What do you think?
Rate this book
The Wicked Dukes #1
Deeply In You
Anxious to save her brother from debtor's prison, Helena Winsome agrees to find proof that the Duke of Greybrooke is a traitor. Well aware of his wicked ways, she takes on the guise of a demure governess. But his smoldering sensuality overwhelms her- as does his vow to make her his lover, a scandalous promise that leaves her weak with desire...
Darkly handsome and powerfully seductive, the Duke of Greybrooke is a man of deep passion. When the lovely Miss Helena Winsome turns down an offer to become his mistress, Grey takes on the challenge. He'll expose Helena to the erotic thrill of carnal pleasure and tease her senses until all she can do is beg for more...
Darkly handsome and powerfully seductive, the Duke of Greybrooke is a man of deep passion. When the lovely Miss Helena Winsome turns down an offer to become his mistress, Grey takes on the challenge. He'll expose Helena to the erotic thrill of carnal pleasure and tease her senses until all she can do is beg for more...
384 pages, Paperback
First published June 24, 2014
153 people are currently reading
496 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Page
54 books433 followersSharon Page is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of numerous novels of historical and erotic romance. She is a two-time, consecutive winner of the National Readers’ Choice Award, winner of the Golden Quill and the Colorado Award of Excellence, and a multiple finalist for the Daphne Du Maurier Award. She has twice received the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, and is a four-time finalist.
Married with two children, Sharon Page holds an industrial design degree and has worked for many years for a structural engineering firm. When not writing, she enjoys reading with her children, downhill skiing, and mountain biking. Writing romance has long been her dream and she is thrilled to share her stories.
Married with two children, Sharon Page holds an industrial design degree and has worked for many years for a structural engineering firm. When not writing, she enjoys reading with her children, downhill skiing, and mountain biking. Writing romance has long been her dream and she is thrilled to share her stories.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
September 3, 2016
Wow, Wow and Wow again! This book was awesome! At first I thought this was just going to be an erotic historical but then the intrigue started building. I was completely hooked first by the eroticism of the two characters finding each other. I really enjoyed Grey's pursuit. Helena tried so hard to fight but how could she not fall head over hills for this decadent, exciting man. At first the intrigue was light, just the typical scandal to resolve but that quickly changed into a gripping story all it's own. This book could have been an erotic historical and it would be complete or it could have been a suspenseful historical and it would have been complete but to bring those two together so smoothly and efficiently and to resolve both sides was a true example of writing talent. I cannot wait to read more about the Wicked Dukes!
April 17, 2019
I enjoyed it and look forward to reading the series. The heroin seemed to enjoy very quickly the kinky side of sex, but after all, why not !
Lots of secrets kept, but they had good reasons and all's well that ends well :)
Lots of secrets kept, but they had good reasons and all's well that ends well :)
August 4, 2016
I think that Sharon Page does exceedingly well writing erotic historical romance, so needless to say I was very eager to get my hands on this first book in her newest series, The Wicked Dukes. Deeply in You was a delightful mix of suspense, mystery, and dark pleasure, but it was also so much more as well. From the fantastic line up of characters, to the intense amount mystery and intrigue, this book kept me captivated from page one and wouldn’t let me go. I just know that all of you naughty regency nuts out there are going to love this one!
Helena Winsome agrees to spy on the Duke of Greybrooke for the crown in order to expose his secrets to settle her brother’s gambling debts. What she doesn’t anticipate is how deeply drawn she would be to the handsome Duke. Greybrooke feels that he is incapable of loving anyone due to his horrible past, and he embraces his darkest desires on his own terms now. Although he is used to getting everything he wants when it comes to women, his sister’s new governess is a temptation he just can’t resist no matter how innocent she is. He pursues her with single-minded intent to make her his mistress, but he is further intrigued with her when she resists all of his efforts. Once they engage in their torrid affair of pleasure seeped in lies and intrigue, the deceptions will work their hardest to tear them apart.
All I can say is, wow, these two were so different from what I’ve read in the past, and I mean that in the very best way possible. They were great characters who were so intensely erotic that each scene was sexier than the last. But that wasn’t all they had going for them either. I also think that Greybrooke is so endearing, and I could not blame Helena for her pursuit to save him from himself and from others who meant him harm. She was a constant source of support for him, even when she wasn’t altogether truthful, and she pushed him to want things he never before thought possible. Together they were a great combination, and Page did a wonderful job setting the scenes to the point where I could actually picture myself experiencing each one. I do have to mention two points that I had issue. First of all was that the blackmail. This was made to be overly complicated, and also drug on a bit too long for me too. Secondly, the bad guy was a bit too predictable for my tastes and we do have some big hints along the way, but at least his motives were a surprise to me so that was a bonus. If I cast these two things aside though, it was still an overall thrilling story to read. I think that Page did a great job balancing by keeping the story engaging, but also packing plenty of heat between the characters as well. I’m definitely looking forward to reading the rest of the Wicked Dukes series to see what happens with the other cast of characters. Like I said above, all you naughty regency lovers out there will enjoy this one, so I am definitely recommending it to you.
Check out this and my other reviews on
Blending Perspectives Book Reviews
Helena Winsome agrees to spy on the Duke of Greybrooke for the crown in order to expose his secrets to settle her brother’s gambling debts. What she doesn’t anticipate is how deeply drawn she would be to the handsome Duke. Greybrooke feels that he is incapable of loving anyone due to his horrible past, and he embraces his darkest desires on his own terms now. Although he is used to getting everything he wants when it comes to women, his sister’s new governess is a temptation he just can’t resist no matter how innocent she is. He pursues her with single-minded intent to make her his mistress, but he is further intrigued with her when she resists all of his efforts. Once they engage in their torrid affair of pleasure seeped in lies and intrigue, the deceptions will work their hardest to tear them apart.
All I can say is, wow, these two were so different from what I’ve read in the past, and I mean that in the very best way possible. They were great characters who were so intensely erotic that each scene was sexier than the last. But that wasn’t all they had going for them either. I also think that Greybrooke is so endearing, and I could not blame Helena for her pursuit to save him from himself and from others who meant him harm. She was a constant source of support for him, even when she wasn’t altogether truthful, and she pushed him to want things he never before thought possible. Together they were a great combination, and Page did a wonderful job setting the scenes to the point where I could actually picture myself experiencing each one. I do have to mention two points that I had issue. First of all was that the blackmail. This was made to be overly complicated, and also drug on a bit too long for me too. Secondly, the bad guy was a bit too predictable for my tastes and we do have some big hints along the way, but at least his motives were a surprise to me so that was a bonus. If I cast these two things aside though, it was still an overall thrilling story to read. I think that Page did a great job balancing by keeping the story engaging, but also packing plenty of heat between the characters as well. I’m definitely looking forward to reading the rest of the Wicked Dukes series to see what happens with the other cast of characters. Like I said above, all you naughty regency lovers out there will enjoy this one, so I am definitely recommending it to you.
Check out this and my other reviews on
Blending Perspectives Book Reviews
April 1, 2015
This first book in the Wicked Dukes series is an erotic historical romance with a suspense element thrown into the mix. Helena is governess to the Duke of Greybrooke's niece, sister and nephews but has been asked to spy on Grey to prove whether or not he was a traitor in the war against France. In doing so her brother will be forgiven his gambling debts. Greybrooke is tempted by Helena's innocence and offers her a position as his mistress in order to share with her the delights of bondage in the bedroom. Accepting his offer to help her cause, Helena falls for Grey but when her deception is revealed, must convince him that her feelings for him are real. Caught up in blackmail and deceit, the question remains whether Grey can learn to trust Helena and the love she offers him.
