I absolutely loved this story. I began this story when I went to bed thinking I would just get it started and finish it the following day, well there was no putting it down once I began. It was so captivating and the characters just drew me in. It was quite a unique and creative story for regency times with an interesting twist near the end. I loved Charles, Eleanor and Lottie and there are other interesting supporting characters as well. I am hoping we will get their stories at some point. I don’t want to spoil the book for anyone so I won’t say more just that it is a story well worth reading. Madeline Martin certainly never leaves you disappointed and always leaves you wanting more. She is definitely one of my go to authors with her spellbinding tales of love and adventure. It is always an honour to have the opportunity to read and review one of her books.
Author
tracy
3 years ago
Because living the humiliation wasn’t enough, Lady Eleanor Murray reads the words in the Lady Observer that truly place her firmly on the shelf – Ice Queen. Seemingly thrown over by Hugh, Lord Ledsey, the only man who had ever seriously courted her, she thinks she is out of options. But to her surprise, her mother the Countess of Westix has another idea. She makes it clear that their funds will not allow for another season, she explains the financial mess her father left and that that her brother Evander left to seek fortune not adventure as many believe, but Evander has been gone for years with no word and there is a real possibility that he is dead and they will be dependent on his heir. That is unacceptable and the countess has come up with a plan. Eleanor will take lessons from a courtesan, lesson that will teach her how to “thaw” and attract a husband. She encourages Eleanor to take advantage of this opportunity, starting tonight!
Charles Pemberton, the new Duke of Somersville is finally back in London, but it is with a heavy heart he returns. While he was traveling and exploring, his father passed away and Charles was not able to return in time to say good bye, instead he returned to find his father’s final words to him in a letter, they were not words of love, or praise or even of regret of time lost, no, the final words are a reminder of a promise. Charles father was a member of the Adventure Club and found many treasures and artifacts, but one item always eluded him – the Coeur de Feu – a ruby with what appears to be a flame at its core – thus the name Heart of Fire. When Charles set out on his own adventures his father made him promise to find the ruby for him. But travel beckoned and his promise while not forgotten, didn’t seem urgent. But now Charles is faced with his failure and vows anew to find the Coeur de Feu. His father says the clues need to find it are encoded into the Adventure Club’s journals and he leaves Charles the “key” to decode. But after using the flat metal sheet with cutouts on every journal, he realizes his quest will not be as simple as he believed. Feeling down, his spirits are lifted when he receives a note from his dear childhood friend Charlotte “Lottie” Rossington, grew up together, her father was the vicar at the church near his country estate and he and Lottie became fast friends and grew as close as siblings. He has not seen her in years, so when she has demands he come to her home, he is happy to oblige.
But Lottie is not the sweet, innocent vicar’s daughter and little sister he remembers, not even close. He is dismayed to learn in his absence, she was ruined and left without options when her father died. She explains that she tried to earn an honest living, but soon accepted the “protection” of a gentleman and began her life as a courtesan. But she is excited that she may have found a way to leave that life behind, she has been offered a good sum to teach a young lady how to unbend a little, learn to flirt and be welcoming. She needs Charles help with the lessons. She also explains who the young lady is – Lady Eleanor Murray – daughter of the Earl of Westix – his father’s former friend and partner in the Adventure Club. His first instinct is to say no, but he realizes Eleanor might have access to journals that he needs AND he will be helping Lottie. He agrees, but he is not prepared for the impact Eleanor will have on him. And so it begins…
This was an absolutely amazing story that will keep you turning pages and wishing you could read faster, yet not wanting the story to end. Eleanor and Charles are wonderful leads, each feel they have something to prove and each feels like they have failed. While Charles initial motives are decidedly one sided, he soon sees the treasure Eleanor is and is thankful that she has been overlooked and will do whatever is needed to win her heart. With help from Lottie and Charles, Eleanor begins to come into her own, she begins to embrace the passion burning in her heart and begins to like the person she is. I loved watching these two dance around each other at first and then begin to fall in love and develop a relationship that has a deep bond in friendship as well as a healthy dose of lust. This book has something for everyone, steamy love scenes, secrets, lies, betrayal, surprising twists, even more surprising revelations, a laugh out loud wedding scene, treasure and a very satisfying epilogue. I highly recommend this story and can’t wait for the next installment!
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me.*
Author
sherry
3 years ago
Eleanor is so uptight; it really makes you feel sorry for her. Her stiffness makes her misunderstood and you can feel how much she wants to be accepted and loved. I understand how she is left out because she is so unapproachable.
Charles can’t think about anything except completing is father’s last request and even if he is handsome, hunky and sexy on the outside, I just want to shake him at times. I felt sorrier for him than I did for Eleanor at times.
I really enjoyed the book. It really did throw me at times because some of the scenes went in directions I would have never imagined. Madeline Martin has a wonderful way of telling a story that will keep you enraptured to the last page.
I received an advanced readers copy of the book but my review is my own opinion of the book.
Author
roslynstillman
3 years ago
A nice change from the medieval stories, Ms Martin has been writing lately although I enjoyed them too. We all need a change and this one fitted the bill nicely. It was filled with drama, adventure and romance. It was lovely to watch the ice queen melt and find love. As usual, the characters had depth and feeling. I loved the secondary characters who bring more life to the story. I received this as an ARC and was happy to do a review.
