Georgiana Dudley, the ‘Ice Duchess’, has just emerged from mourning after a nine-year marriage of convenience to the Duke of Darby, her twin brother’s lover. Deeply hurt by a scoundrel a decade ago, Georgie swore she would never turn her head for any man, let alone another rakehell. But then she encounters the wickedly handsome and all too charming Rafe Landsbury, the Earl of Markham and against … against her better judgment, her interest is reluctantly aroused. An affair may be impossible to resist but dare she trust Lord Markham with her most intimate secrets… and her heart?
Society believes Rafe to be a diplomat but for many years he has been working on the Continent as a spy for the Crown. Leaving the shadowy world of espionage behind, he returns to London with the intention of finding a wife. When he is paired with the frosty yet fascinating Duchess of Darby at the piquet table during a ton ball, he is intrigued. Do-or-die man that he is, he’s certainly not going to let her cool demeanor dissuade him from pursuing her.
When Rafe’s dark past returns to endanger Georgie, he is determined to protect her at all costs, even if that means hiding who he once was. With the stakes so high, both Georgie and Rafe must decide if love is a risk worth taking…
Author’s Note to Readers: The Ice Duchess is Book 2 in the loosely linked Scandalous Regency Widows series. It can be easily read as a stand-alone title.
Length: Novel
Sensuality level: Steamy to hot. This historical romance contains open door love-making scenes and frank language is used.
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A very sensual, erotic game between two lovers who challenge each other to embrace the present and let go of the past. Include an evil villain from the past seeking revenge and events not always falling into place, it’s a longer read to an HEA.
This is a great story with wonderful character’s both with wounds from the past and secrets that they just can’t let go of.
Her Grace Georgiana Dudley, was horribly wronged by a rake she thought loved her at her coming out. It was the reason for her marriage of convenience to her twin brother, Jonathan’s lover. The marriage saved both of them from scandal. When her husband/best friend dies her friends want her to find love for her self. They set her up with an ex spy, a handsome Rafe Landsbury Lord Markham. When they meet for the first time sparks fly. Both are intrigued with the other. As Rafe flirt with her and she can’t seem to keep to her famous composure. As the sparring between them heats up, a Mysterious stranger threaten them both, mostly Georgiana. Rafe is sure it is someone from his past, and set out to keep her self. With both awakening desires in the other, someone out to hurt one or the other.
Both have secrets and hurts to overcome. This book is fast moving and you just want to know what happens next.
The love scenes will have you reaching for some ice water. As Rafe and Georgiana, deal with each other, there “helpful”
friends and family.
This is all that a book should be, romantic, intriguing, sad, sexy and also will have you laughing out loud…. enjoy
Good plot , regency romance with a twist of mystery , wonderful characters and interaction between H and h make for a good read and a HEA.
Exciting and intriguing. Explicit sexual content. Was different from most historical romances as there were many twists and turns. Did learn a few new words
Reviews:
Notice: This review has spoilers.
I received a copy of “The Ice Duchess” by Amy Rose Bennett through a giveaway.
This book was difficult for me to write a review for. I was intrigued by the creative storyline of the Duchess and her marriage of convenience to her best friend and her twin brother’s lover, and to the building suspense of what nightmarish atrocity had she endured that change her into the ice hearted woman she became. For me personally there were a few reasons I couldn’t stay connected to the story and it is just my personality and preferences that I think got in the way. I really had a hard time with Jonathan the duchess’s twin brother’s character. It bothered me that Georgie was more upset and fragile over the loss of her husband and best friend than Jonathan appeared to be. They arrive at their first ball after their grieving period, and he joyously heads after the first attractive someone he sees which makes it very hard to believe his professing that he had loved Teddy more than anything and no one could ever replace him. I also had a hard time respecting and taking him as a serious character because of his too happy child like bantering and calling her “Georgie-bean” during serious times when a strong adult presence was needed. I was so disappointed after all of the building of this horrible secret she kept and never told anyone what happened because she just couldn’t bear telling it or having anyone know what happened to her, then it’s unveiled….she doesn’t know what actually happened because she wasn’t conscious and only had a couple of incoherent flashes and no mention of her physical condition afterward. Because, I believe this book and writing really has some potential I would enjoy, I decided to read other reviews for this book which I’m very glad I did. It was stated by other reviewers with similar reviews for this book that they have read other books by this author and gave great reviews. So I will read some of the other books in the series. TBC.
I like the book and I liked the characters especially Rafe.
I loved book from beginning to end.
Ms. Bennett has hit a home run! My kind of book except for too long drawn out bed scenes. Otherwise, a page turner!
Interesting romance. A little darker than a typical romance. To many scenes devoted to a card game I don’t know the rules to. The card game would not prevent me from reading again.
I liked it.
The plot was exciting
I got a little bored with this half way through.
Georgianna and Rafe’s story is a real page turner. With Georgia’s tragic past and Rafe’s very secret past will they ever be able to find love? With Rafe’s past intruding on the present Georgia is now in danger. Can Rafe once and for all put the past where it belongs and in doing so secure Georgia’s love? Lots of action, intrigue, and hot steamy scenes.
This book was just ok. The ice princess was spoiled and immature.
Very enjoyable reading.
Enjoyed the book
Good beach or bedtime read. Not complicated, easy to read without busting your brain. Relaxing.
Loved it from the first chapter. Very engaging.
Too silly.
Slow in pace but lovely in detailed description of the era.