~Winner of the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery & Suspense~~National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award Finalist~He’s a policeman on a hunt for justice. She’s a proud daughter of the London criminal underworld. Danger brings them together…and desire binds them in this steamy enemies to lovers romance. Shattered by betrayal, former scholar Harry Kent has made a new life for … scholar Harry Kent has made a new life for himself as a policeman. Sent on a dangerous covert mission, he must protect a clever and wicked beauty who specializes in disguises and mischief. She stands for everything he scorns–and seduces him with every look of her innocent eyes…
A princess of London’s criminal underworld, Tessa Todd wants to defend her family against cutthroat enemies. Her powerful grandfather, however, insists upon keeping her under lock and key. When she is assigned a stoic and damnably handsome new bodyguard, she resists his dominant ways–and a passionate war of wills begins…
Thrown together by crisis, Harry and Tessa will test the bounds of desire, loyalty, and trust. On the run from their foes and from their own hearts, they must find salvation in each other–before time runs out.
All of Grace’s books feature hot steamy romance, fun and feel-good happily ever afters, and exciting mystery and adventure. Her books are standalones which can also be enjoyed as part of her interconnected series.
Game of Dukes series:
Book 1: The Duke Identity (Harry &Tessa)
Book 2: Enter the Duke (Ransom & Maggie)
Book 3: Regarding the Duke (Garrity & Gabby)
Book 4: The Duke Redemption (Wickham & Beatrice)
Book 5: The Return of the Duke (Severin & Fancy, Preorder now!)
Lady Charlotte’s Society of Angels
Book 1: Olivia and the Masked Duke
Heart of Enquiry (Kent family saga) series:
Prequel Novella: The Widow Vanishes (Will & Annabel)
Book 1: The Duke Who Knew Too Much (Alaric & Emma)
Book 2: M is for Marquess (Gabriel & Thea)
Book 3: The Lady Who Came in from the Cold (Marcus & Penny)
Book 4: The Viscount Always Knocks Twice (Richard & Violet)
Book 5: Never Say Never to an Earl (Sinjin & Polly)
Book 6: The Gentleman Who Loved Me (Andrew & Primrose)
Mayhem in Mayfair series:
Book 1: Her Husband’s Harlot (Helena & Nicholas)
Book 2: Her Wanton Wager (Percy & Gavin)
Book 3: Her Protector’s Pleasure (Marianne & Ambrose)
Book 4: Her Prodigal Passion (Charity & Paul)
more
FINAL DECISION: Hot and sexy romance between a scientist turned policeman and the young woman who would rather rule in the underworld than marry a duke. Lots of secrets in this one, but I loved the chemistry between Tessa and Harry.
THE STORY: Harry Kent has been forced to leave his dreams of science and the Royal Academy behind when he was betrayed by a woman. Taking on the family business of being a policeman, Harry is tasked with helping to take down Black, the king of the underworld. When a chance encounter has him meeting, Tessa Todd, who is Black’s granddaughter, Harry takes on the job of her bodyguard in order to spy on the family. What Harry doesn’t expect, however, is the intense attraction between him and Tessa which once again threatens the life he has built for himself.
OPINION: This is an enjoyable tale. Harry and Tessa are adventurous and I liked their interactions and while the story depends a lot upon Harry keeping his identity from Tessa, the hotness between the two keeps any possible annoyance factor low.
Harry is a man trying to rebuild and reshape his life after all he worked for was destroyed. Harry loved and was betrayed and now has to find out what his purpose is. He also doesn’t want to make himself vulnerable to a woman again. He has honor even as he continues to lie to Tessa because he has conflicting loyalties. The book goes on his journey where he has to decide what is most important to him. I like that Harry is vulnerable and a little nerdy and on the razor’s edge for most of the story.
Tessa is a spunky and independent woman. Her grandfather wants her to marry into the ton, but Tessa wants nothing more than to stand by her grandfather’s side. Her unconventional upbringing makes her innocent but not ignorant. She can fit anywhere she wants to, but she feels at home with the whores and thieves of St. Giles. She doesn’t fit into any box of what a woman of the period should be. I liked that she is willing to do what she has to in order to make her own dreams a reality. The interesting mixture of her traits and interests intrigue Harry the scientist.
I really liked how the book mixes the heat that the two generate and the curiosity and sweetness of their intellectual relationship. The plot also was interesting as it combined both the people of the streets and also the ton. The mixture allows the hero and heroine to be their own people rather than having to fit in perfectly into expected roles and social classes. I also really ended up liking the ultimate resolution.
The only negative is that Harry keeps his secrets for far too long. That ends up being the primary obstacle between Tessa and Harry. After a while, I tired of him lying to Tessa and justifying it because it seemed to become clear that his reasons were not as strong as in the beginning.
Despite that, I really enjoyed this book and I look forward to the next one in the series.
WORTH MENTIONING: Two words: pet ferret.
CONNECTED BOOKS: THE DUKE IDENTITY is the first book in the Game of Dukes series. This book is, however, connected with the Heart of Enquiry series through the hero. It is not necessary to read that series, however, to enjoy this one.
STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book from the author in order to prepare a review. I was not required to write a review or to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.
An exciting adventure featuring a scholarly policeman Harry and Tessa, granddaughter of the Black, the king of the underworld. Harry is on assignment to take down Black and has a chance encounter with Tessa. Hired to protect her, he hopes to get close to her grandfather but sparks begin to fly between the two! Harry had really closed himself off after a terrible incident when he was a scientist and was forced to put his work aside. Tessa fits right in with the underworld and is able to blend in with the scourge of society. But she is really a very independent, full of life woman who wants to be let out from how tightly her family has held her. The interaction between Harry and Tessa is so intriguing and they have a long road to begin to trust each other. I loved seeing the characters develop with each other and the trust and love between them grow. This one kept me turning the pages and I really was disappointed when it ended. I cannot wait to see more of this series!!
The Duke Identity by Grace Callaway is a longer story but so MUCH happens!! There is literally never a dull moment in this book. It is well written and done in such a way that kept me, as a reader, completely interested and fully absorbed. There is tons of excitement and adventure and it moves at such a great pace. I found it to be unpredictable and full of surprises. I truly love a story set in London’s underworld, and to top it all off it has an enemies to lovers trope (which is my favourite). I adored Harry, he is everything I enjoy seeing in a hero and Tessa made me laugh so many times. I had such a vivid picture of them painted in my head. Truthfully all the characters are interesting and fun to read about. Grace Callaway is a new author to me and I am definitely looking forward to reading more of her books.
This steamy novel about the dark underworld of London kept me on the edge of my seat! It is a family loyalty story rife with action and secrets. I will be reading about the Dark Duke next. Enjoy!
Pretty Good Book. I’m not into the graphic sex scenes, other than that it wasn’t bad. I don’t think I’ll read another one just because of the graphic sex. Just a personal thing.
Spelling and grammar errors
Great read, I just prefer ‘clean’ books.
This is an entertaining read with a compelling plot, strong characters, and some steamy scenes. An action-packed start to the series. Recommended for fans of the genre.
An extremely clever plot that takes you on a ride to understand the criminal families of regency England. If you like suspense, dashing men and feisty ladies with twists and turns to the story this book is for you. I loved it
Needs editing. Repeating pages and pages out of order. Cannot read it
Poor Harry Kent, always the one that was the minor character in so many of this wonderful romantic novelist books. Well, he finally got his own novel, and his brother and sisters ended up VERY minor characters. Who could ask for more? Look for hilarity, steam, wonderful development of character and plots. Grace Callaway never ceases to amaze me — I love every novel I’ve read of hers, and and read them all more than once. (I must read too fast, because I manage to find something I missed when I read them again. But they are so bloody good!)
What an adventure! The leads had incendiary chemistry from the start and it built throughout. Adding in good guys and bad guys and merely selfish guys and plenty of duplicity and danger, as well as a ferret, should have taken it all over the top, but it was just perfect.
An enjoyable triumphant story. The main characters blend together eventually even though obstacles of emotions, occupations and strong wills rule them. The story has diabolical vengeful plots, absorbing gripping sizzling love scenes. All the characters are very depicted. Atmosphere is sometime tense and sensual. Somewhat surprising conclusion. A very inspiring read.
This is the first book in the Game Of Dukes series. This is Harry and Tessa’s story. There was so much hidden depth in Tessa. On the surface she seems the spoiled brat. However on second glance she is a loving, caring, fierce young woman. Harry presents as the “perfect man” even though he is harboring secrets. Harry is damaged from past betrayal but is uncommonly good at the core.
It was passionate and steamy, yet these scenes were well placed and paced. I was halfway through and I just couldn’t put it down. The plot was intricate and full of intrigue. Yet it moved at a fast, steady pace. It kept my attention throughout the whole novel.
The characters were relatable and lovable. You admired the strength in both Harry and Tessa even when they did things that made you want to smack them! The secondary characters were rich and stood out. There was passion, intrigue, betrayal, action, twists and turns, and a wonderful HEA.
The ending was so satisfying and was the perfect resolution. This was a wonderful novel and a great beginning to a series. I cannot wait to read the next one. This is one of those books you pick up to read and finally force yourself to stop at 4 am! I would recommend this book to anyone who loves steamy, historical romance.
The Duke Identity was a riveting sexy regency romance by Grace Callaway. Harry and Tessa were made for each other. Their chemistry was off the pages, full of passion. This story was steamy from start to finish.
I liked this story a lot
Boring.
So much time and emphasis on sex – so much flowery language – that it detracts from the rest of the story. Harry’s portrayed as noble and self-sacrificing but he’s judgmental and somewhat a prig. Tessa is a hothead and it’s all terribly involved. How does she become Duchess with how Harry feels? It’s all a bit much.
A Wonderful, Exciting, Mysterious & Steamy Novel.
Harry and Tessa’s story was Absolutely Wonderful.
Their Journey was not a typical Love story, but a Frantic & dangerous one. Harry a Police Officer who stumbled upon Tessa & hired on as a Bodyguard.
Her stratagems, tricks & ploys she put Harry through would have reduced any other Man to quit, but Harry stood his ground.
A truly enjoyable Story.
Great story. Fellow readers do yourself and favor and don’t miss this story.