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Put Up Your Dukes #1
The Demon Duke
Behind every good man is a great secret.
Banished to Yorkshire as a boy for faults his father failed to beat out of him, Damon Blackbourne has no use for English society and had vowed never to return to his family’s estate at Thorne Hill, much less London. However, when his father and brother die in a freak carriage accident, it falls on Damon to take up the mantle of the Malford dukedom, and to introduce his sisters to London Society–his worst nightmare come to life.
He never planned on Lady Grace Mattersley. The beautiful debutante stirs him body and soul with her deep chocolate eyes and hesitant smiles. Until she stumbles across his dark secret.
Shy and bookish Grace much prefers solitude and reading to social just-about-anything. Her family may be pressuring her to take on the London Season to find herself a husband, but she has other ideas. Such as writing a novel of her own.
But she has no idea how to deal with the Duke of Malford.
Will she betray him to the world? Or will she be his saving Grace?
Banished to Yorkshire as a boy for faults his father failed to beat out of him, Damon Blackbourne has no use for English society and had vowed never to return to his family’s estate at Thorne Hill, much less London. However, when his father and brother die in a freak carriage accident, it falls on Damon to take up the mantle of the Malford dukedom, and to introduce his sisters to London Society–his worst nightmare come to life.
He never planned on Lady Grace Mattersley. The beautiful debutante stirs him body and soul with her deep chocolate eyes and hesitant smiles. Until she stumbles across his dark secret.
Shy and bookish Grace much prefers solitude and reading to social just-about-anything. Her family may be pressuring her to take on the London Season to find herself a husband, but she has other ideas. Such as writing a novel of her own.
But she has no idea how to deal with the Duke of Malford.
Will she betray him to the world? Or will she be his saving Grace?
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 6, 2017
391 people are currently reading
1133 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Locke
13 books342 followersDon't tell anyone, but I started reading romance at the age of ten. I'd worked my way through all of the children's books available in the local bookmobile, so I turned to the adult section, where I spied a book with a woman in a flowing green dress on the cover. The back said something about a pirate. I was hooked (and still wish I could remember the name of that fateful book!).
My delight in witty repartee between hero and heroine, in the age-old dance of attraction vs. resistance, in the emotional satisfaction of a cleverly achieved Happily Ever After followed me through high school, college, even grad school. But it wasn't until I turned forty that I finally made good on my teenage vow to write said novels, not merely consume them.
I live in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley in Virginia with my fantastic husband, two fabulous kids, and three funny felines. You can usually find me in front of some sort of screen (electronic or window); I've come to terms with the fact that I'm not an outdoors person.
I love to interact with fellow readers and authors! You may find me here:
Website/Blog: http://margaretlocke.com
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/marga...
Facebook: http://facebook.com/AuthorMargaretLocke
Locked On Love Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/locke...
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/margaret_locke
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/Margaret_Locke
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Margaret_Locke
Key Readers Email Club Sign Up: http://margaretlocke.com/vipreaders
My delight in witty repartee between hero and heroine, in the age-old dance of attraction vs. resistance, in the emotional satisfaction of a cleverly achieved Happily Ever After followed me through high school, college, even grad school. But it wasn't until I turned forty that I finally made good on my teenage vow to write said novels, not merely consume them.
I live in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley in Virginia with my fantastic husband, two fabulous kids, and three funny felines. You can usually find me in front of some sort of screen (electronic or window); I've come to terms with the fact that I'm not an outdoors person.
I love to interact with fellow readers and authors! You may find me here:
Website/Blog: http://margaretlocke.com
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/marga...
Facebook: http://facebook.com/AuthorMargaretLocke
Locked On Love Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/locke...
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/margaret_locke
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/Margaret_Locke
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Margaret_Locke
Key Readers Email Club Sign Up: http://margaretlocke.com/vipreaders
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews
November 4, 2017
You guys. This book. Read it. Read it now. I loved this book. I read it in three hours. My grinchy heart grew three sizes that day.
Why isn't this book a thing? The Demon Duke is everything I love about romance. It turned me into a blubbering mess. It's over the top. Mushy. Sad. Sexy. And so, so, romantic. I get that some people might read this book and roll their eyes. It's all about what you're looking for in your romance and what mood you're in. I'm pretty sure I'll always be in the mood for this book.
Damon has spent his entire childhood banished to a crumbling estate by his father, the Duke of Malford. Why? Because he's possessed by demons. Except he isn't. He has Tourette's, although there isn't a name for it yet. His father spent years trying to beat it out of him, but of course, he couldn't. So he banished his son and cut off all ties with him. After his father and brother's death, Damon gets a letter. He is now the Duke of Malford. He's spent years learning to keep a lid on the worst of his Tourette's. He is determined to show everyone that he's normal and all of the rumors aren't true. Then we have Grace. She is an on the shelf book lover and proud to be so. She'll only marry for passionate love but has given up on the chance to do so. So, she keeps to libraries. And bookstores. And she always finds a way to not dance at balls. Eventually, Damon has to attend his first ball since his return to London. An unfortunate scene with his super evil uncle causes Damon to almost lose control of his Tourette's and he finds the library to gather his wits and calm down. Once alone, he gives into his tics and calms down. Except he didn't notice Grace, curled up and reading. He is of course, mortified, but she doesn't mock him or run from him. She doesn't threaten to tell anyone. She isn't afraid of him. He doesn't quite know what to do with the unflappable beauty reading in a corner. So he kisses her. From there on, my heart was a constant pile of mush. Normally I'd continue with the synopsis, but I won't. All I'll say is that they fall desperately in love with each other and I spent the entire book looking like this:
I don't care that this book was mushy and sweet. I love mushy and sweet. Why the hell else do I read romance? I want to sigh. I want my chest to tighten until it feels like my heart is going to explode. I want good sex. I want the hero to make grand speeches and I want a happily ever after. Damnit, this book delivers.
I've read a ton of books with heroes or heroines who have had terrible childhoods. They had cruel parents or even evil ones. As much as I love reading about characters like this finally find love, a part of me hates that the characters are given such terrible lives just to make the happily ever after all that much happier. I mean, I keep reading these books because I love them, but still. Damon's case was so different. He had an absolutely horrifying childhood but it wasn't just to tug on the reader's heartstrings. I can't really imagine a duke's son with Tourette's having any other kind of life. This would have been his reality. Especially with an already distant, neglectful, violent, cruel father. That's what broke my heart the most. This would have been normal. Acceptable. Other people agreed with his father's treatment. Applauded it even. I just wanted to hug him. Forever.
Damon as a hero was just special. He was broody, just the right amount of posessive, a little shy, smart, kind, vulnerable, he loved to read, and not only owned a three-legged cat, but loved it dearly. I mean, come on, what part of that isn't perfect? And Grace was just perfect for him. I loved them together. Their road to happiness was a long one, though. He was obviously a walking scandal. And in this case, the truth wasn't any better than the million rumors circulating around the ton. There wasn't this giant reveal with everyone in the ton realizing he deserved their respect. Their life was always going to be difficult together but they loved each other enough that it didn't matter.
On top of all of the wonderful romance, there was great writing. The kind that goes unnoticed until suddenly you read something so sweet you give an audible awwwww to an empty room.
This book had everything. I just loved it. So much. There is so much I love about this book that I didn't even mention because I think part of the charm was not knowing too much. The reviews up for this book aren't really specific so I don't want to spoil that by adding one that is. Instead, I'll just figure out how many ways I can say "I loved this book, read it". The Demon Duke isn't just going on to my re-read shelf. This book is going to the top of it. Right up there with my favorite Tessa Dares and Julie Garwoods.
Why isn't this book a thing? The Demon Duke is everything I love about romance. It turned me into a blubbering mess. It's over the top. Mushy. Sad. Sexy. And so, so, romantic. I get that some people might read this book and roll their eyes. It's all about what you're looking for in your romance and what mood you're in. I'm pretty sure I'll always be in the mood for this book.
Damon has spent his entire childhood banished to a crumbling estate by his father, the Duke of Malford. Why? Because he's possessed by demons. Except he isn't. He has Tourette's, although there isn't a name for it yet. His father spent years trying to beat it out of him, but of course, he couldn't. So he banished his son and cut off all ties with him. After his father and brother's death, Damon gets a letter. He is now the Duke of Malford. He's spent years learning to keep a lid on the worst of his Tourette's. He is determined to show everyone that he's normal and all of the rumors aren't true. Then we have Grace. She is an on the shelf book lover and proud to be so. She'll only marry for passionate love but has given up on the chance to do so. So, she keeps to libraries. And bookstores. And she always finds a way to not dance at balls. Eventually, Damon has to attend his first ball since his return to London. An unfortunate scene with his super evil uncle causes Damon to almost lose control of his Tourette's and he finds the library to gather his wits and calm down. Once alone, he gives into his tics and calms down. Except he didn't notice Grace, curled up and reading. He is of course, mortified, but she doesn't mock him or run from him. She doesn't threaten to tell anyone. She isn't afraid of him. He doesn't quite know what to do with the unflappable beauty reading in a corner. So he kisses her. From there on, my heart was a constant pile of mush. Normally I'd continue with the synopsis, but I won't. All I'll say is that they fall desperately in love with each other and I spent the entire book looking like this:
I don't care that this book was mushy and sweet. I love mushy and sweet. Why the hell else do I read romance? I want to sigh. I want my chest to tighten until it feels like my heart is going to explode. I want good sex. I want the hero to make grand speeches and I want a happily ever after. Damnit, this book delivers.
I've read a ton of books with heroes or heroines who have had terrible childhoods. They had cruel parents or even evil ones. As much as I love reading about characters like this finally find love, a part of me hates that the characters are given such terrible lives just to make the happily ever after all that much happier. I mean, I keep reading these books because I love them, but still. Damon's case was so different. He had an absolutely horrifying childhood but it wasn't just to tug on the reader's heartstrings. I can't really imagine a duke's son with Tourette's having any other kind of life. This would have been his reality. Especially with an already distant, neglectful, violent, cruel father. That's what broke my heart the most. This would have been normal. Acceptable. Other people agreed with his father's treatment. Applauded it even. I just wanted to hug him. Forever.
Damon as a hero was just special. He was broody, just the right amount of posessive, a little shy, smart, kind, vulnerable, he loved to read, and not only owned a three-legged cat, but loved it dearly. I mean, come on, what part of that isn't perfect? And Grace was just perfect for him. I loved them together. Their road to happiness was a long one, though. He was obviously a walking scandal. And in this case, the truth wasn't any better than the million rumors circulating around the ton. There wasn't this giant reveal with everyone in the ton realizing he deserved their respect. Their life was always going to be difficult together but they loved each other enough that it didn't matter.
On top of all of the wonderful romance, there was great writing. The kind that goes unnoticed until suddenly you read something so sweet you give an audible awwwww to an empty room.
This book had everything. I just loved it. So much. There is so much I love about this book that I didn't even mention because I think part of the charm was not knowing too much. The reviews up for this book aren't really specific so I don't want to spoil that by adding one that is. Instead, I'll just figure out how many ways I can say "I loved this book, read it". The Demon Duke isn't just going on to my re-read shelf. This book is going to the top of it. Right up there with my favorite Tessa Dares and Julie Garwoods.
November 15, 2017
For me, this story was definitely well-intentioned. To write a hero with a disability that many don't understand, even today, and plonk him in Regency England, is a brave call. And that aspect was really well-described and I had a great deal of time for the hero, the Duke. He really had been through hell.
It was just that the writing was too modern and there were too many historical inconsistencies for the book to work on that level. To introduce yourself as a duke with your first name was just weird, and the shortening of his sister's names from Cassandra and Persephone to Cassie and Sephe (and have them formally announced like this at a ball) was wrong. I think the author may need to do more research on the rather more rigid customs and language of the period.
I also found little things annoying, such as this:
What would it be like to take her breast in his hand? She was rather small, but he'd never cared for buxom women anyway.
Rather small ?? Really? Just as well he didn't mind!
And the kidnapping of our heroine by the villain was a bit lame and had too many plot holes in it. Was the villain going to kill everyone? Did he expect to be given the Duchy after that? I was confused- did he need money or also lust after the title, which we had been led to believe? It was just a bit OTT.
So, a worthy effort. Absolutely great idea and a lot of it was good, but it needed tightening up to give it a more authentic feel. I read that the author has a son with the same disability, so clearly it is an issue close to her heart, which is probably why the hero was such a sympathetic character.
I have bought the author's Magic of Love series which is not HR but looks interesting. Maybe a CR crossover is more her thing.
It was just that the writing was too modern and there were too many historical inconsistencies for the book to work on that level. To introduce yourself as a duke with your first name was just weird, and the shortening of his sister's names from Cassandra and Persephone to Cassie and Sephe (and have them formally announced like this at a ball) was wrong. I think the author may need to do more research on the rather more rigid customs and language of the period.
I also found little things annoying, such as this:
What would it be like to take her breast in his hand? She was rather small, but he'd never cared for buxom women anyway.
Rather small ?? Really? Just as well he didn't mind!
And the kidnapping of our heroine by the villain was a bit lame and had too many plot holes in it. Was the villain going to kill everyone? Did he expect to be given the Duchy after that? I was confused- did he need money or also lust after the title, which we had been led to believe? It was just a bit OTT.
So, a worthy effort. Absolutely great idea and a lot of it was good, but it needed tightening up to give it a more authentic feel. I read that the author has a son with the same disability, so clearly it is an issue close to her heart, which is probably why the hero was such a sympathetic character.
I have bought the author's Magic of Love series which is not HR but looks interesting. Maybe a CR crossover is more her thing.
dnf
November 29, 2017Ok, this isn't a terrible book, I don't think. The romance seems sweet. There is a very modern feel, and there are issues with transition (I had to reread several passages to try to make sense). It just felt at best average, and I don't feel like continuing on with it. Life's too short, that sort of deal. Maybe I will try later.
April 17, 2024
DNF early. The writing was basic and lacked interest. The characters seemed superficial and their thoughts were already repetitive within the first 4-5 chapters. The duke suffers from some sort of uncontrollable physical reactions and rage (Tourette? I didn’t stick around long enough to find out) and I quit at the point where the heroine witnesses an episode in a library, and the duke thinks he needs to (1) frighten her, because being mean is always a good plan, then (2) grabs her and kisses her. That’s when I rolled my eyes and quit because I was bored beyond my endurance level.
November 19, 2017
This book was very sweet, but at times just hit me over the head a bit too much...
More to come.
More to come.
December 8, 2017
Was this the best book I've read? No.
It was unnecessarily long, dragged and by the end I was glad it was finally over so I could get some shut eye and quite convinced it was a 2.5 star read.
This would have a really bitchy, horrid review were it not for the author note at the end.
Without a doubt I was sympathetic to the cause but even more so after reading of the author's son suffering from the condition. I can't imagine how difficult it must be and how heartbreaking too.
So an extra .5 star cause, Little man, you hang in there, this world and it's people may surprise you yet.
August 6, 2017
Wonderful story! Damon Blackbourne, now Duke of Malford, has what we now call Tourette’s Syndrome. As a child, his father beat him and then sent him away. Luckily for him, the servants who took care of him treated him as a normal boy. His father and older brother are both deceased and he must take over the running of the estate and escorting his mother and sisters to London.
Grace Mattersley (22), loves books and is not worried about being nearly on the shelf. Her father cheated on her mother so she doesn’t trust men. She must attend balls with her mother and sisters, but often hides in the host’s library which is where she meets Damon. She is attracted to him and he to her, though he believes no woman would want him.
Danger is lurking in the form of his uncle, who believes he should be the Duke as he thinks Damon is not capable. I won’t spoil the rest of this book as I hope you will read it.
Grace Mattersley (22), loves books and is not worried about being nearly on the shelf. Her father cheated on her mother so she doesn’t trust men. She must attend balls with her mother and sisters, but often hides in the host’s library which is where she meets Damon. She is attracted to him and he to her, though he believes no woman would want him.
Danger is lurking in the form of his uncle, who believes he should be the Duke as he thinks Damon is not capable. I won’t spoil the rest of this book as I hope you will read it.
March 8, 2018
First let's mention that gorgeous cover. And props for being accurate to the story.
So Damon, the demon duke of the story was given a unique affliction (which I wouldn't say is a spoiler since its obviously mentioned from the first chapter) of Tourette 's. This would have been misunderstood for the time period so I bought into everything the author had Damon go through battling his compulsions. He made a great book hero with instant sympathy. Grace the heroine was less of a success. When I think of her character it's basically *yawn*. You know this character only too well. She's the pretty (but too modest to say so), dutiful sister who is happiest hiding in ballroom corners or better yet the library where she can stumble across the hero privately. Her destination of choice in London is always the bookstore. Basically a regency cliche.
The villain of this story was also a bit traditional and kept getting away to pop up later. The whole ballroom confrontation without a bystander jumping him from behind did not make sense to me. This was when bystanders were routinely asked to stop fleeing thieves etc. It made the men appear less masculine by not coming to the aid of their imperiled loved ones but hey that was more a minor quibble.
I really wanted Damon with a more interesting heroine in the end.
So Damon, the demon duke of the story was given a unique affliction (which I wouldn't say is a spoiler since its obviously mentioned from the first chapter) of Tourette 's. This would have been misunderstood for the time period so I bought into everything the author had Damon go through battling his compulsions. He made a great book hero with instant sympathy. Grace the heroine was less of a success. When I think of her character it's basically *yawn*. You know this character only too well. She's the pretty (but too modest to say so), dutiful sister who is happiest hiding in ballroom corners or better yet the library where she can stumble across the hero privately. Her destination of choice in London is always the bookstore. Basically a regency cliche.
The villain of this story was also a bit traditional and kept getting away to pop up later. The whole ballroom confrontation without a bystander jumping him from behind did not make sense to me. This was when bystanders were routinely asked to stop fleeing thieves etc. It made the men appear less masculine by not coming to the aid of their imperiled loved ones but hey that was more a minor quibble.
I really wanted Damon with a more interesting heroine in the end.
October 5, 2017
Regency romance lovers will savor this story, interspersed with perfect amounts of romance, intrigue and redemption.
Read full review in the 2017 October issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2017 October issue of InD'tale Magazine.
September 30, 2018
Thouroghly enjoyed this book.
This review was written for Legendary Duke .My apologies ..was and still an very sick. I did however just finish Demon Duke and was totally enraptured with Damon ans Grace's story.
Thank you
What a great concept weaving The Green Knight/ Gawain tale into this romance.
And wow! Grips you by the "smalls" and doesn't let go ..a murder witnessed by the son...and so begins the quest..
Well done Margaret and as tbis is my first by you , well done .You've earned a spot on my bookshelf. Thank you for an enjoyable read and looking forward to more such as this .
This review was written for Legendary Duke .My apologies ..was and still an very sick. I did however just finish Demon Duke and was totally enraptured with Damon ans Grace's story.
Thank you
What a great concept weaving The Green Knight/ Gawain tale into this romance.
And wow! Grips you by the "smalls" and doesn't let go ..a murder witnessed by the son...and so begins the quest..
Well done Margaret and as tbis is my first by you , well done .You've earned a spot on my bookshelf. Thank you for an enjoyable read and looking forward to more such as this .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2018
I had the pleasure of meeting Margaret at RWA in Denver, and let me tell you, she was a true delight! This book was a RITA finalist for good reason. It tackled real issues of today, ones that were completely blown out of proportion in historical times. She wrote with a knowledge of polite society from the Regency era. Kudos!!
