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Lords of Desire #2
Despising the Duke
Sixteen years ago, Lady Annabelle Fraser broke him.
Kit, the Duke of Aylesbourne, has been running from his demons ever since, be it journeying into the heart of the Antarctic or narrowly avoiding death in an avalanche on Mount Everest.
He would have rather faced death than Annabelle.
But when he finds her bedding one of his old friends, he snaps.
Because sixteen years ago, Annabelle promised to wait for him. And this time he isn’t going to let her escape.
Sixteen years ago, Kit abandoned her when she needed him most.
Some might call her a spinster. Annabelle preferred to think of herself as an independent woman. When Kit discovers her affair, however, he does what she never expected him to do again.
He ruins her.
Disgraced in the eyes of society, if Kit thinks Annabelle is going down without a fight, he’s got another thing coming.
Kit, the Duke of Aylesbourne, has been running from his demons ever since, be it journeying into the heart of the Antarctic or narrowly avoiding death in an avalanche on Mount Everest.
He would have rather faced death than Annabelle.
But when he finds her bedding one of his old friends, he snaps.
Because sixteen years ago, Annabelle promised to wait for him. And this time he isn’t going to let her escape.
Sixteen years ago, Kit abandoned her when she needed him most.
Some might call her a spinster. Annabelle preferred to think of herself as an independent woman. When Kit discovers her affair, however, he does what she never expected him to do again.
He ruins her.
Disgraced in the eyes of society, if Kit thinks Annabelle is going down without a fight, he’s got another thing coming.
254 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 10, 2023
About the author
Stevie Sparks
12 books321 followersStevie Sparks is a British author and long-time copy editor from Windsor, England (where Windsor Castle is).
She suffers from a terrible medical condition that has left her incapable of reading books without smut. She also has multiple sclerosis. When it comes to books, she prefers the phrase 'full steam ahead.'
Stevie writes both contemporary and historical romance.
She suffers from a terrible medical condition that has left her incapable of reading books without smut. She also has multiple sclerosis. When it comes to books, she prefers the phrase 'full steam ahead.'
Stevie writes both contemporary and historical romance.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
September 10, 2023
Note: Some of my goodreads shelves can be spoilers
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥 🔥+
Humor: Yes, a bit
Perspective: third person perspective from both the hero and heroine, alternating chapters
When mains are first on page together: Pretty soon in (5%)
Cliffhanger: No, it ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: No, but I think there will be a bonus epilogue available on Spark’s website! I think it’s 8 months later or so
Format: voluntarily read an advanced reader copy from the author in e-book form
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
I think you could – it’s not totally necessary but you’ll understand the family dynamics a bit more and there’s some character cross over.
Basic plot:
Kit and Annabelle have a past but each tells a different story of betrayal – when they reconnect after 16 years Kit is determined to get the truth from her.
Give this a try if you want:
- Interwar Years - 1923
- enemies to lovers
- huge hero/tiny heroine
- English heroine/Scottish hero
- second chance romance
- astronomy
- established mains (both are in their 30s)
- light off page epistolary
- LGBT positive
- emotionally strong hero (hero cries)
- high steam – 8 full scenes along with some kink elements
Ages:
- Hero is 37, heroine is 32
First line:
It was just her luck to miss her own bloody coming out ball.
My thoughts:
I ended up absolutely loving this novel! I would say I don’t even like second chance that much but this book made me love it. I got so many of my favorite romance things – I got all the firsts. The first meeting, The first kiss. And that made me feel their separation that much more keenly and long for a reconciliation.
What really grabbed me about this one was how angsty it was. How badly each of them were hurt and convinced they were right when they both had to give and admit faults. I thought their love was so strong and able to overcome some giant hurdles and I was rooting for them the entire time.
Once they come together again, I adored Kit’s dedication to the cause. His passion and love for Annabelle was so palpable and had me burning up inside. I adored Annabelle and her astounding strength with everything she has overcome.
Something that I also loved and was heartbroken over in this novel is how much time a side character is in it as a family member. If you read book 1, this won’t be a surprise, but I appreciated this part and it made the family feel that much more real to me.
I think this book flowed a lot better for me than book 1. (Book 1 had a bit of a busy plot for me, but that’s just a personal preference I have) I do wish some of the things had been just a bit more developed for our mains.
I am finding this time period particularly fun for a historical romance setting. I worried it would be too modern for me, but Spark's research brings the 20s to life. Cars, phones, color changing lipstick alongside horses and country estates with hundred year old portraits was just so fun. I am definitely craving more 1900s romance now.
Sparks is still a newer author, but with 3 books under her belt now (one being dark contemporary). I am really excited about her journey and can’t wait to see what else she comes out with. She’s quickly becoming my go to recommendation for steamy historical romance.
Endearments/Nicknames
Quotes/spoiler-y thoughts:Any mistakes/typos are my own
Content warnings: THESE INCLUDE SPOILERS. These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥 🔥+
Humor: Yes, a bit
Perspective: third person perspective from both the hero and heroine, alternating chapters
When mains are first on page together: Pretty soon in (5%)
Cliffhanger: No, it ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: No, but I think there will be a bonus epilogue available on Spark’s website! I think it’s 8 months later or so
Format: voluntarily read an advanced reader copy from the author in e-book form
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
I think you could – it’s not totally necessary but you’ll understand the family dynamics a bit more and there’s some character cross over.
Basic plot:
Kit and Annabelle have a past but each tells a different story of betrayal – when they reconnect after 16 years Kit is determined to get the truth from her.
Give this a try if you want:
- Interwar Years - 1923
- enemies to lovers
- huge hero/tiny heroine
- English heroine/Scottish hero
- second chance romance
- astronomy
- established mains (both are in their 30s)
- light off page epistolary
- LGBT positive
- emotionally strong hero (hero cries)
- high steam – 8 full scenes along with some kink elements
Ages:
- Hero is 37, heroine is 32
First line:
It was just her luck to miss her own bloody coming out ball.
My thoughts:
I ended up absolutely loving this novel! I would say I don’t even like second chance that much but this book made me love it. I got so many of my favorite romance things – I got all the firsts. The first meeting, The first kiss. And that made me feel their separation that much more keenly and long for a reconciliation.
What really grabbed me about this one was how angsty it was. How badly each of them were hurt and convinced they were right when they both had to give and admit faults. I thought their love was so strong and able to overcome some giant hurdles and I was rooting for them the entire time.
Once they come together again, I adored Kit’s dedication to the cause. His passion and love for Annabelle was so palpable and had me burning up inside. I adored Annabelle and her astounding strength with everything she has overcome.
Something that I also loved and was heartbroken over in this novel is how much time a side character is in it as a family member. If you read book 1, this won’t be a surprise, but I appreciated this part and it made the family feel that much more real to me.
I think this book flowed a lot better for me than book 1. (Book 1 had a bit of a busy plot for me, but that’s just a personal preference I have) I do wish some of the things had been just a bit more developed for our mains.
I am finding this time period particularly fun for a historical romance setting. I worried it would be too modern for me, but Spark's research brings the 20s to life. Cars, phones, color changing lipstick alongside horses and country estates with hundred year old portraits was just so fun. I am definitely craving more 1900s romance now.
Sparks is still a newer author, but with 3 books under her belt now (one being dark contemporary). I am really excited about her journey and can’t wait to see what else she comes out with. She’s quickly becoming my go to recommendation for steamy historical romance.
Endearments/Nicknames
Quotes/spoiler-y thoughts:Any mistakes/typos are my own
Content warnings: THESE INCLUDE SPOILERS. These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
June 24, 2025
3.5 stars
Best described as an erotic Edwardian historical tragi-romance.
Debutante Annabelle and Duke Kit instantly connect in a dark, secluded garden at her come-out ball, and build a relationship through messages across the square between their homes. Annabelle, more interested in social justice than marriage, is no shrinking violet and gives her virginity to Kit in such a spectacular fashion both of them suddenly see marriage in their future. Kit, leaving in one month on an expedition to Antarctica, asks Annabelle to wait for him and she agrees.
Trouble is, she can’t.
Fast forward sixteen years, and the animosity between Kit and Annabelle is so thick he deliberately, and with her unintentional but enthusiastic help, publicly ruins her. One big revelation later, he deeply regrets it and starts fighting his way back to her.
The author’s prose is lively and interesting. The bare bones of the plot may not be original, but they are solid, and the author adds some nice flourishes with Kit’s globetrotting adventures and Annabelle’s unconventional lifestyle choices. Kit has PTSD and a drinking problem and Annabelle is immersed in grief, but instead of taking the time to involve the reader on an emotional level with those issues and Kit and Annabelle’s rekindled romance, the author put her time and energy into their sexual relationship.
Lots of time. Lots of energy. Lots of kinks and sexual positions and accessories and experimentation. Perhaps that is this author’s modus operandi and that’s what her readers want and expect, but I was disappointed that I got copious sex descriptions (that I eventually ended up skimming) and only a nod toward Kit’s recovery from drinking and Annabelle’s work and personal losses during The Great War.
For me, this was a reasonably engrossing story with missing pieces frequently interrupted by commercial breaks for sex.
Best described as an erotic Edwardian historical tragi-romance.
Debutante Annabelle and Duke Kit instantly connect in a dark, secluded garden at her come-out ball, and build a relationship through messages across the square between their homes. Annabelle, more interested in social justice than marriage, is no shrinking violet and gives her virginity to Kit in such a spectacular fashion both of them suddenly see marriage in their future. Kit, leaving in one month on an expedition to Antarctica, asks Annabelle to wait for him and she agrees.
Trouble is, she can’t.
Fast forward sixteen years, and the animosity between Kit and Annabelle is so thick he deliberately, and with her unintentional but enthusiastic help, publicly ruins her. One big revelation later, he deeply regrets it and starts fighting his way back to her.
The author’s prose is lively and interesting. The bare bones of the plot may not be original, but they are solid, and the author adds some nice flourishes with Kit’s globetrotting adventures and Annabelle’s unconventional lifestyle choices. Kit has PTSD and a drinking problem and Annabelle is immersed in grief, but instead of taking the time to involve the reader on an emotional level with those issues and Kit and Annabelle’s rekindled romance, the author put her time and energy into their sexual relationship.
Lots of time. Lots of energy. Lots of kinks and sexual positions and accessories and experimentation. Perhaps that is this author’s modus operandi and that’s what her readers want and expect, but I was disappointed that I got copious sex descriptions (that I eventually ended up skimming) and only a nod toward Kit’s recovery from drinking and Annabelle’s work and personal losses during The Great War.
For me, this was a reasonably engrossing story with missing pieces frequently interrupted by commercial breaks for sex.
September 10, 2023
This was another very powerful story.
The author takes on some tough topics and the angst is very high for about the first 50% of this romance. I had knots in my gut and I wanted to know how they could work this all out.
But Kit and Annabelle are meant to be and once they get the chance to speak... while there is heartbreak on all sides, there is a chance for redemption and an HEA. The kittens don't hurt..
This also uses spice and intimacy to heal and bring them closer together. I am really enjoying how the author is able to do that. Some of the steam may be over the top for others but I felt how desperate they were to reconnect and flesh to flesh is best for these two.
I would also say that if the beginning hurts too much, please just give it to 30% and see if your feelings have changed. Because it makes the HEA so much sweeter when you see what they go through.
4 stars
4 on the spice scale
CW: Loss of a child, still burth, cheating (not on MCs), PTSD, author lists more in the front of the book.
Spicy content: anal dilators, restraints, switching, rough sex
The author takes on some tough topics and the angst is very high for about the first 50% of this romance. I had knots in my gut and I wanted to know how they could work this all out.
But Kit and Annabelle are meant to be and once they get the chance to speak... while there is heartbreak on all sides, there is a chance for redemption and an HEA. The kittens don't hurt..
This also uses spice and intimacy to heal and bring them closer together. I am really enjoying how the author is able to do that. Some of the steam may be over the top for others but I felt how desperate they were to reconnect and flesh to flesh is best for these two.
I would also say that if the beginning hurts too much, please just give it to 30% and see if your feelings have changed. Because it makes the HEA so much sweeter when you see what they go through.
4 stars
4 on the spice scale
CW: Loss of a child, still burth, cheating (not on MCs), PTSD, author lists more in the front of the book.
Spicy content: anal dilators, restraints, switching, rough sex
skimmed-through
June 21, 20246/20/2024: Currently free on Amazon Kindle (USA). Available in Kindle Unlimited as well.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B...
September 5, 2023
4.5 (very close to a 5)
Despising the Duke is the second book in the Lords of Desire Series. It tells the story of Annabelle and Kit, their complicated history and their return to one another sixteen years later. This is a 1920s era novel which in it of itself is unique to the genre. I haven't come across many novels set in this time period, she mentioned things like Coco Chanel, color changing lip stick, and motorized cars in the same setting as horses. I kind of liked the "historic cameos."
While I truly enjoy the HR genre, it can suffer from one dimensional characters where the main characters are too perfect. Annabelle and Kit are complex but they are flawed, they do things that are controversial. I would imagine readers won't be so consistently forgiving.
It can be dull when your MC make it seem so easy to be kind and selfless. I don't think that's realistic. Arguably that's not why people read HR, HEA and all that. Still, I like characters like Kit and Annabelle. I also like the side characters, special shout out to Daisy and Uncle Eric.
Overall I appreciated that it strayed from the conventional neatness in HR. Kit and Annabelle are both complex, genuine in their feelings, and seem to redeem themselves when necessary.
The end came upon me all of a sudden, not because there were loose ends but because I didn't want it to end. I also just really liked it.
Disclaimer: Received ARC for review
Despising the Duke is the second book in the Lords of Desire Series. It tells the story of Annabelle and Kit, their complicated history and their return to one another sixteen years later. This is a 1920s era novel which in it of itself is unique to the genre. I haven't come across many novels set in this time period, she mentioned things like Coco Chanel, color changing lip stick, and motorized cars in the same setting as horses. I kind of liked the "historic cameos."
While I truly enjoy the HR genre, it can suffer from one dimensional characters where the main characters are too perfect. Annabelle and Kit are complex but they are flawed, they do things that are controversial. I would imagine readers won't be so consistently forgiving.
It can be dull when your MC make it seem so easy to be kind and selfless. I don't think that's realistic. Arguably that's not why people read HR, HEA and all that. Still, I like characters like Kit and Annabelle. I also like the side characters, special shout out to Daisy and Uncle Eric.
Overall I appreciated that it strayed from the conventional neatness in HR. Kit and Annabelle are both complex, genuine in their feelings, and seem to redeem themselves when necessary.
The end came upon me all of a sudden, not because there were loose ends but because I didn't want it to end. I also just really liked it.
Disclaimer: Received ARC for review
November 9, 2024
3.5 Stars
Love Kit and Annabelle, especially Kit! I love the steamy scenes. The author writes them really well.
Unfortunately, I felt it was too modern for a historical romance, especially using "eye roll" frequently. I will read other books by her as she writes fantastic scenes!
Love Kit and Annabelle, especially Kit! I love the steamy scenes. The author writes them really well.
Unfortunately, I felt it was too modern for a historical romance, especially using "eye roll" frequently. I will read other books by her as she writes fantastic scenes!
February 26, 2026
DNF-ed 30% not seeing the chemistry at all
September 8, 2023
"Despising the Duke" by Stevie Sparks paints an emotionally charged love story between Annabelle and Kit. Their initial encounter unfolds at her coming-out party, with Annabelle completely oblivious to Kit's true identity. The affectionate nicknames they exchange, "Sir Prig" and "Little Queen," infuse a charming touch into their blossoming relationship.
However, it strains credulity that Annabelle, so close to her brothers, had never crossed paths with Kit before or knew of his identity . Her swift transition from initial outrage upon discovering his true identity, based on tales she'd heard about him, to a sudden intimacy in the garden raises questions.
While the love story and its second chance theme prove enjoyable, the narrative could benefit from more comprehensive character development. The author adeptly weaves historical details of the era into the story, yet allocating some of this attention to understanding the characters as they evolve would enhance the experience. For instance, Kit's decision to abstain from alcohol could have been explored in greater depth to shed light on his emotions and motivations. Additionally, Kit's perplexing decision to embarrass Annabelle at a party warrants a deeper exploration of his thoughts and emotions.
One aspect that could improve the narrative is delving deeper into Annabelle's emotional journey. While it's clear why she's furious with Kit based on past events and his actions sixteen years later, understanding her emotional turmoil more intimately would enrich her character.
Regarding the steamy elements, Annabelle and Kit's undeniable chemistry leads to frequent and passionate encounters. Kit's attentiveness to Annabelle's needs adds complexity to their relationship dynamics, gradually breaking down her emotional barriers. It's evident that he serves as the anchor she needed, and I appreciated witnessing her character growth throughout the story.
In conclusion, "Despising the Duke" adeptly balances historical richness with sizzling romance, making it a worthy candidate for book club discussions. Despite occasional abrupt plot developments and the need for deeper character exploration, it offers an enjoyable reading experience. I would rate it 3.5/5 overall, with a steaminess level of 5/5 or even more.
*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2023
I gave the first book in this series 5 stars, so I fully intended to enjoy this one too. But I just did not.
It's based on a bunch of things, and not all of them will be drawbacks for others. The major reasons boil down to-
-I actually disliked both leads (it's hard to enjoy any other part of a romance when you find the main characters genuinely off-putting).
-Overall it felt like kind of a bummer of a story rather than a romantic one (I'm not opposed to sobering topics, (the first book had several!) but it felt like at least 40% of this book revolved around the 16 years of separation, resentment, and heartache, family strife, and another particularly devastating event. Some people like just anything that makes them feel something, but to me, these negative aspects overwhelmed the rest of the story.
-Sometimes I'll round up because at least the steam was good, but in this it felt like the entire book was cobbled together around some ideas for several sex scenes, rather than that they came about organically, inspired by the journey of these characters. They felt disjointed and sometimes pretty strange in these particular circumstances. Multiple wtf moments.
-I just didn't find it buyable. My eyebrows rose frequently while reading. And there's a lot of repetition. I feel like if you took out the sex scenes and all the rehashing you'd be left with a novelette.
Particular scene that rubbed me the wrong way -
Major content warning -
It's based on a bunch of things, and not all of them will be drawbacks for others. The major reasons boil down to-
-I actually disliked both leads (it's hard to enjoy any other part of a romance when you find the main characters genuinely off-putting).
-Overall it felt like kind of a bummer of a story rather than a romantic one (I'm not opposed to sobering topics, (the first book had several!) but it felt like at least 40% of this book revolved around the 16 years of separation, resentment, and heartache, family strife, and another particularly devastating event. Some people like just anything that makes them feel something, but to me, these negative aspects overwhelmed the rest of the story.
-Sometimes I'll round up because at least the steam was good, but in this it felt like the entire book was cobbled together around some ideas for several sex scenes, rather than that they came about organically, inspired by the journey of these characters. They felt disjointed and sometimes pretty strange in these particular circumstances. Multiple wtf moments.
-I just didn't find it buyable. My eyebrows rose frequently while reading. And there's a lot of repetition. I feel like if you took out the sex scenes and all the rehashing you'd be left with a novelette.
Particular scene that rubbed me the wrong way -
Major content warning -
June 11, 2024
A new author for me and set in a new for me time period, the early nineteen hundreds. The time period as remnants of the Regency era like balls and the London season that the h describes as "nothing but an extended livestock auction for naive young ladies". The h is interested in the suffragette movement. The H is an adventurer who goes on expeditions to Antarctica and Mount Everest. They first meet when she is 16 and he is 21 and sparks fly. They have one month before he leaves on an expedition. The day that he is leaving, the h contacts the H to let him know that she is pregnant and begs him not to leave her. His typewritten response expresses his sympathies and that he is going forward with his plans.
Sixteen years later, a drunken H turns an outdoor light on the h with her lover in a garden at a ball. Her family is humiliated and the h flees to a cottage in Scotland. The H sees her letter for the first time in a hard to believe coincidence and goes after her. The storyline then seems to stall and there is a series of sex scenes before the story resumes. This part of the book was boring and lagging. The H and h did find ways to atone for the ways in which they harmed others with their actions.
Sixteen years later, a drunken H turns an outdoor light on the h with her lover in a garden at a ball. Her family is humiliated and the h flees to a cottage in Scotland. The H sees her letter for the first time in a hard to believe coincidence and goes after her. The storyline then seems to stall and there is a series of sex scenes before the story resumes. This part of the book was boring and lagging. The H and h did find ways to atone for the ways in which they harmed others with their actions.
September 13, 2023
This is my first book by Stevie Sparks. I loved it and I am now a big fan and cannot wait to read more of her books! I knew that she writes steamy books, but woah was this one hot. I lost count on how many scenes there were! In saying that, they were well written and were essential to the story.
I like second chance romance and the angst that comes with it. I felt the heartbreak that was felt by the heroine, Lady Annabelle Fraser and the Hero, Kit, the Duke of Aylesbourne. This book tugged at my heartstrings in so many ways.
I cannot stop thinking about this story. It would make a great movie script! Their love story felt genuine and true. Annabelle and Kit are soul mates which is shown through their intimacy and vulnerability.
Although I didn't agree with some choices made by both characters such as infidelity and believed abandonment, it was a great redemption story and no one deserved a second chance more than these two main characters.
I cannot recommend this book enough if you like high steam, flawed characters, redemption and second chance romance.
I received an arc from the author for free and this review my own and was submitted voluntarily
I like second chance romance and the angst that comes with it. I felt the heartbreak that was felt by the heroine, Lady Annabelle Fraser and the Hero, Kit, the Duke of Aylesbourne. This book tugged at my heartstrings in so many ways.
I cannot stop thinking about this story. It would make a great movie script! Their love story felt genuine and true. Annabelle and Kit are soul mates which is shown through their intimacy and vulnerability.
Although I didn't agree with some choices made by both characters such as infidelity and believed abandonment, it was a great redemption story and no one deserved a second chance more than these two main characters.
I cannot recommend this book enough if you like high steam, flawed characters, redemption and second chance romance.
I received an arc from the author for free and this review my own and was submitted voluntarily
December 18, 2025
2 stars | Just ok. It was fast paced and I breezed through it. Everything happens really quickly and the conflict resolves so fast and early in the story that you don’t have time to feel it. It could have been a highly emotional story given the subject matter, but because there was so much telling rather than showing it lacked depth of feeling and was so so rushed.
Maybe if the author had sacrificed a couple sex scenes so they could actually get to know each other in the present? Idk about you, but I’m not at all the same person in my early thirties that I was in my late teens. They didn’t talk about their past at all beyond their sexual history and what it was like going through her pregnancy loss without him. They claimed to love each other so much blah blah blah but those are just words if you don’t SHOW us.
Side note: The book ends at 86% and the rest is a preview of book one (which I enjoyed much more than this one).
Maybe if the author had sacrificed a couple sex scenes so they could actually get to know each other in the present? Idk about you, but I’m not at all the same person in my early thirties that I was in my late teens. They didn’t talk about their past at all beyond their sexual history and what it was like going through her pregnancy loss without him. They claimed to love each other so much blah blah blah but those are just words if you don’t SHOW us.
Side note: The book ends at 86% and the rest is a preview of book one (which I enjoyed much more than this one).
January 19, 2024
3.5
Lots to unpack with this one. I had trouble with the pacing of the story but emotion was there!!!
First 40% my jaw was on the floor and I was screaming for most of it….it was soooooooo good
Next 30% not needed
Final 30% really emotional and sweet
I think Stevie Sparks knows how to write both extremely steamy scenes and angsty emotion filled romance it’s just the balance between the two isn’t there.
Lots to unpack with this one. I had trouble with the pacing of the story but emotion was there!!!
First 40% my jaw was on the floor and I was screaming for most of it….it was soooooooo good
Next 30% not needed
Final 30% really emotional and sweet
I think Stevie Sparks knows how to write both extremely steamy scenes and angsty emotion filled romance it’s just the balance between the two isn’t there.
September 21, 2023
I was honestly sorta disappointed in this after how much I enjoyed the first book in this series.
I can’t help but to feel the story - which was *fine* - was told in the most boring possible sequence. Furthermore, the story was unnecessarily stuffed with sex scenes that really didn’t add anything to the story. Did the characters constantly profess their love? Yes. Did I believe it? No.
I can’t help but to feel the story - which was *fine* - was told in the most boring possible sequence. Furthermore, the story was unnecessarily stuffed with sex scenes that really didn’t add anything to the story. Did the characters constantly profess their love? Yes. Did I believe it? No.
December 27, 2023
3.5 stars. Amazing first third. Infuriating second third. Mostly redeeming in third third.
January 14, 2024
sorry not my cuppa. Depressing with butt dilators uhh no
April 24, 2024
The previous book in this two-book series made me uneasy. The writer didn’t seem to like her characters very much, considering what she put them through. Theo, the golden boy, cheated on his wife because he loved another who was beneath him in station; he was nobility, she was not. It had an odd little plot, but the writing was good and the book well edited. So…I thought I’d try the second book in the series. I kind of wish I hadn’t.
The plot in this book is strong. A woman gives in to a duke who is a womanizing rake. He abandons her in a terrible predicament. Through the years, the two grow to hate one another, each believing the other betrayed them. An interesting twist shows that the misunderstanding occurred because a cousin was trying to protect the rake/duke and in so doing, caused irreparable harm to a great many people. It is a story of revenge taken to extremes, of addiction to alcohol and sex, of high-handed aristocracy and low morals. It's a peek into a glittering world of the British aristocracy at the end of WW I.
The characters stand out, and at times appear to walk off the page, they seem so real. The reader can see the Duke of Aylesbourne as both the brave explorer and the depraved addict. We can see Lady Annabelle as an incensed woman betrayed, and a vocal suffragette. The supporting characters are just as vivid.
The writing is sound, easy to read, and enjoyable.
Why, then the 2-star rating?
Quite simply, it’s the sex. I like erotic scenes when they enhance the plot, when they occur naturally as the characters grow closer. Lust is perfectly acceptable, as long as a writer doesn’t confuse it with love. They are two very different emotions, with different motivations. Here, there is just too much sex. It gets in the way of the plot. As the plot was coming to a head (so to speak), page after page after page of sex scenes would intrude. Kit, our flawed hero, is like the Eveready Bunny, always turned on. And Annabelle, our equally flawed heroine is ever ready to take him on.
However…and I believe this is terrifically important…there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. The sex pops up at the most inconvenient times. Just as the plot is unfolding, or a character is showing their true colors, we have yet another sex scene. Towards the end of the book, I simply skipped the multitude of sex pages in order to keep up with the plot without being distracted.
I love cake and my favorite part of cake is the frosting. I like nibbling on frosting, and I like indulging in great big bites. But at some point, the frosting will seize up and become cloying. It no longer tastes good; indeed, it makes one nauseous when taken to extremes. And so it is with sex. Sex is the frosting on the cake, of a good book. When brought in judiciously, it can leave a reader wanting more and reading excitedly towards the next encounter. But here, the sex becomes jaded, no longer tasty, and the scenes become drudgery to slog through.
That’s what gives this book a 2-star rating. It’s just too much. The writer has talent, for sure. In her bio-blurb at the back of the book, she tells us that she is “incapable of reading books without smut.” Oh? How does she do research about WW I, the period she’s writing in, since most history books do not have smut in them? And while I have no opinion to offer on her reading preferences, I really wish she’d refrain from writing so much smut in her books. Titillating, tantalizing, provocative scenes absolutely have their place…but merciful Minerva! A little pickiness would be so appreciated. A well-written sex scene should be so good it stands out, leaves us wanting more. Here, no wanting is necessary. Just turn the page and read more of the ho-hum same. Something is very wrong when erotica becomes boring. If the writer would remove the lion’s share of the sex scenes and allow us to focus on the erotic scenes that are a natural part of the main characters’ relationship, this would be a much better book.
The plot in this book is strong. A woman gives in to a duke who is a womanizing rake. He abandons her in a terrible predicament. Through the years, the two grow to hate one another, each believing the other betrayed them. An interesting twist shows that the misunderstanding occurred because a cousin was trying to protect the rake/duke and in so doing, caused irreparable harm to a great many people. It is a story of revenge taken to extremes, of addiction to alcohol and sex, of high-handed aristocracy and low morals. It's a peek into a glittering world of the British aristocracy at the end of WW I.
The characters stand out, and at times appear to walk off the page, they seem so real. The reader can see the Duke of Aylesbourne as both the brave explorer and the depraved addict. We can see Lady Annabelle as an incensed woman betrayed, and a vocal suffragette. The supporting characters are just as vivid.
The writing is sound, easy to read, and enjoyable.
Why, then the 2-star rating?
Quite simply, it’s the sex. I like erotic scenes when they enhance the plot, when they occur naturally as the characters grow closer. Lust is perfectly acceptable, as long as a writer doesn’t confuse it with love. They are two very different emotions, with different motivations. Here, there is just too much sex. It gets in the way of the plot. As the plot was coming to a head (so to speak), page after page after page of sex scenes would intrude. Kit, our flawed hero, is like the Eveready Bunny, always turned on. And Annabelle, our equally flawed heroine is ever ready to take him on.
However…and I believe this is terrifically important…there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. The sex pops up at the most inconvenient times. Just as the plot is unfolding, or a character is showing their true colors, we have yet another sex scene. Towards the end of the book, I simply skipped the multitude of sex pages in order to keep up with the plot without being distracted.
I love cake and my favorite part of cake is the frosting. I like nibbling on frosting, and I like indulging in great big bites. But at some point, the frosting will seize up and become cloying. It no longer tastes good; indeed, it makes one nauseous when taken to extremes. And so it is with sex. Sex is the frosting on the cake, of a good book. When brought in judiciously, it can leave a reader wanting more and reading excitedly towards the next encounter. But here, the sex becomes jaded, no longer tasty, and the scenes become drudgery to slog through.
That’s what gives this book a 2-star rating. It’s just too much. The writer has talent, for sure. In her bio-blurb at the back of the book, she tells us that she is “incapable of reading books without smut.” Oh? How does she do research about WW I, the period she’s writing in, since most history books do not have smut in them? And while I have no opinion to offer on her reading preferences, I really wish she’d refrain from writing so much smut in her books. Titillating, tantalizing, provocative scenes absolutely have their place…but merciful Minerva! A little pickiness would be so appreciated. A well-written sex scene should be so good it stands out, leaves us wanting more. Here, no wanting is necessary. Just turn the page and read more of the ho-hum same. Something is very wrong when erotica becomes boring. If the writer would remove the lion’s share of the sex scenes and allow us to focus on the erotic scenes that are a natural part of the main characters’ relationship, this would be a much better book.
September 28, 2023
4.5/5 stars. This book is like a gust of air that shakes the cobwebs out of the closet. The closet being historical romances. This is a very different historical romance- I find that it didn’t easily fit into one box, even though it’s described as enemies to lovers and second chance. There was just tremendous complexities to these characters. The book felt far less … typical … than many of the historical I’ve been reading lately. It dealt deftly with a number of challenging topics including patriarchy, women’s agency, reproductive choice and motherhood. The sex depicted in the book also goes outside the usual confines of open door historical scenes. There’s more exploration and change ups in classic gender roles than you’d expect from a historical romance. The book got slow in spite, but overall I thought it was excellent and really recommend it.
August 22, 2025
I read the second book in this series in one day, which was easy to do since they're not particularly long. Something I really appreciate.
I liked Kit, but Annabelle was a bit annoying at times. My main frustration was how much of their conflict could have been avoided if they had just communicated with each other. However, I did enjoy that they had to overcome real trials instead of living a perfect, problem-free life.
I liked Kit, but Annabelle was a bit annoying at times. My main frustration was how much of their conflict could have been avoided if they had just communicated with each other. However, I did enjoy that they had to overcome real trials instead of living a perfect, problem-free life.
October 15, 2023
3 🌟’s
this was just ok for me.. v spicy!!
this was just ok for me.. v spicy!!
September 22, 2025
meh story, bad people, but funny pegging scene! 🤭
November 11, 2023
Ok wow. I liked the first book in this series by Stevie Sparks, but this second one was truly excellent for me.
There is A LOT of grief (check CWs) but such heart and love and care and 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 sex in this short book. 2nd chance romance set not long after WWI in Scotland.
Definitely spent a lot of this book crying, kind of whenever they weren't banging. Sparks does a great job with processing trauma for her characters without making it feeling like trauma p0rn. Their emotions feel real and heartfelt.
If anyone deserves a second chance at love, it’s Annabelle and Kit. 16 years after their first encounter, Annabelle is still bitter that Kit abandoned her for an Antarctic expedition. To be fair to Kit, that expedition lost all contact with the outside world and then re-emerged amidst a war, and with Annabelle married to someone else. But a bit of voyeuristic vengeance has brought them back together, and Kit will do anything to make up for lost time.
The reader will experience two modes: jaw droppingly hot sex and crying whenever there is not sex. Cathartic and beautiful. Plus, there’s a kitten named Dragon. And an absolute master class in bluffing as to why a belt is tied around a column. You can read this without having read the first, but they are both short enough that it’s worth the character development in book one.
There is A LOT of grief (check CWs) but such heart and love and care and 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 sex in this short book. 2nd chance romance set not long after WWI in Scotland.
Definitely spent a lot of this book crying, kind of whenever they weren't banging. Sparks does a great job with processing trauma for her characters without making it feeling like trauma p0rn. Their emotions feel real and heartfelt.
If anyone deserves a second chance at love, it’s Annabelle and Kit. 16 years after their first encounter, Annabelle is still bitter that Kit abandoned her for an Antarctic expedition. To be fair to Kit, that expedition lost all contact with the outside world and then re-emerged amidst a war, and with Annabelle married to someone else. But a bit of voyeuristic vengeance has brought them back together, and Kit will do anything to make up for lost time.
The reader will experience two modes: jaw droppingly hot sex and crying whenever there is not sex. Cathartic and beautiful. Plus, there’s a kitten named Dragon. And an absolute master class in bluffing as to why a belt is tied around a column. You can read this without having read the first, but they are both short enough that it’s worth the character development in book one.
September 12, 2023
I was going to give this two stars because I didn’t find the story or the couple particularly compelling. But then I remembered there’s no third act breakup and that in and of itself is really worth a star on its own
August 11, 2024
Based on the heroine’s showing in the first book of the series, where she was portrayed as a socially progressive, haughty ice queen, I was really looking forward to reading Despising the Duke, but, unfortunately, this really didn’t work for me.
Our introduction to the heroine, Annabelle, was great. It was a little unrealistic that a 16-year-old sister of a duke would be able to be so involved in the women’s suffrage movement, to the point that she’s been arrested and force-fed for her efforts, but I still liked it. The book opens at her coming out ball, where she meets the hero (well, I say hero), Kit, and establishes a charming and flirty repartee with him. They even give each other cute nicknames, Little Queen and Sir Prig. But after that strong first chapter, everything kind of falls apart. We are *told* that Annabelle and Kit have been writing to each other incessantly, but we never read a single one of their letters. When we next see them together on page, this 16-year-old debutante is boldly propositioning the experienced rake and then, boom, they’re 69-ing on his yacht like there’s no tomorrow. And using no protection whatsoever, which makes absolutely no sense that Kit wouldn’t think of that. So of course, Annabelle falls pregnant, her letter to Kit begging him to blow off his Antarctica expedition and marry her falls into the wrong hands, and next thing you know, it’s 16 years later and they meet again. This time, however, Annabelle is having a tryst with her lover at a ball, which is all aboveboard, the lover’s wife has given her blessing and is in fact Annabelle’s friend. The “hero” sees them and maliciously turns on the lights to expose them to the attendees in flagrante delicto. Annabelle is humiliated, and her sister, who she was chaperoning, becomes a social pariah. Annabelle begs off to Scotland, Kit goes after her after finally finding out about her pregnancy, and from that point on, it’s just pages upon pages of eye-popping sex scenes, which were fun, but hollow, because the emotional connection was completely non-existent. Never for a moment did I believe they’ve loved each other for 16 years. Not only that, but the character of Annabelle, which was so intriguing in the previous book and in the opening of this one, is completely destroyed. She is now a rich and powerful widow, but we are told absolutely nothing about her life or interests. Is she even involved in the women’s rights movement anymore? It’s mentioned that she’s established a home for unwed mothers, but almost as an aside. She just comes off as a bored and vacuous shrew. Kit and his demons stemming from his traumatic Mount Everest expedition are given a lot of attention (although they too disappear quite quickly after they start doing it like rabbits), but Annabelle is, disappointingly, an incredibly flat character. I guess there can be too much of a good thing; the pearl-clutching, acrobatic sex scenes are just too many, and the connection between the characters simply does not have the room to develop. The romance just wasn’t romancing. Even their discussions about their stillborn child failed to provide any real angst, and were instead a little cringey. I think that’s also due to the fact that the language was not always giving 1923. I really doubt a duke would refer to an unborn child with “them”, instead of just “it”. Or that he would bemoan the fact that Annabelle went through her ordeal without a “support network”. Also, while Annabelle forgave Kit for his petty and malicious actions really quickly, for whatever reason (butt plugs, I guess), what made me lose any shred of sympathy for Kit was the fact that he also humiliated her family and it was all brushed aside. Annabelle’s younger sister was supposed to study at Cambridge, but in the wake of the scandal, she lost her spot, only to have Kit mansplain to her that Cambridge didn’t even let women graduate and that she’d be better off at Oxford. I’m sorry, you mean to tell me a young woman in 1923 was able to jump so many hurdles and get into Cambridge, but she wasn’t aware that she wouldn’t be able to graduate?? There were just too many leaps of logic, Annabelle’s character turned out to be a complete dud, and the steam became exhausting after a while, all of which made me barely get through this one. Had this been a novella, just a fun excuse for a string of, admittedly, very hot sex scenes, it would’ve been much better.
The only thing that fully worked for me where the kittens, Dog, Dragon and Bumblebee. The way Annabelle and Kit cared for them was the only truly redeeming thing about them.
Our introduction to the heroine, Annabelle, was great. It was a little unrealistic that a 16-year-old sister of a duke would be able to be so involved in the women’s suffrage movement, to the point that she’s been arrested and force-fed for her efforts, but I still liked it. The book opens at her coming out ball, where she meets the hero (well, I say hero), Kit, and establishes a charming and flirty repartee with him. They even give each other cute nicknames, Little Queen and Sir Prig. But after that strong first chapter, everything kind of falls apart. We are *told* that Annabelle and Kit have been writing to each other incessantly, but we never read a single one of their letters. When we next see them together on page, this 16-year-old debutante is boldly propositioning the experienced rake and then, boom, they’re 69-ing on his yacht like there’s no tomorrow. And using no protection whatsoever, which makes absolutely no sense that Kit wouldn’t think of that. So of course, Annabelle falls pregnant, her letter to Kit begging him to blow off his Antarctica expedition and marry her falls into the wrong hands, and next thing you know, it’s 16 years later and they meet again. This time, however, Annabelle is having a tryst with her lover at a ball, which is all aboveboard, the lover’s wife has given her blessing and is in fact Annabelle’s friend. The “hero” sees them and maliciously turns on the lights to expose them to the attendees in flagrante delicto. Annabelle is humiliated, and her sister, who she was chaperoning, becomes a social pariah. Annabelle begs off to Scotland, Kit goes after her after finally finding out about her pregnancy, and from that point on, it’s just pages upon pages of eye-popping sex scenes, which were fun, but hollow, because the emotional connection was completely non-existent. Never for a moment did I believe they’ve loved each other for 16 years. Not only that, but the character of Annabelle, which was so intriguing in the previous book and in the opening of this one, is completely destroyed. She is now a rich and powerful widow, but we are told absolutely nothing about her life or interests. Is she even involved in the women’s rights movement anymore? It’s mentioned that she’s established a home for unwed mothers, but almost as an aside. She just comes off as a bored and vacuous shrew. Kit and his demons stemming from his traumatic Mount Everest expedition are given a lot of attention (although they too disappear quite quickly after they start doing it like rabbits), but Annabelle is, disappointingly, an incredibly flat character. I guess there can be too much of a good thing; the pearl-clutching, acrobatic sex scenes are just too many, and the connection between the characters simply does not have the room to develop. The romance just wasn’t romancing. Even their discussions about their stillborn child failed to provide any real angst, and were instead a little cringey. I think that’s also due to the fact that the language was not always giving 1923. I really doubt a duke would refer to an unborn child with “them”, instead of just “it”. Or that he would bemoan the fact that Annabelle went through her ordeal without a “support network”. Also, while Annabelle forgave Kit for his petty and malicious actions really quickly, for whatever reason (butt plugs, I guess), what made me lose any shred of sympathy for Kit was the fact that he also humiliated her family and it was all brushed aside. Annabelle’s younger sister was supposed to study at Cambridge, but in the wake of the scandal, she lost her spot, only to have Kit mansplain to her that Cambridge didn’t even let women graduate and that she’d be better off at Oxford. I’m sorry, you mean to tell me a young woman in 1923 was able to jump so many hurdles and get into Cambridge, but she wasn’t aware that she wouldn’t be able to graduate?? There were just too many leaps of logic, Annabelle’s character turned out to be a complete dud, and the steam became exhausting after a while, all of which made me barely get through this one. Had this been a novella, just a fun excuse for a string of, admittedly, very hot sex scenes, it would’ve been much better.
The only thing that fully worked for me where the kittens, Dog, Dragon and Bumblebee. The way Annabelle and Kit cared for them was the only truly redeeming thing about them.
September 12, 2023
Thanks to BookSprout for a copy of this novel and this is my freely given opinion.
This is book 2 of the Lords of Desire and the story of why Annabelle is so antagonistic about Kit, the Duke of Aylesbourne. We first met Annabelle in book 1, the bold, outspoken sister of Michael. From book 1, her animosity to Kit, Michael's good friend, was notable, and garnered my curiosity from the beginning.
In this book, we get the background of their relationship which starts out a good decade and a half before the present of the book. Annabelle and Kit meet before the war, she as a young idealistic debutante, but with bold ideals and actions as a suffragette. He as a young duke and man about town with his own wishes to make a mark on history through exploratory expeditions. They form a strong connection and engage in a brief affair before Kit leaves for his first expedition. He asks for Annabelle to wait for him, knowing that he wants her to be his bride, bef0re leaving for his expedition.
Annabelle finds out that she is pregnant just before Kit leaves, but is unable to stop him leaving, and ends up having to make some hard choices, which ends up with her marrying another man, and leaving her hating Kit for his apparent choices.
For the next decade and a half, they are apart, not understanding how their love became betrayal, hating or lost to each other. During that time Kit tries to make up for his lost love by continuing his adventures and expeditions, but because of trauma from them, including being buried in an avalanche that kills one of his best friends, he ends up with PTSD, and trying to self medicate with booze and women. Things come to a head one night when he sees Annabelle engaged in a tryst with a married man, and in his pain, literally exposes them, causing incredible embarrassment to Annabelle and her family and for her to exile herself in Scotland. Kit follows her and their face to face reunion is explosive, after so many years of hurt, misunderstanding, and suppressed passion and unrequited love.
I think Stevie Sparks is going on my list of must read authors because this was a drama filled, angsty, passionate historical romance that had me completely rivetted. I loved book 2 almost as much as book 1. I thoroughly loved the initial brewing romance between the young Annabelle and Kit and it broke my heart how they were torn apart, and the years lost between them before their reunion. This is as story that was just full of angst, bitterness, and loss, but after years of this, Annabelle and Kit end up working their way to a hard fought, long awaited HEA. Warning, there are some potential triggers here such as the loss of a child, and there is a lot of very graphic, detailed, passionate sex.
4.5 stars out of 5 - and I loved the bit of humour tucked in and wish that the author did something a bit more with Queen Mary (Kit's royal godparent) and Annabelle's irreverent and childish graffiti. Like if Mary likewise drew a penis on Annabelle's head in their wedding portrait in the end when she visited her godchild's estate...
This is book 2 of the Lords of Desire and the story of why Annabelle is so antagonistic about Kit, the Duke of Aylesbourne. We first met Annabelle in book 1, the bold, outspoken sister of Michael. From book 1, her animosity to Kit, Michael's good friend, was notable, and garnered my curiosity from the beginning.
In this book, we get the background of their relationship which starts out a good decade and a half before the present of the book. Annabelle and Kit meet before the war, she as a young idealistic debutante, but with bold ideals and actions as a suffragette. He as a young duke and man about town with his own wishes to make a mark on history through exploratory expeditions. They form a strong connection and engage in a brief affair before Kit leaves for his first expedition. He asks for Annabelle to wait for him, knowing that he wants her to be his bride, bef0re leaving for his expedition.
Annabelle finds out that she is pregnant just before Kit leaves, but is unable to stop him leaving, and ends up having to make some hard choices, which ends up with her marrying another man, and leaving her hating Kit for his apparent choices.
For the next decade and a half, they are apart, not understanding how their love became betrayal, hating or lost to each other. During that time Kit tries to make up for his lost love by continuing his adventures and expeditions, but because of trauma from them, including being buried in an avalanche that kills one of his best friends, he ends up with PTSD, and trying to self medicate with booze and women. Things come to a head one night when he sees Annabelle engaged in a tryst with a married man, and in his pain, literally exposes them, causing incredible embarrassment to Annabelle and her family and for her to exile herself in Scotland. Kit follows her and their face to face reunion is explosive, after so many years of hurt, misunderstanding, and suppressed passion and unrequited love.
I think Stevie Sparks is going on my list of must read authors because this was a drama filled, angsty, passionate historical romance that had me completely rivetted. I loved book 2 almost as much as book 1. I thoroughly loved the initial brewing romance between the young Annabelle and Kit and it broke my heart how they were torn apart, and the years lost between them before their reunion. This is as story that was just full of angst, bitterness, and loss, but after years of this, Annabelle and Kit end up working their way to a hard fought, long awaited HEA. Warning, there are some potential triggers here such as the loss of a child, and there is a lot of very graphic, detailed, passionate sex.
4.5 stars out of 5 - and I loved the bit of humour tucked in and wish that the author did something a bit more with Queen Mary (Kit's royal godparent) and Annabelle's irreverent and childish graffiti. Like if Mary likewise drew a penis on Annabelle's head in their wedding portrait in the end when she visited her godchild's estate...
September 10, 2023
Despising the Duke by Stevie Sparks is a book that I couldn’t put down from the first page. This is my first Stevie Sparks book, but not my last as I have started reading the first book in this series, Surrendering to the Duke. This is a second chance at love book that has everything I love in a romance, including a trio of kittens. Initially we meet Lady Annabelle Fraser at her come out season, sidelined with an injury caused by a horseback accident. She meets Kit, the Duke of Aylesbourne, a friend of her brothers who is definitely a rogue. Their story spans across sixteen years, including through the First World War.
Initially their relationship begins as a flirty friendship, complete with nicknames and letters where they share their hearts. Underneath, simmering is combustible heat, but I love how the author also builds their friendship and relationship even though Aylesbourne is currently on track to go away for an extended period on an expedition to Mt. Everest. Right before Kit is set to leave, love is declared along with a promise from Annabelle to wait for him. Through an unfortunate and heart rendering series of events that doesn’t happen. Both Annabelle and Kit feel betrayed by the other, leaving them to despise the other.
Fast-forward sixteen years and Kit has an opportunity to publicly humiliate Annabelle who is engaged in secret tryst at a very public event. Kit is struggling from the aftermath of injuries and harrowing experiences sustained while on his expedition and filled with unresolved anger based on his belief that Annabelle betrayed him. Annabelle, who for her own reasons believes that Kit betrayed and deserted her, is humiliated and angry. She flees London and her family as her behavior has negatively impacted them all as well, including her baby sister who was making her initial come out.
As Annabelle flees to her family’s holding in Scotland, Kit who is suffering from remorse follows her. What happens? Well, there is a whole lot of steam as that part of their relationship was never an issue. One thing I appreciate is the way the author interweaves the past and the present into the story. And once the couple is together, they come together. While takes some time to communicate, they do end up communicating which was both beautiful and raw. The author is also clear about triggers. I could feel the pain felt by both Annabelle and Kit for past events. It was palatable, but also healing for them, including the ultimate reveal. The characters had dimensions that I really appreciated. They were complex, complicated and interesting. And did I mention there were kittens?
I would reread this book again, for the story, for Annabelle and Kit and their surrounding cast of characters. I would love to know how their story progresses. That was my only regret, not knowing what happened next. I highly recommend this story and other stories by this author.
I received an ARC of Despising the Duke by Stevie Sparks from the author and voluntarily read the book.
Initially their relationship begins as a flirty friendship, complete with nicknames and letters where they share their hearts. Underneath, simmering is combustible heat, but I love how the author also builds their friendship and relationship even though Aylesbourne is currently on track to go away for an extended period on an expedition to Mt. Everest. Right before Kit is set to leave, love is declared along with a promise from Annabelle to wait for him. Through an unfortunate and heart rendering series of events that doesn’t happen. Both Annabelle and Kit feel betrayed by the other, leaving them to despise the other.
Fast-forward sixteen years and Kit has an opportunity to publicly humiliate Annabelle who is engaged in secret tryst at a very public event. Kit is struggling from the aftermath of injuries and harrowing experiences sustained while on his expedition and filled with unresolved anger based on his belief that Annabelle betrayed him. Annabelle, who for her own reasons believes that Kit betrayed and deserted her, is humiliated and angry. She flees London and her family as her behavior has negatively impacted them all as well, including her baby sister who was making her initial come out.
As Annabelle flees to her family’s holding in Scotland, Kit who is suffering from remorse follows her. What happens? Well, there is a whole lot of steam as that part of their relationship was never an issue. One thing I appreciate is the way the author interweaves the past and the present into the story. And once the couple is together, they come together. While takes some time to communicate, they do end up communicating which was both beautiful and raw. The author is also clear about triggers. I could feel the pain felt by both Annabelle and Kit for past events. It was palatable, but also healing for them, including the ultimate reveal. The characters had dimensions that I really appreciated. They were complex, complicated and interesting. And did I mention there were kittens?
I would reread this book again, for the story, for Annabelle and Kit and their surrounding cast of characters. I would love to know how their story progresses. That was my only regret, not knowing what happened next. I highly recommend this story and other stories by this author.
I received an ARC of Despising the Duke by Stevie Sparks from the author and voluntarily read the book.
July 31, 2024
Super steamy Second Chance 1920s
Despising the Duke is the second book in the Lords of Desires series. I’d been looking forward to this book after getting a glimpse of Annabelle and Kit from Surrendering to the Duke and it didn’t disappoint. I really enjoyed this second chance romance and all the angst.
It was nice that the story opens with their first meeting and you get the what and the why that caused 16 years of heartache without going back and forth in time. All the reasons why is learned by both MC fairly early on. Less than a hundred pages in and it was gut wrenching.
I loved how hard the hero fell for the heroine and despite the years and pain his love for her never left. The heroine was equally lovable, she was strong and independent and unashamed of her desires. Shouldering all the pain and grief she carried, as well as, also realizing when she’d done wrong and being accountable for it. The beginning mentions her involvement in the suffragette marches, while this isn’t a main plot of the story it does showcase her independence and progressive thinking.
I also enjoyed getting to see some of Theo and a different side of him from how he was portrayed in the first book. The kittens were also a welcomed addition being cute but also a representation of Kit and Annabelle’s progression of their relationship.
The time period was interesting as well. Starting in 1907 when not a lot had changed for the aristocracy. Then jumping to 1923 to after WWI when aristocratic life and the rest of the world started changing. I loved the modern aspects (cars and phones) but still felt part of the time period.
I’m glad to see there’s to be more from this author and series and can’t wait for Caroline’s story.
There are nine encounters including one that is included in the epilogue available via newsletter signup. A variety of fem dom, bondage, edging and toys are part of these encounters. There is also an encounter between the heroine and casual partner (in an open marriage). They are all a good length and so a good amount of time is spent intimately. The MC become intimate quickly and seemed to jump into it suddenly but after that encounter, they all flow and are at a good pace.
This could be read as a standalone. While the characters are introduced in the first book, their animosity and background is fully explored in this book.
Content warning is included at the beginning of the book as well as what type of content is not included.
Despising the Duke is the second book in the Lords of Desires series. I’d been looking forward to this book after getting a glimpse of Annabelle and Kit from Surrendering to the Duke and it didn’t disappoint. I really enjoyed this second chance romance and all the angst.
It was nice that the story opens with their first meeting and you get the what and the why that caused 16 years of heartache without going back and forth in time. All the reasons why is learned by both MC fairly early on. Less than a hundred pages in and it was gut wrenching.
I loved how hard the hero fell for the heroine and despite the years and pain his love for her never left. The heroine was equally lovable, she was strong and independent and unashamed of her desires. Shouldering all the pain and grief she carried, as well as, also realizing when she’d done wrong and being accountable for it. The beginning mentions her involvement in the suffragette marches, while this isn’t a main plot of the story it does showcase her independence and progressive thinking.
I also enjoyed getting to see some of Theo and a different side of him from how he was portrayed in the first book. The kittens were also a welcomed addition being cute but also a representation of Kit and Annabelle’s progression of their relationship.
The time period was interesting as well. Starting in 1907 when not a lot had changed for the aristocracy. Then jumping to 1923 to after WWI when aristocratic life and the rest of the world started changing. I loved the modern aspects (cars and phones) but still felt part of the time period.
I’m glad to see there’s to be more from this author and series and can’t wait for Caroline’s story.
There are nine encounters including one that is included in the epilogue available via newsletter signup. A variety of fem dom, bondage, edging and toys are part of these encounters. There is also an encounter between the heroine and casual partner (in an open marriage). They are all a good length and so a good amount of time is spent intimately. The MC become intimate quickly and seemed to jump into it suddenly but after that encounter, they all flow and are at a good pace.
This could be read as a standalone. While the characters are introduced in the first book, their animosity and background is fully explored in this book.
Content warning is included at the beginning of the book as well as what type of content is not included.
September 13, 2023
“I tried to forget you, you know. Over and over again I tried. His thrusts were urgent. Slamming into her wet sensitive flesh. “But you’re unforgettable.” Thrust. “Incomparable.” Thrust. “Utterly perfect. And f*cking you, being with you like this is nothing less than a privilege. Because I have existed in the dark without you, Annabelle, and it’s a hell I never want to return to. I am yours, little queen, to do with as you will. My life is yours. My love is yours. My soul is yours.”
Maaaaan…look…This book here!?! Wooooo weee. Straight fiyah.🔥🔥🔥🔥Fabulous. Freaking Fabulous I tell ya! Despising the Duke is scandalously delicious. Hot as hayle!!! One helluva read!!! Ghat d*mn it…📣BRAVO!!!! BRA-FREAKING-VO!!! I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!! Stevie Sparks, when you write your books…THIS is how you write your books.
Let me just say…I need…NEED i say…me a Kit in my life. Woo..im in love with this man! He's FILTHY and sexy and sweet and destructive…my gawd….soooo HAWT! This is full on volcanic 🌋material here. How this man can make filthy and sexy be romantic is beyond me but he does it …with aplomb and such swagger. Mmmph…just d*mn!
And if I wasn't already ruined…Ms. Sparks decided I needed a good cry and for good measure…she threw in a couple of furballs. At one point I was boooo hooing so hard my nose turned red. Im a chocolaty sista…do you know how difficult that is? Soo see here…
"Sixteen years ago, Lady Annabelle Fraser broke Kit, the Duke of Aylesbourne. He's been fleeing his past ever since, from Antarctica to surviving avalanches on Mt. Everest. Facing death was easier than facing Annabelle. But discovering her with an old friend changes everything. This time, he won't let her escape.
Lady Annabelle is a spinster. But that's okay because she's independent and strong…and could give zero f*cks about what others thinks…except for when it affects her family. Sixteen years ago, Kit abandoned her when she needed him most. But when he discovers her in a compromising situation, he sets out to ruin her.
This book is everything y'all. I was still trying to figure out how I felt about book one in this series (I've read it 3 times and still haven't finished the review)...BUT THIS ONE HERE…woo wee…I have NO PROBLEMS saying that this is 5 star book and must be read post haste.
Maaaaan…look…This book here!?! Wooooo weee. Straight fiyah.🔥🔥🔥🔥Fabulous. Freaking Fabulous I tell ya! Despising the Duke is scandalously delicious. Hot as hayle!!! One helluva read!!! Ghat d*mn it…📣BRAVO!!!! BRA-FREAKING-VO!!! I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!! Stevie Sparks, when you write your books…THIS is how you write your books.
Let me just say…I need…NEED i say…me a Kit in my life. Woo..im in love with this man! He's FILTHY and sexy and sweet and destructive…my gawd….soooo HAWT! This is full on volcanic 🌋material here. How this man can make filthy and sexy be romantic is beyond me but he does it …with aplomb and such swagger. Mmmph…just d*mn!
And if I wasn't already ruined…Ms. Sparks decided I needed a good cry and for good measure…she threw in a couple of furballs. At one point I was boooo hooing so hard my nose turned red. Im a chocolaty sista…do you know how difficult that is? Soo see here…
"Sixteen years ago, Lady Annabelle Fraser broke Kit, the Duke of Aylesbourne. He's been fleeing his past ever since, from Antarctica to surviving avalanches on Mt. Everest. Facing death was easier than facing Annabelle. But discovering her with an old friend changes everything. This time, he won't let her escape.
Lady Annabelle is a spinster. But that's okay because she's independent and strong…and could give zero f*cks about what others thinks…except for when it affects her family. Sixteen years ago, Kit abandoned her when she needed him most. But when he discovers her in a compromising situation, he sets out to ruin her.
This book is everything y'all. I was still trying to figure out how I felt about book one in this series (I've read it 3 times and still haven't finished the review)...BUT THIS ONE HERE…woo wee…I have NO PROBLEMS saying that this is 5 star book and must be read post haste.
September 11, 2023
“How I wish we could start again from that moment.”
First things first. I need to warn anyone reading this book, make sure you have a box of tissues, you’re going to need them! Oh my god, this book slayed me. My heart broke again and again for Kit and Annabelle. They were the embodiment of star-crossed lovers. I loved them both and desperately wanted them to find their HEA together. They certainly paid a steep enough price. Their connection was instant, their chemistry through the roof, they were two parts to a whole and neither would ever find happiness without the other.
There aren’t a lot of real secrets in this book, just a few including the biggest that I’ll admit, I never guessed. Most of the story is about two people being given a second chance at love and happiness and what they go through to try and take it. Great love can lead to great pain and that’s what they have both been living with for sixteen years. Although unjust it falls to Kit to fight to overcome Annabelle’s hurt and distrust, especially after making things even worse for her initially, but he refuses to give up his chance to win back the only woman he has ever loved. Kit isn’t perfect but I fell head over heels for him, he’s truly a wonderful bbf.
Another thing I loved was the much less used time period. While it begins in 1907, the bulk of the story takes place in 1923 England. I admit I’ve never read a romance set in the early twenties, a period influenced greatly by the First World War, especially in England. I found it extremely fascinating and am now wanting to read more. The prior book in this series takes place a couple of years earlier and I plan to read it next. In hindsight I wish I had read it first as this book is filled with spoilers for the first book but what’s done is done. It’s too late now. I do recommend reading the other book first for that very reason but not having read it didn’t take away from this book in the slightest so it isn’t really required. This is also my first book by Stevie and if the rest of her books are this great, I’m definitely a new fan! Thank you, Stevie, for sharing the beautiful love story of these two incredible people. Theirs is one I’ll not forget.
First things first. I need to warn anyone reading this book, make sure you have a box of tissues, you’re going to need them! Oh my god, this book slayed me. My heart broke again and again for Kit and Annabelle. They were the embodiment of star-crossed lovers. I loved them both and desperately wanted them to find their HEA together. They certainly paid a steep enough price. Their connection was instant, their chemistry through the roof, they were two parts to a whole and neither would ever find happiness without the other.
There aren’t a lot of real secrets in this book, just a few including the biggest that I’ll admit, I never guessed. Most of the story is about two people being given a second chance at love and happiness and what they go through to try and take it. Great love can lead to great pain and that’s what they have both been living with for sixteen years. Although unjust it falls to Kit to fight to overcome Annabelle’s hurt and distrust, especially after making things even worse for her initially, but he refuses to give up his chance to win back the only woman he has ever loved. Kit isn’t perfect but I fell head over heels for him, he’s truly a wonderful bbf.
Another thing I loved was the much less used time period. While it begins in 1907, the bulk of the story takes place in 1923 England. I admit I’ve never read a romance set in the early twenties, a period influenced greatly by the First World War, especially in England. I found it extremely fascinating and am now wanting to read more. The prior book in this series takes place a couple of years earlier and I plan to read it next. In hindsight I wish I had read it first as this book is filled with spoilers for the first book but what’s done is done. It’s too late now. I do recommend reading the other book first for that very reason but not having read it didn’t take away from this book in the slightest so it isn’t really required. This is also my first book by Stevie and if the rest of her books are this great, I’m definitely a new fan! Thank you, Stevie, for sharing the beautiful love story of these two incredible people. Theirs is one I’ll not forget.
September 27, 2023
This is the second book in the series. It can be read as a standalone book but some of the characters in the first book are in this book too.
The main characters are Lady Annabelle and Kit, the Duke of Aylesbourne. The first part of the book is set in the early 1900’s, before the Great War.
Kit is the friend of Annabelle’s older brothers and is shortly due to join an expedition to the South Pole.
Annabelle is involved in women’s rights and has no interest in marriage.
The attraction between the couple when they meet is sizzling and they have a very passionate fling before Kit leaves. They agree to meet again when Kit returns. When he does, he is hurt to find that Annabelle has married so he continues on with various other expeditions to try and forget her.
They meet again sixteen years later at a the first party she is chaperoning for her beloved niece. Where a still bitter Kit ruins Annabelle, now a widow, by exposing her affair with a married man. Kit feels vindicated for her betrayal but shortly afterwards he finds a letter addressed to him, but which he never received, sent by Annabelle before he left for the South Pole all those years ago which leaves him shocked and desperate to speak to her again.
Can Annabelle forgive him and speak about her past? Can Kit show Annabelle that he’s not the man she thinks he is? Will they be able to get over their past trauma and become friends or something more?
This book will take its reader through many different emotions and learning of the experiences of the characters lives make for an excellent read. There’s also the introduction of three abandoned young kittens that help Annabelle and Kit start healing and enjoy each other’s company again.
This book is sizzling hot and steamy with many graphic steamy love scenes which may not be for everyone. There are some great side characters that enhance the storyline but not too many that it is confusing. There is also a lovely epilogue that completes their story.
There is a trigger warning for miscarriage.
I received this book from the author and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All the views and opinions expressed are my own.
The main characters are Lady Annabelle and Kit, the Duke of Aylesbourne. The first part of the book is set in the early 1900’s, before the Great War.
Kit is the friend of Annabelle’s older brothers and is shortly due to join an expedition to the South Pole.
Annabelle is involved in women’s rights and has no interest in marriage.
The attraction between the couple when they meet is sizzling and they have a very passionate fling before Kit leaves. They agree to meet again when Kit returns. When he does, he is hurt to find that Annabelle has married so he continues on with various other expeditions to try and forget her.
They meet again sixteen years later at a the first party she is chaperoning for her beloved niece. Where a still bitter Kit ruins Annabelle, now a widow, by exposing her affair with a married man. Kit feels vindicated for her betrayal but shortly afterwards he finds a letter addressed to him, but which he never received, sent by Annabelle before he left for the South Pole all those years ago which leaves him shocked and desperate to speak to her again.
Can Annabelle forgive him and speak about her past? Can Kit show Annabelle that he’s not the man she thinks he is? Will they be able to get over their past trauma and become friends or something more?
This book will take its reader through many different emotions and learning of the experiences of the characters lives make for an excellent read. There’s also the introduction of three abandoned young kittens that help Annabelle and Kit start healing and enjoy each other’s company again.
This book is sizzling hot and steamy with many graphic steamy love scenes which may not be for everyone. There are some great side characters that enhance the storyline but not too many that it is confusing. There is also a lovely epilogue that completes their story.
There is a trigger warning for miscarriage.
I received this book from the author and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All the views and opinions expressed are my own.
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