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Surprise! Dukes #5
The Duke's Wicked Widow
They call him the Duke of Death, but he’s her last chance at a life worth living!
To Society, Fawkes MacMillian is a nobody; a hanger-on at the edge of respectability with a murky past and an even murkier lineage. But to Lady Danielle Aycock, he is her only hope of salvation before a horrible Christmas deadline. Having recently lost both her husband and her father, Danielle’s only chance to save herself and her stepdaughter from destitution is to announce her pregnancy with her husband’s heir, therefore prolonging the settlement of the estate. The problem? She’s never been pregnant, and time is running out. Any man could change that, but she turns to her husband’s cousin, desperate enough to brave the whispers about him. When he shows her unimaginable pleasure, Danielle begins to realize perhaps her previous plan was flawed, and she’s found all she needs in his arms. But Fawkes’s mysterious connection to the Duke of Stroken isn’t his only secret, and as the hunt for a traitor to the Crown pulls him in, he’s forced to choose between the only thing he’s ever wanted, and the lass who is coming to own his heart. But what happens when she learns he’s the reason she lost everything in the first place?
Super spicy! This one starts hot and gets hotter—don’t say you weren’t warned. You’re going to have lots of fun with this laugh-out-loud historical romance!
To Society, Fawkes MacMillian is a nobody; a hanger-on at the edge of respectability with a murky past and an even murkier lineage. But to Lady Danielle Aycock, he is her only hope of salvation before a horrible Christmas deadline. Having recently lost both her husband and her father, Danielle’s only chance to save herself and her stepdaughter from destitution is to announce her pregnancy with her husband’s heir, therefore prolonging the settlement of the estate. The problem? She’s never been pregnant, and time is running out. Any man could change that, but she turns to her husband’s cousin, desperate enough to brave the whispers about him. When he shows her unimaginable pleasure, Danielle begins to realize perhaps her previous plan was flawed, and she’s found all she needs in his arms. But Fawkes’s mysterious connection to the Duke of Stroken isn’t his only secret, and as the hunt for a traitor to the Crown pulls him in, he’s forced to choose between the only thing he’s ever wanted, and the lass who is coming to own his heart. But what happens when she learns he’s the reason she lost everything in the first place?
Super spicy! This one starts hot and gets hotter—don’t say you weren’t warned. You’re going to have lots of fun with this laugh-out-loud historical romance!
382 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 29, 2023
293 people are currently reading
267 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
December 22, 2023
Caroline Lee is back with another installment in the Surprise! Dukes series, and it is HOT. Sex in chapter two? Yes, please! Fawkes is one of Caroline Lee’s most morally gray heroes, and I really enjoyed his character. Danielle, our FMC, is just a breath of fresh air. If you like a dirty talking hero, intimacy bargains, and plenty of steam, give this book a try. This is book five of a series. It can be read as a standalone, but for the best reading experience, start with the beginning of the series and read in order.
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest review.
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest review.
April 12, 2024
Hilarious. I appreciate the insane stories Caroline Lee writes, no expectations, just nonsensical fun!
December 28, 2023
The Duke’s Wicked Widow. My fellow readers. Well I have to say what a fantabilous way to start off a historical romance novel. Needless to say I was very drawn to the book. Danielle and Fawkes did not come to play in their story.
Together they both understood the assignment and delivered. Fawkes known as Dr. Death had no intentions of being pulled into his cousins drama issues or become captivated by a woman who consumes his thoughts. Danielle by far has become the most interesting lady Fawkes has worked so hard for, but it’s Merida who has quickly stolen his heart. I believe that Merida has made herself the main character in the book by her independence, open mind, willingness to learn and her big heart. The story that develops between Merida and Fawkes is absolutely the cutest story to read.
Fawkes and Danielle’s relationship is very hot and obviously very steamy. I enjoyed everything about the book. My favorite part was the mistletoe. I trying to figure where was this story going. In my head I was asking, why is she asking her to move so much?
I thought perhaps there was a package out in the hall or something. Danielle’s push to protect Merida is the main focus that Fawkes in her makes as their primary mission. If that means that they will need to take out the people who caused catastrophe in their lives then so be it. I loved the pure heart of the story. A young girl from within moments of meeting her, brings nothing but joy to your life.
The story is a most exceptional read. The steam level is smoldering. These moments are very descriptive and so much fun to read. The writing is phenomenal. The story is beautiful. And the characters are lovable.
Thank you to the author for writing a romantic story the brought some spice to my holidays. I give this story two snaps and a, Fawkes, you know what I want. Role the looking glass out here and assume the position. Until next time my fellow readers. Read on! I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Together they both understood the assignment and delivered. Fawkes known as Dr. Death had no intentions of being pulled into his cousins drama issues or become captivated by a woman who consumes his thoughts. Danielle by far has become the most interesting lady Fawkes has worked so hard for, but it’s Merida who has quickly stolen his heart. I believe that Merida has made herself the main character in the book by her independence, open mind, willingness to learn and her big heart. The story that develops between Merida and Fawkes is absolutely the cutest story to read.
Fawkes and Danielle’s relationship is very hot and obviously very steamy. I enjoyed everything about the book. My favorite part was the mistletoe. I trying to figure where was this story going. In my head I was asking, why is she asking her to move so much?
I thought perhaps there was a package out in the hall or something. Danielle’s push to protect Merida is the main focus that Fawkes in her makes as their primary mission. If that means that they will need to take out the people who caused catastrophe in their lives then so be it. I loved the pure heart of the story. A young girl from within moments of meeting her, brings nothing but joy to your life.
The story is a most exceptional read. The steam level is smoldering. These moments are very descriptive and so much fun to read. The writing is phenomenal. The story is beautiful. And the characters are lovable.
Thank you to the author for writing a romantic story the brought some spice to my holidays. I give this story two snaps and a, Fawkes, you know what I want. Role the looking glass out here and assume the position. Until next time my fellow readers. Read on! I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
December 31, 2023
CW: Pregnancy, DC and others
This was the smuttiest longer HR I’ve read in a hot minute. A lot of 300+ page HR’s have tension and steam near the end. This was STEAM THE ENTIRE NOVEL. And plot. Fawkes was a dimensional character and I loved Merida. The modern references made me eye roll slightly but didn’t take me out of it as much as some of the authors other works. Definitely read content warnings if you need to but I had a great time.
This was the smuttiest longer HR I’ve read in a hot minute. A lot of 300+ page HR’s have tension and steam near the end. This was STEAM THE ENTIRE NOVEL. And plot. Fawkes was a dimensional character and I loved Merida. The modern references made me eye roll slightly but didn’t take me out of it as much as some of the authors other works. Definitely read content warnings if you need to but I had a great time.
December 18, 2023
Format - ARC Paperback
Rating- ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Spice- 🌶 🌶 🌶
Series- Surprise Duke! #5
Troupes- forced proximity, found family, he’s her dead Husband’s cousin holiday romance.
CW-
Had to opportunity to read an early copy of this book and omg now I must read the rest of the series! Not because it doesn’t stand alone just fine but because the other couples that came before are so freaking interesting!
