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Dukes, Rogues & Villains
3 dark historical romances—a duke, a rogue and a villain—all in one SPICY collection.MY DIRTY DUKEViolet knows that her father’s best friend, the Duke of Ravensthorpe, is the most powerful man in all of London with a reputation for sin.
But nothing can stop Violet from wanting to shed her wallflower ways and fulfill her darkest, most forbidden desires…even if it means seducing a man twice her age.••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••SOLD TO THE DUKE
Though she once lived a life of privilege, Lady Eliza is now destitute and desperate to care for her ill sister. She decides to sell the one thing of value she has her virginity.
At the auction, a shocked Duke of Blackwood recognizes Eliza and refuses to allow her to fall into the clutches of a depraved bidder. But his role of noble rescuer is upended when the proud beauty insists on giving him his money's worth...••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••THE GANGSTER'S PRIZE
From a good upstanding family, Isabelle Kelly is dedicated to righting the city’s wrongs. But when her father goes missing, Isabelle knows who is responsible . . . and she will get answers from the devil one way or another.
As the leader of the Hell’s Kitchen Gang, Billy Baxter always gets what he wants. And he’s had his eye on the beautiful Miss Kelly for months. She doesn’t know it yet, but she’s fallen into his world now.
And he has no intention of ever letting her go.••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••These stories were originally published in the I’d Like to F… Duke I’d Like to F…, Rake I’d Like to F…, and Villain I’d Like to F…
But nothing can stop Violet from wanting to shed her wallflower ways and fulfill her darkest, most forbidden desires…even if it means seducing a man twice her age.••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••SOLD TO THE DUKE
Though she once lived a life of privilege, Lady Eliza is now destitute and desperate to care for her ill sister. She decides to sell the one thing of value she has her virginity.
At the auction, a shocked Duke of Blackwood recognizes Eliza and refuses to allow her to fall into the clutches of a depraved bidder. But his role of noble rescuer is upended when the proud beauty insists on giving him his money's worth...••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••THE GANGSTER'S PRIZE
From a good upstanding family, Isabelle Kelly is dedicated to righting the city’s wrongs. But when her father goes missing, Isabelle knows who is responsible . . . and she will get answers from the devil one way or another.
As the leader of the Hell’s Kitchen Gang, Billy Baxter always gets what he wants. And he’s had his eye on the beautiful Miss Kelly for months. She doesn’t know it yet, but she’s fallen into his world now.
And he has no intention of ever letting her go.••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••These stories were originally published in the I’d Like to F… Duke I’d Like to F…, Rake I’d Like to F…, and Villain I’d Like to F…
358 pages, Paperback
Published November 14, 2023
103 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
About the author
Joanna Shupe
29 books2,577 followersWant a free Gilded Age read? Sign up for Joanna's newsletter and receive a link for The Knickerbocker Bride. You'll also be the first to hear about new books and discounts!
http://www.joannashupe.com/newsletter/
USA Today bestselling author JOANNA SHUPE has always loved history, ever since she saw her first Schoolhouse Rock cartoon. Since 2015, her books have appeared on numerous yearly “best of” lists, including Publishers Weekly, The Washington Post, Kirkus Reviews, Kobo, and BookPage.
She currently lives in New Jersey with her two spirited daughters and a dashing husband.
http://www.joannashupe.com/newsletter/
USA Today bestselling author JOANNA SHUPE has always loved history, ever since she saw her first Schoolhouse Rock cartoon. Since 2015, her books have appeared on numerous yearly “best of” lists, including Publishers Weekly, The Washington Post, Kirkus Reviews, Kobo, and BookPage.
She currently lives in New Jersey with her two spirited daughters and a dashing husband.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 21, 2025
I had read all these novellas as part of the "...I'd Like to F" anthologies a while back, and bought this collection when it came out last year. This review is particularly for My Dirty Duke, spurred by Shupe releasing a bonus epilogue to her newsletter subscribers recently. (That said, the other two are also great, I just didn't reread).
The thing that really stood out to me now, because she hadn't published under this pen name before the anthologies came out, is the direct Shupe to Mila Finelli pipeline this novella, and particularly the bonus epilogue chart. My Dirty Duke is a father's best friend with typical Shupe twists of heroine having agency and being the pursuer and knowing her power. There is a LARGE age gap, and the hero is pining, of course, and even tries a (couple of times) the old "If he could touch and kiss her just once more, that would be enough to get her out of his head." Sure Jan. Its fantastic and Shupe really turns the heat level up to Finelli on the dial.
The epilogue is where the Finelli aspect really shines though. Max and Violet really channel their inner Emma and Giacomo from Mafia Virgin with a particular interest unlocked (two, actually). Shupe is consistent as both authors in having her FMCs have agency, and their happiness not solely reliant on their HEA. Here, Violet misses Max after their third act breakup but she'll be ok. He very much isn't.
This novella collection is great, and if you like it, and you haven't yet, I urge you to read the Finelli books. I don't like mafia as a genre, but very much have the Finelli Exception (tm) and just hand wave off a little light kidnapping and violence when she writes it.
The thing that really stood out to me now, because she hadn't published under this pen name before the anthologies came out, is the direct Shupe to Mila Finelli pipeline this novella, and particularly the bonus epilogue chart. My Dirty Duke is a father's best friend with typical Shupe twists of heroine having agency and being the pursuer and knowing her power. There is a LARGE age gap, and the hero is pining, of course, and even tries a (couple of times) the old "If he could touch and kiss her just once more, that would be enough to get her out of his head." Sure Jan. Its fantastic and Shupe really turns the heat level up to Finelli on the dial.
The epilogue is where the Finelli aspect really shines though. Max and Violet really channel their inner Emma and Giacomo from Mafia Virgin with a particular interest unlocked (two, actually). Shupe is consistent as both authors in having her FMCs have agency, and their happiness not solely reliant on their HEA. Here, Violet misses Max after their third act breakup but she'll be ok. He very much isn't.
This novella collection is great, and if you like it, and you haven't yet, I urge you to read the Finelli books. I don't like mafia as a genre, but very much have the Finelli Exception (tm) and just hand wave off a little light kidnapping and violence when she writes it.
January 10, 2026
Joanna Shupe has officially made it to my favorite author list. She has even convinced me on dark romance. I loved each novella and wished they were each a full length book 🥲
4 🌶️/5
4 🌶️/5
October 5, 2024
Shoutout to my SIL who bought me this book for Christmas last year! I can’t believe I waited so long to read it, it was so good!!! It lives in my head rent free now.
This was 3 novellas in one perfect book. The first one is an age gap romance where a new debutant is enamored with her dad’s best friend who is a Duke. The second one is a brother’s best friend romance however the brother is no long alive, the FMC and her sister are put out on the street and now the FMC must put herself up for auction to survive. And last but definitely not least 😏😏 and gangster of New York is “approaches” by a politician’s daughter for help. He intends to help her all right 🥵
So good! Highly recommend!
This was 3 novellas in one perfect book. The first one is an age gap romance where a new debutant is enamored with her dad’s best friend who is a Duke. The second one is a brother’s best friend romance however the brother is no long alive, the FMC and her sister are put out on the street and now the FMC must put herself up for auction to survive. And last but definitely not least 😏😏 and gangster of New York is “approaches” by a politician’s daughter for help. He intends to help her all right 🥵
So good! Highly recommend!
April 26, 2024
This was spicy and hot!!! 3 short stories with 3 different couples. All nice and spicy with good descriptions and decent stories! I wish there was more with both Max and Violet and Lucien and Eliza. They both were my favorite stories. The last story with Isabelle and Baxter just didn't hit the spot like the other two. Still, I enjoyed all the stories and how 🌶🌶 they were!!
November 22, 2024
5 ⭐️
Joanna Shupe is the absolute queen of writing regency/victorian bad boys and the most delicious dirty talk, and this anthology does not disappoint on either front. Each hero is the perfect blend of sexy asshole and protective Prince Charming- it's INSANE how excellently she nails this. Obviously this anthology is very spicy and has some dark romance elements, so if that's your thing, buckle up, friends! It's also perfect if you're looking for a quick read as each story is a standalone novella. The beauty of this format is that it can get right into the heart of the story (and the romance/sexiness let's be honest) and keep it focused since it's such a short chapter count. Mostly this works in series when characters are established from other books and you don't need as much character work. But Shupe nails these stand-alones so amazingly and these characters feel so fleshed out even in the limited time we have with them.
My Dirty Duke - 4 ⭐️
💜 father's-best-friend
💜 older MMC
💜 pining FMC
🌶️ steamy photography
This was my first father's-best-friend story, and I'm still unsure about how I feel about that. I liked it better than I thought I would and the ick factor ended up being pretty minimal. The age-gap is a thing and not typically a thing that bothers me, but when the MMC talks about knowing the FMC as a baby.....ew. That said, I was able to compartmentalize and THANK GOD because these two were hot as hell. The dirty talk was SUPREME!
