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Seven Dukes of Sin #4
Duke of Eccess
A mad heiress. A damaged duke. Christmas in London will never be the same...
Octavius Everard, the wealthy Duke of Eccess, indulges in London’s most decadent offerings to escape the pain that haunts him—especially at Christmas.
The richest food, the best cognac and the most beautiful women make the “happiest” time of the year a little more bearable. The one sin he has sworn to abstain from? Seducing the governess to his three wards. But when Miss Temperance Fields applies for the position, with her tight chignon and no-nonsense brown woolen gown, he’s never been so fascinated. Little does he know she has a scandalous secret…a false identity.
Lady Agatha Temperance Hale is an heiress on the run! Threatened with forced marriage or the asylum, she is at the mercy of her gold-digging stepmother until she comes of age on Christmas Day. Being a governess gives her a place to hide. And Temperance is soon showing the duke the joys of the season and sharing her love of science with his wards.
But she never imagined the pleasures her gorgeous employer could show her. And when the virgin governess becomes a seductress, the Duke of Eccess doesn’t stand a chance of resisting…or guarding his heart.
Their passion is electric.
Their love is forbidden.
But when the truth is revealed, can he forgive the woman he has come to adore more than any indulgence?
Octavius Everard, the wealthy Duke of Eccess, indulges in London’s most decadent offerings to escape the pain that haunts him—especially at Christmas.
The richest food, the best cognac and the most beautiful women make the “happiest” time of the year a little more bearable. The one sin he has sworn to abstain from? Seducing the governess to his three wards. But when Miss Temperance Fields applies for the position, with her tight chignon and no-nonsense brown woolen gown, he’s never been so fascinated. Little does he know she has a scandalous secret…a false identity.
Lady Agatha Temperance Hale is an heiress on the run! Threatened with forced marriage or the asylum, she is at the mercy of her gold-digging stepmother until she comes of age on Christmas Day. Being a governess gives her a place to hide. And Temperance is soon showing the duke the joys of the season and sharing her love of science with his wards.
But she never imagined the pleasures her gorgeous employer could show her. And when the virgin governess becomes a seductress, the Duke of Eccess doesn’t stand a chance of resisting…or guarding his heart.
Their passion is electric.
Their love is forbidden.
But when the truth is revealed, can he forgive the woman he has come to adore more than any indulgence?
376 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 23, 2025
About the author
Mariah Stone
91 books806 followersWhen time travel romance writer Mariah Stone isn't busy writing strong modern women falling back through time into the arms of hot Vikings, Highlanders, and pirates, she chases after her toddler and spends romantic nights on North Sea with her husband. Mariah speaks six languages, loves Outlander, sushi and Thai food, and runs a local writer's group. Subscribe to Mariah's newsletter for a free time travel book today!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 186 reviews
January 26, 2026
The Duke of Eccess, Octavius Everard, represents Gluttony in our Seven Dukes of Sin series. We get to finally learn what leads him to live a (seemingly) carefree lifestyle. The childhood trauma and pain that cause him to act out must come to an end though, when he is made guardian to three of his cousins children. They need guidance and a steady presence in their lives.
Lady Agatha Temperance Hale is on the run from a scheming stepmother, who is bent on forcing her into marriage or else having her committed. So she is desperate to remain undercover until she reaches her majority and gains control of her fortune. She gets a job as the governess to the Duke's charges and finds herself in a whole new kind of danger as she is drawn into the hidden sadness and lure of Octavius.
I really wanted to love this more than I did. I felt for Temperance so much, and I know she was in a difficult situation. I truly do understand why she might not trust men after how things had been for her the last few years. However, the way she put the children in danger, over and OVER again, by refusing to see how foolish she was by keeping her secret while still being within reach of her enemies? It was almost unforgivable to me...
Narrated in dual format by Shane East and Justine Eyre. As always, they do a wonderful job with the work they are given.
3.5 Stars
2 on the spice scale
CW: threat of institutionalization, grief, childhood abuse
*Thank you to Must Love Audio and the author for an ALC of this title.*
Lady Agatha Temperance Hale is on the run from a scheming stepmother, who is bent on forcing her into marriage or else having her committed. So she is desperate to remain undercover until she reaches her majority and gains control of her fortune. She gets a job as the governess to the Duke's charges and finds herself in a whole new kind of danger as she is drawn into the hidden sadness and lure of Octavius.
I really wanted to love this more than I did. I felt for Temperance so much, and I know she was in a difficult situation. I truly do understand why she might not trust men after how things had been for her the last few years. However, the way she put the children in danger, over and OVER again, by refusing to see how foolish she was by keeping her secret while still being within reach of her enemies? It was almost unforgivable to me...
Narrated in dual format by Shane East and Justine Eyre. As always, they do a wonderful job with the work they are given.
3.5 Stars
2 on the spice scale
CW: threat of institutionalization, grief, childhood abuse
*Thank you to Must Love Audio and the author for an ALC of this title.*
September 24, 2025
I feel like I can count this as my first Christmas book ahead of the holiday season. There’s ice skating, Christmas baking, a Christmas ball, and kissing boughs. While it serves more of a backdrop to a heiress hiding in a Duke’s household as a governess to unruly wards - I’m still counting it.
Temperance is unfairly known as the Mad Heiress due to her love for learning and conducting electricity experiments. All she needs though is to make it to Christmas Day to come into her majority and inheritance. An advertisement leads her to finding refuge in Octavius’ household as a governess. I felt for Temperance and understood why she had a hard time trusting others.
Octavius enjoys his hedonistic lifestyle but recently noticed his habits wearing off on heir and ward. Then he’s up for consideration by the Prime Minister for the President of the Board of Trade, if he can rid his house of scandal. Plus with the addition of the new governess, Octavius starts abstaining from pleasure. I really enjoyed how after this started, he also started opening himself up to emotions that led to his joy of watching others experiencing pleasure. As well as, finally confronting trauma from his childhood.
The stakes were high for Temperance and I didn’t want to put this book down. Wanting to see if or how Temperance would succeed. The children get a lot of page time and I found them endearing and essential to the story and character arcs.
I only felt there should’ve been some groveling from the hero.
Overall, it was an enjoyable story and was left intrigued with what is in store next.
Duke of Eccess is the fifth book in the Seven Dukes of Sins series.
There are two open door encounters plus an additional scene in a bonus epilogue available in a newsletter signup. There are also mentions of a room of sin and restraint that are unfortunately unrealized on page.
I received an advance reader copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
Temperance is unfairly known as the Mad Heiress due to her love for learning and conducting electricity experiments. All she needs though is to make it to Christmas Day to come into her majority and inheritance. An advertisement leads her to finding refuge in Octavius’ household as a governess. I felt for Temperance and understood why she had a hard time trusting others.
Octavius enjoys his hedonistic lifestyle but recently noticed his habits wearing off on heir and ward. Then he’s up for consideration by the Prime Minister for the President of the Board of Trade, if he can rid his house of scandal. Plus with the addition of the new governess, Octavius starts abstaining from pleasure. I really enjoyed how after this started, he also started opening himself up to emotions that led to his joy of watching others experiencing pleasure. As well as, finally confronting trauma from his childhood.
The stakes were high for Temperance and I didn’t want to put this book down. Wanting to see if or how Temperance would succeed. The children get a lot of page time and I found them endearing and essential to the story and character arcs.
I only felt there should’ve been some groveling from the hero.
Overall, it was an enjoyable story and was left intrigued with what is in store next.
Duke of Eccess is the fifth book in the Seven Dukes of Sins series.
There are two open door encounters plus an additional scene in a bonus epilogue available in a newsletter signup. There are also mentions of a room of sin and restraint that are unfortunately unrealized on page.
I received an advance reader copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
January 31, 2026
This story is all about abundance and excess. An excess of love, loyalty and bravery. Temperance is a woman who stands her ground and is willing to do what she must to gain her independence. This is how she lands on the step of the y of Excess and becomes governess to his wild wards. Through her kindness, her determination and her iron will she wins over all their hearts and converts Excess into a man who uses his excess for the happiness of those around him instead of just indulgence for himself. I have loved each and every one of the Seven Sins and how their lady love’s have taught them to use their namesake for the good of all.
Shane East and Justine Eyre are two names I devour in historical romance. Shane has the gravel and grit to truly dig into the gruff personalities of nobility. While Justin channels the soft decorum of a regency lady with her gentle tones and passionate expression. Their chemistry and skill take you back in time to a period of love and nobility.
Shane East and Justine Eyre are two names I devour in historical romance. Shane has the gravel and grit to truly dig into the gruff personalities of nobility. While Justin channels the soft decorum of a regency lady with her gentle tones and passionate expression. Their chemistry and skill take you back in time to a period of love and nobility.
September 29, 2025
Mariah Stone is a new author for me and this is only my 10th book by her. I read her Dukes and Secrets series and couldn't put them down. I don't read book descriptions anymore so I have no idea what I'm reading when I start a book. Makes for a more interesting read, I think. :) I added book 2 in this series to my favorite books read list for Jan, 2025 and book 3 to my favorite books read for Feb, 2025.
I really liked this book. I liked Temperance and Octavius. I liked the storyline. I felt they were a good match. I liked the suspense of it in regards to her family. I hate that women in those days were considered "mad" or "crazy" because they had a freakin' brain. So ridiculous. It just makes me realize men where afraid for women to be smarter than them. :) I don't usually like MC to have "wards" but I did enjoy Temperance and their interactions. Overall a really good read.
I really liked this book. I liked Temperance and Octavius. I liked the storyline. I felt they were a good match. I liked the suspense of it in regards to her family. I hate that women in those days were considered "mad" or "crazy" because they had a freakin' brain. So ridiculous. It just makes me realize men where afraid for women to be smarter than them. :) I don't usually like MC to have "wards" but I did enjoy Temperance and their interactions. Overall a really good read.
September 25, 2025
False identity is either a hit or a huge miss for me. But Mariah Stone knocked this one out of the park (sorry I’ve been watching lots of baseball lately).
This well written historical romance follows Temperance, a heiress who is running from her stepmother after her father passes away, and Octavius, the Duke of Eccess. These two characters had significant growth through the book. And while yes, there was a slight love triangle, I felt that it was handled extremely well and plays into the next book beautifully.
I honestly had a hard time putting this one down because it sucked me into the story and these characters’ lives. I look forward to continuing this series and seeing what Mariah has in store next!
I read and received an eARC of this book which does not affect my review.
This well written historical romance follows Temperance, a heiress who is running from her stepmother after her father passes away, and Octavius, the Duke of Eccess. These two characters had significant growth through the book. And while yes, there was a slight love triangle, I felt that it was handled extremely well and plays into the next book beautifully.
I honestly had a hard time putting this one down because it sucked me into the story and these characters’ lives. I look forward to continuing this series and seeing what Mariah has in store next!
I read and received an eARC of this book which does not affect my review.