Overall I enjoyed this story. The time period was well fleshed out, the setting, clothing, manners and expectations of the time were detailed and well written. The character of Helena, a solid respectable governess who discovers a penchant for naughty games was believable and likeable. Similarly Greybrooke comes across as a sympathetic figure, a caring man concerned for the well being of his family even though his bedroom pursuits are the stuff of scandal. Their loves scenes together simmered with sexual tension but could have held more emotion. I found they sometimes bordered on clinical in description and did not always engage the reader into investing in their sexual relationship and its evolution into deeper feelings.
There were several plots going on at once that were sometimes a bit confusing as scenes would start and end abruptly. This could have been eased to the reader with some formatting to indicate break points in the narrative (and it may be that the digital copy I received was missing those). Secondary characters helped the flow of the story and made for interesting relational dynamics. I liked the conclusion to the story and am definitely looking forward to more in the Wicked Dukes series. 3.5 enjoyable stars!
Note: An advanced reader copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review
Overall I enjoyed this story. The time period was well fleshed out, the setting, clothing, manners and expectations of the time were detailed and well written. The character of Helena, a solid respectable governess who discovers a penchant for naughty games was believable and likeable. Similarly Greybrooke comes across as a sympathetic figure, a caring man concerned for the well being of his family even though his bedroom pursuits are the stuff of scandal. Their loves scenes together simmered with sexual tension but could have held more emotion. I found they sometimes bordered on clinical in description and did not always engage the reader into investing in their sexual relationship and its evolution into deeper feelings.
There were several plots going on at once that were sometimes a bit confusing as scenes would start and end abruptly. This could have been eased to the reader with some formatting to indicate break points in the narrative (and it may be that the digital copy I received was missing those). Secondary characters helped the flow of the story and made for interesting relational dynamics. I liked the conclusion to the story and am definitely looking forward to more in the Wicked Dukes series. 3.5 enjoyable stars!
Note: An advanced reader copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review
November 4, 2019
2.5
Book source ~ NetGalley
Helena Winsome is being blackmailed into spying on the Duke of Greybrooke in order to keep her brother out of debtor’s prison. She has to find proof that he’s a traitor and her brother’s debts will be paid.
I have mixed feelings about this. While the writing is awesome and the characters are great, I think Helena is a bit of a moron. Who lets themselves be coerced into a situation and does zero research? I know I would have done some digging before I let myself be pushed into something. Her family owns a newspaper for fuck’s sake! And her brother? Omg, I would have killed him. Ok, I know this is historical and he’s technically head of the house, but I’d still kick his ass. Period. Also, she’s gutsy and intelligent and lets herself be led around by her pussy. Ugh. Stop.
I don’t particularly like the Duke of Greybrooke either. Guys who think they can get whatever they want because that’s always been so for them piss me off. Arrogance without redemption is a huge turn off for me and I don’t think he changes enough over the course of the book to get in my good Graces. Hehe See what I did there?
Book source ~ NetGalley
Helena Winsome is being blackmailed into spying on the Duke of Greybrooke in order to keep her brother out of debtor’s prison. She has to find proof that he’s a traitor and her brother’s debts will be paid.
I have mixed feelings about this. While the writing is awesome and the characters are great, I think Helena is a bit of a moron. Who lets themselves be coerced into a situation and does zero research? I know I would have done some digging before I let myself be pushed into something. Her family owns a newspaper for fuck’s sake! And her brother? Omg, I would have killed him. Ok, I know this is historical and he’s technically head of the house, but I’d still kick his ass. Period. Also, she’s gutsy and intelligent and lets herself be led around by her pussy. Ugh. Stop.
I don’t particularly like the Duke of Greybrooke either. Guys who think they can get whatever they want because that’s always been so for them piss me off. Arrogance without redemption is a huge turn off for me and I don’t think he changes enough over the course of the book to get in my good Graces. Hehe See what I did there?
October 27, 2016
Because I started with book three of this series, I had high expectations with this one. This was however overall just a good read.
Helena is the governess of Winterhaven household. When her family is blackmailed and threatened, she is forced to spy on the wicked hero Grey, and for that she agrees to be his mistress.
My biggest issue with this book is the sheer amount of things Helena hid from Grey despite being aware of his trust issues, and how she kept defending her family. Many mysteries traversed the plot, and their siblings were deeply involved. It had wicked elements too, but nothing compared to book three.
I enjoyed their love making scenes.
Pet peeve**
Safe with exceptions (mild)
3/5
Helena is the governess of Winterhaven household. When her family is blackmailed and threatened, she is forced to spy on the wicked hero Grey, and for that she agrees to be his mistress.
My biggest issue with this book is the sheer amount of things Helena hid from Grey despite being aware of his trust issues, and how she kept defending her family. Many mysteries traversed the plot, and their siblings were deeply involved. It had wicked elements too, but nothing compared to book three.
I enjoyed their love making scenes.
Pet peeve**
Safe with exceptions (mild)
3/5
April 15, 2017
I floved this book! It was perfect!
I enjoy a super steamy historical and this one delivered. Grey is the perfect wounded hero, and Helena is just a fabulous heroine.
I also enjoyed the packed plot, the secondary characters and the setting. Now I'm off to download other stories by this terrific new-to-me author.
I enjoy a super steamy historical and this one delivered. Grey is the perfect wounded hero, and Helena is just a fabulous heroine.
I also enjoyed the packed plot, the secondary characters and the setting. Now I'm off to download other stories by this terrific new-to-me author.
June 28, 2024
No… tak tohle byla zajímavá četba. 😅🌶️ Tenhle příběh vznikne, když spojíte Bridgertonovi, 50 odstínů šedi a přihodíte detektivní zápletku. A nebylo to vůbec špatné!
Nicméně některé chování hlavní hrdinky bylo úplně wtf a u erotických scén, kde byl Grey zraněný, jsem musela mít oči vzhůru nohama, jak jsem furt protáčela panenky. 🙄 A ta poslední, při které si teda vyznali lásku, ta byla pěkně cringe. To snad ani nebylo nutné, sexu tam bylo dost, tak tady mohla autorka vynechat.
Plus mi ještě začátek čtení zkazilo, že hned na prvních dvou stranách (tj. předmluva autorky a první strana první kapitoly) jsou kvůli překlepům tři různé verze jména hlavní hrdinky – Winsomeová, Winsomerová a Winsomevá. To mi takhle na úvod trochu shodilo nadšení, nepůsobí to dobře. 😕
Ale celkově to bylo lepší, než jsem popravdě čekala. Další díly si přečtu. 😁
Nicméně některé chování hlavní hrdinky bylo úplně wtf a u erotických scén, kde byl Grey zraněný, jsem musela mít oči vzhůru nohama, jak jsem furt protáčela panenky. 🙄 A ta poslední, při které si teda vyznali lásku, ta byla pěkně cringe. To snad ani nebylo nutné, sexu tam bylo dost, tak tady mohla autorka vynechat.
