My Darling Duke

I loved reading Kitty and Alexander’s amazing story in My Darling Duke by Stacy Reid book 1 in Sinful Wallflowers series. Katherine, “Kitty”, Danvers might be a wallflower but she would do anything to save her family, after the death of her father. She has a devilish plan; a perfect plan. She will announce that she is engaged to the reclusive and mysterious Duke of Thornton, Alexander Masters, and secure strong matches for her sisters. After all, no one has heard from the duke in years. Most likely he would never find out and once her sisters are married off she can go back to her quiet life. Life doesn’t work quite as Kitty had planned. First she’s called on by one of the duke’s solicitors who moves the family into better quarters and allows her access to the duke’s accounts. Then there are inquisitive reporters eager to interview her for their gossip rags. Before she knows it she has become the center of society with everyone wanting to meet her absent fiancé. Unexpectedly, Alexander Masters arrives in the city wanting to meet this bold woman. Upon meeting, Alexander appears quite angry and demands retribution; but not the way Kitty expected. Kitty was a character after my own heart. Kitty cared about others before herself as evidence by her masquerade. Alexander had been injured in a fire and fall, ten years prior; the burns disfiguring half of his body. One could not help but be moved by him, yet people were repulsed by his scars and he embarrassed when his legs would not work. Not Kitty, she was empathic; wanting to take away his pain and hurt. These two were a perfect match. Ms. Reid wrote an emotional, love story that should not be missed. She provided a tale rich with emotions, sexual chemistry, humor, wonderful dialogue, and endearing characters giving Kitty and Alexander a chance to have a forever love. I highly recommend My Darling Duke to other readers and look forward to the next book in this series. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

My Darling Duke by Stacy Reid Sinful Wallflowers #1 Wallflower friends who have been out for awhile determine to create their own futures by doing what they would never do if diamonds of the first water. This group of friends decide to be a bit scandalous and in so doing forge their own futures...or at least guarantee their families a future. In book one of the series we meet most of the women but hear the story of how Katherine “Kitty” Danvers scandalously claims she is affianced to the Duke of Thornton. When he shows up at a ball she is not sure what will happen but puts her game face on and they meet together in a quiet room to...evaluate. At first I thought this would be a predictable silly story though I have always enjoyed this author’s books...it was predictable in that there is a HEA but unpredictable in the fact that some big issues were discussed and handled with delicacy...well...a bit of steamy delicacy. This book made me think and care and fall for the two main characters while wondering what would happen in book two of the series. What I liked: * The willingness of the wallflowers to move forward with their lives – even if it means scandalous * Kitty – she was willing to do what it took to provide security for her family. I also just liked her strength and willingness to honestly go for what she wanted * Alexander – a man of strength and honor who put his sister first and paid the price for it. He is a good man and once he finally realized what he really wanted – he went for it. * The story – I cared about the outcome and enjoyed reading how the two managed to come together...eventually. * The willingness to tackle a story with real issues that needed to be overcome for the HEA to occur What I didn’t like: * Alexander’s dithering and lack of self-worth – at times * The doctors’ negativity * Having to say goodbye to Katherine and Alexander Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Amara for the ARC – This is my honest review. 4-5 Stars

Alexander Masters, Duke of Thornton, has never met Miss Kitty Danvers, but according to the papers, he and she are betrothed. Kitty doesn’t know Alexander, but she knows that he was badly injured a decade ago and has become a recluse. Desperate to help her family by giving her sisters a chance for advantageous marriages, Kitty pretends to be engaged to the reclusive Duke. Once her plan succeeds, she will “break” their engagement. It should work. After all they will never meet. Think again. Curious about Kitty and her motives, Alexander makes a rare trip to London. Their meeting is the beginning of an intensely emotional story. Anyone who likes Beauty and the Beast stories will love this one. The story is sad and sweet, sexy, and fun. A tale full of uncertainty and hope, all wrapped up in love and romance. An awesome cast of characters work to encourage and support Alexander and Kitty. Even though these two are obviously deeply in love, there seems to remain one hurdle. Alexander feels that it is unfair to tie Kitty to a man whose injuries have left him unable to make love to her or to give her children (no small hurdle). Kitty is nothing if not resourceful, and you will love the advice she gets (and takes) on how to turn this situation around and create a happily ever after. I thoroughly enjoyed My Darling Duke and highly recommend it. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.