September 14, 2025
We have Lady Agatha Temperance Hale an heiress and lady with a wicked stepmother! Temperance loves all things electrical experiments in a space her late father created for her! Her late father also left her a substantial amount that she claim on her birthday which is Christmas Day!
Her wicked stepmother Lady Auster has planned for her to marry her cousin or be put into an asylum!
She had found a place of respite but her stepmother’s thugs have found her and she runs again!
Temperance has met Octavius before but she only realizes it when she runs to his home and sees the 6th governess leaving and applies for the position!
Octavius the Duke of Excess is desperate so he gives her a few days to prove herself! He must have himself and his wards under control before an important meeting to determine if he will become the President of the Board of Trade!
He has lived his life in excess of food, drink and women! Can he change for the position alone or to become the role model his wards desperately need!
Temperance makes life changes in the ward and in Octavius. These two fall in love and Octavius shares his deepest fears and some tragic memories! Temperance shared a few but none to the extent of his!
She is looking forward to Christmas Day and her independence! Several times Octavius all but begs her to share her secrets knowing the Duke of Enveigh, Archibald recognizes her and knows her secrets! He even invokes the credo to Octavius to stand down!
The road to a HEA never does run smooth but when Temperance biggest fear is realized she runs again! Will she choose love or fear!?? Bravo well done!
Her wicked stepmother Lady Auster has planned for her to marry her cousin or be put into an asylum!
She had found a place of respite but her stepmother’s thugs have found her and she runs again!
Temperance has met Octavius before but she only realizes it when she runs to his home and sees the 6th governess leaving and applies for the position!
Octavius the Duke of Excess is desperate so he gives her a few days to prove herself! He must have himself and his wards under control before an important meeting to determine if he will become the President of the Board of Trade!
He has lived his life in excess of food, drink and women! Can he change for the position alone or to become the role model his wards desperately need!
Temperance makes life changes in the ward and in Octavius. These two fall in love and Octavius shares his deepest fears and some tragic memories! Temperance shared a few but none to the extent of his!
She is looking forward to Christmas Day and her independence! Several times Octavius all but begs her to share her secrets knowing the Duke of Enveigh, Archibald recognizes her and knows her secrets! He even invokes the credo to Octavius to stand down!
The road to a HEA never does run smooth but when Temperance biggest fear is realized she runs again! Will she choose love or fear!?? Bravo well done!
November 24, 2025
Definitely my favourite in the series so far.
I’m very lucky at the moment, because books that I’m reading are turning out to be great entertainment, and Duke of Eccess keeps up with them.
That was a great story of deception, hidden identity and nice romance.
I’m very lucky at the moment, because books that I’m reading are turning out to be great entertainment, and Duke of Eccess keeps up with them.
That was a great story of deception, hidden identity and nice romance.
September 25, 2025
A count down to Christmas. I’m a huge fan of the deadly sins and was so excited when the next instalment for the Duke of Sins landed on my kindle. I love the way this series weeps you into a historical time.
The heiress is on the run and a countdown to Christmas is end game. She needs to stay in hiding until she comes of age so her can escape her stepmother.
The Duke of Eccess is looking for someone to take care of the children who have ended up in his care. Ms Fields, our secret heiress applies for the job and the Duke gains more than a teacher for the children.
I really enjoyed this book and love the warming atmosphere. The world building really sucks you in and this couple have all the feels.
The heiress is on the run and a countdown to Christmas is end game. She needs to stay in hiding until she comes of age so her can escape her stepmother.
The Duke of Eccess is looking for someone to take care of the children who have ended up in his care. Ms Fields, our secret heiress applies for the job and the Duke gains more than a teacher for the children.
I really enjoyed this book and love the warming atmosphere. The world building really sucks you in and this couple have all the feels.
September 19, 2025
They call her the Mad Heiress & she’s on the run from her threatening step mother – she just needs to hide until her birthday on Christmas Day when she can access her inheritance. Out of places to hide Lady Agatha Temperance Hale lets Octavius Everard, the Duke of Eccess, hire her as governess to his three impossible wards—never telling him she's the woman half of London is hunting with a fifty-pound reward on her head. Octavius lives for excess—the finest wines, the most dangerous pleasures, anything to numb the ghosts that haunt every Christmas season.
The fourth book in the series & whilst it could be read on its own the series is brilliant & the seven Dukes are such interesting characters. I loved Octavius & Temperance both had loads of baggage & I loved how they fell for each other but whilst he eventually began to reveal his past she couldn’t bring herself to do so. There’s also Octavius’ three wards who had seen off lots of governesses but Temperance’s calm demeanour gradually won them over, all three were a joy but James won my heart. A very well written romance which drew me in from the start & I just loved it & the surprise at the end added to the enjoyment
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
The fourth book in the series & whilst it could be read on its own the series is brilliant & the seven Dukes are such interesting characters. I loved Octavius & Temperance both had loads of baggage & I loved how they fell for each other but whilst he eventually began to reveal his past she couldn’t bring herself to do so. There’s also Octavius’ three wards who had seen off lots of governesses but Temperance’s calm demeanour gradually won them over, all three were a joy but James won my heart. A very well written romance which drew me in from the start & I just loved it & the surprise at the end added to the enjoyment
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
September 26, 2025
This series gets better and better. Not gonna lie, from the other books, Eccess wasn’t my favorite. I didn’t love him but now I do. What a troubled man (typical) who got his ish together because a woman came into it (also typical). I did want to punch him at one point but he fixed it. He could fight for me any day 😏
But what I think I liked most about this book was its leasing us to Enveigh who has set himself up to be the villain and I’m here for it. I need a good villain in my fictional life right now.
May I have another?!
But what I think I liked most about this book was its leasing us to Enveigh who has set himself up to be the villain and I’m here for it. I need a good villain in my fictional life right now.
May I have another?!
September 15, 2025
what a fantastic read. this one was a thrilling twist and turns over and over. just when you thought it was going to happen big it slowed down and it was back and forth with the drama. I loved it.
the characters were amazing. the period time representation were spot on. highly recommend
the characters were amazing. the period time representation were spot on. highly recommend
September 13, 2025
Each book in the series just gets better and better! I love the heroine's intelligence, strength and resourcefulness and the hero's unrealized depth of character. Their chemistry is electrifying and the children in the story adds to the poignancy of loss. Love it when love triumphs!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 28, 2025
Octavius Everard, the Duke of Eccess, drinks too much, eats too much and enjoys sex with women. All of that needs to change when he acquires his cousin's three children as his wards and wants a position with the government. In desperate need of a governess, Miss Tempest Field arrives at the door as one governess is leaving. With no references, Octavius takes a chance and hires her on the spot.
You can imagine how three children can get into trouble.Tempest is in hiding until her twenty-first birthday. What better way to hide than as a governess in a duke's home. With patience, love and fear of discovery, Tempest changes four lives including her own. With an overlap of characters from the previous books, I would suggest reading the series in order. Very interesting dukes and ladies who become their wives. A little violence and explicit sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from Booksirens.
You can imagine how three children can get into trouble.Tempest is in hiding until her twenty-first birthday. What better way to hide than as a governess in a duke's home. With patience, love and fear of discovery, Tempest changes four lives including her own. With an overlap of characters from the previous books, I would suggest reading the series in order. Very interesting dukes and ladies who become their wives. A little violence and explicit sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from Booksirens.
October 1, 2025
This is the 4th book in the series that centers around 7 Duke's representing the 7 deadly sins. I am so invested in every one of their stories! What makes this one unique is that both the hero and heroine are running from their past but in completely different ways. Octavius is all about indulging, being the life of the party, never denying his desires, all to bury his pain. Temperance is trying to keep a low profile, biding her time, never bringing attention to herself.
Octavius is a hero of my heart. The trauma he suffered throughout his childhood wrenched my emotions in so many ways. It was easy for me to believe why he was so shattered in his adult life and it made perfect sense why he indulged in every aspect that made him feel good or helped numb his pain.
For the most part I liked Temperance. I can't imagine the fear she had to live with and hate to judge her actions. But, I did think she needed to take advantage of the offers of help she was given multiple times. I think Octavius deserved better sometimes by her entrusting him with her secrets. I also wasn't a fan of her putting the kids in danger not once, but twice. This felt very selfish.
Overall, this was a great read. I loved the chemistry between Octavius and Temperance and the way they eventually healed each other. This is a messy story, in the best way, with intriguing external threats and internal turmoil that kept me hooked. The ending, that's a preview of the next book, was shocking and has me eagerly anticipating its release!
I received an early copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Octavius is a hero of my heart. The trauma he suffered throughout his childhood wrenched my emotions in so many ways. It was easy for me to believe why he was so shattered in his adult life and it made perfect sense why he indulged in every aspect that made him feel good or helped numb his pain.
For the most part I liked Temperance. I can't imagine the fear she had to live with and hate to judge her actions. But, I did think she needed to take advantage of the offers of help she was given multiple times. I think Octavius deserved better sometimes by her entrusting him with her secrets. I also wasn't a fan of her putting the kids in danger not once, but twice. This felt very selfish.
Overall, this was a great read. I loved the chemistry between Octavius and Temperance and the way they eventually healed each other. This is a messy story, in the best way, with intriguing external threats and internal turmoil that kept me hooked. The ending, that's a preview of the next book, was shocking and has me eagerly anticipating its release!
I received an early copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 23, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️.5
Duke of Eccess is the 4th book in the Seven Dukes of Sin series and it gives us a deeper look into why this duke lives a hedonist lifestyle. I loved the setup of this romance and I was hooked from the start.
Octavius Everard, the Duke of Eccess has lived a life full of debauchery. He drinks too much and has meaningless sex with his mistress as a way to escape the demons from his childhood. All that changes when he becomes the guardian to his cousin's 3 children. The kids are acting out and chasing away all their governesses, so he is desperate enough to hire Temperance Fields as their new governess even though she has no references.
Temperance has big secret though; she is actually Lady Agatha Temperance Hale the mad heiress on the run from her stepmother. She is in hiding till her 21st birthday, when she will receive her inheritance and can be free.
I really loved the connection and chemistry between Temperence and Octavius, but I was frustrated with how long she kept her secret even though he showed her he was trustworthy and he truly cared about her. That made the story drag on a little in the last half.
I am very intrigued by Duke Enveigh's book because he came off a little over the top with how he reacted in this one. Interested to see if he can redeem himself.
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW
🎤Dual narration by Shane East & Justine Eyre
You can never go wrong with Shane East and Justine Eyre. Shane always puts so much emotion into his performances. I truly loved him as Octavius.
Thank you to Must Love Audio for providing the ALC.
🌶️🌶️.5
Duke of Eccess is the 4th book in the Seven Dukes of Sin series and it gives us a deeper look into why this duke lives a hedonist lifestyle. I loved the setup of this romance and I was hooked from the start.
Octavius Everard, the Duke of Eccess has lived a life full of debauchery. He drinks too much and has meaningless sex with his mistress as a way to escape the demons from his childhood. All that changes when he becomes the guardian to his cousin's 3 children. The kids are acting out and chasing away all their governesses, so he is desperate enough to hire Temperance Fields as their new governess even though she has no references.
Temperance has big secret though; she is actually Lady Agatha Temperance Hale the mad heiress on the run from her stepmother. She is in hiding till her 21st birthday, when she will receive her inheritance and can be free.
I really loved the connection and chemistry between Temperence and Octavius, but I was frustrated with how long she kept her secret even though he showed her he was trustworthy and he truly cared about her. That made the story drag on a little in the last half.
I am very intrigued by Duke Enveigh's book because he came off a little over the top with how he reacted in this one. Interested to see if he can redeem himself.
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW
🎤Dual narration by Shane East & Justine Eyre
You can never go wrong with Shane East and Justine Eyre. Shane always puts so much emotion into his performances. I truly loved him as Octavius.
Thank you to Must Love Audio for providing the ALC.
September 21, 2025
I've been waiting for Duke of Eccess for what feels like forever, because I adore this Seven Dukes of Sin series and I knew Octavius' story would rip my heart out and stitch it back better. And wow it delivered. Temperance is simultaneously exactly what Octavius needs and everything that could complicate his world. Her secret identity, her scientific curiosity, her bravery, all of it makes the "mad heiress" label feel like just the tip of the iceberg. And Octavius… I fell for him hard this time. His excesses, his scars, his guilt, and his gradual softening with Temperance and his wards, every moment was powerful.
I was glued to this book from Temperance running from her past through to all of the moments Octavius feels like he might lose her, or worse, lose himself. There are gorgeous scenes, emotional confessions, playful bonding with the children, plus that tension of "can I trust you when so much is at stake." The romance is there, but also layered: it's about healing, forgiveness, and whether two very broken people can build something real together.
Great book.
I was glued to this book from Temperance running from her past through to all of the moments Octavius feels like he might lose her, or worse, lose himself. There are gorgeous scenes, emotional confessions, playful bonding with the children, plus that tension of "can I trust you when so much is at stake." The romance is there, but also layered: it's about healing, forgiveness, and whether two very broken people can build something real together.
Great book.
September 16, 2025
I loved this book it’s a little bit different from the usual governess/nanny trope and all the better for it, The FMC/governess is an heiress in hiding, a bit of a blue stocking and turns from innocent young Miss into a saucy temptress. Quite spicy.
The MMC is a bit of a troubled lost soul, trying his best but after all he’s just a man some what lacking in emotional intelligence though with a good heart.
There are twists and turns and as always Mariah’s characters are extremely well drawn and believable. I really enjoyed the inclusion of the three children as wards of the Duke of Eccess.
This is the fourth in the Seven Dukes of Sin Series. I have thoroughly enjoyed each of the three previous books and am impatiently looking forward to the rest of the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I can absolutely recommend these books and Mariah Stone has now joined my “Oh yes please!” author list.
The MMC is a bit of a troubled lost soul, trying his best but after all he’s just a man some what lacking in emotional intelligence though with a good heart.
There are twists and turns and as always Mariah’s characters are extremely well drawn and believable. I really enjoyed the inclusion of the three children as wards of the Duke of Eccess.
This is the fourth in the Seven Dukes of Sin Series. I have thoroughly enjoyed each of the three previous books and am impatiently looking forward to the rest of the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I can absolutely recommend these books and Mariah Stone has now joined my “Oh yes please!” author list.
September 12, 2025
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am reviewing it voluntarily
Another great period drama showing the struggle women had to be taken seriously and survive
One wonders how many women were forced into asylums for made up reasons all so others could get money it seems like they would go to any length to do so maybe Mrs Bennett in P&P was right to be concerned re her daughters marrying
This tale around the seven Dukes series is great shows how some men encouraged and supported their wives in their ventures
Trust is so hard when you’ve been let down by those closest to you
Lovely romantic and bit steamy story
Another great period drama showing the struggle women had to be taken seriously and survive
One wonders how many women were forced into asylums for made up reasons all so others could get money it seems like they would go to any length to do so maybe Mrs Bennett in P&P was right to be concerned re her daughters marrying
This tale around the seven Dukes series is great shows how some men encouraged and supported their wives in their ventures
Trust is so hard when you’ve been let down by those closest to you
Lovely romantic and bit steamy story
May 18, 2026
another enjoyable romance
This is book 4 and I have enjoyed them all. The Dukes and their embodiment of the 7 sins. I knew during the last book that the one to be with Eccess would be the governess that finally tamed his charges, but the story was so much more. Another strong and intelligent female to fit in with the other Duchesses. Can’t wait for the next book.
This is book 4 and I have enjoyed them all. The Dukes and their embodiment of the 7 sins. I knew during the last book that the one to be with Eccess would be the governess that finally tamed his charges, but the story was so much more. Another strong and intelligent female to fit in with the other Duchesses. Can’t wait for the next book.
September 13, 2025
Love Mariah’s book; and this one does not disappoint!
September 13, 2025
Very sweet and heartwarming. I love this series.
September 26, 2025
Mariah Stone never disappoints with her books..
Temperance and Octavius are characters that you instantly just want to jump through the book and give them the love that they both deserve..
Temperance is being betrayed by her own stepmother the one person who should have protected her after her father passed away instead of trying to have her put away.. Octavius's mother left him when he was a child and his own father made him feel worthless..
Octavius and Temperance are two different people despite that one common thing.. However one thing is certain they feel passionate about each other and 3 beautiful children.. and they will do anything for those 3 children..
This story is filled with love, tragedy, humor,heartbreak, angst and holiday season romance..
I can't wait to see what is in store next for this series...
Temperance and Octavius are characters that you instantly just want to jump through the book and give them the love that they both deserve..
Temperance is being betrayed by her own stepmother the one person who should have protected her after her father passed away instead of trying to have her put away.. Octavius's mother left him when he was a child and his own father made him feel worthless..
Octavius and Temperance are two different people despite that one common thing.. However one thing is certain they feel passionate about each other and 3 beautiful children.. and they will do anything for those 3 children..
This story is filled with love, tragedy, humor,heartbreak, angst and holiday season romance..
I can't wait to see what is in store next for this series...
February 5, 2026
Que hermosa historia de amor, una novela con personajes bellisimos de los que te enamoras, porque esos tres chiquillos me robaron el corazon. Oh claro Octavio también, ese hombre de solo imaginarlo, se me pone la piel de gallina y tenemos a una brillante heroína que superó sus miedos...
Me gusto mucho la historia en sí, esta bien pensada, muchos detalles y muchas descripciones que puedes visualizar.
Ya quiero leer lo que se viene con la hermana.
#lecturasdelolimpo
#olimpoentrelibros
Me gusto mucho la historia en sí, esta bien pensada, muchos detalles y muchas descripciones que puedes visualizar.
Ya quiero leer lo que se viene con la hermana.
#lecturasdelolimpo
#olimpoentrelibros
April 30, 2026
4⭐️ Another enjoyable read. Now the wait for the next book in this series
April 5, 2026
Por fin llego el momento de Octavius ( uno de mis favoritos) y estaba tan feliz de conocerlo mejor y de quererlo todavía más si era posible (: pero tuvo que pasar el tema de la rivalidad y su rival fue justamente mi otro favorito (🐍) haciendo con que la hermandad este más muerta que viva ahora mismo...
Con relación a la pareja me gustó mucho los dos pero llego a molestarme que nunca hubo un capítulo donde se vivía la situación al completo, siempre ya empezaba con la manaña siguiente... y siento que eso enfriaba mucho las escenas anteriores.
(Y con el siguiente libro espero que por lógica sea el de 🐍 y que su futura mujer le trate como alfombra jajajaja)
Con relación a la pareja me gustó mucho los dos pero llego a molestarme que nunca hubo un capítulo donde se vivía la situación al completo, siempre ya empezaba con la manaña siguiente... y siento que eso enfriaba mucho las escenas anteriores.
(Y con el siguiente libro espero que por lógica sea el de 🐍 y que su futura mujer le trate como alfombra jajajaja)
October 28, 2025
Loved my poor Octavious and the amazing Temperance. They were so good together. Loved the 3 little wards too they were so cute. I loved the body positivity rep in the book tho and the fact that it’s coming from a man.
Summary:
Octavious has 3 wards under his care and has struggled keeping a governess because of their bad behavior. Temperance knocks on his door one day and inquires about the open position and he gives her the position. Temperance is hiding from her stepmom who is trying to force her to marry her nephew because she’s rich or put her in an asylum and take over her inheritance. Temperance just needs to wait until Christmas Day when she turns 21 and becomes an adult and claims her inheritance. She can’t let anyone know her identity until then tho. Unfortunately the Duke of enveigh recognizes her and starts having feelings for her. He proposes and she says no. Archibald claims her in front of the other dukes which basically puts her off limits to any of them even though Octavious is in love with her and she him. Octavious finds out her secret at a ball when her stepmom and her nephew find her and try to capture her to take her to an asylum. Temperance runs and lays low in the slums of London and when the day she turns 21 comes she finds all the dukes around her protecting her and clearing the way into the court house for her. She signs on her inheritance and goes home with Octavious for a Christmas dinner with the other dukes and their families. There Octavious proposes and they marry! The epilogue shows Archibald revealing Octavious’ long lost little sister to him and vowing to ruin her as revenge for stealing Modesty.
I HATE ARCHIBALD idk how this author is gonna make him likable in his book. But I’m excited for it nonetheless.
Summary:
Octavious has 3 wards under his care and has struggled keeping a governess because of their bad behavior. Temperance knocks on his door one day and inquires about the open position and he gives her the position. Temperance is hiding from her stepmom who is trying to force her to marry her nephew because she’s rich or put her in an asylum and take over her inheritance. Temperance just needs to wait until Christmas Day when she turns 21 and becomes an adult and claims her inheritance. She can’t let anyone know her identity until then tho. Unfortunately the Duke of enveigh recognizes her and starts having feelings for her. He proposes and she says no. Archibald claims her in front of the other dukes which basically puts her off limits to any of them even though Octavious is in love with her and she him. Octavious finds out her secret at a ball when her stepmom and her nephew find her and try to capture her to take her to an asylum. Temperance runs and lays low in the slums of London and when the day she turns 21 comes she finds all the dukes around her protecting her and clearing the way into the court house for her. She signs on her inheritance and goes home with Octavious for a Christmas dinner with the other dukes and their families. There Octavious proposes and they marry! The epilogue shows Archibald revealing Octavious’ long lost little sister to him and vowing to ruin her as revenge for stealing Modesty.
I HATE ARCHIBALD idk how this author is gonna make him likable in his book. But I’m excited for it nonetheless.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2025
The romance (which is the main genre of this book the last time I checked) was suuuper lackluster. Far too many tension scenes were skipped over, which made every romantic or steamy scene fall flat. The surrounding elements of the story (tropes, secondary characters, backstories, etc.) were great, but the execution didn't quite hit the mark.
Also spoiler, but the first kiss was non-consensual. Do with that what you will.
Also spoiler, but the first kiss was non-consensual. Do with that what you will.
September 24, 2025
After being featured heavily in the previous book of the Seven Dukes of Sin series, it is now Octavius’s time to shine. However, the human embodiment of gluttony has had his wings clipped, metaphorically speaking, fairly early on in the story, and we find ourselves essentially becoming acquainted with a new version of him. This version may not be as entertaining as the previous incarnation, but that hardly means he’s less lovable. While his traumatic past brings a dark shadow to a character who’s previously only been used for levity, his struggling relationship with wards Margaret, James and Sophie, as well as his tenuous romance with Temperance, make him both sympathetic and relatable.
In regards to Temperance, your heart can’t help but go out to her- not only has she lost a beloved father, but she was betrayed by the very people who should have had her back from the start (at least in the case of her stepmother), and in the most insidious of ways- by either forcing her into a loveless (and undeniably abusive) marriage, or committing her to a madhouse, from which she would never escape, all to gain control of her money. Temperance’s fascination with electrical experiments may have been her stepmother’s excuse for wanting to have her committed, but it’s fairly obvious that the vile woman would have come up with *any* excuse to declare Temperance incompetent. This story gave me secondhand anxiety, as I worried for Temperance every time she left the safety of the house or had to attend a gathering with other guests (as it turned out, my anxiety was well-placed).
Her first (literal) run-in with Octavius saw her at her lowest- scared, desperate, and alone- and him at this worst- drunk, dismissive and disrespectful. Yet the attraction was there from the beginning, and never really wavered. In fact, in a very risqué move for a woman of that time period, Temperance was the seducer for a good portion of the story (once Octavius awakened her senses to all of the pleasures- food and otherwise- she’d previously denied herself). It isn’t often we see women take charge like that in a romance, which made for a nice change of pace (especially as it meant that someone as prone to excess as Constantine had to suddenly temper his *own* desires in an effort to keep her virtue intact). Their resulting affair was both believable and *very* passionate, and definitely had my stomach doing flips.
As much as I loved this story (I didn’t even touch on the well fleshed-out storyline with the children), there were parts that rankled me. Despite being so desperate for her freedom (to the point where she turned down a proposal from the Duke of Enveigh, who knew her true identity and was willing to hide her away until she came of age to claim her money), Temperance was unwilling to accept *anyone’s* help, even when it was freely offered by several people, to the point where she almost surrendered to the idea of being sent to the madhouse because she couldn’t succeed at obtaining her birth rite on her own. I wanted to shake her by the end because she was just *so* stuck in this way of thinking that she would have essentially been the agent of her *own* demise. (Thankfully, the realization that she was no longer alone struck her just before that could happen.)
Octavius wasn’t safe from my scrutiny, either, however- as was the case of the previous dukes in the series, he was constantly haunted by memories of his horrible father and the mother who abandoned him, and so it was constantly touched upon, along with his fear that he’d never be enough (ironically by being too much) for someone to want to stay with him. There was also an occasional mention of a carriage accident that haunted him, but it was never explained- perhaps it will be in the Duke of Enveigh’s story, along with Octavius’s sister who was frequently mentioned but never by name- until Archibald himself succeeded in finding her, something Octavius was never able to do. Archibald’s motives for doing this are undoubtedly for the wrong reasons, as he clearly seeks vengeance for Octavius breaking the fourth credo and claiming Temperance as his own, but we’ll just have to wait and see how that all pans out. I understand the need to connect the stories, but I do wish this one had more of well-rounded ending, rather than subjecting us to so many loose strings that we’ll have to wait heaven knows how long for.
Yet wait I shall, as Mariah Stone has crafted an intriguing overall concept with wonderful (and frustratingly human) characters that keep me coming back for more.
In regards to Temperance, your heart can’t help but go out to her- not only has she lost a beloved father, but she was betrayed by the very people who should have had her back from the start (at least in the case of her stepmother), and in the most insidious of ways- by either forcing her into a loveless (and undeniably abusive) marriage, or committing her to a madhouse, from which she would never escape, all to gain control of her money. Temperance’s fascination with electrical experiments may have been her stepmother’s excuse for wanting to have her committed, but it’s fairly obvious that the vile woman would have come up with *any* excuse to declare Temperance incompetent. This story gave me secondhand anxiety, as I worried for Temperance every time she left the safety of the house or had to attend a gathering with other guests (as it turned out, my anxiety was well-placed).
Her first (literal) run-in with Octavius saw her at her lowest- scared, desperate, and alone- and him at this worst- drunk, dismissive and disrespectful. Yet the attraction was there from the beginning, and never really wavered. In fact, in a very risqué move for a woman of that time period, Temperance was the seducer for a good portion of the story (once Octavius awakened her senses to all of the pleasures- food and otherwise- she’d previously denied herself). It isn’t often we see women take charge like that in a romance, which made for a nice change of pace (especially as it meant that someone as prone to excess as Constantine had to suddenly temper his *own* desires in an effort to keep her virtue intact). Their resulting affair was both believable and *very* passionate, and definitely had my stomach doing flips.
As much as I loved this story (I didn’t even touch on the well fleshed-out storyline with the children), there were parts that rankled me. Despite being so desperate for her freedom (to the point where she turned down a proposal from the Duke of Enveigh, who knew her true identity and was willing to hide her away until she came of age to claim her money), Temperance was unwilling to accept *anyone’s* help, even when it was freely offered by several people, to the point where she almost surrendered to the idea of being sent to the madhouse because she couldn’t succeed at obtaining her birth rite on her own. I wanted to shake her by the end because she was just *so* stuck in this way of thinking that she would have essentially been the agent of her *own* demise. (Thankfully, the realization that she was no longer alone struck her just before that could happen.)
Octavius wasn’t safe from my scrutiny, either, however- as was the case of the previous dukes in the series, he was constantly haunted by memories of his horrible father and the mother who abandoned him, and so it was constantly touched upon, along with his fear that he’d never be enough (ironically by being too much) for someone to want to stay with him. There was also an occasional mention of a carriage accident that haunted him, but it was never explained- perhaps it will be in the Duke of Enveigh’s story, along with Octavius’s sister who was frequently mentioned but never by name- until Archibald himself succeeded in finding her, something Octavius was never able to do. Archibald’s motives for doing this are undoubtedly for the wrong reasons, as he clearly seeks vengeance for Octavius breaking the fourth credo and claiming Temperance as his own, but we’ll just have to wait and see how that all pans out. I understand the need to connect the stories, but I do wish this one had more of well-rounded ending, rather than subjecting us to so many loose strings that we’ll have to wait heaven knows how long for.
Yet wait I shall, as Mariah Stone has crafted an intriguing overall concept with wonderful (and frustratingly human) characters that keep me coming back for more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2025
Thanks to Booksirens for a copy of this ebook and this is my freely given opinion.
This is book 4 of the series and features the story of Octavius, the duke of Eccess. He revels in pleasure and overindulgence and in the previous books it has lead to him appearing sloppy and unreliable.
This story gives his backstory and redemption, showing the vulnerable, flawed man-boy behind the drunken, gluttonous facade. In this story, we discover much about Octavius and his family history - and it is dramatic and traumatizing leaving him deeply emotionally scarred. Hence his indulgences in food, sex, and booze - to obliterate the memories, and temporarily fill the voids in his life and soul with passing pleasures.
But his life has changed and he has become the guardian and only remaining family of three young, vulnerable orphans. Because of his fears and feelings of inadequacy, he avoids them, leaving their care to a series of governesses, and this leads to a cycle of them acting out in the face of their own losses and unmet needs - routing 6 governesses since their arrival in the Eccess household.
Lady Agatha Temperance Hale lost her own beloved father a couple of years prior, and has been put under the guardianship of her stepmother. But she has been labeled mad for her unnatural love of science and study of electricity, which was formerly encouraged by her loving father. Her mother seeks to control her inheritance and marry off Temperance to her own nephew, but Temperance runs away to avoid this until she gains her majority and can gain control of her own inheritance. She is forced into hiding when her stepmother makes public her supposed madness and the search for her, labeling her the Mad Heiress. Events prevail, including a dramatic meet-cute, leading her to hide under the persona of Miss Temperance Fields, newly hired governess for the wards of Eccess. At least for another few weeks, until her 21st birthday, on Christmas day.
A hidden identity, forced proximity romance with plenty of steam. Much is learned about Eccess and his childhood, leading to his current indulgences, and how they contrast with Temperance's childhood. He is in pursuit of a high profile government position, and seeks her help for the same, in managing the children, as well as aiding him in forgoing some of his former pleasures, and grows to trust her with some of his deepest secrets and fears. In the meantime, Temperance grows to love the children and Octavius, but is afraid to trust anyone with her own secrets, and fear of being exposed. This story also tests the credo of the Dukes, and appears to cause permanent breaks in the bonds of their stalwart brotherhood.
Sweet, steamy, and emotional, with some Christmas sentimentality.
4 stars out of 5
This is book 4 of the series and features the story of Octavius, the duke of Eccess. He revels in pleasure and overindulgence and in the previous books it has lead to him appearing sloppy and unreliable.
This story gives his backstory and redemption, showing the vulnerable, flawed man-boy behind the drunken, gluttonous facade. In this story, we discover much about Octavius and his family history - and it is dramatic and traumatizing leaving him deeply emotionally scarred. Hence his indulgences in food, sex, and booze - to obliterate the memories, and temporarily fill the voids in his life and soul with passing pleasures.
But his life has changed and he has become the guardian and only remaining family of three young, vulnerable orphans. Because of his fears and feelings of inadequacy, he avoids them, leaving their care to a series of governesses, and this leads to a cycle of them acting out in the face of their own losses and unmet needs - routing 6 governesses since their arrival in the Eccess household.
Lady Agatha Temperance Hale lost her own beloved father a couple of years prior, and has been put under the guardianship of her stepmother. But she has been labeled mad for her unnatural love of science and study of electricity, which was formerly encouraged by her loving father. Her mother seeks to control her inheritance and marry off Temperance to her own nephew, but Temperance runs away to avoid this until she gains her majority and can gain control of her own inheritance. She is forced into hiding when her stepmother makes public her supposed madness and the search for her, labeling her the Mad Heiress. Events prevail, including a dramatic meet-cute, leading her to hide under the persona of Miss Temperance Fields, newly hired governess for the wards of Eccess. At least for another few weeks, until her 21st birthday, on Christmas day.
A hidden identity, forced proximity romance with plenty of steam. Much is learned about Eccess and his childhood, leading to his current indulgences, and how they contrast with Temperance's childhood. He is in pursuit of a high profile government position, and seeks her help for the same, in managing the children, as well as aiding him in forgoing some of his former pleasures, and grows to trust her with some of his deepest secrets and fears. In the meantime, Temperance grows to love the children and Octavius, but is afraid to trust anyone with her own secrets, and fear of being exposed. This story also tests the credo of the Dukes, and appears to cause permanent breaks in the bonds of their stalwart brotherhood.
Sweet, steamy, and emotional, with some Christmas sentimentality.
4 stars out of 5
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