Author
nicole
3 years ago
When the man who was courting her quickly becomes engaged to someone else, Lady Eleanor Murray becomes the talk of the ton, and not in a good way. She was trained by a harsh and demanding father to never show emotion and now that stoicism has earned her to moniker “The Ice Queen.” With no suitors in sight and tight finances making it necessary for Eleanor to be wed by the end of the season, her mother, the Countess of Westix, sets up a shocking arrangement: Eleanor will take lesons with a courtesan to learn how to flirt and show genuine emotion.
Charles Pemberton, the newly minted Duke of Somersville, is frankly appalled to find that in the five years he was off exploring the world his childhood friend Lottie has become a courtesan. So when she asks him to help her tutor Lady Eleanor, he cannot refuse her. Even though she is the daughter of his father’s, and therefore his own, enemy, Lady Eleanor possesses journals Charles needs to find the prized ruby of his father’s obsession and perhaps finally do something his sire would’ve been proud of. That means befriending Eleanor and earning her trust.
Eleanor’s mother dislikes Charles because she likewise detested his father and Charles has adventuring to do an must find the stone and fulfill his promise to his late father before he can consider a wife. But as Eleanor and Charles spend more time together their bond becomes genuine, as does the spark of attraction that ignites between them and soon Charles finds Eleanor inexplicably outranking the journals in his thoughts and priorities, just as she’s set to be bombarded by other suitors.
I loved this book. I loved how Charles and Eleanor both developed and grew as individuals even as their friendship grew. This made for a nicely believable story and it was lovely to see them fall in love. I was glad to see Charles get his priorities straight and Eleanor come out of her shell. Madeline never disappoints and here she has created that elusive heroine who is incredibly strong without once becoming shrewish. Charles was lovely and even his faults were rather endearing. Add in some steamy goodness and a bit of suspense and this book was perfect for me. Now I just NEED a sequel.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Author
iread
3 years ago
How to Tempt a Duke by Madeline Martin is a magnificent work of romance that explores the depths of the human spirit. Martin pushes her characters to their limit. She layers them, and they spring off the page with vitality and vulnerability. Lady Eleanor Murray is not the typical Regency heroine. She is emotionally shut down and earns the name Ice Queen among the ton. I think Martin does an astounding job of peeling back Eleanor’s layers to the woman deep within. Her hero Charles Pemberton the Duke of Somersville is actually a bitter enemy to the Murray family. When he discovers that Eleanor owns journals that he must have to solve an age old mystery, Charles pursues her with the intent to use her. But what happens when his heart becomes involved? “No longer an Ice Queen?” The blazing memory of that kiss, her passion, scorched through him. “God, no. Rather the opposite.” He dragged his fingertips over a wet lock of her red hair. “You are fire, and your kiss is quite unforgettable.” This story is unforgettable. Bravo, Ms. Martin. I can’t wait to read more. I was given a copy of this book.
When her almost fiancé proposes to someone else, Lady Eleanor is suddenly the talk of the ton! With her family in financial dire straits, Eleanor must marry before the end of the Season. Secret lessons with Charles, the dashing, infuriating—and devastatingly charming—Duke of Somersville, should help Eleanor shake off her shameful Ice Queen moniker. But how can she tempt a prospective husband when it’s the duke who ignites her desire?
My review :
What will a man do when he meets the daughter of his father’s sworn enemy, when their parents had never settled their discord …
This is my second read by Mrs Madeline Martin, and she is quickly finding her place among my favorite authors. She is a master at plots and complex characters, while I had my assumptions, she surprised me with many twists and turns I never saw coming, and her heroes have so many layers, they are just perfect with their flaws and strength.
I won’t talk about the storyline as I would not spoil the many surprises and tricks Mrs Martin has up in her sleeve.
Yet, her characters, just awesomely painted with many colors to show their complicacy.
My heart was from the very beginning drawn to Eleanor, she is such an intricacy of fire and ice. Forbidden from showing any visible emotion, she was raised to look like a ice block, no feelings were allowed by her inflexible father. He robbed her of her right to feel and love to satisfy his own need of control.
So when striped from her cold demeanor, her shield , she felt bare, vulnerable, exposed to anyone.
So when her icy facade begins to crackle, it gives a glimpse of the passionate woman whom is lurking behind all this cold deportment.
So all the while revealing the true Eleanor behind her demure mask, with Charles, she awakens to passions and sensuality.
Charles is also in need of recognition, not from the Haute Monde like Eleanor but from his father. He seeks his approval, even beyond the grave. Why he will do anything to find the famous artifact his father failed to bring back from his many travels. And if it means making friend with the enemy’s daughter and exploit it for his gain, he will do it.
Charles is an ambivalent character as he is set on only one path, and until the very end, nothing might have altered his course even dirty secrets revealed or his deep attraction to Eleanor. His need to fulfill his father’s quest eats him, in it he thinks he will redeem himself in the eyes of the never satisfied man his father was.
It is Eleanor and her genuine attitude and straightforward outlook which will crack slowly his determination.
Mrs Madeline Martin offers with Eleanor and Charles’s story a thorough journey rich in rebounds with two fascinating characters afraid to love and loose.
5 stars
I was granted an advance copy by the author and prior to it I preordered my own.
Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
Good book. Eleanor is in a predicament. The man who courted her suddenly proposed to another woman, and the gossip papers gave her the name “Ice Queen”. Raised by her father to believe that showing emotion is a sign of weakness, Eleanor must find a way to overcome that training and find a husband. With the family at the end of their financial rope, Eleanor’s mother sends her to a courtesan for lessons in flirting and how to show warmth in her interactions.
Charles recently inherited the title. He struggled all his life to earn his father’s love and approval, even taking up his father’s search for antiquities. Charles returned to England after his father’s death, wracked with guilt over his failure to find the Couer de Feu, a legendary ruby. All he needs to do is find the right journal with the information. Unfortunately, some of those journals belong to the Murrays, the family of his father’s greatest enemy.
When Charles returned to London, he found that his childhood friend Lottie, a vicar’s daughter, had become a courtesan. When she begged for his help so that she could change her life, he couldn’t say no. Imagine his surprise when she asked him to assist her in training Eleanor, one of the Murray family members. If he helps her, perhaps he can get his hands on those journals.
I enjoyed seeing the development of the relationship between Eleanor and Charles. The attraction sparks between them from the beginning, but both try to resist. Eleanor must marry by the end of the Season to save her family. Charles believes that marriage is not for him, having seen what his father’s travels did to his parents’ marriage. Their attraction awakened the passion hidden beneath Eleanor’s icy shell, and Charles soon found it difficult to resist the woman revealed. I loved seeing the changes in Eleanor as she learned to love the passion she feels. She also realizes that her heart is in trouble, as that passion focuses on a man who refuses to marry. Charles is a harder nut to crack, as his fixation on finding the ruby overrules his growing feelings for Eleanor. It isn’t until he nearly loses her to another that he realizes that his priorities have changed, and a hilarious elopement scene follows.
When Eleanor finds out about Charles’s quest for the ruby and need for the journals, she makes an interesting bargain with him. I enjoyed seeing them work together to uncover the secret. An unexpected twist brings disturbing revelations about their fathers’ methods. Charles and Eleanor also learn that they aren’t the only ones looking for the ruby. An intense confrontation with an unexpected enemy puts both of them in danger. I was on the edge of my seat until it was all over. The ending was terrific. I loved the solution Eleanor provided for Charles’s dilemma, and the epilogue was fantastic.
Author
loridykes
3 years ago
Just when I think Madeline Martin cannot possible write a better story, she does. There are several layers to this wonderful story of trying to find oneself and shedding the burden of living up to someone else’s opinion.
Yes she wanted his opinion. “You are cold, as they say. Polite? Yes, but you have no Joie de vivre…your delivery is without feeling. You have no… passion. You will go through life in an endless routine of changing gowns and attending luncheons and soirees until they all blend together. Nothing will ever be enough to please you and one day, when death comes knocking at your door, you will realize you never really lived a day in your life.” paraphrased but given to Lady Eleanor by Charles when she asked how she appeared. The Ice Queen…
Eleanor had been spurned by her suitor for another woman. She thought he was going to ask her to marry him. What was wrong with her? Her father and mother had raised her to be proper, not a lot of emotion and really no warmth. With her father having passed on, her mother let her know they were not in the best of financial circumstances. Her mother had an idea to help her be more appealing and sent her to a courtesan, where she met Lord Charles. But all is not as it seems.
Author
margaretmurrayevans
3 years ago
The Heart of Fire
Lady Eleanor’s mother hires a courtesan to train her daughter in the art of flirtation. Lord Charles, Duke of Somerville, is asked to help. Lessons and flirtations aside, there are the journals that hold the secret of finding the Coeur de Feu. He has the key, but he needs the journals that belonged to Eleanor ‘s father. Somebody else wants them, too. A few twists and turns lead to surprises. Nice plot!
Author
wasssupuall
3 years ago
Madeline Martin has outdone herself with this novel that is well-written, filled it with a magnificent cast of characters, a strong plot and great dialogue bring this read together perfectly! How to Tempt a Duke is a sensational romance with so many emotions that swirl through you as you read Charles and Eleanor’s story. Eleanor is known as The Ice Queen needs to find a husband. Eleanor agrees to lessons to help her loose her emotional mask she wears. With the help of Lottie and Charles she will find a will to experience life to the fullest while trying to fight her feelings for Charles. Charles tries to hold on to his independence and fight his feelings for Eleanor! It’s a passionate tale of a mystery woven around journels to hopefully find the Coeur de Feu, turmoil, suspense, insecurities, trials and tribulations, and with intense emotions from despair and grief to love and ecstasy. Madeline Martin has created a story that grabs you the first few pages and then you can’t put the book down until the end.
Author
aprilrenn
3 years ago
How to Tempt a Duke by Madeline Martin is a delightful and wonderful Regency Romance.
Well written with superb, engaging and believable characters. The storyline flows seamlessly and effortlessly with all the right things for a great romance. Filled with sex, lies, secrets, betrayal, treasure, danger, and surprising twists and, turns, the reader can’t go wrong.
Follow, Lady Eleanor Murray, dubbed the “Ice Queen” and Charles, Duke of Somersville, the dashing, and charming gentleman Eleanor turns to for secret lessons, to shake her “Ice Queen” moniker. Steamy love scenes and so much more provides for a page turning story.
Absolutely loved HOW TO TEMPT A DUKE.
Rating: 5
Heat Rating: Steamy
Reviewer: AprilR
Author
julieannford
3 years ago
I have always loved Madeline Martin’s writing style but I have to say that How to Tempt a Duke has got to be the best yet. This is a story of intrigue, treasure hunting, and a distant enemies to lovers story. Lady Eleanor has been given the moniker “Ice Queen” after her stoic reaction to a failed expectation of engagement. She starts secretly taking lessons from a courtesan to soften her image. Charles, the Duke of Somersville, agrees to help his childhood friend give lessons to Eleanor in the hopes that the daughter of his father’s enemy will give him the journals to a lost treasure. The time they spend together changes their perception of each other and feelings grow. The story that follows is filled with adventure, discoveries, a multitude of emotions, and a truly engaging love story. I highly recommend this book.
Author
hildiemcqueen
3 years ago
A must read for every romance reader!
Author
tlbrann
3 years ago
How to Tempt a Duke is the author’s first book for Harlequin Historical. It was an amazing book and a great way to start off. The book was fast paced and had wonderful characters.
Society had labeled Lady Eleanor Murray as the Ice Queen when the gentleman that had been courting her proposed to another women. She had been raised with the understanding that showing emotions was a weakness, Murrays were strong, and they did not show fear. Her father belonged to the Adventure Club and when he passed, he had left them with no money. She needed to find a husband, but the rumors keep potential gentleman away. Her mother devised a plan to have her learn from a courtesan how to be more genuine and receptive.
The Duke of Somersville, Charles, was determined to find the Coeur de Feu, an artifact that his father had been looking for years to find as part of the Adventure Club. His childhood friend asked him to help her teach Eleanor the art of flirtation. Charles hopes by helping Eleanor he can gain access to her father’s notes about the artifact.
As Eleanor and Charles get closer to solving the mystery of the Coeur de Feu, they become aware that they are not the only ones looking for it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Author
aidaalorenzana
3 years ago
MY REVIEW 100%
AN EXPLORER AND A WALLFLOWER. A MAN NOT SEEKING MARRIAGE OR TO BE TO BE BOLTED TO ANY HOME. A MAN with A GOAL OF SEEKING HIS FORMER FATHER’S TREASURE AND A WOMAN LOOKING TO BE TAUGHT BY A COURTESAN TO BE ABLE TO MARRY WHO SHE CHOOSES AND SAVE HER HOME.
I LOVE HOW THE AUTHOR PUT THEM TOGETHER IN TWISTED SITUATIONS WHERE THEIR LOVE KEPT GROWING.
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS ROMANCE STORY, AND I AGREE WITH THE OTHER REVIEWS ON MADELINE MARTIN BEING THE MASTER OF PLOTS IN THIS BOOK .
GRAB THIS BOOK THIS FAST …. YOU WON’T BE DISAPPOINTING, IT IS VERY GOOD.
Author
lail
3 years ago
How To Tempt A Duke By Madeline Martin. 5 Stars!
My Perfect Date Companion!
This is a beautifully written historical romance with vivid and engaging characters, fun and exciting plot, surprising twist, mystery, secrets, treasure, and an awakening romance. I really enjoyed the interesting details of the journals, the secret code key, the mysterious archeology treasure club their fathers belonged to, and the details of the political, financial, and extraction red tape of the treasure/artifacts business. I recommend this book to everyone who loves a good historical mystery with a steamy 3-4 flame romance.
Happy Reading
Content: Adult, including some steamy explicit open bedroom scenes.
Author
sunnydl76
3 years ago
I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I have thoroughly enjoyed most books by this author. She keeps a story moving, the men rugged but not too obnoxious and the women strong. Although I did enjoy this book, I had a hard time getting sucked in this time. The characters at first seemed dull and the story took a minute to build up. However the once story started to change, there was a turn that I had not expected. I was not expecting the plot to turn into a ‘who done it’ and treasure hunt, which started picking the story up. I liked the idea of them going together to search for the ruby and believe that is that kept me reading. So…once the story began to pick up speed I did really enjoy the book. I am glad that I did not stop reading. And I do think there is potential in Lottie and Evander’s story 😉
Author
jyeakel70
3 years ago
Lady Eleanor, known as the Ice Queen needs to find a husband soon. So her mother hires Lottie, a known courtesan to help her daughter melt her icy disposition.
Charles, recently inherited the title of Duke, after his father passed away. Charles is in search of a Ruby stone.
He thinks Eleanor’s late father has the location hidden in a journal. He is desperate to get his hands on these journals.
Charles agrees to help his childhood friend Lottie, in Eleanor’s training.
What will Lady Eleanor do when she discovers Charles real intentions.
Author
janet
3 years ago
When her almost-fiancé Lord Ledsey proposes to someone else, Lady Eleanor Murray is suddenly the talk of the ton! With her family in financial dire straits because her brother is missing, Eleanor must marry before the end of the Season. So her mother arranges for the Ice Queen to have lessons from Lottie a courtesan to help shake off her moniker. When Eleanor arrives Lord Charles is there to help, unbeknown to Eleanor he’s the Duke of Somersville & her family’s enemy.
Both Eleanor’s father the Earl of Westix & Charles’ father loved to collect antiquities but had a huge falling out & became sworn enemies. Charles is searching for a ruby & thinks the answer to its location is some journals that the Westix family have.
I loved how Charles’ attraction & feelings for Eleanor grew. Eleanor was attracted to Charles from the word go but did make him fight to win her. I loved both Charles & Eleanor who were intelligent strong characters. The book is well written & captured my interest from the first page & held it until the last. The pace was very good, an enthralling romance with some intrigue & mystery thrown in. I thoroughly disliked Evander & found it hard to find a redeeming feature that said I’d love for him to have his story & see how he’s redeemed. Another captivating read that I was loath to put down
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
I absolutely loved this story. I began this story when I went to bed thinking I would just get it started and finish it the following day, well there was no putting it down once I began. It was so captivating and the characters just drew me in. It was quite a unique and creative story for regency times with an interesting twist near the end. I loved Charles, Eleanor and Lottie and there are other interesting supporting characters as well. I am hoping we will get their stories at some point. I don’t want to spoil the book for anyone so I won’t say more just that it is a story well worth reading. Madeline Martin certainly never leaves you disappointed and always leaves you wanting more. She is definitely one of my go to authors with her spellbinding tales of love and adventure. It is always an honour to have the opportunity to read and review one of her books.
Because living the humiliation wasn’t enough, Lady Eleanor Murray reads the words in the Lady Observer that truly place her firmly on the shelf – Ice Queen. Seemingly thrown over by Hugh, Lord Ledsey, the only man who had ever seriously courted her, she thinks she is out of options. But to her surprise, her mother the Countess of Westix has another idea. She makes it clear that their funds will not allow for another season, she explains the financial mess her father left and that that her brother Evander left to seek fortune not adventure as many believe, but Evander has been gone for years with no word and there is a real possibility that he is dead and they will be dependent on his heir. That is unacceptable and the countess has come up with a plan. Eleanor will take lessons from a courtesan, lesson that will teach her how to “thaw” and attract a husband. She encourages Eleanor to take advantage of this opportunity, starting tonight!
Charles Pemberton, the new Duke of Somersville is finally back in London, but it is with a heavy heart he returns. While he was traveling and exploring, his father passed away and Charles was not able to return in time to say good bye, instead he returned to find his father’s final words to him in a letter, they were not words of love, or praise or even of regret of time lost, no, the final words are a reminder of a promise. Charles father was a member of the Adventure Club and found many treasures and artifacts, but one item always eluded him – the Coeur de Feu – a ruby with what appears to be a flame at its core – thus the name Heart of Fire. When Charles set out on his own adventures his father made him promise to find the ruby for him. But travel beckoned and his promise while not forgotten, didn’t seem urgent. But now Charles is faced with his failure and vows anew to find the Coeur de Feu. His father says the clues need to find it are encoded into the Adventure Club’s journals and he leaves Charles the “key” to decode. But after using the flat metal sheet with cutouts on every journal, he realizes his quest will not be as simple as he believed. Feeling down, his spirits are lifted when he receives a note from his dear childhood friend Charlotte “Lottie” Rossington, grew up together, her father was the vicar at the church near his country estate and he and Lottie became fast friends and grew as close as siblings. He has not seen her in years, so when she has demands he come to her home, he is happy to oblige.
But Lottie is not the sweet, innocent vicar’s daughter and little sister he remembers, not even close. He is dismayed to learn in his absence, she was ruined and left without options when her father died. She explains that she tried to earn an honest living, but soon accepted the “protection” of a gentleman and began her life as a courtesan. But she is excited that she may have found a way to leave that life behind, she has been offered a good sum to teach a young lady how to unbend a little, learn to flirt and be welcoming. She needs Charles help with the lessons. She also explains who the young lady is – Lady Eleanor Murray – daughter of the Earl of Westix – his father’s former friend and partner in the Adventure Club. His first instinct is to say no, but he realizes Eleanor might have access to journals that he needs AND he will be helping Lottie. He agrees, but he is not prepared for the impact Eleanor will have on him. And so it begins…
This was an absolutely amazing story that will keep you turning pages and wishing you could read faster, yet not wanting the story to end. Eleanor and Charles are wonderful leads, each feel they have something to prove and each feels like they have failed. While Charles initial motives are decidedly one sided, he soon sees the treasure Eleanor is and is thankful that she has been overlooked and will do whatever is needed to win her heart. With help from Lottie and Charles, Eleanor begins to come into her own, she begins to embrace the passion burning in her heart and begins to like the person she is. I loved watching these two dance around each other at first and then begin to fall in love and develop a relationship that has a deep bond in friendship as well as a healthy dose of lust. This book has something for everyone, steamy love scenes, secrets, lies, betrayal, surprising twists, even more surprising revelations, a laugh out loud wedding scene, treasure and a very satisfying epilogue. I highly recommend this story and can’t wait for the next installment!
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me.*
Eleanor is so uptight; it really makes you feel sorry for her. Her stiffness makes her misunderstood and you can feel how much she wants to be accepted and loved. I understand how she is left out because she is so unapproachable.
Charles can’t think about anything except completing is father’s last request and even if he is handsome, hunky and sexy on the outside, I just want to shake him at times. I felt sorrier for him than I did for Eleanor at times.
I really enjoyed the book. It really did throw me at times because some of the scenes went in directions I would have never imagined. Madeline Martin has a wonderful way of telling a story that will keep you enraptured to the last page.
I received an advanced readers copy of the book but my review is my own opinion of the book.
A nice change from the medieval stories, Ms Martin has been writing lately although I enjoyed them too. We all need a change and this one fitted the bill nicely. It was filled with drama, adventure and romance. It was lovely to watch the ice queen melt and find love. As usual, the characters had depth and feeling. I loved the secondary characters who bring more life to the story. I received this as an ARC and was happy to do a review.
When the man who was courting her quickly becomes engaged to someone else, Lady Eleanor Murray becomes the talk of the ton, and not in a good way. She was trained by a harsh and demanding father to never show emotion and now that stoicism has earned her to moniker “The Ice Queen.” With no suitors in sight and tight finances making it necessary for Eleanor to be wed by the end of the season, her mother, the Countess of Westix, sets up a shocking arrangement: Eleanor will take lesons with a courtesan to learn how to flirt and show genuine emotion.
Charles Pemberton, the newly minted Duke of Somersville, is frankly appalled to find that in the five years he was off exploring the world his childhood friend Lottie has become a courtesan. So when she asks him to help her tutor Lady Eleanor, he cannot refuse her. Even though she is the daughter of his father’s, and therefore his own, enemy, Lady Eleanor possesses journals Charles needs to find the prized ruby of his father’s obsession and perhaps finally do something his sire would’ve been proud of. That means befriending Eleanor and earning her trust.
Eleanor’s mother dislikes Charles because she likewise detested his father and Charles has adventuring to do an must find the stone and fulfill his promise to his late father before he can consider a wife. But as Eleanor and Charles spend more time together their bond becomes genuine, as does the spark of attraction that ignites between them and soon Charles finds Eleanor inexplicably outranking the journals in his thoughts and priorities, just as she’s set to be bombarded by other suitors.
I loved this book. I loved how Charles and Eleanor both developed and grew as individuals even as their friendship grew. This made for a nicely believable story and it was lovely to see them fall in love. I was glad to see Charles get his priorities straight and Eleanor come out of her shell. Madeline never disappoints and here she has created that elusive heroine who is incredibly strong without once becoming shrewish. Charles was lovely and even his faults were rather endearing. Add in some steamy goodness and a bit of suspense and this book was perfect for me. Now I just NEED a sequel.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
How to Tempt a Duke by Madeline Martin is a magnificent work of romance that explores the depths of the human spirit. Martin pushes her characters to their limit. She layers them, and they spring off the page with vitality and vulnerability. Lady Eleanor Murray is not the typical Regency heroine. She is emotionally shut down and earns the name Ice Queen among the ton. I think Martin does an astounding job of peeling back Eleanor’s layers to the woman deep within. Her hero Charles Pemberton the Duke of Somersville is actually a bitter enemy to the Murray family. When he discovers that Eleanor owns journals that he must have to solve an age old mystery, Charles pursues her with the intent to use her. But what happens when his heart becomes involved? “No longer an Ice Queen?” The blazing memory of that kiss, her passion, scorched through him. “God, no. Rather the opposite.” He dragged his fingertips over a wet lock of her red hair. “You are fire, and your kiss is quite unforgettable.” This story is unforgettable. Bravo, Ms. Martin. I can’t wait to read more. I was given a copy of this book.
How to Tempt a Duke
Madeline Martín
https://www.facebook.com/MadelineMartinAuthor/
Release date ebook 12/01/2019
Publisher : Harlequin Historical / Mills&Boon Historical
Blurb :
A lady’s lessons…
…in temptation!
When her almost fiancé proposes to someone else, Lady Eleanor is suddenly the talk of the ton! With her family in financial dire straits, Eleanor must marry before the end of the Season. Secret lessons with Charles, the dashing, infuriating—and devastatingly charming—Duke of Somersville, should help Eleanor shake off her shameful Ice Queen moniker. But how can she tempt a prospective husband when it’s the duke who ignites her desire?
My review :
What will a man do when he meets the daughter of his father’s sworn enemy, when their parents had never settled their discord …
This is my second read by Mrs Madeline Martin, and she is quickly finding her place among my favorite authors. She is a master at plots and complex characters, while I had my assumptions, she surprised me with many twists and turns I never saw coming, and her heroes have so many layers, they are just perfect with their flaws and strength.
I won’t talk about the storyline as I would not spoil the many surprises and tricks Mrs Martin has up in her sleeve.
Yet, her characters, just awesomely painted with many colors to show their complicacy.
My heart was from the very beginning drawn to Eleanor, she is such an intricacy of fire and ice. Forbidden from showing any visible emotion, she was raised to look like a ice block, no feelings were allowed by her inflexible father. He robbed her of her right to feel and love to satisfy his own need of control.
So when striped from her cold demeanor, her shield , she felt bare, vulnerable, exposed to anyone.
So when her icy facade begins to crackle, it gives a glimpse of the passionate woman whom is lurking behind all this cold deportment.
So all the while revealing the true Eleanor behind her demure mask, with Charles, she awakens to passions and sensuality.
Charles is also in need of recognition, not from the Haute Monde like Eleanor but from his father. He seeks his approval, even beyond the grave. Why he will do anything to find the famous artifact his father failed to bring back from his many travels. And if it means making friend with the enemy’s daughter and exploit it for his gain, he will do it.
Charles is an ambivalent character as he is set on only one path, and until the very end, nothing might have altered his course even dirty secrets revealed or his deep attraction to Eleanor. His need to fulfill his father’s quest eats him, in it he thinks he will redeem himself in the eyes of the never satisfied man his father was.
It is Eleanor and her genuine attitude and straightforward outlook which will crack slowly his determination.
Mrs Madeline Martin offers with Eleanor and Charles’s story a thorough journey rich in rebounds with two fascinating characters afraid to love and loose.
5 stars
I was granted an advance copy by the author and prior to it I preordered my own.
Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272830/posts/501854623737047?d=n&sfns=mo
Good book. Eleanor is in a predicament. The man who courted her suddenly proposed to another woman, and the gossip papers gave her the name “Ice Queen”. Raised by her father to believe that showing emotion is a sign of weakness, Eleanor must find a way to overcome that training and find a husband. With the family at the end of their financial rope, Eleanor’s mother sends her to a courtesan for lessons in flirting and how to show warmth in her interactions.
Charles recently inherited the title. He struggled all his life to earn his father’s love and approval, even taking up his father’s search for antiquities. Charles returned to England after his father’s death, wracked with guilt over his failure to find the Couer de Feu, a legendary ruby. All he needs to do is find the right journal with the information. Unfortunately, some of those journals belong to the Murrays, the family of his father’s greatest enemy.
When Charles returned to London, he found that his childhood friend Lottie, a vicar’s daughter, had become a courtesan. When she begged for his help so that she could change her life, he couldn’t say no. Imagine his surprise when she asked him to assist her in training Eleanor, one of the Murray family members. If he helps her, perhaps he can get his hands on those journals.
I enjoyed seeing the development of the relationship between Eleanor and Charles. The attraction sparks between them from the beginning, but both try to resist. Eleanor must marry by the end of the Season to save her family. Charles believes that marriage is not for him, having seen what his father’s travels did to his parents’ marriage. Their attraction awakened the passion hidden beneath Eleanor’s icy shell, and Charles soon found it difficult to resist the woman revealed. I loved seeing the changes in Eleanor as she learned to love the passion she feels. She also realizes that her heart is in trouble, as that passion focuses on a man who refuses to marry. Charles is a harder nut to crack, as his fixation on finding the ruby overrules his growing feelings for Eleanor. It isn’t until he nearly loses her to another that he realizes that his priorities have changed, and a hilarious elopement scene follows.
When Eleanor finds out about Charles’s quest for the ruby and need for the journals, she makes an interesting bargain with him. I enjoyed seeing them work together to uncover the secret. An unexpected twist brings disturbing revelations about their fathers’ methods. Charles and Eleanor also learn that they aren’t the only ones looking for the ruby. An intense confrontation with an unexpected enemy puts both of them in danger. I was on the edge of my seat until it was all over. The ending was terrific. I loved the solution Eleanor provided for Charles’s dilemma, and the epilogue was fantastic.
Just when I think Madeline Martin cannot possible write a better story, she does. There are several layers to this wonderful story of trying to find oneself and shedding the burden of living up to someone else’s opinion.
Yes she wanted his opinion. “You are cold, as they say. Polite? Yes, but you have no Joie de vivre…your delivery is without feeling. You have no… passion. You will go through life in an endless routine of changing gowns and attending luncheons and soirees until they all blend together. Nothing will ever be enough to please you and one day, when death comes knocking at your door, you will realize you never really lived a day in your life.” paraphrased but given to Lady Eleanor by Charles when she asked how she appeared. The Ice Queen…
Eleanor had been spurned by her suitor for another woman. She thought he was going to ask her to marry him. What was wrong with her? Her father and mother had raised her to be proper, not a lot of emotion and really no warmth. With her father having passed on, her mother let her know they were not in the best of financial circumstances. Her mother had an idea to help her be more appealing and sent her to a courtesan, where she met Lord Charles. But all is not as it seems.
The Heart of Fire
Lady Eleanor’s mother hires a courtesan to train her daughter in the art of flirtation. Lord Charles, Duke of Somerville, is asked to help. Lessons and flirtations aside, there are the journals that hold the secret of finding the Coeur de Feu. He has the key, but he needs the journals that belonged to Eleanor ‘s father. Somebody else wants them, too. A few twists and turns lead to surprises. Nice plot!
Madeline Martin has outdone herself with this novel that is well-written, filled it with a magnificent cast of characters, a strong plot and great dialogue bring this read together perfectly! How to Tempt a Duke is a sensational romance with so many emotions that swirl through you as you read Charles and Eleanor’s story. Eleanor is known as The Ice Queen needs to find a husband. Eleanor agrees to lessons to help her loose her emotional mask she wears. With the help of Lottie and Charles she will find a will to experience life to the fullest while trying to fight her feelings for Charles. Charles tries to hold on to his independence and fight his feelings for Eleanor! It’s a passionate tale of a mystery woven around journels to hopefully find the Coeur de Feu, turmoil, suspense, insecurities, trials and tribulations, and with intense emotions from despair and grief to love and ecstasy. Madeline Martin has created a story that grabs you the first few pages and then you can’t put the book down until the end.
How to Tempt a Duke by Madeline Martin is a delightful and wonderful Regency Romance.
Well written with superb, engaging and believable characters. The storyline flows seamlessly and effortlessly with all the right things for a great romance. Filled with sex, lies, secrets, betrayal, treasure, danger, and surprising twists and, turns, the reader can’t go wrong.
Follow, Lady Eleanor Murray, dubbed the “Ice Queen” and Charles, Duke of Somersville, the dashing, and charming gentleman Eleanor turns to for secret lessons, to shake her “Ice Queen” moniker. Steamy love scenes and so much more provides for a page turning story.
Absolutely loved HOW TO TEMPT A DUKE.
