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Duty & Magic #4
Duke Sothbridge's Vessel
Tricking the wrong man into an arranged marriage isn’t the smartest thing I’ve ever done.
My name is Colby Witherington. It’s 2023 but I still live in a world of lords & ladies, balls & arranged marriages. It’s all very regency, except men marry men & magic is involved.
Desperate times called for desperate measures.
I’m twenty-one and still unwed. Vessels are always married to a mage on their eighteenth birthday. It’s tradition. One I want to take part in. I long to surrender my body and my magic to a mage.
But when I was seventeen my first fiance got himself killed in a car crash, days before our wedding. Leaving me in this mess.
I’ve tried everything and it’s been years.
So tricking the lovely Duke Rakewell into a compromising situation at a ball is my last option.
But it’s Duke Sothbridge who falls into my trap and is forced to propose to me.
Evil, cruel Duke Southbridge who ravished Lord Garrington’s Vessel on a balcony and fought a duel over it.
Him. I’m engaged in an arranged marriage to him.
What on earth am I going to do?
Duke Sothbridge's Vessel contains arranged marriage, first times, grumpy/sunshine, angst, intimacy based magic and a regency inspired alternate world.
My name is Colby Witherington. It’s 2023 but I still live in a world of lords & ladies, balls & arranged marriages. It’s all very regency, except men marry men & magic is involved.
Desperate times called for desperate measures.
I’m twenty-one and still unwed. Vessels are always married to a mage on their eighteenth birthday. It’s tradition. One I want to take part in. I long to surrender my body and my magic to a mage.
But when I was seventeen my first fiance got himself killed in a car crash, days before our wedding. Leaving me in this mess.
I’ve tried everything and it’s been years.
So tricking the lovely Duke Rakewell into a compromising situation at a ball is my last option.
But it’s Duke Sothbridge who falls into my trap and is forced to propose to me.
Evil, cruel Duke Southbridge who ravished Lord Garrington’s Vessel on a balcony and fought a duel over it.
Him. I’m engaged in an arranged marriage to him.
What on earth am I going to do?
Duke Sothbridge's Vessel contains arranged marriage, first times, grumpy/sunshine, angst, intimacy based magic and a regency inspired alternate world.
172 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 11, 2023
68 people are currently reading
145 people want to read
About the author
S. Rodman
37 books313 followersI love characters who are battered and broken by life, who through the course of finding love, discover they are strong.
Despite everything, because of everything, I will always believe that love conquers all.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
January 4, 2024
I was worried this whole series was all about taboo incestuous relationships. Thankfully I was wrong. So a bit of spoiler territory.
So there is this England Mage community. Apparently some of their lineage comes from Fae and human coupling.
I don't know how it happens. That Fae doesn't have portals to Earth any more. But it causes a rift between Traditionalist and Revivalist. I'm thinking these are the major political parties. Neither are the good guys. But the Revivalist want to open a portal strong enough to pull the Fae back to Earth.
While that is happening in the background. You the audience explore how Vessels came to being. They are basically omegas that hold magic. During their first sexual experience. Their magic travels out of their bodies. This can be used by mages to strengthen them. Also shifters can open the path to let out the vessels magic.
Isn't that interesting!
So there is this England Mage community. Apparently some of their lineage comes from Fae and human coupling.
I don't know how it happens. That Fae doesn't have portals to Earth any more. But it causes a rift between Traditionalist and Revivalist. I'm thinking these are the major political parties. Neither are the good guys. But the Revivalist want to open a portal strong enough to pull the Fae back to Earth.
While that is happening in the background. You the audience explore how Vessels came to being. They are basically omegas that hold magic. During their first sexual experience. Their magic travels out of their bodies. This can be used by mages to strengthen them. Also shifters can open the path to let out the vessels magic.
Isn't that interesting!
March 20, 2023
4.5 starsI was in right from page one, read it in one sit!
Colby wants to trick a certain Duke who will be forced to propose to him. It’s a nice Duke, it will not be a punishment to be the vessel to this mage. Only, at the ball, where it would happen, something went wrong, terribly wrong. Now cruel Duke Harry Sothbridge has to propose, and the man is pissed.
“A good vessel is a quiet vessel.” And quiet is what Colby has to be!
“Superfluous. Unneeded. Useless.” My heart, that hurt!
Underneath all the rudeness coming from Harry, there’s something else, Colby feels it. He has to find a way to Harry’s heart.
He did find it, but it’s complicated. I loved the hurt comfort, the more hurtful the better. I’m a sucker for hurt/comfort. This story earns that label! There more to this story, I loved the surprising turns.
A wonderfully written story, with a, for me, comfortable length, not too short, not too long. Maybe a bit low on the romance part. The moments where Harry took Colby’s magic were sexy af. The emotional moments were sensible. The story was focused on the significant parts, enough developed, just the way I like it.
