandra sort of meets Francesca’s soon to be fiancé. Although, he doesn’t introduce himself and some assumptions are made.
Francesca doesn’t want to marry anyone, her relationship with the Piers Atherton the Duke of Redmayne is prickly at best. It’s Alexandra who comes up with a reasonable way out for both of them. She would marry the Duke, solving her financial problems and protecting everyone she loves in the process.
Oh, the misunderstandings, the denials, the romance, the assassination attempts and so much more will have you turning the pages to solve the mystery.
I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
5/5 STARS
Well…
I just popped my Historical Romance cherry…
And with Kerrigan Byrne, no less!
Her series have been on my radar for a while now, I even asked to one of my favorite bloggers about her books, because, you know, I need my share of steamy moments… She totally recommended me this author, so I jumped at this opportunity.
And let me tell you, Kerrigan Byrne has a new huge fan!
It was beautiful to read, and hot as hell!!!
The plot was great, she dealt with a very sensitive subject brilliantly, and I was absolutely hooked, from the beginning to the end.
I love the Red Rogues trio; I think being a badass heroine in those times when women had very little to say is absolutely wonderful to read.
I loved Piers, the wonderful and loving man hidden behind a beast of a façade.
And I admire Alexandra and all the things she overcame and accomplished after such tragic event.
And their simmering chemistry….
I ENJOYED EVERY MINUTE OF THIS BOOK.
I have so many books to catch up…
And of course, I can’t wait for the rest of the Series
Grab this book, and if the summer is already hot, it will get even hotter!!!
A Must Read, definitely!
***ARC kindly provided by author via Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review***
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Oh my gosh! What a heartbreakingly beautiful story! There is no doubt this author poured her heart and soul into this book and I felt it in every word.
This begins with a very intense, dark moment in Alexandra Lane’s life. A moment that changes her forever. And while it leaves devastation in its wake, it is also the event that leads her to suggest marriage to the Terror of Torcliff, Piers Atherton the Duke of Redmayne.
Scarred, arrogant and a bit of a barbarian, rumors abound concerning Piers.
”Whatever lurked in his blood, whether the Viking warrior, the fabled were beast, or fearsome demon, it was undeniable that something sinister and sinful rippled beneath the ducal bearing. Something ferocious and ancient that might have earned him a pagan’s grave upon a day.
He did not belong in the age of gentility.”
Even as he embraces the privacy the title of monster gives him, in his heart he’s lonely. When an incident at the train station brings a young woman into his life, he fantasizes about what a simple life with her would look like. And then he sees her again. But she is not a simple villager’s wife, she is his fiancée’s best friend.
This was an absolutely amazing read! Once started I could not put it down! I immediately felt a connection to Alexandra, my heart torn to shreds at what happened to her, at how she was forced to deal with it, and how she carried the burden every day.
”Sometimes, though, I fear the weight of my sins will pull me into the abyss. I hope if God exists, if we are to stand judgment, that justice is more compassion than vengeance.”
I loved this heroine. Despite being broken, she was so strong. She had to be to continue on. But she doesn’t just flounder through life, she bulldozes it down by becoming one of among a few female archeologist in her time, and a highly sought after one at that. Watching her grow, as well as learning to overcome her fears and to embrace hope, was so perfectly beautiful. I’m all about the hero, but Alexandra and her quiet strength, innate sense of loyalty, and courage moved her into a top favorite heroine.
There is no denying that Piers is the type of hero I look for. He has his own issues to deal with but in spite of their problems he was always protective and possessive.
“If Alexandra were ripening with child, every man who’d dare to look upon her would know he’d put it there. Would understand she was taken. Claimed.”
I have never read a scene like the one where Piers learns the truth of Alexandra’s past. He was devastated and this author allowed him free reign to react as only the Terror of Torcliff could.
”A Redmayne’s revenge was slow. It would be wet. It would be messy. Methodical. And ultimately lethal.”
I raged and cried for both Alexandra and him. This scene is reason alone to read this book. As I said, heartbreakingly beautiful.
”Reaching, but not touching. Aching, but not speaking. Because language hadn’t yet invented words for this sort of pain, and therefore neither had it words for comfort.”
Together, Piers and Alexandra were imperfectly perfect! Their chemistry sizzles, their banter is engaging, and their emotions are constantly evolving into something more. I’m not sure I’ve ever read a hero and heroine who deserve a happy ever after more than this couple.
There are layers upon layers within the pages of this book and with each new layer I fell further into this world and these characters. This is a high angst read, filled with drama, danger and mystery. It is also interlaced with wit and fun as well as secondary characters that add a richness to the overall story. I cannot wait to get the next book in this series.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided by NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I’m so glad I read this book. Historical romance is not my usual trope but this story made me a fan. If you are a fan of Dukes and Ladies and scoundrels, read this book. If you are considering exploring a historical romance for the first time, read this book.
Well, for the second time this year, I have a two-part review, another five-star review that wasn’t. I had written the first part, certain that I would only be lavishing more praise, but then came *the misunderstanding*.
So, before *the misunderstanding*.
Ten years ago, Lady Fracesca Cavendish, Miss Cecelia Teague, and Lady Alexandra Lane – The Red Rogues Society – had formed an indestructible friendship during their stay at a posh Swiss school, and a catastrophic event had cimented that bond forever. They all have dark secrets, and they are united in their conviction that no one will ever do either of them any harm. They have been wronged by men in various ways, and they swore they would never marry. When Francesca writes Alexandra to accept the Duke of Redmayne’s invitation when he’ll announce his engagement to Francesca in a masquerade ball, Alexandra believes her friend is in grave danger. There is no way Francesca would marry willingly the Terror of Torcliff!
HOW TO LOVE A DUKE IN TEN DAYS has one of the most breathtaking epilogue and first chapter of a book I have read in years, regardless of the genre! Those few pages hold more drama and excitement than most thrillers. The three female characters are so sharply defined, you feel you know them already, and what highly appealing characters they are! And it only gets better from there, as Kerrigan Byrne weaves a very intricate plot around these three amazing women. How does one express one’s ecstasy at being properly shown that your heroine is brave and resourceful, that she is one to be admired! Ms. Byrne does it with assured style and considerable panache: we experience every emotion and gesture through vibrant descriptions, stunning imagery, and dynamic writing.
I had adored the author’s previous book The Duke with the Dragon Tattoo, and Ms. Byrne has honed her skills since then. The writing in HOW TO LOVE A DUKE IN TEN DAYS is phenomenal, the vocabulary exquisite, the flow impeccable, and the characters so extraordinarily crafted, they immediately became real to me. And the story! Absolutely riveting! I am not saying one word of the plot itself, I want you to be as surprised, horrified, delighted, and in love with this incredible book as I was, to experience every moment for yourself as I did. If the book description appeals to you, know that the blurb compared to the book is like comparing a meal of fast food in a paper bag to a dinner at the grandest restaurant you can think of where all your favorite entrées will be served, prepared exactly to your liking. HOW TO LOVE A DUKE IN TEN DAYS is the first book in what I predict will be one of the best series of all time. Yes, it is that exceptional!
After *the misunderstanding* (which happens around the halfway mark).
And unfortunately, after this wondrous magnificence which consumed me came the dreaded misunderstanding that I had not anticipated because the story was going so well. Alexandra could have told Piers a partial truth. I think the author lost a golden opportunity to write a four-hanky scene in the way she chose to deal with the secret Alexandra had withheld from Piers. What could have led to memorable and very emotional scenes turned out to be, as far as I’m concerned, very anticlimactic.
I was disappointed with how Alexandra acted with Piers. He’s justified in being angry, and he is not to blame. I feared much unpleasantness, but it was partially set aside for some seduction. The usual he hates her, he doesn’t trust her, but he wants her. Neither did she seem to mind how he had treated her. I wasn’t onboard, my interest dwindled, and I started reading distractedly. I found myself not caring much anymore because the lack of communication goes on and on; why not tell him it was ten years ago! It had the potential for an extremely moving story without that misunderstanding. Pity.
I found myself not caring about the romance, the mystery, I just wanted the book to end. The traumatising event was handled well. As for the happily-ever-after, I’m not convinced. I don’t believe Piers will ever entirely trust Alexandra, and with him being jealous… Apart from one, the villains were no big surprise, and there was a whole lot of melodrama. The epilogue reveals a tad too much, to my liking, and as delirious as I was to read Cecelia’s and Francesca’s stories, now I don’t feel the need to read Cecelia’s book. Some things are better left unsaid…
This has nothing to do with my rating, it’s only for entertainment purposes, you could say: my mother had her period the first three months while she was pregnant with me so I always find the certainty of not being pregnant when one has one’s period somewhat amusing.
I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book one in a new series by Kerrigan Byrne. Now, this starts with a pretty dark topic I won’t spoil it but it will definitely take your breath away. After that the book slows down a little bit and made it hard to enjoy. The story finally picked up again and I ended up enjoying it a great deal. The author does a good job of dealing with dark topics and what it takes to over come. Looking forward to more in this series.
THAT WAS AMAZING!!!!!!! Since the moment I finished reading The Highwayman, I knew that Kerrigan Bryne was the voice I needed in the historical romance book world. She always manages to combine pieces of those good, old fashioned bodice rippers with the sensitivity of modern issues. What am I going to do with my life now?? Can I just go ahead and have Cecilia and Francesca’s stories right now? I won’t tell anyone….
When you’ve been away from historical reading roots for so long, How to Love a Duke in Ten Days reminds me of why I need to go back and rectify that.
While I didn’t find this novel full of as much history as some others in the genre, the story was remarkable and the writing perfect for the time period. Reminiscent of Beauty and the Beast, the main characters, Piers and Alexandra, go beyond that popular tale with deep secrets of their own, one needing revenge and the other needing money for her bankrupt family.
The beginning has the biggest hook ever, which drew me in to Alexandra’s everlasting struggles and the delightful company she keeps.
This was my first Kerrigan Byrne novel and certainly will not be the last.
Four and a half
This author writes historical romance with bite that truly sweeps her readers away from humdrum everyday existence to a world that excites and invites the reader to explore more. In this the first of what appears to be a new trilogy we meet three plucky young women who face life on their own terms. This story introduces Alexandra who at the beginning of this book experiences a horrific ordeal at the hands of her headmaster. The scene didn’t feel gratuitous and actually wasn’t one the author lingered on but it does set up for the way Alexandra conducts herself in the years that follow the attack.
Alexandra has come a long way in nearly ten years and is a respected scholar and archaeologist . She doesn’t trust men but has found a way to deal with her reactions although she’s hesitant to let any male see her as a woman and relishes her blue stocking status. When one of her dearest friends announces she’s about to get married Alexandra is both perplexed and happy for her but it’s obvious it’s no love match and funnily enough perhaps the Duke would prefer to wed Alexandra ? Piers knows he’s not every woman’s dream husband but as he’s desperate to secure an heir the quaint proposition of Alexandra actually surprises and excites him but there’s something she neglected to tell him and it’s about to make their honeymoon both memorable and very dangerous !
I note that there are several reviews that are perhaps more negative than I usually associate with this authors work and would like to state that the author does preface this with a paragraph about the me too movement so going in I knew that there would be a situation that no woman wants to experience. Abuse is never an easy subject but this story is about healing, hope and ultimately survival. It also happens to be a very sexy romance as Alexandra takes control and frees herself from a past that has held her back for too long. For this reader personally I didn’t particularly enjoy the couples dialogue and interaction at times as it seemed perhaps a little too lovey dovey but I did enjoy the overall plot with its mystery and elements of danger. This is a romance so of course there’s a happy ending but oh the author is a tricky woman as something is revealed that means the next book cannot come quickly enough !
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
I know, I know I procrastinated.
I do love my read to cheer my mood so when I learn one deals with triggers I do hate, I am unbalanced and ambivalent about reading it or not.
Worse, when I was first denied the arc, I even thought to cancel my order of the book after reading about the nightmare the heroine went through.
Quite coward of me but I do not handle well stories with sexual assault in it.
Then this book became available, so I decided to download it and give it a chance.
After all, I loved The Bewildered Bride by Vanessa Riley and the heroine too was a survivor.
But with each day passing, I delayed my reading of it.
So yes, there is a warning trigger: rape.
The most difficult task was to begin it, but I so do loved The Duke with the Dragon Tattoo, I felt like I would let the author down if I did not read this one.
So I yesterday finally did it, and I cried for Alexandra, and her friends.
« “You’ll always be haunted by this night,” she whispered, tinged with agony no one her age should bear. “You’ll forever miss what was taken from you. But your body will heal, Alexander, and you’ll get stronger.” »
However once I opened the door of Alexandra and Piers tale, I was nearly unable to close it.
