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The Rake Review #3
Mad Duke March
Whisky. Plenty of it. Keep it coming…
That’s all that Alexander Blackwood, the notorious “Mad Duke” of London, desires. Determined to waste his life away, he manages to offend even his closest friends. But when he carelessly ruins Miss Emily Fitzwilliam while in a drunken stupor, he finds himself chained to the only woman in England who refuses to fear or fawn over him.
It was the best day of her life… Until it wasn’t.
Emily Fitzwilliam loses everything when she is scandalously ruined by the most notorious rake London has ever known. And worst of all, the bounder refuses to marry her! But the wicked Duke who destroyed her life is about to discover that payback is hell. A hasty marriage neither party wanted is about to become a passionate battle of wills as two warring hearts are destined to become one flesh… whether they like it or not.
Mad Duke March is book 3 in the multi-author series The Rake Review. If you enjoy watching some of London's most notorious scoundrels getting raked over the coals, then be sure to collect all twelve bachelors in The Rake Review!
That’s all that Alexander Blackwood, the notorious “Mad Duke” of London, desires. Determined to waste his life away, he manages to offend even his closest friends. But when he carelessly ruins Miss Emily Fitzwilliam while in a drunken stupor, he finds himself chained to the only woman in England who refuses to fear or fawn over him.
It was the best day of her life… Until it wasn’t.
Emily Fitzwilliam loses everything when she is scandalously ruined by the most notorious rake London has ever known. And worst of all, the bounder refuses to marry her! But the wicked Duke who destroyed her life is about to discover that payback is hell. A hasty marriage neither party wanted is about to become a passionate battle of wills as two warring hearts are destined to become one flesh… whether they like it or not.
Mad Duke March is book 3 in the multi-author series The Rake Review. If you enjoy watching some of London's most notorious scoundrels getting raked over the coals, then be sure to collect all twelve bachelors in The Rake Review!
227 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2024
354 people are currently reading
311 people want to read
About the author
Sadie Bosque
42 books232 followersSadie Bosque is a steamy historical romance author. Surrounded by the enchantment of the historical setting, her love stories communicate to the modern reader through the experiences of her characters. The heroes and heroines of Sadie’s stories are flawed, imperfect creatures with big hearts. Sadie believes that a happily ever after has to be hard-earned. The trials and tribulations her characters go through make them stronger and make the HEA so much sweeter.
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Follow me on Bookbub for latest sales: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/sadie...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews
October 22, 2024
I really thought this was going to be an elusive five star at first. The beginning was *chef's kiss* A complete wastrel of a Duke, a sassy miss who was compromised and demands he do the right things by her. A marriage of convenience ensues and then ughhhh the story takes a stupid left turn and the heroine turns out to be pregnant by her good for nothing ex. She decides to keep it a secret and try to seduce her husband to make him think it's his. Barf. I skimmed all the way to the end after this. I liked the author's voice and I may turn her again but I'll have to wait until this bad taste leaves me.
⭐.5 /5
🔥🔥/5
Tropes
Secret baby
Marriage of convenience
⭐.5 /5
🔥🔥/5
Tropes
Secret baby
Marriage of convenience
March 7, 2024
Mad Duke March. My fellow readers, what is this writer trying to do to me! Now when you read this, don’t get the idea that I’m a person with an ice cold heart. I don’t cry much, but I was so close. Once I was finished reading the epilogue, I was on the precipice of being -that -watering -pot.
Start collecting your tissues ladies. It’s about to get serious here. To me the Fitzwilliam family are those people who can so easily weave themselves into your life and make you feel as though they’ve been a part of your family for years. The writer did an exceptional job of telling the families unexpected hardship and how they have come to be where they are at such a hard decision. Sharing the family’s wants, dreams and uncomfortable moments with the readers is just a few of the exciting moments of the story.
As the oldest daughter, Emily, Em or as another might call her, “mo tíogarín” (my tiger). As a term of endearment. Emily takes on the heavy burden of head of household. Seeking safety and stability for her family, while at the same time holding on to a secret that is dreadfully terrifying to reveal to her family. Did I get your eye twitching there with a little mystery and intrigue?
Well the writer had me on board from the get go. Between some challenging moments for Emily and her family. Emily meets Tyrone. And boy do they have a heck of a mash meet up. Check them off readers. Dress. Red and big hands. That’s all I’m saying ladies.
It was at this moment I knew that I was going to need to shut everything down in my bedroom. Negotiate with my dog Alvin, to please be quiet for mommy and lay down. (There was a lot of bribing with treats for this.) After all was settled. I took my leap into that all too familiar rabbit hole of reading a most exhilarating historical romance novel.
Readers either you will hate our male main character or you will love him. His character I believe is the second strongest in the book, as well as I think that he’s the one who has grown the most. To be able to read how he began from the beginning to what happens in the end. It’s what I love about reading romantic books. It’s the story before the ending that connects with the readers.
And it’s the thing that keeps you coming back for more. Tyrone’s character is one with a few different faces. Each one had me on the fence regarding how far he could push himself and who would be inflicted by his decisions. However I must say that Tyrone’s (Alexander, Xander) character was gloriously written. As I was reading and familiarizing my-self with him.
Tyrone’s story to me is quite mesmerizing and might I say intense. What this man and Emily go through in their story is one of such deep, defining moments. The writing is so magnificent. Incredibly touching and very beautiful. The writer touches her readers with the romantic story through the highest standard of strong wording in the narrative and dialogue.
The combination of these two reaches inside your mind, and takes you on the most awesome fantasy ride of your life. It’s as though the writer wants you to have the opportunity to spend some time with two precious people as they share their lives with you. The experience through the story is so strong, so passionate and so real. The book is such an excellent page turner. From the historical facts and to the historical information.
These things shine the light on some wonderful entertainment that had me laughing, and enjoying a good book. Now where do I begin with Tyrone and Emily? Ah yes, the Trollope dancing before Tyrone in his study. Oh boy was that a big mistake. What did Julia R say in the movie?
Big mistake. Big. She stretched that word. Biggg. And as you can imagine, Emily wanted to stretch her arm back and punch everyone. Tyrone and Em’s love story is gripping and very touching. Their love affair doesn’t start off like one would expect it to take flight. “No sir- re.” Let’s just say, Tyrone and Emily almost remind you of another two characters from a famous tv show.
Tell me, do you know of Houlihan, and Hawkeye? Yes readers, our lovely couple brings you so much fire and passion that I was very pleased with it and enjoyed it very much. I was pleased as pie or is it pleased as punch pie? Well, whichever one it is. I was elated.
I have to say though, the best moments from these two in the book is when Tyrone and Em sparr with one another through words. The judo dialogue they spewed had me laughing so much that my children thought that I had lost my senses and was ready for the nursing home. All they heard from my room was a, he- he- he or a ha-ha-ha. I genuinely enjoyed everything about this book. The writer’s talented ability to create a plot that works brilliantly with the characters is so profound.
This is such a significant story about family, love, trust and having someone that you can lean on to ease some of that burden. Get ready. I’m about to make a hard, sharp turn here. Are You ready? Are you sure you’re ready? Here it comes. My favorite line of all time is, “Come here and spread your lovely thighs”.