So no complaints here.
Can’t wait for Jem’s story!
Colby wants to trick a certain Duke who will be forced to propose to him. It’s a nice Duke, it will not be a punishment to be the vessel to this mage. Only, at the ball, where it would happen, something went wrong, terribly wrong. Now cruel Duke Harry Sothbridge has to propose, and the man is pissed.
“A good vessel is a quiet vessel.” And quiet is what Colby has to be!
“Superfluous. Unneeded. Useless.” My heart, that hurt!
Underneath all the rudeness coming from Harry, there’s something else, Colby feels it. He has to find a way to Harry’s heart.
He did find it, but it’s complicated. I loved the hurt comfort, the more hurtful the better. I’m a sucker for hurt/comfort. This story earns that label! There more to this story, I loved the surprising turns.
A wonderfully written story, with a, for me, comfortable length, not too short, not too long. Maybe a bit low on the romance part. The moments where Harry took Colby’s magic were sexy af. The emotional moments were sensible. The story was focused on the significant parts, enough developed, just the way I like it.
So no complaints here.
Can’t wait for Jem’s story!
September 17, 2023
this was icky!!!! harry sucks real bad….mans really claimed to not know what consent was when he himself suffered non consensual abuse ? okay…..very strange….blamed his brother for being raped…..decided to throw an orgy party and force colby to be a vessel for others (he ended up taking colby away before anything happened, not that it makes it any better. colby is highly aware of the extreme power imbalance between them the entire time and knows he basically has to do whatever harry tells him bc that’s his master)
btw before harry decided to throw that orgy party, he was in a great mood thinking things like “Memories of being in Colby’s bed taunt me. He was so eager, sincere. *Willing*. He wanted me, enjoyed me.” (emphasis on willing….like okay so u can recognize willing vs unwilling hmm) harry was in such a great mood, he stopped to invite colby to have dinner in his rooms. colby, having just discovered harry’s brother was blamed for being raped, snaps at harry, wanting to know how harry could deal with his brother being raped by victim blaming and letting his brother think it was his own fault, does harry even know what consent is?? harry is somehow confused about why colby is upset and thinks to himself “Colby’s finally seen me for who I really am. Which means I don’t need to try to be nice.” cut to the next time he sees colby where he informs him he’s hosting an orgy and when colby hesitates, not wanting to participate, harry is quick to step in and remind him of his place: “You belong to me Colby. I own you. Your body is mine, to do with as I please and it pleases me to give it to others.” like wtf is wrong with u harry!!!! deciding to throw that party definitely feels like some weird vindictive power move……but everything is okay bc harry’s never heard of the word consent before😵💫😵💫😵💫😵💫 HUH?????? literally he says this🤦♀️ and harry says it to explain to colby that when he raped colby’s cousin, he didn’t know his cousin didn’t want it bc harry wasn’t familiar with the concept of consent🥴🥴🥴🥴 and this isn’t even supposed to be a dark book, this is supposed to be cute😭😭😭😭😭
anyway towards the end of the book, when he put a collar on colby and chained him to his bed after colby RESCUED him, i was 3000% done with harry!!!!! he is not a good man……colby STAND UP!!!!!!! colby just immediately forgives harry for anything and everything too, it just drove me nuts!! nothing makes any sense!!
also, i did not like the tense the book was written in, plus the sentence structure felt stagnant and choppy: “I can’t see. I can’t hear. Reality has fallen away. I’m stunned and I don’t know what to think.”🥱🥱 i’m not sure how i finished this book bc i knew around chapter 3 that it wasn’t for me😭 i really think people should be paid compensation for even opening this book😂
btw before harry decided to throw that orgy party, he was in a great mood thinking things like “Memories of being in Colby’s bed taunt me. He was so eager, sincere. *Willing*. He wanted me, enjoyed me.” (emphasis on willing….like okay so u can recognize willing vs unwilling hmm) harry was in such a great mood, he stopped to invite colby to have dinner in his rooms. colby, having just discovered harry’s brother was blamed for being raped, snaps at harry, wanting to know how harry could deal with his brother being raped by victim blaming and letting his brother think it was his own fault, does harry even know what consent is?? harry is somehow confused about why colby is upset and thinks to himself “Colby’s finally seen me for who I really am. Which means I don’t need to try to be nice.” cut to the next time he sees colby where he informs him he’s hosting an orgy and when colby hesitates, not wanting to participate, harry is quick to step in and remind him of his place: “You belong to me Colby. I own you. Your body is mine, to do with as I please and it pleases me to give it to others.” like wtf is wrong with u harry!!!! deciding to throw that party definitely feels like some weird vindictive power move……but everything is okay bc harry’s never heard of the word consent before😵💫😵💫😵💫😵💫 HUH?????? literally he says this🤦♀️ and harry says it to explain to colby that when he raped colby’s cousin, he didn’t know his cousin didn’t want it bc harry wasn’t familiar with the concept of consent🥴🥴🥴🥴 and this isn’t even supposed to be a dark book, this is supposed to be cute😭😭😭😭😭
anyway towards the end of the book, when he put a collar on colby and chained him to his bed after colby RESCUED him, i was 3000% done with harry!!!!! he is not a good man……colby STAND UP!!!!!!! colby just immediately forgives harry for anything and everything too, it just drove me nuts!! nothing makes any sense!!
also, i did not like the tense the book was written in, plus the sentence structure felt stagnant and choppy: “I can’t see. I can’t hear. Reality has fallen away. I’m stunned and I don’t know what to think.”🥱🥱 i’m not sure how i finished this book bc i knew around chapter 3 that it wasn’t for me😭 i really think people should be paid compensation for even opening this book😂
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 27, 2023
Colby is such a doll. I need Jem’s story like I need air.
October 1, 2023
Whilst Harry has apparently been redeemed, I don't see why. We have no real explanation for his behaviour and so the whole book was rather unsatisfactory. He's a massive arsehole and Colby just forgives him at every turn for no real reason except they have good sex together...
There's also no explanation how Colby has been using magic when healing, even though he's a vessel. It's mentioned twice, very matter-of-factly, even though it's established that vessels can't wield the magic they have.
There's also no explanation how Colby has been using magic when healing, even though he's a vessel. It's mentioned twice, very matter-of-factly, even though it's established that vessels can't wield the magic they have.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2025
No this one is definitely my favorite one
It seems I likely enjoy them all equally but they each feel like my favorite as soon as I finish. I’ve been reading this series over the last few days and even though they’re on the shorter side, each gives a little glimmer of side story information that makes me hope for a really nice tie in to the fae series (of which I love so much!), but it feels like it’d be such a large storyline to plop into these more gentle tales. I suppose we’ll see now won’t we?
Anyway, this book, like the others, did suffer from being a victim of too little pages. It makes it difficult to dig more deeply into characters and I really wanted to know more of Harry’s backstory as it was touched on so very gently. I know Rothbridge got his already but I really would love to see him get a fair bit more.
I really enjoyed Colby as a character. He was so hilarious, sweet, and gently strong. I do wish he would have been able to carry on with his healer business, but maybe it’ll make a reappearance later.
I assume Jem’s tale is next and can’t wait to see which fancy man appears to become his well deserved simp.
Onward!
It seems I likely enjoy them all equally but they each feel like my favorite as soon as I finish. I’ve been reading this series over the last few days and even though they’re on the shorter side, each gives a little glimmer of side story information that makes me hope for a really nice tie in to the fae series (of which I love so much!), but it feels like it’d be such a large storyline to plop into these more gentle tales. I suppose we’ll see now won’t we?
Anyway, this book, like the others, did suffer from being a victim of too little pages. It makes it difficult to dig more deeply into characters and I really wanted to know more of Harry’s backstory as it was touched on so very gently. I know Rothbridge got his already but I really would love to see him get a fair bit more.
I really enjoyed Colby as a character. He was so hilarious, sweet, and gently strong. I do wish he would have been able to carry on with his healer business, but maybe it’ll make a reappearance later.
I assume Jem’s tale is next and can’t wait to see which fancy man appears to become his well deserved simp.
Onward!
March 16, 2023
A sweet virgin and a Duke that is not as cold and unfeeling as he seems.