I read avidly, page after page, in hurry to find what will happen after, how they will overcome their own challenges and when will they trust enough the other to confide their buried secrets.
And how wrong I was to think it would be a dark tale, when it is a luminescent story about light and finding it again in the eyes of someone else. When after years of being entombed with her past nightmare, Alexandra, worst, thinks everything is lost, a shard of hope appears in the sight of an indomitable man, a beast who awakens sensations she has never felt, lost forever with her wounded self.
« She’d fashioned herself a moth in a field of butterflies, and the effect seemed to be working.”
While Piers senses there is more to Alexandra than she lets it show. Without really acknowledging it, he perceives her inner turmoil. Why he can’t shake his awareness that something is amiss even when he felt betrayed.
Despite every hurtful words he says, his actions are always considerate toward her, he respects her and would never willingly harm her.
« You deserve such a love. Such a man. He might be fearsome and more than a bit … untamed for a duke, but I feel that he’d find a way to snatch a star from the firmament if you requested it of him.” »
Why it was heartbreaking to watch being torn apart by their past guilt when they are only victims from others deeds.
So please, do not lay this wondrous tale aside because of the warning trigger, this was an extraordinary story of a healing which could never have occurred if not for the marvelous man who saw past the disabled spirit of a strong woman who survived her past pains.
« “You don’t know what it will cost me, Alexandra, to love you like this. It consumes me. It obsesses me. You’ve somehow, in less than a bloody fortnight, become more integral to my sustenance than the very air I breathe or the water I drink.” »
I was granted an advance copy by Edelweiss and the publisher St Martin’s Paperback. I also purchased my own copy and here is my true and unbiased opinion.
Delightful and Delicious.
Emotional, sexy, tender and romantic with a side helping of suspense, this book is a delight to read. I was impressed with how sensitively the trauma experienced by Alexandra as a young girl was handled and I believed in the characters and how they reacted to each other. The story hooked me in and I was lost to family and friends for hours whilst I read. Highly recommended. Can’t wait for me next in the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
First and foremost, I don’t synopsize any book I read. No spoilers here. Especially if that book is an ARC, which I have been lucky enough to receive from a giveaway contest. As is the case here with How to Love a Duke in Ten Day. I also have to say that I love everything that Kerrigan Byrne has written and I believe I own them all. That being said, I loved this book and intend to purchase the Kindle version when it’s released to join my electronic library. I loved everything about this tale, from the characters and the plot to the descriptions of the towns or landscape. The way she builds her hero and heroine makes me want to know them all the more. To befriend them or even be them. Their happiness and pain are mine too. Her villains are villains in the true sense of the word, not nice at all. Kerrigan Byrne has long been a favorite author of mine. I am sure she will continue to be as long as she writes and as long as I am privileged to be on this earth to enjoy her works. If you’re looking for an excellent tale, this is it in my opinion. So looking forward to reading the next installment in this series. Hate that I have to wait so long.
Having read all of Kerrigan’s Historical Romance novels I expect an excellent experience when I read her books. They are always powerful and enthralling stories of unforgettable characters who through their extraordinary courage and perseverance survive unspeakable tragedies and come out at the end with a love for a lifetime.
The graphic description of a sexual assault that the heroine endures at the beginning of the story shapes her life in ways even she can never imagine. In the past, historical romance novels had rapes and non-consensual sex, which were not unusual and were seen as typical of the genre. Now in our new enlightened era, you can dive into the psychosocial consequences to the characters and how it affects the course of the story. No one has done it as well as Kerrigan has in this book. Both characters have had experiences that make them vulnerable in ways that they cannot foresee.
Another reason to love this book is that it really does take place in Ten Days! Kerrigan’s writing pulls you into and doesn’t let go until you have finished the book and leaves you wanting the next book in the series. She delves deep into Alexander’s and Pier’s hearts and souls and you feel what they feel, it is an amazing experience that is not to be missed. There is a mystery, suspense, mind-numbing terror and a surprise that will leave you gasping!!
I cannot say enough about Kerrigan’s writing! She is a force to be reckoned with in this Genre. I love everything about her writing. She hangs her characters out there and lets them loose to discover what they are capable of, which is stunning because you get to take the ride with them. I have every book she has written in the Historical Romance Genre and they are keepers that I will have to read over and over again. This is a must-read!! Do not miss it!!!
Received a complimentary copy for an honest review.