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Dashing Rogues #1
My Heartless Duke
“Just one year, then I’ll be free of her…”
When Selina’s overprotective brother leaves for a year, he tasks the only man Selina loathes with looking after her. His cold, dashing best friend, the Duke of Barrington…
William is by all accounts a heartless rake. Selina is sweet and insecure. At first they agree to stay out of each other’s way. But soon, a twist of fate forces them closer than ever. If only William hadn’t promised to never fall in love…
*If you like a realistic yet steamy depiction of the Regency and Victorian era, then My Heartless Duke is the novel for you.
An enchanting regency romance of 80,000 words (around 400 pages), written by Sally Vixen and published by Cobalt Fairy.
No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a strong happily ever after.
Get "My Heartless Duke" today to discover Sally's splendid new story!
When Selina’s overprotective brother leaves for a year, he tasks the only man Selina loathes with looking after her. His cold, dashing best friend, the Duke of Barrington…
William is by all accounts a heartless rake. Selina is sweet and insecure. At first they agree to stay out of each other’s way. But soon, a twist of fate forces them closer than ever. If only William hadn’t promised to never fall in love…
*If you like a realistic yet steamy depiction of the Regency and Victorian era, then My Heartless Duke is the novel for you.
An enchanting regency romance of 80,000 words (around 400 pages), written by Sally Vixen and published by Cobalt Fairy.
No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a strong happily ever after.
Get "My Heartless Duke" today to discover Sally's splendid new story!
461 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 18, 2023
245 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 30, 2024
So, let's dive into this tale of two people who hate each other but are inexplicably drawn to each other like moths to a flame. It starts off promisingly enough with a heroine and a duke who can't stand the sight of each other. Great! A classic trope that always promises plenty of angst and drama.
But then, things take a very predictable turn. The duke, who is apparently the best friend of the heroine's older brother, is tasked with looking after her. And what happens next? You guessed it. They end up in bed. Sigh. Another predictable plot twist that seems to be a staple in the romance genre these days.
Now, I'm all for a good romance, but I do expect a bit of angst and conflict. Where's the drama? Where's the tension? This book seems to have skipped right to the happy ending without any of the emotional turmoil that makes a romance novel truly satisfying. It's like the author said, "Let's just get this over with," and proceeded to fast-forward through all the good stuff.
In conclusion, if you're looking for a romance novel that will leave you feeling emotionally invested and satisfied, this is probably not the one for you. It's a pretty straightforward read that lacks the depth and complexity that a truly great romance novel should have.
But then, things take a very predictable turn. The duke, who is apparently the best friend of the heroine's older brother, is tasked with looking after her. And what happens next? You guessed it. They end up in bed. Sigh. Another predictable plot twist that seems to be a staple in the romance genre these days.
Now, I'm all for a good romance, but I do expect a bit of angst and conflict. Where's the drama? Where's the tension? This book seems to have skipped right to the happy ending without any of the emotional turmoil that makes a romance novel truly satisfying. It's like the author said, "Let's just get this over with," and proceeded to fast-forward through all the good stuff.
In conclusion, if you're looking for a romance novel that will leave you feeling emotionally invested and satisfied, this is probably not the one for you. It's a pretty straightforward read that lacks the depth and complexity that a truly great romance novel should have.
September 3, 2023
William and Selina
William Gillingham, the Duke of Barrington was as cold as he was beautiful. The women he did have short discreet affairs with were few and he frightened away most debutants, except for the sister of his best friend Andrew Walford. Andrew’s sister Selina tended to be a sensible wallflower sort who simply gave William the cold shoulder, until they were thrown together in unfortunate circumstances.
Andrew needed to be away for a year, and it was always he who watched over Selina. The Walfords left her in genteel neglect for the entirety of her life doting mostly on Andrew, heir to the earldom. Andrew loved his sister and protected her from unworthy suitors and rakes, and while he was away she would be alone. William was as close as a brother to Andrew, so it was William he asked to move into his home next door to Selina and watch over her while Andrew was away.
Selina was not happy about that agreement, but she also did not wish to run afoul of the Duke of Barrington, so she agreed to stay “out of trouble” if he stayed far away from her. Of course, neither of those things happened, because a Duke moving in next door to a single young woman drew the attention of one of William’s former paramours and she couldn’t seem to avoid scandalous comments.
