TITLE: The Duke's Accidental Bride
SERIES:
AUTHOR: Eva Devon
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
TITLE: Purity
SERIES: Diamonds of the First Water #2
AUTHOR: Sydney Jane Baily
RATING:
STEAM:
TITLE: Sophia's Schooling
SERIES: School of Enlightenment #1
AUTHOR: Maggie Sims
RATING:
STEAM:
Edward is mistrusting of women and likes rough bedroom play. Sophia is the ward of his best friend and is curious about Edwards interests. A compromising situation leads to marriage and Sophia receive a special education.
TITLE: Lady Briar Weds the Scot
SERIES: The Blakeley Manor #1
AUTHOR: Fenna Edgewood
RATING:
STEAM:
TITLE: Made for the Marquess
SERIES: Second Sons of London #4
AUTHOR: Alexa Aston
RATING:
STEAM:
The Scandalous Vixen
The Duchess Society #2
Tracy Sumner
Helena Astley, Lady Hell to the ton, has plans. To control her father’s shipping business, to live her way, by her rules. Her plan is going remarkably well until one ill-advised kiss invites the duke she doesn’t want but cannot resist into her life. Hardnosed Roan Darlington, Duke of Leighton, cares little for society or finding a duchess. The only person ever to challenge him is the incorrigible, infuriating Helena Astley. The one woman he’s never been able to forget.
When they’re caught in a ruinous situation, Roan offers her an alternative. A sham engagement she can break off after Christmas. As they discover a world of forbidden pleasure, Helena must decide if she can relinquish a heart she vowed to withhold from the only man powerful enough to seize it. And Roan must decide if falling madly, passionately in love is worth the risk.
The Hero
Roan Darlington, Duke of Leighton was handed the dukedom at the age of 21, suddenly and out of the blue. He was not happy about the inheritance, but came to recognize his duty. He and his sister Pippa were forced out of their simple life, to one they were I’ll prepared for.
"He spread his palm across her lower back to steady her, taking subtle possession. “You see, my darling heiress, I seek a kiss that says everything. The kiss to end all kisses. The kiss of the century. Why run the race if you’re not trying to win? That’s my rule. Or rather, my quest. That we don’t limit ourselves.” With his free hand, Roan cradled her jaw, tilting her head until her gaze pierced his. She stilled with the effort, like a feather coming to rest on a feather coverlet. “I want to show you that the heat we generate is enough to make anyone, even you, believe in the power of desire. What we do with it is up to us, I suppose.”
The Heroine
Helena Astley is the only daughter of a shipping giant, who gave her the company when he died, making her an instant outcast in society but incredibly wealthy! She is smart, witty and an amazing business woman. Her mother having died when she was little, she is lonely and has no friends outside of work relationships.
The Plot
Roan has been pining after Helena for over a decade. He would watch her by the seashore and try to gather the nerve to speak to her. When he finally did, he botched the whole thing and ruined any chance he had with her.
Now, it’s 10 years later and, although they still harbor strong feelings for each other, they are rude to each other and bicker every time they meet. But, when the opportunity presents itself, Roan invites Helena, and her newly discovered half sister, to his country house for the Christmastide so that her sister and his sister can get lessons from the Duchess Society. He offers to pretend a courtship with Helena so that he can help put aside rumors he accidentally when he punched a man for insulting her and save her from scandal.
Helena and her sister arrive at Roan’s house and she starts to see a side of him that she didn’t expect, a caring and responsible side. But when he dares her to a kiss, that simple kiss leads to more and they are caught in a compromising position. Thrust into a world she is I’ll prepared for, Roan must convince Helena that he wants and loves her and the rest will fall into place. And she needs to let her guard down and open her heart to the possibility of love and a family.
The Steam
A couple of very steamy scenes and lots of swooning! One particularly steamy scene on a pianoforte that leads to a compromising situation!
"You see, I’m not interested in half measures. From my friends, my colleagues, or my wife. No business agreements are going to carry us through. It’s love or nothing for me. You have mine, you always have, but I must have yours in return. Or I can’t do this, Hellie. I can’t.”
Final Thoughts
Once again, Ms. Sumner’s book gives me all the feels! Such a good book and, since, all three storylines in this series are so different, I know it is Tracy’s writing that can pull me into any romance she can put to paper!
Tropes
Regency Era, Historical Romance, House Party, Holiday Romance, Titled Hero, Spinster Heroine, Wallflower Heroine, Matchmaker Heroine, Independent Heroine, Working Heroine, Experienced Heroine, Angst Romance, Unrequited love, Second Chance Romance, Enemies to Lovers, Fake Relationship, Married in Scandal, Class Difference, Rake Hero, Sudden Nobility/Rags to Riches, Dare or Bet, Dirty Talk, Five Star, Four Flame
