Love at first smile… Charmingly wicked, Johnny Winter has spent his adulthood drifting from scandal to scandal. However, inheriting the dukedom of Dearham has him considering his responsibilities, one of which is to right the wrong done to a distant cousin twenty years ago. His search takes him to Maida Pleasure Gardens, where he is distracted by an unusual and intriguing beauty.
The first time Kitty saw the gentleman with the bone-melting smile, she lost her heart. When, more than a year later, she finally dances with him, the moment is spoiled by having to tie him up at gunpoint. For Kitty is the niece of the infamous Bill Renwick, who owns Maida Gardens and lives too close to the edges of the law. And Johnny has seen too much.
So begins an impossible attraction – made all the more dangerous by the duke’s belief that she is his long-lost relation. Torn between the only family she knows and her longing for the duke, Kitty’s quandary is taken out of her hands by an attempt on her life. Learning to be a lady in the duke’s household brings further complications, not least her increasing obsession with her unconventional host, the man behind the mask he shows the world.
The duke sees beyond the mystery of Kitty’s origins, but can she? And having finally found the love of his life, can he keep her safe and still find a way for them to be together?
THE REVIEW
Kitty Renwick was saved from a horrible situation when she was just 4 years old and was raised as Mr. Renwick’s niece. She had a wonderful upbringing in Maida Pleasure Gardens with a wonderful family and friends.
Johnny Winter is a rake and a walking scandal but upon inheriting the Dukedom he is determined to be responsible. One task is to find the daughter of a distant cousin and right the injustice done to her. His search takes him to Maida Pleasure Gardens and to Kitty.
Johnny is convinced that Kitty is the girl he is looking for and when danger befalls her, he and her uncle insist she move in with him so she can be better protected. But being close proximity only makes their feelings for each other stronger. With danger still lurking around the corner, Kitty and Johnny fall in love and even become engaged before everything falls apart!
Unmasking the Duke was a cute read. Although a slow burn with very little steam, the storyline was more than enough to keep me hooked. The romance was believable as well as the angst of Kitty trying to fit into Johnny’s world. This is the first book I’ve read in this series, but I am excited to go back and read the others in this Pleasure Garden world!
Historical Romance, Regency Era, East End London, Country Life, Beta/Cinnamon Roll Hero, Rake Hero, Titled Hero, Protective Hero, Virgin Heroine, Class Difference, Heroine in Danger, Sudden Nobility/Rags to Riches, Four Star, Two Flames
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