Selina couldn’t help herself from looking for the handsome Duke as he seemed to appear everywhere she went. It made her heart beat faster when he saved her more than once from some near disaster. Their attraction was almost like gravity and becoming inevitable.
This is a slow burn romance with a little bit of mystery and action woven into it. It’s beautifully written by Sally Vixen, and author I will be looking into again.
William Gillingham, the Duke of Barrington was as cold as he was beautiful. The women he did have short discreet affairs with were few and he frightened away most debutants, except for the sister of his best friend Andrew Walford. Andrew’s sister Selina tended to be a sensible wallflower sort who simply gave William the cold shoulder, until they were thrown together in unfortunate circumstances.
Andrew needed to be away for a year, and it was always he who watched over Selina. The Walfords left her in genteel neglect for the entirety of her life doting mostly on Andrew, heir to the earldom. Andrew loved his sister and protected her from unworthy suitors and rakes, and while he was away she would be alone. William was as close as a brother to Andrew, so it was William he asked to move into his home next door to Selina and watch over her while Andrew was away.
Selina was not happy about that agreement, but she also did not wish to run afoul of the Duke of Barrington, so she agreed to stay “out of trouble” if he stayed far away from her. Of course, neither of those things happened, because a Duke moving in next door to a single young woman drew the attention of one of William’s former paramours and she couldn’t seem to avoid scandalous comments.
Selina couldn’t help herself from looking for the handsome Duke as he seemed to appear everywhere she went. It made her heart beat faster when he saved her more than once from some near disaster. Their attraction was almost like gravity and becoming inevitable.
This is a slow burn romance with a little bit of mystery and action woven into it. It’s beautifully written by Sally Vixen, and author I will be looking into again.
September 4, 2023
William and Selina
Wonderful book and characters. William has lived he darkness since his parents were killed when he was a young boy of nine. Since then He has Hunter for the killers if his parents little knowing that it was his uncle who had them killed and also Wanted his killed so that he could be the duke and have all the wealth and also marry his mother. Selena comes into the picture and opens a whole new life for him bringing TBE sunshine with her that lightens his life and soul. The book has intrique,mystery and love and is a wonderful read and author.would highly recommend. They get their HEA and so much mire. Happy reading!😊
Wonderful book and characters. William has lived he darkness since his parents were killed when he was a young boy of nine. Since then He has Hunter for the killers if his parents little knowing that it was his uncle who had them killed and also Wanted his killed so that he could be the duke and have all the wealth and also marry his mother. Selena comes into the picture and opens a whole new life for him bringing TBE sunshine with her that lightens his life and soul. The book has intrique,mystery and love and is a wonderful read and author.would highly recommend. They get their HEA and so much mire. Happy reading!😊
December 22, 2023
Extremely addictive journey of adventure, mystery and romance
Beautiful story! Love the characters and how their roles are shaped by their own stories in life. The unexpected turn of events and the mystery behind the scenes involving the death of the parents of the young duke. Full of love and revenge for his family an unexpected tragedy happens. This story is very interesting and hard to put down from the beginning to the end. Beautiful, exciting, addictive, adventurous and full of wit and romance. Excellent work and a great read. I highly recommend reading this amazing book.
Beautiful story! Love the characters and how their roles are shaped by their own stories in life. The unexpected turn of events and the mystery behind the scenes involving the death of the parents of the young duke. Full of love and revenge for his family an unexpected tragedy happens. This story is very interesting and hard to put down from the beginning to the end. Beautiful, exciting, addictive, adventurous and full of wit and romance. Excellent work and a great read. I highly recommend reading this amazing book.
November 19, 2023
good but some things ruin it
I really like the premise, its well written, and I liked the characters. A few things that ruined it a bit for me though. The author skipped parts just as the main characters were interacting. It’s like she’s start and then just stop and move on so we never actually get to really see their story it’s just alluded to. It also makes no sense that she’s never chaperoned and her mom isn’t involved until the very end. These things bugged me throughout the book.
I really like the premise, its well written, and I liked the characters. A few things that ruined it a bit for me though. The author skipped parts just as the main characters were interacting. It’s like she’s start and then just stop and move on so we never actually get to really see their story it’s just alluded to. It also makes no sense that she’s never chaperoned and her mom isn’t involved until the very end. These things bugged me throughout the book.
September 14, 2023
Wow
Great book. This is a slow burn story but definitely worth the wait.
Beautifully written, characters that have depth, and a story of how love can change everything
William and Andrew are best friends, that being said, William doesn't have many. He comes off as very cold and scary - he has his reasons, his past has filled him with darkness.
He is known to be cold and aloof, even his affairs are distant and few. Most fear him except Andrew and his sister Selina.
Andrew trustS William, Selina just finds him annoying and tries to ignore his presence - until she can't.
Andrew has to leave for a period of time and he has always been the one to care for his sister. He worries leaving her and the only person he can trust with watching out for her is William.
Neither Selina or William are thrilled with the situation they are in but being thrust into one another's presence regularly, they find themselves very much drawn to the other. Like moths to a flame -neither can fight the attraction or feelings that they develop for each other
wonderful read, kept me interested in the characters and the buildup to their hea.
Thank you to Sally for the ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
Great book. This is a slow burn story but definitely worth the wait.
Beautifully written, characters that have depth, and a story of how love can change everything
William and Andrew are best friends, that being said, William doesn't have many. He comes off as very cold and scary - he has his reasons, his past has filled him with darkness.
He is known to be cold and aloof, even his affairs are distant and few. Most fear him except Andrew and his sister Selina.
Andrew trustS William, Selina just finds him annoying and tries to ignore his presence - until she can't.
Andrew has to leave for a period of time and he has always been the one to care for his sister. He worries leaving her and the only person he can trust with watching out for her is William.
Neither Selina or William are thrilled with the situation they are in but being thrust into one another's presence regularly, they find themselves very much drawn to the other. Like moths to a flame -neither can fight the attraction or feelings that they develop for each other
wonderful read, kept me interested in the characters and the buildup to their hea.
Thank you to Sally for the ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
November 21, 2024
DNF
¡Some Spoilers ahead!
Sorry but not for me. The premise was good, but the book needed more work. There are way to many scenes where characters are just chatting, and then when some other scenes were actually interesting, they were just cut short. The plot didn't make much sense either, because she was super upset at him following her around, but then she kept going to see him, and asked him out. I was expecting her getting in trouble on purpuse to get back at him and her brother, but she didn't care.
And then when I got to the sex scene I was done with the book.
There was not real friction between the characters, the scenes felt choppy and cut too short. Selina was a naive girl, yes, but she didn't really get in trouble for the need of William to look after her.
And then how suddenly he just became like super possesive with her, just because he found her attractive, wasn't good enough for me.
Also Selina not thinking about the consecuences with sleeping with William, was also out of character.
So I am sorry, but this was definitely not for me, was looking for a romantic book, but I don't think this is one of them.
¡Some Spoilers ahead!
Sorry but not for me. The premise was good, but the book needed more work. There are way to many scenes where characters are just chatting, and then when some other scenes were actually interesting, they were just cut short. The plot didn't make much sense either, because she was super upset at him following her around, but then she kept going to see him, and asked him out. I was expecting her getting in trouble on purpuse to get back at him and her brother, but she didn't care.
And then when I got to the sex scene I was done with the book.
There was not real friction between the characters, the scenes felt choppy and cut too short. Selina was a naive girl, yes, but she didn't really get in trouble for the need of William to look after her.
And then how suddenly he just became like super possesive with her, just because he found her attractive, wasn't good enough for me.
Also Selina not thinking about the consecuences with sleeping with William, was also out of character.
So I am sorry, but this was definitely not for me, was looking for a romantic book, but I don't think this is one of them.
August 27, 2023
Their hidden feelings surprised them
The ton feared him, but she just found him annoying. That is until he became her temporary guardian. Then all lust broke loose.
For the first few chapters of My Heartless Duke, this entertaining read was a bit slow and wordy. However, as I continued to read, the characters deepened and unexpected love story continued to unfold.
Author, Sally Vixen did a fine job of making the damaged hero unlikable, only to demonstrate the healing power of love. The heroine was likable from the beginning, which is why she was so perfect for him. She was light to his darkness.
All in all this was a page turner with a satisfying ending, including both an epilogue and extended epilogue.
