“Touch me anywhere,” she whispered, her voice made frantic by her desire. “I want to belong to you.”
Duke Nathan is blind. After the death of his father, his self-loathing pushed him to join the Spanish war. But when he returns sightless, the only true friend he ever had asks him for a find his daughter the perfect suitor. Yet fate has a mysterious, compelling substitute in mind—Gemma…
Lady Gemma is fleeing from her cunning cousins. In fear of her life, she seeks refuge in a mysterious Castle where she is forced to temporarily adopt the identity of an expected ward. Worse, she finds herself falling for the castle’s enigmatic master...
Her formal relationship with the Duke quickly turns into a clandestine affair filled with erotic tension...
And as the lines between reality and pretense blur, she risks a dangerous love that could have consequences far beyond her heart…Each book in the Dukes Ever After series is a standalone story of 60,000 words that can be enjoyed out of order and can be read for free with Kindle Unlimited.Dukes Ever After The Blind Duke's Ward
The Blind Duke's Ward is book 1 in the Dukes Ever After series. This is a new series and I am not aware of any details on a book 2 release at this time. This was also my first book by Claire Devon and I'm on the fence if I will seek out her other works.
We first meet our hero when Nathan witnesses his father's death at a young age. Now grown, he has always believed he had a hand in his father's death since he saw his father struggling after a collapse and didn't try to help him. As we learn more about his father, we understand more about Nathan's point of view. Moving on... Nathan comes back from war, scarred and blind, and he shuts himself up in his castle and lives a rather solitary life with only his servants, and the friendship of Walter, a long time friend who had become a father-figure.
Gemma is on the run from her two horrible cousins who are eager for access to her inheritance. While literally being hunted down, Gemma comes across a castle and gains entry to find sanctuary. Immediately she is mistaken for Emily, Walter's daughter who has been entrusted to Nathan as his ward while Walter takes care of some business in France. As Emily's arrival is imminent, everyone assumes Gemma is she and Gemma just rolls with it, making her feel safe at least for the moment. Planning to leave the next morning to continue running, what could it hurt to stay one night?
But when she meets the duke, they feel a connection. Now Nathan has a few problems. First, he knows that this is not Emily standing before him. And second, if this is not Emily, where is his ward that should have arrived by now? And who is this girl who is running away?
This was an interesting story that was plotted out well. My problem was the pacing. This is an insta-lust story and within 24 hours Nathan and Gemma are consumed with each other, getting all handsy. For a virginal miss, wild and untamed as she may be, her actions were really far fetched. And everything unfolded way too quick for me since Nathan knows very little about Gemma... I mean, she is running from her family and she tried to steal Emily's identity. No red flags whatsoever, right? Marshall, the butler, is on to her pretty quick, and tries to protect his master's interests, but at the same time he ends up lying and even betrays his master. Nathan was too forgiving in my book and I was miffed at that. The author did a decent job conveying Nathan's blindness but she took it too far making him almost wizard-like in his intuitiveness. The author also takes liberties, giving Nathan credit for his cunning experimentation and development of what we now know as Braille. It was a singular reference and one that should have just been edited out since it had no bearing on the rest of the story. An author's note at the end of the book giving the reader the correct credit and history of Braille would have excused the liberty, but there was none. The author also went overboard with details that were inconsequential. There was a passage where I was waiting for Gemma to break out her compass because there was so much talk about east and west directions. Who cares? There's a river there, a forest there, and a castle there. Keep it simple.
On one hand this story was interesting and I liked the characters (I loved Charlotte!), but on the other hand, the writing style was not my cup of tea. There was LOTS of telling and not enough showing (except those details I just mentioned), and POV character thoughts were presented like an inserted narration, which was weird and distracting. Imagine watching a play and all of a sudden the action stops so the main character can speak to the audience about what they are thinking. That's what it felt like and it was laughable because the author is having the character explain the obvious in most cases.
The story wrapped up neatly enough and the ending was satisfying. Steam was ok but I didn't really find any of it to be romantic. Attraction was there but it fell short. The insta-lust thing I think made it suffer.
I could go on but I don't really want to. I rate this 3 stars. Steam is probably a 2.5. Again, I'm not really invested in this author. I have too many other books in my library to enjoy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
A fantastic tale from start to finish a story of danger, resilience, and a love that grows in the unlikeliest of circumstances.
Gemma is a wonderful heroine: strong, impulsive, and deeply kind. On the run and desperate for safety, she carries both vulnerability and courage in equal measure. Her journey leads her straight into the path of Nathan, a duke and decorated war hero whose blindness has sharpened every other sense he possesses.
Nathan may not see the world in the traditional way, but he perceives far more than most. He’s capable, intuitive, and quietly commanding truly smashing it. His strength and steadiness balance Gemma’s fire beautifully.
Together, they form a compelling pair: a woman fleeing danger and a duke who cannot see her face but understands her heart. Their connection grows through trust, shared challenges, and the slow unfurling of affection.
Claire Devon delivers a gripping, heartfelt romance filled with tension, tenderness, and two characters who bring out the best in each other.
2.5 to 3 stars. Some of this was good, some bad. Most of it was confusing. Reasons were flimsy. The author’s decisions about which parts to show and which part to tell were strange. Some of the actions and words were pretty modern. A lot of this just didn’t make sense. My suspension of disbelief was not there. Like they got a special license to be married, but then waited for weeks to marry with no reason given. Stuff like that. I kept getting pulled out of the story.I think this will be the first and last book by this author for me.
Nah. Editing was terrible; in fact everything was amateurish. In the prologue the author couldn't decide if the MMC was in his early teens or eight years old. The next few chapters weren't any better. I'm not sure if this is an AI book or just not a good one. But it's gotten about 300 reviews on Amazon, most of them gushing (go figure).
Once again Claire has given us a story that dawns you in from the first page till the end. This is a suspenseful tale with lots going on. Duke Nathan returned from the war blind. He has worked hard to make a life for himself where he doesn’t feel disabled, in his own home he moves with skill and determination. Watching him one would not guess he was blind. He has drawn on his other senses to help him. He had a horrible childhood and holds guilt and secrets of events that happened. He has a drinking problem because it helps ease the memories. His best friend and father figure, Walter Carlise needs a favor. Walter took him in and was more of a father to him than his own ever was. He would do anything for him. Walter's daughter, Lady Emily is having her coming out and he wants Nathan to help find her a good husband and sponsor her which he is glad to do. Gemma Stamford is in trouble and lots of it. After her father died her cousins took her in but have treated her awful and now, she has overheard them talking about harming her to take her inheritance! She bolted without thinking and is now running for her life thru a forest at night with no idea where she is going. Her cousins are chasing her with dogs and she knows she needs a place to hid quickly. Spotting a Hugh manor, she hopes to steal away till morning. She runs into a maid, Charlotte who thinks she is someone else, and fortunately or unfortunately she takes on the name of another lady who was excepted, Lady Emily. Oh My! When she meets the duke and finds he is blind she can’t get over how handsome he is. There are a lot going on with many ups and downs as secrets, betrayal and intrigue. Will the cousins win against a blind man? What happens when Gemma is found out? I totally did not see Marshall the butler and Walter doing what they did, shame on both of them. Bless Charlotte for standing up and speaking out, it was great. This is the kind of story one reads over and over it is that good. We have attraction, longing, passion and love too. You will be sorry if you miss this one. I received and ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.
Gemma Stamford ran away from her cousins Eliot and Eugene who wanted to do away with her for her inheritance. She fled through the woods ended up at a house. She found the kitchen door open, maid was there and assumed she was Emily Carlisle who they were expecting. Nathan Ramsey Duke of Hamilton was injured in the war. He is blind and he can navigate his home by his self. He heard that Emily had arrived early. Nathan goes to meet her, he knows something is off. Gemma cousins show up at the Duke house, looking for their cousin. Nathan tells them no one is there and can stay the night. They rummage through his house looking for items to steal. Emily still has not showing up so he sends someone to search for her. Marshall the butler doesn't care for Gemma being there. He makes deal with her cousins to turn her over. Nathan not happy with what he's done. Can Nathan save both women and live happily ever after.
Gemma is fleeing her her family who is trying to wrong her. In her attempts she finds herself at a Castle and seeks refuge there which happens to be Duke Nathans castle.
Nathan returned from war blind but he doesn't allow his loss of sight to hinder him, he takes it as a challenge. When Gemma arrives at his doorstep, he mistaken's her for his ward who he is awaiting.
As events within his household unfold, more unwanted guests appearing, and Gemma's story not adding up - Nathan realises that Gemma isn't his ward, she is in danger, and his ward is missing.
This was a wonderfully captivating story. I loved the plot and the main characters are so wonderful.
I really enjoyed Nathan and Gemma's love story which is filled with tender moments, steam, twists, turns and a bit of danger.
I am part of the ARC. All opinions are unbiased and my own.
What an interesting and enlightening story this is. Nathan treats his blindness as a challenge and lives life his way. It is only when Gemma literally steals into his life that he realizes how dark his life really is. I loved how Gemma has an ethical attitude, trying to protect him from her bully cousins and loved how Nathan did all he could to keep her safe. I was enthralled with each twist and turn to this story, some I never saw coming. Marshall was the biggest surprise to me, but I understood what he was trying to do. Emily’s Dad really shocked me and I was stunned, but so very glad to see how it ended. Overall a scrumptious story!
I received this ARC copy for free and these are my own opinions
Duke Nathan is now blind but has worked hard to overcome his disability. The story follows his relationship with Gemma. She is escaping from her cruel cousins. She seeks refuge at Nathan's home in the night and is mistaken for his ward. I like the way Nathan finds ways to navigate around his home. Gemma is supportive to him and they become close. Nathan's ward goes missing as well. There is danger, kidnapping, threats, attempted murder and several murders before Gemma and Nathan are able to look to a safe future. It proves that love can overcome adversities.
A wonderful and crazy love story. I love all of Claire's books, but this one is extremely good! If I can fall in love with the Hero of the story, then the author has done her job! Nathan the H is such a man. Strong, resilient and sexy, to boot. His being blind made him more intriguing. Gemma,the heroine is feisty and witty, the H's perfect match. Together they create magic. This book flows with wonderful, colorful characters and a great twisting plot that kept me reading this book in one sitting. I recommend this book to everyone! Well done Claire.
Pacing was odd!!! Nathan is a duke who was blinded during the war against France. Gemma is a young lady on the run from her cousins. She shows up at his manor and quickly finds out that he is expecting a young woman about her age (his old friend’s daughter) and takes on her identity. Except the subterfuge lasts about 12 hours total. The whole story took place within like 4 days MAX!!! Crazy! It wasn’t bad so I don’t want to do lower than 3 stars but I most likely won’t read again. It is insta-love and mid steam which is crazy for the time period but I suspend disbelief while reading because why wouldn’t I.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I haven’t read a historical romance in a while but I love a disabled MMC so I couldn’t resist picking this up.
It did note that it was “steamy” but I absolutely would not call it that. It is open door and no fade to black. There’s a decent amount of tension and angst with a burn eventually but it’s not very long or detailed. I suppose if you’re used to clean historical romance, this would be “steamy”.
The story itself is good, very sweet and cozy. They try super hard to be “respectable” but ultimately fail which is cute.
This book is full of wonderful strong characters from Nathan blind, wounded and guilt-ridden to Gemma a lady running from for her very life from those who would steal her inheritance from her by hook or by crook. Gemma hides out under the disguise of an expected guest who has not yet arrived. Soon begins a journey of passion, subterfuge, mystery and adventure that will have you rooting for one and all.
Wonderful story and characters. Nathan is blind from the war and Gamma is running away from two cousins who want to commit her so they can have the funds and property that her father left her ( even though they learns later that they killed him Nathan and Emma knew almost from the start that they belonged together. So through the mystery , intrique and live they get their HEA. Would highly recommend this book And author. Happy reading. 😊
Not bad. A bit more risqué then you’d expect of a daughter in the gentry class, especially being completely naked in his presence on the first day meeting the duke.
A little bit of an error perhaps with Gemma mentioning her cousins killed her father to Nathan, but then later when her cousin, Elliot, all but confesses to killing her father, Emily is so shocked.
Glad there was an HEA. But Marshall and Walter were still super shitty and I don’t feel they apologized quite enough.
The love scenes were good. The timeline is extremely rushed. There is a lot of magical understanding that takes place. Magically she knows how to guide someone. He knows where her face is. She's very bold in her wanton behavior and magically knows he won't react badly to it. The dastardly plot was paper thin. The betrayal didn't have much impact. And even if the stakes were high she never felt in danger.
A wonderful story full of romance, danger, ups and downs, determination and second chances. The Duke is amazing in his blindness hasn't limited his life; he is a real inspiration. When Gemma appears his life is enriched and they are drawn to each other form the start. Can't wait for next book in the series. I highly recommend the book.
Blinded in war, he lives a reclusive life. She is fleeing for her life from evil relatives trying to kill her for her fortune. Mistaken by his servants for an expected guest, they can not resist the attraction they feel. A wonderful romp.of a read filled with betrayals, abductions, heroism and excellently developed characters.
This story is wonderful well written and shows Nathan to be a hero and Gamma to be a wonderful kind hearted person who having both been given a hard start to life finding love and happiness with each other in a short space of time
This story has mystery, intrigue, secrets, deception, scandal, villains and too much for me, graphic sex. The story would have been the type I like except for me the sex was too much. For me it took away from what would have been a great storyline.
KU - DNF - I broke at 66% after Gemma squealed for the upteenth time in this book. Damn she was annoying!!!! I wanted to finish but I just couldn’t. The characters were in their own heads way too much and I just didn’t have the patience reading their feelings. A lot of telling.
The best historical novel I have read. The mystery and spice is perfection🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️. I love that the secret is not dragged for so long through the book that it gets irritating. I am definitely reading more Claire books.!
Best thing about book is the title. Lots of plot holes that don’t hang together and the spice was sooo flowery. The author had some good ideas but the whole thing needed editing. Sorry
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.It had romance it had desire, it had secret, it had Empathy Hate and love and A plot with deceit and deception,Of 2 families past. Along with civilly And escape And a plot to out do the enemy.
Is there anything more annoying than problems that could be solved with one five minute conversation? I suggest not. Story had a great premise and strong characters, but the plot was strangely paced and the communication lacking.
A great read. Page turner and a fun happily ever after. Sweet romance The Blind Duke's Ward : A Steamy Guardian/Ward Historical Regency Romance Novel (Dukes Ever After Book 1)