Marcus Wilding: Duke of Pleasure

Dangerous Dukes #1

by Carole Mortimer

In this scintillating prequel novella to her Dangerous Dukes miniseries, USA TODAY bestselling historical author Carole Mortimer delivers a feast for the senses!

England, 1815

He’s the most accomplished lover in England, and the finest tutor in pleasure that ever lived!

Lady Julianna Armitage is on a mission:

The goal: Discover passion and learn the true art of lovemaking, something she never experienced in her short, loveless marriage.

The teacher: The devastatingly handsome Marcus Wilding, Duke of Worthing; the one man she could never have…until now.

The outcome: Pure, decadent, indulgent satisfaction!

Julianna is determined to maintain control, but as Marcus unleashes a sensual siege that awakens her every sense, it soon becomes clear that losing control can be the most delicious thing of all!

Don't miss the first title in this shockingly seductive new series from legendary bestselling author Carole Mortimer:

Zachary Black: Duke of Debauchery

Coming October 2014 from Mills & Boon Historical

Dangerous Dukes

Rakes about town

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Regency, Novella, Short Stories

54 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2014

About the author

I have written almost 250 romance novels in contemporary and Regency.

I am a USA Today Bestselling Author and recipient of the 2015 RWA Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2014 I received a Pioneer of Romance Award from Romantic Times in the US and in 2012 I was recognised by Queen Elizabeth II for my 'outstanding service to literature'.

I am very happily married to Peter with six sons, and live on the Isle of Man

Reviews

[Ana María · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 estrellas porque estoy generosa y ciertas partes me gustaron mucho, pero es difícil que una novela tan corta pueda tener el desarrollo esperable.
El argumento es simple:
1815. Lady Julianna es una joven viuda que vivió un matrimonio sin amor, sin pasión ni ternura. Al acercarse al fin de su período de luto, decide contactarse con Marcus, duque de Worthing, amigo de su hermano desde siempre. Marcus tiene fama de talentoso amante por lo que ella quiere que le enseñe los secretos del placer para poder disfrutar con un amante.
Marcus acepta ser su tutor en el tema y su "método" consiste en unas cortas reuniones diarias en las que se utilizan cada uno de los sentidos sin tocarse: Vista, olor, sonidos, palabras... Estos encuentros me parecieron muy eróticos, con lenguaje explícito, con gran tensión erótica casi sin tocarse.
Pero luego todo se acelera, surgen sentimientos del pasado y en un pif paf, happy end.
Creo que daba para una gran novela erótica pero es un cuentito nomás.
A releer mucho, seguramente.

[Daisy Daisy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wait. What? CM also writes for historical? How does she find the time along with raising 6 kids?
Sometimes I'm really in the mood for a cheeky historical other times I find them incredibly tedious and zzzzzzz. This one however was short and sweet and I found it pretty enjoyable. The H and h have known each other for ages as he is Bessie's with her older brother. They both fell in love when she was 18 but neither told the other her because he buggered off back to war without speaking to her again the H because he didn't want to make her a widow knowing he was off back to war. Thinking he doesn't give a rats ass she marries another who is a total swinger and crap in bed with her. H is pretty gutted when he returns to find her married but luckily she is widowed after 3 years.
Knowing her husband was her she goes and blackmails the H into teaching her sexy times and he is quite offended by her bribery so says yes with every intention of grabbing her for himself. These two are pretty darn cute and I totally believe in their HEA 😊

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short scintillating tale.

Juliana is nearing the end of her year of widowhood, her marriage was not a happy one in any form and has jaded her towards any future marriage but she's determined to find some pleasure in life and turns to Marcus Wilding a friend of her brothers and reputably the most accomplished lover in England.
While the premise maybe a little far-fetched it's an enjoyable sexy read as we witness the sexual awakening of Juliana and the fact that I really liked both Juliana and Marcus only added to this.

[Sonia N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Widowed Lady Julianna and the gorgeous Duke ofPleasure!! I love Carole Mortimer!
I got goosebumps reading this sexy, sizzling book. They each unkowingly had a crush-love for each other. She is an inexperienced widow and goes to him because of his rakish reputation. He agrees to tutor her.
One thing leads to another and you just have to read this book! I guarantee a delicious Duke and a beautiful Lady with lots of chemistry and sizzling hot love scenes.

[AnnMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marcus Wilding: Duke of Pleasure is a novella in the Dangerous Dukes series by Carole Mortimer.

Lady Julianna Armitage is a widow, her married life was a nightmare, and she has decided that when in a couple of months her period of mourning is finished, she will take a lover. She never wants to marry again. She accepts that she knows nothing about pleasing a man sexually, and decides to ask somebody to teach her everything there is to know about sex before she goes on her hunt for a lover.

The man that she ask to be her tutor is Marcus Wilding, the Duke of Worthing. He is also her brother's friend and she grew up with him always being around. He has a reputation of being the most accomplished lover in England!! At first he is horrified by her request, especially the thought of teaching her to pleasure a man only for that man to be somebody else. But then he realises the benefits to being her tutor, and not just the physical ones, and he agrees to help her.

What follows is a wonderful story of how they both thoroughly titillate each other, the desire and need for each other, in more than just a sexual way, growing with every turn of the page. A story line that could be seen as unrealistic, a Lady asking a 'Dangerous Duke' for sexual tuition, is anything but that when you realise that deep down Julianna has been in love with Marcus since before her marriage. Did she even realise the reason she asked for him specifically to help her, subconsciously I think so, but it certainly isn't in the forefront of her mind. Their passionate times are just that, passionate, well written to come across as more than just sex. Will they give in and let each other know of their real feelings for each other, or will Marcus have to let her go into the arms of another man at the end of his tutoring? Not if he can help it, that's for sure!

I really enjoyed this quick story and I am very much looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers' copy of this book.

[MissKitty · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ugh, so short and so boring and still not worth my time.

Too bad since it had a good premise. The Hero has been in love w the heroine for a long time. He wanted to offer for her when she was 18, but since he was going off to war, he wanted to wait, so in the event of his death she would not be a widow. However, He never tells her of his feelings, so she marries someone else while he is away.

She is now a widow anyway, so the Hero finally intends to offer for her, but she preempts him, by asking him to tutor her in lovemaking 🙄 Because it was bad with her husband, and somehow it would be embarrassing for her to be so unskilled when she finally takes a lover after her mourning period. I guess rhe author needed a reason for the couple to get together in a lustful, sexy manner… but then, somehow, it was not.

Anyway for such a short novella, almost 70% is of the couple discussing the mechanics of this tutorial. They had no relationship to speak of. No development at all. It read like Regency style phone sex!

Turns out the heroine fell in love with the Hero when he danced with her when she was 18, but when he went off to war without saying anything, she thought he wasn’t interested at all (dont blame her) so she accepted the proposal of someone else. 🤦🏻‍♀️

What a bunch of dodos! All fhe wasted years for nothing. 😩

[Slwd · Rating 5 out of 5]

One for the senses

Choose this short novel for a rainy afternoon when you have time to yourself with no anticipated interruptions. Marcus, former soldier, current duke, and known rake fell in love with Julianna on her 18th birthday just before leaving to fight in the war on the continent. Likewise, Julianna fell in love with this man who was her brother’s best friend. She was devastated when Marcus left for the war without a word so she accepted an offer of marriage to a man she didn’t love; enduring a loveless, pleasureless, passionless marriage before becoming a young widow. She was determined not to marry again. Nearing the end of her mourning period she approached Marcus, who had returned from the war to step in as Duke of his family and to learn Julianna had married while he was away. Now, he was waiting for her mourning to end to approach her when she showed up with her proposition. She wanted to learn about passion and pleasure in order to enjoy her widowhood. Marcus and Julianna’s journey through the senses as they relate to attraction, desire, lust, passion, and pleasure had just begun. This short erotic novel was very well written, Marcus and Julianna a sensual and passionate pairing who obviously belonged together. A “happy ever after” rounded the story out nicely.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marcus Wilding, Duke of Worthing is the most accomplished lover in England and Lady Julianna Armitage, sister of his best friend, needs him to teach her the art of love. Julianna is determined to maintain control, as is Marcus.
A short story which I read in one sitting. The attraction is so hot I’m surprised my kindle didn’t combust. A great series starter, only down side is that I wish it had have been longer to be able for more characterisation
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read in as part of an edition with the first three books of the series

[Chelsea · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 stars.
A short little bit of fluff. It's sex-focused, though more so on talking about sex than engaging in it. The discovery of love is... expected, but maybe could have unfolded a little less... I don't know. Oddly enthusiastically?

It just wasn't my cup of tea, though I appreciated the *idea* it.

[Zena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cleverly Written!
A short but to the point story which I couldn't put down until I'd reached the end.
Lady Julianna found out what she wanted to learn about in the best possible way - tuition from the master tutor himself.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice, easy read if you’re looking for something sweet, saucy, and quick! Plus, Carole Mortimer never disappoints!

[Anita (Hearts and Whodunits) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This short story seemed to me to be the ending of a great novel. I wanted more, more about the characters, more about their pasts and more plot. The story was good otherwise.

[DD · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short well too short really. Disappointed.

[Violet · Rating 3 out of 5]

قصيره وممتعه 😭🔥

[Vikki Andrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book!

[Tin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carole Mortimer begins her Dangerous Dukes series with this novella and features Marcus Wilding, said to be "the most accomplished lover in England" (mentioned 5 times in the novella) who has been approached by Lady Julianna Armitage, for lessons in lovemaking. It is an unusual request coming from a lady, and made even more unusual because said lady is the younger sister of Marcus's long-time friend.

And then there's the fact that Marcus has loved Lady Julianna for more four years, ever since her come-out.

Now a widow, Lady Julianna is free to make her own choices in life -- and she wants to experience passion. Of all the gentlemen of her acquaintance, she approaches Marcus for two reasons: first,as her brother's friend, she could rely on him for discretion, and, second, she's always loved Marcus. I loved how Julianna is taking control of her own life and destiny, and I love her boldness and audacity to approach a man such as Marcus with her curious request. It's also amazing how she doesn't let Marcus intimidate her. ^_^

"Forgive me, Lady Armitage, but for a brief moment I was sure I heard you request that I tutor you in the art of making love to and with a man before you take a lover!"

Julianna remained unmoved by the hard and derisive smile that accompanied Marcus Wilding's drawled dismissal of such a notion ever being possible. "There is nothing wrong with your hearing, Your Grace. Except perhaps for me to add that I made a statement of intent, rather than a request," she added with the same determination she knew to be evident in the sharp tilt of her chin."
- Opening lines of the novella

* * *

She had been a young lady of only eighteen summers on her wedding day four years ago, her heart full of optimism for what the future might hold. But three years of that cold marriage to the adulterous Lord John Armitage and almost a year of widowhood following his death, had resulted in Julianna vowing not to remarry when her year of widowhood came to an end in just two weeks' time. No, better by far to take a lover, she had decided. One of her own choosing and on her own terms.
- loc 76

Carole Mortimer's 51-page novella is about seduction, but it's made more meaningful because of the feelings that our hero and heroine have kept hidden from each other for a long time. There's a lot of dramatic irony in their circumstance: they're trying to approach their situation in a business-like manner, but there's just so much emotion that's threatening to burst forth to the surface. Their current situation hinged on a Big Mis that happened all those years ago, when Julianna turned 18. It resulted in her marrying someone else. I love how their lessons progress and how Carole Mortimer breaks down the art of making love into the various senses: sight, sound, smell, taste, touch -- showing, how each aspect of our being participates in this glorious culmination and expression of love. Their encounters are titillating and steamy, but it also served as a way for Marcus and Julianna to get reacquainted: to discover the persons they have become after four years apart and for Julianna to find the woman she would have been had she not married John Armitage.

Mortimer also lays down the groundwork for the series by introducing a fascinating group of men, who are either dukes, or are heirs to the dukedom. (She introduces two of them at the end of the novella: Darian Hunter and Zachary Black, and the short snippets of their stories are very promising. ^_^)

[Nikita · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nearing the end of her mourning period, Lady Julianna Armitage makes the resolute decision that she will never remarry and will instead embrace the freedom of her independence and take a lover. Since her husband was cold and heartless towards her, she turns to her brother’s friend, Marcus Wilding, to teach her how to please a man.

There isn’t much to say about this very short novella. 97% of the story centers around Marcus’ lessons which are premised on the five sense – sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. The dialogue is stiff, the words belying the internal thoughts and desires of both characters. Julianna’s characterization wavers between innocence and carnal knowledge — she is a lady who wants to take a lover, yet is scandalized at the thought of seeing a naked man; though she spent three years in a cruel marriage and is in desperate need of lessons in how to pleasure a man, she turns out to be surprisingly adept at doing all the things she asked Marcus to teach her despite her complete lack of experience.

The “romance” is of the insta-love variety, which actually comes from a dance they shared together at Almack’s four years earlier.

This novella is free on Amazon right now, so for that reason alone, it is worth reading. Otherwise, just borrow it.

Originally posted at Plot Twist Reviews [dot] Com

[Cookie · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Exactly,' Marcus murmured with satisfaction as Julianna gave a second, breathy groan..."

Sighs, whimpers, hisses, groans, exhales, murmurs, moans, we've seen it all. Pulmonary verbiage seems to be essential to the genre. Perhaps the trademark of an author that has written 416 works is the combo-verb, just to mix things up.

I'm not one who can just gloss over this ridiculousness though.

"Breathy groan", is that even possible? I don't know if one could produce the sound of breathing while simultaneously producing the groaning noise. I tried for a bit and quickly realized that I sounded like a dying cow (or worse).

As if that wasn't enough to roll my eyes, there was a whole section about Julianna's 'nubbin'. If I never saw the word nubbin again to describe part of my anatomy, I would die a happier woman.

A nubbin is what Chandler had removed, K?

So, in a nutshell, I found this to be ridiculous, the word choice to be distracting, the love story to be incredibly lacking and finally, I was disappointed to discover that this is erotica rather than something more satisfying.

On the plus side, this story was free and short, very short.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marcus Wilding ~ Duke of Pleasure or also known as the Duke of Worthing finds Lady Julianna Armitage in his home late on evening or early morning when he returns with an unusual and rather improper request. Julianna is the younger sister of his best friend and is now a widow mourning for he late husband.

Marcus has loved Julianna long before she married Armitage; he was away fighting in Europe when she married and missed his chance to ask for her hand in marriage four year ago. It is unfortunate that many women at this time in England had marriages where they were treated brutally by their husbands desiring to gain position through marriage and in want of an heir only from their wives. Men like Armitage found pleasure outside of marriage and society looked the other way.The story is mostly naughty until Julianna finally confesses to loving Marcus and they find a happy ending in each other's arms. I found it entertaining with bits of humor written into a risque situation and it wasn't nearly as naughty as it could have been...

[Sheila Melo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too Short to Be Compelling

MARCUS WILDING: DUKE OF PLEASURE is a very short novella that introduces Mortimer's new series. It is the story of Julianna Armitage who was widowed after being married to a disagreeable man who cared not about her. She has come to Marcus Wilding, Duke of Worthing to ask him to tutor her as to pleasure so that she can take a lover. Unknown to Julianna, Marcus has loved her for years and now intends on luring her into marriage.

This novella is short and good enough but there is little disclosed about Marcus and Julianna except for their physical relationship that is detailed here. The novella is a nice start to the series but was too short for me to really care about the characters. It was worth the price (free!) and the time I spent reading it. I look forward to reading more of the series.

[Alison · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a kindle freebie so I shouldn't complain.

The story concerns a couple who have loved each other since the night of her 18th birthday. He went off to war determined to ask her to marry him when he returned, in the meantime she married not knowing his feelings.

Her marriage was not good. After her husband dies she decides to take a lover but asks Marcus to tutor her on the marital arts.

Maybe the problem with this book is that I had different expectations. Based on the above synopsis I expected a gentle romance, then it appeared as though I had stumbled into erotica, then it turned out it was just dirty talk after all!

[Kathy Davie · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first in Mortimer's Dangerous Dukes historical romance series, and an odd combination of interesting trope twists with some of the stupid tropes that make me nuts. That whole no-one-would-ever-offer-for-her routine? Oh, please. Mortimer has a cute idea, but needs some changes to make it better.

This short story felt too quick, too easy. In some ways.

[Serena W. Sorrell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Downloaded free on Amazon.jp

This was a very fun and sexy story. I really wish it were longer and more fleshed out. A long simmering buildup would have been even better for this story. The writing style itself would have benefited from some cleaning up and more "show don't tell". However, the concept itself was very nice and was a very nice novella to wrap up my dabbling into erotica.

[Alan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think this whole story could have been cut from 9 chapters to 1 and 1/2 if they would have just been up front with each other from the beginning. Of course, the whole point of the novella was obviously the sex. One thing that really drives me crazy in romances is the constant misinterpreting each others' responses. He thinks that she is horrified, and she thinks that he is disgusted.

[Sally Hannoush · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book started out full of tension- the good sexual kind- that made me keep reading. Knowing this was a short story did not help that I felt it should had been longer so we could have become attached to the characters. It is a quick read for someone who wants a taste of seduction.

[RamenGrrl]

Author was highly recommended. However, this novella was full of horrible cliches, stereotypical descriptions and I was having a hard time not laughing out loud at some of the more ridiculous dialogue. After the 3rd time the word "rakish" was used to describe the hero or his hair, I had to DNF.

[Rachel]

*pre-order from Amazon

[Harlequin Books]

Miniseries: Dangerous Dukes

[Tilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5 stars

[Harlequin Historical]

Miniseries: Dangerous Dukes