Wha- who? How can you have your male character say that and expect your readers to continue reading after that line? It was impossible for my brain to tell my-self to breathe. I think that I may have blacked out or something. You want to know why? Because, once I collected all my senses I was panting very heavily. I think my dog and I we’re having a contest of who can pant the fastest. Him for his exertion outside and me from my historical romance novel. Good God, Almighty! I give this book two snaps.
Two twist, and a, hold up. Hold up ladies. Hold up. I have to share just one. Well maybe two more of my favorite lines with you. “I will bed you. Be it day or night, in bed or out of it, inside the house or outside?”. Until next time my fellow readers. Read on!
Start collecting your tissues ladies. It’s about to get serious here. To me the Fitzwilliam family are those people who can so easily weave themselves into your life and make you feel as though they’ve been a part of your family for years. The writer did an exceptional job of telling the families unexpected hardship and how they have come to be where they are at such a hard decision. Sharing the family’s wants, dreams and uncomfortable moments with the readers is just a few of the exciting moments of the story.
As the oldest daughter, Emily, Em or as another might call her, “mo tíogarín” (my tiger). As a term of endearment. Emily takes on the heavy burden of head of household. Seeking safety and stability for her family, while at the same time holding on to a secret that is dreadfully terrifying to reveal to her family. Did I get your eye twitching there with a little mystery and intrigue?
Well the writer had me on board from the get go. Between some challenging moments for Emily and her family. Emily meets Tyrone. And boy do they have a heck of a mash meet up. Check them off readers. Dress. Red and big hands. That’s all I’m saying ladies.
It was at this moment I knew that I was going to need to shut everything down in my bedroom. Negotiate with my dog Alvin, to please be quiet for mommy and lay down. (There was a lot of bribing with treats for this.) After all was settled. I took my leap into that all too familiar rabbit hole of reading a most exhilarating historical romance novel.
Readers either you will hate our male main character or you will love him. His character I believe is the second strongest in the book, as well as I think that he’s the one who has grown the most. To be able to read how he began from the beginning to what happens in the end. It’s what I love about reading romantic books. It’s the story before the ending that connects with the readers.
And it’s the thing that keeps you coming back for more. Tyrone’s character is one with a few different faces. Each one had me on the fence regarding how far he could push himself and who would be inflicted by his decisions. However I must say that Tyrone’s (Alexander, Xander) character was gloriously written. As I was reading and familiarizing my-self with him.
Tyrone’s story to me is quite mesmerizing and might I say intense. What this man and Emily go through in their story is one of such deep, defining moments. The writing is so magnificent. Incredibly touching and very beautiful. The writer touches her readers with the romantic story through the highest standard of strong wording in the narrative and dialogue.
The combination of these two reaches inside your mind, and takes you on the most awesome fantasy ride of your life. It’s as though the writer wants you to have the opportunity to spend some time with two precious people as they share their lives with you. The experience through the story is so strong, so passionate and so real. The book is such an excellent page turner. From the historical facts and to the historical information.
These things shine the light on some wonderful entertainment that had me laughing, and enjoying a good book. Now where do I begin with Tyrone and Emily? Ah yes, the Trollope dancing before Tyrone in his study. Oh boy was that a big mistake. What did Julia R say in the movie?
Big mistake. Big. She stretched that word. Biggg. And as you can imagine, Emily wanted to stretch her arm back and punch everyone. Tyrone and Em’s love story is gripping and very touching. Their love affair doesn’t start off like one would expect it to take flight. “No sir- re.” Let’s just say, Tyrone and Emily almost remind you of another two characters from a famous tv show.
Tell me, do you know of Houlihan, and Hawkeye? Yes readers, our lovely couple brings you so much fire and passion that I was very pleased with it and enjoyed it very much. I was pleased as pie or is it pleased as punch pie? Well, whichever one it is. I was elated.
I have to say though, the best moments from these two in the book is when Tyrone and Em sparr with one another through words. The judo dialogue they spewed had me laughing so much that my children thought that I had lost my senses and was ready for the nursing home. All they heard from my room was a, he- he- he or a ha-ha-ha. I genuinely enjoyed everything about this book. The writer’s talented ability to create a plot that works brilliantly with the characters is so profound.
This is such a significant story about family, love, trust and having someone that you can lean on to ease some of that burden. Get ready. I’m about to make a hard, sharp turn here. Are You ready? Are you sure you’re ready? Here it comes. My favorite line of all time is, “Come here and spread your lovely thighs”.
Wha- who? How can you have your male character say that and expect your readers to continue reading after that line? It was impossible for my brain to tell my-self to breathe. I think that I may have blacked out or something. You want to know why? Because, once I collected all my senses I was panting very heavily. I think my dog and I we’re having a contest of who can pant the fastest. Him for his exertion outside and me from my historical romance novel. Good God, Almighty! I give this book two snaps.
Two twist, and a, hold up. Hold up ladies. Hold up. I have to share just one. Well maybe two more of my favorite lines with you. “I will bed you. Be it day or night, in bed or out of it, inside the house or outside?”. Until next time my fellow readers. Read on!
February 27, 2024
Alexander Blackwood, the notorious “Mad Duke” of London, is determined to waste his life away, he manages to offend even his closest friends. But when he unintentionally ruins Miss Emily Fitzwilliam while in a drunken stupor, he finds himself chained to the only woman in England who refuses to fear or fawn over him. Emily Fitzwilliam has just become betrothed & is shopping when she is pushed from the path of a steam carriage only to find her name bandied in a scandal sheet & she loses everything or does she?
A hasty marriage neither party wanted is about to become a passionate battle of wills
Alec is one damaged man, abused by his father & abandoned by his mother he lets no one near until he meets his match in Emily. Emily is one strong woman who holds her family together & will do anything for them even tie herself to the ‘Mad Duke’. I started this book disliking Alec, who hadn’t one redeeming feature but wait, he did push Emily from the path of the carriage. The more I read & the more of Alec’s backstory emerged the more I grew to like him & by the end of the book I loved him. I loved Emily who lost everything when she was shopping & was nearly mown down, reputation, fiancé, money & her hair even had to be cut as it was covered in red paint – did she give up? No she became stronger & fought like a tiger. I loved the chemistry between Alec & Emily & loved how their relationship changed & deepened until Emily’s secret was revealed. A beautifully written romance which I devoured in a sitting
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
A hasty marriage neither party wanted is about to become a passionate battle of wills
Alec is one damaged man, abused by his father & abandoned by his mother he lets no one near until he meets his match in Emily. Emily is one strong woman who holds her family together & will do anything for them even tie herself to the ‘Mad Duke’. I started this book disliking Alec, who hadn’t one redeeming feature but wait, he did push Emily from the path of the carriage. The more I read & the more of Alec’s backstory emerged the more I grew to like him & by the end of the book I loved him. I loved Emily who lost everything when she was shopping & was nearly mown down, reputation, fiancé, money & her hair even had to be cut as it was covered in red paint – did she give up? No she became stronger & fought like a tiger. I loved the chemistry between Alec & Emily & loved how their relationship changed & deepened until Emily’s secret was revealed. A beautifully written romance which I devoured in a sitting
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
April 15, 2024
Not my favorite trope Spoilers may be below!
I hate reading books where the heroine is pregnant from another man. I never read them, this one snuck through. The hero is a drunkard Duke who was abandoned by his Mother at age 9 to an abusive father. I felt bad for him but I hated how he acted. He is on a drunken lark with his friends, when he saves the heroine from his friends vehicle. She is engaged to be married to Bernard whom she has loved since she was 15. But after he saves her, they end up entangled on the ground and it looks like they are making love. So rumors start and Bernard breaks up with her. Even though he knows she might be pregnant. So the heroine goes after the heroine hero to make him marry her. He eventually does and there is a lot of heartbreak and angst in the journey. Emily was amazing and she took the mad duke and made him into a very good man. I loved the ending.
I hate reading books where the heroine is pregnant from another man. I never read them, this one snuck through. The hero is a drunkard Duke who was abandoned by his Mother at age 9 to an abusive father. I felt bad for him but I hated how he acted. He is on a drunken lark with his friends, when he saves the heroine from his friends vehicle. She is engaged to be married to Bernard whom she has loved since she was 15. But after he saves her, they end up entangled on the ground and it looks like they are making love. So rumors start and Bernard breaks up with her. Even though he knows she might be pregnant. So the heroine goes after the heroine hero to make him marry her. He eventually does and there is a lot of heartbreak and angst in the journey. Emily was amazing and she took the mad duke and made him into a very good man. I loved the ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2024
This really wasn’t for me.. all was going well and the writing ing was great but then buuuh she turns out to be pregnant. She married the duke knowing she is pregnant with another man’s child and hasn’t told him. I really hated that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2024
I absolutely devoured this book! Read it in a single sitting, it’s story fulfills every single one of my enemies to lovers needs. Intense emotion from start to finish. Nail-biting tension, distraught emotions, insecurity and passion. It is not always love at first sight, sometimes it is much closer to loathe at first sight and certainly seemed an apt description upon meeting the Mad Duke. Once the madness stepped aside and allowed Alec to show his true colours, it easily shifted to love. He is everything one wants in a damaged hero. The gruff exterior only an armour for his vulnerability and tender emotions. He did not have an easy life, he has many skeletons in his closet. Thankfully, Emily is well tasked to help him clean out those cobwebs and carve out the future caring Duke. He so desperately wants love & family, and she is all that and more. I felt so strongly for her trying to carve out her place in the world. She is strong, resilient and determined with a heart of gold. This series has already stolen my heart, I love the continued theme and getting different voices for each story. Sadie Bosque has always managed a slightly darker take on HR and I simply adore the intensity of her stories. The Mad Duke is definitely the most villainous of our Rakes, but then we all love a morally grey hero and he truly is a teddybear at heart.
Read
July 31, 2024DNF'ing. Very well written, but I can't get behind a lying, conniving heroine that tricks the Hero into marrying her while inadvertently throwing an OM and innocent child into the mix. I almost feel just as deceived as the Hero into reading this as it is not what it was presented to be and I was completely blindsided by the "twist". I'm not really a fan of surprise elements that impact a story in a negative way. I like good surprises or the kind that blow my mind because of how well hidden, yet obviously apparent they are after the fact. But yeah this story just really disappointed me.
Quick List of Should Knows (Potential Spoilers):
-Marriage of Convenience
-Hero disappears for days on end after they marry in a drunken rampage
-Him keeping company with whores, or "wenches" during this time is referenced, but so far it's
not explicitly confirmed whether he had sex with them or not. He's dancing with them and
brings one back home on page
-Heroine deceives Hero, as he thinks she is a virgin bride that he has not yet consummated their marriage with, but she is actually pregnant with another man's child
-Hero is an alcoholic
Quick List of Should Knows (Potential Spoilers):
-Marriage of Convenience
-Hero disappears for days on end after they marry in a drunken rampage
-Him keeping company with whores, or "wenches" during this time is referenced, but so far it's
not explicitly confirmed whether he had sex with them or not. He's dancing with them and
brings one back home on page
-Heroine deceives Hero, as he thinks she is a virgin bride that he has not yet consummated their marriage with, but she is actually pregnant with another man's child
-Hero is an alcoholic
March 1, 2024
Duke on duty Alexander is set on drowning his family line in whisky, dangerous experiments and pointless duels. Freshly engaged, Emily is having the best day of her life until she almost gets run over by his experiment. His drunken but successful attempt at rescuing her however, ruins everything.
Jilted and mocked, Emily turns to Alec as a last resort - he has to marry her! But he won’t. Not until he figures in one of his not so clear moments, a new duchess might get rid of the old one…
Only he didn’t marry a meek maiden, no, he got a clever woman with a sharp tongue and a spine of steel. He gives her his worst, but she won’t be cowered, won’t stand for his rude drunken foolishness and on top of it all, starts to take care of him. Why on earth would anyone ever do that?!
📚 It’s so nice to see a couple that can’t stand each other collaborate for better or for worse!
Two polar opposites stuck in a forced marriage, but instead of fighting each other the whole way, her unwavering care and patience, even when he’s being a first-class jerk, slowly pulls him back into the light.
This story is different, determined and delicious! Its witty and sharp, and when these two get going the hits are dry, direct and designed to kill. But then they make up again… and you get all the sizzle and spark.
Ultimately they’re on the same side, they stick together and of course, it all works out in the end!
A very entertaining fast read and an excellent novel to start the month of March!
Jilted and mocked, Emily turns to Alec as a last resort - he has to marry her! But he won’t. Not until he figures in one of his not so clear moments, a new duchess might get rid of the old one…
Only he didn’t marry a meek maiden, no, he got a clever woman with a sharp tongue and a spine of steel. He gives her his worst, but she won’t be cowered, won’t stand for his rude drunken foolishness and on top of it all, starts to take care of him. Why on earth would anyone ever do that?!
📚 It’s so nice to see a couple that can’t stand each other collaborate for better or for worse!
Two polar opposites stuck in a forced marriage, but instead of fighting each other the whole way, her unwavering care and patience, even when he’s being a first-class jerk, slowly pulls him back into the light.
This story is different, determined and delicious! Its witty and sharp, and when these two get going the hits are dry, direct and designed to kill. But then they make up again… and you get all the sizzle and spark.
Ultimately they’re on the same side, they stick together and of course, it all works out in the end!
A very entertaining fast read and an excellent novel to start the month of March!
April 1, 2024
I just started reading Sadie Bosque in June 2021. This is my 14th book by her. I enjoy her writing and her stories. This is a new series with different authors writing a new book each month.
I really got into this story. I loved the writing. I really enjoyed Alec and Emily. I don’t really like the situation she was in (don’t want to give anything away) that is not my favorite storyline. With that being said, I loved her tenacity. I love how she understood Alec or at least made him see things differently. Their chemistry was hot. The ending was super cute and gave me all the feels. Really good read.
I really got into this story. I loved the writing. I really enjoyed Alec and Emily. I don’t really like the situation she was in (don’t want to give anything away) that is not my favorite storyline. With that being said, I loved her tenacity. I love how she understood Alec or at least made him see things differently. Their chemistry was hot. The ending was super cute and gave me all the feels. Really good read.
June 6, 2024
Well written, engrossing with the right amount of angst and sweetness.
Hooked me right in.
Has a fresh feel despite all the old, used tropes and devices.
The mcs are fantastic and so easily relatable - even when the H is doing his a-h bit.
Everyone and their reactions feel real - even her family's.
All is good ...
Hooked me right in.
Has a fresh feel despite all the old, used tropes and devices.
The mcs are fantastic and so easily relatable - even when the H is doing his a-h bit.
Everyone and their reactions feel real - even her family's.
All is good ...
February 29, 2024
Utter Ruination!
The third book of Brazen Belle's Rake Review features secrets, scandal, angst, steamy sex, and some actual steam (powered motor).
The FMC is the eldest daughter of an impoverished Baronet. Emily is sensible and headstrong. She has faced more than her fair share of adversity with remarkable grace and dignity.
She has brought her ailing mother and three younger siblings from their obscure tiny estate to London to marry the third son of a wealthy viscount. She’s loved him since she was 15, and he’s everything (she thinks) she wants. He’s fair-haired and waxes poetically about his love for her.
Emily spends the last of the family's money for her family to be well turned out for the wedding. The wedding is a sure thing because she trusts her beloved, and he’s promised to marry her.
Ruination is part and parcel of many a historical romance. This book truly takes the trope to a new level. To see such a bright, practical, and courageous FMC be completely and utterly ruined within a matter of minutes is heartbreaking.
Truly through no fault of her own, she has to sheer off her crowning glory of golden-brown tresses, is robbed of the last of her family money, and is wholly ruined with the MMC’s red handprints all over the back of her frock in the center of the central shopping district.
After the Brazen Belle publishes a salacious story of the worst moment in her life, her betrothed sends her a ridiculously flowery sendoff letter ending their engagement.
But our heroine is no shrinking violet; she demands satisfaction from the man who has ruined her. The MMC is a reckless drunkard intent on destroying the legacy of his abusive father and the mother who has abandoned him.
It takes entirely too long for him to come up to scratch. Even after they are married, there are still big secrets between them.
The MMC's disreputable and cruel nature outweighs any anger toward the FMC and her major secret, which is a doozy.
The redemption arc for the MMC comes naturally. He learns that he can trust the FMC, and the fact that he came to terms with her “secret “with such grace was unexpected and refreshing.
I like a story where the characters are multidimensional and flawed. While the fact that the FMC is not a virgin does have an impact on the plot, none of the other characters attempt to shame her upon learning she’s not a virgin. My least favorite part of most romances is the transcendent hymen-breaking sex scene, I was grateful to be spared that cringy event.
This story plants plenty of seeds for a new series by this author. I look forward to seeing how the MMC's friends and the FMC's family find their eventual HEAs.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The third book of Brazen Belle's Rake Review features secrets, scandal, angst, steamy sex, and some actual steam (powered motor).
The FMC is the eldest daughter of an impoverished Baronet. Emily is sensible and headstrong. She has faced more than her fair share of adversity with remarkable grace and dignity.
She has brought her ailing mother and three younger siblings from their obscure tiny estate to London to marry the third son of a wealthy viscount. She’s loved him since she was 15, and he’s everything (she thinks) she wants. He’s fair-haired and waxes poetically about his love for her.
Emily spends the last of the family's money for her family to be well turned out for the wedding. The wedding is a sure thing because she trusts her beloved, and he’s promised to marry her.
Ruination is part and parcel of many a historical romance. This book truly takes the trope to a new level. To see such a bright, practical, and courageous FMC be completely and utterly ruined within a matter of minutes is heartbreaking.
Truly through no fault of her own, she has to sheer off her crowning glory of golden-brown tresses, is robbed of the last of her family money, and is wholly ruined with the MMC’s red handprints all over the back of her frock in the center of the central shopping district.
After the Brazen Belle publishes a salacious story of the worst moment in her life, her betrothed sends her a ridiculously flowery sendoff letter ending their engagement.
But our heroine is no shrinking violet; she demands satisfaction from the man who has ruined her. The MMC is a reckless drunkard intent on destroying the legacy of his abusive father and the mother who has abandoned him.
It takes entirely too long for him to come up to scratch. Even after they are married, there are still big secrets between them.
The MMC's disreputable and cruel nature outweighs any anger toward the FMC and her major secret, which is a doozy.
The redemption arc for the MMC comes naturally. He learns that he can trust the FMC, and the fact that he came to terms with her “secret “with such grace was unexpected and refreshing.
I like a story where the characters are multidimensional and flawed. While the fact that the FMC is not a virgin does have an impact on the plot, none of the other characters attempt to shame her upon learning she’s not a virgin. My least favorite part of most romances is the transcendent hymen-breaking sex scene, I was grateful to be spared that cringy event.
This story plants plenty of seeds for a new series by this author. I look forward to seeing how the MMC's friends and the FMC's family find their eventual HEAs.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2024
Mad Duke March is a riveting tale of redemption, love and healing. Alexander Blackwood, the Duke of Tyrone, grapples with alcoholism and childhood trauma caused by an abusive father and abandonment by his mother. He harbors no desire to continue his father’s legacy through marriage and progeny, instead seeking solace in alcohol and outrageous antics to numb the pain of his past.
Enter Emily Fitzwilliam, who is on the brink of poverty, shouldering the responsibility of caring for her siblings and ailing mother while dealing with a broken engagement caused by the scandal surrounding the Mad Duke. She’s got a backbone of steel, and she’s not afraid to give Alec a piece of her mind.
The depiction of the Duke’s healing journey is poignant, with Emily’s persistent efforts to guide him towards sobriety and self-improvement showcasing her constant devotion. As their bond deepens, Alec gradually sheds his initial aloofness, evolving into a selfless, steadfast companion. Together, they mend each other’s fractured souls, navigating heated moments of anxiety with courage and honor.
The story is beautifully crafted, with a perfect pace and a slow-burning romance that keeps you hooked. The characters' development is outstanding, delving into heavy subject matter with grace. The Duke's healing process is depicted with sensitivity, as Emily's unwavering loyalty and determination push him to confront his demons and become a better man. Their relationship is a testament to the power of love and healing, as they support each other through their darkest moments. The story is filled with passion, angst, and humor, creating a compelling narrative that challenges perceptions and leaves a lasting impact.
I received an ARC directly from the author (Thank You!) All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Enter Emily Fitzwilliam, who is on the brink of poverty, shouldering the responsibility of caring for her siblings and ailing mother while dealing with a broken engagement caused by the scandal surrounding the Mad Duke. She’s got a backbone of steel, and she’s not afraid to give Alec a piece of her mind.
The depiction of the Duke’s healing journey is poignant, with Emily’s persistent efforts to guide him towards sobriety and self-improvement showcasing her constant devotion. As their bond deepens, Alec gradually sheds his initial aloofness, evolving into a selfless, steadfast companion. Together, they mend each other’s fractured souls, navigating heated moments of anxiety with courage and honor.
The story is beautifully crafted, with a perfect pace and a slow-burning romance that keeps you hooked. The characters' development is outstanding, delving into heavy subject matter with grace. The Duke's healing process is depicted with sensitivity, as Emily's unwavering loyalty and determination push him to confront his demons and become a better man. Their relationship is a testament to the power of love and healing, as they support each other through their darkest moments. The story is filled with passion, angst, and humor, creating a compelling narrative that challenges perceptions and leaves a lasting impact.
I received an ARC directly from the author (Thank You!) All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 2, 2024
Well I just destroyed this book on a matter of hours and I'm over here smiling. Emily and Alec are just wonderful together. They are exactly what the other needs. Alec needs some to show him that love and trust exist in a protective way he never got from his parents. Emily has been parent and protector of her family and needs a partner to help her feel supported. I also love when she puts him in his place. I think this may have been the first true rake of our series!
March 2, 2024
DNF at 33%
Unfortunately after enjoying the first two books in this series, this one was a flop for me. I found the heroine to be flighty and annoying, with most of her sentences ending in exclamation points! No matter what she is saying! Also, the hero was completely unlikeable. He was a wastrel in the purest sense of the word, drinking his life away with absolutely no regard for anyone else.
The last straw for me was when he tells the heroine--after waking up hungover with his pants down in her bed after their wedding--that he will not provide her her allowance in order to support her family until she agrees to sleep with him because he embarrassed himself on their marital night. Um, excuse-fucking-me?? Keep in mind, her allowance was part of their marital agreement while he insisted she leave him alone after they said their vows--which he doesn't even remember because he was drunk. No, thank you.
*ARC provided by the author, and I voluntarily reviewed it*
Unfortunately after enjoying the first two books in this series, this one was a flop for me. I found the heroine to be flighty and annoying, with most of her sentences ending in exclamation points! No matter what she is saying! Also, the hero was completely unlikeable. He was a wastrel in the purest sense of the word, drinking his life away with absolutely no regard for anyone else.
The last straw for me was when he tells the heroine--after waking up hungover with his pants down in her bed after their wedding--that he will not provide her her allowance in order to support her family until she agrees to sleep with him because he embarrassed himself on their marital night. Um, excuse-fucking-me?? Keep in mind, her allowance was part of their marital agreement while he insisted she leave him alone after they said their vows--which he doesn't even remember because he was drunk. No, thank you.
*ARC provided by the author, and I voluntarily reviewed it*
May 8, 2024
One of two things is going on here- There is no Sadie Bosque at all and these books are completely AI generated by the publisher.
OR
Sadie Bosque does exist and she is using ChatGPT to generate these books.
The books are terrible. There was no question in my mind that parameters and characteristics of romance novels had been fed into a program and it spit out “romance novel “
The whole experience of reading the two books by “Sadie” that I read was eerie. Like I was on the USS Enterprise and said “computer, give me a romance novel”
Ugh. No thanks
OR
Sadie Bosque does exist and she is using ChatGPT to generate these books.
The books are terrible. There was no question in my mind that parameters and characteristics of romance novels had been fed into a program and it spit out “romance novel “
The whole experience of reading the two books by “Sadie” that I read was eerie. Like I was on the USS Enterprise and said “computer, give me a romance novel”
Ugh. No thanks
March 4, 2024
New month, new Rake Review! The third book in the collection released on the first, Mad Duke March by Sadie Bosque and I have to say that this series continues to be one of my monthly reading highlights! For one thing, I’m an absolute sucker for a broken hero, and this Mad Duke is the definition of a broken hero, just crying out for help…
The notorious Mad Duke of London has done it this time! His recent drunken madcap experiment in the middle of London’s busy street that risked passerby lives, has ruined the good reputation of a newly betrothed woman… and now he has to make it right!
Miss Emily Fitzwilliam is realizing her dream of securing her families prospects when she is bowled over by Alexander Blackwood, the Mad Duke in an attempt to rescuer her from his experiment gone awry. Now she has been made a spectacle of as the drunken duke is seen atop of her on the street! But all will be well when her betrothed stands by her honour… all is not well! His family has prohibited the match and now Emily must find a way to resurrect her reputation and safeguard her loving family!
Not wanting a drunken menace for a husband, the Duke is her last choice… but when he sees a positive benefit for himself in this loveless match and agrees to the marriage, she agrees to go along!
Now Emily is closer to the Duke than anyone has been since his childhood and she has the opportunity to relive this beast of the thorn in his paw… only if he will sit still long enough for her and her loving family to get past his barriers!
What a great romance based around a forced marriage due to a compromised reputation. I absolutely loved both Alex and Emily and found their post marriage courtship to be a true delight. I was also surprised by some of the twists Sadie Bosque is this tight little story. She manages to truly redeem the Duke and create a true HEA for Alex and Emily!
Mad Duke March by Sadie Bosque is available now! Thanks to the author for my arc review copy. Opinions are my own.
The notorious Mad Duke of London has done it this time! His recent drunken madcap experiment in the middle of London’s busy street that risked passerby lives, has ruined the good reputation of a newly betrothed woman… and now he has to make it right!
Miss Emily Fitzwilliam is realizing her dream of securing her families prospects when she is bowled over by Alexander Blackwood, the Mad Duke in an attempt to rescuer her from his experiment gone awry. Now she has been made a spectacle of as the drunken duke is seen atop of her on the street! But all will be well when her betrothed stands by her honour… all is not well! His family has prohibited the match and now Emily must find a way to resurrect her reputation and safeguard her loving family!
Not wanting a drunken menace for a husband, the Duke is her last choice… but when he sees a positive benefit for himself in this loveless match and agrees to the marriage, she agrees to go along!
Now Emily is closer to the Duke than anyone has been since his childhood and she has the opportunity to relive this beast of the thorn in his paw… only if he will sit still long enough for her and her loving family to get past his barriers!
What a great romance based around a forced marriage due to a compromised reputation. I absolutely loved both Alex and Emily and found their post marriage courtship to be a true delight. I was also surprised by some of the twists Sadie Bosque is this tight little story. She manages to truly redeem the Duke and create a true HEA for Alex and Emily!
Mad Duke March by Sadie Bosque is available now! Thanks to the author for my arc review copy. Opinions are my own.
March 1, 2024
I had high expectations for this one and it can always be dangerous, but when it's even better than you imagined, it surely pays off! I loved everything about this book.
If you are the type of person who enjoys a villain story or morally gray heroes, I feel like Alec could be your guy. He's not bad bad, but well, he starts the book in a truly despicable way (which, I'm sorry but, I truly enjoyed). He created so much tension, frustration, interactions full of banter. As awful as he could be, he really forced Emily to find her voice and fight for what she wanted. Meanwhile, I just wanted for these two to find each other and slowly mend themselves and find happiness together. You could tell from the start that they both had a heartbreaking past and well, finding about it slowly through the book helped understanding them and loving them even more and more.
On one side, you get Alec who was always put last, and on the other, Emily who always puts everyone before herself. It results in this beautiful story of understanding through the other that they are worth something. They truly are perfect together. So many scenes made my eyes all teary. I love hurt/comfort relationships, they always evolve in the best way and this one was not an exception. The way Alec changed his ways and started to care, the way it was so easy for Emily to include him in her family, it was all superb. I also really enjoyed that Emily wanted to be honest with Alec as soon as she realized there was a possibility of a relationship (otherwise I would have found it hard to overcome that, you did the right thing, girl!) I just couldn't put this one down, there was always something happening, new information and little twists that made me go: okay, I need to continue to see what will happen. And that ending was everything. L.O.V.E.
I did predict that March would be my favourite of the Rake Reviews and let me tell you that I was right... This Mad Duke was absolutely delightful to read about!
Thanks to the author for an eARC. All opinions are my own.
If you are the type of person who enjoys a villain story or morally gray heroes, I feel like Alec could be your guy. He's not bad bad, but well, he starts the book in a truly despicable way (which, I'm sorry but, I truly enjoyed). He created so much tension, frustration, interactions full of banter. As awful as he could be, he really forced Emily to find her voice and fight for what she wanted. Meanwhile, I just wanted for these two to find each other and slowly mend themselves and find happiness together. You could tell from the start that they both had a heartbreaking past and well, finding about it slowly through the book helped understanding them and loving them even more and more.
On one side, you get Alec who was always put last, and on the other, Emily who always puts everyone before herself. It results in this beautiful story of understanding through the other that they are worth something. They truly are perfect together. So many scenes made my eyes all teary. I love hurt/comfort relationships, they always evolve in the best way and this one was not an exception. The way Alec changed his ways and started to care, the way it was so easy for Emily to include him in her family, it was all superb. I also really enjoyed that Emily wanted to be honest with Alec as soon as she realized there was a possibility of a relationship (otherwise I would have found it hard to overcome that, you did the right thing, girl!) I just couldn't put this one down, there was always something happening, new information and little twists that made me go: okay, I need to continue to see what will happen. And that ending was everything. L.O.V.E.
I did predict that March would be my favourite of the Rake Reviews and let me tell you that I was right... This Mad Duke was absolutely delightful to read about!
Thanks to the author for an eARC. All opinions are my own.
March 3, 2024
Mad Duke March ended up being the first book I’ve read by Sadie Bosque, and I’m already ready to binge read her entire backlist. Bosque takes a trope I love, combines it with a trope I hate, and somehow makes it work perfectly for me.
The prologue sets up the story ideally, and it takes a character who I’d otherwise have found to be irredeemable and turns him into a character I grew to love and have empathy for. It has possibly the most creative and unusual compromising scene I’ve ever read. Both main characters are complex products of their environments (there’s some serious trauma in their backstories here), and they each show growth throughout the story. The MMC’s slow and cautious journey into loving the FMC is particularly beautiful to read.
This book made me feel so many things, and I enjoyed it immensely. I can’t believe I slept on Sadie Bosque for this long, but I will definitely correct that mistake now!
Thank you to the author for the ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
The prologue sets up the story ideally, and it takes a character who I’d otherwise have found to be irredeemable and turns him into a character I grew to love and have empathy for. It has possibly the most creative and unusual compromising scene I’ve ever read. Both main characters are complex products of their environments (there’s some serious trauma in their backstories here), and they each show growth throughout the story. The MMC’s slow and cautious journey into loving the FMC is particularly beautiful to read.
This book made me feel so many things, and I enjoyed it immensely. I can’t believe I slept on Sadie Bosque for this long, but I will definitely correct that mistake now!
Thank you to the author for the ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
March 1, 2024
I loved this book! It was my favorite so far of the series and I finished it all in one sitting. This is the third book in the Brazen Bells series by various authors. Each can be read as a standalone. It's my favorite way to be introduced to new authors in the same genre. Book 3 of 12 (one for each month) is an enemies to lovers story. This is my first book by this author even though I have several others of her books on my TBR. I liked her writing style and can't wait to read Sadie Bosque's other books now. I love the strong female character Emily. She is independent and fiercely loyal. I love that she will do anything for her family including marry a Mad Duke. I love how she is instrumental in helping Alec evolve from a beast like character into a loving husband. It was a great steamy read for an afternoon escape. I can't wait to read the next in the series. I received the book as an ARC but all of the opinions expressed are my own.
March 1, 2024
Oh. My. Goodness!!my goodness!! WOW!!
This was such a wonderful story of marriage of necessity meets Beauty (Emily) and The Beast (Duke of Tyrone/Alec)!!
This is an amazing addition to the Rake Review series!!
So beautifully told with well-developed characters and a wonderfully told, full story even though it’s only about 200 pages! Sadie took an a**hole of the first order and paired him with a strong, family-oriented, capable, beautiful woman and that broke down his walls to reveal a determined, loving and open-hearted man! Alec redeemed!!
Brava Sadie!! Brava!! ♥️♥️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was such a wonderful story of marriage of necessity meets Beauty (Emily) and The Beast (Duke of Tyrone/Alec)!!
This is an amazing addition to the Rake Review series!!
So beautifully told with well-developed characters and a wonderfully told, full story even though it’s only about 200 pages! Sadie took an a**hole of the first order and paired him with a strong, family-oriented, capable, beautiful woman and that broke down his walls to reveal a determined, loving and open-hearted man! Alec redeemed!!
Brava Sadie!! Brava!! ♥️♥️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 26, 2024
Alec and Emily are interesting, relatable, entertaining, intriguing, complex characters. I loved Alec’s growth throughout the course of the story – that he became a better man for the love of right woman. I especially enjoyed that actions throughout the story are realistic and relatable. I enjoyed the romance and the path they took to get to their HEA. The secondary characters added to the fabric of the story. The story is easy to read and get into.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 18, 2024
I ended up enjoying this one after wanting to rail against the hero for at least half the book. But then I'd tell myself that they'd experienced trauma and their decisions just made them more human. But man, was it frustrating! Our poor Duke needed some serious therapy and he was another fictional character I eventually just longed to give a hug to. It was heartening to see the healing he experienced and I love those moments when a character's eyes are truly opened to their behavior and how their partner has helped them grow into a better person.
•Accidentally Compromised
•Reprobate Duke hero
•Weight of the world heroine
•4 🔥 Steam
(Slightly spoilery trope below Trigger Warnings)
Trigger Warnings ⚠️
Alcoholism, parental neglect and abuse, abandonment
*
*
*
*
•Secret Pregnancy
•Accidentally Compromised
•Reprobate Duke hero
•Weight of the world heroine
•4 🔥 Steam
(Slightly spoilery trope below Trigger Warnings)
Trigger Warnings ⚠️
Alcoholism, parental neglect and abuse, abandonment
*
*
*
*
•Secret Pregnancy
March 6, 2024
Intense fast read. Duke fights addiction, Duchess is hiding a big secret. Redemption family and love themes.
April 29, 2024
I wish I could give this book minus stars. I HATED it.
Here are the many many issues with this book:
a) One of the books I read a few months ago and hated was 'The Duke Starts a Scandal' by Sophie Jordan. I bring that one up because this book also suffers the same issue. We are told about a terrible thing that shapes our H's entire character and life but in an extremely lazy fashion. In this case, we are never told when and why it started, at a certain age did our ML fight back, did the servants help, etc. This same trope has been done well by quite a few authors. But here the H's past ends up being a world that doesn't feel lived in. A few loyal retainers, a friend who was there etc, would have lent more depth to his character.
b) Given that past, I can accept the duke being rude, selfish and cold. But I cannot accept him forcing himself upon the h TWICE (and make no mistake that is exactly what happens). In one of the instances, he comes home completely drunk with his friends and females and passes out. She throws everyone out. He wakes up in the morning, goes straight into her bedchamber and grabs her and kisses her and feels her up and asks 'I hope you learned your lesson.' Second time, she asks to be respected, he grabs her again and asks 'Is this how you deserve to be treated? Like a trollop.'
c) Out on a street in full daylight, I refuse to believe that THAT is the interpretation passers-by arrive at.
d) Our h proposes marriage to H saying he can continue his debauched ways. He refuses her proposal. In the next chapter, he comes to her house and proposes marriage. She says she will not sit idle while he continues his debauched ways. WHAT?!
e) But the h completely takes the cake with what she does. I have never hated an FL more.
Here are the many many issues with this book:
a) One of the books I read a few months ago and hated was 'The Duke Starts a Scandal' by Sophie Jordan. I bring that one up because this book also suffers the same issue. We are told about a terrible thing that shapes our H's entire character and life but in an extremely lazy fashion. In this case, we are never told when and why it started, at a certain age did our ML fight back, did the servants help, etc. This same trope has been done well by quite a few authors. But here the H's past ends up being a world that doesn't feel lived in. A few loyal retainers, a friend who was there etc, would have lent more depth to his character.
b) Given that past, I can accept the duke being rude, selfish and cold. But I cannot accept him forcing himself upon the h TWICE (and make no mistake that is exactly what happens). In one of the instances, he comes home completely drunk with his friends and females and passes out. She throws everyone out. He wakes up in the morning, goes straight into her bedchamber and grabs her and kisses her and feels her up and asks 'I hope you learned your lesson.' Second time, she asks to be respected, he grabs her again and asks 'Is this how you deserve to be treated? Like a trollop.'
c) Out on a street in full daylight, I refuse to believe that THAT is the interpretation passers-by arrive at.
d) Our h proposes marriage to H saying he can continue his debauched ways. He refuses her proposal. In the next chapter, he comes to her house and proposes marriage. She says she will not sit idle while he continues his debauched ways. WHAT?!
e) But the h completely takes the cake with what she does. I have never hated an FL more.
June 10, 2024
2 Stars
Sad to say this was the initial book that directed me to this series and naturally I had been looking forward to reading it. However, I just didn't enjoy it the way I hoped.
I liked the heroine Emily. I liked her take no bull attitude and how protective she was of her family.
I liked the idea of the hero more than what we saw and learned of him. Truthfully with a character as flawed and damaged as his the amount of time this book allowed us to figure him out did him no favors. I think a longer story is better suited to such a complex character. Especially to allow for real growth and maturity in their actions but in their outside relationships as well.
I particularly didn't like the secret Emily had which we only learned halfway through the story. I've read more books with that trope that I disliked than liked and this one was no different. I hated that she chose to continue her secrecy, and her confession was utter crap because regardless of her going to him in that moment to tell him everything he still confessed first which would have forced her confession anyway considering what his was about.
Either way, this just wasn't what I hoped. I actually skimmed quite a bit once the secret was revealed to the the reader.
Sad to say this was the initial book that directed me to this series and naturally I had been looking forward to reading it. However, I just didn't enjoy it the way I hoped.
I liked the heroine Emily. I liked her take no bull attitude and how protective she was of her family.
I liked the idea of the hero more than what we saw and learned of him. Truthfully with a character as flawed and damaged as his the amount of time this book allowed us to figure him out did him no favors. I think a longer story is better suited to such a complex character. Especially to allow for real growth and maturity in their actions but in their outside relationships as well.
I particularly didn't like the secret Emily had which we only learned halfway through the story. I've read more books with that trope that I disliked than liked and this one was no different. I hated that she chose to continue her secrecy, and her confession was utter crap because regardless of her going to him in that moment to tell him everything he still confessed first which would have forced her confession anyway considering what his was about.
Either way, this just wasn't what I hoped. I actually skimmed quite a bit once the secret was revealed to the the reader.
April 1, 2024
The hidden pregnancy that came in roughly 40% of the way through… no thanks.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2024
"Mad Duke March" by Sadie Bosque, book three of The Rake Review author collaboration series
.
Cover: 5/5 (I LOVE IMPROPERLY WORN CAPES.)
Story: 4/5
Steam: 🔥 🔥 🔥 (+kissing, solo scene)
Ending: HEA with epilogue
.
Stand Alone or Series: Can be read as a stand alone but each book in series take place in the same "universe" via a gossip columnist.
.
England, 1820
Unhinged, Rebellious Duke
Dutiful Baronett's Daughter
Marriage of Convience
Adversaries to Lovers
Loathe at First Sight
Opposites Attract
Slow Burn
Found Family
Difficult Family Ties
.
I have read several Sadie Bosque books, and after reading "Mad Duke March," I need to remember to read more of her works. Not only is she an excellent writer, but she has spun some difficult themes into this HR in a way that doesn't feel super dark and heavy.
Don't misunderstand me and think this is a light-hearted title as confronts some serious trauma and complex themes, but Emily, our MFC, brings so much light to the story that she truly is the balance to Alec's blackened world. I adore that this was as far as possible away from a love-at-first-sight book. Emily cannot stand Alec, and does Alec really like anything other than whisky and debauchery? They have SO much to work through, both as individuals and as husband and wife.
There are so many SERIOUS plot twists I did not see coming. I am not often caught off-guard by plot twists, but Bosque GOT. ME. GOOD. One of the major plot twists in a trope I truly don't care for, however, Bosque somehow managed to keep me interested, invested, and engaged. I am glad I kept reading because WOW.
"Mad Duke March" offers a wonderful setup for more books in a series. Emily's family plays an important part in the storyline, and I look forward to reading about their HEAs in the future.
As for steam, Bosque uses a mixture of explicit and allude-to terms in her writing. Her scenes vary in length and actions. There is a lot of great build-up in this book!
.
Read as a self-selected ebook. Honest review left voluntarily.
.
Content Warning (may contain spoilers):
.
.
.
.
.
Child ab*se- emotional, verbal, physical
PTSD
Abandonment by parent
Sickly parent
De*th of parent
Alc*hol abuse
Pregnancy
.
Cover: 5/5 (I LOVE IMPROPERLY WORN CAPES.)
Story: 4/5
Steam: 🔥 🔥 🔥 (+kissing, solo scene)
Ending: HEA with epilogue
.
Stand Alone or Series: Can be read as a stand alone but each book in series take place in the same "universe" via a gossip columnist.
.
England, 1820
Unhinged, Rebellious Duke
Dutiful Baronett's Daughter
Marriage of Convience
Adversaries to Lovers
Loathe at First Sight
Opposites Attract
Slow Burn
Found Family
Difficult Family Ties
.
I have read several Sadie Bosque books, and after reading "Mad Duke March," I need to remember to read more of her works. Not only is she an excellent writer, but she has spun some difficult themes into this HR in a way that doesn't feel super dark and heavy.
Don't misunderstand me and think this is a light-hearted title as confronts some serious trauma and complex themes, but Emily, our MFC, brings so much light to the story that she truly is the balance to Alec's blackened world. I adore that this was as far as possible away from a love-at-first-sight book. Emily cannot stand Alec, and does Alec really like anything other than whisky and debauchery? They have SO much to work through, both as individuals and as husband and wife.
There are so many SERIOUS plot twists I did not see coming. I am not often caught off-guard by plot twists, but Bosque GOT. ME. GOOD. One of the major plot twists in a trope I truly don't care for, however, Bosque somehow managed to keep me interested, invested, and engaged. I am glad I kept reading because WOW.
"Mad Duke March" offers a wonderful setup for more books in a series. Emily's family plays an important part in the storyline, and I look forward to reading about their HEAs in the future.
As for steam, Bosque uses a mixture of explicit and allude-to terms in her writing. Her scenes vary in length and actions. There is a lot of great build-up in this book!
.
Read as a self-selected ebook. Honest review left voluntarily.
.
Content Warning (may contain spoilers):
.
.
.
.
.
Child ab*se- emotional, verbal, physical
PTSD
Abandonment by parent
Sickly parent
De*th of parent
Alc*hol abuse
Pregnancy
February 27, 2024
Alexander Blackwood, the new Duke of Tyrone, left with an abusive father, belittled for everything, Alexander has sworn to get the last revenge on his father. Therefore, he does what he pleases, when he pkeases, and damn the consequences. With the help of his friends, he races, fights, drinks to excess, and is rude to everyone. The Earl of Sutton, Lucien Drake, and Mr. Charles Thomas Hunter, a man his friends and subsequently all of England called Chaos, the four friends caused mischief where ever they went.
Emily Fitzwilliam, is engaged to Bernard O’Malley Viscount O'Malley son. She has loved him since she wad fifteen, now her and her family have arrived in London for the wedding. While on the way to get flipperies to dress up their clothes she is nearly run over by a motor carriage Tyrone and his friends are testing.
Tyrone tackles her to the ground and causes a scandal which leaves her with no fiancee and no money since her reticule was stolen. With the help of the Earl of Sutton, she goes to Tyrone who laughs at her and refuses to marry her. Now humiliated, poor, and harboring a secret she plans to take her family back home.
The past has come back to haunt Tyrone so he does the odd thing of proposing to Emily and they strike a bargain. As old secrets and past hurts start coming out the two have to learn to trust and survive with each other.
Another thrilling chapter in the twelve rakes review that will have you enchanted. The characters are flawed, strong, and determined to have their own way, but in the end they have each others back. I could not put this one down, it grabbed me front the start and kept me in the screen with each twist and turn.
Emily Fitzwilliam, is engaged to Bernard O’Malley Viscount O'Malley son. She has loved him since she wad fifteen, now her and her family have arrived in London for the wedding. While on the way to get flipperies to dress up their clothes she is nearly run over by a motor carriage Tyrone and his friends are testing.
Tyrone tackles her to the ground and causes a scandal which leaves her with no fiancee and no money since her reticule was stolen. With the help of the Earl of Sutton, she goes to Tyrone who laughs at her and refuses to marry her. Now humiliated, poor, and harboring a secret she plans to take her family back home.
The past has come back to haunt Tyrone so he does the odd thing of proposing to Emily and they strike a bargain. As old secrets and past hurts start coming out the two have to learn to trust and survive with each other.
Another thrilling chapter in the twelve rakes review that will have you enchanted. The characters are flawed, strong, and determined to have their own way, but in the end they have each others back. I could not put this one down, it grabbed me front the start and kept me in the screen with each twist and turn.
Read
March 1, 2024Mad Duke March by Sadie Bosque
The Rake Review #3
Not your easy-going simple debutant meets, falls in love, and lives happily ever after story – nope – this is a deeper, darker, complex story with imperfect main characters who get off to a rocky start but do find their happily ever after by the end of the book.
What I liked:
* Emily: eldest daughter, responsible, wise, taking care of her widowed mother and younger siblings, is engaged to a man she loves, has to deal with broken dreams, a husband that is not her first choice, and grows a lot in this story
* Alexander: Duke of Tyrone, enjoys drunkenness and debauchery, was abandoned when young by his mother and abused by his father, suffers from PTSD, surly, selfish, and damaged, and he grows a lot in this story
* Emily’s devotion to her family and those she loves
* Watching the development of the relationship between Emily and Alexander
* Being able do a 360 in how I was feeling about Alexander - didn’t think much of him at all at first
* Emily’s family – supportive and kind and a loving group that provided her skills that Alexander never had
* The communication between the main characters as it is so essential to healthy relationships
* The Earl of Sutton: good friend, helpful, wants the best for his friends, am curious about his relationship with his wife and would like to read his book when it is ready
* All of it really except…
What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Bernard and his family – so glad she didn’t end up with him
Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
The Rake Review #3
Not your easy-going simple debutant meets, falls in love, and lives happily ever after story – nope – this is a deeper, darker, complex story with imperfect main characters who get off to a rocky start but do find their happily ever after by the end of the book.
What I liked:
* Emily: eldest daughter, responsible, wise, taking care of her widowed mother and younger siblings, is engaged to a man she loves, has to deal with broken dreams, a husband that is not her first choice, and grows a lot in this story
* Alexander: Duke of Tyrone, enjoys drunkenness and debauchery, was abandoned when young by his mother and abused by his father, suffers from PTSD, surly, selfish, and damaged, and he grows a lot in this story
* Emily’s devotion to her family and those she loves
* Watching the development of the relationship between Emily and Alexander
* Being able do a 360 in how I was feeling about Alexander - didn’t think much of him at all at first
* Emily’s family – supportive and kind and a loving group that provided her skills that Alexander never had
* The communication between the main characters as it is so essential to healthy relationships
* The Earl of Sutton: good friend, helpful, wants the best for his friends, am curious about his relationship with his wife and would like to read his book when it is ready
* All of it really except…
What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Bernard and his family – so glad she didn’t end up with him
Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
March 4, 2024
When an author can take an unlikable character and make me want to get in their corner, I know I’m in good hands. This is much of what I felt while reading Mad Duke March. Tyrone is a drunkard, mean, careless, and just plain rakish when he first meets Emily in a truly original meet cute. Fearing that she will appear ruined, Emily attempts to appeal to Tyrone’s gentlemanly sensibilities, but is thrown for a loop when she realizes he lives up to his name and is far from being a “gentle”man. I loved that Emily didn’t put up with Tyrone’s slovenliness and gave him as good as she got. I live a strong female lead and Emily fights for herself, for family, and ultimately for her marriage. What first begins as a marriage of necessity, develops into so much more. I think I’m drawn to marital stories where the hero and/or heroine has to really work to make the marriage worthwhile—this is the case for both Emily and Tyrone—they need each other in such basic ways that when they begin showing up for one another, their love blossoms tenfold. It doesn’t hurt that forced proximity makes these two begin to see each other in a new light. Which of course leads to excellent intimate scenes. And what begins as a means of sexual desire turns into more intimate encounters once the heart becomes involved. Don’t sleep on this one. This is the third book in the Rake Review series from the Brazen Belles, and Sadie Bosque’s writing is sure to capture your heart. I received an advanced copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
Plot as emojis: 🍻🛑🎨💥😠🤬🥃💍😞🚫🥃🌱💔🤐🪒🧔♂️😍💃🍆🔥👵👦🏻👗👅❤️
CWs: Childhood neglect and abuse, pregnancy, alcohol abuse
Plot as emojis: 🍻🛑🎨💥😠🤬🥃💍😞🚫🥃🌱💔🤐🪒🧔♂️😍💃🍆🔥👵👦🏻👗👅❤️
CWs: Childhood neglect and abuse, pregnancy, alcohol abuse
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