After years of playing the rake to hide a dark family secret, the Duke of Aversley feels tainted beyond redemption and cynical beyond repair. Never does he imagine hope will come in the form of a quirky, quick-witted lady determined to win the heart of another gentleman.
Thanks to a painfully awkward past, Lady Amelia De Vere long ago relinquished the notion she was a flower that had yet to … yet to blossom. But when her family faces financial ruin and the man she has always loved is on the verge of marrying another, she’ll try anything to transform herself to capture her childhood love and save her family ― including agreeing to participate in a bet between her brother and the notorious, dangerously handsome Duke Of Aversley.
Bound by the bet, Amelia and Aversley discover unexpected understanding and passion beyond their wildest dreams, if only they can let go of their pride, put trust in each other and chance losing their hearts.
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No lurid sex scenes. Yea!
The transformation and subsequent healing of the Duke of Aversley is completely enchanting. I could not put this one down, but then that is typical for Julie Johnstone’s work! Our heroine Lady Amelia is a very believable and strong character. I loved her love and loyalty to her brother and mother, even though she had a terrible secret, Amelia …
The story of Amelia – the too tall girl who felt awkward, and Colin, the Duke who felt unloved was a fun tale. Amelia is quite sure she is in love with a man she has known forever because he stuck up for her. Colin stays away from any commitment with females. But then he notices Amelia, sister of his good friend who is in need of funds, and is …
I fell in love with the heroine
I was totally involved in this book from the first page. Wonderful read, could not put down.
Could not put this book down once I began reading it.
Liked reading this book.
Historic romances are easy to read and are sometimes funny
Enjoyable
Wonderful story. The writing was great and you couldn’t help but fall in love with the characters. Enjoyed the story enough to now read the rest of the series.
A romance about people changing or not?
Setting: The main part of the story starts in 1820 London, but the prologue starts in 1795 St. Ives, Cambridgeshire. Chapter One starts in 1812 St. Ives, Cambridgeshire. Note: Don’t skip the prologue and chapter one because you’ll miss important information. The hero and heroine meet in Norfolk and part of the story takes place in London.
Main …
Entertaining enough. Typical woman taming the rake story. With a happy ever after in the end.
A vow made in silence destroyed so much love and hope that one is left aching for those left in its wake. Colin, the Duke of Aversley, has worked hard at polishing his reputation as a rake, thinking that it would detract the gossips from looking too closely at his family affairs. However, the damage to his heart is almost beyond repair, until he …
I love Julie Johnstone books!
The heroine starts off a little annoying but she improves steadily as the plot unfolds. The hero is likable right from the start. The book has very strong secondary characters. I was very happy to see that the dastardly duke who appeared in the latter part of the book is going to be the main hero of the next book in this series. He’s definitely a …
Loved it!!! Love every word
Awesome read….
This was a cute story. I enjoyed the characters and the bits of drama, suspense, and of course romance.
loved it had to read the next one could not put it down.