An impulsive kiss between a libertine duke and a mysterious governess sparks a blaze of desire—and intrigue—in this breathtaking Regency romance from the award-winning author of Spy Fall.NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY THE WASHINGTON POST Adam Fairfax, the Duke of Sunderford, happily enjoys a different woman (or two) every night—or he did, until his wards landed on his doorstep. Ever … until his wards landed on his doorstep. Ever since Sunny took in the seven-year-old twin girls and their prim and proper governess, Isabel Finch, his love life has been a shambles. But, as time goes by, Sunny catches himself getting lost in Isabel’s haughty blue eyes, or following the curves beneath her unbecoming dress. An unexpected kiss ignites a passion that shocks him into realizing how thin the line between love and hate can be.
If Isabel’s hidden past were revealed, she could lose everything. Oddly enough, only when “Sinful Sunny” is near does she feel safe—or safe enough to speak up in defense of the girls. The duke’s decadent lifestyle is a disgrace, and clearly he considers Isabel a nuisance. Still, she can’t help admiring his sculpted cheekbones, strong-cut jaw, and tousled chestnut hair. When their lips meet, it’s almost as if he could kiss the secrets right out of her. Worse, she’s tempted to let him. . . .
Praise for The Duke Who Ravished Me
“[Diana] Quincy has created well-rounded characters in this hotly seductive Regency romance.”—Library Journal
“The Duke Who Ravished Me was a page-turner. It was unexpected and refreshing to read. I was enthralled.”—OMGReads
“In a genre saturated with clichés and tired plotlines, The Duke Who Ravished Me stands out as a refreshing take on a rake reformed with a surprising twist.”—Rainy Thursdays
“Ms. Quincy excels at creating compelling characters and writing sparkling dialogue and witty banter.”—Romantic Historical Reviews
Look for all of Diana Quincy’s enchanting Rebellious Brides novels:
SPY FALL | A LICENSE TO WED | FROM LONDON WITH LOVE | THE DUKE WHO RAVISHED ME
This ebook includes an excerpt from another Loveswept title.
more
I LOVED IT. Saucy, sassy, governess who is not all she seems and the rake who can’t resist her. This book is so much fun and one of my favorite bad historical dukes of all time. Definitely my favorite Quincy book to date.
Satisfying historical romance of two damaged people, Adam and Isabel. Both forceful, proud and witty, brought together under less than ideal situations. Then there are the vivacious twin imps, Patience and Prudie, delightful! Stimulating, fun writing and read!
Voluntarily read ARC for honest review.
Such a delightfully different story! It is well written, the characters make you care for them and the story is different and interesting. It isn’t an exciting, full of action kind of story, but one that develops carefully over time. While this book is part of a series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone.
Adam Fairfax, the Duke of Sunderford, was raised in a cold and uncaring home. His father preached duty to country and title and honor above all – too bad he didn’t live that way. Adam was always a dutiful son until, at age eighteen, he witnessed something unbearable. Sinful Sunny was born shortly after that. Debauchery was his middle name. If you think you’ve read about some debauched characters in other books, you’ll find those were just child’s play compared to Sunny. He was determined he would never be anything like his father. He also had no feelings for any other human being on earth – he was incapable of love and softer feelings. So, imagine his absolute shock when, during one of his debauched parties in his playroom, his butler interrupts to say he has visitors. It turns out, he now has two young wards and a governess to contend with and he has no intention of keeping them around.
Isabel Finch, the governess to the two young Fairfax girls, loves them deeply. She’ll fight like a tigress to keep them safe and in a secure home – and Sinful Sunny’s home is neither safe nor secure. She dislikes him from the moment she meets him, but there is nothing she can do because she is the employee and he is the guardian. However, she doesn’t let that keep her quiet about his lifestyle and its possible exposure to his young wards.
It was fun to read the verbal battles between these two spirited people and to see them, over time, begin to care for each other. I was so glad that it didn’t happen immediately – but developed steadily. The lust was there, but the genuine caring took longer. It wasn’t surprising that she recognized it first because she had loved before. For him, it was a total shock. After all, he wasn’t capable of that emotion.
The twins, Patience and Prudence are delightful, joyful, inquisitive and loving. They are also insecure because as Prudence says – “no one ever keeps us”.
While this book isn’t filled with excitement or angst, I certainly didn’t miss them. I enjoyed the story and I hope you will as well.
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages…
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview
“I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher.”
The Duke Who Ravished Me is my first book by Diana Quincy so I didn’t know what to expect. What a fantastic surprise. Ms. Quincy has delivered a book that is well-written and packed with outstanding, lovable characters. Adam is a rake and is shocked when his uncle sends two young girls to be his wards. Isabel is the governess of the two girls and is willing to fight for them. Isobel and Adam’s story is filled with drama, humor (Kudos to Ms. Quincy for the perfect blend of humor in this story.), a little angst and of course, sexy bits. This book hooked me at page 1 and held me captive until the end. I look forward to reading more from Diana Quincy in the future. The Duke Who Ravished Me is book 4 of the Rebellious Brides Series but can easily be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received a copy of the book for a honest review from NetGalley. Let me start by saying I did not care for Isabel as a character she was rude and annoying to start. Sunny was I guess you could say a typical man. The story in the beginning was slow and I actually almost stopped reading. The ending was the books redeeming factor I loved the little twist that was added at the end. It of course has a HEA.
Ok, maybe I was a bit naive when I started this book; but, it shocked me that within the first few pages you are introduced to Sunny; the Duke of Sunderford, in quite an evocative and descriptive sexual event. Now, I am by no means a prude and understand that the author is trying to show us the depravity and licentiousness of this main character; but, I don’t see the need for the “unvarnished truth” and bluntness. I feel that these characteristics of Sunny could have been alluded too, and still been a good story. Now, with that being said, I did enjoy the story of Isabel and Sunny (Adam). Their relationship is quite the roller coaster ride. The story is well written, has character development with some twists and turns that fully develop the story and relationship.
It was my first read by this author and I was not very sure of what to expect in this redemption story of a débauché.
But Diana Quincy surprised me. Yes the Duke will face a complete flip-flop of his previous life as a profligate to a happy parent of twins girls but I didn’t see coming the end of the book.
I liked Isabel, she is one strong woman, she is full of wits and so in love with her two charges. She faces Adam fully grounded, it is just her precarious situation as an employee that forbids her to really tell him what she thinks of his way of life. She is well aware of her talents and limitations, able to play with them to Adam’s expense when he thought to embarrass her by inviting her to his annual ball.
I needed more time to warm up for Adam/Sunny, I do comprehend why he acted like he did and became a total rake, then when for the first time surrounded by funny and cheering little girls plus their surprising governess, he discovers that family is not always synonymous of hurt or pain, he had a change of heart.
Still I’m furious about his reaction by the end of the book when he thought Isabel guilty. I would have loved to see him grovel before winning back Isabel. She was in love but he must have crawled to get her forgiveness.
In all, I loved this story of a second chance in life and love.
good story Children were an added bonus. Glad I purchased this one.
First book by this author I’ve read (I’ve since gone on to read many others by her). *Loved* this story.
Loved it! Phenomenal author! The story flowed beautifully and there was quite a little surprise (a pleasant one) at the end. Characters were wonderful and very realistic. I felt the emotions of each and thought I was watching this story on the big screen instead of reading it. Bravo!
This is an entertaining tale of a duke, Adam, aka “Sunny”, who lives a life of debauchery , including cheap women, frequent gambling, and plenty of booze. He is surprised to be told he is now the guardian of two precocious seven year old girls who show up on his doorstep late one night with their rather stern governess, Isabel Finch. Sunny is less than happy to accommodate the situation because he’s not thrilled about changing his lifestyle. After all, his “playroom” , where he throws frequent orgies, is not set up for children. He is even less impressed with “Finch”. But, he does learn that it’s amusing to bait her. As the two learn to put up with each other, they also begin to respect the other, and notice a compelling attraction that neither can ignore.
There is a conflict caused by a misunderstanding that affects each of them and the conclusion of the story brings a hea for all.
The story has some definite heat, along with endearing characters and witty repartee. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and would highly recommend it.
I read this as an arc on netgalley which affected my review in no way at all.
Damn, what a fun book! When you start reading the story and the “Hero” is an unlikable, dissolute, dissipated duke who is in the midst of an orgy, you really don’t know what you’re getting into. When the “heroine”, who is a humorless, judgemental and harpy of a governess with two precocious wards appears, you think this book can’t possibly be entertaining. You would be wrong.
One thing I really liked about this book is that there wasn’t insta-love. There wasn’t even insta-like! It took time to build believable relationships. Also, Sunny showed signs of his disgraceful lifestyle. Usually our heroes are physically perfect, no matter how debauched. Not here. One of his wards even pointed out he was getting a paunch.
The more these characters spent together, the more their lives changed for the better. Sunny and Isabel got close…VERY close. (And it was hot!). When poop hit the fan and everything seemed to be falling apart, I was heartbroken. There was a big reveal I did NOT see coming! That usually doesn’t happen. This truly ended up being a sweet, hot and very endearing story.
This book was kindly provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Duke Who Ravished Me by Diana Quincy is book Four in the Rebellious Brides Series. This is the story of Adam Fairfax, the Duke of Sunderford aka Sinful Sunny and Isabel Finch.
I have read the previous books (and loved them!) but feel this is easily a standalone book.
Adam made a life changing decision when he was around 18 years which turned him into the Sinful Sunny that he is today. Making the decision to never care about anyone and not form attachments due to his abusive upbringing. During one of his adult entertainment parties his butler interrupts him to inform him his has visitor who turn out to be Isabel and with her two little girls Patience and Prudence. Adam learns that he is their new guardian…trying to stick with not wanting to form attachments he tries to be a touch guy but it doesn’t take to long before the three have him growing feelings. Sparks fly between Adam and Isabel along with strong words…they were fun to read.