February 21, 2022
A feel good romance with enough sweetness you don't need chocolate for Valentine's day. 4 ⭐.
May 11, 2020
Even though I DNF'ed at around 50%, I feel like I completed the book. Because at that point, they had both acknowledged to themselves that they loved each other. Which didn't surprise me how fast their inner confessions came, seeing as how on their first meeting they both suffered a case of insta-attraction can't get you out of my mind syndrome. The story itself (that I read) was not bad, it was enjoyable and well written, but I would have preferred a little more build-up to their feelings for each other.
June 7, 2017
My first book by this author and I have to say I loved it! I've also realized I'm going to have to now go read her Magic of Love series! Love how they're all connected by family and yet still a read-alone book! Grace was my favorite type of heroine, in that she was plain spoken and her interaction with Damon showed the strong heroine she was. Damon and Grace both have several sisters and I can't wait to read their stories!
June 28, 2022
2.5 stars
The good stuff: I really like the cover - his outfit is terrific and the layout and typefaces are lovely and clean. And I think the idea of a hero with Tourette's is a really good one.
The not so good stuff: The book is too long and really didn't have a plot until close to the middle of it. The uncle/villain was two-dimensional. The writing was too modern and the author needs to research the Regency era a bit more before writing novels of that time.
The good stuff: I really like the cover - his outfit is terrific and the layout and typefaces are lovely and clean. And I think the idea of a hero with Tourette's is a really good one.
The not so good stuff: The book is too long and really didn't have a plot until close to the middle of it. The uncle/villain was two-dimensional. The writing was too modern and the author needs to research the Regency era a bit more before writing novels of that time.
July 8, 2017
3.5 stars. H has tourette syndrome, when his father dies, he inherits and has to take his place in society. The h is a thinker, not shy, but an observer of others. They meet and have immediate connection. He wants her and she calms him. The story should have been good, but it was quite slow and felt a little off, or flat.
April 20, 2018
My favorite book yet by Locke, I was not expecting the Demon Duke's dark secret to play out the way it did. I found this story touching and enlightening, and the book challenged me to re-evaluate how we judge others and ourselves.
April 3, 2020
4 1/2 stars
May 23, 2018
The Demon Duke by Margaret Locke
This is the first book I’ve read by Margaret Locke. I read the description on a Facebook ad and knew this was a book I had to read. I love characters that are different. Anyone can love the rich and beautiful but who will love someone who is less than perfect. Since I’ve yet to meet any of those perfect people, I’m interested in seeing how heroes and heroines can compliment each other. How one’s strength overcomes another’s weakness.
The Demon Duke is the first book in Margaret Locke’s Put Up Your Dukes series.
Banished from his family home because of his tics and outbursts, Damon Blackbourne has lived most of his life out of society’s view. His father proclaimed him dead but failed to disinherit him. When both his father and older brother die in a carriage accident, Daman is summoned home to become the Duke of Malford.
Despite his father’s claim that he is possessed by the devil, Damon is a man of honor. He returns to Thorne Hill to care for his mother and sisters though he’d much prefer to remain in the wilds of Yorkshire away from prying eyes.
There’s someone for everyone.
Damon never planned to fall in love, he didn’t believe in love. His lack of control over his body and thoughts made him feel no one would ever accept him even with the lofty title of duke. He wouldn’t marry, and he definitely wouldn’t court a lady. Yet, when he met Lady Grace Mattersley in a library during a ball after his uncle left him straining to control his body, he found he did want those things, and more. Could he have found the one person who wouldn’t judge him for his weakness?
Lady Grace Mattersley never planned to marry or fall in love. She’d seen her mother hurt by her father, time and again. Loving someone did not guarantee they’d love you back. For a woman, marriage was a prison unless there was love and understanding. But who would love a mouse who preferred books to parties? A duke who wasn’t comfortable in large crowds?
A mouse tames a lion.
This story is about amazing characters who find each other. I love the strength of each of these characters and how they rescue each other. If you want a love story that is a little different, with characters you’ll love, you need to check out, The Demon Duke.
Part of the proceeds from the sale of this book goes to the Tourette Association of America.
This is the first book I’ve read by Margaret Locke. I read the description on a Facebook ad and knew this was a book I had to read. I love characters that are different. Anyone can love the rich and beautiful but who will love someone who is less than perfect. Since I’ve yet to meet any of those perfect people, I’m interested in seeing how heroes and heroines can compliment each other. How one’s strength overcomes another’s weakness.
The Demon Duke is the first book in Margaret Locke’s Put Up Your Dukes series.
Banished from his family home because of his tics and outbursts, Damon Blackbourne has lived most of his life out of society’s view. His father proclaimed him dead but failed to disinherit him. When both his father and older brother die in a carriage accident, Daman is summoned home to become the Duke of Malford.
Despite his father’s claim that he is possessed by the devil, Damon is a man of honor. He returns to Thorne Hill to care for his mother and sisters though he’d much prefer to remain in the wilds of Yorkshire away from prying eyes.
There’s someone for everyone.
Damon never planned to fall in love, he didn’t believe in love. His lack of control over his body and thoughts made him feel no one would ever accept him even with the lofty title of duke. He wouldn’t marry, and he definitely wouldn’t court a lady. Yet, when he met Lady Grace Mattersley in a library during a ball after his uncle left him straining to control his body, he found he did want those things, and more. Could he have found the one person who wouldn’t judge him for his weakness?
Lady Grace Mattersley never planned to marry or fall in love. She’d seen her mother hurt by her father, time and again. Loving someone did not guarantee they’d love you back. For a woman, marriage was a prison unless there was love and understanding. But who would love a mouse who preferred books to parties? A duke who wasn’t comfortable in large crowds?
A mouse tames a lion.
This story is about amazing characters who find each other. I love the strength of each of these characters and how they rescue each other. If you want a love story that is a little different, with characters you’ll love, you need to check out, The Demon Duke.
Part of the proceeds from the sale of this book goes to the Tourette Association of America.
November 14, 2017
Page Turner!
I had never read a romance novel until I stated the Matter of Time series, which I loved. With the Demon Duke, Locke brings to life Regency England due to her deft inclusion of detail. As in the Matter of Time series, the characters in this book have real insecurities with which they struggle, difficult relationships, but also wonderful qualities. This realistic approach gives so much more dimension than sugar-coated characters. The writing quality is equally great. I cannot wait for the next installment! From Dan's wife
I had never read a romance novel until I stated the Matter of Time series, which I loved. With the Demon Duke, Locke brings to life Regency England due to her deft inclusion of detail. As in the Matter of Time series, the characters in this book have real insecurities with which they struggle, difficult relationships, but also wonderful qualities. This realistic approach gives so much more dimension than sugar-coated characters. The writing quality is equally great. I cannot wait for the next installment! From Dan's wife
November 13, 2017
I'm giving this one 4 stars because it gave us something different to the usual historical romance - a leading man with tourette syndrome. You could really empathise with how Damon felt so separate from society. The romance with Grace was very sweet and her acceptance was exactly what Damon needed. Grace was a tiny bit boring in that we've seen her character type many times before but overall it was a good read.
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January 13, 2022High marks for disability rep, but you lost me over the historical inaccuracies, weird time traveling sister-in-law, and over the top villain.
May 17, 2018
Arc review For honest review. Damon Blackbourne becomes duke after a accident. Grace matterstey he meets her when he was hiding due to his tick he has .he asked her if she's afraid of the demon duke .I love how she excepts him for who he is. Awesome story
July 22, 2017
Well, I have just added another book to my favorites shelf. This story of Damon and Grace is so wonderfully written. I completely fell in love with Damon, not only because he is devastatingly handsome, as well as sweet and caring, but also due to the fact that I share his disdain for large gatherings and social obligations. And that library, who could resist? My favorite line comes near the end, ..."anywhere with you and a fine library cannot be anything but paradise."
