To save herself and her family, Lavinia unfortunately needs a husband. And quick…
Duke Victor needs a marriage of convenience. So a desperate lady is exactly what he wants… except this one’s lips are begging to be ravished in a way that spells trouble…
But he still cannot resist. Their agreement is Marry and never speak of it again. Yet even as Victor vows never to lay with his wife, Lavinia cannot escape the desire he awakens within her. Threatening to ruin them both…
And all it takes is one touch…
*If you like a realistic yet steamy depiction of the Regency and Victorian era, then Taken by the Duke of Stone is the novel for you.
An enchanting regency romance of 60,000 words (around 300 pages), written by Scarlett Osborne and published by Cobalt Fairy.
No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a strong happily ever after.
Pick up "Taken by the Duke of Stone" today to discover Scarlett's fantastic new story!
Born in the Sunshine State of Florida, but of both British and Nordic descent, Scarlett Osborne grew up reading historical romances from the land of her ancestors. Fascinated with the British society of the 1800s and armed with a wild imagination, she obtained a degree in Creative Writing and immediately started her career as a Regency romance author.
A daydreamer extraordinaire, Scarlett likes to jump in the shoes of her heroines, immersing herself in her own stories, living the adventures that she wished she had experienced as a child. An avid reader and fan of the outdoors, Scarlett spends her free time either reading or going on long horseback rides along with her two sons.
Get lost in a land of enchantment, where adventure and love await around every corner...Scarlett hopes that through her heroes, you too will get to live a whirlwind romance in the Regency era, when fairytales were real and all dreams possible!
This story of Lavinia and Victor is all too familiar, an enemies to lovers marriage of convenience. She was overly rude while denial her interest. The extent of her complaints, internal and outwardly, was annoying at best. I was not a fan of her character initially. Some of her actions toward the end seemed contrary to her strong, outspoken character. Victor was likable but misguided with a domineering mother and an annoying sister and best friend, at times. Once their arrangement was agreed upon, the development of the friendship between Lavinia and Victor was enjoyable reading. However, there were parts of the story that dragged on and took away from my enjoyment. When there were important moments that reached a climax, the resolution took too long with extra dialogue that if removed could have helped speed up the HEA. It was more frustrating than fulfilling waiting on the happy ending and then feeling that some things were unfinished.
I have mixed emotions here because there were very frustrating aspects to the story and parts I felt were left out, but I also rooted for the HEA for Lavinia and Victor. I am really not a fan of the enemies to lovers trope especially when I feel like the bickering lasts too long and seems somewhat unfounded. Hence, the 4 star rating that may be closer to 3.75.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion in this review.
The Duke of Wyld needed a marriage of convenience. He refused to have emotions like his mother The Duchess of Wyld had for his father. He witnessed the affect of love had when his mother grieved thru Victor's adult life. He refused to have love as an emotion in his life & duty as a Duke. Unfortunately his beliefs also affected the future of his younger sister Lady Georgianna & his best friend Lord Patrick Dillion. Could a stubborn opinionated Miss Lavinia Proctor change his heart from stone to love?
Miss Lavinia Proctor didn't want to get married for convenience & security. She wanted a marriage of love. Until she found out from her Aunt Lady Hartfield & Lord Hartfield they were in financial despair. Miss Lavenia decided to take the offer of his Grace on a marriage agreement. Then she met The Duke of Wyld & everything changed. Can she open his stone heart & give it 💘. Read their love story.
I very much enjoyed this book and I have many of Scarlett’s books but I have to say that this book was in serious need of a proofreader! Though I enjoyed the storyline very much, I was very distracted by the grammar and sentence structure. I worked as a secretary for over 30 years so I guess I notice these things more than others do. I wanted to offer my proofreading skills to help get this book ready for publication but it’s already been published! I’m not sure who you have proofreading your books but I hope the rest of the books I’ve purchased from you are not in such bad shape.
I appreciate how Lavinia tried to know the real him & let it change her view of him. I really liked how Victor accepted & appreciate her for being different & truly herself. & I enjoyed that a large amount of the story they were spending time together.
There was a fair bit of ups & downs & some of the low point were a little long, & although I understand his feelings, his rejection of love did seem kinda extremely & the hot & cold was a bit much.
Though overall they did have a fun variation of lovers to enemies story, with amusing & sweet moments.
One of Ms. Osborne’s better stories! Victoria, a Duke since his father died when he was young, and he had to learn his duties by himself. His mother was overcome by grief. When he meets Lavinia, a Lady being raised by her aunt and uncle since her parents died when she was a young girl. Victor proposes a marriage of convenience, and when she learns thing at home ws becoming a finically difficult, she agrees. But his mother and sister doesn’t approve, so of course there is complications!
Another wonderful story by Ms Osborne. What started out as a deal between the two ended up in a loving relationship. His sister may have been more wild than Lavinia. The other characters were sweet, like her aunt, but not Victor's mother. It took a while before he came around to admit his feelings. All in all, a very nice story.
Poorly written, extremely poor editing. There were too many typos. I couldn't finish the book.
Save yourself from this book and this publisher. From the prequel to the book itself, it is obvious that quality is not a priority. I was hopeful about a steamy Regency romance, but I had to abandon this book. As a reader, the lack of quality is unacceptable
Victor became a Duke early in life. His mom was devastated. Victor saw what love did so he told himself that he would not love. At a ball he ran into a lady who chastised him when the lemonade landed on her dress. He couldn’t stop looking at her. She was Lavinia Proctor and he would not fall in love. We will see about that…
An arrangement for marriage agreed upon by both parties seems to have merit. But very soon there arises problems that have to be addressed. Love for one thing. It’s the only thing that neither desires. But they are both wrong!!
This was a great book but a bit graphic. I fully admit I’m a bit of a prude on graphic sexual content though. However the plot was excellent and the characters were delightfully entertaining.
One star was removed for graphic content. I still love this author.
I was really taken with this story. It made me mad for the rules laid out in society then. So strictly watched and judged, but it all made a beautiful story. One that brought a tear to my eyes.
I have never read a book with so many errors. Who ever proofed this story should be ashamed or fired. I enjoyed the story but couldn't get passed the mistakes.