Being the Duke of Fairfax’s Bastard suited me fine. All the privileges, none of the responsibility. Life couldn’t have been more perfect. Then one tragedy changes everything.
I'm forced into a society I never wanted to be a part of. Life suddenly gets serious, people have expectations The reputation of my father's name depends on me.
Grace Blackwood is a rogue, and a thief She’s fearless, cold-hearted, and irritatingly beautiful
Untouchable to a man of my new stature.
But that only makes her more desirable!
When a fateful occurrence leaves her completely at my mercy I won’t just push Grace’s boundaries to get what I want... I’ll demolish them.
I’m not the forgotten son anymore. I’m the new Duke of Fairfax. And I’m not afraid to cause a scandal.
Dirty Duke is a modern day Breeding/ Pregnancy romance and a complete standalone. It is not a sequel to Bad Duke, but is set in the same world and will feature some familiar faces. You can expect the following…
🟣HEA 🟣Alpha obsessed with breeding 🟣Pregnancy (not just in the epilogue) 🟣Feisty Heroine 🟣He Falls First And Hard 🟣Overprotective/ Possessive Hero 🟣Plot Twists 🟣Dirty Talking Hero 🟣Praise Kink 🟣Modern Day Bridgerton Vibe
Heroine has spread her legs for other men and been rutted and plowed and forever severed an irreplaceable primal bond that would have been between her and the hero. No thanks
Lilah Raine delivers her readers a modern-day Bridgerton vibe, with plot twists, in her latest, Dirty Duke. And there is no shortage of spicy scenes. If you’re the type who loves the pregnancy trope and has been looking for a spicy romance book that has it throughout the story, not just in the epilogue, Lilah Raine has it. When Jack and Gracie cross paths in unexpected circumstances, they reach an agreement that will benefit both of them. It just so happens that Jack is obsessed with everything about Gracie, and since it’s a Lilah Raine book, readers will get br33ding right from the start!
Dirty Duke is not all about br33ding. There is indeed a solid, dark storyline, and it’s one I found quite the page-turner all the way to the twists that this author is also known for. I liked Jack and Gracie a lot.
Thank you to Author Lilah Raine for the gifted e-copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
nothing better than mmc losing his mind over the fmc not returning his feelings, when he wasn't even sure yet about what he feels for her! and proceed to make up the most unhinged deal to keep her 🫢🫶🏾🤣
Well, not the best from this author (but also not the worst). Right in the middle, I'd say. The villain was so random. The chemistry was a bit touch-and-go. The pacing truly needs some work, though.
This was a mixed pot for me. It was promised as an aristocracy breeding romance- it was a lot different. He’s an illegitimate duke, she a thief. He blackmails her into being his bride for her womb, she despises motherhood. Theres a crazy subplot connecting their pasts, the heroine has a vigilante streak and all they do is have sex. After loads of breeding and drama, there is a happy ending.
An aristocracy breeding romance in a similar style to Bridgeton, but with a modern spin. I’ve not read anything like this in so long and I loved it. The little twists and the unconventional aspects of the storyline make for excellent reading—and just like that I was hooked.
Jack captured my heart immediately and Grace, being the strong-willed, confident woman that she is, endeared herself to me as well. They actually make a terrific couple and realise it very quickly.
Grace has not lived an easy life, but then again, nor has Jack. He certainly doesn’t lack education and the right knowledge for his position but his other ‘skills’ are somewhat controversial.
Grace is determined she won’t stay long after their baby is born and I won’t spoil anything but just know that there’s a fabulous twist in the story towards the end. That I didn’t see coming at all!
Ugh I missed Lilah’s books so much, nobody does the breeding trope like her!
I was hooked right on the first chapter, I mean… a duke who doesn’t want a wife but needs an heir and a thief that doesn’t want a family but needs money… what can possibly go wrong?! Just wait and see, this duke is obsessed with his little thief and worship the floor she walks!
I just love their story, I would have thought that Jack would be difficult, but this man is so sweet and attentive and yes possessive and obsessed but all in the perfect way🤌🏼 And Grace being the sassy, independent and stubborn woman that she is it was a little bit harder nut to crack but who can blame her!
Full of delicious spicy, sweet moments, a feisty FMC and a very obsessive duke this book just hits the right spot!
This book is filled with emotions, a little bit of action, and a lot of baby-making. 😀
We met Jack in the previous book, but we get to know him in this one. I loved how true he was to his feelings once he realized. The push and pull came from Grace, but based on her past, it's understandable. The plot, the spice was just 🤌🏼
I love the side characters too! Some of them did surprise me, they know who they are. 👀
I cannot wait to see whose book we will be getting next.
You know that saying "too much of a good thang?" Yeah, that's this. They boinking like bunnies every other page. But I'm bored, so I let it play out.
Unfortunately wasn’t until the end when they threw us a tiny bone and gave us a little plot. Sadly, that was shorter than one of the many sex scenes and not enough to give this another star.
I saw a review saying the FMC spreads her legs for other men and just to clarify, there is no cheating OM/OW drama, the FMC just isn’t a virgin.
Enjoyable read, exactly what I expect from Lilah Raine. Massive emphasis of the breeding kink with some interesting plot in there.
I liked Jack, the bastard son becoming the Duke was fun to read about, and I loved how he wanted to right the wrongs of his father.
Grace was a bit of a strange character for me, I liked that she was strong and confident but I didn’t like how much she pushed Jack away until like 88%. I’m fine with some push and pull but because she was so busy denying her feelings it felt like there was no real love connection.
Dirty Duke follows Jack Ravenshaw, the illegitimate son of the Duke of Fairfax, who once lived freely on the fringes of aristocratic society—enjoying its privileges without its burdens. That freedom is cut short by tragedy, forcing him to step into the role of Duke and into a world governed by expectation, reputation, and legacy.
Amid this transition, Jack encounters Grace Blackwood, a bold and elusive thief whose life exists in stark contrast to his own. When circumstances place Grace within his control, their connection begins with tension and imbalance, quickly evolving into something more complex as their lives become increasingly intertwined.
The romance in Dirty Duke is defined by its intensity and contrast. Jack and Grace come from opposing worlds—one shaped by duty and structure, the other by freedom and defiance—and this difference fuels a dynamic charged with tension and intrigue.
Grace’s fearless and independent nature creates a strong counterbalance to Jack’s authority. She challenges him at every turn, refusing to be confined by his expectations, which brings a sharp, engaging energy to their interactions. Their exchanges are layered with defiance, attraction, and an undercurrent of curiosity that steadily draws them closer.
For Jack, the relationship becomes a shift from control to connection. Initially grounded in dominance and obligation, his perspective evolves as his focus on Grace deepens into something more personal and consuming. His attention to her grows more deliberate, revealing moments where intensity gives way to a more nuanced understanding.
Their relationship unfolds through a consistent push and pull—resistance blending into closeness, tension softening into moments of familiarity. As their connection develops, glimpses of vulnerability begin to surface, adding emotional depth to their dynamic and highlighting the gradual transformation of their bond.
The aristocratic setting adds weight to the story, with Jack’s role as Duke bringing expectations tied to legacy, reputation, and societal order. Grace’s position outside of this structure creates a compelling contrast, placing their relationship at the intersection of two very different worlds.
Dirty Duke weaves a romance driven by tension, contrast, and evolving connection. Through Jack and Grace’s journey, the story explores how attraction can grow across boundaries, creating a relationship that feels intense, immersive, and shaped by both circumstance and choice.
There are dirty, filthy mouth men out there but Jack Ravenshaw, the newest Duke of Fairfax puts them all to shame! From his tone to how he knows just what to say to get you to bend to his will, will make your knees weak.
From never wanting to be a Duke and living the life of partying, only doing what was necessary when his father called him, Jack never wanted that life. But when his father and half brother’s untimely passing happened, he is thrust into the life he never saw him having. Jack never wanted a committed relationship, a wife, let alone a child. So, when Jack catches his Gracie stealing from him one night, he makes her a proposition she cannot afford to say no to, literally. There is just something about her that he is starting to become obsessed with.
Grace is the definition of a stubborn woman who is set in her ways, unless Jack is involved. She has one goal in mind and when that goal blows up in her face (not in a good way), she is offered a way out of her current predicament that she doesn’t want to take, but really has no other option if she ever wants to be free! Determined to never fall in love with him, she not only finds herself married to the man who she is trying to steal from, but also pregnant with his baby. Oh, and falling head over heals for him every day she is in his presence. Determined to be as far away from once the baby comes, Grace tries to keep her walls up until the very end.
There was a lot of push and pull between the MCs. Both extremely stubborn but they had explosive chemistry. They both have secrets. They both want one thing, but end up going against everything they ever wanted from the beginning. I loved seeing the connection to the first Duke, but Dirty Duke can be read as a full stand alone.
I received this book as an ARC and willingly giving my review.
“Don’t you worry about me, princess, there’s no chance of that ever happening.”
Jack doesn’t want a wife. He barely wanted the family that only used him for his other underworld abilities as the illegitimate son and now he is the Duke of Fairfax. Which comes with expectations such as finding a good wife and producing the next heir.
Caught red handed with the jewels around her pretty neck, Gracie knows that her time is up and prison beckons her again…Until the new duke of Fairfax proposes an unlikely offer that will satisfy them both.
Keep up with the traditions of a baby Fairfax heir…then Gracie can disappear.
She thinks I’m just a jumped-up little rich boy, but she couldn’t be further from the truth.
The thief, the new duke and the offer…Some plans are just meant to be broken!
I enjoyed reading Jack & Gracie’s story, I thought the story had a slight edge and spice was certainly spicing! Gracie had a bite to her and more of a background that gave her a hardshell. Jack never wanted a wife but that was before he met Gracie, then he was hooked on her and getting her pregnant.
Both start denying their feelings for each other, but with all these hormones floating around it was becoming harder and harder on each of them. It was good to watch them both crumble over time, with the threats waiting to make themselves known and hidden skeletons it does make for a quick read.
Then Alex & Oliva from book 1 entwine themselves within their story too and almost come full circle as they all navigate the breeding theme with these books…again Lilah outdoes herself with the labour scenes and a bonus chapter!
I started this book with zero expectations. I just wanted something a little spicy, something entertaining. And honestly? It gave me that… and more. The plot is actually very good. A duke who needs an heir but refuses to take a wife. A thief who wants money, not a family. Two people with completely different goals, brought together by fate to help each other achieve what they want. It’s a strong setup, and it works. If you're looking for deep romantic development and a slow, emotional fall in love, this isn’t really the focus. The real highlight here is the spice. Some of those scenes are incredibly well written, intense, detailed, and very well done. The characters are enjoyable, and their dynamic is interesting. Their romance is nice, but for me, it wasn’t the heart of the story. I missed more emotional connection. Not every interaction had to lead to intimacy. I wanted more conversations, more tension, more softness. Some scenes also felt a bit unrealistic. The ending, for me, was confusing and rushed. It felt like the author just wanted to quickly finish what was left and move on. There wasn’t enough explanation, and it lacked a stronger sense of closure. Still, I gave it 4.25 stars because I truly enjoyed reading it. It was fun, addictive, and delivered what I was initially looking for. But it had the potential to be even more.
These books feel like a weird kink I never knew I had. Aside from the whole princess fantasy when I was 10 that is. And after becoming slightly obsessed with the first one I have been dying to get my hands on this one.
And once I finally did I didn't want to put it down to adult. Because …… Jack. Honestly, for a bastard Duke he stepped up and got things done. And once he met Grace he was so sure that she was what he wanted, while still trying to convince himself it was temporary. So watching him fall so hard and fast was just yummy.
Grace had lived such a hard life and was so street smart and secure in her own abilities. But she had zero self awareness and kind of did my head in a lot of the time. Because despite the book being so hot the will they / wont they lasted the whole damn book and i just wanted them to start their HEA before 90 bloody percent.
The overall story kept me flipping pages like crazy. Even if I did have to remind myself it was fiction a time or two. And the chemistry was so freaking hot. These guys lit up the pages and I ate it up. Seeing the OG Duke there as a friend made my day. I can’t wait to see if we get more from this world but either way I know hubby’s going to be happy with whatever this author writes next 😉
I have devoured every book by Lilah Raine, and this one is no different. Jack is the newly crowned Duke of Fairfax, a title he wasn't sure he wanted. Grace has had a tough life growing up, and her courage and grit are what keeps her going to protect herself and those under her care. During one of her planned missions, she gets caught by the Duke himself, thereby leading to their own contract for mutual needs.
The Duke is obsessed with Grace and while it starts off as a mutually beneficial agreement, he worships the ground she walks on, and genuinely wants to take of her every need. Grace was a little tougher to crack but who could blame her after the life she lived? But slowly, her armor starts to crack as well and when she finally gives in, soo good! I have to say, i did not see the twist coming but that was written so well! As always, the pregnancy part of the story was fantastic. Can't wait for the next one to get here.
I like this author's books a lot and they are 1. place on my list if I crave a pragnancy romance. But in this book, this birthing scene was disturbing so much so that I had to ask ChatGPT if it was medically ok to do that. Like why is the mmc sexually stimulating the fmc while giving birth (it was even more than that but let's keep it discreet). Giving birth is the most vulnerable situation a woman could experience during her lifetime and turning something so difficult and vulnerable into something sexual is the most discusting this ever. Even if she needed distractions because of the pain you still could hold her hands and make sure she gets your support, not stimulate her -which is unhygienic and could cause problems. Lilah Raine please remove these scenes from your future books it's not erotic it's highly disturbing.
I’m not fond of the cover, but the story’s actually super sweet. And if a duke like that would want to have his heir with me then I might reconsider my choices in life 👀 just kidding!
One thing I like and enjoy about reading Lilah Raine’s books is guessing the twist in the story towards the end, which I haven’t guessed anything right yet out of all the books I’ve read from her. It still gag me everytime lol.
Just like the labor of other FMCs, Gracie refused to labor in the hospital and she didn’t make it in time for the second one. I know this is fiction, but hell, times like these the student in me who has studied about maternal and child was feeling frustrated the whole time I was reading her labor and delivery scenes because they were just so wrong lol. Poor Gracie, but it was her choice and the sexy scenes were hot so… 4.5 stars!
Another awesome read by Lilah Raine. A breeding novel with intrigue, drama, crime, and definitely spice. Jack might believe he's not a good man from all the crimes he did for his father but his behavior toward Gracie proves differently. Gracie is one fierce FMC. She had a rough childhood with no biological family left only a group of girls who are just trying to survive life. I love how stubborn, smart, sassy, and definitely loyal Gracie is. Both characters change as the book progressed dealing with their traumas and losses. Love that characters from Bad Duke is brought into this story. A little dark with some topics ( death, mentions of SA, death of parents, violence) that might be triggering so know your triggers. This was a 5 star read for me
Another enjoyable read from this author with a heavy emphasis on breeding kink. However, that being said, there’s more than that going on in this book with danger lurking around the corner, intrigue and unexpected twists. Jack maybe a bit of a shady character with a few of those red flags but he is also quite endearing and his devotion to Grace knows no bounds. Grace is a survivor, who protects those she loves and goes to great lengths to do just that. My one criticism would be that I would have liked her to accept her feelings for Jack sooner instead of constantly pushing him away. This book is set in the same world as “Bad Duke” and, although some of the characters make an appearance in “Dirty Duke”, it can be read as a standalone.
3.5 stars 10/10 spice. Dirty duke is not a joke. He is DIRTY
This was super fun and for what it was it was a good book. I didn’t like how quick the MMC switched up on his like marriage rule but other than that it was a fun book. I didn’t expect the twist at the end and it frankly came out of no where and I’m not entirely sure how I feel about it because it seemed almost too left field but that could be the fact it was five am when I read it The spice was HOT and the DIRTY TALK was actually insane. I also would have folded grace I do not blame her at all LMAO
Overall a very fun time and I read it in one sitting.
Dirty Duke is wickedly delicious and dangerously addictive!
This duke is all sin wrapped in charm...commanding, confident, and very used to getting exactly what he wants. And the tension between him and the fmc? Absolutely combustible. Every look, every touch, every heated exchange crackles with promise.
It’s bold, it’s seductive, and it doesn’t hold back on the chemistry. If you love a powerful, slightly scandalous mmc paired with a heroine who can match his fire, this one brings the heat and the heart.
I absolutely recommend this book, but read Bad Duke first. They are dirty talking, spicy, and impossible to put down!!
Lilah Raine has quickly become of of my favorite authors. She always delivers on the br33ding k!nk, which has quickly became one of my favorites, and trust me the good ones are hard to find. This story was no different. Jack and Grace's story started off with a little thievery, then went to a forced/arranged marriage and had all the delicious spice you could want. There was also some suspense that led to I twist I honestly wasn't expecting. Seriously, this one actually snuck up on me, which isn't something that usually happens, and for that alone I was floored. I truly love this couple. I also loved Grace's girl gang and what they do. I hope we get to see more of them on the future!
Honestly this author is a win for me most of the time but this time around it was more of a not. We have the illegitimate spare that turns duke and the thief that gets caught. An irresistible deal and a lot of heat, and spice. In overall its what you expect but I wish we had a bit more character development and not so much emotional constipation. Both afraid of relationship and love and that was the whole plot point well majority of the book. The twist of u will was ok its didn't do thr twisting. Anyway, it is what it is.
Lilah has done it again. I loved Bad Duke, didn’t think it could get any better. But then here came Dirty Duke and it sure enough did get better. Jack is swoon worthy, and so willing to do anything to keep this woman of his. Grace, she was a different FMC than i’ve read in a while, she was so cautious, very much not wanting Jack but ended up staying and loving him, exactly how they both deserved.
The ending was a bit of a twist I didn’t see coming, but loved that they both got their happy endings.
I love how Jack protected grace from just rude people from harm how he was obsessed with touching her belly. I did not like how she was willing to just give up her child. She instantly goes with his plan and is OK with it which just made me not like her she should’ve put up some resistance and been more mad that he intentionally hadn’t used protection the first time they were together. Instead, she’s just like OK yeah I’ll do it for the money and new identities it’s perfectly fine that this was your intention all along without discussing it with me first.