Rating: 5
Heat Rating: Steamy
Reviewer: AprilR
I have always loved Madeline Martin’s writing style but I have to say that How to Tempt a Duke has got to be the best yet. This is a story of intrigue, treasure hunting, and a distant enemies to lovers story. Lady Eleanor has been given the moniker “Ice Queen” after her stoic reaction to a failed expectation of engagement. She starts secretly taking lessons from a courtesan to soften her image. Charles, the Duke of Somersville, agrees to help his childhood friend give lessons to Eleanor in the hopes that the daughter of his father’s enemy will give him the journals to a lost treasure. The time they spend together changes their perception of each other and feelings grow. The story that follows is filled with adventure, discoveries, a multitude of emotions, and a truly engaging love story. I highly recommend this book.
A must read for every romance reader!
How to Tempt a Duke is the author’s first book for Harlequin Historical. It was an amazing book and a great way to start off. The book was fast paced and had wonderful characters.
Society had labeled Lady Eleanor Murray as the Ice Queen when the gentleman that had been courting her proposed to another women. She had been raised with the understanding that showing emotions was a weakness, Murrays were strong, and they did not show fear. Her father belonged to the Adventure Club and when he passed, he had left them with no money. She needed to find a husband, but the rumors keep potential gentleman away. Her mother devised a plan to have her learn from a courtesan how to be more genuine and receptive.
The Duke of Somersville, Charles, was determined to find the Coeur de Feu, an artifact that his father had been looking for years to find as part of the Adventure Club. His childhood friend asked him to help her teach Eleanor the art of flirtation. Charles hopes by helping Eleanor he can gain access to her father’s notes about the artifact.
As Eleanor and Charles get closer to solving the mystery of the Coeur de Feu, they become aware that they are not the only ones looking for it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
MY REVIEW 100%
AN EXPLORER AND A WALLFLOWER. A MAN NOT SEEKING MARRIAGE OR TO BE TO BE BOLTED TO ANY HOME. A MAN with A GOAL OF SEEKING HIS FORMER FATHER’S TREASURE AND A WOMAN LOOKING TO BE TAUGHT BY A COURTESAN TO BE ABLE TO MARRY WHO SHE CHOOSES AND SAVE HER HOME.
I LOVE HOW THE AUTHOR PUT THEM TOGETHER IN TWISTED SITUATIONS WHERE THEIR LOVE KEPT GROWING.
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS ROMANCE STORY, AND I AGREE WITH THE OTHER REVIEWS ON MADELINE MARTIN BEING THE MASTER OF PLOTS IN THIS BOOK .
GRAB THIS BOOK THIS FAST …. YOU WON’T BE DISAPPOINTING, IT IS VERY GOOD.
How To Tempt A Duke By Madeline Martin. 5 Stars!
My Perfect Date Companion!
This is a beautifully written historical romance with vivid and engaging characters, fun and exciting plot, surprising twist, mystery, secrets, treasure, and an awakening romance. I really enjoyed the interesting details of the journals, the secret code key, the mysterious archeology treasure club their fathers belonged to, and the details of the political, financial, and extraction red tape of the treasure/artifacts business. I recommend this book to everyone who loves a good historical mystery with a steamy 3-4 flame romance.
Happy Reading
Content: Adult, including some steamy explicit open bedroom scenes.
I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I have thoroughly enjoyed most books by this author. She keeps a story moving, the men rugged but not too obnoxious and the women strong. Although I did enjoy this book, I had a hard time getting sucked in this time. The characters at first seemed dull and the story took a minute to build up. However the once story started to change, there was a turn that I had not expected. I was not expecting the plot to turn into a ‘who done it’ and treasure hunt, which started picking the story up. I liked the idea of them going together to search for the ruby and believe that is that kept me reading. So…once the story began to pick up speed I did really enjoy the book. I am glad that I did not stop reading. And I do think there is potential in Lottie and Evander’s story 😉
Lady Eleanor, known as the Ice Queen needs to find a husband soon. So her mother hires Lottie, a known courtesan to help her daughter melt her icy disposition.
Charles, recently inherited the title of Duke, after his father passed away. Charles is in search of a Ruby stone.
He thinks Eleanor’s late father has the location hidden in a journal. He is desperate to get his hands on these journals.
Charles agrees to help his childhood friend Lottie, in Eleanor’s training.
What will Lady Eleanor do when she discovers Charles real intentions.
When her almost-fiancé Lord Ledsey proposes to someone else, Lady Eleanor Murray is suddenly the talk of the ton! With her family in financial dire straits because her brother is missing, Eleanor must marry before the end of the Season. So her mother arranges for the Ice Queen to have lessons from Lottie a courtesan to help shake off her moniker. When Eleanor arrives Lord Charles is there to help, unbeknown to Eleanor he’s the Duke of Somersville & her family’s enemy.
Both Eleanor’s father the Earl of Westix & Charles’ father loved to collect antiquities but had a huge falling out & became sworn enemies. Charles is searching for a ruby & thinks the answer to its location is some journals that the Westix family have.
I loved how Charles’ attraction & feelings for Eleanor grew. Eleanor was attracted to Charles from the word go but did make him fight to win her. I loved both Charles & Eleanor who were intelligent strong characters. The book is well written & captured my interest from the first page & held it until the last. The pace was very good, an enthralling romance with some intrigue & mystery thrown in. I thoroughly disliked Evander & found it hard to find a redeeming feature that said I’d love for him to have his story & see how he’s redeemed. Another captivating read that I was loath to put down
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read