Really enjoyed their story!!
I have to admit when I started this book, I almost deleted it. Adam was such a debauched person, I wasn’t sure he could be brought back. I think he fell in love with the twins first, before he fell in love with Isabel. I’m glad I stuck with it! He changed himself and did what I would call growing up! Isabel had such a history, I had ideas about her as I read, but the twist at the end wasn’t one I expected! I loved how he calls the girls “brats” affectionately! Thank you for the ARC from Netgalley!
Isabel Finch is a governess with a secret and the determination to care for two twin girls in her care, even if that means having to live with a libertine Duke. The Duke of Sunderford, Adam Fairfax, or Sinful Sunny as he is known by the gossip columnists, does not know what hits him when the girls and the governess move in to his town house. This is a witty, funny book, with the characters working toward a believable romance, while Diana Quincy makes us laugh along the way. The scene where the twins want to see the Duke’s “playhouse” is laugh out loud funny. Isabel is a woman who doesn’t lie to herself, whether about her feelings for the duke, the girls or her past — but that doesn’t mean she isn’t keeping plenty of secrets. The duke, meanwhile, is keeping a big secret from himself. He is tired of being a libertine and is ready for the love of a good woman. But will he figure this out in time? That’s what keeps the reader guessing until the end. A really enjoyable romp, with plenty of romance, a slight touch of steaminess and the kind of character development that makes falling in love believable. There is no better husband than a truly reformed rake, but oh, the journey to happiness is a delight. (I received an ARC from NetGalley in return for this honest review. Opinions are mine.)
If the title does not capture your interest, reading this marvelous tale will. Diana Quincy takes the story of a rake (yes I mean a major rake!) and a governess and delivers a delightful account, sure to keep you turning the pages!! Adam Fairfax, the Duke of Sunderland is furious when he finds two little girls and their governess on his doorstep and learns he is their guardian! Isabelle Finch, the girl’s governess is shocked that Adam (called Sinful Sonny), whose reputation precedes him, could possibly be responsible for the girls. What is difficult is that Adam has a lot of hurt from growing up without any love from his parents and Isabel has her own secrets. But as fate may have brought them to the door, the more they interact with each other their relationship slowly grows. The girls are just delightful and seeing the slow change to Adam is heartwarming. Very entertaining to see the characters develop and the changes that came about. This book is part of a series, but can be read as a standalone. But I intent to go back and read them all!
The Duke Who Ravished Me (Rebellious Brides, #4) by Diana Quincy This was my first book by Diana Quincy and I was lucky to get to preview it on #NetGalley. Adam Fairfax Duke of Sunderford (Sunny) and Isabel Finch (Finch) the nanny. Prudence and Patience the two adorable orphaned twins. Sunny is a little worse than your typical rake…His uncle who is guardian of the twins sends them Sunny and makes him guardian…this disrupts his life style. From here on the story is funny, charming, some tears sad and happy.. Who is CoCo? Quite a few twists and turns along with a real surprise… I won’t tell you anymore than there is a very HEA. I do plan to go back and read the first three Rebellious Brides.
Duke is a man who doesn’t care what others think of him. He wants what he wants and tends to get it when he sets his mind to it. I like the whole “hate” that Adam and Izzy(Finch) had at the start when she and the twins arrived to live with him. But as the story continues some kind of friendship starts to develop and that transform into more.
I loved the whole plot and twist in the story – it was really refreshing I didn’t see it coming. And the part where he finally comes to terms with his affection for Izzy for what it is and her reveling secrets that she was so worried it would separate her from the twins; I was head over heels in love with both MCby the end of the book.
I truly recommend this book; it was a refreshing 4,5* read.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
By all accounts I should have really liked/loved this cause I love a bad boy, but I didn’t.
The hero is a complete and total reprobate, holding orgies, and living a pathetic self-indulgent life. The heroine comes in with two pretty cute little charges that he does not want. The h stands up to him, the moppets actually have some personality, and the cockles of the H’s heart start to grow like Grinch.
The heroine is appalled at how the Duke lives, and he is pretty disgusting because when I say orgies, I mean ORGIES. Which really doesn’t explain why I disliked the heroine so much. She is so concerned about the twins she thinks she may need to send a letter to have his guardianship revoked for moral issues.
SPOILER
Ironically, for the time period the h is a problematic moral problem as well as the hero. Shunned by her husband’s family because she and her husband anticipated their marriage vows she later embarks on an affair with the Duke. By today’s standards, pff, who cares? However, by the standards of the day she doesn’t have a moral leg to stand on. Yeah, there is a meddling friend as well that needed to have her neck wrung. (end spoiler)]
On top of everything else, the characters didn’t have any chemistry either together or singly if you know what I mean. The hero just missed the mark on being a charming bad boy, but he was still better than the heroine and her stupid friend.
Plus, what happened to cute Pan, the little dog, who just disappears in the last third when all the dwama happens?