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Duke of Darkness: A Historical Regency Romance Novel
“You should fear me, wife. For once I touch you, there is no going back…”
As if his scars are not enough, just the sight of Duke Duncan’s mask terrifies everyone. Until an irresistible minx dares to ask him for a kiss… and the beast within him cannot resist her.
Desperate for one moment of passion, Lady Alice ends up in the arms of an alluring stranger. Yet her first kiss turns into a scandal! Leaving her no choice but to marry the cruelest man of the ton…
When Duncan vows to never claim her, Alice sees it as a she must seduce her husband. Even if the beast beneath the mask corrupts her in ways she never expects…
*If you like a realistic yet steamy depiction of the Regency and Victorian era, then Duke of Darkness is the novel for you.
An enchanting regency romance of 80,000 words (around 400 pages), written by Violet Hamers and published by Cobalt Fairy.
No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a strong happily ever after.
Pick up "Duke of Darkness" today to discover Violet's fantastic new story!
As if his scars are not enough, just the sight of Duke Duncan’s mask terrifies everyone. Until an irresistible minx dares to ask him for a kiss… and the beast within him cannot resist her.
Desperate for one moment of passion, Lady Alice ends up in the arms of an alluring stranger. Yet her first kiss turns into a scandal! Leaving her no choice but to marry the cruelest man of the ton…
When Duncan vows to never claim her, Alice sees it as a she must seduce her husband. Even if the beast beneath the mask corrupts her in ways she never expects…
*If you like a realistic yet steamy depiction of the Regency and Victorian era, then Duke of Darkness is the novel for you.
An enchanting regency romance of 80,000 words (around 400 pages), written by Violet Hamers and published by Cobalt Fairy.
No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a strong happily ever after.
Pick up "Duke of Darkness" today to discover Violet's fantastic new story!
432 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 16, 2024
318 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
About the author
Violet Hamers
88 books70 followersViolet Hamers knew from an early age that writing was something she always wanted to do. Growing up, her time was divided between writing stories and taking part in theatrical plays, that she used to perform exclusively for her family and friends.
As she loves reading and writing, she is rarely found without a book in her hands, or her fingers glued to a keyboard. Her love for reading led her to Jane Austen's world--the regency historical world that won her over in comparison to any other genre!
Even though being an author is not a simple task, her dream of becoming one has finally come true as she is currently writing Regency novels...romances her readers will love!
Follow Violet into a world of romance and fairytale, of passion and intrigue, and live unforgettable happy-ever-afters along with her protagonists that she guarantees you will remember forever.
As she loves reading and writing, she is rarely found without a book in her hands, or her fingers glued to a keyboard. Her love for reading led her to Jane Austen's world--the regency historical world that won her over in comparison to any other genre!
Even though being an author is not a simple task, her dream of becoming one has finally come true as she is currently writing Regency novels...romances her readers will love!
Follow Violet into a world of romance and fairytale, of passion and intrigue, and live unforgettable happy-ever-afters along with her protagonists that she guarantees you will remember forever.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 28, 2024
Tortured Duke
Ah, such dramatic and romantic smut. This was a book that I would have probably gobbled up when I was young and impressionable. These days the tortured and scarred hero is just another common trope, although a reasonably well written one. Very sexy stuff and although there is a thin plot, there is not enough of one to say that a serious effort was made toward anything other than good smut. (Which of course is its own reward.) Three stars.
Ah, such dramatic and romantic smut. This was a book that I would have probably gobbled up when I was young and impressionable. These days the tortured and scarred hero is just another common trope, although a reasonably well written one. Very sexy stuff and although there is a thin plot, there is not enough of one to say that a serious effort was made toward anything other than good smut. (Which of course is its own reward.) Three stars.
November 28, 2024
Alice Knight is on her third season at twenty one, bullied for being plus sized, she goes to social events to please her older sister and father. Her friend, Barbara proposes that she ask a stranger for a kiss to dispel her notion of falling in love.
While taking a breather in a study to read, she meets the Duke of Baxter, Duncan (twenty eight). Not knowing his identity and having an argument with him over who the room belongs to causes her to take a chance and ask for a kiss which turns into two kisses. They are forced to marry when discovered. I liked how he wanted it to be her choice to marry him and showed her his scars immediately.
The hero has trauma from his past (his mother died in childbirth and his father was murdered) and is known for his temper as "the Beast", he has sexual preferences which he keeps a secret (I guessed it was something to do with pain, dominance and submission). His friends have only recently coaxed him out of the depressive state he was in (drinking alcohol and losing weight).
