Enjoy another witty, emotional historical romance book in New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Erica Ridley’s fan-favorite Dukes of War regency romance series!
Captain Xavier Grey’s body is back amongst the beau monde, but his mind cannot break free from the horrors of war. His friends try to help him find peace. He knows he doesn’t deserve it. Just like he doesn’t deserve the … doesn’t deserve the attentions of the sultry bluestocking intent on seducing him into bed…
Spinster Jane Downing wants off the shelf and into the arms of a hot-blooded man. Specifically, the dark and dangerous Captain Grey. She may not be destined to be his wife, but nothing will stop her from being his mistress. She could quote classical Greek by the age of four. How hard can it be to learn the language of love?
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This is the third novel in Erica Ridley’s Dukes of War series, and what I love most about them is that they are all interconnected. There is an almost fixed set of characters with main characters becoming supporting characters in a later novel and vice versa. It feels like visiting with family when suddenly another character from a previous book shows up like a distant relative to support our heroine and hero in their endeavors.
The captain’s bluestocking mistress Jane was such a wonderful character, believing herself utterly forgettable. Countless times she is introduced to the same people again and again, who all do not remember ever having met her before. Of course, the only one to remember her is Captain Xavier Grey, and our dear Jane promptly sets out to seduce him. Their encounter is utterly hilarious, but also oh so sweet. Loved them both.
The complete series is highly recommended!
I loved this book! Jane Downing is as captivating as she is unpredictable with her commentary regarding life and love. Captain Xavier Grey is a wounded hero in need of someone strong enough to rescue him from his own demons. Look out, Captain Grey – Jane Downing has set her sights on you!
It was a hard book to put down, I just wanted to keep reading
Loved it!
I loved this book so much, I grabbed the second in the series.
One of the best heroes in all the books i’ve read. I really liked the heroine tool. Wonderful ending.
Not just your typical romance novel. A few surprising twists, turns, and intrigue.
A fun read!
Always enjoy her humor.
An enjoyable easy to read romance. Perfect for a couple of hours or so of relaxation.
ending was too cheesey but otherwise it was good.
Was a great read.
This was a great read. Funny and interesting.
A unusual take on old English sexual double standards. Fun and witty take on female persuasion.
Loved the intelligent , strong willed heroine, who chased after what she wanted! The story and emotions are palpable and entertaining.
Four British friends go off to the continent to fight Napoleon, but only one comes home unscathed. Captain Xavier Grey returned suffering from PTSD. His friend Lord Carlisle (previous book), has been helping him to recover and invited him to join his new bride, mother-in-law and bride’s best friend, Miss Jane Downing, to the Theatre Royal in the Duke of Ravenwood’s box. Jane, had a crush on the Captain, but at the age of 24, believes herself to be not only a spinster, but plain undesirable Jane, who no one seems to see or remember. Hearing that the Captain is going to retire to his cottage, and then her brother telling her that he is going away for 2 weeks, she decides to offer herself as a mistress. What follows is an amusing battle of wits.
As always, the author spins a delightful tale, with well developed and engaging characters, amusing dialogue and unique situations. This is a wonderful series, but each book can be read as a stand alone.
Kind of a sad start, wasn’t sure if I wanted to continue…don’t like sad stories. I am glad I continued. It ended up being a cute and easy story to read. Loved the characters and the cat and his affects on the characters…that did make the story humorous. Sweet ending.
I really enjoyed the intelligent Jane Downing and her determination to fight for what she wanted. Of course, at first she thought she just wanted to experience the body of Captain Xavier Grey by seducing him. Once she got to his cottage in a snow storm and was stuck there for several days, to his dismay and her satisfaction, she realized she wanted so much more. Jane felt like she was totally forgettable, that no one noticed her, but Xavier found the intoxicating bluestocking hard to resist and knew that any man would treasure her. It took him a while to figure things out, since he felt that after the horrors of war he didn’t deserve to be happy, but once he did, he fought for what he wanted in a big way. I loved the conclusion and look forward to reading more in the series.
A great read with likeable characters, who find love and acceptance in each other.
The plots of Erica Ridley’s novels have some original slants, which sets them apart. I ordered the others in this series because I like the plots and characters. They are fun to consume in one sitting.