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A Game with the Rakish Duke: A Historical Regency Romance Novel
“I know exactly how to please a woman, dear wife. So let me satisfy you.”
Catherine must pay her brother’s debts or her family loses everything. But the only way to collect the money she needs is in a gaming hell. Dressed as a man, she almost succeeds...until she loses it all to the biggest rake in London.
Duke Thomas must marry. That’s what the ton expects of him at least. When he meets the alluring minx in dire straits, he offers her the winnings. On one she must be his Duchess, but only in name.
Catherine knows she must stay away from her rake of a husband. For she can never win his heart, even if she surrenders to his seductive touch…
*If you like a realistic yet steamy depiction of the Regency and Victorian era, then A Game with the Rakish Duke is the novel for you.
An enchanting regency romance of 80,000 words (around 400 pages), written by Ava MacAdams and published by Cobalt Fairy.
No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a strong happily ever after.
Pick up "A Game with the Rakish Duke" today to discover Ava's fantastic new story!
Catherine must pay her brother’s debts or her family loses everything. But the only way to collect the money she needs is in a gaming hell. Dressed as a man, she almost succeeds...until she loses it all to the biggest rake in London.
Duke Thomas must marry. That’s what the ton expects of him at least. When he meets the alluring minx in dire straits, he offers her the winnings. On one she must be his Duchess, but only in name.
Catherine knows she must stay away from her rake of a husband. For she can never win his heart, even if she surrenders to his seductive touch…
*If you like a realistic yet steamy depiction of the Regency and Victorian era, then A Game with the Rakish Duke is the novel for you.
An enchanting regency romance of 80,000 words (around 400 pages), written by Ava MacAdams and published by Cobalt Fairy.
No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a strong happily ever after.
Pick up "A Game with the Rakish Duke" today to discover Ava's fantastic new story!
- GenresHistorical Romance
431 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 23, 2024
232 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
Ava MacAdams
77 books62 followersBorn and raised in rural Louisiana, Ava's rebellious nature would always find her riding her horse through vast farmlands or lying under a tree, getting lost in one of her favourite historical romances. Always itching for adventure, she was only nineteen when she decided to embark on her biggest adventure and travel through Europe.
She studied art and theater in London, where she met several people that filled her with valuable experiences. Taking part in a writing competition upon her professor's encouragement, she realised that this was what she always wanted to do. Married to that same professor a few years later, she decided to return to her roots to settle down and write about her favourite era.
Let yourselves be lured into an intense experience of desire and passion, alongside irresistible Lords and seductive Ladies of the Regency Era. Ava's skilled writing hand will throw you back in time, when tales were told and songs were sung...
She studied art and theater in London, where she met several people that filled her with valuable experiences. Taking part in a writing competition upon her professor's encouragement, she realised that this was what she always wanted to do. Married to that same professor a few years later, she decided to return to her roots to settle down and write about her favourite era.
Let yourselves be lured into an intense experience of desire and passion, alongside irresistible Lords and seductive Ladies of the Regency Era. Ava's skilled writing hand will throw you back in time, when tales were told and songs were sung...
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 27, 2024
3.5 ⭐️s
This was the story of Catherine and Thomas and their marriage of convenience. They were both afraid of love and being hurt and abandoned so they were determined to lead separate lives. Thomas, however, couldn’t deny his attraction to her which led to him developing feelings that he didn’t want. He was brave and decided to risk it all to be with her completely. Eventually, she caught on and took the risk too, and they got their HEA.
The characters within the book were well developed. I really liked Thomas, his grandmother, and his friends. Their interactions were witty and offered humor as well as showing the depth of their friendship. Catherine was not a very likable heroine. I never really connected with her. Her spirited demeanor just seemed contrary and difficult to me. Her resistance to her own feelings just seemed to drag on for too long. She just seemed mean at some point and like she didn’t appreciate or acknowledge all the things that Thomas had done until the end of the book. It also didn’t make sense how clueless she was about Patrick and his intentions. It was pretty obvious from the beginning.
I gave this book 3.5 stars because although I didn’t like her, I liked Thomas a lot and I was really happy that he got his happy ending.
I received and ARC from the author and am voluntarily giving my honest opinion on this review.
This was the story of Catherine and Thomas and their marriage of convenience. They were both afraid of love and being hurt and abandoned so they were determined to lead separate lives. Thomas, however, couldn’t deny his attraction to her which led to him developing feelings that he didn’t want. He was brave and decided to risk it all to be with her completely. Eventually, she caught on and took the risk too, and they got their HEA.
The characters within the book were well developed. I really liked Thomas, his grandmother, and his friends. Their interactions were witty and offered humor as well as showing the depth of their friendship. Catherine was not a very likable heroine. I never really connected with her. Her spirited demeanor just seemed contrary and difficult to me. Her resistance to her own feelings just seemed to drag on for too long. She just seemed mean at some point and like she didn’t appreciate or acknowledge all the things that Thomas had done until the end of the book. It also didn’t make sense how clueless she was about Patrick and his intentions. It was pretty obvious from the beginning.
I gave this book 3.5 stars because although I didn’t like her, I liked Thomas a lot and I was really happy that he got his happy ending.
I received and ARC from the author and am voluntarily giving my honest opinion on this review.
June 27, 2024
Is Happiness on the Cards?
I enjoyed this story. Duke Thomas and Catherine, two people determined not to fall in love with anyone because of problems in the marriages of their parents. However, Thomas' grandmother is desperate for him to marry and keeps pushing young women towards him. Catherine's brother Oliver, has lost a lot of money due to gambling. One evening, Catherine dresses as a man and goes to a gambling den to win enough money to cover Oliver's debts. She wins a lot of money but then loses it to Duke Thomas. He realises she is a woman and suggests they marry. He will not take his winnings if she agrees to be his duchess. Catherine agrees to this as it is the only way to save her brother. The story explores personal doubts and concerns which hinder their relationship. Jealousy plays a large part in their unhappiness. However, gradually things improve and a settled marriage is on the cards. A good story.
I enjoyed this story. Duke Thomas and Catherine, two people determined not to fall in love with anyone because of problems in the marriages of their parents. However, Thomas' grandmother is desperate for him to marry and keeps pushing young women towards him. Catherine's brother Oliver, has lost a lot of money due to gambling. One evening, Catherine dresses as a man and goes to a gambling den to win enough money to cover Oliver's debts. She wins a lot of money but then loses it to Duke Thomas. He realises she is a woman and suggests they marry. He will not take his winnings if she agrees to be his duchess. Catherine agrees to this as it is the only way to save her brother. The story explores personal doubts and concerns which hinder their relationship. Jealousy plays a large part in their unhappiness. However, gradually things improve and a settled marriage is on the cards. A good story.
March 27, 2025
a rakish duke
Dressed as a boy and gambling to save her brother from debt , a rakish duke who wins not only at cards but finally her heart .
He offers her marriage of convenience as he does not wish a love match and his grandmother is becoming more determined to see him we’d ,she accepts when he offers to pay off the debts she wants no part of love in a marriage either .
There attraction for each other grows even when they fight it so hard to deny it .
They become jealous of each others flirting with others until they finally give in to their explosive passion.
An enjoyable story with lovely characters and you will love .
Dressed as a boy and gambling to save her brother from debt , a rakish duke who wins not only at cards but finally her heart .
He offers her marriage of convenience as he does not wish a love match and his grandmother is becoming more determined to see him we’d ,she accepts when he offers to pay off the debts she wants no part of love in a marriage either .
There attraction for each other grows even when they fight it so hard to deny it .
They become jealous of each others flirting with others until they finally give in to their explosive passion.
An enjoyable story with lovely characters and you will love .
July 7, 2024
Both main characters have had bad marriage examples from theI parents. The heroine is trying to save her brother so she dresses as a man and plays cards to win money to pay his debts. She wins a lot, but in the end looses it to the hero who recognizes her as a woman. He is being pressured by his grandmother to marry so he proposes a marriage in name only and she can keep the money. The story goes on about them denying their feelings until at last we get a HEA. It was a good read with some interesting characters.
September 3, 2025
Over and over and over….
Could’ve been a much better book but the author spent far too much time belaboring the point that the star couple wanted each other but couldn’t give in because of their tragic pasts. This theme became tiresome. There was no real tension. It became obvious they’d not resolve their differences ‘til the page count was nearly at its end. The characters were decent & writing good enough, though there were some typos but not bad. Some other problem thrown in their way would’ve gone far to move along this plot line.
Could’ve been a much better book but the author spent far too much time belaboring the point that the star couple wanted each other but couldn’t give in because of their tragic pasts. This theme became tiresome. There was no real tension. It became obvious they’d not resolve their differences ‘til the page count was nearly at its end. The characters were decent & writing good enough, though there were some typos but not bad. Some other problem thrown in their way would’ve gone far to move along this plot line.
May 28, 2025
A game with the rakish duke
Cover beautiful story enjoyable movie material hot swoony historically romance ŵith all the ingredients of jealousy, strong woman will power,frustration ,misunderstanding, meddling by elderly people and finally love succeeding and overcoming all hurdles.Loved every minute of reading and thank amazon and authoress madam Ava Macadams for the ARC copy.
Cover beautiful story enjoyable movie material hot swoony historically romance ŵith all the ingredients of jealousy, strong woman will power,frustration ,misunderstanding, meddling by elderly people and finally love succeeding and overcoming all hurdles.Loved every minute of reading and thank amazon and authoress madam Ava Macadams for the ARC copy.
June 26, 2024
Very hot and steamy
Thomas and Catherine have both been hurt in childhood and memories of how a parent betrayed the other parent has given them a bad taste with regards to love. In this wonderful story you are shown how they find love and overcome their bad memories I hope you enjoy this book as much as I have
Thomas and Catherine have both been hurt in childhood and memories of how a parent betrayed the other parent has given them a bad taste with regards to love. In this wonderful story you are shown how they find love and overcome their bad memories I hope you enjoy this book as much as I have
July 2, 2024
WOW, WOW. A True Romance.
It started slowly, almost came to a stop and then it moved faster. The end was almost in sight when the villain appeared and nearly? Well to be perfectly honest it wouldn't be fair to tell you. This is a story for all of us Romantics and will leave you with the glow
It started slowly, almost came to a stop and then it moved faster. The end was almost in sight when the villain appeared and nearly? Well to be perfectly honest it wouldn't be fair to tell you. This is a story for all of us Romantics and will leave you with the glow
August 18, 2024
A bit repetitive but a good read
Easy and enjoyable to read, good characters, and nice predictable plot playing out as the reader would wish.. I found it repetitive in places and annoyingly so with "her heart flipped" and " her stomach flipped" all the time. But it's still an enjoyable read.
Easy and enjoyable to read, good characters, and nice predictable plot playing out as the reader would wish.. I found it repetitive in places and annoyingly so with "her heart flipped" and " her stomach flipped" all the time. But it's still an enjoyable read.
March 25, 2025
A Bet/A Win/A Marriage & Love…
A game to win for her brother’s sake has Catherine up against the Duke.
But another bet changes their lives completely. Resisting the love that each other brings is a torture & one night it’s at the end. But another one has false tales & the Duke is not far behind claiming what is his- for-
EVER.
A game to win for her brother’s sake has Catherine up against the Duke.
But another bet changes their lives completely. Resisting the love that each other brings is a torture & one night it’s at the end. But another one has false tales & the Duke is not far behind claiming what is his- for-
EVER.
June 26, 2024
Loved the story
I throughly enjoyed the web of the storyline…the cast of characters were charming…lovely story couldn’t put it down..it left you smiling. Love the author so you know you’re in for a treat.
I throughly enjoyed the web of the storyline…the cast of characters were charming…lovely story couldn’t put it down..it left you smiling. Love the author so you know you’re in for a treat.
June 29, 2024
Oh How I Loved This Story!
This was a fantastic read! The characters were well written and interesting. I loved the plot because it was unusual. I still don’t understand how one can be broke, yet still get repeatedly soused at their clubs.
This was a fantastic read! The characters were well written and interesting. I loved the plot because it was unusual. I still don’t understand how one can be broke, yet still get repeatedly soused at their clubs.
June 29, 2024
A Game with the Rakish Duke
A good story of overcoming your fears and letting go. Both Thomas and Cathryne showed immense strength and will power to battle their demons. These traits made for strong characters and adds to their story.
A good story of overcoming your fears and letting go. Both Thomas and Cathryne showed immense strength and will power to battle their demons. These traits made for strong characters and adds to their story.
July 3, 2024
Actions of family members in the past do not need to determine one's future.
This is a well written emotional story of past family indiscretions which tend to influence the future. Anyone who loves romance will be happy to read this.
This is a well written emotional story of past family indiscretions which tend to influence the future. Anyone who loves romance will be happy to read this.
July 5, 2024
A very interesting story that shows how your childhood can greatly affect your life as an adult. Unfortunately for me the graphic sex scenes took away from the story that could have been wonderful without them.
August 3, 2024
A game with a rakish Duke
I loved this story! A true romance for romantic heads. I loved Thomas and Catherine and they seemed to love each other very much, after some misunderstandings! A journey towards each other. Brilliant!
I loved this story! A true romance for romantic heads. I loved Thomas and Catherine and they seemed to love each other very much, after some misunderstandings! A journey towards each other. Brilliant!
August 19, 2024
Wonderful story
I loved the characters and the storyline. The grandmother was definitely a force to recognize. Patric was a surprise. History may repeat itself, but in this story, the main characters relate with the victims.
I loved the characters and the storyline. The grandmother was definitely a force to recognize. Patric was a surprise. History may repeat itself, but in this story, the main characters relate with the victims.
April 2, 2025
A Very Good Book
This is a very good book. It has Romance, Intrigue, And A little Spice. I Liked The Hero and Heroine. I Highly Recommend This Book and I Plan To Read Other Books ByThis Author.
This is a very good book. It has Romance, Intrigue, And A little Spice. I Liked The Hero and Heroine. I Highly Recommend This Book and I Plan To Read Other Books ByThis Author.
June 30, 2024
Great book
This book is one of the best Ava MacAdams has written. The characters were natural and appealing and their emotions were honest reflections of past betrayals.
This book is one of the best Ava MacAdams has written. The characters were natural and appealing and their emotions were honest reflections of past betrayals.
August 6, 2024
A Game with the Rakish Duke
A Game with the Rakish Duke is Catherine and Thomas’ path to love. Both have hidden ghosts keeping them aprt! Ava writes some great HOT scenes
A Game with the Rakish Duke is Catherine and Thomas’ path to love. Both have hidden ghosts keeping them aprt! Ava writes some great HOT scenes
October 30, 2024
Love
This story was really lovely! I couldn't put it down. The characters were well written and I can't wait for the next book!
This story was really lovely! I couldn't put it down. The characters were well written and I can't wait for the next book!
December 29, 2025
Wonderful
This was a really good read. Perfectly paced plot. There were twists and drama and glorious sexy times. I bought the rest of the series.
This was a really good read. Perfectly paced plot. There were twists and drama and glorious sexy times. I bought the rest of the series.
October 11, 2025
this was scrumptious
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews