“Honeybee, I haven’t a drop of honorable blood in my body. I’m cold. Selfish. Hollow. And I greatly enjoy the reputation my cruelty has gained me.”They call him the Winter Wolf.Nicholas March has few morals. fewer friends, and a notorious lack of honor.And his heart? What remains of it is cold, desolate and locked away. He learned long ago the lessons of betrayal. Never trust a woman. Recognize … woman. Recognize others will expect the worst. And no matter the cost, always retain control of any situation.
Grace Willsdown has no patience for Society’s silly games and no desire for the imprisonment of marriage. When a secret lien against her home is revealed, everything she treasures lies clenched in Nicholas’s palm. She must make the Devil’s bargain to save it all.
Five nights of pleasure and the claim will be dissolved. But neither Nicholas nor Grace anticipate the depths of their desire after their first night together. Consuming. Tender and brutal. Boundaries become distorted. What is the bargain? And what is true emotion?
Will they brave the storms and fires to unlock their love? Or turn their backs when the five nights are done?
***The Untamed Duke contain sexual scenes that are tastefully detailed, as well as strong language. If this disturbs you as a reader, please understand these instances are necessary and play an integral role in the arc and development of the storyline and the characters themselves.
more
Rawr! What a fin, sexy book! I love characters with unconventional morals for their time period, and these two were awesome!
This is one of my top three reads of 2018. April has a gift when it comes to creating sentences that literally transport you to another time. I could smell the flowers on trellises, hear petticoats under skirts swishing, horses hooves as they galloped over cobblestones, and of course, felt every wrenching moment our heroine, Grace, fell in love.
This is a story to read, read again, and maybe even a third time because it’s that beautifully told. A story for the ages that will be forever treasured in my heart, and hopefully in yours. April has written a ten star story. If you were wondering if you should grab this, wonder no more. It’s AMAZING.
This book was a suggestion by a reader from Tessa Dare Facebook group, she told this one should please those who like Tessa writing.
And I can only agree.
Of course, neither the plot nor the writing style is similar but it contains the perfect ingredients for me with a strong willing woman, a damaged hero very much on the alpha side but also who has a puppy side, a great sense of humor, very few angsty moments, steamy naughty scenes but never dirty, amazing love’s declarations and a sweet epilogue.
From the opening scene to the very last word, I was sucked in Grace and Nicholas story.
For such a young woman, Grace is a very strong willed one, she lets nobody walk on her nor decide for herself. She is the only master of her life and will accept nothing less.
« “I’m bringing you those things you left behind.” Grace chewed her bottom lip, and Nicholas wanted his own teeth raking across that plump bit of flesh. “Your horse, your books, and my heart.” »
Nicholas is a wounded creature, like them he lashes out his pain and draws his claws afraid to be hurt again, he has built an icy facade and frozen walls around himself, to hide his inner scars. But despite everything, there is still a spark of hope in his heart, why probably he is touched by Grace’s personality, she smoothes his sorrows and erases his nightmares.
« It went far beyond this momentary pleasure. She soothed the wildness inside him. Tamed his demons and the monsters living within his nightmares. A touch of her hand, a sweet word from her lips, and he was entranced. Destroyed. Redeemed. »
I do adored their banters, it is a battle of wills and wits. Even if their encounters turn from light to much deeper, Grace keeps her brain on leash and surprises at every turn Nicholas. And while he fights his attraction to Grace, he is also a willing participant in their interactions as she rises his interest.
« Nicholas swallowed a growl of amused frustration. The way her chin rose indicated she enjoyed their sparring, which incinerated any intention he possessed of keeping his distance. Their back and forth intrigued him… and only made him want her more. »
Even it is more a closed-door story, this amazing main couple is surrounded by great supporting characters, which ever they want to bring them together or tear them apart.
And as a final bonus point, there are the short poems at each chapter opening like some haikus, thoughts of Nicholas which evolve along his story with Grace.
« Where my heart should reside
in this cage of a soul
rests a block of ice
black
cold
wicked »
« Sins of the past
Wiped clean
Fresh start Fresh day
With Grace
For Grace
Because of Grace
I am free. »
Nicholas March is my kind of man, for sure! The connection between he and Lady Grace is beyond sizzling. And there’s nothing better than…well, I don’t want to ruin the ending, so just devour this book now. The Winter Wolf won’t disappoint you!
I’ve added April Moran to my list of readable authors. A romance with a background of betrayal of trust, which poses as a possible thorn to part Grace from Nicholas. A bit on the long side, but not a boring line within. Good dialog with some bantering between Grace and his Grace.
Fantastic story that is very original and fun set in the Regency era. This is the first story I have read by this author and I will be sure to read more.
One of the best Historical Romances I’ve ever read.
Grace & Nicholas’ story is hot, steamy, sweet and romantic. Will Grace tame this Duke?? A good read.
I really enjoyed reading April Moran’s, The Untamed Duke. It reminded me of a much hotter, sexier version of Beauty and The Beast. This book will easy a quick paced easy read and will keep you on the edge of your seat through out the entire book. I had a feeling the Nicolas would lose his cold heartless side. And that Grace would give in to her desires and find that Nicolas was just what she really needed. This book has a HEA but isn’t completely candy sweet. It definitely has a bit of a naughty side. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.
Wow!! THE UNTAMED DUKE BLEW ME AWAY!! April Moran is a New Author for me and She Had me Intrigued by the Blub & Never let me Go!! I’m Not much of a Historical Romance reader but April Changed My Mind!! I’m Not Going to Spoil anything for you since there is So much Adventure and Passion! This is a must Read Book and I’m going to Read More into Her WORLD of WORDS- April Moran.
When sweet innocent Grace, is on the verge of loosing her home she takes desperate measures.
Grace makes a bargain with Nicholas March. 5 nights in exchanged for her home and beloved horses.
Nicholas March is a very arrogant, mean and cold Duke. His nickname is the Winter Wolf. Grace is the exact opposite. She is sunshine to his darkness. She is only wants her home and her horses. But that is in danger because the Duke has an encumbrance on her home. He could take it away from her. She makes a deal with him for 5 nights of pleasure for her home. Things get really hot and interesting. The Duke is very dominant and the heat level is scorching. There are secrets and heartache and I cried…more than one. I really enjoyed it!
Wonderful, Humorous, Intrigue & Romantic
An Absolutely Wonderful & Delightful Book.
I honestly had a hard time putting the book down. I was so intent on reading as much as I could & fell asleep from pur exhaustion from not sleeping the night before.
This is the 1st book by this Author for me & I look forward to reading more books from her.
Such a great book absolutely loved this one
With neither looking to get married, a five night arrangement to save her home should be easy. But as Grace and Nicholas find themselves entangled with each other more than the expect, love might just be in their future after all. A historical romance with all the wonderful predicaments that make me love this genre, great plot and steamy encounters.
April Moran is a new to me author and I have a say, this will not be the last book of her’s I’ll read!! Nicholas and Grace’s story is well written, compelling, and the perfect amount of steam. The storyline was well paced, has emotional ups and downs, and some surprises. Well done and you’ve added to my TBR list….Taming Ivy up next!
Captivating story of unanticipated whirlwind love!
Can a bold slip of a woman tame the untamed Duke? Why yes, she can. This is the first book I have read from Ms. Moran (now I need to go back and read her first book) and I loved the fresh voice, the way the characters speak their minds, and the emotions this story brought. Everything about it is worth a weekend read in one sitting. A brooding Duke, a woman who knows what she wants and lust that turns into love pulls you in and will not let you go. I absolutely loved both Nicholas and Grace. Great characters, great emotions, great book.
I like a faster type this century, like 1940’s to now. When I was younger I liked stories about royalty. Burned oui, like anything has a mystery or cowboy boots, ,also series. With security Companies, lLike present day bodyguard. Now days people.I find a good mystery author and read all books. bjcoleman32 @gmail.com.
A lovely story showing how love can conquer darkness.