Format Read: e-ARC provided by Netgalley
Number of Pages: 384 pages
Release Date: February 22nd 2011
Publisher: Avon
Formats Available: Paperback, Ebook
Purchasing Info: Author website, Goodreads, Amazon
Book Blurb:
For years, he’s been an object of fear, fascination . . . and fantasy. But of all the wicked rumors that shadow the formidable Alexander Moncrieffe, Duke of Falconbridge, the ton knows one thing for certain: only fools dare cross him. And when Ian Eversea does just that, Moncrieffe knows the perfect revenge: he’ll seduce Ian’s innocent sister, Genevieve—the only Eversea as yet untouched by scandal. First he’ll capture her heart . . . and then he’ll break it.
But everything about Genevieve is unexpected: the passion simmering beneath her cool control, the sharp wit tempered by gentleness . . . And though Genevieve has heard the whispers about the duke’s dark past, and knows she trifles with him at her peril, one incendiary kiss tempts her deeper into a world of extraordinary sensuality. Until Genevieve is faced with a fateful choice . . . is there anything she won’t do for a duke?
My Thoughts:
What I Did for a Duke is the 5th book in the
Pennyroyal Green series. I haven’t read the previous books, and in fact this is the 1st book I read from this author but it won’t be the last. I can’t wait to read the previous books. What a funny and moving story. I am already planning on re-reading it as soon as I my print copy arrives. This book will go straight to my Keep-Forever Shelf.
From the very first chapter I knew I would love the hero, Alexander Moncrieffe, Duke of Falconbridge. First he is mysterious and there are a lot of rumors about his past (Killing his wife with poison for example) and he does nothing to contradict them . He is said to be ruthless with those who crossed him. And most of all he gives meaning to the phrase ‘Vengeance is better served cold’. All the women want Alexander but they are also all afraid of him too. He has such a charisma..*happy sigh* One of the things I loved about him is that he is ‘older’. Alexander is about 40 and he doesn’t act like a young rake (I was gonna say ‘fool’), he acts like a mature man and let me tell you it makes him even more attractive. I’m not saying he doesn’t like gambling or things like that but he’s not reckless either. I have a huge crush on him so I’m completely biased. *wink*
Alexander was betrothed to a young lady until he found her in a compromising situation with Ian Eversea. He could have had his revenge on Ian at that time but he decided to do much, much worse. Alex will seduce Ian’s innocent sister then abandon her and crush her heart. Well that’s his plan. I told you he was ruthless! Ian of course doesn’t know what the duke intends to do and is living in fear of his vengeance. Of course nothing goes as planned. Genevieve has been in love with her best friend for years and recent news left her completely crushed. She is in no mood to entertain anyone during the House party her parents are holding, even less the mysterious and dark Duke everyone’s talking about. But it’s not like she has a choice.
This book is very funny and I giggled and smiled from start to end. It made me feel really good and I loved it. Alexander and Genevieve both have a very funny sense of humor. Their discussions are often hilarious. Oh how I love Genevieve’s witty intelligence. She is a quiet one which doesn’t mean she’s shy. I like how she thinks before talking, she doesn’t blurt out what comes through her mind. If she says something, it’s for a reason.
The Duke will do his best to seduce Genevieve and all I’ll say is that my it melted my heart. I had tears..ahem I mean DUST in my eyes quite a few times. When I started reading it I thought, ‘hey it’s gonna go this way and big revelation and cries and hurt’…I was wrong! It surprised me completely. It’s very original while still playing with a basic formula. I know I’m rambling, but I LOVED it.
What I Did For a Duke was pure pleasure to read. The author gave us intelligent characters with depth and a sense of humor. They never thought they’d fall in love with each other, both had their plans and falling in love was not part of it. I was shouting at my ereader (and at Susi), cheering them to do the right thing…I think at some point I went all ‘Come on, kiss her NOW, KISS HER AHHHHH’ . Yes this book drove me crazy (crazier? lol) but it was worth every minute. This is a charming book that had me smiling all along. It’s definitely of one the Top Historical I’ve read.
I give What I Did for a Duke 5 Bookies.
***FTC Disclaimer: Most books reviewed on this site have been provided free of charge by the publisher, author or publicist. Some books we have purchased with our own money and will be noted as such. Any links to places to purchase books are provided as a convenience, and do not serve as an endorsement by this blog. All reviews are the true and honest opinion of the blogger reviewing the book. The method of acquiring the book does not have a bearing on the content of the review.
About Caro The HEA Lover
Caroline is a HEA loving, yarn addicted French who's desperately hoping to get a HEA of her own. If she's not reading then she can be found knitting while listening to Audiobooks or watching Tv shows. Her secret addiction is reading websites that make fun at other people's expense (DYAC, Failbook)! Caroline also blogs at the Secret HEA Society with Susi.
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Wow, that sounds great. I love Avon books – I can't wait until 22, February, to read the new releases (especially This Side of the Grave by Jeaninene Frst).
And I like your review, I have to read What I Did For A Duke as well 🙂
@Mikki-Manó I love Avon books, but this one was exactly what I love for my historicals. *happy sigh* I devoured it.
Ohh yes i'm waiting for the Jeaniene Frost book too.
I hope you'll enjoy the Duke of Falconbridge as much as I did. NOM. Such a funny and cute book.
Sounds great 😀 Of course what a wicked plan! But since everything works out 😉
EVERY review of this book that I have seen has lavishly praised it! I must read it soon!
I've seen several positive reviews recently for this book. On the TBR list is goes. For as many historicals as I read, I'm surprised I've missed this series. Thanks for the heads up.
@Blodeuedd Yes very wicked, good thing we know there's a HEA from the start *g* I was really surprised at how it turned out. very very cute.
@Cheryl c I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did!I think it deserves the hype. It's cute and original and it melted my heart. *g*
@LSUReader I knowwwww me too!! I can't believe I haven't read this series before. I really loved it, my own print copy is on its way and i can't wait to reread it. so cute.
OK, I am getting this book. Like, today. 🙂
@Chelsea B. YAY!!! Let me know how you like it. *g* I had a blast reading it
I love Julie Ann Long. I want to read "What I did for a duke" soon
Okay you've convinced me. No one can gush about a book like that and it not be totally wonderful! I haven't read anything by this author yet but I think I will give her a shot. Thanks for the enthusiastic review!
Stacie
GeishasMom73 on twitter
@Welzen ohh since you love her books which one would you recommend? I don't know where to start =P
@Stacie Ah no pressure or anything LOL. Now I hope you'll like it. =P I sure loved it. I have a thing for 'dark' ruthless heroes. *swoon*
I've been looking for more historicals to read, I'll have to start reading this author, now I just need to figure out which book to start with.
@Natalie23 I have to admit I have no idea if the previous books are good. This one is delicious though.
If you're searching for great new Historicals, my Top Favorite of 2011 is When Beauty Tamed the Beast by Eloisa James. Dark hero completely antisocial. Lots of humor and beautiful romance. *happy sigh*
That and What I did For a Duke are my favorite books so far in 2011 =)