Content 411: This book contains mild secular and religious swearing, as well as detailed sex scenes.
The ton feared him, but she just found him annoying. That is until he became her temporary guardian. Then all lust broke loose.
For the first few chapters of My Heartless Duke, this entertaining read was a bit slow and wordy. However, as I continued to read, the characters deepened and unexpected love story continued to unfold.
Author, Sally Vixen did a fine job of making the damaged hero unlikable, only to demonstrate the healing power of love. The heroine was likable from the beginning, which is why she was so perfect for him. She was light to his darkness.
All in all this was a page turner with a satisfying ending, including both an epilogue and extended epilogue.
Content 411: This book contains mild secular and religious swearing, as well as detailed sex scenes.
September 8, 2023
WOW!! This is how you write a story about a Duke. William Gillingham Duke of Barrington witness the murder of his father and mother. He was 9 years old when he became the new Duke. He searches for his parents murders. William's character is written perfectly. He is extremely wealthy, very powerful, He destroys his enemies. Which I loved. He put the fear of God in anyone who went against him or try to harm the women he loved. This is how a Duke should be written.
I loved the way Lady Selena Walford daughter of the Marquess of Towbridge was written too.
This was a really good story!
I loved the way Lady Selena Walford daughter of the Marquess of Towbridge was written too.
This was a really good story!
September 11, 2023
William Gillingham was only ten years old when his parents were brutally murdered. He has spent his entire life seeking the people who murdered his parents and getting revenge. His uncle has been his closest relative and ally.
Selina is a young lady enjoying all the trappings of a London season under the watchful eye of her brother Andrew. But Andrew is set to Togo on his grand tour of Europe and asks William to protect his younger sister from the rakes and rogues that might take advantage of her sweet disposition. Like Andrew, William is a rake so he knows what to be on the lookout for.
Selina is a young lady enjoying all the trappings of a London season under the watchful eye of her brother Andrew. But Andrew is set to Togo on his grand tour of Europe and asks William to protect his younger sister from the rakes and rogues that might take advantage of her sweet disposition. Like Andrew, William is a rake so he knows what to be on the lookout for.
August 23, 2023
When Those you Trust Cannot be Trusted
I really enjoyed this story. It is well written and the relationship between William and Selina had lots of interesting twists and turns. I liked the way Selina and her friend, Julia, were able to turn nasty remarks back at the gossips. The loss of William's parents had made him appear impervious to love but sometimes love takes an unexpected turn. Another good Sally Vixen story. Thank you.
I really enjoyed this story. It is well written and the relationship between William and Selina had lots of interesting twists and turns. I liked the way Selina and her friend, Julia, were able to turn nasty remarks back at the gossips. The loss of William's parents had made him appear impervious to love but sometimes love takes an unexpected turn. Another good Sally Vixen story. Thank you.
August 30, 2023
Another good story from Sally. This one has Selina and the Duke, William, starting off not liking each other then falling for each other. William happens to be Selina’s brother’s best friend. He leaves and wants William to watch out for Selina. The beginning was interesting showing what happened to William when he was young. He gets his revenge but almost loses Selina. It was entertaining and I enjoyed it.
August 27, 2023
Enjoyed the story!
It is a great love story, however, I would change a couple of things. First, it is too long and includes many details that drag the story and feel aren’t necessary. I would’ve also liked to see more details of the first time William and Selina are together-it was glossed over. Overall I really enjoy reading Sally and can’t wait to read her next story.
It is a great love story, however, I would change a couple of things. First, it is too long and includes many details that drag the story and feel aren’t necessary. I would’ve also liked to see more details of the first time William and Selina are together-it was glossed over. Overall I really enjoy reading Sally and can’t wait to read her next story.
October 28, 2023
Fantastic
Wow, what a story from beginning to the end. This book has everything you wish a story to have, from violence, sex to love it’s all in this story. A young boy at the age of 13, had to grow up after seeing his parents kill before him. Then to find out in his adulthood that it was his uncle who raised him that had a hand in his parents murder was even more de
Wow, what a story from beginning to the end. This book has everything you wish a story to have, from violence, sex to love it’s all in this story. A young boy at the age of 13, had to grow up after seeing his parents kill before him. Then to find out in his adulthood that it was his uncle who raised him that had a hand in his parents murder was even more de
December 22, 2023
Mesmerizing Storytelling!!!
Love William's and Selina's story. His whole adulthood, he had one focus, to avenge his parents murder! She was determine to see the good in the world. Their worlds collided & everything changed for the better. Love this story, one of the most fascinating ones I read in quite some time. Hugely Recommend!
Love William's and Selina's story. His whole adulthood, he had one focus, to avenge his parents murder! She was determine to see the good in the world. Their worlds collided & everything changed for the better. Love this story, one of the most fascinating ones I read in quite some time. Hugely Recommend!
August 21, 2023
Very hot and steamy
William has spent twenty years trying to catch his parents murders and when he meets Selina she becomes their target in trying to protect her from them he breaks her heart. See how they find their HEA in this wonderful story.
William has spent twenty years trying to catch his parents murders and when he meets Selina she becomes their target in trying to protect her from them he breaks her heart. See how they find their HEA in this wonderful story.
September 3, 2023
Love Conquers All
Sally Biden's Recency romance novel is a wonderfully written story you won't want to miss. Selina's determination to break down the strong walls William has built around himself shows that true love can conquer all. Be sure to take their heartfelt journey!
Sally Biden's Recency romance novel is a wonderfully written story you won't want to miss. Selina's determination to break down the strong walls William has built around himself shows that true love can conquer all. Be sure to take their heartfelt journey!
September 11, 2023
Fantastic
This is a great story. Good storyline and character development. I was a little clueless as to who the bad guy was but a few pages past one-quarter through I had the bad guy.
This is a great story. Good storyline and character development. I was a little clueless as to who the bad guy was but a few pages past one-quarter through I had the bad guy.
November 21, 2023
He was dashing…..
These Dukes and their damsels. The constant unceasing use of either “ your Grace” ( her) and “sunbeam” (him) when not avenging his deceased parents became repetitive and obnoxious. I often wonder if these books have editors.
These Dukes and their damsels. The constant unceasing use of either “ your Grace” ( her) and “sunbeam” (him) when not avenging his deceased parents became repetitive and obnoxious. I often wonder if these books have editors.
September 21, 2024
What a wonderful story
What a wonderful story this is! Filled with mistrust mystery, fear and hidden desire this is a wonderful story of how amid danger and jealousy love finds it's way!
What a wonderful story this is! Filled with mistrust mystery, fear and hidden desire this is a wonderful story of how amid danger and jealousy love finds it's way!
August 22, 2023
dark hero, sweet heroine
This book was very well written. It was an easy read and kept my interest all the way through. If you like Regency romance this is one to read and enjoy.
This book was very well written. It was an easy read and kept my interest all the way through. If you like Regency romance this is one to read and enjoy.
September 1, 2023
Good story; hard to put down
Loved this story. Hoping to get to read about her friends and brother in the next ones. Especially Julia and Andrew! Sparks should fly with those 2.
Loved this story. Hoping to get to read about her friends and brother in the next ones. Especially Julia and Andrew! Sparks should fly with those 2.
September 2, 2023
good read
Two different hearts, who fall in love and brings out the human feelings in a man who thought his life was to live and punish to a happily ever after!
Two different hearts, who fall in love and brings out the human feelings in a man who thought his life was to live and punish to a happily ever after!
December 30, 2023
Bitter sweet story!
Really good book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Hope to see more of the other characters and how thing might progress for them.
Really good book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Hope to see more of the other characters and how thing might progress for them.
January 20, 2024
great story
I really enjoyed this story. It unfolded at just the right pace and I didn’t want to put it down until it was finished
I really enjoyed this story. It unfolded at just the right pace and I didn’t want to put it down until it was finished
January 31, 2024
This was a great story of William and Selina’s relationship. The story line was very well written. It was very interesting and entertaining to read. Great characters.
October 19, 2024
Immature and Fluffy but reasonably pleasant.
May 7, 2024
This is how a Duke should be written. He was on a mission to find the murders of his parents and deliver justice...and he did. He was charged with protecting a friend's sister...and he did. Then he fell in love!
September 14, 2023
I absolutely loved Salina and William’s story. They sure did have a great love story! This book is fantastic! I can’t wait until the next book in this series comes out!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews