“Anyone who loves romance must read Sabrina Jeffries!” —Lisa Kleypas, New York Times bestselling authorAn Amazon Best Romance of the Month A USA Today Bestseller A sexy and distracting rake is tamed by a scholarly heroine with a penchant for the sciences in this dazzling and witty tale of Regency London. A past kiss with adorably bookish Miss Olivia Norley should be barely a memory for Marlowe …
A past kiss with adorably bookish Miss Olivia Norley should be barely a memory for Marlowe Drake, the Duke of Thornstock. After all, there are countless debutantes for a handsome rakehell to charm beyond a young lady whose singular passion is chemistry—of the laboratory type. But Thorn has not forgotten—or forgiven—the shocking blackmail scheme sparked by that single kiss, or the damage caused to both their names. Now Thorn’s half-brother, Grey, has hired the brilliant Miss Norley for her scientific expertise in solving a troubling family mystery. And the once-burned Thorn, suspicious of her true motives, vows to follow her every move . . .
For Olivia, determining whether arsenic poisoning killed Grey’s father is the pioneering experiment that could make her career—and Thorn’s constant presence is merely a distraction. But someone has explosive plans to derail her search. Soon the most unexpected discovery is the caring nature of the reputed scoundrel beside her—and the electricity it ignites between them . . .
“Intoxicating…Jeffries’s perfect blend of romance, mystery, and suspense is sure to have series readers anxious for more.”
—Publishers Weekly
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This was such a good story. I just loved the character of Miss Olivia Norley, she was very interested in science, chemistry in particular. She hoped to publish more papers on her discoveries. Olivia did meet Thorn, Duke of Thorncourt several years before and had avoided him ever since. However, they meet again due to her working with his half brother, Grey, Duke of Greycourt. They are attracted to each other but Olivia wants to marry for love and Thorn doesn’t believe in love. There are mysteries to solve, dangerous events and romance. Not all the mysteries are resolved in this book. I’m looking forward to reading the next in the series. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Sabrina Jeffries writes solid, enjoyable historical romances with engaging characters and smooth pacing. This one is no different. Olivia Norley is a lady chemist with minimal social skills. When she is caught in an awkward situation with Marlowe Drake, Duke of Thornstock, she rejects his forced offer of marriage. Years later they reunite when Olivia is hired to test Thorn’s half-brother’s father’s body for evidence of arsenic (it’s complicated). Thorn is really quite confused about his attraction for Olivia, but gradually comes to see her value. There are some explosive events and some clues to the mystery are revealed as Thorn and Olivia make their way to their HEA.
I am enjoying this series and its running mystery. Thank you to Ms. Jeffries for including a family tree; you definitely need it to keep track of this complicated family. I’m eagerly looking forward to the final installment when all will be revealed. Nice book!
ARC provided through Netgalley.
I am enjoying this series so much! Two dukes and the daughter and second son of a duke (all sharing the same mother) who choose their spouses, not because of rank, but because they genuinely love each other (not something ordinarily done during the Regency era). Marlowe Drake, the Duke of Thornstock, and Olivia Norley first met 9 years ago at a party where they ended up in the library kissing (quite innocently, of course) but Miss Norley’s stepmother walks in on them and blackmails Thorn into proposing marriage to Olivia, unbeknownst to Olivia. Olivia unwittingly foils her stepmother’s plan by refusing to accept his proposal. Now, 9 years later, they meet again when his stepbrother, the Duke of Greycourt, hires her for her chemistry skills. She has decided she will be a spinster because no man would allow her to continue practicing her chemistry and she enjoys it far and above anything else. Once they renew their acquaintance, they come to realize that they are well suited and he, again, proposes to her. This time she accepts; but Thorn has a secret that Olivia will discover on her own and, feeling betrayed by the one person she thought knew and loved her for herself, she runs home to lick her wounds. I believe this book could be read as a stand alone, but there is a second story line that runs through the series, so it would be much more enjoyable if you have read Project Duchess and The Bachelor before you read this book. I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
It’s time to return once again to the ‘Duke Dynasty‘ series for another visit with an intriguing family, a murder mystery that has played a part (and continues to) throughout the series, and discover that people aren’t always as we first thought – something that Olivia and Thorn will discover in ‘Who Wants to Marry A Duke‘.
Once upon a time, Olivia’s mother interrupted a kiss between Thorn and Olivia – and as any loving mother would do (yeah, right) set out to force Thorn into an engagement or she would release sensitive information about his family to the gossipmongers of the ton. To say that kiss changed a lot of things for both Thorn and Olivia would be an understatement – it practically ruined them both and caused a rift within one family, and the constant suspicions of another.
Now, nine years after that kiss, Thorn’s family (Grey in particular) is asking Olivia’s expert opinion about the possibility of arsenic poisoning as the cause of Grey’s father’s death. Chemistry is a fascination for Olivia and a profession as well, perhaps not many women are in her field (yet) but that’s not going to stop her from following her own path to a career that she loves and could help others. Unfortunately, Thorn has not lost one bit of his anger nor suspicions about Olivia and has vowed to follow her every move closely to prove she’s out to harm his family.
‘Who Wants to Marry A Duke‘ had me hooked in the opening chapter and never, ever let go of my attention – or my laughter, my heart-felt sighs, or my annoyance at one stubborn man. I adored Olivia, her passion for her work, her good heart, and her love for a most annoying man all made sure that I was definitely on Team Olivia throughout. Thorn. *sigh* What a pompous, arrogant, stubborn jerk of a man-child he was for a great deal of their romance. Oh, he’s sex on a stick for certain – but arrogance doesn’t work well with sexy, for me at least. It took a long time for Thorn to redeem himself in my eyes. He won me over, eventually, for you could feel the emotional and physical attraction between this couple – even if Thorn was determined to be a jerk.
I’m enjoying the arch of murder that continues through every story in this series. There are clues galore, red herrings I’m certain, are tossed about with abandon – and I’m loving it as I try to figure the puzzle out. I doubt that I will before the series ending, but it’s fun to add new information with each book and ask myself, “I wonder if it’s__”. In all, I had a blast back in this world once again. I am a reader who tries to follow a series in order, I know not everyone (including me) can actually do that… but, ‘Duke Dynasty‘ is one of those series that builds somewhat on the previous titles so if you can I’d recommend reading in order – besides, they’re all intense, intriguing romances that you’ll enjoy.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher, Kensington Books via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
Nine years ago Miss Olivia Norley & Marlowe Drake, the Duke of Thornstock shared a kiss but they were caught by her step mother who then blackmailed Thorn into proposing but Olivia refused. But Thorn has not forgotten – or forgiven – the shocking blackmail scheme sparked by that single kiss. Now Thorn’s half-brother, Grey, has hired the brilliant Miss Norley for her scientific expertise in solving a family mystery. And the once-burned Thorn, suspicious of her motives, vows to follow her every move. For Olivia, determining whether arsenic poisoning killed Grey’s father is the pioneering experiment that could make her career – and Thorn’s constant presence is merely a distraction. But someone has explosive plans to derail her search.
This is the third book in this enthralling series whilst it could just be read on its own I’d definitely recommend reading the series from the beginning as the mystery surrounding the deaths of the husbands of Thorn’s mother is ongoing throughout the series. The mystery isn’t solved but this book does provide more clues as to the murderer. I found this book very hard to put down & read it in two sittings. A fast paced story & wonderful characters added to my enjoyment. I loved both Thorn & Olivia, both remembered their kiss from nearly a decade before & their attraction sizzled, I loved how their relationship developed & it was explosive. I eagerly await the next book
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
This was an entertaining, well-written historical romance. Olivia has the chance to conduct an experiment and show that she is a qualified scientist. She has the opportunity, but it means facing Thorn, the Duke of Thornstock, again. Neither of them have forgotten the scandal that occurred in the past when they were caught kissing. The story has romance, passion, intrigue and a mystery. The book moved quickly and was hard to put down. I enjoyed this book and will definitely read more books by this author.
This time around…… Absolutely enjoyed reading this very entertaining story as the characters mettle through the misgivings, mysteries, misunderstandings and secrets with an undercurrent of emotional feelings for one
that must be denied or else, lol. Jaw dropping experience for me both with laughter and shock, fully engaged from beginning to end and read this nonstop. I love Olivia and how her character stands for what she desires in life instead of and in spite of the expectations of society. I just love it when the society ladies go against the grain and choose to free themselves to be themselves regardless of the consequences. She’s so smart, independent, straight-forward, bold and brave in her choices, the Duke has met his match. The Duke is as arrogant as the title requires, they have like minds, very determinedly, about never being a couple yet their chemistry still remains and draws them to one another even as so many of their differences of opinions (basically on everything else) pull them apart. Never a dull moment…..
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Good romance with an undercurrent of mystery. Lady Lydia has been married multiple times. Three of her husbands were dukes; their titles passed down to the oldest sons born of those marriages, forming a dynasty of dukes. Recently several of the children began to suspect that their fathers’ deaths may not have been accidents. The oldest son, the Duke of Greycourt, believes his father may have been poisoned, and asks Olivia Norley to use her chemist skills to discover the truth.
Grey’s younger brother, “Thorn,” the Duke of Thornstock, is not happy with Olivia’s involvement. Nine years earlier, they had an encounter that damaged both their reputations. Thorn still believes Olivia was guilty of setting him up and is determined to keep an eye on her.
Olivia has no interest in the society to which she belongs. Her passion is reserved for all things scientific. Grey’s request will advance her plans to make a name for herself in the field. Having Thorn always underfoot is a distraction she doesn’t need.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Olivia and Thorn. I loved their first meeting. Olivia is young and only interested in cleaning up the mess she caused. Thorn is a little older but still young and a bit full of himself. Sparks fly between them, and a quick kiss rapidly intensifies. When caught by Olivia’s stepmother, she attempts to force Thorn to “do the right thing.” This doesn’t go the way anyone expects. Thorn is left with conflicting feelings of relief and anger, as well as betrayal.
Nine years later, neither has forgotten that encounter. Olivia concentrated on her desire to be a chemist and avoided society as much as possible. Thorn has lived up to his reputation as a rake, but still carries a grudge against Olivia and her mother. He deals with that grudge in an unusual way, but he is still extremely suspicious of Olivia and her motives. He even goes so far as to insist on helping set up her laboratory at Grey’s estate, sure that he will discover that she is a fraud. I had to laugh at how hard she made him work until he had to admit that he was wrong. This also opened the door to them clearing the air over the events of nine years earlier, enabling them to work together in harmony.
But underneath their fledgling friendship, there bubbles an intense attraction. Thorn is well aware of his effect on Olivia and takes advantage of it whenever he can. He is determined to get her into his bed, though marriage is the last thing on his mind. The feelings Thorn stirs in her are new to Olivia, and her scientific curiosity demands that she investigate them thoroughly. She hasn’t shown any interest in marriage either, to her stepmother’s dismay, as she doesn’t want to give up her career goals to a husband. The more time they spend together, the more their thinking begins to change. Thorn’s feelings turn protective when an explosion in Olivia’s lab makes it clear that someone doesn’t want her to find the truth.
I loved seeing Thorn’s protectiveness and the care he takes to protect her reputation, too. I had to laugh at the teasing he endured from his siblings because of it. As close as Olivia has started to feel to Thorn, she also senses that there is something that he is holding back. I ached for Thorn and the lengths he went to in order to protect his secret. As he and Olivia grow closer, he fears that revealing that secret would hurt her and drive her away from him. I hurt for both of them when she discovered the truth. Each of them had some serious self-examination to do before they realized that they belonged together. I loved their big moment at the end and seeing what happens when they talk about expectations.
The overarching mystery regarding the deaths of the various dukes makes some significant progress thanks to Olivia’s talents. Though they are closer to the truth, their best lead ended up dead. I liked the epilogue as the siblings meet to discuss what they know, what they suspect, and where they should go next. I have my suspicions as to the culprit behind the deaths and can’t wait to see if I am right. It will be hard to wait until next summer for the next book.
I love this quirky family! Such an entertaining read, Olivia is not your typical society lady, she loves chemistry and isn’t looking for a husband to limit her experimenting and Thorn is not your usual duke either, he has a pastime of writing plays, something so no-no in society. Upon his first meeting of Olivia he was enchanted with her boldness and a few feminine assets too but and ill timed mother discovery and a hastily marriage offer leaves Thorn a spurned man with a growing reputation for the ladies. Years later when meeting again, their attraction still throwing off sparks, Thorn’s family needs Olivia’s expertise but can he keep his hands to himself…does she want him to? Humor, heat, mystery and charming characters make this a great read!
The story deals a lot with determining if Grey’s father was murdered and then who might have been the murderer. Olivia proves that he was poisoned with arsenic but not before the lab she was to first use was destroyed. While all of this is going on, Thorn and Olivia become closer and eventually he asks her to marry him. There is a lot happening in the book which makes for a good read. The murderer has not been found yet and I can assume the next book will continue this story. Its a second chance love story that is worth reading and I would highly recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley and are voluntarily leaving a review.
Who Wants to Marry a Duke
Duke Dynasty Series #3
Sabrina Jeffries
https://www.facebook.com/SabrinaJeffriesAuthor/
Release date 08/25/2020
Publisher Kensington Zebra
Blurb :
A past kiss with adorably bookish Miss Olivia Norley should be barely a memory for Marlowe Drake, the Duke of Thornstock. After all, there are countless debutantes for a handsome rakehell to charm beyond a young lady whose singular passion is chemistry—of the laboratory type. But Thorn has not forgotten—or forgiven—the shocking blackmail scheme sparked by that single kiss, or the damage caused to both their names. Now Thorn’s half-brother, Grey, has hired the brilliant Miss Norley for her scientific expertise in solving a troubling family mystery. And the once-burned Thorn, suspicious of her true motives, vows to follow her every move . . .
For Olivia, determining whether arsenic poisoning killed Grey’s father is the pioneering experiment that could make her career—and Thorn’s constant presence is merely a distraction. But someone has explosive plans to derail her search. Soon the most unexpected discovery is the caring nature of the reputed scoundrel beside her—and the electricity it ignites between them .
My review :
Will the past stand between them and a future together…
I was curious about this third installment since I read the blurb.
I have a love for scholar and Olivia is definitely one, devoted to her research but still a woman. I loved she is still feminine and dresses well despite her occupation. She wants to make her own mark in her area if competence but it does not lessen the fact she is a woman, she might be a bit socially awkward, she is also a young woman with feelings.
While she wants to be successful as a chemist, she won’t renege a husband if he is one to let her indulge in her pursuit.
When Thorn is quite a jerk in this tale. One bump and he swore of love and branded Olivia with her stepmother a duet of vile tricksters. Yet he does not mind seducing her aven when he still hold a grudge against her, and it does not bother him she is a lady.
This story is a fast read with not many events but Olivia plays her role and brings a new turn to the background plot. Setting in motion the next and probably last book.
The enemy part was short and mostly on Thorn’s side as while he was angry at having been tricked as he thought, his pride was much more mortified when Olivia refused his proposal.
Olivia is very much too kind and forgiving, even more when he was not trustful with her. His hobby and what he does with it is easy to forgive, it is his lack of faith in her which is difficult to accept.
A cute second chance tale with a bit of steam.
4 stars
I was granted an advance copy by the publisher Kensington, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272830/posts/681582689097572/?extid=e78X6WhKyHGGoudn&d=n
I really like Olivia. She just wants to be a scientist. She knows that a husband would not support her desire to be a scientist, so she has resigned herself to never marry. Olivia and Thorn met at a ball and were compromised. Thorn proposed and she rejected him. Nine years later, Olivia is going to help Thorn’s brother find out if his father was murdered. Thorn has been thinking for years that Olivia and her step-mother are scheming women just trying to trap a man. So, he decides to keep an eye on her. What he finds is that Olivia is far different than he thought. Just when he thinks they will have it all, she discovers his secret and calls off their wedding. Can he ever redeem himself in her eyes or will he have to do without her for the rest of his life?
The highlight for me in this story is Olivia. I loved her forward thinking, her love of chemistry and that she was not dependent on a man. While I liked Thorn, I thought he was lacking in the intensity department. Yes, he was angry with what happened years ago but I wanted his relationship with Olivia to have more oomph and be more intense and sparks flying. The mystery is getting closer to being solved and Olivia is a huge part of finding the solution. While I did like this book, I thought the previous two books in the series were better.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
First and very important to other readers, this book is best read as part of the series and in order. While the relationship between the characters does conclude in an hea the mystery in the background of this book is carried over in each book. I made the mistake of starting with this book and while I was still able to follow along and thoroughly enjoy this book I believe it would have been better had I read the others first and I did purchase them so I could.
I love the characters in this book. They are different, Drake is the Duke of Thornstock who in his spare time writes plays to be acted out on stage, and Olivia is a spinster bluestocking interested in chemistry. I found the chemistry in this book interesting and the chemistry between the characters believable and was happy they got their hea.
If you are an historical romance fan and you prefer to read a series in order then I recommend this series. The author is an excellent writer who knows how to keep the reader engaged.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
A bit of an eye-roll in the prologue: At a ball Thorn has just been warned of compromising situations by his older half-brother, Grey, yet he is promptly found in an embrace with a young lady. Fast forward 9 years later, he meets her again, whereby she is to help determine if Grey’s father was poisoned.
The novel moves along quickly. I did not feel the “science stuff” was too much nor did it slow the story. A bit of mystery with romance and overall an enjoyable read.
I read an ARC provided by the publisher via netgalley; the thoughts expressed are my own.
I usually love Ms. Jeffries’s books, but this one just didn’t have the romantic sizzle that most of her books have. The mystery of who killed Grey’s father and the chemical experiments took center stage in this story. I also wasn’t happy that the mystery is still ongoing and that knocked another star off the rating especially since it will be another year before the next book is released. By then, I will have forgotten most of the storyline. This book was a disappointment, but it won’t stop me from reading more by this talented author.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.
In 1800, at the Devonshire House Ball, The Duke of Thornestock, Marlow “Thorn” Drake. He had just come home six months ago from Prussia and was trying to get his bearings. He ran into a pretty lady with fire in her eyes. The Negus spilled and he had spots on his waistcoat. She told him not to use his handkerchief and suggested she fix it with Champagne and bicarbonate soda. Off they went to find someplace private so she could clean it. He later got caught by kissing her, Miss Olivia Norley. By her mother no less. Her mother told him she would expect him tomorrow morning and he left angry. When he arrived at Miss Norley’s house, he rudely asked her to marry him. But she said no, even though he was a catch and they were attracted to each other. He left her house furious.
Nine years later they again meet. His sister Gywn had bought a townhouse and she and her husband had opened it up to their friends. He saw Olivia. He still did not trust her mother or her. They banter, fight, and argue they are so terribly attracted to each other.
I enjoyed this story and the bantering. It kept the tale interesting. The attraction was obvious to all but them. She wanted him but she wanted love too. They were wonderful characters and their family was different. This is not one of Ms. Jefferies’s best, but it is hers and you can never go wrong. I highly recommend it.
I received the ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.
This is the 3rd book in the Duke Dynasty series about stepsiblings who are in search of the truth what happened to their mother’s three husbands who all died. This book can be read as a stand-alone book, but if you read the other 2 books in the series you will enjoy this book because the heroes and heroines of the previous books appear in this book. This book is about Thorn, who is a Duke, and Olivia who is a chemist. Thorn and Olivia met years ago at a ball where Olivia spilled a drink on Thorn and while trying to clean it up they were caught kissing by Olivia’s step-mother who blackmailed Thorn into proposing. Oliva turned him down. Thru the years, Thorn never forgot the girl who tried to catch him in a marriage trap but turned him down. Years later they meet again because Thorn’s brother Grey hires Olivia to look into Grey’s father’s death. Every time Thorn is with Olivia he cannot help himself – he is attracted to her. I really enjoyed this story and Thorn and Olivia. There is love, family and mystery. While reading this book, I kept thinking to myself, Who wants to marry a Duke? – I do!!! I cannot wait for the next book in the series to read about Sheridan, the Dowager Duchess last son not married.
I received a free copy of this book by Netgalley for my honest opinion.
Lydia Fletcher married three times. All three husband’s died and left Lydia a widow with five children by the time she was twenty-five. Over thirty years later, her oldest son Grey wants to exhume his father and have his remains tested for poison. He’s hired Miss Olivia Norley to run some tests. Olivia’s life is chemistry and experiments. This job with help establish her standing as a chemist if she can prove the cause of death. Grey explains the plan to his half-brother Thorn who objects to Olivia’s participation. Thorn and Olivia have a history from nine years ago, a history that left a lot of pain and distrust. The attraction is still there, but it will take time to build on, only Thorn holds a secret that can tear it down. And the murderer? More clues in this book, but a mystery still to be solved. Very entertaining with sibling humor.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
I requested an ARC of this book, and these opinions are my own.
A brilliantly smart heroine is difficult to resist, as Marlowe – the Duke of Thornstock, finds out in this charming story.
Olivia Norley is bookish, beautiful, and determined to make a name for herself in the field of Chemistry. Its that pursuit that leads to both a romantic and wildly embarrassing moment with Thorn that ruins any chance they may have initially had. He jumps to conclusions, but is still incredibly drawn to her, even many years later – hence his decision to dog her steps as she prepares to investigate a suspicious death. Of course, theirs is a happily ever after, with tons of steamy moments – and not just of the chemical variety.
I loved Oliva’s tenacity and determination to stay true to herself, and to her dreams – even if it means she won’t ever have a love of her own. And Thorn’s bluster hides a surprisingly sensitive and poetic soul, as evidenced by his secret play-writing – a delightful sub plot.
The possible murder to Thorn’s step-brother’s father (and possibly his own) is an intriguing storyline, and I look forward to seeing how it plays out through the rest of the series.
While this book could stand on it’s own, readers would definitely benefit by reading the other books in the series – if for no other reason than to understand the incredibly complex family tree. Either way, it is a must read for sure.