Plus mi ještě začátek čtení zkazilo, že hned na prvních dvou stranách (tj. předmluva autorky a první strana první kapitoly) jsou kvůli překlepům tři různé verze jména hlavní hrdinky – Winsomeová, Winsomerová a Winsomevá. To mi takhle na úvod trochu shodilo nadšení, nepůsobí to dobře. 😕
Ale celkově to bylo lepší, než jsem popravdě čekala. Další díly si přečtu. 😁
March 8, 2020
So. Disappointed. The beginning was great: the "spying" mission, though stupid, was intriguing and kept me turning pages; the chemistry between the two leads was off-the-charts hot; and there were some moments that had me chuckling.
Then it all went to hell.
What started out as a simple spy plot turned into an elaborate blackmail scheme that was so convoluted and ridiculous, it had my head spinning. There were far too many characters with ridiculous storylines. The main storyline made no sense. The villain made no sense. And why was everyone so damn stupid, running around looking for blackmailers when they should have been questioning why this was all happening in the first place? And has nobody ever heard of contacting the authorities???
Also, I got sick of the hero's wangst, as understandable as it was, given his incredibly dark and horrific past, which was a complicated mess of its own . He was Christian Grey, Travis Maddox, Edward Cullen, and bunch of edgy emo guys all rolled into one package. Which sucked because I actually kind of liked him in the beginning, but oh well. The heroine was likable at first, too, but she became so annoying and frustratingly stupid. The blackmail plot over her family was stupid. She never thought to investigate the blackmailer, find out WHY her family was being targeted, and just went with the blackmailer's lies, no questions asked. The drama, guilt, secrets, and lies between the hero and heroine kept piling up so high, I was afraid it would all collapse and crush them both to death. Just communicate, dammit!
Of course, once the whole convoluted stupid plot got exposed (and it still made no sense even then), everything got resolved so happily and neatly. Reluctant hero just had to put a ring on it, love declarations and rainbows and shit abound--but it felt so cheap and stupid, like tacking on a Disney ending to some Shakespearean tragedy, a la Titus Andronicus. (Even Titus Andronicus made more sense than this book.) Boy, was this book a tragedy.
Then it all went to hell.
What started out as a simple spy plot turned into an elaborate blackmail scheme that was so convoluted and ridiculous, it had my head spinning. There were far too many characters with ridiculous storylines. The main storyline made no sense. The villain made no sense. And why was everyone so damn stupid, running around looking for blackmailers when they should have been questioning why this was all happening in the first place? And has nobody ever heard of contacting the authorities???
Also, I got sick of the hero's wangst, as understandable as it was, given his incredibly dark and horrific past, which was a complicated mess of its own . He was Christian Grey, Travis Maddox, Edward Cullen, and bunch of edgy emo guys all rolled into one package. Which sucked because I actually kind of liked him in the beginning, but oh well. The heroine was likable at first, too, but she became so annoying and frustratingly stupid. The blackmail plot over her family was stupid. She never thought to investigate the blackmailer, find out WHY her family was being targeted, and just went with the blackmailer's lies, no questions asked. The drama, guilt, secrets, and lies between the hero and heroine kept piling up so high, I was afraid it would all collapse and crush them both to death. Just communicate, dammit!
Of course, once the whole convoluted stupid plot got exposed (and it still made no sense even then), everything got resolved so happily and neatly. Reluctant hero just had to put a ring on it, love declarations and rainbows and shit abound--but it felt so cheap and stupid, like tacking on a Disney ending to some Shakespearean tragedy, a la Titus Andronicus. (Even Titus Andronicus made more sense than this book.) Boy, was this book a tragedy.
May 29, 2014
*ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Helena, a proper governess, was in fact a spy.
That one sentence should intrigue me more to read about it. Well, at first I was. Intrigued, I mean. Later, not so much, seeing what a poor job she did it.
Helena and her family were blackmailed to spy on Duke of Greybrooke to find some proofs that H's a country's traitor. The problem with that was the Duke. Grey, the Duke, was a 'dark' aristocrat that held secrets about his sexuality and huh, another woman's secret. Should I be impressed?
Grey was used to get what he wanted, so when he saw Helena and immediately attracted to her, he went for it in a big way. Diamonds, poem, and shackles. I've to admit I didn't see the latter coming.
For entering his study, Helena had to first enter his home, right? So she finally agreed to become his mistress. Their having-sex was what I called a Dom/Sub literally. He tied her up, spank her, well, you know. Just it's not as 'scary' as a contemporary one, it's historical, what do you expect?
Anyway, early in their affair, Grey knew her betrayal for spying him up but still made her his mistress. He planned to seduce her so she'd give up her secrets. What he didn't bargain was he gradually cared for her. Helena? She's already halfway to fall in love with him.
Still, when both of them had learned each other's secrets, they had one enemy left who'd destroy many lives. He already had, by the way.
I think this one is the only historical romance which is so dark and complicated that I ever read. You have complicated sex, complicated pasts, complicated secret, all in one. Overwhelming.
So yes, I'm being honest to say I. Got. Bored. Not at the beginning, tho. That's why it still earns 3 stars for me. I wish the author would stuck in one heavy issue, instead of mixing it to get one villain. So boring, and not worth the effort (the effort I did to read it, at least).
Helena, a proper governess, was in fact a spy.
That one sentence should intrigue me more to read about it. Well, at first I was. Intrigued, I mean. Later, not so much, seeing what a poor job she did it.
Helena and her family were blackmailed to spy on Duke of Greybrooke to find some proofs that H's a country's traitor. The problem with that was the Duke. Grey, the Duke, was a 'dark' aristocrat that held secrets about his sexuality and huh, another woman's secret. Should I be impressed?
Grey was used to get what he wanted, so when he saw Helena and immediately attracted to her, he went for it in a big way. Diamonds, poem, and shackles. I've to admit I didn't see the latter coming.
For entering his study, Helena had to first enter his home, right? So she finally agreed to become his mistress. Their having-sex was what I called a Dom/Sub literally. He tied her up, spank her, well, you know. Just it's not as 'scary' as a contemporary one, it's historical, what do you expect?
Anyway, early in their affair, Grey knew her betrayal for spying him up but still made her his mistress. He planned to seduce her so she'd give up her secrets. What he didn't bargain was he gradually cared for her. Helena? She's already halfway to fall in love with him.
Still, when both of them had learned each other's secrets, they had one enemy left who'd destroy many lives. He already had, by the way.
I think this one is the only historical romance which is so dark and complicated that I ever read. You have complicated sex, complicated pasts, complicated secret, all in one. Overwhelming.
So yes, I'm being honest to say I. Got. Bored. Not at the beginning, tho. That's why it still earns 3 stars for me. I wish the author would stuck in one heavy issue, instead of mixing it to get one villain. So boring, and not worth the effort (the effort I did to read it, at least).
Read
July 18, 2015Loved it!
I really enjoyed this book. Yes, there was a lot of sex - but it was well done and didn't outshine the romance or the mystery.
Grey (I know - maybe a bit too 50 shades) was a great hero, who truly has a good reason to not trust and uses sex to manage his pain. This man says he can't trust or love - but actions speak louder than words and a truly good man acts to protect his loved ones without conscious thought. Grey is a truly good man, who believes he is too damaged to love.