Fourth in series (Duty & Magic), it can be read as a standalone but might be more enjoyable if read in order as there is an overarching storyline and shared characters in the series. Paranormal. Arranged marriage. Primarily single POV. Colby is a magic vessel that wants to be married, wants to give his magic to a mage via sex, and hopefully as often as possible. When his plans to trap one man accidentally cause him to be married to another he is still hopeful, even though Duke Harry Sothbridge is known to be a wicked rake. Colby is sweet and positive even in the face of Harry’s cold and uninterested behavior. However, as time passes there are glimpses of Harry being caring, repentant, and having experienced abuse in his own past, and Colby is committed to building a true relationship with his husband. There is loyalty, treachery, redemption, and friendship in this story which made it an enjoyable read, with all the expected steamy interactions S. Rodman is known for. 4.5 rounded up
Fourth in series (Duty & Magic), it can be read as a standalone but might be more enjoyable if read in order as there is an overarching storyline and shared characters in the series. Paranormal. Arranged marriage. Primarily single POV. Colby is a magic vessel that wants to be married, wants to give his magic to a mage via sex, and hopefully as often as possible. When his plans to trap one man accidentally cause him to be married to another he is still hopeful, even though Duke Harry Sothbridge is known to be a wicked rake. Colby is sweet and positive even in the face of Harry’s cold and uninterested behavior. However, as time passes there are glimpses of Harry being caring, repentant, and having experienced abuse in his own past, and Colby is committed to building a true relationship with his husband. There is loyalty, treachery, redemption, and friendship in this story which made it an enjoyable read, with all the expected steamy interactions S. Rodman is known for. 4.5 rounded up
November 19, 2025
Just what is this book
The book has a decent premise but the rest is just the ramblings of someone not all that there (and therapy is recommended). It’s an odd blend of regency and contemporary; where all nobles are either mages or “vessels” and the “mundane” is just normal society. SA, R*pe, and non con is just a widely accepted thing? Like MC aka the “vessel” is outraged by it but is happy to play the role of a “traditional vessel”. MC switches constantly between wise and naive. LI constantly goes from being the world’s biggest read flag to inexplicably effusive. I got fourteen chapters in before I completely gave up. There was way too many plot holes. The MC had a profession as a healer (he gave it up when married, but had to trick LI into marrying him otherwise his family would fall into financial ruin. LI treats MC decently for approximately two sentences and suddenly all the bs he’s said/done is forgiven and forgotten (x5). I went into this assuming it would be an angsty well written enemies to lovers, boy was I wrong.
The book has a decent premise but the rest is just the ramblings of someone not all that there (and therapy is recommended). It’s an odd blend of regency and contemporary; where all nobles are either mages or “vessels” and the “mundane” is just normal society. SA, R*pe, and non con is just a widely accepted thing? Like MC aka the “vessel” is outraged by it but is happy to play the role of a “traditional vessel”. MC switches constantly between wise and naive. LI constantly goes from being the world’s biggest read flag to inexplicably effusive. I got fourteen chapters in before I completely gave up. There was way too many plot holes. The MC had a profession as a healer (he gave it up when married, but had to trick LI into marrying him otherwise his family would fall into financial ruin. LI treats MC decently for approximately two sentences and suddenly all the bs he’s said/done is forgiven and forgotten (x5). I went into this assuming it would be an angsty well written enemies to lovers, boy was I wrong.
March 14, 2023
Every good villain has a backstory. I won’t say they are all redeemable, but every now and then one is. Duke Sothbridge has secrets that make him who he is and his new sweet innocent husband is determined to hunt them out, especially since Harry is so nice to him. Colby is everything Harry is not: sweet, innocent, sunny and optimistic, even in the face of problems. Harry suddenly finds himself faced with ideas that he has never had before and rethinking his stance on his place in society. Harry and Colby have a few hiccups along the way but they start to understand each other in ways no one else does. These two are sweet together and it doesn’t take much time for Harry to cross over a line drawn in the sand and choose Colby over everything else. I would love to see what happens down the line with all of these men because there are till some unresolved problems and tension but we do have an HEA.
March 21, 2023
He Chose Me
‘Slowly the true meaning of his words sink in. The dildo isn’t imbued with magic to give a realistic experience. The magic connects it to his cock. It’s like a voodoo doll. It’s a voodoo cock. Everything that is done to it, he feels.’
In Duke Sothbridges’s Vessel, S. Rodman continues to add to the Duty & Magic: MM Modern Day Regency series, while creating a disturbance in this fantasy world.
Colby simply wants to be married and live a simple life, but his plans get redirected when the object of his manipulation changes unexpectedly, and Duke Sothbridge is caught in his trap. The problem? This man is evil. How will he ever get his Happy Ever After?
Rodman has written a fun, sometimes sad, very steamy life for Coly, as he traverses his new world with Harry. What he learns is that things are not what they seem, and ther is so much more to Harry than anyone can imagine.
Read this series to get the most pleasure from this latest edition!
‘Slowly the true meaning of his words sink in. The dildo isn’t imbued with magic to give a realistic experience. The magic connects it to his cock. It’s like a voodoo doll. It’s a voodoo cock. Everything that is done to it, he feels.’
In Duke Sothbridges’s Vessel, S. Rodman continues to add to the Duty & Magic: MM Modern Day Regency series, while creating a disturbance in this fantasy world.
Colby simply wants to be married and live a simple life, but his plans get redirected when the object of his manipulation changes unexpectedly, and Duke Sothbridge is caught in his trap. The problem? This man is evil. How will he ever get his Happy Ever After?
Rodman has written a fun, sometimes sad, very steamy life for Coly, as he traverses his new world with Harry. What he learns is that things are not what they seem, and ther is so much more to Harry than anyone can imagine.
Read this series to get the most pleasure from this latest edition!
March 29, 2023
Tropes: arranged marriage, grumpy/sunshine, virginal, semi-angsty, magical 🍆 toy 😉
I went into this as a blind read with no expectations and was pleasantly surprised! I’m guessing this is part of a bigger series, though, as many of the characters are brought in with little intro, and I got lost on who’s who in the zoo. My fault, not the authors.
That said, I loved the blend of regency-type romance (social etiquettes, classism, be chaperoned or be ruined!) set in modern times! That’s a first and it was a delightful premise! Add to that a layer of magical realism where Vessels make (but can’t wield) magic and Mages can only receive that magic via magical 💦 transfer. Together it’s the perfect springboard into this virgin-just-wants-to-get-railed desperate marriage trap plot!
What I loved: unique world setting, lots of characters’ relationships to pique interest, and tension between Colby and Henry! If only they’d shared their true feelings sooner!
While I really liked what was on-page, I craved so much more of this story - more details, expansion on some of the social/political undertones, and more from Henry’s POV sooner. I think there is an assumption that the reader “intuitively gets” more of the motivations and so the author glosses over those (secret power source, what the Mages “do” with magic). And it could just be my own shortcomings because admittedly I don’t often read magical realism/fantasy romance… so if that’s the case then disregard my opinion, please!
I went into this as a blind read with no expectations and was pleasantly surprised! I’m guessing this is part of a bigger series, though, as many of the characters are brought in with little intro, and I got lost on who’s who in the zoo. My fault, not the authors.
That said, I loved the blend of regency-type romance (social etiquettes, classism, be chaperoned or be ruined!) set in modern times! That’s a first and it was a delightful premise! Add to that a layer of magical realism where Vessels make (but can’t wield) magic and Mages can only receive that magic via magical 💦 transfer. Together it’s the perfect springboard into this virgin-just-wants-to-get-railed desperate marriage trap plot!
What I loved: unique world setting, lots of characters’ relationships to pique interest, and tension between Colby and Henry! If only they’d shared their true feelings sooner!
While I really liked what was on-page, I craved so much more of this story - more details, expansion on some of the social/political undertones, and more from Henry’s POV sooner. I think there is an assumption that the reader “intuitively gets” more of the motivations and so the author glosses over those (secret power source, what the Mages “do” with magic). And it could just be my own shortcomings because admittedly I don’t often read magical realism/fantasy romance… so if that’s the case then disregard my opinion, please!
March 24, 2023
loved it
If you’ve read the first few books you’d know who harry was and how much of a villain he is and how much we all hated him. After reading his origin you can’t help but feel sorry for him.
My only reason why I didn’t give it a 5 star was because I couldn’t understand Harry’s change towards colby I mean harry has been with many people beautiful and not and to him like he said colby isn’t a strong vessel and he’s plain in the look department and his social status isn’t even high. There wasn’t a part of the book that really gave us the insight into what really changed his view on colby to make him really start to fall for him. Also we never get to hear either of them say they love each other in all the months they’ve been together. It’d be nice to really read more of Harry’s POV and see him change emotionally from the villain he use to be because we all hated him since book 1.
If you’ve read the first few books you’d know who harry was and how much of a villain he is and how much we all hated him. After reading his origin you can’t help but feel sorry for him.
My only reason why I didn’t give it a 5 star was because I couldn’t understand Harry’s change towards colby I mean harry has been with many people beautiful and not and to him like he said colby isn’t a strong vessel and he’s plain in the look department and his social status isn’t even high. There wasn’t a part of the book that really gave us the insight into what really changed his view on colby to make him really start to fall for him. Also we never get to hear either of them say they love each other in all the months they’ve been together. It’d be nice to really read more of Harry’s POV and see him change emotionally from the villain he use to be because we all hated him since book 1.
July 25, 2024
Another lovely addition, this time featuring a brooding mage and an insatiable virgin vessel.
What really sold this book to me was Colby. He's so cute, endearing, funny, and brave. I loved how he always tried to see the brighter side of things and wasn't easily dragged down into sadness. Harry... was a douchebag, we know that. But here, he reveals his traumatic past, and I really felt sorry for him. Plus, he redeemed himself when he realized that Colby deserves all the love he can give him.
The spice was great and hot. The magic toy?! Wow. Lovely.
There are some meddling side characters that I just wanted to shake, but they meant well, even if it led to some dire consequences. The plot thickens and keeps things interesting.
I actually didn't want to part with these two, and I'd love to see more of their domestic bliss. The bonus epilogue addresses one pressing issue and is also filthy hot.
What really sold this book to me was Colby. He's so cute, endearing, funny, and brave. I loved how he always tried to see the brighter side of things and wasn't easily dragged down into sadness. Harry... was a douchebag, we know that. But here, he reveals his traumatic past, and I really felt sorry for him. Plus, he redeemed himself when he realized that Colby deserves all the love he can give him.
The spice was great and hot. The magic toy?! Wow. Lovely.
There are some meddling side characters that I just wanted to shake, but they meant well, even if it led to some dire consequences. The plot thickens and keeps things interesting.
I actually didn't want to part with these two, and I'd love to see more of their domestic bliss. The bonus epilogue addresses one pressing issue and is also filthy hot.
March 22, 2023
It's so exciting to see how differently authors approach the subject of magic.
Here I really liked how the "collaboration" between mage and vessel can develop all the power.
The sweet and innocent (but secretly quite horny) vessel Colby is on the hunt for a husband/mage and his plan works out. Not as expected, though. Duke Sothbridge is rich and incredibly handsome but cold and a guest in many beds.
I had trouble liking him at first but gradually he is able to overcome his distrust and get involved with Colby. Of course there are setbacks and all the secrets make things difficult.
In summary, I really loved the book. It's nice to see how the two different characters find each other emotionally although they "have" to be very physical from the beginning. The spicy scenes are super hot and even better with growing closeness.
Here I really liked how the "collaboration" between mage and vessel can develop all the power.
The sweet and innocent (but secretly quite horny) vessel Colby is on the hunt for a husband/mage and his plan works out. Not as expected, though. Duke Sothbridge is rich and incredibly handsome but cold and a guest in many beds.
I had trouble liking him at first but gradually he is able to overcome his distrust and get involved with Colby. Of course there are setbacks and all the secrets make things difficult.
In summary, I really loved the book. It's nice to see how the two different characters find each other emotionally although they "have" to be very physical from the beginning. The spicy scenes are super hot and even better with growing closeness.
March 30, 2023
Adorkable is definitely what Colby is. An adorable young dork, who's only wish is to find a mage husband and live HEA. If only it were that simple living in a world filled with cruelty towards it's vessels of magic.
I was barely 2 chapters in and Colby had me shaking my head and chuckling at him. He surely was "too daft to be devious", but that was exactly what had me enamored by him. And Harry is a book that shouldn't be judged by it's cover. He was a man of his circumstances.
With all the tidbits of information given about the side characters and events that happened prior to this story, I am invested to learn how Colby and Harry got to where they are now.
There is so much more than meets the eye...
Please check for content warnings on www.srodman.net
I was so lucky as to get an advance copy from the author and am happily leaving an honest review
I was barely 2 chapters in and Colby had me shaking my head and chuckling at him. He surely was "too daft to be devious", but that was exactly what had me enamored by him. And Harry is a book that shouldn't be judged by it's cover. He was a man of his circumstances.
With all the tidbits of information given about the side characters and events that happened prior to this story, I am invested to learn how Colby and Harry got to where they are now.
There is so much more than meets the eye...
Please check for content warnings on www.srodman.net
I was so lucky as to get an advance copy from the author and am happily leaving an honest review
August 26, 2024
Colby Witherington lives in 2023 and lives in a world of lords & ladies, balls & arranged marriages. It’s all very regency, except men marry men & magic is involved. Colby is twenty-one and still unwed. Vessels are always married to a mage on their eighteenth birthday. It’s tradition. One he wants to take part in. He longs to surrender his body and his magic to a mage. A trap goes wrong and Duke Sothbridge who is forced to propose to him. Evil, cruel Duke Southbridge who ravished Lord Garrington’s vessel on a balcony and fought a duel over it.
This was a good story with lots of drama and angst as they both came to terms with their marriage and the politics around them. There were times when I just wanted to hug Colby. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.
This was a good story with lots of drama and angst as they both came to terms with their marriage and the politics around them. There were times when I just wanted to hug Colby. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.
March 21, 2023
Magical
I love this series.
It has magic and the modern/Regency atmosphere along with the amazing world building is just great.
Colby finds himself in a desperate situation and desperate times call for desperate measures.
His new husband Henry is absolutely not appreciative of the deception and sets out to make Colby's life a living hell.
A funny thing happens along the way though.
Colby helps Henry realize he has some issues to work out and when push comes to shove, Henry chooses Colby.
Initially I didn't like Henry but the author was able to give him a wonderful redemption arc.
The chemistry between these two men was scorching hot.
There was plenty of action, danger and drama.
I love this series.
It has magic and the modern/Regency atmosphere along with the amazing world building is just great.
Colby finds himself in a desperate situation and desperate times call for desperate measures.
His new husband Henry is absolutely not appreciative of the deception and sets out to make Colby's life a living hell.
A funny thing happens along the way though.
Colby helps Henry realize he has some issues to work out and when push comes to shove, Henry chooses Colby.
Initially I didn't like Henry but the author was able to give him a wonderful redemption arc.
The chemistry between these two men was scorching hot.
There was plenty of action, danger and drama.
March 22, 2023
Colby is a twenty-one year old virgin vessel since his fiance died three years prior.
His family are in trouble and he needs a mage to marry, but have a cunning plan to trap one man, ends up with him accidentally caught in a compromising position with horrible Duke Sothbridge.
However, when it comes to the bedroom the chemistry is real, and Colby now doubts Harry Sothbridge is all that bad.
Despite the dark backstory there's a lot of light and laughter in this one, as Colby's humour and narrative voice are very strong.
Of course, when we come across other characters in the series it adds to the fun.
It's witty, very sexy, great sub-plot complete with an evil villain and a delight to read.
His family are in trouble and he needs a mage to marry, but have a cunning plan to trap one man, ends up with him accidentally caught in a compromising position with horrible Duke Sothbridge.
However, when it comes to the bedroom the chemistry is real, and Colby now doubts Harry Sothbridge is all that bad.
Despite the dark backstory there's a lot of light and laughter in this one, as Colby's humour and narrative voice are very strong.
Of course, when we come across other characters in the series it adds to the fun.
It's witty, very sexy, great sub-plot complete with an evil villain and a delight to read.
March 23, 2023
A One Session Read.
Once I started I couldn’t put the book down until it was finished and I’d found the bonus material too. I loved the concept of the modern times setting with a regency style arranged marriage. I did I admit I wondered how these male nobles who marry their male vessels legally continue their line when there is no mention of omega abilities or the like. Perhaps that’s explained in one of the earlier novels. Be that as it may the storyline was very compelling and the touch of political intrigue just right for the story arc. Great characterisation and the emotional content and of course sexual heat, rounded thing off nicely. A great read. I highly recommend it.
Once I started I couldn’t put the book down until it was finished and I’d found the bonus material too. I loved the concept of the modern times setting with a regency style arranged marriage. I did I admit I wondered how these male nobles who marry their male vessels legally continue their line when there is no mention of omega abilities or the like. Perhaps that’s explained in one of the earlier novels. Be that as it may the storyline was very compelling and the touch of political intrigue just right for the story arc. Great characterisation and the emotional content and of course sexual heat, rounded thing off nicely. A great read. I highly recommend it.
March 30, 2025
Another great story from the Duty & Magic series.
There is a lot to love about this series.
As a series there is alot of commonality, mage, vessel good, bad, hurt and love, abduction and a vessel for a future story.
But each story does have a slightly different slant. Colby the fessel entraps the wrong but very right mage. Harry who is the badly in book 1, is not as bad as you think. Treated bad in the past , Harry is part of the revivalist, but Colby opens doors of light into him. Love takes hold.
As the series goes on, you get a sense that we are waitimg for a big change in how things work in this paranormal world. Vessels are strong, a revolution is in the making, I hope.
There is a lot to love about this series.
As a series there is alot of commonality, mage, vessel good, bad, hurt and love, abduction and a vessel for a future story.
But each story does have a slightly different slant. Colby the fessel entraps the wrong but very right mage. Harry who is the badly in book 1, is not as bad as you think. Treated bad in the past , Harry is part of the revivalist, but Colby opens doors of light into him. Love takes hold.
As the series goes on, you get a sense that we are waitimg for a big change in how things work in this paranormal world. Vessels are strong, a revolution is in the making, I hope.
March 13, 2023
S. Rodman has done it again. I love this Vessel series with its mix of old and current standards and Colby is an unusual vessel. He tricks Duke Sothbridge into marriage to avoid a scandal and is eager to fulfill his marital duties but the Duke is at first resentful, then makes his vessel suffer. Soon, the Duke/Mage is infatuated with Colby and they are constantly having smutty sex without the need to reap magic, just because they are hungry for it. The book brings previous characters back and there is a HEA but joining connection to previous books. I am fast becoming addicted to these Vessel books. I received a copy of this book and this is my honest, voluntary opinion.
August 10, 2023
4.25 stars
As much as I was not a fan of Harry’s in previous books, I am so happy he got his HEA. All Colby wants is a husband and to become a vessel to a mage. He inadvertently tricks Harry into a marriage proposal.
There is so much self loathing and miscommunication in their story that it hurt my heart. Neither thinks they are worthy of the other but desperately wants to be. There’s a botched rescue by well meaning friends and an escape from vile men who want to cause harm to Colby.
*****
POV… multi first person
Standalone or series… book 4 in series
Hangover… no
Recommend… yes
Reread… sure
As much as I was not a fan of Harry’s in previous books, I am so happy he got his HEA. All Colby wants is a husband and to become a vessel to a mage. He inadvertently tricks Harry into a marriage proposal.
There is so much self loathing and miscommunication in their story that it hurt my heart. Neither thinks they are worthy of the other but desperately wants to be. There’s a botched rescue by well meaning friends and an escape from vile men who want to cause harm to Colby.
*****
POV… multi first person
Standalone or series… book 4 in series
Hangover… no
Recommend… yes
Reread… sure
March 12, 2023
Once I started Duke Sothbridge's Vessel, I couldn't put it down. I made myself stop at one point so I could do something else, but I went straight back to it.
I loved poor bumbling Colby from the outset. I'd liked him from the other books, but here he really shone.
Harry was a great character and I enjoyed his tortured pov chapters, though there weren't many, because they gave insight into the man.
Obviously, there is steam and a magical toy that was put to good use!
The overarching plot continued and had some resolution.
Cannot wait for Jem's book!
I loved poor bumbling Colby from the outset. I'd liked him from the other books, but here he really shone.
Harry was a great character and I enjoyed his tortured pov chapters, though there weren't many, because they gave insight into the man.
Obviously, there is steam and a magical toy that was put to good use!
The overarching plot continued and had some resolution.
Cannot wait for Jem's book!
November 4, 2023
While I like the general premise and I liked the main character, I sadly just don't think this author's writing style is for me. It was a lot "this happened and then this and then this" and not nearly enough showing the events or simply letting the story unfold. We were also told how the characters felt instead of shown by experiencing the things right beside them. I also would've liked more than two chapters from the other character, especially since it seemed like this book was supposed to be a redemption arc of sorts.
Overall this wasn't a bad read. I just wanted more.
Overall this wasn't a bad read. I just wanted more.
March 13, 2023
This was a fun read. A very straight to the point written story about Colby and he’s relationship with Harry aka Duke Sothbridge.
Colby is the embodiment of positive thinking and I was worried for him at one point when Harry was really pushing the boundaries.
Harry is one of those characters that you dislike, then feel empathy for to then finally be able to say, yes, I love this character.
Great coupling and enjoyable read.
Colby is the embodiment of positive thinking and I was worried for him at one point when Harry was really pushing the boundaries.
Harry is one of those characters that you dislike, then feel empathy for to then finally be able to say, yes, I love this character.
Great coupling and enjoyable read.
March 16, 2023
This was a fascinating mix of Regency romance, contemporary (I giggled at the mention of watching the finale of “The Last of Us”), magic, and an almost Alpha/omega relationship between mages and vessels. I couldn’t stop reading once I started and loved watching Colby come into his own. But the magic dildo! That was truly hysterical! I’m completely invested in this series and really want to see what happens with sweet Jem and the rest of the cast of characters.
March 23, 2023
I received this spicy queer romance as an ARC and could barely put it down. We mostly follow Colby's POV in his arranged marriage to Harry. In this established world arranged marriages for the sake of magic are commonplace, which leads to some slight Dubcon throughout the story. Still, this book can be read as a stand-alone. Overall I loved Colby's character development as he tries to find himself in his new relationship and overcome oppressive traditions to be himself.
March 25, 2023
3.5*
Sweet contemporary twist on regency, this is brimming with magic and would probably have been better for having read the others in the series first. But I hadn’t and it worked well enough as a standalone.
I loved the MCs, but wanted to feel more depth from them for a higher rating. It felt almost like a first draft with extras. Having said that, I enjoyed it a lot, and might well read more by the author.
Sweet contemporary twist on regency, this is brimming with magic and would probably have been better for having read the others in the series first. But I hadn’t and it worked well enough as a standalone.
I loved the MCs, but wanted to feel more depth from them for a higher rating. It felt almost like a first draft with extras. Having said that, I enjoyed it a lot, and might well read more by the author.
March 28, 2023
Colby and Harry's story
Another fun story in the series about vessels and their mages. This one had me laughing more than once. Colby attempts to trick a lord into marriage. His plan backfires, and he ends up marrying a different lord than he planned. But things work out for the best when he and Harry are very attracted to each other. The continuing plot of the revivalists is woven into the story, but mostly it focuses on the relationship between Colby and Harry.
Another fun story in the series about vessels and their mages. This one had me laughing more than once. Colby attempts to trick a lord into marriage. His plan backfires, and he ends up marrying a different lord than he planned. But things work out for the best when he and Harry are very attracted to each other. The continuing plot of the revivalists is woven into the story, but mostly it focuses on the relationship between Colby and Harry.
Read
July 28, 20252 disappointed stars
This book had really shallow and wishy-washy characterization. I feel like I know more about the little brother character than the main love interest, and it's not like he was very well-developed either. The romance isn't much better because the couple barely talks to one another! A shame because the premise was really good. The execution leaves much to be desired, however...
This book had really shallow and wishy-washy characterization. I feel like I know more about the little brother character than the main love interest, and it's not like he was very well-developed either. The romance isn't much better because the couple barely talks to one another! A shame because the premise was really good. The execution leaves much to be desired, however...
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