Ok but about Fawkes and Ellie! Both Ellie’s Husband and Father have gone and died and now she needs a baby in her belly so she can stay in her Husband’s family home, enter Fawkes. Fawkes is a chemist just trying to do some good and has ended outworking to the nefarious Blackrose who happens to be Ellie asshole uncle. Then Ellie comes knocking asking for him to knock her up and who is he to turn an offer like that down.
There’s a lot going on here and so many complicated feeling between these two, through in Ellies Stepdaughter and Fawkes mom and a found family of literal relatives is made and just in time for Christmas!
This one starts out extra spicy then mellows out while we sort out the bad from the good and who’s related to who and solve some coded messages. It’s so much fun y’all! Caroline brakes the forth wall a couple of times and I have not laughed while also crying at a book in awhile!
Needless to say I will be reading the rest of this series all of which is on KU and Caroline I will happy ARC for you again!
Rating- ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Spice- 🌶 🌶 🌶
Series- Surprise Duke! #5
Troupes- forced proximity, found family, he’s her dead Husband’s cousin holiday romance.
CW-
Had to opportunity to read an early copy of this book and omg now I must read the rest of the series! Not because it doesn’t stand alone just fine but because the other couples that came before are so freaking interesting!
Ok but about Fawkes and Ellie! Both Ellie’s Husband and Father have gone and died and now she needs a baby in her belly so she can stay in her Husband’s family home, enter Fawkes. Fawkes is a chemist just trying to do some good and has ended outworking to the nefarious Blackrose who happens to be Ellie asshole uncle. Then Ellie comes knocking asking for him to knock her up and who is he to turn an offer like that down.
There’s a lot going on here and so many complicated feeling between these two, through in Ellies Stepdaughter and Fawkes mom and a found family of literal relatives is made and just in time for Christmas!
This one starts out extra spicy then mellows out while we sort out the bad from the good and who’s related to who and solve some coded messages. It’s so much fun y’all! Caroline brakes the forth wall a couple of times and I have not laughed while also crying at a book in awhile!
Needless to say I will be reading the rest of this series all of which is on KU and Caroline I will happy ARC for you again!
December 24, 2023
To Society, Fawkes MacMillan is a nobody, but to Lady Danielle Aycock, he is her only hope of salvation. Having recently lost both her husband and her father, Ellie’s only chance to save herself and her stepdaughter Merida from destitution is to announce her pregnancy with her husband’s heir, therefore prolonging the settlement of the estate. Any man could change that, but she turns to her husband’s cousin, desperate enough to brave the whispers about him.
Another brilliant romance from the author, the characters have lovely depth, the pace never falters, the chemistry is electric, there’s an adorable six year old & a puppy who likes to lick. Whilst it’s the fifth book in the series it could be read on its own. I loved both Ellie & Fawkes their meeting was different! I loved what started as almost a business arrangement changed & they were perfect for each other. There was also the ongoing search for Blackrose & the net is slowing closing in on him. Merida was a joy & hope we meet her when she’s grown up, Tramp is endearing. There’s lots of humour, steam & a lovely romance
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Another brilliant romance from the author, the characters have lovely depth, the pace never falters, the chemistry is electric, there’s an adorable six year old & a puppy who likes to lick. Whilst it’s the fifth book in the series it could be read on its own. I loved both Ellie & Fawkes their meeting was different! I loved what started as almost a business arrangement changed & they were perfect for each other. There was also the ongoing search for Blackrose & the net is slowing closing in on him. Merida was a joy & hope we meet her when she’s grown up, Tramp is endearing. There’s lots of humour, steam & a lovely romance
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
January 28, 2024
Just when I thought the Surprise! Dukes series couldn't get any better, the story of Fawkes and Ellie stepped everything up a notch. I'm not even going to pretend I didn't trade hours of sleep to be able to finish this book. My only regret is that the next one isn't out yet. I guess that's the peril of ARCs, but (wistful sigh) I shall go on. And by go on I mean read this again. I'm not usually a twice reader, but this book is sweet, steamy, spicy and captivating. Did I mention HILARIOUS.
Caroline Lee is always my brand of humor and if you can't appreciate a few hundred incidences of snort inducing jokes, puns, character names, and ridiculous plot then
1. We can't be friends.
2. Why don't you want joy in your life.
I honestly love all of Caroline's books but until I delved into the Surprise Dukes series considered her only mildly steamy, I didn't realize she would be able to keep the same fabulous level of humor and storytelling while also increasing the HEAT.
Can't wait for the audiobook!!!
Mild spoilers:
Holy cow, Fawkes is hot, but be still my beating heart for a man who can not only accept but love a child that's not his own. His interactions with Merida just melted me. And, not gonna lie, I'd let him do filthy things to me against a brick wall.
I can find desperate MFCs offputing but Danielle is no wilting flower or conniving brat... Mostly... Well, sorta... You'll see. I still adore her.
Caroline Lee is always my brand of humor and if you can't appreciate a few hundred incidences of snort inducing jokes, puns, character names, and ridiculous plot then
1. We can't be friends.
2. Why don't you want joy in your life.
I honestly love all of Caroline's books but until I delved into the Surprise Dukes series considered her only mildly steamy, I didn't realize she would be able to keep the same fabulous level of humor and storytelling while also increasing the HEAT.
Can't wait for the audiobook!!!
Mild spoilers:
Holy cow, Fawkes is hot, but be still my beating heart for a man who can not only accept but love a child that's not his own. His interactions with Merida just melted me. And, not gonna lie, I'd let him do filthy things to me against a brick wall.
I can find desperate MFCs offputing but Danielle is no wilting flower or conniving brat... Mostly... Well, sorta... You'll see. I still adore her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2024
What can I say about Fawkes & Ellie? This pair are pure fire! Quiet, respectable Danielle Aycock is anything but quiet and respectable. Once she gets her first taste of pleasure and being cared for, this girl goes after what she wants with gusto. And who can blame her, Fawkes Macmillan is hot as hell! He may have shady nom de plume (the Duke of Death) but when it comes to showing a lady a good time, this gent is all about fulfillment in a big way. Even when steaming mad, he still puts her needs before his own. That’s gentlemanly code of conduct right there. Despite what looks like a million obstacles, these two find their way to rights (naturally) and are their HEA. But it doesn’t all end in the bedroom (oh wait, yes it actually did!), but this man also took the time to nurture and care for the one person she loves above all, her stepdaughter Merida. As if that’s not a way to melt a woman’s heart in a flash. Seeing Merida and Tramp (oh, did I forget to mention him rescuing a drowning pup from a frigid river and keeping said pup, all to make a little girl happy) cavort and get into mischief is literally the sweetest thing ever. I could definitely go on, but suffice it to say, you need to read this story. You will adore it as much as I.
January 10, 2024
Well if you like laugh out loud roller coaster rides then hop on!
Danielle aka Ellie has a desperate plan to save herself and the natural child of her deceased husband! If she can get pregnant from one of his relatives then she and Merida would be safe and have a home!
Fawkes is a bastard son of a Duke and known as Duke of Death for his skill at concocting poisons and well as medicinal cures with herbs!
Fawkes gives into Ellie right away and when a vicious servant reports Ellie is not pregnant right before Christmas! Ellie and Merida turn to Fawkes and proceed to Scotland!
This first Christmas Ellie feels warm and safe! Fawkes and Ellie are keeping dangerous secrets!
When Thorne arrives in Scotland before Christmas with gifts and revealing secrets!
It appears Fawkes are just unforgivable! But are they! There is so much between them and Fawkes current profession of t seems impossible!
With high Jenks and revealing truths seem to be the least of their worries! Bravo!
Danielle aka Ellie has a desperate plan to save herself and the natural child of her deceased husband! If she can get pregnant from one of his relatives then she and Merida would be safe and have a home!
Fawkes is a bastard son of a Duke and known as Duke of Death for his skill at concocting poisons and well as medicinal cures with herbs!
Fawkes gives into Ellie right away and when a vicious servant reports Ellie is not pregnant right before Christmas! Ellie and Merida turn to Fawkes and proceed to Scotland!
This first Christmas Ellie feels warm and safe! Fawkes and Ellie are keeping dangerous secrets!
When Thorne arrives in Scotland before Christmas with gifts and revealing secrets!
It appears Fawkes are just unforgivable! But are they! There is so much between them and Fawkes current profession of t seems impossible!
With high Jenks and revealing truths seem to be the least of their worries! Bravo!
January 3, 2024
I originally read Caroline Lee in the Second Chance Manor series with Scarlett Scott and Merry Farmer. The last book in that series was one that she wrote and it was my favorite and was so damn good. Not a huge fan of Scottish stories which are most of her books but wanted to read more by her. To be truthfully honest I could not get into her Bad in Plaid series so I haven’t read that and her new series, Tales of the Harlot's Guide, all three books were in 1st person which I hate so after pushing through book 1, I won’t read book 2 and 3. But I have been enjoying this series a lot. This is my 13th book by her.
I really enjoyed reading Fawkes and Ellie's story. I loved their dynamic and their storyline. Chemistry was great and sex was super hot. Great read.
I really enjoyed reading Fawkes and Ellie's story. I loved their dynamic and their storyline. Chemistry was great and sex was super hot. Great read.
April 19, 2025
This whole series has been ridiculous but fun and entertaining. This is the first one that features a hero who isn’t a Duke nor does he become one by the end of the book. But he’s referred to as the Duke of Death bc of his talent with mixing poisons. He’s got secrets, the heroine is desperate, there’s a sense of found family and home and it’s giving cozy vibes and I really enjoyed it.
December 29, 2023
I love reading Caroline Lee’s books. Each book is my favourite until I read the next one and this one is no exception. This is the fifth book in this series and while I haven’t read the previous books, this book reads well as a standalone. I do feel that a reader would get a better depth of the side characters and the side plot running through the series if they have read the previous books as I am planning to do (me opening up my kindle and frantically putting the four previous books in my basket). The side characters in this book are so interesting (one is downright eccentric). They made me laugh so much. I can’t wait to read this series from the beginning.
Caroline Lee has written a brief catch up at the beginning of the book of the side story of the dastardly Blackrose and his previous agents (the side characters in this book) and the agents plot to bring him to justice; which is helpful if the previous books haven’t been read for a while or not at all.
This book is so well written and funny, it had me chuckling throughout. I did not want to put this book down.
The main plot of is the love story between Lady Danielle Aycock (Ellie) and Fawkes MacMillan. This book has a high steam level (as all her books do) so have a cold glass of something on standby!
Ellie is in a desperate situation. As a widow of a viscount, with no legitimate children to inherit the title and her home that her beloved illegitimate stepdaughter Merida has ever known. She is also trying to bring her uncle (Blackrose) to justice with the other former agents.
Fawkes MacMillan is the illegitimate cousin of Ellie’s dead husband. He is also a trained chemist and the retired poisoner for hire for Blackrose. He also treats and helps many other people with his medicines made by herbs and flowers.
Ellie and Fawkes first meet when she turns up at his front door asking him to get her pregnant (queue steamy scene number one in the second chapter!) Ellie has never known satisfaction in the bedroom with her husband but Fawkes makes sure she finds satisfaction in a way she never thought possible.
When she finds she isn’t pregnant, her father in law throws her and Merida out of the house and she ends up at Fawkes’ small flat. He lets them stay with him and his puppy he rescued from certain death.
Fawkes is heading up to Scotland to spend Christmas with his devoted mother. Ellie’s sister lives nearby so he brings Ellie, Merida and Tramp the puppy with him to his mother’s house before Ellie and Merida go to live with her heavily pregnant sister and her reclusive (and quite frankly mad as a box of frogs) husband, who is also a former agent of Blackrose.
Fawkes’ mother kindly invites Ellie and Merida to join her over Christmas.
The longer they spend together, Fawkes and Ellie become closer and Fawkes become more fond of Merida; but a shocking revelation tears them apart and it’s possible that they may not be able to overcome this confession (possible but not improbable thankfully).
The chemistry between Ellie and Fawkes is electric. The way Fawkes loves to talk so sensually and a bit dirty to Ellie with his Scottish accent while they are intimate makes these scenes so hot to read! 🥵
There’s a lovely epilogue and a sneak preview of the next book of the series which looks like it will be another cracking read.
I recommend anyone who enjoys laugh out loud and steamy historical romance to run (don’t walk) and read the whole series so far.
I received a copy of this book as an ARC reader. I’m leaving this review voluntarily. All views and opinions are my own.
Caroline Lee has written a brief catch up at the beginning of the book of the side story of the dastardly Blackrose and his previous agents (the side characters in this book) and the agents plot to bring him to justice; which is helpful if the previous books haven’t been read for a while or not at all.
This book is so well written and funny, it had me chuckling throughout. I did not want to put this book down.
The main plot of is the love story between Lady Danielle Aycock (Ellie) and Fawkes MacMillan. This book has a high steam level (as all her books do) so have a cold glass of something on standby!
Ellie is in a desperate situation. As a widow of a viscount, with no legitimate children to inherit the title and her home that her beloved illegitimate stepdaughter Merida has ever known. She is also trying to bring her uncle (Blackrose) to justice with the other former agents.
Fawkes MacMillan is the illegitimate cousin of Ellie’s dead husband. He is also a trained chemist and the retired poisoner for hire for Blackrose. He also treats and helps many other people with his medicines made by herbs and flowers.
Ellie and Fawkes first meet when she turns up at his front door asking him to get her pregnant (queue steamy scene number one in the second chapter!) Ellie has never known satisfaction in the bedroom with her husband but Fawkes makes sure she finds satisfaction in a way she never thought possible.
When she finds she isn’t pregnant, her father in law throws her and Merida out of the house and she ends up at Fawkes’ small flat. He lets them stay with him and his puppy he rescued from certain death.
Fawkes is heading up to Scotland to spend Christmas with his devoted mother. Ellie’s sister lives nearby so he brings Ellie, Merida and Tramp the puppy with him to his mother’s house before Ellie and Merida go to live with her heavily pregnant sister and her reclusive (and quite frankly mad as a box of frogs) husband, who is also a former agent of Blackrose.
Fawkes’ mother kindly invites Ellie and Merida to join her over Christmas.
The longer they spend together, Fawkes and Ellie become closer and Fawkes become more fond of Merida; but a shocking revelation tears them apart and it’s possible that they may not be able to overcome this confession (possible but not improbable thankfully).
