Title: Dusk with a Dangerous Duke
Author: Alexandra Hawkins
Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks, February 26, 2013
Series: Lords of Vice #6
Source: Purchased
Amazon
|GoodreadsReview: ★★★✩✩ (3.5 stars)
They were children when the Duke of Huntsley was introduced to Lady Grace Kearly. The young duke—nicknamed “Hunter”—took one look at his future bride and thought only of escaping his responsibilities to his family. Marriage was for grown-ups and Hunter still had years of skirt-chasing ahead of him. But now the time has come for Hunter to heed the call: if this Lord of Vice hopes to keep all of his inheritance, he’ll have to claim his long-neglected betrothed…
With her twenty-first birthday approaching, Lady Grace dreads the thought of marrying the duke she has met only once—especially since he’s grown into a notorious rake who will probably beget his heir and abandon her in the country while he pursues fresh game in London. So when Lady Grace coolly decides to call the wedding off, even Hunter is surprised by his refusal to let her go. Suddenly, the notion of claiming and taming this green-eyed beauty is one challenge he cannot resist…
19 Year Old Betrothal
He was twelve and she was two. They didn't seal their betrothal with a kiss, instead, Lady Grace bit his Grace, the Duke of Hunstley.
For 19 long years, Grace patiently waited for Hunter to come to her, but it seems she would be waiting in vain, because if he wanted to see her, he wouldn't wait that long for him to go to her. Instead of waiting a minute longer, she decided that she would come to him. Her 21st birthday is coming and she is bound to lose everything without a husband. If he has no plans of claiming her, then she will find another.
Hunter has already plans to collect his betrothed. His time was also running out. But once news that she suddenly came to London without informing him and without proper escort in the course of her travelling - he sees red.
He was ready to confront her and give her a piece of his mind. One look - and he was a goner. He never expected that Grace would grow up as enchanted as the young lady standing in front of him. Only that he didn't expect what she'd tell him next: she wanted to break the agreement. Grace no longer wanted him to be her husband. She came to London to secure herself one, with the help of her grandfather's friend: Vane's mother.
What I love: Their banters: one witty chit and one duke who won't give - no one wants to yield = completely entertaining.
Characters I adore: I love Vane's mother, who welcomed Grace with open arms the moment the younger lady stepped foot in London.
Frost - he could charm ladies with his wits and stole kisses from another man's betrothed. I wonder who can make you fall in love.
My favorite scene: When she fainted on Hunter as he displays his "assets". I find myself laughing at Hunter: Ladies indeed swoon at him.
What I don't like: I find it anticlimatic: the fire was burning and suddenly a bucket of ice was thrown at me. I think when Hunter realized that he fell (not even falling), but really fell in love with Grace was all too sudden.
How can he think he love her just like that, after leaving her for 19 years at Frethwell Hall with only his solicitor to see her well being? According to him, she's a nuisance & hardly ever mentioned her to his friends. After not believing in love for a very long time, he suddenly recognise that he's in love? With no prelude to the declaration or realization of his feelings - no confusion at all, could it be love or simply lust?
After thoughts: Is it only me or do you think the ending was rushed?
What to expect: An entertaining courtship between a man who can have anyone at his disposal except his intended and a lady who'd do anything but marry the man she was promised to. A passionate love story that was meant to happen, despite the age, time wasted, and differences.
I love the Lords of Vice because...
They are scoundrels of the highest level- but when it comes to their families and friends, they have the biggest hearts. They will give not just their other arm, but their life to the person that they considered important. The friendship that is present between these men is admirable, especially their loyalty. They treat everyone as family, including their wives.
And when they love - oh my - they love not just with their hearts, but with their soul as well. Indeed, reformed rakes love the best.
I am eagerly waiting for Frost's turn. Who could possibly capture his attention and affection? Surely, it would be the hardest task, because among all of them, Frost seemed possess the coldest of heart.
Ever since I started reading this series, Alexandra Hawkins garnered a spot in my favorite regency authors list.
"I have bedded many women, Grace," he admitted, gazing longingly into her beautiful face. "However, this will be a first one for me."
Alexandra Hawkins
Alexandra Hawkins is an unrepentant Anglophile who discovered romance novels as a teenager and knew that one day she would be writing her own. In "The Lords of Vice" series, she has combined her love of English history, mythology, and romance to create sensual character-driven stories that, she hopes, will touch readers' hearts. Alexandra lives in Georgia with her husband and three children.
No comments:
Post a Comment