Duke Most Wicked

TITLE: Duke Most Wicked

SERIES: Wallflowers vs. Rogues #3

AUTHOR: Lenora Bell

RATING: 

STEAM: 

THE SYNOPSIS

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a wicked duke who has gambled away his fortune must be in want of an heiress. Scarred by a dark secret, Brandan Delamar, Duke of Westbury, must concede his misdeeds have finally caught up with him. With five younger sisters to support, he must marry for money.

Sunny and steadfast, Viola Beaton is no heiress. As music instructor to the duke’s sisters, she’s developed a genuine affection for the bright young ladies. Unfortunately, she’s also developed a forbidden passion for her wildly attractive employer. It must be the way he inspires her to compose sonatas about moonlight and kisses. Or how his gaze smolders and lingers on her skin. Or because he makes her heart whisper impossible things.

When Westbury decrees that he’ll choose not only a bride, but grooms for his sisters, Viola can’t allow him to curtail their freedom. She strikes a bargain: if he allows his sisters to attend the Season, Viola will chaperone them and keep them safe from scandal. Only…what if Viola and the duke are the ones most likely to cause a scandal?

THE REVIEW

Brandan Delamar, Duke of Westbury had a rough childhood spent trying to please his father, only to be demeaned and beaten constantly. His mother was loving, although absent most of the time. His father desperately wanted another boy but only received five girls. Until finally, a son was born. That same day, West was called into his fathers office, told he was not his fathers son and sent off to boarding school. It ripped West apart and he still carries the shame and anger with him now years later. Sadly, his brother died in a riding accident and his father died shortly after that. Last left West as the Duke and in charge of his sisters, but he simply continued his rakish, wasted life.

Viola Beaton is the daughter of a once famous composer who is now forced to work as a piano tutor for West’s sisters. With her father losing his hearing, she has been helping him compose music for commissions to help pay for their expenses. Slowly, West starts to reform so his sisters can have good matches and he can improve his properties. Of course, it’s all because of Viola and her sensible ways that guide him and his sisters.

I really liked the premise of the book; he is a tortured Duke and she is a ray of sunshine musician whom everyone just loves. But it felt kind of silly in parts and the dialogue was awkward at times. I also didn’t completely believe the feelings between West & Viola, especially Wests.

TROPES

Historical Romance, Damaged/Tortured Hero, Illegitimate Hero, Pugilist/Fighter Hero, Rake Hero, Protective Hero, Titled Hero, Bluestocking Heroine, Spinster Heroine, Musician Heroine, Virgin Heroine, Governess/Nanny Heroine, Class Difference, Secret Crush, Piano Steam, Three Star, Three Flame

HistoricalRomance, Damaged/TorturedHero, IllegitimateHero, Pugilist/FighterHero, RakeHero, ProtectiveHero, TitledHero, BluestockingHeroine, SpinsterHeroine, MusicianHeroine, VirginHeroine, Governess/NannyHeroine, ClassDifference, SecretCrush, PianoSteam, ThreeStar, ThreeFlame