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The Wickeds #2
Devil of a Duke
An alternative cover edition for this ASIN can be found here.
Jemma Manning is not like most young ladies. She’s reckless. Opinionated. Eccentric. Her father has very firm ideas about her behavior. Stop wearing breeches. Don’t carry a brace of pistols on your person. Be demure. Fortunately for Nick Shepherd, Jemma does none of those things.
A mysterious stranger.
When she comes to the aid of Mr. Shepherd, Jemma soon regrets her charity. The man is rude. Arrogant. And a fortune hunter. Jemma finds her attraction to him unwarranted especially since he’s not at all appreciative that she’s rescued him from certain death.
Nick’s life was never in danger and he certainly didn’t need rescuing from some snippy boy named Jem. At least Nick thinks his savior was a boy. The bloody eye-patch he’s forced to wear impacts his sight. And the piece of leather itches in the heat. He hates Bermuda. The damned place is full of intrigue and mosquitoes. The sooner he sniffs out the man he’s searching for, the better.
A dangerous attraction.
When Nick meets his savior again, she’s wearing a dress and nearly betrothed to the Lord Governor’s son. Jemma is reckless and defiant with a wild nature that matches his own. The passion between them is undeniable. When he leaves Bermuda, he’s taking Jemma with him. She won’t go quietly. Kidnapping seems the most viable option.
Nick has finally found the thing he loves most, but will he destroy Jemma for the sake of revenge?
Book 2 in the Wickeds series
Jemma Manning is not like most young ladies. She’s reckless. Opinionated. Eccentric. Her father has very firm ideas about her behavior. Stop wearing breeches. Don’t carry a brace of pistols on your person. Be demure. Fortunately for Nick Shepherd, Jemma does none of those things.
A mysterious stranger.
When she comes to the aid of Mr. Shepherd, Jemma soon regrets her charity. The man is rude. Arrogant. And a fortune hunter. Jemma finds her attraction to him unwarranted especially since he’s not at all appreciative that she’s rescued him from certain death.
Nick’s life was never in danger and he certainly didn’t need rescuing from some snippy boy named Jem. At least Nick thinks his savior was a boy. The bloody eye-patch he’s forced to wear impacts his sight. And the piece of leather itches in the heat. He hates Bermuda. The damned place is full of intrigue and mosquitoes. The sooner he sniffs out the man he’s searching for, the better.
A dangerous attraction.
When Nick meets his savior again, she’s wearing a dress and nearly betrothed to the Lord Governor’s son. Jemma is reckless and defiant with a wild nature that matches his own. The passion between them is undeniable. When he leaves Bermuda, he’s taking Jemma with him. She won’t go quietly. Kidnapping seems the most viable option.
Nick has finally found the thing he loves most, but will he destroy Jemma for the sake of revenge?
Book 2 in the Wickeds series
251 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 27, 2023
743 people are currently reading
281 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen Ayers
41 books632 followersKathleen Ayers has been a hopeful romantic since the tender age of fourteen when she first purchased a copy of Sweet Savage Love at a garage sale while her mother was looking at antique animal planters. Since then she’s read hundreds of historical romances and fallen in love dozens of times. In particular she adores handsome, slightly damaged men with a wicked sense of humor. On paper, of course.
Kathleen lives in Houston and is married with one college aged son and two very spoiled dogs.
Kathleen lives in Houston and is married with one college aged son and two very spoiled dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
January 5, 2020
2.5 Stars – Nothing Like the Book Prior to It
For Nick Shepherd, his arrival in Bermuda is all about revenge on those who helped ensure he and his sister were tarnished with the label of being children of a traitor, what he doesn’t count on is his feelings and attraction for wealthy heiress Jemma (Jem), who since childhood has been promised to the Lord Governor's son – a man I disliked form the get go.
There were some comments and actions, especially when he was trying to persuade Jemma to marry him, that his words/actions could have been much better, , I get they were in middle of an argument, but it just didn’t work for me, especially as he never says sorry.
Overall, I found myself really dissatisfied with this story, some of Nick's actions/words were more than a little disappointing and Jemma didn't show the fire I was hoping for in the latter half of the book. I didn’t find myself eagerly flipping through the pages.
Potential Triggers:
Acquired via KU.
For Nick Shepherd, his arrival in Bermuda is all about revenge on those who helped ensure he and his sister were tarnished with the label of being children of a traitor, what he doesn’t count on is his feelings and attraction for wealthy heiress Jemma (Jem), who since childhood has been promised to the Lord Governor's son – a man I disliked form the get go.
There were some comments and actions, especially when he was trying to persuade Jemma to marry him, that his words/actions could have been much better, , I get they were in middle of an argument, but it just didn’t work for me, especially as he never says sorry.
Overall, I found myself really dissatisfied with this story, some of Nick's actions/words were more than a little disappointing and Jemma didn't show the fire I was hoping for in the latter half of the book. I didn’t find myself eagerly flipping through the pages.
Potential Triggers:
Acquired via KU.
June 4, 2020
Hated the characters - 2*
I started this series because I wanted to read book 4. The couple for that book are present in this one and I enjoyed them even though Arabella is a stone cold bitch. Too bad I could not enjoy the main characters for this book at all. Nick was quite nice in book 1. Here he is awful. And while Jemma is a good strong character she was also quite unpleasant. Add in repetitive writing and numerous editing issues and I finished the book irritated. It left me scared of starting book 3.
I started this series because I wanted to read book 4. The couple for that book are present in this one and I enjoyed them even though Arabella is a stone cold bitch. Too bad I could not enjoy the main characters for this book at all. Nick was quite nice in book 1. Here he is awful. And while Jemma is a good strong character she was also quite unpleasant. Add in repetitive writing and numerous editing issues and I finished the book irritated. It left me scared of starting book 3.
May 10, 2021
Another wonderfully thrilling read! This had it all, I have been engrossed from start to finish.
I highly recommend this author and her fabulous stories.
I highly recommend this author and her fabulous stories.
July 10, 2017
For more of my reviews, please visit my blog, As the Book Ends
First, I will say that the blurb for Devil of a Duke is a touch misleading. Though it does offer the basic premise of the romance readers should expect, it does nothing to highlight the drama and adventure this book offers. Devil of a Duke is absolutely packed with intrigue, politics and a fair share of fighting. As I don't want to spoil the plot for anyone, I'll leave it at that, but take my word for it - this novel is by no means packed with dances and frilly dresses. In fact, Jem, the female lead prefers wearing breeches and shooting a pistol to gossiping and embroidery. If that doesn't catch your interest in a Regency Romance, I honestly don't know what will.
The love between Jem and Nick is quick to form, something that normally bothers me in a novel but didn't in this particular one. Their short seduction ties in to a larger plot that I found quite enjoyable, and rife with tension and angst. That being said, I did feel as though the romance in Devil of a Duke was a touch lacking following the first book in the series, Wicked's Scandal - Alex and Sutton's chemistry was just so explosive and passionate that I imagine it will be hard to top moving forward. (I can't wait to see Kathleen Ayers try though, she certainly knows how to write men that women fall in love with).
As previously mentioned, there is plenty of action to be found in Devil of a Duke and the pacing is just right. I flew through this book. In fact, I absolutely devoured it. It contains believable and absolutely hateable (not a word, oh well) villains. Ayers not only has a talent for writing leading men, she is fantastic at writing villains for her readers to hate. In both books of the series, the villain's identities surprised me, and I was astounded at the lengths they would take to achieve their deplorable goals.
My Takeaway: Alright, alright, I will stop gushing over Kathleen Ayers, undoubtedly one of my new favorite regency romance authors, and simply end my review with this: even if you're not particularly a fan of the genre, the Wickeds series is worth giving a shot. I laughed, I cried, I gasped in shock, and I am dying to do it all over again when her next book comes out.
First, I will say that the blurb for Devil of a Duke is a touch misleading. Though it does offer the basic premise of the romance readers should expect, it does nothing to highlight the drama and adventure this book offers. Devil of a Duke is absolutely packed with intrigue, politics and a fair share of fighting. As I don't want to spoil the plot for anyone, I'll leave it at that, but take my word for it - this novel is by no means packed with dances and frilly dresses. In fact, Jem, the female lead prefers wearing breeches and shooting a pistol to gossiping and embroidery. If that doesn't catch your interest in a Regency Romance, I honestly don't know what will.
The love between Jem and Nick is quick to form, something that normally bothers me in a novel but didn't in this particular one. Their short seduction ties in to a larger plot that I found quite enjoyable, and rife with tension and angst. That being said, I did feel as though the romance in Devil of a Duke was a touch lacking following the first book in the series, Wicked's Scandal - Alex and Sutton's chemistry was just so explosive and passionate that I imagine it will be hard to top moving forward. (I can't wait to see Kathleen Ayers try though, she certainly knows how to write men that women fall in love with).
As previously mentioned, there is plenty of action to be found in Devil of a Duke and the pacing is just right. I flew through this book. In fact, I absolutely devoured it. It contains believable and absolutely hateable (not a word, oh well) villains. Ayers not only has a talent for writing leading men, she is fantastic at writing villains for her readers to hate. In both books of the series, the villain's identities surprised me, and I was astounded at the lengths they would take to achieve their deplorable goals.
My Takeaway: Alright, alright, I will stop gushing over Kathleen Ayers, undoubtedly one of my new favorite regency romance authors, and simply end my review with this: even if you're not particularly a fan of the genre, the Wickeds series is worth giving a shot. I laughed, I cried, I gasped in shock, and I am dying to do it all over again when her next book comes out.
March 6, 2016
Don't judge a book by it's two star rating. This could have really benefited from a good editor to tighten things up and make the plot more cohesive. However, it still managed to be an entertaining page turner. It definitely fizzles towards the ending (plot becomes strained and the characters lose their bite), but the Devil of a Duke is so reminiscent of old school romance novels straight out of the 80s and 90s that I can't help but enjoy the melodrama and crazy plot twists.
This exchange happens at one point between Jemma and Nick:
“You wish to marry me, then so be it. I understand that most marriages of the ton are simply conveniences. I shall flirt and dance and flit about. I will cuckold you at the first opportunity. Thanks to you, I enjoy thoroughly the pleasures of the bedroom. You've taught me to be a most competent whore. . . ”
“You will marry me and bear my children. You will not behave as a whore unless it is in our bedroom. Should you defy me or seek to play me false, I will destroy you and your family. The entire nest of rats. . . You think me unkind? Damned? You have no idea. Get up, you look like a bawdy house slut.”
Overbearing, borderline stalker hero. Sassy, willful heroine with a traitorous body. Over the top, certifiable villains. The greatest novel ever written? No. But a fun read? Heck yes!
This exchange happens at one point between Jemma and Nick:
“You wish to marry me, then so be it. I understand that most marriages of the ton are simply conveniences. I shall flirt and dance and flit about. I will cuckold you at the first opportunity. Thanks to you, I enjoy thoroughly the pleasures of the bedroom. You've taught me to be a most competent whore. . . ”
“You will marry me and bear my children. You will not behave as a whore unless it is in our bedroom. Should you defy me or seek to play me false, I will destroy you and your family. The entire nest of rats. . . You think me unkind? Damned? You have no idea. Get up, you look like a bawdy house slut.”
Overbearing, borderline stalker hero. Sassy, willful heroine with a traitorous body. Over the top, certifiable villains. The greatest novel ever written? No. But a fun read? Heck yes!
July 11, 2020
DECEPTION & LIES, LOVE, JUMPING TO CONCLUSIONS
5 STARS continues on this series tradition as being a great Regency Historical Era Drama to read. Filled with mystery being one of those you want to read without putting down, great big hunny sexy men with souls of romance & love every woman would like to meet. Book 2 as well as Book 1 are just reads if you love Regency! Recommend
5 STARS continues on this series tradition as being a great Regency Historical Era Drama to read. Filled with mystery being one of those you want to read without putting down, great big hunny sexy men with souls of romance & love every woman would like to meet. Book 2 as well as Book 1 are just reads if you love Regency! Recommend
December 1, 2020
Yikes. The end of this book made me giddy because everyone got what they deserved except for the one fellow. Yeah, where did he get to?
August 7, 2021
Not bad. This book keeps you wondering what will happen next.
January 5, 2022
This one was a great comfort book. Finished in a few hours, very easy to read.
May 22, 2022
4 stars. This book was all over the place! Multiple settings, multiple twists. After reading this one, I really want to see the sister grow so I’m skipping to book 4.
October 9, 2023
CW:
Well, this book was rough.
Compared to the previous one in the series, this story was rather dull and it took me so very long to power through to finish it.
The plot itself was not that bad, but the way the events unfolded made it really difficult to read through. There were some fun moments at the beginning – I liked that some of the plot took place in Bermuda and I enjoyed the set up for Arabella’s (the hero’s sister) book – but, by the end, the story felt too stretched out and the climax underwhelming.
It also absolutely didn’t help, that there was almost no real chemistry between the main couple.
Yes, Jemma and Nick fell in lust with each other pretty quickly (or, almost instantly…). The book constantly reminded us how hot they are for each other, and don’t get me wrong – there are pretty nice sex scenes thrown here and there - but throughout the book neither hero nor the heroine seemed to actually like the other.
Maybe if they were likable as a standalone characters the lack of chemistry wouldn’t be so noticeable, sadly both of them were pretty meh. Which was a little surprising, because I liked Nick in the previous book; his cameo made me interested in him as a character, in his past and what motivated him to put in motion his plan of revenge on the Manning family. As for Jemma, she just seemed to be your averaged “unconventional (tomboy-ish) heroine in a historical romance”, which means she liked to wear breeches and knew how to shot pistols.
This book also had a weirdly harsh language used to describe heroine’s assumed promiscuity??? Not to mention some scenes of abuse from Jemma’s first fiancée… Like I’ve said, this book was rough in places.
I’m currently reading the third book in this series, My Wicked Earl, and it’s so, so much better. Honestly, if you want to read The Wickeds in order, just skip Devil of a Duke and go straight to Colin and Miranda’s story.
2/5 stars
Well, this book was rough.
Compared to the previous one in the series, this story was rather dull and it took me so very long to power through to finish it.
The plot itself was not that bad, but the way the events unfolded made it really difficult to read through. There were some fun moments at the beginning – I liked that some of the plot took place in Bermuda and I enjoyed the set up for Arabella’s (the hero’s sister) book – but, by the end, the story felt too stretched out and the climax underwhelming.
It also absolutely didn’t help, that there was almost no real chemistry between the main couple.
Yes, Jemma and Nick fell in lust with each other pretty quickly (or, almost instantly…). The book constantly reminded us how hot they are for each other, and don’t get me wrong – there are pretty nice sex scenes thrown here and there - but throughout the book neither hero nor the heroine seemed to actually like the other.
Maybe if they were likable as a standalone characters the lack of chemistry wouldn’t be so noticeable, sadly both of them were pretty meh. Which was a little surprising, because I liked Nick in the previous book; his cameo made me interested in him as a character, in his past and what motivated him to put in motion his plan of revenge on the Manning family. As for Jemma, she just seemed to be your averaged “unconventional (tomboy-ish) heroine in a historical romance”, which means she liked to wear breeches and knew how to shot pistols.
This book also had a weirdly harsh language used to describe heroine’s assumed promiscuity??? Not to mention some scenes of abuse from Jemma’s first fiancée… Like I’ve said, this book was rough in places.
I’m currently reading the third book in this series, My Wicked Earl, and it’s so, so much better. Honestly, if you want to read The Wickeds in order, just skip Devil of a Duke and go straight to Colin and Miranda’s story.
2/5 stars
February 2, 2026
Okay so a lot of problems would have been solved were the people in the book just... communicate.
I know it is essential for romance book to have some miscommunication but this seemed so unnecessary and frankly annoying. Why would you just not say anything so that she can be supermad and then eventually tell her because you were planning all along? UGH
I did not care for Jem. I did not care for Nick. Frankly I don't know why they liked each other because they meet like 2 times before they are madly in love, grieving for a year etc. What?
I found the DEVIL OF .... so supercringy. What was so devilish about him? He was big so what. His eyes are weird so what. Nothing about his character screams devil to me.
The villains in this book were really.. villain-ing. It was a bit over the top.
I found myself caring more about other characters (Arabella, Colin, Rowden etc) than Jem and Nick.
In the end I was quite mad at Nick and Jem and I pitied Arabella. Obviously it was kinda unfortunetely that Jem almost got killed but from Arabella's point of view I get it? Maybe COMMUNICATE with one another.
Okay rant over
I know it is essential for romance book to have some miscommunication but this seemed so unnecessary and frankly annoying. Why would you just not say anything so that she can be supermad and then eventually tell her because you were planning all along? UGH
I did not care for Jem. I did not care for Nick. Frankly I don't know why they liked each other because they meet like 2 times before they are madly in love, grieving for a year etc. What?
I found the DEVIL OF .... so supercringy. What was so devilish about him? He was big so what. His eyes are weird so what. Nothing about his character screams devil to me.
The villains in this book were really.. villain-ing. It was a bit over the top.
I found myself caring more about other characters (Arabella, Colin, Rowden etc) than Jem and Nick.
In the end I was quite mad at Nick and Jem and I pitied Arabella. Obviously it was kinda unfortunetely that Jem almost got killed but from Arabella's point of view I get it? Maybe COMMUNICATE with one another.
Okay rant over
March 30, 2024
5⭐️
SO, I read Wickedly Your’s Book 4 before this and NOW I really get everything.
I’m happy to say I still like Arabella even after really getting a vision of what she did to Jem. Horrible still.
But oh my god, this was just so good. Kathleen Ayers truly became one of my all time favorite authors. I am just amazed by her creativity and her ability to really get me hooked within the first few minutes of reading. I salivate at the thought of her future stories. 😂
Disguised as “Nick Shepard”, Nicholas Tremaine, Viscount Lindley makes his way to Bermuda bent on revenge. He’s on a mission to find the two men who have committed treason over 20 years ago. The blame for that treason was put on his father, which then ultimately caused his father to take his own life thus creating the downfall of the entire family.
When Nick is attacked in Bermuda on first arrival, he is saved by a small boy by the name of Jem.
Jem, is actually Jemma— Jane Emily Mannings, daughter to one of those traitors who Nick is looking for. Jemma is known on the island of Bermuda for being reckless and unlady like. She wears breeches, fishes, rides astride and shoots guns. She is getting close to getting engaged to her long time friend Augie Corbett, who is the son of the Govener of Bermuda and the other traitor. Jem has zero desire to marry as she knows all the freedom she has will vanish once she becomes a wife.
But once Nick realizes Jem is actually jemma, not only is he unexpectedly drawn to her, but he now has his leverage for his revenge. Ruin the lives of the traitors.
As he begins to squeeze himself into Jemma’s life, their mutual attraction for one another starts to outweigh Nick’s plan of revenge. When he ultimately “ruins” Jemma, Nick goes to confront her traitorous father who has been living with the guilt of what he’s done for the last 20 years. He just needs their confession to clear the name of his family, once he gets it, he’ll return to England with Jemma by his side. Jemma overhears the tail end of the sinister conversation between Nick and both traitors, Mannings and Corbett. Finding out she was just a pawn in his plan to extract revenge.
The intensity of the confrontation ultimately causes Jemma’s father to drop dead.
While Nick goes to try and find Jemma to explain himself, he’s kidnapped and dragged to be “fed by the sharks”. Knowing that Nick, “The Devil of Dunbar” is more valuable alive then dead, his attackers spare his life. Once he returns to England, he learns he is the new Duke of Dunbar as his grandfather has passed away.
While this is happening, Jemma is just goin through it. She’s grieving the loss of her father, heartbroken for falling in love with Nick who just used her and is facing the wrath of the Corbett family because of her ruination. Labeled a whore and mentally unstable, the Corbett’s continue to try and force Jemma to marry Augie in order to gain Jemma’s family’s land. The Corbetts are poooor.
But she does not want to, causing the Corbett family to go ballistic. These people that she has called family have become abusive and evil to her. Augie, her once close friend, begins to threaten her if they don’t marry causing him to hit her and almost attempt to rape Jemma.
With the help of her fathers long time friend, Tally finds documents that will secure Jemma’s safety.
Putting her on a ship bound for London, Tally’s plan is to make it look as if Jemma has jumped off the cliffs.
At this time, Nick is dealing with the death of his grandfather and sends someone to Bermuda to get Jemma for him. But he is then informed that Jemma killed herself and loses his mind. Blaming himself for her death.
As one year passes, Nick, the Duke of Dunbar finally emerges from a long depression over Jem’s death and realizes he must start acting like a Duke. He must do his duties to marry and produce an heir.
Jemma is living with her cousins, more content, but still desperately missing Nick, knowing that she will never see him again.
When Jemma is introduced to her cousin’s potential husband the Duke of Dunbar — Nick, she faints at the sight of him.
Dealing with Jemma’s death had ruined Nick, but seeing her right in front of him, he knows that he can now never let her go. They will marry.
Still angry at him for her ruination and leaving her, Jemma wants nothing to do with Nick, even if she still desperately loves him.
When they eventually come together after weeks of arguments and deception, they realize they can’t be away from each other ever again.
A few days before their wedding, Jemma is kidnapped by the Corbetts who have eventually found her by way of Arabella, Nick’s sister. Finding out that Jemma’s father was part of the downfall of her parent’s, Arabella will do what it takes to separate Nick and Jemma.
OOOOOOOKKKKKAAAYYYY. This book broke my heart, put it back together and then broke it again, put it back together a bit.. then broke it again because it ended. Oh boy, my f’in heart. I loved Nick. He was a douche at points, but oh my god, I would kill to have a man love me as much as he loved Jemma.
He said some pretty messed up things when they got into a fight, but that was just in retaliation from the messed up things Jemma had said to him in anger.
But oh my goddddd, when Nick said:
“I thought you were lost to me. That I had destroyed the thing I love most. I think the worst was the knowledge that you died thinking I used you and discarded you after that day on the beach. My heart—”
I lost my damn MIND. I couldn’t stop crying— I’m crying while even typing this out. Ugh right in the heart.
Good writing, goooood writing ❤️
AS for Arabella— I stand by what I wrote when I read Wickedly Your’s, she’s a bitch, but I like her. I can see why everyone in the reviews from that book were kinda on the fence with her and her story, but I’m glad I read that first.
SO, I read Wickedly Your’s Book 4 before this and NOW I really get everything.
I’m happy to say I still like Arabella even after really getting a vision of what she did to Jem. Horrible still.
But oh my god, this was just so good. Kathleen Ayers truly became one of my all time favorite authors. I am just amazed by her creativity and her ability to really get me hooked within the first few minutes of reading. I salivate at the thought of her future stories. 😂
Disguised as “Nick Shepard”, Nicholas Tremaine, Viscount Lindley makes his way to Bermuda bent on revenge. He’s on a mission to find the two men who have committed treason over 20 years ago. The blame for that treason was put on his father, which then ultimately caused his father to take his own life thus creating the downfall of the entire family.
When Nick is attacked in Bermuda on first arrival, he is saved by a small boy by the name of Jem.
Jem, is actually Jemma— Jane Emily Mannings, daughter to one of those traitors who Nick is looking for. Jemma is known on the island of Bermuda for being reckless and unlady like. She wears breeches, fishes, rides astride and shoots guns. She is getting close to getting engaged to her long time friend Augie Corbett, who is the son of the Govener of Bermuda and the other traitor. Jem has zero desire to marry as she knows all the freedom she has will vanish once she becomes a wife.
But once Nick realizes Jem is actually jemma, not only is he unexpectedly drawn to her, but he now has his leverage for his revenge. Ruin the lives of the traitors.
As he begins to squeeze himself into Jemma’s life, their mutual attraction for one another starts to outweigh Nick’s plan of revenge. When he ultimately “ruins” Jemma, Nick goes to confront her traitorous father who has been living with the guilt of what he’s done for the last 20 years. He just needs their confession to clear the name of his family, once he gets it, he’ll return to England with Jemma by his side. Jemma overhears the tail end of the sinister conversation between Nick and both traitors, Mannings and Corbett. Finding out she was just a pawn in his plan to extract revenge.
The intensity of the confrontation ultimately causes Jemma’s father to drop dead.
While Nick goes to try and find Jemma to explain himself, he’s kidnapped and dragged to be “fed by the sharks”. Knowing that Nick, “The Devil of Dunbar” is more valuable alive then dead, his attackers spare his life. Once he returns to England, he learns he is the new Duke of Dunbar as his grandfather has passed away.
While this is happening, Jemma is just goin through it. She’s grieving the loss of her father, heartbroken for falling in love with Nick who just used her and is facing the wrath of the Corbett family because of her ruination. Labeled a whore and mentally unstable, the Corbett’s continue to try and force Jemma to marry Augie in order to gain Jemma’s family’s land. The Corbetts are poooor.
But she does not want to, causing the Corbett family to go ballistic. These people that she has called family have become abusive and evil to her. Augie, her once close friend, begins to threaten her if they don’t marry causing him to hit her and almost attempt to rape Jemma.
With the help of her fathers long time friend, Tally finds documents that will secure Jemma’s safety.
Putting her on a ship bound for London, Tally’s plan is to make it look as if Jemma has jumped off the cliffs.
At this time, Nick is dealing with the death of his grandfather and sends someone to Bermuda to get Jemma for him. But he is then informed that Jemma killed herself and loses his mind. Blaming himself for her death.
As one year passes, Nick, the Duke of Dunbar finally emerges from a long depression over Jem’s death and realizes he must start acting like a Duke. He must do his duties to marry and produce an heir.
Jemma is living with her cousins, more content, but still desperately missing Nick, knowing that she will never see him again.
When Jemma is introduced to her cousin’s potential husband the Duke of Dunbar — Nick, she faints at the sight of him.
Dealing with Jemma’s death had ruined Nick, but seeing her right in front of him, he knows that he can now never let her go. They will marry.
Still angry at him for her ruination and leaving her, Jemma wants nothing to do with Nick, even if she still desperately loves him.
When they eventually come together after weeks of arguments and deception, they realize they can’t be away from each other ever again.
A few days before their wedding, Jemma is kidnapped by the Corbetts who have eventually found her by way of Arabella, Nick’s sister. Finding out that Jemma’s father was part of the downfall of her parent’s, Arabella will do what it takes to separate Nick and Jemma.
OOOOOOOKKKKKAAAYYYY. This book broke my heart, put it back together and then broke it again, put it back together a bit.. then broke it again because it ended. Oh boy, my f’in heart. I loved Nick. He was a douche at points, but oh my god, I would kill to have a man love me as much as he loved Jemma.
He said some pretty messed up things when they got into a fight, but that was just in retaliation from the messed up things Jemma had said to him in anger.
But oh my goddddd, when Nick said:
“I thought you were lost to me. That I had destroyed the thing I love most. I think the worst was the knowledge that you died thinking I used you and discarded you after that day on the beach. My heart—”
I lost my damn MIND. I couldn’t stop crying— I’m crying while even typing this out. Ugh right in the heart.
Good writing, goooood writing ❤️
AS for Arabella— I stand by what I wrote when I read Wickedly Your’s, she’s a bitch, but I like her. I can see why everyone in the reviews from that book were kinda on the fence with her and her story, but I’m glad I read that first.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2022
Nick & Jemma. Another very enjoyable book by Mrs. Ayers. He arrives in Bermuda on a mission to discover the men that committed treason 20+ years prior and blamed it on his father. Upon arriving, he is stalked by some ruffians that plan to rob him. He was drawing like a cat with a mouse when Jem shows up, a young boy in breeches and saves him (he shoots one of the ruffians in the knee). Later at a dinner party at the Governor's home (he's staying with them) he is being not so subtly being accosted by these twins hell bent on marrying. He kisses her in the garden up against the trellis and she has the feels even though she is anticipated to marry her childhood friend and Governor's son, Augie. They run into each other at a festival. She was there with Augie but he was taken away by another man (Augie is a poor gambler and owed the guy money). Nick finds her and they are walking about the festival where he leaves her wanting him. He goes to visit the twins and ends up staying there for a few days. Jemma decides to go to one of her favorite fishing places and take a nap on the beach. Nick sees her and follows her and finds her napping on the beach so he goes to kiss her. She can't deny her feelings for him and lets him ruin her (oh and "he's big everywhere"). She returns home for a planned dinner. Nick shows up at her home to confront her father (the traitor). Her dad has been living with the pain of his past and plans to give Nick his confession. The Governor shows up (he was party to the treason) and informs her dad that Nick ruined his daughter. The Gov takes the confession and burns it. While his original plan was to ruin Jemma, he had the feels for her and wasn't planning to go through with it so he goes to leave Bermuda (and take her with him). She had overheard his discussion with his dad and the Gov and is devastated because she fell for him. Nick is attacked and put on a ship to be fed to sharks. Her father (hasn't been in good health for a while) ends up dying. She is mourning but Augie and his mom keep pushing her to marry Augie. She tells Augie that she won't marry him and he instantly changes. Even though she's be ruined, he calls her a whore and tells her that when they marry (his family will force her into it) he will stop all of her unwanted behavior (she will be the perfect wife). The Gov calls Tilly (he was a servant/butler for Jemma's dad and almost a family member), and tells him to bring Jemma to their house so her and Augie could wed. Prior to his passing, her dad didn't trust the Gov and tasked Tilly with protecting his daughter and the family assets. With Tilly's help, she escapes Bermuda with a packet of information for his London solicitor but everyone believed she was dead having committed suicide after her dad's passing. Nick wasn't fed to the sharks. His captors recognized him as a Devil of Dunbar and didn't kill him. When he returned home, his grandfather dies and he becomes the next Duke of Dunbar. He sends someone to Bermuda to get Jemma but he is notified that she is dead. He loses it. One year later, she is in London having met her dad's family (her dad was believed to have died and had been hiding in secret) and her cousin is about to meet her the Duke she was to get betrothed to. In the sitting room, he comes in and sees Jemma alive and she sees Nick and passes out. She comes to and it is clear that they know each other but she's still upset at him for ruining her and blackmailing her father for $$$ (this is what she was led to believe, that he was a fortune hunter despite being a very wealthy Duke). He loves her and plans to wed her. Wanting to give her a chance to forgive him, she is hurt and tries making him jealous at a ball and later says some really horrible things to him after a quick bang against the wall because they both want each other badly. She decides to forgive him and asks to talk to him so he sneaks in her room. The decide to marry. With an assist from his sister, who can't stand Jemma, she is kidnapped by Augie and his mom. The plan was to return to Bermuda, where she would marry Augie and they would have access to her fortune. Augie shows up and tells his mother he's not participating in the plan because he knows the wickeds are after him and tells his mother that she should kill Jemma so she wouldn't be caught. His mother is not at all stable. Years prior she was in love with Jemma's dad but he fell in love with a servant in his house. Wanting to marry her, he was disowned and they committed the treason to get the money to live. Jemma's parents and Augie's parents had moved used the $$$ and moved to Bermuda. Augie's mom admits to Jemma that she poisoned her mother believing that after her death, Jemma's dad would want her. When it didn't go that way she started poisoning her dad too. Augie's dad had gambled away his portion of the treason $$$ and they were in serious debt. Jemma's dad invested and became more wealthy. Anyways, Augie runs away and disappears after the kidnapping. His mother is about to kill Jemma when Nick shows up. Jemma is shot in the arm and Augie's mom "falls down some stairs breaking her neck". Most likely Nick killed her. Jemma wakes up with a sutured up bullet wound and marries Nick once she can stay on her feet. Nick sends his sister off to Wales (middle of nowhere) for her role in Jemma's kidnapping and because she called her a whore and Nick wasn't having that. So sis is off to Wales and Augie is still missing...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2020
Oh wow...this series is really ridiculous.
November 8, 2020
4 Stars (Grace Callaway, Jennifer Ashley, Sarah MacLean, Jess Michaels, Lorraine Heath)
This book was good, worth reading in a few days. It hit pretty much most of my personal markers for a good read and well roundness of the book. my personal markers for a great read...1. smart and engaging writing, 2. Humorous, 3. sexy interactions and 4. stories with family/friends.
The development and interest in main characters, H/H well paired, and Secondary characters was enjoyable. It kept me wanting to know and read more. H/H were enjoyable and well paired.
Laugh out loud with humorous moments. The give and take dialogue was wonderful as well as action filled.
I loved the writing around the women empowerment (it wasn’t over the top for me). Badass women rock.
Movement of the book flowed for the most part. Book writing/conversation engaging. Not a lot of historical accuracy (no big deal to me), not a lot of internal character dialogue and not a lot of descriptive scenery written out.
Romantic /sexual content (kissing, oral and love making scenes) was throughout the book. Nothing over the top and was intertwined rightly in the story telling. 3/5 rating hotness and steam.
I love series around family members or a group of friends. I love the series even more when the author intertwines those characters throughout the book series (it’s a pet peeve when authors don’t do that because what’s the point of the series and introducing the characters if they are not going to interact throughout the series).
would absolutely recommend the book and the series. you don’t have to read the series in order however you’ll miss the true telling of the story around the series.
This book was good, worth reading in a few days. It hit pretty much most of my personal markers for a good read and well roundness of the book. my personal markers for a great read...1. smart and engaging writing, 2. Humorous, 3. sexy interactions and 4. stories with family/friends.
The development and interest in main characters, H/H well paired, and Secondary characters was enjoyable. It kept me wanting to know and read more. H/H were enjoyable and well paired.
Laugh out loud with humorous moments. The give and take dialogue was wonderful as well as action filled.
I loved the writing around the women empowerment (it wasn’t over the top for me). Badass women rock.
Movement of the book flowed for the most part. Book writing/conversation engaging. Not a lot of historical accuracy (no big deal to me), not a lot of internal character dialogue and not a lot of descriptive scenery written out.
Romantic /sexual content (kissing, oral and love making scenes) was throughout the book. Nothing over the top and was intertwined rightly in the story telling. 3/5 rating hotness and steam.
I love series around family members or a group of friends. I love the series even more when the author intertwines those characters throughout the book series (it’s a pet peeve when authors don’t do that because what’s the point of the series and introducing the characters if they are not going to interact throughout the series).
would absolutely recommend the book and the series. you don’t have to read the series in order however you’ll miss the true telling of the story around the series.
August 17, 2020
knocking off a star because the ending was very sudden. I don’t know if it follows on in the next book, I would assume not since it’s about two other characters. It just felt rushed. Also I don’t like how this book title doesn’t follow the pattern of the other books and therefore doesn’t fit.
I did really enjoy this book. It was full of drama like the first one. What I will say is that they seem quite formulaic, this one follows a similar path to the first book just with different characters and slightly different scenario (they meet, they have a connection, they have a forbidden kiss, there is another man in the picture, there is some drama, a slight resolution, more intense drama, a final resolution). I didn’t mind that really, but if all the books are like that then they may start to get a bit boring.
I am eager to get to the next two books as I’m intrigued to know Miranda and Colins pasts, and I’m also excited to see Arabella and Rowan fall for each other as they both hate each other at the end of this book, and there is nothing I love more than an enemies to lovers romance.
I did really enjoy this book. It was full of drama like the first one. What I will say is that they seem quite formulaic, this one follows a similar path to the first book just with different characters and slightly different scenario (they meet, they have a connection, they have a forbidden kiss, there is another man in the picture, there is some drama, a slight resolution, more intense drama, a final resolution). I didn’t mind that really, but if all the books are like that then they may start to get a bit boring.
I am eager to get to the next two books as I’m intrigued to know Miranda and Colins pasts, and I’m also excited to see Arabella and Rowan fall for each other as they both hate each other at the end of this book, and there is nothing I love more than an enemies to lovers romance.
February 23, 2025
Just ridiculous, it starts off pretty good, but it gets really Stupid once Nick confronts The traitor, and his fat old friend comes in and bullies this supposed badass, he's to afraid to grab for the confession, gets cornered, and runs away, gets caught, but survives, Jem fakes her death, then is living in England for a year but they never meet, until they do and the whole meeting is ridiculous, they are just sitting there he's holding her like a dumbass, neither one of them explain, then they are alone, and she assumes it was all about him wanting to bed her, and he still doesn't want to tell her what really happened, so he's chasing her and she is being high and mighty, which she should be, being that no one knows the truth, and he won't say anything, as to not hurt her, this book was really frustrating, so much unnecessary dialogue made this book feel like a 400 page book rather then what it is, I gave up @62% Sorry to say I could not finish.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2023
It was nice to read a book where the main characters are actually using their heads and not jumping to conclusions left and right. I was happy that Jemma was not so proud that she will reject Nick just because she believes he killed her father and that Nick will continue to plan Jemma's demise because her father caused people to die.
It was just the right amount of sex scenes and not too graphic. I tend to skip pages of overdone sex scenes in other books. I appreciate that.
What I didn't like was how there was a cliffhanger at the end. Augie, Jemma's horrible ex-fiance, was missing. I have a feeling that he will be plotting his revenge or something. Also, I have a sneaking suspicion that Arabella will have her own book. I find her detestable and if she does have her own book, I hope she redeems herself.
It was just the right amount of sex scenes and not too graphic. I tend to skip pages of overdone sex scenes in other books. I appreciate that.
What I didn't like was how there was a cliffhanger at the end. Augie, Jemma's horrible ex-fiance, was missing. I have a feeling that he will be plotting his revenge or something. Also, I have a sneaking suspicion that Arabella will have her own book. I find her detestable and if she does have her own book, I hope she redeems herself.
November 1, 2020
I read The Theory of Earls first and circled back to the Wickeds. The Theory of Earls had a great premise, a woman seeking a practical, convenient marriage in order that she may be the mistress of her inheritance and maestra of her career - horrible pun intended. The characters had chemistry; the plot was well-paced and the dialogue meaningful.
A Devil of a Duke does not share those features. It is Montague/Capulet gone way wrong. The interactions between the hero and heroine lack sizzle. The author overdevelops the premise and over-explains the characters’ thoughts and reactions. It is just not an enjoyable read, which unfortunately means I will not be reading the other books in the series.
A Devil of a Duke does not share those features. It is Montague/Capulet gone way wrong. The interactions between the hero and heroine lack sizzle. The author overdevelops the premise and over-explains the characters’ thoughts and reactions. It is just not an enjoyable read, which unfortunately means I will not be reading the other books in the series.
June 24, 2024
Great read
Nick is the Duke of Dunbar and all his life people have said he is cursed because he has one blue eye and one brown. They call him the Devil of Dunbar. His father was accused of treason.
Jane Emily, “Jemma” is the daughter of a rich man in Bermuda. She dresses in pants and carries a brace of pistols.
When Jem comes upon Nick being robbed she saves him. Little does he know but her father is the one who set Nick’s father up for the treason charges.
The story takes us from Bermudan to England where the truth of crimes becomes known.
Kathleen writes a spellbinding tale it grabs you on the first page and keeps you guessing until the last one. Looking forward to reading the rest of the “Wickeds” series.
Nick is the Duke of Dunbar and all his life people have said he is cursed because he has one blue eye and one brown. They call him the Devil of Dunbar. His father was accused of treason.
Jane Emily, “Jemma” is the daughter of a rich man in Bermuda. She dresses in pants and carries a brace of pistols.
When Jem comes upon Nick being robbed she saves him. Little does he know but her father is the one who set Nick’s father up for the treason charges.
The story takes us from Bermudan to England where the truth of crimes becomes known.
Kathleen writes a spellbinding tale it grabs you on the first page and keeps you guessing until the last one. Looking forward to reading the rest of the “Wickeds” series.
August 8, 2025
Love Kath’s Dukes
May contain spoilers xx
Kathleen I just have to say, I love all your giant dukes but the Duke of Ware will always be my favourite but I think I have found my second favourite, Frost giant was too grumpy for me ;) lol. It was a beautiful read. I laughed so much. Love how Nike and Jen reconciled after their big fight, being able to put the past behind them and recognise that they were both victims but decided not to be their parents. So beautiful. Thank you Kathleen for another beautiful story, I don’t think I’ll tire of your books.
May contain spoilers xx
Kathleen I just have to say, I love all your giant dukes but the Duke of Ware will always be my favourite but I think I have found my second favourite, Frost giant was too grumpy for me ;) lol. It was a beautiful read. I laughed so much. Love how Nike and Jen reconciled after their big fight, being able to put the past behind them and recognise that they were both victims but decided not to be their parents. So beautiful. Thank you Kathleen for another beautiful story, I don’t think I’ll tire of your books.
May 19, 2019
Enjoyable
This was an enjoyable romance but the ending just didn't satisfy me as much as the first books did. I did enjoy the romance between Nick and Jemma and the villains, though not quite as dastardly as in the first book still made the story interesting. The ending was just not what I had hoped it would be and left me feeling the story was unfinished. I assume that Arabella, Nick's sister will get her own book as the ending left no doubt that would be the case.
This was an enjoyable romance but the ending just didn't satisfy me as much as the first books did. I did enjoy the romance between Nick and Jemma and the villains, though not quite as dastardly as in the first book still made the story interesting. The ending was just not what I had hoped it would be and left me feeling the story was unfinished. I assume that Arabella, Nick's sister will get her own book as the ending left no doubt that would be the case.
January 30, 2020
I really enjoyed this. I got the first book in the series when it was free and liked it enough to buy this one. If anything, I actually liked this one slightly more than the last. I loved Nick with his somewhat fearsome reputation and disreputable ways. He was such an interesting character. I also loved Jemma and liked that she was so unconventional.
There was plenty of drama and I enjoyed this book.
There was plenty of drama and I enjoyed this book.
January 12, 2021
I adored the concept of the female main character being more independent, tom-boyish. It's nice to know a girl can take care of herself! A good old fashioned misunderstanding always helps to get the tension going for when the couple meets again. I am a sucker for the tall, brooding male, who thinks he's incapable of love or not worthy of it. When he realizes he loves the girl, it is the best. So far loving the series and will be reading the rest.
September 1, 2022
It was good - maybe even plausible however, the book ended with too many loose ends. I’m not sure of the author’s purpose for ding so, if it was to sell sequels, there is no mention of it. I understand many authors introduce peripheral characters for the purpose of writing another book. “Devilof a Duke” (tome) didn’t read like that was the purpose. This particular book does not stand on its own - too bad. It was an excellent storyline and I liked the characters.
Thank you,
Thank you,
February 28, 2024
Excellent.
I enjoyed reading this novel..and am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
This is a well written book with a great storyline, a little bit of angst in places but I found the level manageable.
Though a great read it shows Kathleen Ayers development as a writer as it hasn’t yet fully developed the outstanding magic of her later novels, that having been said it is still an excellent, entertainingly good read.
I enjoyed reading this novel..and am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
This is a well written book with a great storyline, a little bit of angst in places but I found the level manageable.
Though a great read it shows Kathleen Ayers development as a writer as it hasn’t yet fully developed the outstanding magic of her later novels, that having been said it is still an excellent, entertainingly good read.
April 18, 2022
A good story
I had forgotten to go back to this series but I'm glad I remembered it! This was a good story with excellent villains, a believable plot of treason and lovers separated by misunderstanding. Nick and Jemma were fun characters and the story going between Bermuda and London very interesting.
I had forgotten to go back to this series but I'm glad I remembered it! This was a good story with excellent villains, a believable plot of treason and lovers separated by misunderstanding. Nick and Jemma were fun characters and the story going between Bermuda and London very interesting.
May 28, 2022
Devil of a Duke: Nick and Jemma
Unexpected characters. Adventure-filled plot. A love that crosses oceans and defies death.
Main characters get their HEA, but a loose thread is left behind, creating a bit of a cliffy.
Needs a proofreader's attention. Lots of word choice and construction errors, to the point of being distracting.
Unexpected characters. Adventure-filled plot. A love that crosses oceans and defies death.
Main characters get their HEA, but a loose thread is left behind, creating a bit of a cliffy.
Needs a proofreader's attention. Lots of word choice and construction errors, to the point of being distracting.
May 1, 2024
Oh so lovely!
This series is incredibly emotionally wrenching. I enjoyed this book a lot. It’s scandalous, has tons of action, and ends happily. Although, if Arabella is to be the FMC of another book in this series I don’t think I could bring myself to read it, considering she has absolutely no good qualities whatsoever.
This series is incredibly emotionally wrenching. I enjoyed this book a lot. It’s scandalous, has tons of action, and ends happily. Although, if Arabella is to be the FMC of another book in this series I don’t think I could bring myself to read it, considering she has absolutely no good qualities whatsoever.
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