The chemistry between Ellie and Fawkes is electric. The way Fawkes loves to talk so sensually and a bit dirty to Ellie with his Scottish accent while they are intimate makes these scenes so hot to read! 🥵
There’s a lovely epilogue and a sneak preview of the next book of the series which looks like it will be another cracking read.
I recommend anyone who enjoys laugh out loud and steamy historical romance to run (don’t walk) and read the whole series so far.
I received a copy of this book as an ARC reader. I’m leaving this review voluntarily. All views and opinions are my own.
January 5, 2024
The Duke's Wicked Widow is the fifth installment in Caroline Lee's Surprise! Dukes series and is decidedly my favorite so far. (The others are highly entertaining but this one simply stretches into the top spot.) I enjoy Lee's humor, historical inaccuracies, puns and wordplay, and steam, along with a meaningfully developed plot and three-dimensional characters. Lee kindly provides a synopsis of the series so far in a letter the reader at the beginning of the book to remind and reorient readers, summarizing key characters and plot points that makes it easy to jump right in to this book.
In this book, we finally get Fawkes MacMillan's story and whew did it deliver. Introduced in earlier books in the series, Fawkes has served as an accessory character until recently. Hinted at being the secretive master poisoner the Duke of Death in Book 4 (talk about foreshadowing!), Fawkes has lurked in the shadows for quite some time. Bastard son of a duke and not in line to inherit, his ducal moniker refers to his status in London's Underworld, which deviates from the theme in the previous books and makes for a fun twist to the plot as the hunt for and to bring down Blackrose continues.
Lady Danielle Aycock (it's okay, we all snickered), Ellie to her friends, is in desperate straights because her late husband's family plans to kick her and her stepdaughter, Merida, onto the streets. But if she's pregnant a possible heir (which she isn't), she and Merida could have more time before figuring out what's next...which is where Fawkes comes in (yes, pun intended). Ellie decides to convince Fawkes to get her pregnant, and that'll be the end of it. Except, of course, we readers know better!
This story is absolutely delightful, with serious steam and moments that had me laughing and others that had me reaching for tissues. I do believe this story has more depth than the other pairings in part because of Fawkes' seemingly contradictory morals (poisoner and healer) and Ellie's epiphany about her own actions halfway through the book. The book starts out hot and not only gets hotter but sweeter, too. (But don't worry, Fawkes is a dirty-talking, praising Hero and stays that way.) Unlike previous books, Blackrose doesn't feature as prominently; however, progress is made thanks to Ellie's puzzle and code-breaking skills and the revelation of one of Fawkes' many secrets.
As usual, accompanying characters are deliciously charming and wonderful. Merida is one of my favorite children characters of all time and carries the story with impeccable comedic timing and precociousness. Tramp, the dog, is a perfect companion for Merida and plot device (dogs must be walked, after all!). Fawkes' mother clearly loves her son and easily accepts and loves both Ellie and Merida. Once again, Lee's sneak of lyrics from a Frozen song are craftily integrated into some dialogue, too.
SFCP/NSFCP (safe for childless people/not safe for childless people) behind spoiler warning; this book straddles the SFCP/NSFCP rating binary given that the heroine is desperate to become pregnant because she sees it as the only solution to her immediate problems.
I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
In this book, we finally get Fawkes MacMillan's story and whew did it deliver. Introduced in earlier books in the series, Fawkes has served as an accessory character until recently. Hinted at being the secretive master poisoner the Duke of Death in Book 4 (talk about foreshadowing!), Fawkes has lurked in the shadows for quite some time. Bastard son of a duke and not in line to inherit, his ducal moniker refers to his status in London's Underworld, which deviates from the theme in the previous books and makes for a fun twist to the plot as the hunt for and to bring down Blackrose continues.
Lady Danielle Aycock (it's okay, we all snickered), Ellie to her friends, is in desperate straights because her late husband's family plans to kick her and her stepdaughter, Merida, onto the streets. But if she's pregnant a possible heir (which she isn't), she and Merida could have more time before figuring out what's next...which is where Fawkes comes in (yes, pun intended). Ellie decides to convince Fawkes to get her pregnant, and that'll be the end of it. Except, of course, we readers know better!
This story is absolutely delightful, with serious steam and moments that had me laughing and others that had me reaching for tissues. I do believe this story has more depth than the other pairings in part because of Fawkes' seemingly contradictory morals (poisoner and healer) and Ellie's epiphany about her own actions halfway through the book. The book starts out hot and not only gets hotter but sweeter, too. (But don't worry, Fawkes is a dirty-talking, praising Hero and stays that way.) Unlike previous books, Blackrose doesn't feature as prominently; however, progress is made thanks to Ellie's puzzle and code-breaking skills and the revelation of one of Fawkes' many secrets.
As usual, accompanying characters are deliciously charming and wonderful. Merida is one of my favorite children characters of all time and carries the story with impeccable comedic timing and precociousness. Tramp, the dog, is a perfect companion for Merida and plot device (dogs must be walked, after all!). Fawkes' mother clearly loves her son and easily accepts and loves both Ellie and Merida. Once again, Lee's sneak of lyrics from a Frozen song are craftily integrated into some dialogue, too.
SFCP/NSFCP (safe for childless people/not safe for childless people) behind spoiler warning; this book straddles the SFCP/NSFCP rating binary given that the heroine is desperate to become pregnant because she sees it as the only solution to her immediate problems.
I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
January 1, 2024
“Do you hunt mice?”
“Och, nay.”This chatter was easing the band of anger he’d been carrying in his chest since receiving the news of his father’s death. “And I dinnae even hunt, truthfully. But when I was a lad, I could sit for hours and watch the beavers building their dams.”
“Beavers live in the water! They get wet!”
“Ah…” “Aye, they do. The beavers get wet…while they look for wood.”
“Big wood?” the girl clarified.
“Aye, Merida. The wet beavers like to find big, thick wood.”
“Maybe I can see them in the summer!” the girl announced. “But I can visit the barn animals now, right? You said they’re cozy in the barn. I read about them. Sheep and goats and cows and chickens and big black c**ks.” Big black what?
Look-a-here..there's nothing like a big black c**k...let me tell ya. Truly a sight to behold!!! Y'all it's writing like THIS that keeps me coming back to Caroline Lee’s work over and over and over again and believe me when I write... “The Duke’s Wicked Widow” is pure comedic gold and by far my favorite in the "Surprise Duke's” series. It's hilariously funny….spicy as hell and just an overall fabulous read.
The Duke's Wicked Widow is a literary concoction of intrigue, romance and plot twists that will leave you fatally addicted to its pages.The characters are perfectly written, especially Fawkes. Dude is deadly. No seriously. He’s not called the Duke of Death without reason. He'll usher you to an early grave and have you waking up in hell thinking death was your idea. But he's protective too – especially of the women in his life, which makes Lady Danielle Aycock, the perfect woman for him. Fawkes has a sweet spot for damsels in distress and Ellie is in quite a bit of it. After losing both her husband and father, Ellie hatches a plan: get pregnant to secure her inheritance. With time running out, Ellie decides her husband's cousin, Fawkes MacMillan will be her baby's daddy. As passion ignites between them, familial drama injects a lethal dose into the heart of their budding love story.
Folks…I highly recommend The Duke's Wicked Widow. It's fun…hilarious, and most importantly has a dog character who could charm the treats right out the bag. If you're a fan of rom coms and are looking for the perfect way to ring in your New Year…spend the night with Fawkes. He aims to please.
“Och, nay.”This chatter was easing the band of anger he’d been carrying in his chest since receiving the news of his father’s death. “And I dinnae even hunt, truthfully. But when I was a lad, I could sit for hours and watch the beavers building their dams.”
“Beavers live in the water! They get wet!”
“Ah…” “Aye, they do. The beavers get wet…while they look for wood.”
“Big wood?” the girl clarified.
“Aye, Merida. The wet beavers like to find big, thick wood.”
“Maybe I can see them in the summer!” the girl announced. “But I can visit the barn animals now, right? You said they’re cozy in the barn. I read about them. Sheep and goats and cows and chickens and big black c**ks.” Big black what?
Look-a-here..there's nothing like a big black c**k...let me tell ya. Truly a sight to behold!!! Y'all it's writing like THIS that keeps me coming back to Caroline Lee’s work over and over and over again and believe me when I write... “The Duke’s Wicked Widow” is pure comedic gold and by far my favorite in the "Surprise Duke's” series. It's hilariously funny….spicy as hell and just an overall fabulous read.
The Duke's Wicked Widow is a literary concoction of intrigue, romance and plot twists that will leave you fatally addicted to its pages.The characters are perfectly written, especially Fawkes. Dude is deadly. No seriously. He’s not called the Duke of Death without reason. He'll usher you to an early grave and have you waking up in hell thinking death was your idea. But he's protective too – especially of the women in his life, which makes Lady Danielle Aycock, the perfect woman for him. Fawkes has a sweet spot for damsels in distress and Ellie is in quite a bit of it. After losing both her husband and father, Ellie hatches a plan: get pregnant to secure her inheritance. With time running out, Ellie decides her husband's cousin, Fawkes MacMillan will be her baby's daddy. As passion ignites between them, familial drama injects a lethal dose into the heart of their budding love story.
Folks…I highly recommend The Duke's Wicked Widow. It's fun…hilarious, and most importantly has a dog character who could charm the treats right out the bag. If you're a fan of rom coms and are looking for the perfect way to ring in your New Year…spend the night with Fawkes. He aims to please.
January 30, 2024
Ellie Brightens Fawkes' World -- A wonderful romance
Widowed Danielle -- Ellie -- is desperate to produce an heir for her recently deceased husband. Without a pregnancy she will be pretty much cast out into the street along with her late husbands illegitimate daughter, Merida. To that end she goes to her late husband's cousin, the enigmatic poisoner & chemist Fawkes McMillan from the previous Surprise Dukes releases. (Who is leading a surprisingly humble existence, supplementing his work for the traitorous Blackrose with the income he can make a chemist.)
Surprised when Ellie appears at his flat and asks her to make her pregnant, Fawkes nevertheless complies. He keeps to himself that he'd provided the poison that killed her father, who had been suspected of working for the traitor they've all been seeking. (It would definitely be helpful to have read the previous entries in the series. But the author provides a super funny Forward where she catches everybody up to speed.)
This is a spicy book that starts off spicy with two sympathetic characters. At first Ellie is only interested in Fawkes for how he can help her. Quickly she realizes all the great qualities he possesses and she has a hard time envisioning him as the underworld character known as the duke of death. Fawkes has a tragic enough backstory that he is quite sympathetic despite his profession -- a reluctant one, we learn. When her awful in laws throw her and Merida out practically on to the street she has no where else to go and Fawkes takes them in. (Swoon!)
Overall I enjoyed this poignant and sexy romance. Necessity causes the heroine to make some choices that I wouldn't have made but I understand her desperation to provide for a home for herself and this 6 year old child now and her charge. And her in law and truly awful. Fawkes is a sweetheart and a sexy, brooding hero who desperately wants to help people and simply can't turn away someone in need, especially Ellie.
The story has a more somber tone than the previous romances, though, and the tone change was a little distracting for me despite being a wonderful romance. That and the couple of breaks of the fourth wall I found a little annoying. Hence 4 stars.
But this is just my opinion. This is still a terrific romance and worth the read. Next up is bisexual Thorne, the new Duke, and Fawkes cousin.
Widowed Danielle -- Ellie -- is desperate to produce an heir for her recently deceased husband. Without a pregnancy she will be pretty much cast out into the street along with her late husbands illegitimate daughter, Merida. To that end she goes to her late husband's cousin, the enigmatic poisoner & chemist Fawkes McMillan from the previous Surprise Dukes releases. (Who is leading a surprisingly humble existence, supplementing his work for the traitorous Blackrose with the income he can make a chemist.)
Surprised when Ellie appears at his flat and asks her to make her pregnant, Fawkes nevertheless complies. He keeps to himself that he'd provided the poison that killed her father, who had been suspected of working for the traitor they've all been seeking. (It would definitely be helpful to have read the previous entries in the series. But the author provides a super funny Forward where she catches everybody up to speed.)
This is a spicy book that starts off spicy with two sympathetic characters. At first Ellie is only interested in Fawkes for how he can help her. Quickly she realizes all the great qualities he possesses and she has a hard time envisioning him as the underworld character known as the duke of death. Fawkes has a tragic enough backstory that he is quite sympathetic despite his profession -- a reluctant one, we learn. When her awful in laws throw her and Merida out practically on to the street she has no where else to go and Fawkes takes them in. (Swoon!)
Overall I enjoyed this poignant and sexy romance. Necessity causes the heroine to make some choices that I wouldn't have made but I understand her desperation to provide for a home for herself and this 6 year old child now and her charge. And her in law and truly awful. Fawkes is a sweetheart and a sexy, brooding hero who desperately wants to help people and simply can't turn away someone in need, especially Ellie.
The story has a more somber tone than the previous romances, though, and the tone change was a little distracting for me despite being a wonderful romance. That and the couple of breaks of the fourth wall I found a little annoying. Hence 4 stars.
But this is just my opinion. This is still a terrific romance and worth the read. Next up is bisexual Thorne, the new Duke, and Fawkes cousin.
January 3, 2024
Caroline Lee has written us a book that starts with a bang and ends with a bang - literally, depending on how you define bang. ;) This spicy story is the fifth in the Surprise Dukes series and, while it can be read as a stand alone, it would be more enjoyable if you start at the beginning and read the series. BUT!!!!! If you haven't and you want to start with this one or you just need a refresher course on the series, the author has done us all a HUGE favor and has included a note at the beginning that sums up the parts of the series that you really need to know in order to understand the relevance of the characters and events in "The Duke's Wicked Widow". Everyone give three great big hip hip hoorays to the auther! Hip hip hooray! Hip hip hooray! Hip hip hooray!
Fawkes, the hero, meets the heroine, Ellie, when she approaches him to ask if he would be so kind as to father her child. She is in a bad situation and is evidently prone to desperate decisions. She has care of and loves her dead husband's natural daughter. The family wants to kick them both to the curb. So, she is on a mission to get pregnant and to pass the child off as her dead husband's in order to secure herself and her child a home. Thus the banging begins.
Fawkes is a complicated and lovable (I loved him; Ellie loves him so that makes him lovable!) guy who is also in a bad situation where he did some bad things. Ellie is a wonderfully smart heroine who has the nerve and the will to do what she thinks needs to be done. The couple is well matched and their romance is both hot and sweet. I deeply appreciated the amount of forgiveness that happened in this book. Sometimes I just want the hero or heroine of the book I am reading to apologize and have that apology accepted. It was just a small thing anyway, right? (Heh.) It was rather relieving! This book is a wonderful addition to the series! It is found on KU with the rest of the series or you can always just buy it outright
Fawkes, the hero, meets the heroine, Ellie, when she approaches him to ask if he would be so kind as to father her child. She is in a bad situation and is evidently prone to desperate decisions. She has care of and loves her dead husband's natural daughter. The family wants to kick them both to the curb. So, she is on a mission to get pregnant and to pass the child off as her dead husband's in order to secure herself and her child a home. Thus the banging begins.
Fawkes is a complicated and lovable (I loved him; Ellie loves him so that makes him lovable!) guy who is also in a bad situation where he did some bad things. Ellie is a wonderfully smart heroine who has the nerve and the will to do what she thinks needs to be done. The couple is well matched and their romance is both hot and sweet. I deeply appreciated the amount of forgiveness that happened in this book. Sometimes I just want the hero or heroine of the book I am reading to apologize and have that apology accepted. It was just a small thing anyway, right? (Heh.) It was rather relieving! This book is a wonderful addition to the series! It is found on KU with the rest of the series or you can always just buy it outright
April 6, 2024
I didn’t care for the heroine
First of all, I read the first book, it was a struggle to finish it. I decided to skipped the rest and jumped to this one as it looked promising. I read the authors summary of the previous book and realized I didn’t miss much. Everything was great until the heroine starts making horrible choices because she will end up homeless with her stepchild. Although I understand her desperation, I feel she took the easy way out. She could’ve gone to her sister ( the book gave horrible and not so believable excuses as to why she couldn’t) I didn’t buy that! She could have look for a job, become a lady’s maid or something…. But what does the heroine want to do? Have sex with her husband cousin so she can get pregnant and therefore stay in the house. And how she does that? She drags that poor girl in a very cold night in the middle of the night and leaves her in the carriage while she’s having sex. And the sex was the most pornography thing I ever read. It was just too crude for my taste. That most I lost respect for her. And she does this a couple of more times.
The book is extremely redundant, expressing the same ideas or conversations over and over even though it was already mentioned and talked about. I gave it 2 start bc I liked how the author tried to engage the audience by having the characters talk to us the readers… I think that was fun and clever. Even though I want to know how Blackrose finally is caught, I don’t see myself reading the next book.
First of all, I read the first book, it was a struggle to finish it. I decided to skipped the rest and jumped to this one as it looked promising. I read the authors summary of the previous book and realized I didn’t miss much. Everything was great until the heroine starts making horrible choices because she will end up homeless with her stepchild. Although I understand her desperation, I feel she took the easy way out. She could’ve gone to her sister ( the book gave horrible and not so believable excuses as to why she couldn’t) I didn’t buy that! She could have look for a job, become a lady’s maid or something…. But what does the heroine want to do? Have sex with her husband cousin so she can get pregnant and therefore stay in the house. And how she does that? She drags that poor girl in a very cold night in the middle of the night and leaves her in the carriage while she’s having sex. And the sex was the most pornography thing I ever read. It was just too crude for my taste. That most I lost respect for her. And she does this a couple of more times.
The book is extremely redundant, expressing the same ideas or conversations over and over even though it was already mentioned and talked about. I gave it 2 start bc I liked how the author tried to engage the audience by having the characters talk to us the readers… I think that was fun and clever. Even though I want to know how Blackrose finally is caught, I don’t see myself reading the next book.
January 17, 2024
DIDN’T REALLY FEEL LIKE A ROMANCE
I didn’t like the beginning of the book for a few reasons. One, even though her motives were initially about her stepdaughter, Ellie was being selfish and inconsiderate with her plan. Second, Hawkes was crude and demeaning during their first encounter. Thirdly, once she became obsessed with what he could give her, she started making really bad decisions. There was no real romance. Everything just seemed to be all about lust with no real depth and/or connection.
I didn’t really start enjoying the story until I was nearly halfway through when she was kicked out of her house. It was then that I felt the connection between Hawkes and Ellie grow when she went to his house with Merida, and he took care of them. While there were great supporting characters that provided lots of humor, I didn’t particularly like Ellie or Hawkes in the beginning. One of the only reasons that I continued reading this one was because I didn’t want to miss any important details regarding the Blackrose plot since I figured it would all be wrapped up in the next book.
I did enjoy all the scenes at the end where they went over the coded messages with all the former agents. I’m also glad that Ellie and Hawkes put everything on the table and found their happily ever after which is why I could give the story 2.5 stars because I finally found their love believable.
I didn’t like the beginning of the book for a few reasons. One, even though her motives were initially about her stepdaughter, Ellie was being selfish and inconsiderate with her plan. Second, Hawkes was crude and demeaning during their first encounter. Thirdly, once she became obsessed with what he could give her, she started making really bad decisions. There was no real romance. Everything just seemed to be all about lust with no real depth and/or connection.
I didn’t really start enjoying the story until I was nearly halfway through when she was kicked out of her house. It was then that I felt the connection between Hawkes and Ellie grow when she went to his house with Merida, and he took care of them. While there were great supporting characters that provided lots of humor, I didn’t particularly like Ellie or Hawkes in the beginning. One of the only reasons that I continued reading this one was because I didn’t want to miss any important details regarding the Blackrose plot since I figured it would all be wrapped up in the next book.
I did enjoy all the scenes at the end where they went over the coded messages with all the former agents. I’m also glad that Ellie and Hawkes put everything on the table and found their happily ever after which is why I could give the story 2.5 stars because I finally found their love believable.
December 31, 2023
Family, Salvation, Secrets, Finding Love:
A dramatic beginning sets the pace of this thrillingly explosive love story.
Enough heat in several chapters to ignite the pages. A lady's fan in my opinion is needed for this wonderful story.
The story is a very emotional and grips you from the start and "Oh My", what a shocking start this read has.
The story revolves around Fawkes a chemist and his troubled reputation and Danielle a widow who had a less than desirable husband.
The relationship they develop for the most part if delight, fun and endearing, although there are some complications along the way.
Lots of confessions, laugh out loud moments, some harsh talking and a few rough situations, other delightful characters that capture your heart.
This can be a standalone read but it was extra special to have characters appear from previous books in this story.
A very good story that is packed with everything a romance story should have plus a few shocking scenes that had my jaw clenching and heart pounding.
✔ Special Mention to Merida who added so much to the story with her antics, funny jokes, and Tramp her puppy.
✔Mature Advisory: 4+ out of 5.
✔I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy for my honest thoughts and opinion.
A dramatic beginning sets the pace of this thrillingly explosive love story.
Enough heat in several chapters to ignite the pages. A lady's fan in my opinion is needed for this wonderful story.
The story is a very emotional and grips you from the start and "Oh My", what a shocking start this read has.
The story revolves around Fawkes a chemist and his troubled reputation and Danielle a widow who had a less than desirable husband.
The relationship they develop for the most part if delight, fun and endearing, although there are some complications along the way.
Lots of confessions, laugh out loud moments, some harsh talking and a few rough situations, other delightful characters that capture your heart.
This can be a standalone read but it was extra special to have characters appear from previous books in this story.
A very good story that is packed with everything a romance story should have plus a few shocking scenes that had my jaw clenching and heart pounding.
✔ Special Mention to Merida who added so much to the story with her antics, funny jokes, and Tramp her puppy.
✔Mature Advisory: 4+ out of 5.
✔I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy for my honest thoughts and opinion.
September 2, 2024
If you're in the mood for a sexy-from-the-jump historical romance, this one, which features the classic "widow who needs to get pregnant so she won't get kicked out of her husband's house (looking at you, Prisoner of My Desire and A Lady Awakened), then this one will hit the spot. Besides that bonkers yet timeless HistRom plot, this one includes a lot of complex secondary relationships (his boss is her father's business partner; his cousin is her sister's husband's best friend; they're all working to bring down a traitor without realizing they're on the same side) and some meta humor ("why didn't you tell me this important plot point before spending 2 chapters--uhh, I mean, 2 hours--telling me about this OTHER thing?").
Plus spies, a cute precocious kid, lots of HistRom Scottish dialect, and did I mention it's real steamy? Cause it is.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
Plus spies, a cute precocious kid, lots of HistRom Scottish dialect, and did I mention it's real steamy? Cause it is.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
May 7, 2024
Lady Danielle "Ellie" Stoughton, the Widowed Viscountess of Cumnock is in trouble. She and her stepdaughter Merida are about to be kicked out of her deceased husband's home if she can't come up with a plan. The plan Ellie devises is unorthodox at best, crazy at it's worst. Her plan requires the "aid" (cough, cough) of the Duke of Death, Fawkes MacMillan.
Fawkes doesn't want to help Ellie, but his body can't say no. The Duke's Wicked Widow starts spicy and never lets up.
While I really enjoyed Fawkes and Ellie's building relationship, I absolutely adored his relationship with Merida, Ellie's bastard step daughter. Caroline Lee is a master at creating stories with engaging and enjoyable children who are able to quickly wrap the MMCs around their little fingers. I would read this again just to read about how Fawkes instantly connected with Merida, it was perfect.
This book is the 5th in the "Surprise Dukes!" series and is best read after the others are read. If you haven't read books 1-4, definitely read them, you won't be disappointed. You'll have an opportunity to read the love stories of all the side characters in this story. It will be hard to choose a favorite!
Fawkes doesn't want to help Ellie, but his body can't say no. The Duke's Wicked Widow starts spicy and never lets up.
While I really enjoyed Fawkes and Ellie's building relationship, I absolutely adored his relationship with Merida, Ellie's bastard step daughter. Caroline Lee is a master at creating stories with engaging and enjoyable children who are able to quickly wrap the MMCs around their little fingers. I would read this again just to read about how Fawkes instantly connected with Merida, it was perfect.
This book is the 5th in the "Surprise Dukes!" series and is best read after the others are read. If you haven't read books 1-4, definitely read them, you won't be disappointed. You'll have an opportunity to read the love stories of all the side characters in this story. It will be hard to choose a favorite!
December 30, 2023
I have officially added a new man to my book boyfriend list! Fawkes may have poisoned some people and be called the Duke of Death, but I don't care!
This was such a fun read. It's definitely super spicy from the very start. Ellie shows up at Fawkes' apartment so he will get her pregnant. Her husband died, and she needs an heir, or she will be kicked out of her home. Fawkes doesn't love the idea, but it's a bit of an offer he can't refuse situation.
Unfortunately for Ellie, she doesn't get pregnant and ends up getting kicked out of her home and takes herself and her stepdaughter to Fawkes because she has no place else to go. Fawkes, who is basically a cinnamon roll in disguise, takes them in, bonds with the stepdaughter, and makes Ellie a potion for her cramps. It's at this point Ellie (and myself) fell in love with him.
There are appearances by many other characters from the series as well as a continuation of the main storyline. Of course, Caroline Lee's trademark humor is on full display and also a lot of heart!
I received an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
This was such a fun read. It's definitely super spicy from the very start. Ellie shows up at Fawkes' apartment so he will get her pregnant. Her husband died, and she needs an heir, or she will be kicked out of her home. Fawkes doesn't love the idea, but it's a bit of an offer he can't refuse situation.
Unfortunately for Ellie, she doesn't get pregnant and ends up getting kicked out of her home and takes herself and her stepdaughter to Fawkes because she has no place else to go. Fawkes, who is basically a cinnamon roll in disguise, takes them in, bonds with the stepdaughter, and makes Ellie a potion for her cramps. It's at this point Ellie (and myself) fell in love with him.
There are appearances by many other characters from the series as well as a continuation of the main storyline. Of course, Caroline Lee's trademark humor is on full display and also a lot of heart!
I received an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
January 25, 2024
DNF around 60-something percent. I'm not really invested other than wanting to know how the code works and what the messages say. LOL
I appreciate Lee's pre-story info dump because there was no good place to do this in the book, but she still tried doing it in the book and it still didn't work. This book was already too long and there was too much going on with all the backstory to really work well.
I think Lee's writing is not for me. I know that lots of people love her and I appreciate that. I know she's into the humor aspect, but all the absurd names of people--at first amusing, but then a little confusing because which absurd names belongs to whom? when they're all absurd its difficult to differentiate--and the references to smart phones is just OTT and drags me right out of the story. I don't mind some inaccurate and anachronistic stuff in historical novels, but it was too much.
That said, her actual writing is good, I just would personally prefer if she could focus more on the story and less on jamming in every little thing she finds amusing.
I appreciate Lee's pre-story info dump because there was no good place to do this in the book, but she still tried doing it in the book and it still didn't work. This book was already too long and there was too much going on with all the backstory to really work well.
I think Lee's writing is not for me. I know that lots of people love her and I appreciate that. I know she's into the humor aspect, but all the absurd names of people--at first amusing, but then a little confusing because which absurd names belongs to whom? when they're all absurd its difficult to differentiate--and the references to smart phones is just OTT and drags me right out of the story. I don't mind some inaccurate and anachronistic stuff in historical novels, but it was too much.
That said, her actual writing is good, I just would personally prefer if she could focus more on the story and less on jamming in every little thing she finds amusing.
December 9, 2023
I always love a good pregnancy-inheritance scheme. Ellie is at the doorstep of her late husband’s bastard cousin, hoping to get herself impregnated and pass the kid off as the next heir. Fawkes is both insulted and intrigued and ends up complying. While Ellie’s motives may seem selfish, she’s really just trying to protect her stepdaughter and she doesn’t have any place else to go if her in-laws throw her out. There’s a lot of back and forth between Ellie and Fawkes as she tries to get pregnant and he’s keeping secrets about his role as the notorious Duke of Death. However, Fawkes proves to be kind and caring towards Ellie and her stepdaughter when they need it. We also tie back to the overarching drama of the series with a traitor and his supposed agents trying to bring him to justice. We start strong with the physical attraction in this one, with a slow build towards real affection. And we still get all of tongue-in-cheek humor that Caroline Lee’s books always deliver.
February 7, 2024
This book started out strong and it was entertaining throughout. I really liked Fawkes.
That being said, the author needs to relax. She kept trying to be clever throughout the book and it was so unnecessary! Breaking the third wall? Weird references to future books? Just do less!
The author owns that she isn’t being historically accurate and I’m okay with that, but she scattered all these very weird references throughout this book that were just strange.
She’s a good writer and this is book 5, so she clearly has the readers on the line. There’s no need to start being weird all of a sudden!
Also, why would Fawkes have a tattoo of a black rose?
Also, the author tends to do this thing where she makes characters from previous books into caricatures of themselves in future books. For example, I LOVED Demon in his book. LOVED him, but in this book he was so annoying! Just an annoying douchebag! I wanted to punch him.
That being said, the author needs to relax. She kept trying to be clever throughout the book and it was so unnecessary! Breaking the third wall? Weird references to future books? Just do less!
The author owns that she isn’t being historically accurate and I’m okay with that, but she scattered all these very weird references throughout this book that were just strange.
She’s a good writer and this is book 5, so she clearly has the readers on the line. There’s no need to start being weird all of a sudden!
Also, why would Fawkes have a tattoo of a black rose?
Also, the author tends to do this thing where she makes characters from previous books into caricatures of themselves in future books. For example, I LOVED Demon in his book. LOVED him, but in this book he was so annoying! Just an annoying douchebag! I wanted to punch him.
January 5, 2024
I have always loved Caroline’s beautiful covers and have always wanted to give them try but didn’t know where to start! The Duke’s Wicked Widow takes place within an extensive series, but not to worry because Caroline includes a quick series recap/summary before the start of the book- so anyone can jump in and enjoy!
I absolutely adoring these two star crossed lovers who meet in the first place as the widowed heroine attempts to keep her home by propositioning her husband’s bastard cousin to impregnate her!!!! Talk about a bananas meet-cute!🍌
These two are absolute sweethearts and found myself rooting for their HEA from the very beginning!
Fawkes and Ellie have so many obstacles in their path to find happiness together, from the shady connection of Fox to her deceased husband to the way, Ellie initiates the relationship by using Fawkes and then lastly, foxes connection to the death of her father and his secret occupation.
They are plenty of secrets between them as these two attempt to create a cozy, fake family together over the holidays… but true characters and devotions come with a little reflection and a belief that you can change your future!
This book started off with a hot and spicy bang and continued to deliver with the delightful characters and engaging relationship drama. This may be my first Caroline Lee romance, but it is definitely not my last!
Big thanks to author Caroline Lee for my gifted copy.
I absolutely adoring these two star crossed lovers who meet in the first place as the widowed heroine attempts to keep her home by propositioning her husband’s bastard cousin to impregnate her!!!! Talk about a bananas meet-cute!🍌
These two are absolute sweethearts and found myself rooting for their HEA from the very beginning!
Fawkes and Ellie have so many obstacles in their path to find happiness together, from the shady connection of Fox to her deceased husband to the way, Ellie initiates the relationship by using Fawkes and then lastly, foxes connection to the death of her father and his secret occupation.
They are plenty of secrets between them as these two attempt to create a cozy, fake family together over the holidays… but true characters and devotions come with a little reflection and a belief that you can change your future!
This book started off with a hot and spicy bang and continued to deliver with the delightful characters and engaging relationship drama. This may be my first Caroline Lee romance, but it is definitely not my last!
Big thanks to author Caroline Lee for my gifted copy.
December 30, 2023
Caroline Lee strikes gold again with “The Duke’s Wicked Widow”. This hot and hysterically heartwarming story is the latest in her Surprise Dukes series. A unique set of circumstances lead Lady Danielle Aycock to Fawkes MacMillan’s front door with an unusual request. Sparks fly, suspicions abound, and secrets are revealed as the quest to bring Blackrose to justice continues. Morally grey though he may be, Fawkes MacMillan’s a new book boyfriend for me.
You don’t necessarily have to have read the prior books in the series. The author takes the unique approach of providing the need-to-know deets prior to the start of the story. I love this approach as it doesn’t bloat the new story with repetitive information from previous books. But I guarantee you will want to read them anyway!
I received an ARC copy from the author, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
You don’t necessarily have to have read the prior books in the series. The author takes the unique approach of providing the need-to-know deets prior to the start of the story. I love this approach as it doesn’t bloat the new story with repetitive information from previous books. But I guarantee you will want to read them anyway!
I received an ARC copy from the author, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
December 24, 2023
Caroline, your characters are not necessarily getting better but damn, they are so good in each story. Like they were made for each other. Hehe! This series is so good. You don’t have to read it in order but it helps in figuring out the whys of Blackrose and how each couple helps to thwart his efforts. Fawkes and Ellie – what a beautiful couple. Caroline has made a sympathetic Duke of Death. Yeah, I said it. Fawkes seems like he is on the outside of their little group and doesn’t feel worthy and even feels used but there is a very good reason why he does what he does. I think everyone reading this story will want to give Fawkes a big bear hug. Ellie does and look where it got her. LOVED, LOVED IT!
I received a complimentary copy.
I received a complimentary copy.
December 26, 2023
❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
Scorching hot new Romance from Caroline Lee!
Fawkes MacMillan is a simple man with a secret. He lives in fear of Blackrose’s return. While he waits, he continues to make his potions under the sobriquet The Duke of Death.
Lady Danielle “Ellie” Stoughton Aycock is a widow, a step-mother, and about to become homeless. Everything rests upon her plan to conceive a child and pass them off as her late husband’s offspring. She just needs a willing participant…her late husband’s cousin should do.
Things, however, don’t quite go to plan. Instead, Ellie and Fawkes find their feelings become involved.
Fantastic addition to the Suprise! Dukes series.
Lots of laughs and more steam than a locomotive!!!
Scorching hot new Romance from Caroline Lee!
Fawkes MacMillan is a simple man with a secret. He lives in fear of Blackrose’s return. While he waits, he continues to make his potions under the sobriquet The Duke of Death.
Lady Danielle “Ellie” Stoughton Aycock is a widow, a step-mother, and about to become homeless. Everything rests upon her plan to conceive a child and pass them off as her late husband’s offspring. She just needs a willing participant…her late husband’s cousin should do.
Things, however, don’t quite go to plan. Instead, Ellie and Fawkes find their feelings become involved.
Fantastic addition to the Suprise! Dukes series.
Lots of laughs and more steam than a locomotive!!!
January 2, 2024
Lady Danielle Aycock recently lost her father and now has lost her husband. To save herself and her stepdaughter Merida before they are put out, she came up with the plan to ask Fawkes Macmillan to get her pregnant and pretend it was her late husband, Rufus’s. Fawkes is cousin to Rufus so it would still be in the blood line. As he said no, she was able to persuade him and once she got a taste of what pleasure was like, she wanted more. There is so much between the pages of this story that include secrets, traitor of the Crown, betrayal, romance, and of course the best of all is sweet little Merida. She is so open and holds your heart from the very first time you meet her. I totally enjoyed this story.
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