“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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Although this is the 3rd book in the series, I really enjoyed reading it. The back story carries on from the last books but is well explained so you don’t feel you are missing anything. I have always loved Ms Jeffries writing and this one is no different. The characters were unusual and very well written, the storyline one that had you turning the page. There was adventure, mystery, suspense and romance, no Ton ballrooms. There was a couple of sex scenes which this reviewer as always skips and it didn’t affect my enjoyment of the book. Although the background story continues on too the next book, the main story had a wonderful and satisfying end, so now I am looking forward to reading it. I received this book as an Arc and happily give my review.
Review courtesy of Romance Junkies
Marlowe Drake is the current Duke of Thornstock. He harbors a secret, even from his family. Thorn and his half-brothers investigate the suspicious deaths of their fathers. He suspects the chemist his older brother hires because of their shared past. Thorn never imagined he and Olivia would meet again. Someone wants to keep the past buried. Will Thorn’s cynicism keep them a part? Or will his secret jeopardize their future?
Miss Olivia Norley is the only child of a baron. She agrees to assist the Duke of Greycourt with the investigation of his father’s death. Olivia hopes to publish her findings and establish her chemistry career. However, Thorn stands in her way. Olivia refuses to be swayed by the irresistible man’s charms again. Will Olivia’s findings expose a thirty-year-old murder? Can she change Thorn’s pessimistic outlook on love?
Thorn always struck me as the fun and carefree one in the prior books. I like how we finally get to know his true character. I love the fact that Thorn secretly writes comical plays. It feels right since he and his brothers are named after famous playwrights. I adore Thorn’s closeness to his mother and siblings. There is little he would not do to protect them from harm, even from hurtful gossip. What I like the most about Thorn is his acceptance of Olivia’s uniqueness. He is upfront about his understanding of chemistry. Plus, he also knows it is not a normal society lady’s pastime.
Olivia is a woman after my own heart. She does not try to be someone she is not. Accepting the fact that she does not fit in with her peers is perfectly fine with Olivia. I admire that about her. I like that Olivia is a fan of comical play. It contrasts with her scientific interests. What I like the most about Olivia is her eagerness to share her accomplishments with Thorn. She knows that he does not understand chemistry, but she does not have to fear him ridiculing her about it.
WHO WANTS TO MARRY A DUKE is book three in Sabrina Jeffries historica romance series, DUKE DYNASTY. I recommend reading the previous books and novella to understand the on-going plot. New clues into the mysterious deaths of Lydia Fletcher’s ducal husbands arise, along with some setbacks. I love how Grey, Beatrice, Gwyn, and Wolfe make appearances throughout the story. I just wish that Sheridan and Heywood did.
WHO WANTS TO MARRY A DUKE is a fun and delightful tale of two society misfits finding each other. I just love Sabrina Jeffries’ spin of Regency-style, dysfunctional families. I am so delighted the author paired Vanessa and Sheridan together for the next book. 2021 cannot arrive soon enough.