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His to Adore

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This gorgeous boxed set is available from all retailers except Amazon.
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For readers who enjoy their historical romance with a dash of intrigue and adventure, lashings of sizzling passion and the promise of enduring love.

Every woman deserves to be adored.


This unforgettable boxed set features:

The Lady’s Guide to Deception and Desire, by Emmanuelle de Maupassant

The Governess’s Secret Love, by Beverley Oakley

A Rogue in Rome, by Linda Rae Sande

Never Have I Ever with a Duke, by Darcy Burke

Discreet Destruction, by KJ Jackson

1200 pages, Nook

Published February 11, 2026

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About the author

Darcy Burke

145 books2,311 followers
Darcy Burke is the USA Today Bestselling Author of sexy, emotional historical and contemporary romance. Darcy wrote her first book at age 11, a happily ever after about a swan addicted to magic and the female swan who loved him, with exceedingly poor illustrations. Join her Reader Club at http://www.darcyburke.com/readerclub.

A native Oregonian, Darcy lives on the edge of wine country with her guitar-strumming husband, their two hilarious kids who seem to have inherited the writing gene, two Bengal cats and a third cat named after a fruit. In her “spare” time Darcy is a serial volunteer enrolled in a 12-step program where one learns to say “no,” but she keeps having to start over. Her happy places are Disneyland and Labor Day weekend at the Gorge.

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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for Lesley.
2,610 reviews18 followers
February 15, 2026
Previously released stories are combined into this delightful anthology 4.5*

The Lady's Guide to Deception and Desire 4* by Emmanuelle de Maupassant - A Gothic Romance.
Secret passages, a creepy crypt, sacrifice and grisly murder. A former Texan oil heiress disowned by her father has no choice but to try and marry well, but is a grieving Duke the right choice? And what exactly is going on at Studborne Abbey? Why is no-one worried about girls disappearing without notice? Rosamund is drawn towards the Duke’s intellectual but awkward nephew, who has no idea how to flirt, but ever since she met him she has been deceiving him, how will he take the truth?

The Governess's Secret Love 5* by Beverley Oakley - Pending life changes, a storm, danger (and a fair amount of brandy) loosens the inhibitions of Charlotte Stanbridge. However, despite finally admitting their feelings for each other, the outlook for a HEA looks bleak…
Appeared in the Hearts in Hiding Boxset 2 as The Governess’s Forbidden Love.

A Rogue in Rome 4* by Linda Rae Sande - Two romances in one story, one between an American widower and a confirmed spinster and the other a debutante and young Englishman on the Grand Tour. The proposals to both women came within 48 hours of their first meeting, which seemed very quick. Particularly for the younger couple, where the bride’s father then expected her to be married in a fortnight. I would have preferred less details about Roman ruins and more exploration of the relationship between the younger couple.

Never Have I Ever with a Duke 4* by Darcy Burke - An Enjoyable Story. A swindler has ruined more than one family who was already in desperate straits but who is he, and can he be compelled to return the money he took? If not then both the new Duke of Halstead and Miss Arabella Stoke will need to marry for money and not follow up on the attraction between them. I enjoyed both the characters and the storyline. Great start to a series.

Discreet Destruction 5* by KJ Jackson - A woman with secrets protecting a man with an unknown enemy. A fabulous suspense romance.

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy from one of the authors. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Janet.
5,431 reviews67 followers
February 17, 2026
Five previously released stories make for a delightful anthology

A Rogue in Rome, by Linda Rae Sande
This series takes us around the Mediterranean, the descriptions have been superb & this book takes place in Rome & again I loved the descriptions of the buildings & fountains as they walked around the city. A bonus in this book were that two couples found their HEAs. I really liked both David & Vittoria & liked how she put on a front until a pair of boots melted her heart. I liked the chemistry between then & how their opinions changed. Patrick & Armentia was my favourite of the two, they were mature but he fell so swiftly & she couldn’t believe he could fall for her, their romance was both tender & steamy. A very well written book & those descriptions!

Never Have I Ever with a Duke, by Darcy Burke
This book is starts a new series but for those of us who loved The Untouchables this series is a spin off & does feature some characters from the former series. I liked both Graham & Arabella who ‘s attraction only grew & grew but then they also liked each other. However I couldn’t understand why Graham wouldn’t tell David, the Earl of St Ives that he’d inherited an almost bankrupt dukedom, after all Graham had done for him, he would have helped. So I found that Graham’s pride almost cost him dearly. I liked Arabella who was strong & feisty. The book was well paced & I read it in under a day as I was drawn in from the start. I look forward to the rest of the series especially with the teaser at the end.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
Profile Image for Marilyn .
550 reviews11 followers
February 28, 2026
The Ladies Guide to Deception and Desire - Emmanuelle de Maupassant
A spooky gothic romance.
A former heiress who was disowned by her oil tycoon father is invited to the Duke of Studbornes abbey by his nephew. Maids start disappearing, her mother becomes ill, and the duke's nephew is clueless. The duke is obsessed with his deceased wife and has paintings of her all over the place and is acting strange.

The Governess's Secret Love - Beverley Oakley
Charlotte Standbridge, a governess is being driven to another estate during a terrible storm by the math tutor of her employer's. They take refuge in a cave where they find evidence of smuggling. They both have had feelings for each other for years but have never acted on them. A spicy read.


A Rogue In Rome - Linda Rae Sande
In this wonderful historical romance, there are two different romances going on. One of an older couple, Patrick and Armenia, and a younger one, Vittoria and David, Viscount Penton.
There is great chemistry between the couples after they get to know one another, and interesting secondary characters that have appeared in other books.
The book is filled with fascinating historical places and facts about them throughout the book.

Never Have I Ever With A Duke - Darcy Burke
I really loved this story of an investment thief who pretended to make investments for clients. Both Arabella Stokes parents and the Duke of Halstead's uncle were duped. As they work together to solve the crime and try to recover the money, they realize they have feelings for each other that they can't act on, since they both need to marry someone with money. There were great secondary characters and a cute dog in the story.

Discreet Destruction - K.J. Jackson

This was a very dark, violent story with Verity paid to watch over Declan, a powerful man in the criminal underworld. There was a lot of violence in this suspenseful mystery.
840 reviews7 followers
March 3, 2026
The Lady's Guide to Deception and Desire 4*
Rosie learns young maids have been disappearing and the reader can easily guess their fate is not a happy one. The solution to this puzzle is unexpected. I enjoyed re-reading this after >4 years. The story is not without suspense.

A Rogue in Rome 4*
Last part of a series (but stands alone) of an extended family's Grand Tour. The time lapse is quite short, just a few days of sightseeing in Rome. I felt there was more romance between a secondary, more mature couple. I enjoyed reading this.

Never Have I Ever With A Duke 3*
Another re-read for me. The story has been told (many times) before and there are no surprises here. The story line is easy to follow and the writing is solid making for an enjoyable read.

Discreet Destruction 3*
Although the histories of the two main characters can in part be correctly guessed, the story held interest to the end.

I read a free ARC; thoughts expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Nanna.
1,313 reviews5 followers
February 24, 2026
The Governess Secret Love by Beverly Oakley 5 Stars for this one

This way is a very fast-moving story of two people, Charlotte and Hugh, who have been attracted to each other for over three years. With her being the governess to Mrs. Glendenning’s daughters and him a tutor for Mr. Pennyworth sons. Being neighbors, they met and saw each other at events often. Neither letting on how they felt about the other. Everything changed when Hugh had to drive Charlotte to another job. A horrible rainstorm, wind and lighting along a cliff causes them to seek shelter. Add in a dark damp cave, too much brandy loses them up to how they feel. Neither expected the danger, trouble, and suspense being in the cave would cause the other. What a read, you will not be able to put it down. So many emotions for our couple. They have a rough road ahead, and it will keep you on the edge of your seat. This is just one of the wonderful stories in this book. So, this review will not be so long the books I’ve already read will be listed, and my reviews can be found on Good-reads.

The Lady's Guide to Deception and Desire, by Immanuel de Maupassant Five Stars

Never Have I Ever With a Duke by Darcy Burke Five Stars

A Rogue in Rome by Linda Rae Sande

The Grand Tours of the Aristocracy Book 4

This story was very hard for me to read and keep track of everything going on. It has a lot of history, about Rome in 1841. I would guess at least half of the book is a history about ruins, sculptures and fountains. While if you like ancient art and history, this book is one you will love. There is a Hugh number of characters to keep track of too. A lot of the time the characters are speaking in Italian and not translated to English, so you don’t know they are saying. It was confusing to say the least. It is a very long story with all the history and there are two couple's stories too. Vittoria D’Avalos is having her coming out ball, and all her family is present. David, Viscount Penton is with his family on the last part of their grand tour. Their first meeting had her calling him a rouge and him calling her a shrew! Ah, much will happen to this couple. Patrick McAdams is in Rome to speak with Conte D’Avalos about sheep. He meets a beautiful older woman the aunt of the count. Both are smitten with the other and so starts the second romance withing this book. I have read a lot of authors' books which I really enjoyed. The couple's stories were great, but all the history made it hard to keep reading till the end. I would give this story a score of three due to it being hard to read for me. The romances were wonderful and would have gotten a five-star review. I love the part about the sheep.

Discreet Destruction: Guardians of the Bones by K.J. Jackson

This is a very different regency story. More of a mystery, suspense with some very dark parts which may be hard for some readers. This is a story with lots of pain, loss, and evil along with great love. A Secret Society who is paid to watch over and protect people who don’t know they are in danger. There is also great love, strength, and redemption too. Declan is the ruler of some of London’s underworld. He has made a fortune through hard work and investments along with his partner. Verity has worked for him for two years as a mute pretending to not be able to speak, read, or write. She has helped run the household, helping many people. She is part of the secret society, there to watch over Declan along with her partner. Someone wants him killed and he doesn’t even know why, increasingly he is attacked whenever he goes out at night. This is a very fast paced story with lots of secrets in both Declan and Verity past. Everything changes when she is hurt and some of her past comes out. Wow, what a read! I lost a lot of sleep with this book, but it was well worth it. Heat level 5 for those who would like to know. The ending will surprise you. I am on to read the next book in this series. Run and grab a copy and get started; you will not be sorry. I wish I could give this book more than just five stars.
1,167 reviews3 followers
February 19, 2026
Book 1 The Ladies Guide to Deception and Desire. 3*
Starts promisingly, but Rosalinds mother's starts to grate early on. Having left h we father and run to England Rosalind's mother is determined she married very well, by when Rosalind leaRns they're penniless she decided to find a husband by befriending someone who can introduce her to society. So when she meets Benedict nephew to a duke her mother is delighted. But on arriving at his estate, there's a strange woman there and the servants seem jumpy.
New author to me,bits of book seem beyond reason, and the last chapter and epilogue are superfluous.

Book 2. The Governess's Secret Love. 3*
Why do authors insist on have at least two main characters with names beginning with the same, letter? It's confusing.
Travelling home Charlotte the governess and the tutor High are caught in a violent thunderstorm, so like same people they abandon the horse (who is killed by lightning- why?) And scramble disown a crumbling close to take shelter from the incoming tide. As they're wet through they strip off, have sex, declare their undying love for each other, even though they barely know each other, and then interrupt a meeting of the local smugglers. The smugglers then blackmail them into keeping their secret. Of course the next morning Charlotte 's prospective groom turns up for an answer to his proposal, and is interrupted by the arrival of Hugh.
All very silly and hard to take the book seriously.

Book 3. A Rogue in Rome 5* 10 if I could
Follow on from The Grand Tours of the Aristocracy. The Slater family has returned to Rome to meet up with the eldest son Donald, his wife Nicoletta and their new baby. All the cousins bar David the youngest are now married, and they arrive in Rome in time for Nicoletta's niece Vittoria's launch into society. Without David or Vittoria knowing her aunt and his brother have hoped of a match between them. But Vittoria tells David she thinks he's a rogue, and he think she's a shrew. There's as always a secondary plot between Nicoletta's aunt and an American businessman.
What I loved about this book is the history included in it, much I knew of, but some new. Loving this series.

Book 4. Never have I Ever with a Duke 4.5*
Isabella is desperate, her father is dying and the family are about to be bankrupted due to dodgy investments. When she meets Graham, the attraction is there from day one, but he's just unexpectedly inherited a bankrupt estate so to fulfil a promise to his father he has to get the estate back to its best. The easiest way is to marry an heiress. They seem so right for each other but is there a way for them both to thrive. A little slow getting going, but once I got into it, a good read.

Book 5. Discreet Destruction 3*
Verity has been pretending to be mute for years, her cover in the rookeries is as a maid in a gambling den, but her real role is to protect Declan, and to find who is out to kill him and why. As a guardian she shouldn't get close to those she protects. But when Declan discovers the maid who seemingly turns up when ever he's attacked, who is helping him run his businesses, can speak and and read and write, he feels betrayed. Worse than that she's been hired to watch over him.
This book is a little more violent than I like, too much murder and mayhem.
Profile Image for Fanosse23.
812 reviews
March 8, 2026
His to Adore is a captivating anthology offering five previously released historical romance stories, each delivering a unique blend of adventure, scheming, passion, and unforgettable heroines. With an array of authors and styles, there’s something for every historical romance reader.

The Lady's Guide to Deception and Desire by Emmanuelle de Maupassant – ★★★★☆
Secret passages, a haunted crypt, and mysterious disappearances set the scene for this suspenseful romance. Disowned oil heiress Rosamund seeks a secure marriage with the grieving Duke of Studborne but finds her heart pulled toward his principled, penniless nephew, Benedict. As girls vanish and the abbey’s secrets unravel, Rosamund must choose between duty and love. A fast-paced, atmospheric tale full of tension, danger, and heart.

The Governess's Secret Love by Beverley Oakley – ★★★★☆
Charlotte, a devoted governess, and Hugh, the thoughtful tutor, have been drawn to each other for years yet have never confessed their feelings. A violent storm forces them into an unexpected journey, a dark cave, and a dangerous smuggling discovery. Passion flares amid suspense and peril, testing their courage and love. A romantic and thrilling story that keeps readers engaged to the final page.

A Rogue in Rome by Linda Rae Sande – ★★★★½
Set against the vivid historical backdrop of Rome, this story intertwines two charming romances: widower Patrick and determined spinster Armenia, and spirited debutante Vittoria with the adventurous Viscount Penton. With heartfelt slow-burn affection and youthful allure, the dual love stories balance warmth and excitement. The lush descriptions and sense of place make this a delightful historical escape.

Never Have I Ever with a Duke by Darcy Burke – ★★★★½
Newly minted Duke Graham Kinsley faces a mountain of debt and a month to save his ancestral estate. His plan: marry an heiress. Instead, he meets Miss Arabella Stoke—spirited, clever, and just as impecunious as he is. Together they plot to reclaim stolen fortunes while navigating sizzling chemistry and witty banter. Romantic, fun, and emotionally satisfying, this story is pure entertainment.

Discreet Destruction by KJ Jackson – ★★★★★
Verity Jones has lived a lie, pretending to be mute to protect Declan, the man under her care in a dangerous rookeries gaming hall. When her secret unravels, so does his trust—but peril strikes, forcing them to confront both betrayal and love. Full of tension, emotional depth, and unexpected twists, this suspenseful romance is as gripping as it is memorable.

His to Adore is a well-rounded anthology filled with love, danger, and unforgettable characters. From slow-burn tenderness to edge-of-your-seat suspense, each tale offers a different flavor of historical romance, making this collection truly satisfying for fans of the genre.

I received an ARC copy of the book from one of the authors, and I am leaving this review voluntarily, all thought and opinions are my own.
77 reviews1 follower
February 22, 2026
5 of my favorite authors put together an anthology of some of their best stories. Emmanuelle de Maupaussant with “The Lady’s Guide to Deception and Desire” writes an eerie romance I’ve read multiple times with some dark themes including spouse abuse and raising a loved one from the dead with ancient dark arts but the love story that unfolds between Rosalind and Benedict is wonderful and ultimately gives her a happy ending. She tries to set up a proposal with a nobleman but spends time with a researcher who is kind , attractive and alluring. Beverly Oakley’s story “The Governess’s Secret Love” was new for me. A governess and tutor for local gentry are traveling to a nobleman’s to drop Charlotte off to help out in the household while Hugh travels to a job interview further away. A terrible storm forces them to shelter in a smuggler’s cave facilitating Charlotte to reveal a long held secret. Interesting twists in this romance so even though we expect a HEA, it is questionable. Linda Rae Sande’s story “A Rogue in Rome” was new to me as well but the characters were not new as you can read the parents’ stories in her other books. We are given a beautiful view of Rome with fantastic descriptions from multiple characters with a love of history! I really enjoy that most of her stories include multiple simultaneous romances, this one having an older as well as a young couple struggling to understand love as both women have had challenges in their lives that alter expectations from the men showing interest. The women are all strong yet tender and the story is wonderful in helping good men enter their lives to change their views on marriage. “Never Have I Ever With a Duke” by Darcy Burke is another by a great author putting 2 financially challenged people in a romantic relationship that can’t work out but a wonderful friendship might alter expectations. There is also story of financial destruction that affected them both and their investigation will affect them both as well. Lastly, “Discreet Destruction” by KJ Jackson is the first in her Guardian of the Bones series. A fast paced, heart racing story of Declan and Verity, living and working in the Rookeries, both with secrets and someone wanting them dead. They need to find the person who intends to kill Declan but it will also upend both of their lives.
This is a great mix of stories by a wonderful group of authors! I was thankful it got me to reread some really intriguing stories.
1,195 reviews36 followers
March 1, 2026
His to Adore is a collection of five unforgettable historical romances full of intrigue and adventure, passion and romance and women that deserve to be adored. Noted authors Emmanuelle de Maupassant, Darcy Burke, KJ Jackson, Beverley Oakley, and Linda Rae Sande have contributed stories to this delightful book.

This review is for The Lady's Guide to Deception and Desire by Emmanuelle de Maupassant. de Maupassant has long been a favorite author of mine, with her books always at the top of my TBR stack or auto-buy list. The Lady's Guide to Deception and Desire is a perfect example why.

The story begins in 1882, nearing the end of the Victorian Era in Britain and during the Gilded Age in the United States. Fabulous wealth in the US with new-money heiresses traveling to England to find titled husbands. For all the wild times happening in the United States, however, if you were a woman in England life could be just as repressive as ever. Chaperones, no control of your own money, strict rules and conventions that allow society to cast you out for the slightest infraction. Always fun to read about, especially with all the passion hidden just under the surface, but annoying as well realizing just how little power and control women had over their own fate.

Rosamund’s circumstances are just a little bit different. She would be a new-money heiress if her oil tycoon father hadn’t disowned her, cast her and her long-suffering mother aside and taken her little brother back to Texas. Their only hope for survival is to pretend to be rich and find a titled man with money and property for her to marry. Sounds dire, doesn’t it? Her mother is flighty, selfish, clueless and pushy but Rosamund feels it’s now her duty to take care of her mother, which is why they end up guests on the estate of the Duke of Studborne. Rosamund met the Duke’s nephew Benedict on the beach; there was a flutter of attraction, but he’s not the one with the title, money and estate so move on. The target is the older Duke.

Things are very strange at Studborne, though, and the Duke is intense and obviously still grieving his late wife. A mysterious houseguest, plots, traps, rituals, hidden passages, and tombs all combine to make for an exciting, dangerous mystery. After an unexpected death Rosamund doesn’t know which way to turn. The suspense, the romance and the very real evil will keep you turning pages. I received a complimentary copy of His to Adore. I loved it and especially The Lady's Guide to Deception and Desire. Author de Maupassant doesn’t mess around – her stories are always full of the typical pageantry and heartwarming sweetness but are also very exciting journeys through the dangerous unknown. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
2,544 reviews28 followers
February 16, 2026
The Lady’s guide to deception and desire by Emmanuelle de Maupassant 4*
This was an entertaining read with some likeable characters. Who couldn’t fail to love the character of Benedict Studborne. He was so endearing, albeit a little shy but was able to step up to the mark when required. Rosamund was trying to get herself and her mother out of a fix. She did seem a little impulsive and didn’t always think through her actions. There were some strange events at Studborne Abbey and Rosamund is determined to find out what was happening. There are some dangerous actions and passionate moments.
Never have I with a duke by Darcy Burke 4*
Graham Kingsley, the new Duke of Halstead, needs to marry an heiress. Arabella Stoke, also needs to marry a wealthy man to aid her family. They both need money through no fault of their own. What a shame they were very attracted to each other, they wouldn’t be able to act on it! Arabella’s friends are trying to find a suitable wife for Graham. The characters are engaging, there is a mystery as to who is the villain and some very passionate moments. This was an enjoyable read and I look forward to reading about the other characters mentioned in the book.
Discreet Destruction by KJ Jackson. 5*
This was a good paced read with engaging characters in Verity and Declan. Both had a mystery connected to their past. Verity had run away from something and Declan had little memory from when he was a child. There was plenty of danger, secrets and some very passionate scenes. This kept me hooked from the beginning and I read it in a day.

I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Aj.
2,580 reviews
February 14, 2026
The Lady’s Guide to Deception and Desire, by Emmanuelle de Maupassant....
I enjoyed this story, it is well crafted with the right amount of twists and turns that kept me thoroughly engaged. This is book 5 in The Lady's Guide series and has an interesting mix of characters at Studborne Abbey, beware madness and greed abounds. Deception drives Rosamund to her destination and her growing attraction and desire for Benedict ends up saving her and reaching their happily ever after.

