TITLE: Ten Rules for Marrying a Duke
SERIES:
AUTHOR: Michelle McLean
RATING:
STEAM:
by Monica McCarty
An elite fighting force unlike the world has ever seen...
Scouring the darkest corners of the Highlands and Western Isles, Robert the Bruce handpicks ten warriors to help him in his quest to free Scotland from English rule. They are the best of the best, chosen for their superior skills in each discipline of warfare. And to lead his secret Highland Guard, Bruce chooses the greatest warrior of all.
The ultimate Highland warlord and a swordsman without equal, Tor MacLeod has no intention of being drawn into Scotland’s war against the English. Dedicated to his clan, the fiercely independent chief answers to no one—especially not to his alluring new bride, bartered to him in a bid to secure his command of the deadliest fighting force the world has ever seen. The treacherous chit who made her way to Tor’s bed may have won his hand, but she will never claim his heart.
Although her husband’s reputation is as fierce as his manner, Christina Fraser believes that something softer hides beneath his brutal shell. But the only warmth she feels is in their bed, in glorious moments of white-hot desire that disappear with the dawn. When Christina’s reckless bid to win her husband’s love goes awry and thrusts them into danger on the eve of war, Tor will face his ultimate battle: to save his wife and to open his heart—before it’s too late.
The Plot
I adored this book! It was full of adventure and angsty romance. There were several scenes that caused Tor and Christina to be separated for some length but the story still held my interest. It was like to stories woven together perfectly; the training Tor was doing and the relationship between Tor and Christina. They meshed perfectly and I felt like I had enough of both with each shift. I can not wait to read the next in the series!
The Heroine
Christina had a rough childhood with an abusive father and a sickly sister. She is forced to obey her father and trick Tor into marriage. Christina is a hopeless romantic and is convinced she can make the best of the marriage. She is the sweetest woman and does everything to help Tor and his clan, but Tor is reluctant to let her in his world.
The Hero
Tor is a hardened Scottish Warrior. He saw his mother and father brutally killed and has closed himself off from any emotion so he can be the best warrior for his clan that depends on him. Being forced into a marriage is not at all what he wanted, even if there was something felt between him and Christina, he didn't have time for the distraction. But when his hand is forced and he marries her and agrees to train a special elite group of warriors, he has a hard time keeping his hold on his suppressed emotions and his neutrality between England and Scotland.
The Steam
I could so feel the passion between Tor and Christina! They had such chemistry in the bedroom which made me feel even worse for her outside the marriage bed. But the steam was there and it was so very hot!
Tropes
Historical Romance, Medieval Era, Scotland, Highland Warrior Hero, Alpha Hero, Damaged/Tortured Hero, Soldier/War Hero, Virgin Heroine, Unexpected Virgin, Married in Scandal, Marriage of Convenience/Arranged Marriage, Suspense/Danger/Murder, Sunshine/Grump, Three Flame, Five Star
HistoricalRomance, MedievalEra, Scotland, HighlandWarriorHero, AlphaHero, Damaged/TorturedHero, soldier/WarHero, VirginHeroine, UnexpectedVirgin, MarriedinScandal, MarriageofConvenience/ArrangedMarriage, Suspense/Danger/Murder, Sunshine/Grump, ThreeFlame, FiveStar
The Debutante Dares #1
by Charlie Lane
A redheaded bluestocking in desperate need of a wealthy husband.
A handsome duke looking for the perfect duchess.
And a dare that shows that opposites may not only attract but can be so much more.
Lady Tabitha Hampton has the memory of an elephant. Her sharp brain locks everything away tight as a trunk in an attic. But this talent fails to help the twenty-seven-year-old bluestocking attract the attention of a single wealthy suitor. And she needs one. With three sisters of marriageable age, a sickly father, and a series of bad investments draining their dowries, Tabitha’s marriage could save or ruin her entire family.
The Duke of Collingford needs a wife, but not just any one will do. Arthur’s future duchess must be perfect in every way—fair of face, impeccable manners, with enough social influence to impact his parliamentary projects. When he joins the whirl of the London season, the duke finds an insufferable, redheaded wallflower instead.
Tabitha insists she can be the perfect duchess, if he’ll only give her the chance. Arthur agrees to test her abilities, but she tests his control. And one taste of her lips is enough to make him embrace chaos.
Opposites may attract, but can they cooperate? Or will they lose everything, including their hearts
A handsome duke looking for the perfect duchess.
And a dare that shows that opposites may not only attract but can be so much more.
Lady Tabitha Hampton has the memory of an elephant. Her sharp brain locks everything away tight as a trunk in an attic. But this talent fails to help the twenty-seven-year-old bluestocking attract the attention of a single wealthy suitor. And she needs one. With three sisters of marriageable age, a sickly father, and a series of bad investments draining their dowries, Tabitha’s marriage could save or ruin her entire family.
The Duke of Collingford needs a wife, but not just any one will do. Arthur’s future duchess must be perfect in every way—fair of face, impeccable manners, with enough social influence to impact his parliamentary projects. When he joins the whirl of the London season, the duke finds an insufferable, redheaded wallflower instead.
Tabitha insists she can be the perfect duchess, if he’ll only give her the chance. Arthur agrees to test her abilities, but she tests his control. And one taste of her lips is enough to make him embrace chaos.
Opposites may attract, but can they cooperate? Or will they lose everything, including their hearts
The Plot
This was an enjoyable book...I felt like it was a bit ridiculous at times and I was frustrated by some of the holes left at the end of the book, but overall it was a nice, quick read. What started out as a dare, softened and changed both Tabitha and Arthur for the better. I really enjoyed seeing the changes take place, especially in Arthur, and eventually see them realize they will be a great Duke and Duchess because they care for others and for each other.
The Heroine
Tabitha Hampton is a very smart girl who has a photographic memory. She basically runs her family household since her mother died and her father is sick. She takes care of her little sisters too. After an investment she made goes wrong and she loses a lot of their money, she is desperate to finally marry...someone rich who can help her family and ensure her sister can afford a Season and get married as well. But Tabitha is older and many men are scared off when they find out about her eccentric mind and her inability to hold her tongue at times. But she is determined to help her family so she convinces Arthur to give her a chance to prove she can be the perfect duchess for him.
The Hero
Arthur is a bit of a stick in the mud. He father died when he was young and he was raised by his mother, uncle and grandmother, all of whom still hold great power over him. He is determined to marry the perfect woman to be his Duchess because, in order to get his beloved childhood home, his whole family needs to approve of his future wife. His Uncle is very controlling and disapproving of Arthur which has left him with needs to be the perfect Duke with ridiculous tasks. Thankfully, Tabitha came along, got through his façade and was able to help him see that "perfection" is not necessary and you'll be happier once you set that mantle aside.
The Steam
The steam was okay; I loved that their first time together was in a romantic, meadow setting.
Tropes
Historical Romance, Regency Era, Season/Marriage Mart, Ton Society, Beta/Cinnamon Roll Hero, Politician Hero, Starchy Hero, Titled Hero, Bluestocking Heroine, Spinster Heroine, Virgin Heroine, Wallflower Heroine, Outdoor Steam, Marriage of Convenience/Arranged Marriage, Dare or Bet
HistoricalRomance, RegencyEra, Season/MarriageMart, TonSociety, Beta/CinnamonrollHero, PoliticianHero, StarchyHero, TitledHero, BluestockingHeroine, SpinsterHeroine, VirginHeroine, WallflowerHeroine, OutdoorSteam, MarriageofConvenience/ArrangedMarriage, DareorBet
TITLE: Pursuing Mr. Mattingly
SERIES: Willful Winterbournes #2
AUTHOR: Sandra Sookoo
RATING:
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TITLE: How the Wallflower was Won
SERIES: Last Chance Scoundrels #2
AUTHOR: Eva Leigh
RATING:
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TITLE: A Recipe For a Rogue
SERIES: The Beautiful Barringtons #5
AUTHOR: Kathleen Ayers
RATING:
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TITLE: Much Ado About Dukes
SERIES: Never a Wallflower #2
AUTHOR: Eva Devon
RATING:
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TITLE: Some Dukes Have All the Luck
SERIES: Synneful Spinsters #1
AUTHOR: Christina Britton
RATING:
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