Helena is an equally good woman. She loves her family and would do anything to protect them. She has been forced to spy on Grey to save her brother and sisters from ruin. At first she feels justified, because she has been told Grey is a traitor. But the more she comes to know him, the harder it is for her to believe. Helena is a very loving and loyal person. I was a bit disappointed with some of her actions and couldn't believe that she would tell her brother things and trust his word. He was the reason she was in this mess and he didn't seem to be doing anything to fix the problems, other than making Helena feel guilty for not doing more.
I liked the way Grey and Helena worked together to figure out who was trying to frame Grey. Watching Grey fall in love with Helena was actually very sweet. It wasn't featured in the forefront of the story - it was gradual and subtle - but I think that made it that much more believable.
The villains in this book deserves a nod - the current villain was one twisted dude. And the other villains - the ones from the past - I can't even imagine anyone as vile as those two. When I read the things they had done - I felt ill. Ms. Page did a wonderful job of portraying their crimes without going into graphic detail - and for that I am grateful - I don't know if I could have stomached reading details.
I am looking forward to the other books in this series. And would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys an erotic HR with a good story.
I really enjoyed this book. Yes, there was a lot of sex - but it was well done and didn't outshine the romance or the mystery.
Grey (I know - maybe a bit too 50 shades) was a great hero, who truly has a good reason to not trust and uses sex to manage his pain. This man says he can't trust or love - but actions speak louder than words and a truly good man acts to protect his loved ones without conscious thought. Grey is a truly good man, who believes he is too damaged to love.
Helena is an equally good woman. She loves her family and would do anything to protect them. She has been forced to spy on Grey to save her brother and sisters from ruin. At first she feels justified, because she has been told Grey is a traitor. But the more she comes to know him, the harder it is for her to believe. Helena is a very loving and loyal person. I was a bit disappointed with some of her actions and couldn't believe that she would tell her brother things and trust his word. He was the reason she was in this mess and he didn't seem to be doing anything to fix the problems, other than making Helena feel guilty for not doing more.
I liked the way Grey and Helena worked together to figure out who was trying to frame Grey. Watching Grey fall in love with Helena was actually very sweet. It wasn't featured in the forefront of the story - it was gradual and subtle - but I think that made it that much more believable.
The villains in this book deserves a nod - the current villain was one twisted dude. And the other villains - the ones from the past - I can't even imagine anyone as vile as those two. When I read the things they had done - I felt ill. Ms. Page did a wonderful job of portraying their crimes without going into graphic detail - and for that I am grateful - I don't know if I could have stomached reading details.
I am looking forward to the other books in this series. And would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys an erotic HR with a good story.
June 29, 2014
This was an intriguing and very sexy historical romance. In this book there is a mystery/thriller, with intrigue and suspense, and some great very sexy love scenes. I would recommend to any who loves historical erotic romance with a bit of bondage and a little spank thrown in.
The author does a great job fleshing out the characters in this book. I felt their emotions and I was reading and rooting for them to get it right. The mystery kept me guessing until the end. The characters in this book had so much going for them and against them that they deserved an HEA if only they could settle everything that is against them. An epilogue would have been nice so I hope the author revisits these characters in the next book in this series.
The Duke of Greybrooke is a dashing but damaged man who does not trust women. He does not want to be touched and therefore he ties women up and pleasures them well enough that they keep coming back for more. The Duke is extremely loyal and protective of his friends and family. He always tries to protect the people that cannot protect themselves. In my opinion that makes him a pretty decent man even if I wanted to shake him at times.
The governess who is also Madam X the writer of the scandal column of her family newspaper, also turned spy for the crown, is also very loyal and protective of the ones she loves. It seems like all of her good intentions backfire on her though and she can not seem to make everything right. She is trying to help protect her family and at the same time protect the Duke and his family but she must keep secrets to protect them both. Will these secrets prevent her from getting what she deserves?
I received a copy of this book from Net Galley for an honest review.
The author does a great job fleshing out the characters in this book. I felt their emotions and I was reading and rooting for them to get it right. The mystery kept me guessing until the end. The characters in this book had so much going for them and against them that they deserved an HEA if only they could settle everything that is against them. An epilogue would have been nice so I hope the author revisits these characters in the next book in this series.
The Duke of Greybrooke is a dashing but damaged man who does not trust women. He does not want to be touched and therefore he ties women up and pleasures them well enough that they keep coming back for more. The Duke is extremely loyal and protective of his friends and family. He always tries to protect the people that cannot protect themselves. In my opinion that makes him a pretty decent man even if I wanted to shake him at times.
The governess who is also Madam X the writer of the scandal column of her family newspaper, also turned spy for the crown, is also very loyal and protective of the ones she loves. It seems like all of her good intentions backfire on her though and she can not seem to make everything right. She is trying to help protect her family and at the same time protect the Duke and his family but she must keep secrets to protect them both. Will these secrets prevent her from getting what she deserves?
I received a copy of this book from Net Galley for an honest review.
May 16, 2014
Recieved an ARC for review
Oh boy was he ever a Wicked Duke. I can't wait to read his friends, Cary and Sax's, stories to see if they are as bad as Grey. There was a bad guy, or two, or three. It got a little confusing. There was a whole lot of drama, lack of trust, and her getting tied up. Overall a good book but it just took a while to get the bad guy and find out what happened to him as a child.
Oh boy was he ever a Wicked Duke. I can't wait to read his friends, Cary and Sax's, stories to see if they are as bad as Grey. There was a bad guy, or two, or three. It got a little confusing. There was a whole lot of drama, lack of trust, and her getting tied up. Overall a good book but it just took a while to get the bad guy and find out what happened to him as a child.
October 22, 2015
Say what you will but i really enjoyed this book. Looking forward to more books from the author.
September 19, 2018
THIS ONE WAS QUITE SPECIAL. IT IS VERY RARE TO FIND A HISTORICAL ROMANCE THAT FOCUSES ON EROTICA, BUT THIS WAS ONE OF THEM. WHILE I WASN'T KEEN ON THE CLICHÉ PAIRING OF ARISTOCRAT FALLS FOR FHE GOVERNESS...I STILL ENJOYED THE EMOTIONS BROUGHT TO LIFE BY THEIR CIRCUMSTANCES.
OUR HERO was a child of abuse, and that moulded him into what he is today...a charming womanzier with a penchant for darker fantasies and dominating sex. BDSM if you will. He's not a bad man but he's also protected himself by keeping his emotions and heart under lock and key, no longer believing himself capable of truly loving anyone. His past broke him. When he encounters the lovely Governess who is caring for his nephew and nieces, he's gripped by this insane urge to possess her. Frankly, I didn't quite like how he was so intent to have her when he really didn't know her. I'm not asking the author to spell it outright what's so special about the heroine BUT at least some innuendos or compelling descriptors would have been nice. Anyways, he's a sex God and someone is out to blackmail and frame him for the murder of a good friend and the late Duke. One part that irked me was how he claimed unable to trust Helena but continues to fuck her anyway. But that's a man for you. Mainly I just didn't care to stomach the hurtful things he say to Helena but still keeps her around as his mistress. I would chalk it up as a testament to his feelings for her.
OUR HEROINE is not my ideal character. There's nothing wrong with her...she's pretty I suppose, smart, kind and also compassionate. As a miss and not a lady, she has to make her own way in this world, and with her sisters without money for the bare necessities and her half brother deep in debts, SHE NEEDS THE MONEY! So, what better way to earn that money than in the form of the Duke's mistress? He's hot for her and she's curious about sex with him. Works out well. Except, when she's threatened to spy on him simultaneously and expose his secrets, Helena will be placed in a precarious position of being Damian's saviour or betraying him for the sake of her family. If anyone was the victim in this story, I'd say it was Helena. She was too self sacrificing, it's a good thing she found love. Also, her character is absurdly mature that sometimes I wished she just did something out of pain or jealousy to liven things up.
OVERALL It started out dull and like any other cliche stories with similar troupe until the blackmail and threats spiralled out of control and the characters were pushed into a situation where neither could trust the other. Boy, that was certainly delicious to read - rife with a bit of angst, pain and sex.
OUR HERO was a child of abuse, and that moulded him into what he is today...a charming womanzier with a penchant for darker fantasies and dominating sex. BDSM if you will. He's not a bad man but he's also protected himself by keeping his emotions and heart under lock and key, no longer believing himself capable of truly loving anyone. His past broke him. When he encounters the lovely Governess who is caring for his nephew and nieces, he's gripped by this insane urge to possess her. Frankly, I didn't quite like how he was so intent to have her when he really didn't know her. I'm not asking the author to spell it outright what's so special about the heroine BUT at least some innuendos or compelling descriptors would have been nice. Anyways, he's a sex God and someone is out to blackmail and frame him for the murder of a good friend and the late Duke. One part that irked me was how he claimed unable to trust Helena but continues to fuck her anyway. But that's a man for you. Mainly I just didn't care to stomach the hurtful things he say to Helena but still keeps her around as his mistress. I would chalk it up as a testament to his feelings for her.
OUR HEROINE is not my ideal character. There's nothing wrong with her...she's pretty I suppose, smart, kind and also compassionate. As a miss and not a lady, she has to make her own way in this world, and with her sisters without money for the bare necessities and her half brother deep in debts, SHE NEEDS THE MONEY! So, what better way to earn that money than in the form of the Duke's mistress? He's hot for her and she's curious about sex with him. Works out well. Except, when she's threatened to spy on him simultaneously and expose his secrets, Helena will be placed in a precarious position of being Damian's saviour or betraying him for the sake of her family. If anyone was the victim in this story, I'd say it was Helena. She was too self sacrificing, it's a good thing she found love. Also, her character is absurdly mature that sometimes I wished she just did something out of pain or jealousy to liven things up.
OVERALL It started out dull and like any other cliche stories with similar troupe until the blackmail and threats spiralled out of control and the characters were pushed into a situation where neither could trust the other. Boy, that was certainly delicious to read - rife with a bit of angst, pain and sex.
Read
August 11, 2021THIS IS THE SINGLE MOST INFURIATING BOOK I HAVE EVER READ IN MY ENTIRE LIFE. I’m close to the end (only my ocd is forcing me to finish it, but my add has me stopping here to fucking rage because I can’t concentrate.)
I FUCKING DESPISE THE MC Helena. I swear I want to choke the bitch out. She is a chronic liar, selfish and stupid and takes absolutely no responsibility for any of her actions. AND SHE’S A MEDDLING NOSY CUNT. 🤬😡🔥🤬🔥😡🤬😡🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥. She’s a governess, but not like a charming Fräulein Maria sound of music nun governess, she acts like a nun in a catholic school. Lecturing and nagging the Duke. She wants to him to change- stop his lame ass wicked whips and chains fetish. His evil 🙄ways. It’s not like she finds out later, either. He tells her he’s into that on the day he meets her FFS. The plot of this book makes me so angry- at every fucking character. WHY DOES SHE JUST CONTINUE LYING OVER AND OVER?! WHY? She gets caught in one lie after another and she doesn’t do what a normal person would do, which is think that she should STOP LYING. I’m like 85% through the book and she’s still lying. How can any of this resolve? Who would ever trust her again? AND FURTHERMORE- the sex in this book is bdsm but lame and boring.
I can’t believe I’m even reading this garbage. It just goes to show that my life is terrible because I actually needed a distraction so bad that I am resorting to this. I should have just spent $8 and bought a damn ebook instead of borrowing horrible erotica from the elibrary.
This is the 1st book in the series and I read 3 before. That one was funny. Regency smut w a super obvious mystery but somewhat entertaining. I thought, why not try the 1st. Ugh. Now I’m going to go finish reading the stupid book because obviously I hate myself. Wait is this like self-harm? I’m torturing myself- maybe the BDSM in the book is rubbing off on me.
Ok, so I finished it and I slept. I’ve calmed down enough to say: Boooooo this sucked. Maybe I shouldn’t have expected anything from this book. Not sure why I did. Although at the very least, erotica should have good sex scenes. This didn’t even have that.
All the plot points were tied up (pun intended) but the ending came too late to save the book. I hated Helena too much by that point. Moving on.
I FUCKING DESPISE THE MC Helena. I swear I want to choke the bitch out. She is a chronic liar, selfish and stupid and takes absolutely no responsibility for any of her actions. AND SHE’S A MEDDLING NOSY CUNT. 🤬😡🔥🤬🔥😡🤬😡🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥. She’s a governess, but not like a charming Fräulein Maria sound of music nun governess, she acts like a nun in a catholic school. Lecturing and nagging the Duke. She wants to him to change- stop his lame ass wicked whips and chains fetish. His evil 🙄ways. It’s not like she finds out later, either. He tells her he’s into that on the day he meets her FFS. The plot of this book makes me so angry- at every fucking character. WHY DOES SHE JUST CONTINUE LYING OVER AND OVER?! WHY? She gets caught in one lie after another and she doesn’t do what a normal person would do, which is think that she should STOP LYING. I’m like 85% through the book and she’s still lying. How can any of this resolve? Who would ever trust her again? AND FURTHERMORE- the sex in this book is bdsm but lame and boring.
I can’t believe I’m even reading this garbage. It just goes to show that my life is terrible because I actually needed a distraction so bad that I am resorting to this. I should have just spent $8 and bought a damn ebook instead of borrowing horrible erotica from the elibrary.
This is the 1st book in the series and I read 3 before. That one was funny. Regency smut w a super obvious mystery but somewhat entertaining. I thought, why not try the 1st. Ugh. Now I’m going to go finish reading the stupid book because obviously I hate myself. Wait is this like self-harm? I’m torturing myself- maybe the BDSM in the book is rubbing off on me.
Ok, so I finished it and I slept. I’ve calmed down enough to say: Boooooo this sucked. Maybe I shouldn’t have expected anything from this book. Not sure why I did. Although at the very least, erotica should have good sex scenes. This didn’t even have that.
All the plot points were tied up (pun intended) but the ending came too late to save the book. I hated Helena too much by that point. Moving on.
October 1, 2021
A historical romance with erotic elements and suspense, Deeply In You by Sharon Page was a surprising read for me. A hero named Grey who has suffered abuse in his childhood, who is interested in BDSM and who doesn’t engage his heart in any of his relationships, I kept reading the first part with 50 shades in mind but then the story takes an interesting turn with lots of intrigue and suspense.
I loved Helena’s character, she had this no-nonsense approach to things, and even when accepting the role as a mistress to the Duke, I loved it that she was not ready to let things be and strived to change Grey’s assumption of her questionable integrity. There are a couple of things however that I wasn’t too happy about, the first one is the blackmail plot which kept going on and on, there was not much mystery about the culprit reveal but I wished for a stronger reason for all that hullabaloo in the end. Secondly, there was a lack of sensuality in the sexual scenes which I think would have added a more emotional connection to the reader, coz all that eroticism felt clinical in approach.
All the secondary characters except Helena’s brother were lovable and added to the plot development especially Greybrooke’s sister who is blind and has her own tale of terror to endure.
In all, Deeply in You was an enjoyable read but not very exciting so I am going with 3 stars.
I loved Helena’s character, she had this no-nonsense approach to things, and even when accepting the role as a mistress to the Duke, I loved it that she was not ready to let things be and strived to change Grey’s assumption of her questionable integrity. There are a couple of things however that I wasn’t too happy about, the first one is the blackmail plot which kept going on and on, there was not much mystery about the culprit reveal but I wished for a stronger reason for all that hullabaloo in the end. Secondly, there was a lack of sensuality in the sexual scenes which I think would have added a more emotional connection to the reader, coz all that eroticism felt clinical in approach.
All the secondary characters except Helena’s brother were lovable and added to the plot development especially Greybrooke’s sister who is blind and has her own tale of terror to endure.
In all, Deeply in You was an enjoyable read but not very exciting so I am going with 3 stars.
June 18, 2014
Disclosure: I received this ARC copy from Netgalley. Thank you to Kensington and to Sharon Page for the opportunity. Yes, this is an honest review.
* * *
One of the challenges of writing an erotic romance is to make sure there is substance as well as sex -- and the author must find a happy middle ground between the two. Sharon Page frames her latest erotic romance around blackmail: two blackmail stories. Helena Winsome's brother is being threatened with financial ruin if she cannot find the evidence to prove that the Duke of Greybrooke spied for the French, and the Duke of Greybrooke is being blackmailed by a mysterious man over Caroline, Lady Blackbriar, a very close childhood friend and the long-suffering, abused wife of Lord Blackbriar.
It is a thrilling story, but the author takes shortcuts, perhaps in her rush to tell the whole story (kinky sex and all) and the development of her characters and her characters's relationships suffer because of this:
Helena is in an interesting predicament: she is the sister of a newspaperman and she works as a governess. She keeps these two halves of her self separate, because she knows no one of consequence would hire her if they knew of this connection, always fearing what little tidbit she might share to the press. She has done very well for herself and has already endeared herself to her new charges, the children of Lady Winterhaven, sister of the Duke of Greybrooke. She initially struck me as a clever woman, who had plotted her way into this position.
Helena felt very real to me, in her attraction to the Duke and her own self-awareness that he is unattainable: she is a governess and he is a duke. But all her good sense flies out the window the minute the Duke pays attention to her, and Helena transforms into an almost different person: from an independent woman, she becomes the Duke's mistress and thoroughly becomes dependent on him for everything. Granted, it's all in the guise of investigating him, but her efforts at this are very half-hearted and she didn't really do much "spying" when she finally infiltrates the duke's house --
The Duke of Greybrooke is a very decadent character: the first time we meet him, he is on his way out of his mistress's house, with his mistress shouting out the window and throwing the contents of a chamberpot out at him. There's a lot of drama in his life and a lot of depravity -- and Page reminds us that there is more to him than meets the eye. Grey was a victim of abuse as a child and has a personal quest to protect the women in his life. I wish the author had elaborated more on his backstory because it seemed like such an integral part of his character and his reasons for indulging in BDSM -- instead, it felt like parts of this particular narrative were a side note or a statement made in passing.
When I requested this book, there was a warning about the light BDSM element and I was prepared to be titillated by it (another expectation I have about erotic romances) -- it felt a bit flat and disconnected. From what I gleaned, Grey doesn't like to be touched (because of the abuse he suffered as a child) and that is the reason why he likes to indulge in tying up his lovers. I wish more was done with this aspect of Grey's character.
I was also a bit thrown off by Helena's foreshadowing/suspicions about Lady Winterhaven, the duke's sister. I thought they were heavily dropped hints at Lady Winterhaven's involvement in what Helena was investigating.
* * *
Between the two blackmail plots, I preferred the one with Grey and Caro, Lady Blackbriar. She's pregnant, but it's another man's child and someone knows about it and is capitalising on that knowledge. Grey is doing his best to protect Caro. The blackmailer is incredibly ruthless and always seems to be one step ahead of Grey. I have two complaints about this is: first is how Caro, herself, was behaving: she knows that someone is blackmailing her and she knows she is in danger -- but she still insists on meeting with her lover (Chapter 13), and, second, where/who is Caro's lover? He is never named and all we know of him is that he is married. Even after this blackmail story is resolved, we still don't know who he is.
The problem that Helena was dealing with, regarding her brother and the man called Mr. Whitehall needs a bit more clarification: how can you accuse the Duke of Greybrooke of treason when it seems to be clear to everyone that Grey would never betray his country? Why insist there is proof of this? What is the motivation behind the accusation?
Despite my questions, this novel was engaging and I did like how the author introduced the other "Wicked Dukes" and I loved this particular realisation from Helena:
* * *
One of the challenges of writing an erotic romance is to make sure there is substance as well as sex -- and the author must find a happy middle ground between the two. Sharon Page frames her latest erotic romance around blackmail: two blackmail stories. Helena Winsome's brother is being threatened with financial ruin if she cannot find the evidence to prove that the Duke of Greybrooke spied for the French, and the Duke of Greybrooke is being blackmailed by a mysterious man over Caroline, Lady Blackbriar, a very close childhood friend and the long-suffering, abused wife of Lord Blackbriar.
It is a thrilling story, but the author takes shortcuts, perhaps in her rush to tell the whole story (kinky sex and all) and the development of her characters and her characters's relationships suffer because of this:
Helena is in an interesting predicament: she is the sister of a newspaperman and she works as a governess. She keeps these two halves of her self separate, because she knows no one of consequence would hire her if they knew of this connection, always fearing what little tidbit she might share to the press. She has done very well for herself and has already endeared herself to her new charges, the children of Lady Winterhaven, sister of the Duke of Greybrooke. She initially struck me as a clever woman, who had plotted her way into this position.
She had offered to bring Edward since it was Nurse's afternoon off, and he made her look even more innocent. What spy would bring a baby along?
- loc 52
Helena felt very real to me, in her attraction to the Duke and her own self-awareness that he is unattainable: she is a governess and he is a duke. But all her good sense flies out the window the minute the Duke pays attention to her, and Helena transforms into an almost different person: from an independent woman, she becomes the Duke's mistress and thoroughly becomes dependent on him for everything. Granted, it's all in the guise of investigating him, but her efforts at this are very half-hearted and she didn't really do much "spying" when she finally infiltrates the duke's house --
The Duke of Greybrooke is a very decadent character: the first time we meet him, he is on his way out of his mistress's house, with his mistress shouting out the window and throwing the contents of a chamberpot out at him. There's a lot of drama in his life and a lot of depravity -- and Page reminds us that there is more to him than meets the eye. Grey was a victim of abuse as a child and has a personal quest to protect the women in his life. I wish the author had elaborated more on his backstory because it seemed like such an integral part of his character and his reasons for indulging in BDSM -- instead, it felt like parts of this particular narrative were a side note or a statement made in passing.
When I requested this book, there was a warning about the light BDSM element and I was prepared to be titillated by it (another expectation I have about erotic romances) -- it felt a bit flat and disconnected. From what I gleaned, Grey doesn't like to be touched (because of the abuse he suffered as a child) and that is the reason why he likes to indulge in tying up his lovers. I wish more was done with this aspect of Grey's character.
I was also a bit thrown off by Helena's foreshadowing/suspicions about Lady Winterhaven, the duke's sister. I thought they were heavily dropped hints at Lady Winterhaven's involvement in what Helena was investigating.
"Marriage would be the making of him, Miss Winsome. But he's too scared to face that. He's like every gentleman I know -- deathly afraid of change. We females survive on shifting sands every day. men have no idea how to cope."
"Shifting sands?" Why would a countess feel she spent her life in instability? Was her ladyship speaking of treason -- that would mean a lifetime of fear, wouldn't it?
- loc 1223
* * *
"I am confident I will get my brother married off," Lady Winterhaven was saying. "But it will have to be a plan worthy of Wellington."
At the reference to war plans, Helena went pale. Lady Winterhaven said the words as a joke. Was that a clue she knew nothing about treason?
- loc 1235 - loc 1248
Between the two blackmail plots, I preferred the one with Grey and Caro, Lady Blackbriar. She's pregnant, but it's another man's child and someone knows about it and is capitalising on that knowledge. Grey is doing his best to protect Caro. The blackmailer is incredibly ruthless and always seems to be one step ahead of Grey. I have two complaints about this is: first is how Caro, herself, was behaving: she knows that someone is blackmailing her and she knows she is in danger -- but she still insists on meeting with her lover (Chapter 13), and, second, where/who is Caro's lover? He is never named and all we know of him is that he is married. Even after this blackmail story is resolved, we still don't know who he is.
The problem that Helena was dealing with, regarding her brother and the man called Mr. Whitehall needs a bit more clarification: how can you accuse the Duke of Greybrooke of treason when it seems to be clear to everyone that Grey would never betray his country? Why insist there is proof of this? What is the motivation behind the accusation?
Despite my questions, this novel was engaging and I did like how the author introduced the other "Wicked Dukes" and I loved this particular realisation from Helena:
Lady X wrote about scandals and love affairs. Helena had thought she was doing good because she exposed scoundrels. Now she wondered: Had she hurt anyone? Had she left disaster in her wake?
- loc 2951
February 27, 2019
I accidentally read book three first. And that was so entertaining. I found myself laughing out loud and then truly worried for the main characters it was so over the top. This was not as amusing. The two main characters Gray and Helena, are well developed and rather appealing. A true rogue with a heart of gold who falls for the prim little miss who has hidden depths. They are good together and the slow walk to love is well done. The supporting characters are also well developed and believable. The story line of an enemy trying to ruin him, the undercover journalist, the lies and the spies all work together well. The sex....I mean really. It actually got to the point where it was getting in the way of the story. Sometimes restraint can be a good thing.
The biggest problem I had with this is the fact that her editor failed her. There are a lot of typos and places where he" should be a "she." Proof reading can make a whole lot of difference.
The biggest problem I had with this is the fact that her editor failed her. There are a lot of typos and places where he" should be a "she." Proof reading can make a whole lot of difference.
October 12, 2021
Deeply in You is the first erotic book in The Wicked Dukes series. It is a suspenseful historical romance that ran too long, imo. Eventually the secretive games the characters played got tiresome and overly complicated. I skimmed the ending because the story became boring.
Deeply in You: 3- stars
Helena Winsome takes on the guise of a demure governess to spy for evidence which will hopefully save her family from ruin. Helena lacked sensuality and so the intimate times felt clinical. Her secret spying mission overwhelmed the thrill of the attraction. She was barely likeable to me.
The Duke of Greybrooke is a scarred man of deep passion.
Greybrooke & Miss Winsome’s chemistry lacked emotional connection, although the sexy times were quite steamy.
I don’t plan to continue with this series.
Deeply in You: 3- stars
Helena Winsome takes on the guise of a demure governess to spy for evidence which will hopefully save her family from ruin. Helena lacked sensuality and so the intimate times felt clinical. Her secret spying mission overwhelmed the thrill of the attraction. She was barely likeable to me.
The Duke of Greybrooke is a scarred man of deep passion.
Greybrooke & Miss Winsome’s chemistry lacked emotional connection, although the sexy times were quite steamy.
I don’t plan to continue with this series.
June 8, 2019
Dnf @ 5%
The moment H propositioned h to become his mistress and be his SUBMISSIVE, I can feel where this story will lead. Reading the reviews too has confirmed it for me. My kinky reading days has long gone and I don’t think I’m up to it for I believe probably for a long time. Maybe never again ^^
Read: 08/06/2019 - 09/06/2019
The moment H propositioned h to become his mistress and be his SUBMISSIVE, I can feel where this story will lead. Reading the reviews too has confirmed it for me. My kinky reading days has long gone and I don’t think I’m up to it for I believe probably for a long time. Maybe never again ^^
Read: 08/06/2019 - 09/06/2019
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2022
This novel was in all aspects - gripping. The underlying thrilling mystery filled with seduction and heat. This was written expertly, it felt like you were there with the character and it was hard to put down.
April 2, 2023
Oh God. It's been a while since I forced myself to finish a book!
This one dragged on so long, the convoluted plot was meh, the chemistry was hit or miss... I want to happy for the couple but honestly I just don't care...
This one dragged on so long, the convoluted plot was meh, the chemistry was hit or miss... I want to happy for the couple but honestly I just don't care...
November 19, 2023
Started reading this as I read the third book in the series after wanting to read a romance ebook that was ready to be loaned out. I’ve enjoyed the mystery and suspense across the series and seeing what happens to the wicked dukes.
October 4, 2024
2,5-3 hvězdy
Tohle bylo takové nijaké.. Co se týká příběhu, nic originálního, postavy byly celkem fajn, ale sexuální scény za mě byly takové nijaké.. Za mě to bylo neslané, nemastné, neurazí, nenadchne.
Tohle bylo takové nijaké.. Co se týká příběhu, nic originálního, postavy byly celkem fajn, ale sexuální scény za mě byly takové nijaké.. Za mě to bylo neslané, nemastné, neurazí, nenadchne.
June 16, 2020
50 shades knockoff. Set in Victoria times. Book tried to hard to be a period 50shades. Terrible book. I hate not reading a book all the way. But it was just that terrible.
July 17, 2020
Gross erotica nothing like "the club"
November 30, 2025
Amateurish writing. Unerotic erotica.
May 24, 2014
Deeply In You
Sharon Page
This story was gifted to me in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first installment in a new series entitled The Wicked Dukes, set in Regency times. It promises to be a historical romance with erotic overtures in it. Hmmm, seems like the best of both worlds.
Miss Helena Winsome's half brother Will is responsible for running the town's newspaper and Helena herself is an author of a column in the society pages that reveals all the going ons of the rich and famous.It is because of this brother Will that Helena finds herself in a bit of a predicament. She is currently on a mission to uncover evidence that the Duke of Greybrooke has been spying on his country. Helena has gotten a job as a governess for the Dukes sister and if she uncovers this information and delivers it to Mr. Whitehall then the gambling debts that her brother has incurred will be forgiven. Eeks, what is a girl to do. Anything she has been told.
In order to become closer to him she gives up her job and allows him to set her up in a house as his mistress. Her love for her family is evident as she in only thinking about them at this time.
Now poor Grey has some hidden secrets in his past and the only way he will make love to Helena is to tie her hands up. Ooh, she loves how it makes her feel but she is itchy to run her hands up his chest.
This historical novel touches all the right spots for this reader. I loved the attention to detail, in such things as the dresses they wore, the description of the houses and maids. I though there was just the right amount of sex in the story, enough to disflower the virgin assert some manly dominance but maintain enough love that it was more than believable it was humbling to see. There was lots of intrigue and mystery as she snoops around to discover if he is infact a spy, or is he being set up? There is mayham closer to the end and some scenes that involve kidnapping, shooting and knives!
I was thoroughly entertained from the very first page. I found myself hating Grey as he set her up in the "house" but then loving him as he introduces her to lovesmaking with such care and finesse. I hated her brother for the position that he is putting her in, he was such a weak character. I absolutely loved her spunk, she led him on a marry chase, travelling to the gambling house with him, dressing as a boy for disguise, allowing the prostitute to kiss her. It was hilarious and added so much depth to the story. This was not a quick little read. This story had a well thought out plot line complete with many different secondary characters. I loved every page of it. I would definately read more from this author. 5/5 stars from me.
Sharon Page
This story was gifted to me in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first installment in a new series entitled The Wicked Dukes, set in Regency times. It promises to be a historical romance with erotic overtures in it. Hmmm, seems like the best of both worlds.
Miss Helena Winsome's half brother Will is responsible for running the town's newspaper and Helena herself is an author of a column in the society pages that reveals all the going ons of the rich and famous.It is because of this brother Will that Helena finds herself in a bit of a predicament. She is currently on a mission to uncover evidence that the Duke of Greybrooke has been spying on his country. Helena has gotten a job as a governess for the Dukes sister and if she uncovers this information and delivers it to Mr. Whitehall then the gambling debts that her brother has incurred will be forgiven. Eeks, what is a girl to do. Anything she has been told.
In order to become closer to him she gives up her job and allows him to set her up in a house as his mistress. Her love for her family is evident as she in only thinking about them at this time.
Now poor Grey has some hidden secrets in his past and the only way he will make love to Helena is to tie her hands up. Ooh, she loves how it makes her feel but she is itchy to run her hands up his chest.
This historical novel touches all the right spots for this reader. I loved the attention to detail, in such things as the dresses they wore, the description of the houses and maids. I though there was just the right amount of sex in the story, enough to disflower the virgin assert some manly dominance but maintain enough love that it was more than believable it was humbling to see. There was lots of intrigue and mystery as she snoops around to discover if he is infact a spy, or is he being set up? There is mayham closer to the end and some scenes that involve kidnapping, shooting and knives!
I was thoroughly entertained from the very first page. I found myself hating Grey as he set her up in the "house" but then loving him as he introduces her to lovesmaking with such care and finesse. I hated her brother for the position that he is putting her in, he was such a weak character. I absolutely loved her spunk, she led him on a marry chase, travelling to the gambling house with him, dressing as a boy for disguise, allowing the prostitute to kiss her. It was hilarious and added so much depth to the story. This was not a quick little read. This story had a well thought out plot line complete with many different secondary characters. I loved every page of it. I would definately read more from this author. 5/5 stars from me.
May 31, 2014
The story of Helena and her roguishly handsome duke begins not with her side, but with his.
It seems that the Duke of Greybrooke has quite the reputation among the ladies of the ton. There are also rumors that Duke Greybrooke's treachery is not limited to undercover affairs of the carnal sort.
Meanwhile...
Helena is undertaking an undercover operation of her own. Charged with the task of confirming rumors that Greybrooke is a traitor to England, lest her brother go to prison.
Acting as Helen Winsome, prim and proper governess to Duke Greybrooke's sister's children,
and possibly his newest target of conquest...Helena must walk the knife's edge between lies and the truth to get the answers she seeks before it's too late.
Though it seems that Helena is caught between a rock and a hard place, with a mystery man hounding her for information and her brother facing the threat of prison. She shows herself to be a strong and intelligent woman of action. Even going so far as saving the dashing duke from the horrors of a flying chamber pot.
Being unafraid to face what comes is a trait that makes Helena a character to watch. This trait is in fact a driving force behind the plot of the read.
With Helena being such a strong character out of the bedroom, authoress Sharon Page is very careful to give Greybrooke an unquestioned supremacy behind closed doors.
As the story progresses, and things between Helena and Greybrooke heat up, the shift of power from her to him becomes evident in a most sensually decadent fashion.
The sex scenes found here are, in a word...HOT! Ranging from sweet and tentative to spanking and bondage play, each foray into the physical between these two, both ups the interest level for the reader and the emotional connection between the lovers.
The emotional ties that bind Helena and her lordly lover become increasingly important outside of their love nest, as the wolves at the door come to stake their claim.
As secrets are revealed on all sides, and battle lines are drawn. Readers are finally able to see the daring Greybrooke come into his own as the man that Helena deserves.
The only weakness to be found in this tale, is the ambiguity of the blackmailer. Because that aspect of the story is of such import to its basis, more attention should have been paid to his back story, and he should not be allowed to become the bothersome gnat that he is for such a large portion of the read.
Deeply In You is a wonderful blend of the Historical Romance and Erotica genres. This book could serve as a great introduction for mainstream romance fans into the world of the erotic.
**This read is recommended for audiences 18+ due to sexual situations.
It seems that the Duke of Greybrooke has quite the reputation among the ladies of the ton. There are also rumors that Duke Greybrooke's treachery is not limited to undercover affairs of the carnal sort.
Meanwhile...
Helena is undertaking an undercover operation of her own. Charged with the task of confirming rumors that Greybrooke is a traitor to England, lest her brother go to prison.
Acting as Helen Winsome, prim and proper governess to Duke Greybrooke's sister's children,
and possibly his newest target of conquest...Helena must walk the knife's edge between lies and the truth to get the answers she seeks before it's too late.
Though it seems that Helena is caught between a rock and a hard place, with a mystery man hounding her for information and her brother facing the threat of prison. She shows herself to be a strong and intelligent woman of action. Even going so far as saving the dashing duke from the horrors of a flying chamber pot.
Being unafraid to face what comes is a trait that makes Helena a character to watch. This trait is in fact a driving force behind the plot of the read.
With Helena being such a strong character out of the bedroom, authoress Sharon Page is very careful to give Greybrooke an unquestioned supremacy behind closed doors.
As the story progresses, and things between Helena and Greybrooke heat up, the shift of power from her to him becomes evident in a most sensually decadent fashion.
The sex scenes found here are, in a word...HOT! Ranging from sweet and tentative to spanking and bondage play, each foray into the physical between these two, both ups the interest level for the reader and the emotional connection between the lovers.
The emotional ties that bind Helena and her lordly lover become increasingly important outside of their love nest, as the wolves at the door come to stake their claim.
As secrets are revealed on all sides, and battle lines are drawn. Readers are finally able to see the daring Greybrooke come into his own as the man that Helena deserves.
The only weakness to be found in this tale, is the ambiguity of the blackmailer. Because that aspect of the story is of such import to its basis, more attention should have been paid to his back story, and he should not be allowed to become the bothersome gnat that he is for such a large portion of the read.
Deeply In You is a wonderful blend of the Historical Romance and Erotica genres. This book could serve as a great introduction for mainstream romance fans into the world of the erotic.
**This read is recommended for audiences 18+ due to sexual situations.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews