The Duke’s Goddess

Duke Dare #2

by Eliana Piers

When a shy spinster and an impulsive rake matchmake their friends, sparks fly.

Lady Joan keeps looking about to ensure everyone around her is happy. So when the best plan for everyone else’s happiness involves her fake dating a rake, she doesn’t think twice about it. But a–very pleasurable—night out on the balcony of a ballroom has her head spinning. Could the ton’s notorious rake be the one she falls for?

James, Duke of Cornwell, uses women to get what he wants only for as long as he wants it. So when he ends up in a fake courtship with Joan, he does so with the end in sight. But then he shares a kiss—and more—and finds out that his shy woman has a passionate inner goddess desperate to be loosed.

What does it take for a rake to fall for a wallflower? Only a bit of dagger-throwing, boat-rowing, and balcony-trysting. But will it be enough?

If you like witty banter, shenanigans, and sweet and spicy regency romances, you’ll love this standalone love story by Eliana Piers.

This series is part of Dragonblade's Flame line, so this is a scorching-hot read with open-door steam.

Read in Kindle Unlimited!

Duke Dare Series
Book 1: The Duke’s Spinster
Book 2: The Duke’s Goddess
Book 3: The Duke’s Hellion
Book 4: The Duke’s Lady

174 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 17, 2025

About the author

What makes people fall in love? Why do two people end up together? Every love story is unique and that's what I love to write.


Eliana Piers has been writing and singing stories since she was five years old. After feeling inspired by authors like Julia Quinn, Tessa Dare, and Minerva Spencer, Eliana decided to test her quill on the page.


Writing about love and how two people come to connect and share parts of their souls with each other is now an obsession.


Eliana lives in Canada where she drinks ice caps every day.

Reviews

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new author for me. This is only my 2nd book by her and the other I read was book 1 of this series. She is with Dragonblade Publishing Flame Division so I had high hopes for some good steam. So far it's been pretty good.

I really liked Joan and James. This was a really good story and I loved their personalities. They had great chemistry. This was my favorite so far. I am really glad I decided to read her. Overall a really good read and I'll definitely read more after this series.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

They may be matching another couple, but Joan and James, the Duke of Cornwell, are creating a lot of heat between kisses and intimacy. It's not just physical, but a deeper feeling of belonging to each other. Can a spinster reform a rake and convince him to believe in love?
Descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

[Poppy · Rating 3 out of 5]

a simple, lovely reformed-rake story. the synopsis preludes to fake courting but i wouldn't say it was that? they never officially declared it and didn't do much faking in front of the public eye. their quest lasted a total of two seconds anyway. joan was a plain jane but not too dull. james was more romantic than rake sigh he was swoony (literally lol).

i loved that there wasn't an immediate 'yes' to the proposal. how it typically is. joan questioned him right then and there, rather than say yes now and ask later. yes communication!

each sister in this series has a niche interest and brand of weaponry. boudicca's was fencing while joan had her daggers. bodi's book included way more of her hobby than joan's. it was added as an after thought, a little sprinkle here and there. i wish it was a bigger part to set it apart.

im happy it isn't following the age order. can we get mimi and sam's book next pleaseeee? nobi and chris are boring as hell. no one likes friends to lovers in this economy. mimisam next.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Joan the second youngest of four sisters agrees to join in The Duke Dare with her sisters, they dare each other to find & wed a Duke. James, Duke of Cornwell, uses women to get what he wants only for as long as he wants it. So when he ends up in a fake courtship with Joan, he does so with the end in sight, as it’s only so his friend & her friend can realise they are meant for each other, but all good plans!
The second book in the series & another well written entertaining romance. James has sworn off marriage & doesn’t believe in love, then he spends time with Joan. I loved the chemistry between the couple & the witty banter, they are the last to realise what their feelings are. It made for a delightful read
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Rainelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautiful and romantic love story this was. I love the clever and witty dialogue between the characters. The flirtatious moments that James and Joan shared are my favorite. These are the moments where you get to read the innocents of romance blooming. James’s character personalities are perfect for Joan. Without even realizing Joan had him wrapped around her little finger. Joan tried to play innocent, but I think she knew what she was doing. I thought that little pack that the sisters have between them was a good motivator to get Joan out there. I enjoyed the lighthearted moments and the romantic moments.

[Rhianon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very quick read. James and Joan were cute together, but everything happened really quickly.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Piers serves up a deliciously fun and steamy Regency romp in this latest addition to the Duke Dare series, where a fake courtship between a quiet wallflower and a notorious rake spirals into real passion—and real trouble.

Lady Joan is used to keeping the peace and making sure everyone else is happy, so when matchmaking her friends leads to a pretend romance with James, Duke of Cornwell, she agrees without much fuss. But one unforgettable night on a moonlit balcony changes everything, and suddenly Joan is wondering if the ton’s most infamous rake might actually be the one her heart has been waiting for.

James is the definition of a charming scoundrel, skilled at navigating society and avoiding emotional entanglements. But Joan—sweet, sharp, and unexpectedly sensual—completely disarms him. What starts as a scheme quickly heats up, and the rules of their arrangement get lost in a haze of banter, stolen glances, and full-on balcony trysts. Between dagger-throwing competitions, boat-rowing mishaps, and some very public sparks, it’s clear that neither of them is playing pretend anymore.

This novel is a delightful mix of witty dialogue, tender moments, and scorching open-door intimacy. Joan’s journey from self-effacing wallflower to passionate partner is deeply satisfying, and James’s reluctant tumble into love makes for a swoon-worthy transformation. The emotional payoff is just as compelling as the chemistry, and the ending is guaranteed to leave a smile on your face.

If you’re craving a Regency romance that’s equal parts sweet and spicy—with a heroine who surprises herself and a rake who finally meets his match—this novel is just what you need.

I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Fanosse23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dive into the delightful world of Elaina Piers with her latest gem, "The Duke’s Goddess." This sparkling tale is a whimsical rollercoaster that had me hooked from the first page. Piers spins another enchanting yarn with her signature blend of wit and warmth, featuring characters so charming they practically dance off the page. In this adventure, we meet Joan and James, who embark on a pretend courtship to play cupid for their friends.

Meet James, the Duke of Cornwell, a dashing rake who scoffs at the idea of love and marriage. He’s set on bachelorhood until Lady Joan, sweet and selfless, steps into his path. She is reluctantly going along with the Duke Dare to comply with her sister’s wishes but doesn’t expect to snare a Duke for herself. But oh, how things twist and turn when her friend Sally sets her sights on James instead of the ever-devoted Jacob. Cue the plotting! Joan and James faux romance is filled with mishaps, laughter, and a touch of heartfelt discovery.

Piers crafts scenes so vivid and engaging that I found myself chuckling aloud, especially during the boat and garden escapades. James is a carefree spirit, while Joan takes life a bit more seriously, making their interactions a delightful dance of opposites. Watching their relationship evolve is pure magic.

Elaina Piers never fails to serve up a cocktail of humor, witty banter, steam and heart. Her stories leave me grinning ear to ear, eagerly awaiting the next adventure. "The Duke’s Goodness" is no exception—it's a joyful read that warms the soul and tickles the funny bone.

[Marion Löw · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this lighthearted allies to lovers romance. As always, the author's writing style is playful and the story is humorous, steamy and full of likable main and supporting characters. James is a rake with a poignant childhood and Joan is the cautious, observant sister of the unconventional quartet. I liked how the two were on the same wavelength from the start despite their different personalities and how the relationship between them developed. I also liked Joan's close bond with her sisters and the witty banter between James and his friends.

Now that her older sister Boudicca has successfully fallen in love with a duke and married him, it is Joan's turn to do her part in the Duke Dare. But instead she and James, the Duke of Cornwell, try to set her friend Sarah up with James’ friend.
After his unhappy, loveless childhood, James has lost faith in love and is determined never to marry or have children of his own. He is a reckless rake, but wants to see his friend happy.
The matchmaking scheme shared with the cautious, levelheaded Joan goes unexpectedly well and the two grow closer than expected…

Overall, an entertaining fun read with some spice that I am happy to recommend!

I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.

[Alexandra G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four sisters – daughters of an earl, a little eccentric but well-liked by the ton – agreed on a dare to each snag a duke before the Season is out...

Joan is the next to youngest of the foursome; quiet, observant, and very talented at throwing daggers. She’s not to sure about love or ever finding it for herself, but she also doesn’t want to let her sisters down.
James is a duke from a cold nest, an incorrigible rake who learned long ago that calculated risks are far more rewarding than trying to earn his parents love. As far as he’s concerned love doesn’t even exist, but the loyalty of his friends is priceless, and he’ll do just about anything to keep them happy and safe.
They enter each other’s orbit when her friend starts mooning over him while his friend is head-over-heels for the girl. Determined to steer Cupid in the right direction, Joan and James agree to join forces and do a little matchmaking. A hazardous occupation – especially to the heart – involving waltzes, rowboats, ballroom terraces and nighttime chaperoning missions.

This was a delectable, humorous, light and relaxing read – so very romantic – a charming and witty co-Cupids-to-lovers, house party, close proximity romance! They sizzle, and with each mishap the tension mounts leading to some delicious steam, a little scandal and the scariest feeling of them all: true love.
These MCs read each other like open books; they don’t see it, don’t realise it’s happening, but their entire entourage is on to them, and it was lovely seeing them open up and grow close. I’m really enjoying this series so far, and I’m eagerly looking forward to what’s next!

[Gylene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Joan is quite, shy and makes sure everyone is happy. Joan is going along with the Duke Dare that her sisters are involved in only to make them happy.

James, Duke of Cornwell is very happy with his bachelorhood status and nothing is going to change that. He does not believe in love or marriage.

Joan and James fake a courtship so that two of their friends will see that they are made for each other. As they continue to push the two friend together they start getting to know each other and become friends. Can James open his heart to love or will he continue to deny love exists?

I absolutely love Eliana Piers books!! They always put a smile on my face and make me laugh throughout the book!! This book was highly entertaining, very delightful and so very steamy!! I enjoyed reading how their relationship went from helping others to becoming friends to finding love themselves. The secondary character were absolutely wonderful and really added to the story. I highly recommend this book!!

[Lana Birky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Joan is the calm, cautious one in a group of four sisters, until she agrees to take part in The Duke Dare, a bold challenge among her siblings—each must find and wed a duke. Enter James, Duke of Cornwell, a man who has perfected the art of using women to his advantage but never lets it last. When James and Joan come together to help match two friends; they present a fake courtship meant to serve a greater purpose—helping their friends realize their own love—but as they spend time together, the boundaries of pretense blur.

The second book in the series, The Duke’s Goddess is a sparkling, well-crafted romance filled with sharp humor, sizzling chemistry, and engaging characters. James is convinced love is a myth, and marriage an unnecessary trap—until Joan turns his carefully controlled world upside down. Their slow realization of their true feelings, accompanied by lively banter and playful moments, makes for a wonderfully entertaining read. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I chuckled all the way through this entertaining and witty romance, as Lady Joan teams up with the Duke of Cornwell, acting as matchmakers for their friends. The rapport between the couple and their sizzling attraction gives the plot impetus that keeps one turning the pages, desperate to know how these two are going to resolve their differences. Joan has secrets that intrigue James, and she keeps taking him by surprise. On the other hand, James is also keeping secrets, and when they are revealed, he expects her to turn away from him. However, Joan is a nurturer and cannot help but give him the empathy he so desperately needs. The novel comes to a lovely conclusion, although there is still one secret that Joan refuses to divulge, and James will just have to wait until they are married to get the answer he is looking for. I received a copy of this delightful romance as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley, and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I will not marry”
“I don’t want a wife”
“He’s a fake!”

The female main character is Lady Joan, who looks out for her friends and family- even to save her friend from “falling inlove” with an infamous rake, Duke James. Together, the two plot a plan that will work out for the both of them. Neither were planning on falling for each other but the friends to lovers trope is embodied in this book. Throughout the entirety a strong beautiful friendship forms with lots of tension.
The characters are relatable to everyday people. The banter is hilarious, and the sisterly devotion between Joan and her sisters show true sisterhood. I love the use of old phrases such as “woolgathering”. This book is hilarious, sweet and HEA guaranteed. I highly recommend this book as a feel good book, to any bookish reader who enjoys historical fantasy. If you liked Bridgerton, you will love this book.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this story and this is my freely given opinion.

This is the second book in the series and it was a fun and quick read, and it would be nice to read it in order as the series is about a family of sisters, their ongoing dare with each other, and there are other pre-existing relationships as well.

BUT if you are a stickler for stories, characterizations, language, etc staying true to the historical period, then this series may drive you a bit crazy. There is a lot of anachronisms. But on saying that, I did enjoy the sisterly relationships, and the fun banter and dialogue amongst the characters. This was a fun and lighthearted romance that feels very contemporary in the mannerisms of the characters and their language, that happens to be plonked into Regency England.

3.5 stars out of 5

[Rixxyreadsss · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is why friends-to-lovers trope will always slap and why it will always be a favorite trope of mine.

this is also my first Eliana Piers book and damn, I was so impressed with the writing. Pacing never felt off, side characters (fmc's sisters and mmc's friends) were all so interesting as well, and the way that this author describes the emotions and feelings between the couple just really made me sigh, swoon and made me feel giddy.

Only wished that epilogue could've been longer. Ending part just felt slightly abrupt. However, I truly enjoyed this book and I loved that even though it's really just a short one it didn't feel like the characters were not fleshed out enough or that the romance was not believable. Such a nice read, fit for readers like me who now gets so tired reading 400+ pages of romance.

[Mary Gosse · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book! It is the second in this series, but could also be read as a stand-alone. Joan is practical, logical, fiercely loyal to her family (including her 3 sisters), and I see a lot of myself in her personality and thoughts. She doesn’t see James as a potential love interest at all, and only starts to spend time with him in order to help her friend connect with his friend. I love how they both seem to acknowledge that they could never be a couple, which in turn allows them to be more open either each other and show more of their true selves.

This book has some great banter, romance, loyal friendships, and some spice. Overall, I highly recommend it! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this free advanced copy - this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Amberreads.alot · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Duke's Goddess" by Eliana Piers is the second in a series about unusual sisters named after female warriors. This is Joan and James' (the Duke of Cornwell) story. It is an easy and entertaining read. Joan and James' have excellent chemistry and banter, even as both are sure nothing permanent can happen between them. I also very much enjoyed both the relationship between the sisters and the relationship between the group of betting dukes. I am looking forward to the next story in this series.

3.5 stars rounded to 4. Thank you to Dragonsblade and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this book. These opinions are my own.

[Lisa H · Rating 3 out of 5]

Its not a good mix....

I really liked Joan, the quiet, wallflower of the four sisters with the marrying a duke pact. She's sensible. However, her pairing with James, the wild, useless rake wasn't the best match for her. He's a player and a feckless, shallow, not very bright, entitled guy. He's probably riddled with STD's and Joan deserved someone who doesn't use women and hasn't already banged most of the female ton. Joan deserved someone smart, kind and interesting, not just another boring, predictable rake.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley. Joan was watching her friend Sally and she was watching the two men across the room so Joan went to be some help to her. The one was James a duke but it couldn't be him so it must be his friend standing next to him. No! She was interested in the wrong man. Joan and James get together and try to interest her friend in the correct man she should be interested in. While doing this Joan finds herself with the rake. Her brother is continuously showing up and separating them. James finds he is interested in Joan.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book two of this entertaining series takes us on an adventure with Lady Joan. She's the quiet one of four sisters and can easily be overlooked. She starts to help out her friend and ends up plotting with James, a duke, who was ignored growing up. Their plotting is humorous and funny. From an author, who always delivers a quality story, this one is a winner! Four sisters who have unique skills, four Duke's who are best friends, and an imagination that has no filters... You can only guess what will take place in this story and the next two are going to be even more fun. Don't miss out!

[Tiffany P · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you find the love you’ve always needed……….

The story was more appealing than the first one. I loved this couple from the beginning. They both had their emotional deficits that they unknowingly filled for one another. The friend interactions were funny and entertaining. I do think her “selfless” actions toward the end were misguided and just didn’t make sense. The lack of transparency didn’t fit with their honest and open relationship up to that point. I do feel like it ended abruptly and it left me wanting more info.

[Sahar's Honest Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Unexpected Match
Joan and James had no interest in love or marriage—they were simply trying to match two of their friends. But what happens when they fall victim to their own matchmaking efforts? They weren’t meant to fall in love, but fall they did. Will they accept that they’re meant to be together, or continue resisting fate? Can Joan reform a rake who insists he’ll never marry?
I thoroughly enjoyed this delightful historical romance, full of wit and charm. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys the genre.

[Jacklynann · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really excited to read this book but unfortunately, It wasn’t for me.

The characters felt very one dimensional, the story felt rushed, and the love between Joan and James was not very believable. I struggled with the repetitive inner monologues of the main characters but did appreciate that this felt like a new take on “the rake” trope.

Thank you to NetGalley for the arc, all opinions are my own.

[Ly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating relationship!

I enjoyed this novel. I found the two protagonists, Joan and James, very likeable. Their relationship is captivating, and they have a special bond that quickly drew me into their attempts at matchmaking their closed friends together. To my great delight, they get caught up in their own game. This book is a quick and enjoyable read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s Joan’s turn to try to snare her duke, but she’s not interested either. Somehow, she gets caught up with rakish duke James in playing matchmaker for their friends instead. And as they spend more time together, Joan starts to realize she’s actually attracted to this guy and James realizes that maybe he’s capable of love after all. This one is a quick and solid read with just the right amount of steam.

[Aj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful romance and a story with a perfect blend of spicy and sweet that made me swoon and smile throughout. Witty dialogue, well paced and wonderful balance of emotions. I adored the connection of characters that are Joan's sisters and Jame's Duke friends. Joan and James have an easy connection but accepting love is not so easy for James but when he does it's super sexy.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

While trying to set up friends, Joan and James become attracted to each other. James is a rake who has sworn never to marry. While Joan falls in love with him, she does not want to force him to marry her. Can there be a happy ever after? I received an ARC from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for my honest review.

[Lyn D Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second book in the Duke Dare series is a very beautiful and serendipitously written historical romance. I really enjoyed this delightful and charming love story that is full of drama, humor, wit, and emotional issues that are very engaging. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the ending was lovely. I highly recommend reading!

[Danette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Um, this description is untrue, “This series is part of Dragonblade's Flame line, so this is a scorching-hot read with open-door steam.”

The whole book seemed like one long conversation. Awkward plot. Definitely not a page turner. I didn’t connect with any characters. We definitely have a different definition of “scorching-hot.”