The Governess’s Secret Love, by Beverley Oakley...
Secrets and desires ignite for Charlotte and Hugh. Lots going on with smugglers and another proposal in the air, but their love finds a way. I enjoyed their happy ending.

A Rogue in Rome, by Linda Rae Sande...
A captivating romance and entertaining story. Vittoria and David are something special. A richly woven story.

Never Have I Ever with a Duke, by Darcy Burke...
A great start to a new series - The Spitfire Society. A beautiful journey to love for Graham and Arabella. This is all about following your heart when your not supposed to.

Discreet Destruction, by K.J Jackson...
A passionate and intense historical romance filled with loads of action, danger and in the midst of all this a gripping love that won't be denied. I loved Declan and Verity both are well matched with a unique sense of honour in an underworld that strips it all away. This story felt like a blockbuster adventure movie to me, it was constant in direction and the story was immersive in description and characterisation.
Profile Image for Peggy.
2,222 reviews12 followers
February 20, 2026
Five previously released stories by five enormously talented authors make for a delightful anthology.

The Lady’s Guide to Deception and Desire by Emmanuelle de Maupasant
Disowned and abandoned in England Rosamund Burrell hopes a visit to Studborne Abbey, and the duke, will result in marriage. Upon their arrival, she and her mother find the duke, his nephew Benedict, an amateur archaeologist, and some very mysterious goings on. This is a true gothic tale that includes a grief maddened duke, secret passages, crypts, mysteries, ancient rituals, murder, and, of course, a hero to the rescue. Benedict and Rosamund go through a lot. Sometimes you have to dig deep for that happily ever after.

Never Have I Ever with a Duke by Darcy Burke
Never Have I Never with a Duke is a wonderful story. I love Graham and Arabella. They have two things in common. Both need to marry for money and they seem to have been swindled by the same crook. They are duty-bound, determined to do what is right for those who depend on them, and absolutely meant for each other. I love the way they put their heads together to solve the swindler puzzle. Now if they can just figure out that happily ever after thing. With a strong cast of secondary characters, friends and family, they might just find a way. Besides the worrisome dilemma, this is a quick and entertaining story, cute and fun.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it.
Profile Image for Suzette.
3,811 reviews22 followers
February 23, 2026
Ever With A Duke by Darcy Burke (included in the compilation His To Adore)

This story is an absolute delight from start to finish! Darcy Burke delivers an exceptionally interesting tale that will capture readers from the very first page. The characters are wonderfully developed, each with depth and charm that make you truly care about their journeys. The plot is skillfully executed, weaving tension and anticipation that keeps you eagerly flipping pages to see what will happen next.

The romance is an absolute spitfire—fiery, engaging, and so satisfying to watch unfold. It’s the kind of love story that makes your heart race and leaves you smiling, with a perfectly happy ending that feels well earned. If you enjoy historical romance filled with vibrant characters, captivating storytelling, and the perfect mix of passion and heart, Ever With A Duke is a must-read.

I highly recommend this story and the entire His To Adore compilation for anyone looking for a five-star romantic escape!
Profile Image for Cathy Geha.
4,447 reviews123 followers
April 14, 2026
~ Romance is in the air ~ Five historical romances by five different authors ~ First story read and I need to post the review before moving on to the other four ~

Never Have I Ever with a Duke, by Darcy Burke:
This is the book I read first. This couple has chemistry but no income. Graham is now Duke of a destitute Duchy with debts, dependents, and no easy way to make money…though a rich bride might be the solution. Arabella is in equally dire straits as her father has been living a rich lifestyle while gambling away his money. How will the two manage to find a happy ending together if they can’t make financial ends meet? I always like this author’s stories and this time is no exception.

I look forward to reading the other four books in this collection as there are a few I’ve never read before and would love to see how their minds work and how they tell a story. Thank you to the authors for the ARC – This is my honest review. [4-5 Stars]
823 reviews12 followers
February 14, 2026
This is a book with 5 stories, from mostly authors I have read before and enjoyed. So far, I have only read 1 story by Darcy Burke, and as normal I enjoyed the story. It was called Never Have I Ever with a Duke. It is about Graham and Arabella. Graham just became a Duke and now he finds out he is poor and in major debit. Arabella’s family is now poor because of a bad investment her father made. There is chemistry, like and love between Graham and Arabella, but they both need to marry for money or try to get the money back from the bad investment. I love the two main characters and their growing attachment to each other. I will be reading the balance of the stories soon, but I did not want to wait to put my review up.
I received an ARC of this book, and I am leaving my honest review.
511 reviews1 follower
March 1, 2026
His Adore-
a ladies guide to deception and desire-This story has a lot going on. Scary hidden places, lies and murder! But heartfelt romance in the end.4*The governess’s secret love-While stranded in a cave from a storm. Charlotte and Hugh learn that they both have loved each other for years. Now if they can see their way around all the obstacles to marry.4*A rogue in Rome- History and romance between couples 4* ever have I ever with a duke-A swindler has been busy and has effected our two main characters. Arabella's Dad and the dukedom that Graham inherited fell prey. Together they set out to undo the wrong that has been done. A beautiful love story with mystery tied in.5*Discreet destruction-Mystery and secrets are surrounded around this romance. Declan and Verity help each other get through their troubles and find a new life. 5*
66 reviews1 follower
March 10, 2026
Although this is a compendium of 5 books, I have only read the first one so far - The Lady’s Guide to Deception and Desire, by Emmanuelle de Maupassant. It was a really delightful, easy to read book, with twists and turns, leaving you with avid curiosity as to exactly HOW the HEA was going to come about. A bonus is that Emmanuelle includes an epilogue, so you get to see how the relationship develops down the line. I would have then continued to read the other novels in the set, only Emmanuelle let slip there was a follow on regarding the heroines brother (A Lady’s Guide to Scandal). How could I resist not going straight on to read that! (Although not in the set, I enjoyed it just as much as the first one, even more so, in fact, as it gave answers to unanswered questions. Another MUST read). I will now read the remaining novels.
225 reviews2 followers
March 22, 2026
I really enjoyed this delightful anthology! It contains five novels by awesome, accomplished authors - The Lady’s Guide to Deception and Desire, by Emmanuelle de Maupassant (an impoverished American needing to find a wealthy husband, an unexpected ending); The Governess’s Secret Love, by Beverley Oakley (a fun read, set in a smuggling community); A Rogue in Rome, by Linda Rae Sande (a great read that included characters that I already knew from previous novels - wonderful descriptions of Italy); Never Have I Ever with a Duke, by Darcy Burke (a very interesting read, many ups & downs with a terrific but not Pollyanna ending); Discreet Destruction, by KJ Jackson (very unusual sub-trope for me, but I enjoyed it a great deal).

Buy it, you won’t be disappointed!
2,402 reviews11 followers
February 18, 2026
Wonderful Stories!
5 of my favourite authors feature in the very readable collection of books and I have so enjoyed their wonderful stories.
I love that this collection's title uses the word 'adore' in it for this is how all our heroes feel about their lovely ladies, they simply adore them and would bend over backwards to please them.
This collection gave me many hours of engrossing entertainment and I am happy to recommend it, having just finished reading an early copy.
Profile Image for Jessica.
1,026 reviews9 followers
February 20, 2026
All I can say is wow! What an amazing collection of historical romances. Five full stories, with varying tropes that will not only make you laugh, cry and fall in love but also have your heart palpitate from the frightful, exciting and steamy scenes! Excellent book from excellent authors that will provide you with hours and hours of reading entertainment.

I received and ARC of this book and leaving my review voluntarily.
41 reviews5 followers
February 28, 2026
The first story I read was by Emmanuelle the Maupassant. A story with suspense and danger, some grief and madness, attraction and humor. An entertaining story with great characters and an adorable dog!
The second story is another entertaining one, severe dangerous situations, smugglers, true love but it seems impossible for them to get a life together… until they get help from an unexpected person!
I am looking forward reading the next stories!!
Profile Image for Charlotte.
1,064 reviews
February 20, 2026
Each of these authors wrote amazing stories of love, danger, and depth of the historical times. Up until this anthology, I have only read and listened to Emmanuelle de Maupassant’s books!!

If you love reading historical novels with a little bit of spice, danger and love these authors will not disappoint.

Must Read

Profile Image for Jill.
707 reviews13 followers
March 2, 2026
Intersting anthology with lots of options to choose from. Darcy Burke's story is by far the best of the group for me. Some of them I was not as interested in as they had some repetitious phrases or mixing up characters. If you have read from all of the authors before and know the characters they are referencing, it might be more enjoyable for you.
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