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Devilish Dukes #2
El deseo indomable del duque
Es el libertino más famoso de Londres... Aunque utiliza su reputación a su favor, el exótico duque de Evesham es incomprendido y misterioso. Se burla de las reglas sociales, especialmente cuando se trata de buscar una esposa. Sin embargo, cuando pone su mirada en lady Georgiana, las reglas encuentran una manera de cambiar por sí solas.
Ella no tiene intención de ser cortejada por nadie... La consumada intelectual está en Londres para, en primer lugar, encontrar un inversionista para la máquina del camión de bomberos de su difunto marido. Y después de seis años alejada de la alta sociedad, Georgiana se da cuenta de que los códigos sociales de conducta son diferentes para las viudas, especialmente para las damas que llaman la atención del duque de Evesham, el único hombre al que la dama guarda un espantoso secreto.
Ella no tiene intención de ser cortejada por nadie... La consumada intelectual está en Londres para, en primer lugar, encontrar un inversionista para la máquina del camión de bomberos de su difunto marido. Y después de seis años alejada de la alta sociedad, Georgiana se da cuenta de que los códigos sociales de conducta son diferentes para las viudas, especialmente para las damas que llaman la atención del duque de Evesham, el único hombre al que la dama guarda un espantoso secreto.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 19, 2019
729 people are currently reading
1047 people want to read
About the author
Amy Jarecki
118 books1,712 followersKnown for her action-packed, passionate romances, USA TODAY Bestselling Author Amy Jarecki has received reader and critical praise throughout her writing career. She won the prestigious RT Reviewers' Choice award for THE HIGHLAND DUKE and a RONE award from InD’tale Magazine for Best Time Travel for her novel RISE OF A LEGEND. In addition to being a USA TODAY Bestselling Author, Amy has earned the designation as an Amazon All Star Author. She holds an MBA from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland and now resides in Wisconsin with her husband where she writes immersive historical and contemporary romance novels.
Become a part of her world and learn more about Amy’s books on amyjarecki.com!
Become a part of her world and learn more about Amy’s books on amyjarecki.com!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
April 2, 2019
Series: Devilish Dukes #1
Publication Date: 4/2/19
Number of Pages: 250
UPDATE! The author has said that she changed the major inaccuracy I mention below. If she did that and did it well, I'd raise my rating to at least 4-stars.
I always love the stories this author has to tell and this one is no exception. The story and the characters are great. So, you are wondering why I gave it only 3-stars aren’t you? I love historical romance, but I want it to be accurate within the societal norms and context of the times and this isn’t anywhere close to that. There are so very many issues …
Lady Georgiana is the daughter of a very rich and very influential baron and she married way below her station. Her husband was a commoner, an inventor and very poor. They worked together to develop a steam-powered pumper to help put out fires. The invention wasn’t complete when Daniel (her husband) died in an accident, so Georgiana spent the next year perfecting the pumper herself. It is all ready to go and she’s brought it to London to try to sell units and find a wealthy investor.
In order to get her parents to agree to her bringing the pumper and storing it at their home, Georgiana had to agree to accompany her mother to various social engagements during the season. She could do that if it allowed her the opportunity to demonstrate her pumper and find appropriate investors. Her first showing at the Southwark Fair was a total disaster. Not because the pumper didn’t work – but because they were short-handed and the hose got away from them. That loose hose ended up aimed at the Duke of Evesham and doused him with two-hundred gallons of high-pressure water. Oops!
Fletcher Markham, the Duke of Evesham, lost his mother in a house fire and he’s been looking to find a viable steam pressure pumper for years. Now, he’s furious because he’s just seen yet another scam of a machine and it thoroughly doused him. He told the woman that she should just throw the thing in the Thames.
Later, Fletcher meets Georgiana in a social setting and he doesn’t recognize her from the pumper demonstration. He’s very drawn to her – and she’s very skittish. She recognizes him. As he pursues her and she knows he doesn’t know who she is, they begin to draw closer.
I really enjoyed the adventures of Georgiana and Fletcher finding their HEA. It wasn’t a smooth road nor an easy one for them – but it was a truly lovely story.
The same story could have been told using correct period norms and I would have happily given a 5-star rating – and that accuracy wouldn’t have taken a thing away from the story. Within the first 5% of the book, there is a scene describing the old duke summoning his lawyers to his deathbed and ‘legitimizing’ his twenty-six-year-old illegitimate son – because he has no other sons. So, he legitimizes this son and declares him his ‘legal heir’. That just couldn’t have happened – laws of primogeniture wouldn’t have allowed it. There were so very many other things that were just so much more modern – like everybody’s comfort with Fletcher entering Georgiana’s bedchamber, women business-people conducting business at social events – well, just many things that could have easily been done correctly to the period without detracting from the story. Then – there is feeling the baby flutter – like bubbles – at two-months pregnant.
Bottom line – if you don’t care about period accuracy (but then why read historical?), then this will be a 5-star read for you because the story is really good.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Date: 4/2/19
Number of Pages: 250
UPDATE! The author has said that she changed the major inaccuracy I mention below. If she did that and did it well, I'd raise my rating to at least 4-stars.
I always love the stories this author has to tell and this one is no exception. The story and the characters are great. So, you are wondering why I gave it only 3-stars aren’t you? I love historical romance, but I want it to be accurate within the societal norms and context of the times and this isn’t anywhere close to that. There are so very many issues …
Lady Georgiana is the daughter of a very rich and very influential baron and she married way below her station. Her husband was a commoner, an inventor and very poor. They worked together to develop a steam-powered pumper to help put out fires. The invention wasn’t complete when Daniel (her husband) died in an accident, so Georgiana spent the next year perfecting the pumper herself. It is all ready to go and she’s brought it to London to try to sell units and find a wealthy investor.
In order to get her parents to agree to her bringing the pumper and storing it at their home, Georgiana had to agree to accompany her mother to various social engagements during the season. She could do that if it allowed her the opportunity to demonstrate her pumper and find appropriate investors. Her first showing at the Southwark Fair was a total disaster. Not because the pumper didn’t work – but because they were short-handed and the hose got away from them. That loose hose ended up aimed at the Duke of Evesham and doused him with two-hundred gallons of high-pressure water. Oops!
Fletcher Markham, the Duke of Evesham, lost his mother in a house fire and he’s been looking to find a viable steam pressure pumper for years. Now, he’s furious because he’s just seen yet another scam of a machine and it thoroughly doused him. He told the woman that she should just throw the thing in the Thames.
Later, Fletcher meets Georgiana in a social setting and he doesn’t recognize her from the pumper demonstration. He’s very drawn to her – and she’s very skittish. She recognizes him. As he pursues her and she knows he doesn’t know who she is, they begin to draw closer.
I really enjoyed the adventures of Georgiana and Fletcher finding their HEA. It wasn’t a smooth road nor an easy one for them – but it was a truly lovely story.
The same story could have been told using correct period norms and I would have happily given a 5-star rating – and that accuracy wouldn’t have taken a thing away from the story. Within the first 5% of the book, there is a scene describing the old duke summoning his lawyers to his deathbed and ‘legitimizing’ his twenty-six-year-old illegitimate son – because he has no other sons. So, he legitimizes this son and declares him his ‘legal heir’. That just couldn’t have happened – laws of primogeniture wouldn’t have allowed it. There were so very many other things that were just so much more modern – like everybody’s comfort with Fletcher entering Georgiana’s bedchamber, women business-people conducting business at social events – well, just many things that could have easily been done correctly to the period without detracting from the story. Then – there is feeling the baby flutter – like bubbles – at two-months pregnant.
Bottom line – if you don’t care about period accuracy (but then why read historical?), then this will be a 5-star read for you because the story is really good.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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April 17, 2020
This is one of those stories that I have a Hate Like relationship with. The story has so many things I don't like to read about in Historical Romance. One being why is Georgiana being called Lady Georgiana's her is a rich but lowly titled Baron 2nd to the bottom of the ladder of Aristocratic Titles. The lowest being a Knighthood "Sir" Sirs, Baron's and Viscounts children are referred to as Miss. Or Mr. NOT LORD OR LADY. This is bad research on the authors part.
The other part of the story I disliked was Georgiana the lead female. She is a real cold and nasty peace of work. I can't figure out why Fletcher the Duke of Evesham was wanting her. She insults him rebukes him and even slaps. Why is he falling in love with her? Yeah they eventually have some hot and heavy sex. But there is not love connection.
My third problem with this story is Georgiana obsession and constant reminder of her deceased husband Danie and his steam pumper engine. The husband never finished it she did. The story has a 3 party romance. Daniel the husband is dead and he is mentioned as much as Fletcher the Duke.
Its a bad thing when I was happy when the villain of the story Mr. Webster proved by attacking Georgiana all of what the Duke had tried to Warn her about. He hit her and tried to rape her and steal the pump engine plans. I hate to say this but she brought this on herself. Fletcher has been kind loving and supporting of her. Fletcher tried to protect her and warn her. But she slaps him and says his behavior is appalling in front of Webster and the Ton. Oh Yeah now who is appalling? that's what I wanted to say when Mr. Webster assaults her. it was herself that engineered the pump engine not the dead husband.
I did really like Fletcher and I thought he deserved much better then Georgiana!!
The other part of the story I disliked was Georgiana the lead female. She is a real cold and nasty peace of work. I can't figure out why Fletcher the Duke of Evesham was wanting her. She insults him rebukes him and even slaps. Why is he falling in love with her? Yeah they eventually have some hot and heavy sex. But there is not love connection.
My third problem with this story is Georgiana obsession and constant reminder of her deceased husband Danie and his steam pumper engine. The husband never finished it she did. The story has a 3 party romance. Daniel the husband is dead and he is mentioned as much as Fletcher the Duke.
Its a bad thing when I was happy when the villain of the story Mr. Webster proved by attacking Georgiana all of what the Duke had tried to Warn her about. He hit her and tried to rape her and steal the pump engine plans. I hate to say this but she brought this on herself. Fletcher has been kind loving and supporting of her. Fletcher tried to protect her and warn her. But she slaps him and says his behavior is appalling in front of Webster and the Ton. Oh Yeah now who is appalling? that's what I wanted to say when Mr. Webster assaults her. it was herself that engineered the pump engine not the dead husband.
I did really like Fletcher and I thought he deserved much better then Georgiana!!
March 30, 2019
The Duke’s Untamed Desire by Amy Jarecki
A Devilish Dukes Novel #1
What a wonderful way to spend the day! I picked this book up and could not put it down once I started reading. The author has created believable characters that I felt invested in and she took me back to a different time and place allowing me to spend the day with interesting people that I wouldn’t mind having as friends.
What I liked:
* That Georgianna was intelligent and willing to do what it took to realize her dreams
* That Fletcher was a bit of a rake but a rake with a heart of gold – and HOT
* The development of the relationship between the main characters
* That the supporting characters added to the story in a special way and helped to show the personalities of the male and female leads
* Georgianna’s parents – especially her mother
* The way the story was told
What I didn’t like:
* Only what I was supposed to not like...the villain, the misunderstandings and such…
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
A Devilish Dukes Novel #1
What a wonderful way to spend the day! I picked this book up and could not put it down once I started reading. The author has created believable characters that I felt invested in and she took me back to a different time and place allowing me to spend the day with interesting people that I wouldn’t mind having as friends.
What I liked:
* That Georgianna was intelligent and willing to do what it took to realize her dreams
* That Fletcher was a bit of a rake but a rake with a heart of gold – and HOT
* The development of the relationship between the main characters
* That the supporting characters added to the story in a special way and helped to show the personalities of the male and female leads
* Georgianna’s parents – especially her mother
* The way the story was told
What I didn’t like:
* Only what I was supposed to not like...the villain, the misunderstandings and such…
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
March 20, 2020
I enjoyed this historical romance very much. Georgiana and Fletcher don't quite fit into their society but each has an independent streak that makes fitting in unimportant. Georgiana's husband died before he could see his steam fire engine come to light so Georgiana is finishing it for him. Fletcher is a bastard son, raised to Duke. This story is emotionally engaging, has some wonderful characters, the right amount of romance and heat and a very good ending.
April 22, 2020
If you really enjoy a boy-chase-girl story, this is it. These are my favorites. I love it when a man knows who he wants and just goes for it. On the opposite coin of that, I am not always a fan of pushing away. For me personally, the heroine did push away too much. If she hadn't, this would have been a 5 star read for me. Now saying that, I still very much enjoyed this book. I don't read too many historical romances anymore and I was reminded as to why I enjoy them. Overall, it was very entertaining and I'm looking forward to reading the best friends book.
April 3, 2019
I have never read an Amy Jarecki book that I did not absolutely Love and this is no exception!! I was captured by the first few sentences and laughing out loud by the next few pages!!
What happens when you take one lady, namely Georgiana, who is trying to sell her late husband's invention, a steam engine, and one Duke, Fletcher, who gets doused by said water from steam engine? Luckily he did not recognize her at the demonstration of said invention, because when they meet again, he is enchanted!
Fletcher, who was born the bastard of a Duke, had inherited the Dukedom on his father's deathbed as he declared him the rightful heir. So now he knew he needed a wife, preferably intelligent, talented in the arts, pleasing to the eye and not be stuck up and have compassion. Easy?
Georgiana is in town trying to find investors for her deceased husband's invention and was attending gatherings with her mother. She really had no interest in going to ton events but her mother insisted and they had taken her in and let her store the Steam Pumper!
When these two meet, oh my, the sparks where coming off the page! I think I might have swooned! Luckily he did not recognize her but the pursuit began!
Full of witty dialogue and even more humorous thoughts and actions (sixty leaping lizards! Plus the incident with Rasputin!) I wish I could mention them all! But that would take up pages and all I can say is this is one of the most entertaining and delightful books I have read and I cannot wait to read more in this series!!
Amy Jarecki is famous for her amazing Highlander stories, but her foray into Regency England is a success!! Keep them coming!
What happens when you take one lady, namely Georgiana, who is trying to sell her late husband's invention, a steam engine, and one Duke, Fletcher, who gets doused by said water from steam engine? Luckily he did not recognize her at the demonstration of said invention, because when they meet again, he is enchanted!
Fletcher, who was born the bastard of a Duke, had inherited the Dukedom on his father's deathbed as he declared him the rightful heir. So now he knew he needed a wife, preferably intelligent, talented in the arts, pleasing to the eye and not be stuck up and have compassion. Easy?
Georgiana is in town trying to find investors for her deceased husband's invention and was attending gatherings with her mother. She really had no interest in going to ton events but her mother insisted and they had taken her in and let her store the Steam Pumper!
When these two meet, oh my, the sparks where coming off the page! I think I might have swooned! Luckily he did not recognize her but the pursuit began!
Full of witty dialogue and even more humorous thoughts and actions (sixty leaping lizards! Plus the incident with Rasputin!) I wish I could mention them all! But that would take up pages and all I can say is this is one of the most entertaining and delightful books I have read and I cannot wait to read more in this series!!
Amy Jarecki is famous for her amazing Highlander stories, but her foray into Regency England is a success!! Keep them coming!
March 18, 2019
Such a wonderful story!! Full of angst and humor, Amy always knows how to make me smile! And swoon! So much passion and romance between these two. I loved every minute of this book!
Georgiana has to finish her late husbands work. If no more than to remember the life they had. And the good a steam pumper will do for all. But she can't find investors. No one wants to back a woman. And an unlikely crossing and mishap with the Duke of Eversham may have just dashed all of her dreams.
Fletcher has come into his dukedom rather scandalous. And being known as a rake keeps his true good works hidden. And he's perfectly fine with that. But meeting Georgiana is like a breath of fresh air. A widow and titled she is perfect. She doesn't realize how alluring she is. Or how much she has caught his fancy. But he will change that.
The more time they spend together the more fascinating she becomes to him. She's very idealistic and outspoken and he enjoys her. But she's hiding something from him.
Georgiana sees herself falling in love with the duke. But she knows once he finds out she's behind the steam pumper and the incident that soaked him he may never look at her the same way again.
When another shows interest in the pumper she finds herself not trusting anything he says and finds herself in extreme danger. Can Fletcher and Georgiana find their way thru all the lies and hurt and as train the happiness they both deserve?
Georgiana has to finish her late husbands work. If no more than to remember the life they had. And the good a steam pumper will do for all. But she can't find investors. No one wants to back a woman. And an unlikely crossing and mishap with the Duke of Eversham may have just dashed all of her dreams.
Fletcher has come into his dukedom rather scandalous. And being known as a rake keeps his true good works hidden. And he's perfectly fine with that. But meeting Georgiana is like a breath of fresh air. A widow and titled she is perfect. She doesn't realize how alluring she is. Or how much she has caught his fancy. But he will change that.
The more time they spend together the more fascinating she becomes to him. She's very idealistic and outspoken and he enjoys her. But she's hiding something from him.
Georgiana sees herself falling in love with the duke. But she knows once he finds out she's behind the steam pumper and the incident that soaked him he may never look at her the same way again.
When another shows interest in the pumper she finds herself not trusting anything he says and finds herself in extreme danger. Can Fletcher and Georgiana find their way thru all the lies and hurt and as train the happiness they both deserve?
February 3, 2019
I love this author and would read no matter what genre she writes in, whether historical or contemporary, I'm on board! Probably the best humbling story I've read this year!
This story begins with a woman who married for love and lived humbly beside her husband as his dream of an invention came to be. Sadly he was killed and she was determined to see his work finished. While visiting her noble parents, she decided to show the water pumper at a local fair hoping to find a financier to complete her late husband's work.
In strolls a duke, a man never recognized by his father until he was on his death bed. He earned his title and his estates and the gossip-mongers plagued him with the reputation of a rake, which he was fine with. Until he met Georgiana.
I'm not one to give spoilers so you'll have to read the story to see what happens, just know it's a very humbling story with characters you will love from the very beginning. I cannot wait until the next book in this series.
I was gifted with an ARC and chose to leave my review so others know what an outstanding read it is. It comes highly recommended and cannot wait to see the response from others!
This story begins with a woman who married for love and lived humbly beside her husband as his dream of an invention came to be. Sadly he was killed and she was determined to see his work finished. While visiting her noble parents, she decided to show the water pumper at a local fair hoping to find a financier to complete her late husband's work.
In strolls a duke, a man never recognized by his father until he was on his death bed. He earned his title and his estates and the gossip-mongers plagued him with the reputation of a rake, which he was fine with. Until he met Georgiana.
I'm not one to give spoilers so you'll have to read the story to see what happens, just know it's a very humbling story with characters you will love from the very beginning. I cannot wait until the next book in this series.
I was gifted with an ARC and chose to leave my review so others know what an outstanding read it is. It comes highly recommended and cannot wait to see the response from others!
April 2, 2019
One thing author Amy Jarecki is sure to make happen in her stories, is make me laugh--no matter the genre. Her characters have a sense of humor and/or find themselves in funny circumstances. This read is highly entertaining, leaving you chuckling from time to time.
This story is no different. Both protagonists, Lady Georgina and Duke of Evesham, are well matched--they just don't know it. Georgina comes from a privileged, titled family. Georgina had loved her husband. He was killed by an accident while working on his steam-powered pumper. Georgina, being a bit of a bluestocking, finished the pumper not getting any financial help from her parents, leaving her living sparsely in a small cottage.
She comes to London to 'sell' the concept of such a machine and hopefully sell her demonstration model. In the process of demonstrating its capabilities, her pumper didn’t have enough manpower. The water was let loose on the duke--hundreds of gallons of water with a force which should lay low any man. It was a laughable moment for the reader, one which has Georgina cringing, and the duke over furious!
Fortuitously, the Duke doesn’t recognize Georgina when he meets her later and she prays he does not. Her romantic fling would be dead in its tracks.
The duke doesn’t have a privileged past. He is a bastard and only recognized as his father’s son when his father was on his deathbed. Under his duke façade, exists a man of compassionate for the poor, particularly women and children, a bit of a philanthropic. He has played the duke for four years and is rather bored with his life and the women he meets—beds them, appreciating their beauty, but little else. His reputation precedes him. Along the way, he has gained the reputation of a rake.
Something about Georgina interests him. Meeting her on a social level he saw her different from others—which had him coming back to the trough, so to speak, multiple times.
Georgina, curious by nature, possessing a passionate side, decides to have a fling with the duke during a house party her mother and father host for her birthday. If you know anything about house parties during the Regency period, they were meant for one thing--to encourage men and women to mingle and get to know each other. The Baroness, Georgina’s mother is busy matchmaking. She sees the duke well suited to her daughter. The Duke agrees, but Georgina would like her independence as a businesswoman and loves the new adventure between the sheets! There are a few sizzling scenes where the duke is overwhelmed by her lusty vigor and can't believe his good fortune.
The plot moves along quickly. Not all works out the way the duke thought it would or thinks it should. He loses his temper when he finds he’s been lied to and makes big assumptions about everything else. Georgina is only too glad the duke reveals his true character before it was too late.
This story is no different. Both protagonists, Lady Georgina and Duke of Evesham, are well matched--they just don't know it. Georgina comes from a privileged, titled family. Georgina had loved her husband. He was killed by an accident while working on his steam-powered pumper. Georgina, being a bit of a bluestocking, finished the pumper not getting any financial help from her parents, leaving her living sparsely in a small cottage.
She comes to London to 'sell' the concept of such a machine and hopefully sell her demonstration model. In the process of demonstrating its capabilities, her pumper didn’t have enough manpower. The water was let loose on the duke--hundreds of gallons of water with a force which should lay low any man. It was a laughable moment for the reader, one which has Georgina cringing, and the duke over furious!
Fortuitously, the Duke doesn’t recognize Georgina when he meets her later and she prays he does not. Her romantic fling would be dead in its tracks.
The duke doesn’t have a privileged past. He is a bastard and only recognized as his father’s son when his father was on his deathbed. Under his duke façade, exists a man of compassionate for the poor, particularly women and children, a bit of a philanthropic. He has played the duke for four years and is rather bored with his life and the women he meets—beds them, appreciating their beauty, but little else. His reputation precedes him. Along the way, he has gained the reputation of a rake.
Something about Georgina interests him. Meeting her on a social level he saw her different from others—which had him coming back to the trough, so to speak, multiple times.
Georgina, curious by nature, possessing a passionate side, decides to have a fling with the duke during a house party her mother and father host for her birthday. If you know anything about house parties during the Regency period, they were meant for one thing--to encourage men and women to mingle and get to know each other. The Baroness, Georgina’s mother is busy matchmaking. She sees the duke well suited to her daughter. The Duke agrees, but Georgina would like her independence as a businesswoman and loves the new adventure between the sheets! There are a few sizzling scenes where the duke is overwhelmed by her lusty vigor and can't believe his good fortune.
The plot moves along quickly. Not all works out the way the duke thought it would or thinks it should. He loses his temper when he finds he’s been lied to and makes big assumptions about everything else. Georgina is only too glad the duke reveals his true character before it was too late.
March 28, 2019
The Duke's Untamed Desire is the first book in the Devilish Dukes series by Amy Jarecki. If this is any indication of how enjoyable the rest of the series will be, then it will be very good news for readers because I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Lady Georgiana is a widow. Her late husband spent his life trying to make the perfect steam-powered water pump for putting out fires. When he died his work wasn't complete so Georgiana, a blue-stocking, put her all into getting the job done. She was successful but now she has to find a financial backer and customers for the pump.
Fletcher, Duke of Evesham has a reputation as a rake. It's well earned although there is a side to him that he keeps hidden from everybody, a sweet caring side. He happens upon Georgiana at a display for the pump which unfortunately goes terribly awry. He leaves disgusted and not believing that the pump is in any way good enough to do the job it was intended for.
When Fletcher meets Georgiana again he doesn't recognise her. Before she was in mourning clothes and wore a hat covering most of her face. When he sees her again it is a social occasion and she is dressed in a beautiful coloured gown and he is immediately attracted to her.
The attraction is mutual but Georgiana has to fight it because if he ever finds out that she is the one with the out of control pump not only will he be disgusted and angry with her, but he also won't want a relationship with a woman who wants to work. At least that is what she believes. Is it true, you will have to read to find out for yourself. Suffice to say that there are plenty of intimate moments between them while her secret is safe. And oh my goodness, Amy Jarecki knows how to write a passionate scene!!
Along with the budding romance, there are also some dangerous elements in the book involving a character who isn't happy that Georgiana will profit from any sales of the pump. There is drama, there are tears, laughter and many sigh-worthy moments to be had.
I know that the book isn't 100% historically accurate, and I have read other reviews pointing that out. But you know what? It didn't detract from the story at all for me. I enjoyed the romance, I loved Georgiana and Fletcher, and don't get me started on the Duke's fabulous dogs! I am more than happy with the storyline and the outcome and I am happy to give the book a healthy 4-star review!
Lady Georgiana is a widow. Her late husband spent his life trying to make the perfect steam-powered water pump for putting out fires. When he died his work wasn't complete so Georgiana, a blue-stocking, put her all into getting the job done. She was successful but now she has to find a financial backer and customers for the pump.
Fletcher, Duke of Evesham has a reputation as a rake. It's well earned although there is a side to him that he keeps hidden from everybody, a sweet caring side. He happens upon Georgiana at a display for the pump which unfortunately goes terribly awry. He leaves disgusted and not believing that the pump is in any way good enough to do the job it was intended for.
When Fletcher meets Georgiana again he doesn't recognise her. Before she was in mourning clothes and wore a hat covering most of her face. When he sees her again it is a social occasion and she is dressed in a beautiful coloured gown and he is immediately attracted to her.
The attraction is mutual but Georgiana has to fight it because if he ever finds out that she is the one with the out of control pump not only will he be disgusted and angry with her, but he also won't want a relationship with a woman who wants to work. At least that is what she believes. Is it true, you will have to read to find out for yourself. Suffice to say that there are plenty of intimate moments between them while her secret is safe. And oh my goodness, Amy Jarecki knows how to write a passionate scene!!
Along with the budding romance, there are also some dangerous elements in the book involving a character who isn't happy that Georgiana will profit from any sales of the pump. There is drama, there are tears, laughter and many sigh-worthy moments to be had.
I know that the book isn't 100% historically accurate, and I have read other reviews pointing that out. But you know what? It didn't detract from the story at all for me. I enjoyed the romance, I loved Georgiana and Fletcher, and don't get me started on the Duke's fabulous dogs! I am more than happy with the storyline and the outcome and I am happy to give the book a healthy 4-star review!
April 2, 2019
Amy's stories never disappoint. This book is VERY well named. Fletcher Markham, Duke of Evesham, is fascinated with the widow Georgiana. She's living with her parents after her impoverished inventor husband Daniel Whiteside died in an accident with his steam pumper fire engine. Her mother is insisting Georgiana accompany her to all of London's season's events determined to marry her off to a wealthy titled husband. Georgiana is only looking for investors for the working steam pumper she perfected from her deceased husband's design.
In a delightful opening scene, Fletcher accidentally gets doused with the entire 200 gallons of water in the pumper at one hundred pounds per square inch, when her demonstration goes sideways. It's a laugh out loud scene and determines the course of the story. Fletcher was legitimized by his father, has an unearned reputation as a rake and really has a heart of gold. He supports a home for unwed mothers anonymously. His mother died in a fire so he's genuinely looking for a working fire engine that will save lives. Georgiana doesn't confess she was the woman that drenched him in the opening scene until Fletcher finds out near the end of the story. It's a delightful story of Fletcher's relentless pursuit of Georgiana who really doesn't want to wed. I really hope we get her best friend's Eleanor Kent's story next.
I was given an advanced readers copy of this book for my voluntary and honest review.
In a delightful opening scene, Fletcher accidentally gets doused with the entire 200 gallons of water in the pumper at one hundred pounds per square inch, when her demonstration goes sideways. It's a laugh out loud scene and determines the course of the story. Fletcher was legitimized by his father, has an unearned reputation as a rake and really has a heart of gold. He supports a home for unwed mothers anonymously. His mother died in a fire so he's genuinely looking for a working fire engine that will save lives. Georgiana doesn't confess she was the woman that drenched him in the opening scene until Fletcher finds out near the end of the story. It's a delightful story of Fletcher's relentless pursuit of Georgiana who really doesn't want to wed. I really hope we get her best friend's Eleanor Kent's story next.
I was given an advanced readers copy of this book for my voluntary and honest review.
March 26, 2019
The Duke's Untamed Desire
Devilish Dukes #1
By Amy Jarecki
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Duke of Evesham is definitely misunderstood and you could say mysterious. He is also very sought after by Mothers for their unwed daughters because who wouldn't want their daughter to be a Dutchess right? He sidles around social rules, but he does know he needs a legitimate heir because no child of his will be illegitimate. He will under no circumstances have a child born on the wrong side of the blanket and out of the few liaisons that he has had he had made sure to take all precautions possible to avoid such a thing. Then he sees Lady Georgiana from across the room and he has the distinct feeling that he knows or has seen her somewhere before, but he cannot remember where and all of his so called rules go out the window because rules are made to be broken are they not?
After six years away from the ton Lady Georgiana is back to where she doesn't really want to be however needs to be if she's going to find an investor for her deceased husbands dream. She realizes that social codes are different for widows, especially widows who catch the attentions of the elusive Duke of Evesham and heavens knows she does not want him to find out her secret, but secrets are made to be found out and never fear it usually will happen although I'm not saying it will.
And when this pair unite, the sparks between them are hot, but will Lady Georgiana's secret lead to their demise? Or will this notorious rake find it in his heart to forgive the one woman who stirs his blood?
Amy Jarecki writes another absolutely fabulous novels chalked full of love and secrets that will have your heart pounding in your ears. I was entranced from the moment I opened the book until the minute I put it down. Ms. Jarecki does write such wonderful books and I can't wait to see what she writes for us next.
Devilish Dukes #1
By Amy Jarecki
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Duke of Evesham is definitely misunderstood and you could say mysterious. He is also very sought after by Mothers for their unwed daughters because who wouldn't want their daughter to be a Dutchess right? He sidles around social rules, but he does know he needs a legitimate heir because no child of his will be illegitimate. He will under no circumstances have a child born on the wrong side of the blanket and out of the few liaisons that he has had he had made sure to take all precautions possible to avoid such a thing. Then he sees Lady Georgiana from across the room and he has the distinct feeling that he knows or has seen her somewhere before, but he cannot remember where and all of his so called rules go out the window because rules are made to be broken are they not?
After six years away from the ton Lady Georgiana is back to where she doesn't really want to be however needs to be if she's going to find an investor for her deceased husbands dream. She realizes that social codes are different for widows, especially widows who catch the attentions of the elusive Duke of Evesham and heavens knows she does not want him to find out her secret, but secrets are made to be found out and never fear it usually will happen although I'm not saying it will.
And when this pair unite, the sparks between them are hot, but will Lady Georgiana's secret lead to their demise? Or will this notorious rake find it in his heart to forgive the one woman who stirs his blood?
Amy Jarecki writes another absolutely fabulous novels chalked full of love and secrets that will have your heart pounding in your ears. I was entranced from the moment I opened the book until the minute I put it down. Ms. Jarecki does write such wonderful books and I can't wait to see what she writes for us next.
April 6, 2019
The Duke's Untamed Desire by Amy Jarecki is book Two in the Devilish Dukes Series. This is the story of Georgiana and Fletcher Markham, the Duke of Evesham. This can be a standalone book.
Georgiana married below her station but as a blue stocking she married a man who created interventions. One being a fire engine that she help worked on and then after his death finished the creations. Now Georgiana has come to town to look to advance the engine further. But her parents have made sure she goes to several town events with her mother in place of storing the engine. Georgiana ends up meeting Fletcher who happens to witness the testing of the engine as it goes all wrong. Later they meet at a social affair where he doesn't recognize her from their earlier meeting. But now Fletcher is peaked with Georgiana and goes forward to find out more about her.
Enjoyed their story..big fan of Ms. Jarecki's writing.
Georgiana married below her station but as a blue stocking she married a man who created interventions. One being a fire engine that she help worked on and then after his death finished the creations. Now Georgiana has come to town to look to advance the engine further. But her parents have made sure she goes to several town events with her mother in place of storing the engine. Georgiana ends up meeting Fletcher who happens to witness the testing of the engine as it goes all wrong. Later they meet at a social affair where he doesn't recognize her from their earlier meeting. But now Fletcher is peaked with Georgiana and goes forward to find out more about her.
Enjoyed their story..big fan of Ms. Jarecki's writing.
April 2, 2019
They say some things are my as they appear. This is so true when it comes to the Duke of Evesham and Lady Georgiana. The Duke is know as a rake and known for breaking the rules. Georgiana married for what she thought was love and is now a widow, trying to carry on what was her husbands dream. Both have secrets they don’t want to be known. Lady Georgiana is so focused on what she believes wants that she doesn’t see what is right in front of her. I particularly loved the Duke, he was just a fun character and once he realizes there is more to his life than what he thought he goes after it namely Georgiana. It was a wonderful story with wonderful characters. At one point when the Duke was talking of his life and he mother it brought tears to my eyes! So yes I definitely recommend this book. Five Stars! Loved it Amy Jarecki!
April 2, 2019
Great, multi-faceted characters. Very interesting plot. Just steamy enough. Kept me intrigued from the first page to the last.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
July 18, 2020
Ce fut une lecture agréable et j'aurais pu mettre 4 étoiles. Mais l'héroïne m'énervait trop et aussi quelques incohérences m'ont fait baisser ma note.
March 13, 2020
Tender, but very steamy love story.
The Duke's Untamed Desire by Amy Jarecki is an entertaining Regency romance between Mrs. Georgiana Whiteside, who is the widowed daughter of a Baron, and the scandalous Fletcher Markham, the Duke of Evesham. How they met and how their diverse agendas makes for a cute story.
This tender but reluctant love story had a number of aspects to recommend it. It had great dialogue with some very funny parts and it had interesting and well developed characters, who by the way are total opposites. That said, I did think it was a bit too long with a few drag points. In spite of my annoyance with titles (that I outline in the next paragraph), I truly did enjoy this book and I was very satisfied with the smile-worthy ending.
Last, but not least, the constant misuse of a title when addressing Georgiana was truly annoying. The daughter of a baron is not addressed as “my lady” or Lady Georgiana. Only her mother, the baroness, is addressed as Lady ___. If Georgiana were unmarried she would be The Honorable Miss ___, and if married she would be the Honorable Mrs. ___ or simply Mrs. or Madam. I get that to some this is a small infraction, but to those of us who read primarily historical romances this type of error is annoying and tedious.
Content 411: Although there are no American vulgarities, there is some religious swearing and some descriptive and steamy sexually intimate scenes.
The Duke's Untamed Desire by Amy Jarecki is an entertaining Regency romance between Mrs. Georgiana Whiteside, who is the widowed daughter of a Baron, and the scandalous Fletcher Markham, the Duke of Evesham. How they met and how their diverse agendas makes for a cute story.
This tender but reluctant love story had a number of aspects to recommend it. It had great dialogue with some very funny parts and it had interesting and well developed characters, who by the way are total opposites. That said, I did think it was a bit too long with a few drag points. In spite of my annoyance with titles (that I outline in the next paragraph), I truly did enjoy this book and I was very satisfied with the smile-worthy ending.
Last, but not least, the constant misuse of a title when addressing Georgiana was truly annoying. The daughter of a baron is not addressed as “my lady” or Lady Georgiana. Only her mother, the baroness, is addressed as Lady ___. If Georgiana were unmarried she would be The Honorable Miss ___, and if married she would be the Honorable Mrs. ___ or simply Mrs. or Madam. I get that to some this is a small infraction, but to those of us who read primarily historical romances this type of error is annoying and tedious.
Content 411: Although there are no American vulgarities, there is some religious swearing and some descriptive and steamy sexually intimate scenes.
February 23, 2021
I purchased this as part of a bundle the author offered called THE DEVILISH DUKES.
I wanted the h to tell the H what her marriage was like in and out of the bedroom. Even though he figured out the bedroom part pretty fast.
The h is ahead of her time in being in business. Of course it isn't well known, until she starts to approach wealthy men at Ton functions. Why wasn't she called out on this? Why didn't word spread she was in business? I thought she held onto the idea the pumper was her husband's brain child too long. I wanted her to have more of a backbone and yell from the rooftops how she figured it out. She should have shared her secret with the H after she got to know him. She held onto it way too long.
I loved the H, he was kind hearted and didn't want credit for his good deeds. He was forthright in his dealings and since he wasn't groomed as a Duke, approached life differently. He made the story. I did enjoy the story with all it's twists and turns.
There is lovemaking outside of marriage, heat level 5 out of 5. The Lord's name is taken in vain a few times, truly wasn't necessary.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, very bumpy road to HEA, romance and steam. (ljb)
I wanted the h to tell the H what her marriage was like in and out of the bedroom. Even though he figured out the bedroom part pretty fast.
The h is ahead of her time in being in business. Of course it isn't well known, until she starts to approach wealthy men at Ton functions. Why wasn't she called out on this? Why didn't word spread she was in business? I thought she held onto the idea the pumper was her husband's brain child too long. I wanted her to have more of a backbone and yell from the rooftops how she figured it out. She should have shared her secret with the H after she got to know him. She held onto it way too long.
I loved the H, he was kind hearted and didn't want credit for his good deeds. He was forthright in his dealings and since he wasn't groomed as a Duke, approached life differently. He made the story. I did enjoy the story with all it's twists and turns.
There is lovemaking outside of marriage, heat level 5 out of 5. The Lord's name is taken in vain a few times, truly wasn't necessary.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, very bumpy road to HEA, romance and steam. (ljb)
March 9, 2020
Georgiana and Fletcher
Georgiana loves to read. Her hunger for knowledge led her to seek an intelligent man when her first season came. She found him, a well educated, impoverished inventor, who had been killed while working on his steam fire pump. On his death, Georgiana took up his project to find and correct the issues that kept it from performing as it should. Unfortunately, at her first attempt at showing its capabilities to the public, a duke who showed interest in the pump was caught in the 200 gallons of water exiting at great force. Furious and dripping, he had left the woman and her ill equipped demonstrators without a backward glance.
Fast paced and entertaining, the author takes you for an unexpected ride through the misadventures and "friendship" of the two.
Georgiana loves to read. Her hunger for knowledge led her to seek an intelligent man when her first season came. She found him, a well educated, impoverished inventor, who had been killed while working on his steam fire pump. On his death, Georgiana took up his project to find and correct the issues that kept it from performing as it should. Unfortunately, at her first attempt at showing its capabilities to the public, a duke who showed interest in the pump was caught in the 200 gallons of water exiting at great force. Furious and dripping, he had left the woman and her ill equipped demonstrators without a backward glance.
Fast paced and entertaining, the author takes you for an unexpected ride through the misadventures and "friendship" of the two.
May 4, 2020
in time of plague reading is essential despite not being able to concentrate on more than regency romances. enjoyed this for the experimental steam engine details, and that the H/H have a first inglorious meeting that melts through much of the plot. hate misunderstandings. enjoyed this, am ordering so many books now the library is closed cannot remember any of them sorry to say. now am into rereading my book titles. this is so embarrassing as a retired rare book curator with a book shop of 5,000 titles all scholars subjects and rare books. these are like a package of raspberries, once you begin each one is sweeter than the last. am up till early morning finishing the titles, near dawn. what can you do when your president suggesting injecting disinfectant?
February 21, 2020
This was an alright story. But it was 250 pages of a love story. Two little fights between Fletcher and the bad guy and that was it, maybe 5 pages for both fights. So, no more of Amy Jarecki. Sorry, but there has to be something more exciting for me. I mean, for real, how many ways are there to have sex, especially when you think of how many romances there are out there. If authors aren’t going to put some kind of drama in the book it just gets boring.
This was about steam-power for a fire truck that was just full of half-truths and misunderstandings.
A couple of explicit sex scenes but no swearing.
As to the narration: Raphael Corkhill wasn’t very good. His women were too masculine and the men sounded like they were all angry or mean. He did much better in The Duke's Fallen Angel for some reason.
This was about steam-power for a fire truck that was just full of half-truths and misunderstandings.
A couple of explicit sex scenes but no swearing.
As to the narration: Raphael Corkhill wasn’t very good. His women were too masculine and the men sounded like they were all angry or mean. He did much better in The Duke's Fallen Angel for some reason.
March 20, 2020
I had so much fun reading this romance!
What a delightful romance! Georgiana is a recent widow, dedicated to finishing the project she was working on with her late husband. This venture crosses paths with Fletcher, the titular duke, and at that instant, the game is on!
I loved the way the secrets and history came out, how both these characters fell in love almost despite themselves. I was thoroughly captivated throughout their ups and downs, all the way to their HEA. This author is one of my favorites, and I couldn't have loved this book more.
What a delightful romance! Georgiana is a recent widow, dedicated to finishing the project she was working on with her late husband. This venture crosses paths with Fletcher, the titular duke, and at that instant, the game is on!
I loved the way the secrets and history came out, how both these characters fell in love almost despite themselves. I was thoroughly captivated throughout their ups and downs, all the way to their HEA. This author is one of my favorites, and I couldn't have loved this book more.
April 7, 2020
this was overall a strong read with several hesitations, some questionable taste, some great characters, an interesting premise, with steam engineering being the thread keeping the hem together. loved both h/h. Dialogue was sometimes witty, sometimes dumb, so it did jump up and down. For characters, plot and pace nicely done. Baroness still remains a mystery, Cannot wait for Eleanor's story. A little over the top in compressed Peril's of Pauline at the end, but all went well. Not a bad read in the time of plague and Trump.
March 30, 2020
DNF at 36%
The story begins amusing enough, but Georgiana quickly grows tiresome. The author doesn't seem to realize that the heroine, having married a plain mister, would be referred to as Mrs, not as Lady Georgiana, especially as she's the daughter of a mere baron. Also, discussion of trade in a ballroom or elsewhere among the haute ton was verboten and considered vulgar, yet it's prevalent in this story. By a third of the way through the book, I'd had enough.
The story begins amusing enough, but Georgiana quickly grows tiresome. The author doesn't seem to realize that the heroine, having married a plain mister, would be referred to as Mrs, not as Lady Georgiana, especially as she's the daughter of a mere baron. Also, discussion of trade in a ballroom or elsewhere among the haute ton was verboten and considered vulgar, yet it's prevalent in this story. By a third of the way through the book, I'd had enough.
July 2, 2019
WONDERFUL
This is the third book I have read by Lady Amy and I am still delighted with her stories. Such a sensual and sexy book. I really enjoyed the two main characters and their sexy love play. I can not wait to read the next book in the Devilish Dukes series. I truly love my historical romance books with a Duke.
This is the third book I have read by Lady Amy and I am still delighted with her stories. Such a sensual and sexy book. I really enjoyed the two main characters and their sexy love play. I can not wait to read the next book in the Devilish Dukes series. I truly love my historical romance books with a Duke.
March 26, 2020
This had soo much of potential!
I just couldn't connect with anything!
There was too much of "her ladyship" going on.
And the secret - ppffftt! nothing earth shattering! she had doused the duke with water accidentally and then later he didnt recognise her! ugh! no!
the villain - a no rhym or reason villain! seriously i was sad to see how the villain was developed!
I just couldn't connect with anything!
There was too much of "her ladyship" going on.
And the secret - ppffftt! nothing earth shattering! she had doused the duke with water accidentally and then later he didnt recognise her! ugh! no!
the villain - a no rhym or reason villain! seriously i was sad to see how the villain was developed!
April 6, 2020
Fletcher was drenched when Georgiana’s demonstration of her steam-powered fire engine. When they met again she was afraid to tell him about their previous meeting because he had been so mad. Though they got along really well she felt guilty for not telling him. He was making plans for the future. She was enjoying the present. Lovely story.
April 29, 2020
Another entertaining book from Ms Jarecki's creative mind.
I loved the story of a bluestocking, intelligent, widowed Lady Georgiana and Fletcher, a bastard son recognized by his father, a Duke, upon his eminent death. The plot is filled with intrigue, adventure and romance, along with humor and interesting characters. You won't be disappointed.
I loved the story of a bluestocking, intelligent, widowed Lady Georgiana and Fletcher, a bastard son recognized by his father, a Duke, upon his eminent death. The plot is filled with intrigue, adventure and romance, along with humor and interesting characters. You won't be disappointed.
December 13, 2020
The Duke's Untamed Desire (Devilish Dukes Book 2)
The love story of Georgiana and Fletcher. Georgiaena's late husband had Invented A new fire engine and she improve his work. She is looking for investors. Georgiana first try of sell her husband engine was to the duke of Evesham. Will he invest or will he fall in love? Great story.
The love story of Georgiana and Fletcher. Georgiaena's late husband had Invented A new fire engine and she improve his work. She is looking for investors. Georgiana first try of sell her husband engine was to the duke of Evesham. Will he invest or will he fall in love? Great story.
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