I liked how they find compassion and love with each other and even though he tries to deny and avoid her, she steps up to challenge him, even his three best friends do not let he wallow in self pity and defeat. He is really a self tortured hero with a mysterious mask. On the other hand, she is insecure because of her size but he constantly tells her she is beautiful. Her friend and sisters were nice and non-judgy which was sweet.
Tropes: Marriage of convenience, size difference (taller, bigger hero-short heroine), plus sized heroine, who hurt you, hurt-comfort
While taking a breather in a study to read, she meets the Duke of Baxter, Duncan (twenty eight). Not knowing his identity and having an argument with him over who the room belongs to causes her to take a chance and ask for a kiss which turns into two kisses. They are forced to marry when discovered. I liked how he wanted it to be her choice to marry him and showed her his scars immediately.
The hero has trauma from his past (his mother died in childbirth and his father was murdered) and is known for his temper as "the Beast", he has sexual preferences which he keeps a secret (I guessed it was something to do with pain, dominance and submission). His friends have only recently coaxed him out of the depressive state he was in (drinking alcohol and losing weight).
I liked how they find compassion and love with each other and even though he tries to deny and avoid her, she steps up to challenge him, even his three best friends do not let he wallow in self pity and defeat. He is really a self tortured hero with a mysterious mask. On the other hand, she is insecure because of her size but he constantly tells her she is beautiful. Her friend and sisters were nice and non-judgy which was sweet.
Tropes: Marriage of convenience, size difference (taller, bigger hero-short heroine), plus sized heroine, who hurt you, hurt-comfort
May 25, 2024
A Kiss Is All She Desires
I enjoyed this story. Duke Duncan had been scarred in a fire that killed his father and the fathers of three of his friends. Duncan was reclusive because of his scars but also because he was desperate to find how the fire really started. Alice was a rather plump young lady and did not have any suitors. She was keen to learn about intimacy but did not know what to do until one of her friends suggested she should kiss a man, any man! Duncan had attended a ball, under protest and did not want to meet any young ladies. He hid in a quiet room. However, Alice came across him and decided to kiss him. They were caught together and forced to marry. Their relationship was difficult because Duncan refused to consummate the marriages, despite Alice's wishes. He was cold towards her but made sure she was looked after by their staff. Gradually Alice managed to soften Duncan's attitude and together they were able to explore physical desires. This is an enjoyable, steamy, well-written story.
I enjoyed this story. Duke Duncan had been scarred in a fire that killed his father and the fathers of three of his friends. Duncan was reclusive because of his scars but also because he was desperate to find how the fire really started. Alice was a rather plump young lady and did not have any suitors. She was keen to learn about intimacy but did not know what to do until one of her friends suggested she should kiss a man, any man! Duncan had attended a ball, under protest and did not want to meet any young ladies. He hid in a quiet room. However, Alice came across him and decided to kiss him. They were caught together and forced to marry. Their relationship was difficult because Duncan refused to consummate the marriages, despite Alice's wishes. He was cold towards her but made sure she was looked after by their staff. Gradually Alice managed to soften Duncan's attitude and together they were able to explore physical desires. This is an enjoyable, steamy, well-written story.
January 13, 2025
A daring kiss, a resulting scandal, and steamy Beauty and the Beast romance makes this a great read!
Violet Hammers starts a new series, The Four Dukes, with an imaginative, steamy retelling of the Beauty and the Beast tale, set in Regency London, called The Duke of Darkness. The series is about four friends who inherit their dukedoms at an early age when their fathers are all killed in a freakish warehouse fire. Duncan, the Duke of Baxter, or the Duke of Darkness, as many of the ton call him, was there when the four men were caught in the fire. He was badly injured when he tried to save his father. The resulting scars cause him to hide behind a mask in public. The past haunts him to the point he refuses to allow himself to trust love for fear he will lose again.
Violet Hammer portrayal of the tortured hero was so well-written Duncan practically juumped from the pages into real life! Violet's vivid descriptions and witty dialogue painted a picture of a tall , dark ,and swoon-worthy lover. His guilty pleasure kept him from sharing his attention with any innocent debutante in order to avoid a scandal.
The heroine for this story was not the usual dimminutive, soft-spoken female. Again, Ms. Hammer's excellent wordcraft made it easy to imagine Alice's voluptious figure and near-poor spinster status. Alice and I shared many physical and emotional traits despite living in different eras. I could relate to her impatience with snooty, man-eating women who bullied and gossiped about anyone different from themselves. Her desire to at least experience passion, if not marriage, made me smile. I certainly did not expect the meet cute in a historical novel! I couldn't help but admire her spunk!
The entire story is beautifully written, full of emotion, and a feast for the senses. The sub-characters help to contribute to the touching, heartwarming, chosen family feeling to this novel. I can hardly wait to meet the other dukes and their true loves!
Violet Hammers starts a new series, The Four Dukes, with an imaginative, steamy retelling of the Beauty and the Beast tale, set in Regency London, called The Duke of Darkness. The series is about four friends who inherit their dukedoms at an early age when their fathers are all killed in a freakish warehouse fire. Duncan, the Duke of Baxter, or the Duke of Darkness, as many of the ton call him, was there when the four men were caught in the fire. He was badly injured when he tried to save his father. The resulting scars cause him to hide behind a mask in public. The past haunts him to the point he refuses to allow himself to trust love for fear he will lose again.
Violet Hammer portrayal of the tortured hero was so well-written Duncan practically juumped from the pages into real life! Violet's vivid descriptions and witty dialogue painted a picture of a tall , dark ,and swoon-worthy lover. His guilty pleasure kept him from sharing his attention with any innocent debutante in order to avoid a scandal.
The heroine for this story was not the usual dimminutive, soft-spoken female. Again, Ms. Hammer's excellent wordcraft made it easy to imagine Alice's voluptious figure and near-poor spinster status. Alice and I shared many physical and emotional traits despite living in different eras. I could relate to her impatience with snooty, man-eating women who bullied and gossiped about anyone different from themselves. Her desire to at least experience passion, if not marriage, made me smile. I certainly did not expect the meet cute in a historical novel! I couldn't help but admire her spunk!
The entire story is beautifully written, full of emotion, and a feast for the senses. The sub-characters help to contribute to the touching, heartwarming, chosen family feeling to this novel. I can hardly wait to meet the other dukes and their true loves!
August 24, 2024
Her masterful Duke of Darkness
I absolutely loved Alice’s and Duncan’s story. Duncan is a scared man with a lot of personal issues stemming from childhood and the fire that killed his father and all his friend’s fathers. Alice is in her 3rd season, turning down everyone that has offered for her. She is ridiculed for being slightly plump. When her best friend Barbara told her to be spontaneous and kiss a stranger. Alice herself would never have guessed she would do just that but the get caught.
When Duncan was looking for a few minutes of peace her would never have imagined the most alluring young woman he’s ever seen walks into the same place. Alice is flabbergasted when the most sensual man she’s has ever seen looks at her with lust in his eyes, but before she leaves she asks him to kiss her.
A wonderful book with a tortured soul and the woman who can bring him back.
I absolutely loved Alice’s and Duncan’s story. Duncan is a scared man with a lot of personal issues stemming from childhood and the fire that killed his father and all his friend’s fathers. Alice is in her 3rd season, turning down everyone that has offered for her. She is ridiculed for being slightly plump. When her best friend Barbara told her to be spontaneous and kiss a stranger. Alice herself would never have guessed she would do just that but the get caught.
When Duncan was looking for a few minutes of peace her would never have imagined the most alluring young woman he’s ever seen walks into the same place. Alice is flabbergasted when the most sensual man she’s has ever seen looks at her with lust in his eyes, but before she leaves she asks him to kiss her.
A wonderful book with a tortured soul and the woman who can bring him back.
May 28, 2024
A cold unfeeling Duke and a desperate Lady!
This is an interesting plot but warning it gets very erotic! Duncan and three close friends, all Dukes, their fathers all died in a fire together, where Duncan was burned trying to save his cruel father. And we have Alice, second daughter to an Earl who ignored his girls, but as Alice is a little heavy he ridiculed her. Her sister Lydia, older and a spinster has cared for her and young sister Juliet. As it’s her third season, no suitor in sight and wants to enjoy a kiss, so when at a masquerade party sh3 slips into the library, and when a man slips in and they talk, in dark she ask for a kiss, and of course they are caught! Their journey to happiness is worth the reading!
This is an interesting plot but warning it gets very erotic! Duncan and three close friends, all Dukes, their fathers all died in a fire together, where Duncan was burned trying to save his cruel father. And we have Alice, second daughter to an Earl who ignored his girls, but as Alice is a little heavy he ridiculed her. Her sister Lydia, older and a spinster has cared for her and young sister Juliet. As it’s her third season, no suitor in sight and wants to enjoy a kiss, so when at a masquerade party sh3 slips into the library, and when a man slips in and they talk, in dark she ask for a kiss, and of course they are caught! Their journey to happiness is worth the reading!
May 27, 2024
ONE WITHDRAWN EMOTIONALLY- ONE VERY FEELING
DUNCAN ONE OF FOUR DUKES - Who had always been friends and are always there for each other.
Duncan has problems with guilt and rarely shows emotions (he has his reasons).
HE also has quite different preferences with regards to sex - this is HOT in parts.
LADY ALICE - extremely close to her sister's a very caring and loving person also inquisitive looks for answers.
Absolutely loved it brilliant characters there is so much going on in this story ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT
THE DUKES WERE HILARIOUS IN PARTS PLAYED OFF AGAINST EACH OTHER. CAN'T WAIT FOR THEIR STORIES.
I received an ARC copy
DUNCAN ONE OF FOUR DUKES - Who had always been friends and are always there for each other.
Duncan has problems with guilt and rarely shows emotions (he has his reasons).
HE also has quite different preferences with regards to sex - this is HOT in parts.
LADY ALICE - extremely close to her sister's a very caring and loving person also inquisitive looks for answers.
Absolutely loved it brilliant characters there is so much going on in this story ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT
THE DUKES WERE HILARIOUS IN PARTS PLAYED OFF AGAINST EACH OTHER. CAN'T WAIT FOR THEIR STORIES.
I received an ARC copy
May 31, 2024
The hero is scarred physically and emotionally. He is a recluse most of the time. The heroine isn’t overly popular with the males, but she wants to sample some passion. Her friends tell her to kiss a man, so she finds the hero in a quiet room and does just that. Oops, they are caught and must marry. Then the work begins of her tearing down the walls he has built to protect himself. It was a interesting read and hot in places.
May 21, 2024
Duke of Darkness
Alice and Duncan meet at a masquerade ball he is a duke but neither want to marry but to prevent scandal they do and eventually fall in love he has scars and wears a mask to hide them but he goes from a man that does not want children to one that does A steamy story
Alice and Duncan meet at a masquerade ball he is a duke but neither want to marry but to prevent scandal they do and eventually fall in love he has scars and wears a mask to hide them but he goes from a man that does not want children to one that does A steamy story
May 25, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyed this beauty and the beast! Steaming, hot!
Loved this version of a beastly rule in looks and actions who falls for the undiscovered heroine who calms his beast. Throw in some hot hot hot encounters between the two and you've got a story you can't put down! I literally cried as she famed the duke of darkness. Can't wait to read about the others...
Loved this version of a beastly rule in looks and actions who falls for the undiscovered heroine who calms his beast. Throw in some hot hot hot encounters between the two and you've got a story you can't put down! I literally cried as she famed the duke of darkness. Can't wait to read about the others...
May 26, 2024
Duke of darkness
Lovely!. The only word I can think of to describe this story. It has a little of everything in it. Strong characters,a good story line and some steam. Well done. I think being that most of their time, in the latter stages any way, they spent naked! Packing must have been light!
Lovely!. The only word I can think of to describe this story. It has a little of everything in it. Strong characters,a good story line and some steam. Well done. I think being that most of their time, in the latter stages any way, they spent naked! Packing must have been light!
May 28, 2024
Interesting read
After being caught in compromising position,Duncan and Alice agreed to a marriage of convenience. Duncan is trying hard to keep his distance from his wife, but Alice has other plans for their future together. Read the story to find out if they will be able to find happiness together.
After being caught in compromising position,Duncan and Alice agreed to a marriage of convenience. Duncan is trying hard to keep his distance from his wife, but Alice has other plans for their future together. Read the story to find out if they will be able to find happiness together.
July 10, 2024
Duke of Darkness
Duke of Darkness by Violet Hamers is the first book in The Four Dukes series.
Duncan and Alice have to marry after being caught alone and in the middle of a kiss. With Alices' reputation ruined Duncan, the Duke of Darkness, offers for her hand in marriage. They have a bumpy road to their HEA.
Duke of Darkness by Violet Hamers is the first book in The Four Dukes series.
Duncan and Alice have to marry after being caught alone and in the middle of a kiss. With Alices' reputation ruined Duncan, the Duke of Darkness, offers for her hand in marriage. They have a bumpy road to their HEA.
July 26, 2024
I just finished my first Violet Gamers book, Duke of Darkness. I was quite impressed. I read an average of 3 to 4 books a week so I have a few favorite authors , if which Violet has become one. Her book kept my interest while entertained me too. Good mix if a little mystery, a little humor and a little romance. Thank you Violet for sharing your gift.
January 22, 2025
Full of typos and editing errors. I really tried to get through this story and I am being charitable by giving it 2 stars. The story is a good effort but immature in a strange way.
I thought to give the author a second chance by starting Book 2 in this series but when she used the word Bluebonnet (which is a flower) for Bluestocking, I gave up. She doesn't know her Regency period.
I thought to give the author a second chance by starting Book 2 in this series but when she used the word Bluebonnet (which is a flower) for Bluestocking, I gave up. She doesn't know her Regency period.
May 18, 2025
The Kiss
Alice ask Duncan a stranger to kiss her at the ball, when they were caught a marriage of convenience took place. Unbeknowning to Alice , Duncan had a dark soul, brought on by his childhood. But a marriage of convenience turned into a love of their life time.
Thank you ♥️
Alice ask Duncan a stranger to kiss her at the ball, when they were caught a marriage of convenience took place. Unbeknowning to Alice , Duncan had a dark soul, brought on by his childhood. But a marriage of convenience turned into a love of their life time.
Thank you ♥️
May 20, 2024
Very hot and steamy
Alice and Duncan story is the first in a set of four and has all the marks of being a wonderful series. It shows how from an attraction a wonderful love can grow.
Alice and Duncan story is the first in a set of four and has all the marks of being a wonderful series. It shows how from an attraction a wonderful love can grow.
May 29, 2024
Historical erotica
This was a very interesting book about the fear of losing those you love. It is not a conventional Regency romance as it has scenes of erotica.The characters were unique a d interesting.
This was a very interesting book about the fear of losing those you love. It is not a conventional Regency romance as it has scenes of erotica.The characters were unique a d interesting.
June 5, 2024
Gothic shades?
Duncan and Alive are broken souls who marry to avoid a scandal. In the beginning they struggle to communicate, but over time they learn to trust. After a separation they finally get it together and go on an extended honeymoon.
Erotica
Duncan and Alive are broken souls who marry to avoid a scandal. In the beginning they struggle to communicate, but over time they learn to trust. After a separation they finally get it together and go on an extended honeymoon.
Erotica
July 29, 2024
A Dare/A Marriage of Convenience
Just a kiss & then married to a Duke
But not like any other. Tormented
& doubts run through his mind. Slowly, they seem to solve some of their problems only to create more. Is there marriage a lost cause or can love begin to take hold.
Just a kiss & then married to a Duke
But not like any other. Tormented
& doubts run through his mind. Slowly, they seem to solve some of their problems only to create more. Is there marriage a lost cause or can love begin to take hold.
August 4, 2024
Exceptional...Memorable....
Duncan and Alice were amazing characters. He fear loss above all else. She had a very negative view of herself. Together they will challenge convention!!
Hugely Recommend.
Duncan and Alice were amazing characters. He fear loss above all else. She had a very negative view of herself. Together they will challenge convention!!
Hugely Recommend.
May 29, 2024
Fantastic
I thoroughly enjoyed reading. This book has a great storyline, good character development thought and comments of Alice were clearly well thought out.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading. This book has a great storyline, good character development thought and comments of Alice were clearly well thought out.
June 1, 2024
great love story
I truly enjoyed this book, however I cannot find book 2 in this series.
Please let me know where it is
Grandsondjr@yahoo.com
I truly enjoyed this book, however I cannot find book 2 in this series.
Please let me know where it is
Grandsondjr@yahoo.com
June 18, 2024
Who doesn't want to fall in love with a Duke. I love Alice, she was her savior.
June 20, 2024
sweet and spicy beauty and the beast story
Loved it!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥🔥🔥
Loved the story, the side characters.
I can’t wait to read the other 3 Dukes stories.
Loved it!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥🔥🔥
Loved the story, the side characters.
I can’t wait to read the other 3 Dukes stories.
July 14, 2024
Great story! New author to me, and I picked this up in Kindle Unlimited. I enjoyed the characters and story.
February 28, 2025
wonderful
I loved this story! It was a type of Beauty and the Beast story and it was delightfully spicy! Can’t wait to read even more of Violet’s stories!
I loved this story! It was a type of Beauty and the Beast story and it was delightfully spicy! Can’t wait to read even more of Violet’s stories!
March 18, 2025
DNF 34% I wasn't the biggest fan of the mmc and mfc. They were both all over the place. It felt like their personalities were never quite set and it was off-putting.
May 28, 2025
Excellently written, holds your interest, and the story is historical romance. Makes you want to keep reading to learn what happens next. Highly recommend this author.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews