When passion begins to boil, fame and fortune no longer seem to matter.The Duke of Ravenscar intended to debut the most acclaimed ballerina in the civilized world to open his London theater. But when the ship arrives with an understudy, Drake is convinced the fortune he has invested will be forfeit. Until he sees the woman dance.Britannia LeClair arrives in London excited to be performing the … excited to be performing the lead in La Sylphide. A foundling, she has had to work harder and with more determination than anyone in the corps. At last, her debut in London proves her worth despite her lowly birth. Until she meets the smoldering gaze of the Duke of Ravenscar.
Determined not to become anyone’s mistress, Britannia keeps the duke at arms-length while she sets to uncovering the mystery of her parentage. With only a miniature painting and a monogrammed handkerchief, her inquiries lead to a series of escalating accidents and threats.
When Drake realizes Britannia is in danger, he will move heaven and hell to protect her…if the strong-headed ballerina will let him. As they traverse through the mire of skullduggery and hidden shame, events unravel to endanger them both. Will the truth prove worth uncovering, or will it sever the deep love that has come to bond their very souls?
Read the Devilish Dukes Series in Order
- Book 1: The Duke’s Fallen Angel
- Book 2: The Duke’s Untamed Desire
- Book 3: The Duke’s Privateer
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London 1833 As I turned the last page of this wonderful story, I could only smile and be glad I read the entire book through this afternoon. Amy Jarecki has ventured into Georgian England, while expertly combining her historical knowledge with romance and intrigue to bring two unexpected people together.
Drake, Duke of Ravenscar had invested a fortune in a London theater and intended to bring a famous ballerina and her troupe for the opening weeks. But instead he gets her understudy who has yet to prove herself. He is so angry and knows that the theater will fail without the lead ballerina.
Britannia LeClair takes the role and wants only to give her best and make her debut. A foundling, she is determined to find her birth parents who had given her up long ago. She only had a couple of clues but has puts out inquiries when she gets to London.
When they lock eyes on each other, there is a definite spark and as Drake sees her dance, he is truly mesmerized. But danger lurks as Britannia receives threats and accidents that were not really accidental.
Step back in time and lose yourself in a story that will keep you turning the pages as fast as you can. I truly cannot wait for more in this series and you will love it too!!
Very compelling book, couldn’t put it down. The ups and downs will keep you guessing how it will end. Glad to discover this author.
A unique story theme that I have not seen in a regency romance novel.
Gives the reader a view of the arts, rigid caste system, shallow persons and triumphant heroines! Loved it!!
A fun to read book that want’s you to find out what will take place next and just what will the Duke do. I enjoyed reading this book.
I think I have read every book that Miss Amy jarecki has ever written and I believe this to be one of her best if not the best book it kept me Lord into every page I wanted to know from moment-to-moment what was going to happen it left me breathless at times on the edge of my seat in tears a few moments and overall satisfied at the end of the book it is a must-read
This is one of my favorite books by this author… a must read!! Very original and unlike anything I’ve read.
I loved that this story did not follow the typical, historical romance ‘formula’. It was a very unique tale that immediately drew me in. The characters were vivid and complex and made the story seem so realistic, that I often felt like I was actually there watching the story unfold.
The Duke’s Fallen Angel by Amy Jarecki is a Prelude to the Devilish Duke Series. This is Britannia ‘Bria’ LeClair and Drake Chadwick, The Duke of Ravenscar.
Drake has stopped at no cost to make sure the Chadwick Theater opening is the best it can be. Drake had thought he had secured the famous Mademoiselle Taglioni but she jumped shipped to join a Pairs Opera. In her place a understudy named Britannia has been sent. Of course Drake was outraged but when he saw Bria dance he thought to make the best of this situation. Bria is out to make a name for herself and not fail at her big chance to move forward in her goal. Where the other dancers knows that they will and have to find benefactors to keep them as mistresses, Bria has other plans. But Bria and Drake attraction starts to grow into more but can they be together when they are from different stations?
Loved reading their story…I couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait for more books in this series!
The Duke’s Fallen Angel by Amy Jarecki
Devilish Dukes #1
Drake Chadwick, Duke of Ravenscar has built a fabulous theater that will provide ballet, opera and more to the elite of London. His first performance will star a ballerina – the best ballerina – in Europe. Well, imagine his surprise and dismay when the woman he is expecting does not appear with the ballet troupe and instead her understudy, Britannia “Bria” LeClair, is presented in her place. He is not happy and trying to figure out how to save face and prevent his theater from failing when he sees her dance…oh my!
This book was a delight! Bria takes Drake’s words to heart and provides a performance that those in the audience will never forget and in so doing makes a name for herself. In spite of the adulation and fawning over her she remains true to what she believes is important and continues to work hard to present perfection each time she appears on stage. She also is in search of who her parents might be and uses two items left to her to inquire of those she meets. As the story progresses romance does occur between Drake and Bria in spite of the disparity between their stations in society. When nefarious deeds begin occurring and Bria’s life is endangered Drake is made fully aware of just how much Bria has come to mean to him and is willing to do anything to make sure she will remain at his side.
This is a story I could not put down. Finding out that the author knows not only the history of the era but knows ballet well was readily apparent as I read. I cannot wait to read what will happen next in the book to follow and wonder who will star in it as I type this review.
Did I enjoy this book? Definitely!
Will I read more in this series? Without a doubt!
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
The Duke of Ravenscar (Drake) has put everything into his new venture the Chadwick Theater. When the Duke finds out the ballerina is the understudy and not the famous ballerina he was supposed to have perform, he will lose his fortune. When the Duke sees Britannia dance he is spell bound. Britannia being a foundling is determined to make her debut a success as this is finally her chance to prove herself and maybe find out some information about her birth. Neither can keep their eyes off each other but both know that they have to as they are from very different classes. Mysterious things keep happening to Britannia and Drake is there to help. I have read many of Amy Jarecki’s books, and this is her first venture into Regency/Georgian period. I have loved her other books and looked forward to reading this one. What a wonderful story! I fell in love with the characters and the storyline. There is everything in this book, romance, mystery, intrigue! Would I recommend this, absolutely! This was a great Cinderella story! Bravo!
I enjoyed this book. The story line was well written and flowed. The characters were relatable. If you enjoy the ballet you’ll enjoy this book.
I purchased this as part of a bundle the author offered called THE DEVILISH DUKES.
I own over 20 books by this author and enjoy her work. This had some slow parts but did improve the last half.
The character’s are written well, but I didn’t feel a connection to them. I was disappointed in the h when she gives the H this huge dialogue her reasons for not having sex outside of marriage. Then, BAM, in a few paragraphs she forgets her well thought out reasons and succumbs. I found it very disappointing.
The H’s mother was not a nice person and makes you wonder how she raised such a caring son. There are many villains and we are left wondering if one was caught and how did life turn out for the older one (no spoiler’s).
There is sex outside of marriage and within – heat level 4 out of 5 and not described page after page.
The meeting with the little boy was precious. Some suspenseful parts, especially near the end, sadness and joy intermingled too. No cheating, no cliffhanger, sweet epilogue, HEA, romance and spice.
Can’t improve on the blurb, just pointing out somethings you might find interesting. (ljb)
Good story, but more descriptive sex than I care for.
Loved this book!! Would definitely recommend reading it!
Great and unusual plot – wonderful characters and a great delve into the world of dance in the Georgian age!
A beautiful story with a young woman you come to respect for her intensity to her art and sadness for her childhood. Of course it would have to have a villain who shut her out and another out to hurt her. Good story without the “poor me” repeated often.
Lonely story with well developed characters. The story is unusual and moves long quickly. I really enjoyed the well developed characters and their relationship.
I realy loved the story
Have to admit I enjoyed this book particularly because the heroine is a ballerina. (And I danced but alas! always WISHED to be one.) That being said, there is much more than a ballerina’s role in this story so if you adore Regency-type romances you should read this.
I very much enjoyed reading this story. I recommend this book to you.