Sold to the Duke - 4.5 ⭐️
💜 late brother's-best-friend
💜 childhood crush
💜 virginity auction
🌶️ there's a ruler
This one was really fun since the characters have a relationship and backstory already based on their childhood and Lucien's relationship with Eliza's brother. Lucien is a slut and I love how early that is established with his two mistresses (who also turned into absolute gems). His character seems more complicated than initially let on and I appreciate when the rake has a secret reason why he's a sloot- and it's clear this is because Lucien feels guilt over his best friend's death. Eliza is a bit of an interesting character and I love how independent and passionate she is about remaining so and taking care of her little sister. It's even better that she's thirsty as hell, particularly for Lucien, so it's not so much of a hardship to give him her virginity. The third-act-break-up was resolved nicely and I think Shupe does such a great job of giving her FMCs happy endings that go beyond just getting the man. And this didn't disappoint in that way- plus, it was hella romantic how endlessly supportive Lucien was of Eliza.
The Gangster's Prize - 5 ⭐️
💜 gangster x politician's-daughter
💜 NYC Gilded Age
💜 bargain
🌶️ good girl
This was my favorite in the anthology and probably the one I'll go back to and read again when I'm looking for this particular brand of spice! Bax is the leader of a powerful gang and pretty much runs the streets of NYC, but before that, when he was rising through the ranks, he saw a young girl in a carriage (Isabelle) who he calls an angel. I love this little nugget of history between the two that adds that extra element while still being believable in their two roles- her as the daughter of a do-gooder politician and him a kid on the streets trying to lead them. Isabelle comes to him in the current day because she believes he's responsible for her father's kidnapping. He's not, but he'll make sure her dad stays safe and help her find him if she does what he asks....after some negotiations, their bargain begins. I absolutely LOVED that her flashing him her racy French lingerie was enough to intrigue him into helping her out. God, I love a Shupe confident, girly heroine with a secret dirty side ready to escape and a bad boy with the key. Who is also so easily bated by some sexy lace. And when you find out Isabelle not only wants to wear sexy lingerie but wants to design & sell it to make other women feel beautiful- chef's kiss! Again, Shupe bringing us heroines with another defining purpose is always more interesting.
Joanna Shupe is the absolute queen of writing regency/victorian bad boys and the most delicious dirty talk, and this anthology does not disappoint on either front. Each hero is the perfect blend of sexy asshole and protective Prince Charming- it's INSANE how excellently she nails this. Obviously this anthology is very spicy and has some dark romance elements, so if that's your thing, buckle up, friends! It's also perfect if you're looking for a quick read as each story is a standalone novella. The beauty of this format is that it can get right into the heart of the story (and the romance/sexiness let's be honest) and keep it focused since it's such a short chapter count. Mostly this works in series when characters are established from other books and you don't need as much character work. But Shupe nails these stand-alones so amazingly and these characters feel so fleshed out even in the limited time we have with them.
My Dirty Duke - 4 ⭐️
💜 father's-best-friend
💜 older MMC
💜 pining FMC
🌶️ steamy photography
This was my first father's-best-friend story, and I'm still unsure about how I feel about that. I liked it better than I thought I would and the ick factor ended up being pretty minimal. The age-gap is a thing and not typically a thing that bothers me, but when the MMC talks about knowing the FMC as a baby.....ew. That said, I was able to compartmentalize and THANK GOD because these two were hot as hell. The dirty talk was SUPREME!
Sold to the Duke - 4.5 ⭐️
💜 late brother's-best-friend
💜 childhood crush
💜 virginity auction
🌶️ there's a ruler
This one was really fun since the characters have a relationship and backstory already based on their childhood and Lucien's relationship with Eliza's brother. Lucien is a slut and I love how early that is established with his two mistresses (who also turned into absolute gems). His character seems more complicated than initially let on and I appreciate when the rake has a secret reason why he's a sloot- and it's clear this is because Lucien feels guilt over his best friend's death. Eliza is a bit of an interesting character and I love how independent and passionate she is about remaining so and taking care of her little sister. It's even better that she's thirsty as hell, particularly for Lucien, so it's not so much of a hardship to give him her virginity. The third-act-break-up was resolved nicely and I think Shupe does such a great job of giving her FMCs happy endings that go beyond just getting the man. And this didn't disappoint in that way- plus, it was hella romantic how endlessly supportive Lucien was of Eliza.
The Gangster's Prize - 5 ⭐️
💜 gangster x politician's-daughter
💜 NYC Gilded Age
💜 bargain
🌶️ good girl
This was my favorite in the anthology and probably the one I'll go back to and read again when I'm looking for this particular brand of spice! Bax is the leader of a powerful gang and pretty much runs the streets of NYC, but before that, when he was rising through the ranks, he saw a young girl in a carriage (Isabelle) who he calls an angel. I love this little nugget of history between the two that adds that extra element while still being believable in their two roles- her as the daughter of a do-gooder politician and him a kid on the streets trying to lead them. Isabelle comes to him in the current day because she believes he's responsible for her father's kidnapping. He's not, but he'll make sure her dad stays safe and help her find him if she does what he asks....after some negotiations, their bargain begins. I absolutely LOVED that her flashing him her racy French lingerie was enough to intrigue him into helping her out. God, I love a Shupe confident, girly heroine with a secret dirty side ready to escape and a bad boy with the key. Who is also so easily bated by some sexy lace. And when you find out Isabelle not only wants to wear sexy lingerie but wants to design & sell it to make other women feel beautiful- chef's kiss! Again, Shupe bringing us heroines with another defining purpose is always more interesting.
June 29, 2024
My Dirty Duke...
Steamy novella, heroine gets her Duke. This story is full of forbidden desire and I love an age-gap romance so big tick all round.
Sold to the Duke...
An entertaining novella, I enjoyed the story. Eliza and Lucien are interesting characters, they learn to trust and love passionately, finding their happily ever after.
The Gangster's Prize...
A short entertaining novella, good girl meets gangster. I enjoyed the story and characters, Belle and Billy have an instant connection, and hot chemistry.
Steamy novella, heroine gets her Duke. This story is full of forbidden desire and I love an age-gap romance so big tick all round.
Sold to the Duke...
An entertaining novella, I enjoyed the story. Eliza and Lucien are interesting characters, they learn to trust and love passionately, finding their happily ever after.
The Gangster's Prize...
A short entertaining novella, good girl meets gangster. I enjoyed the story and characters, Belle and Billy have an instant connection, and hot chemistry.
July 22, 2024
Collection of three novella length stories, all previously published separately or in other collections. These were a nice change of pace for me, and I enjoyed all three. I felt all did a great job of character and plot development, within the limitations of the novella format, until the endings. For me, the endings felt abrupt, and I wanted more. I'd read a full length novel for any of these. This is the first work I've read from this author, but I would read again.
June 13, 2025
Take my review with a grain of salt, for personal reasons I think it didnt work for me. The petty reasons include no Oxford commas in the title and using "elevator" instead of "lift" in an English setting.
I would recommend for those who are looking for that 3-level sex scene progression in about 100 page stories. The pace is quick due to each couple having a character that spent years pining after the other in secret to somewhat avoid instalove.
I would recommend for those who are looking for that 3-level sex scene progression in about 100 page stories. The pace is quick due to each couple having a character that spent years pining after the other in secret to somewhat avoid instalove.
September 4, 2024
*4.5*
My Dirty Duke - 3
Wack but like I had a good time.
Sold to the Duke - 5
Literally Obsesssssssed with this. Absolutely yes.
The Gangster's Prize - 5
Absolutely wack but I was 100% there for it.
My Dirty Duke - 3
Wack but like I had a good time.
Sold to the Duke - 5
Literally Obsesssssssed with this. Absolutely yes.
The Gangster's Prize - 5
Absolutely wack but I was 100% there for it.
November 21, 2023
Mafia, age gap, virgin heroines, there are loads in these stories you need read!
September 28, 2024
Loved it
October 14, 2024
Review to follow
April 5, 2025
This book is 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 love all three stories. Will reread for sure
June 28, 2024
My Dirty Duke - 2 stars
Sold to the Duke - 3 stars
The Gangster’s Prize -3 stars
Sold to the Duke - 3 stars
The Gangster’s Prize -3 stars
November 21, 2023
Mafia, age gap, virgin heroines, there are loads in these stories you need read!
November 21, 2023
Mafia, age gap, virgin heroines, there are loads in these stories you need read!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews