Serena, an artist and widow, has no desire for another husband. When she meets Geoffrey Austen, attraction sizzles to a scorch. Stolen days and nights ignite forbidden passion. Geoffrey asks Serena to be his mistress, but she wants commitment, love, and marriage, not an affair with a notorious rake. Geoffrey realizes Serena might be the one woman who can care for his tortured soul, and maybe … release his demons. The magic they shared is shattered when he learns she has been forced into an engagement with another. He vows to save her even at the cost of his own life. Will Geoffreys gallantry prove he truly loves Serena? If he survives, will Serena surrender all to him?
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When Geoffrey and Serena meet, the attraction is immediate and strong. Serena has endured and survived an abusive marriage. She wants and needs to be loved and cherished. Geoffrey treats her with gentle care. While Geoffrey is in London, Henry Worthington, Serena’s brother and guardian, forces her to accept a betrothal to a man who is likely to be as cruel as her first husband (Henry arranged that one as well). Lied to by Henry and believing Serena has chosen to marry and played him false, Geoffrey returns to London hurt and angry. Serena is captive in her betrothed’s home. Serena knows what he has been told. How can she contact him to tell the truth and that she needs him? Will Geoffrey be willing and able to storm the castle and rescue her?
Once Upon a Duke is a story full of action, intrigue, and danger. There is a great cast of characters. Serena is talented, kind, and caring. Geoffrey is strong and protective, and maybe a little emotional. Emma and John are capable and supportive. Henry and his cohort are nasty pieces of work due a comeuppance. This story is a page-turner and holds your attention start to finish. A good story. I recommend it.
I received a preview of this book via NetGalley, then purchased a full copy. My review is voluntary.
This regency puts you right back in the early 1800s. The duke is transformed–from arrogant arse to yummy hero. Lots of heart-melting moments and peril, too. A great debut novel for this author!
I read this a long time ago. I am sure I liked it because I left it in my library for 6 months after reading.
This was a new author for me. It’s a very pleasant and entertaining historical romance read that is filled with emotion, great characters and a very strong and steamy romantic connection between the hero and heroine. Very enjoyable read. I’ll be checking out more from this author.
Sandra Masters weaves a story of two wounded souls who find their way to each other. Trust is sometimes a hard emotion to believe in when the past has shown it cannot be believed. Serena, a widow, is still controlled by her brother, who is her guardian. Having lived through a horrific marriage, she desperately needs love and care. But when Lord Geoffrey visits her brother, they meet at the lake where she is sketching. A sizzling spark seems to ignite in their attraction and the inevitable happens. It seems they are meant to be. Geoffrey has to travel to London, and while gone her brother forces Serena to accept the hand of a man who would be as cruel as her dead husband.
As Geoffrey returns, he thinks Serena had just led him on..
This fast paced story is full of all the elements that make a historical romance great. Intrigue, danger to Serena when she is held captive and all the emotions to make me turn the pages quickly. See if these two can come together and find their happy ever after.