Grace, though an introvert, is a strong woman who is willing to stand up to anyone or anything that stands in the way of true love. She and Damon are a perfect match if ever there was one. I love both of these characters. The secondary characters are wonderfully supportive...well, except for one, but I must say, he, too, is very well portrayed.
The suffering Damon endures as a child broke my heart. The fact that he transcended that, and grew into such a strong, caring man, shows what a little love can do in a person's life. I definitely recommend this one, as well as the author's other books.
Grace, though an introvert, is a strong woman who is willing to stand up to anyone or anything that stands in the way of true love. She and Damon are a perfect match if ever there was one. I love both of these characters. The secondary characters are wonderfully supportive...well, except for one, but I must say, he, too, is very well portrayed.
The suffering Damon endures as a child broke my heart. The fact that he transcended that, and grew into such a strong, caring man, shows what a little love can do in a person's life. I definitely recommend this one, as well as the author's other books.
December 31, 2017
This was my favorite book by Margaret Locke (so far). I really liked both of the main characters and appreciated their individual stories and the romance, acceptance and unconditional of their relationship. I also loved the reappearance of Eliza and Deveric!
June 21, 2017
Margaret Locke weaves another delightful Regency romance -- just when you think it's predictable, she twists the plot to keep you guessing. She deftly works in tidbits from past books that reward her loyal readers but are in no way necessary to the enjoyment of the story. Romance is usually not my genre, but I enjoy this author's work and am glad to have shared a professional women's group with her.
This book has another interesting element that adds richness—her protagonist, the dark, brooding, and handsome Damon Blackbourne, has what we know today as Tourette's Syndrome which, in the early 19th century, was unknown and frightening. As a boy, he was thought to be possessed and was banished by his father to a remote castle with just enough staff to see to his basic needs. When his father and older brother are killed in a tragic carriage accident, his mother calls him home to become the reluctant Duke. This scandalizes the "ton," infuriates his uncle (who thought he would be the heir) and intrigues bookish Grace Mattersley, who has never had any use for her society's strict rules.
Fair warning: there are some steamy love scenes, so if you're looking for something pure and chaste, look elsewhere.
This book has another interesting element that adds richness—her protagonist, the dark, brooding, and handsome Damon Blackbourne, has what we know today as Tourette's Syndrome which, in the early 19th century, was unknown and frightening. As a boy, he was thought to be possessed and was banished by his father to a remote castle with just enough staff to see to his basic needs. When his father and older brother are killed in a tragic carriage accident, his mother calls him home to become the reluctant Duke. This scandalizes the "ton," infuriates his uncle (who thought he would be the heir) and intrigues bookish Grace Mattersley, who has never had any use for her society's strict rules.
Fair warning: there are some steamy love scenes, so if you're looking for something pure and chaste, look elsewhere.
November 18, 2017
Didn't finish after page 32. I liked this book at first. The premise was very original. I liked the trials that Damon was going through. It was interesting and intriguing. I also liked grace from the little I saw of her. She seemed nice. The writing seemed okay too, with the exception of leaning slightly on the repetitive side, but nothing too bad. But the deal breaker for me was the stupid scene when grace and Damon first meet. I just cannot read a another book that starts off with the love interests kissing immediately and lusting after eachother immediately. I just can't stand it anymore. I have read so many books in which the author does this and I hated it the first time and I especially hated it the five hundredth time. It's dumb, unrealistic, and it brings the romance to a grinding halt for me. I mean, what else is left when they already basically love each other and they've already kissed. Nothing thats what. Why read anymore. The author gave everything up right at the first. So I'm done. Too bad too because it could have been really good for me.
November 22, 2017
Damon Blackbourne, Duke of Malford has his share of problems including his illness. Sent off to live in an Abbey at age of 10 years to fend for himself until adulthood was painful. After the deaths of his abusive father and cowardly brother, he becomes Duke and has a history of being labeled the "Demon Duke" by the ton.
He meets his soul mate Grace Mattersley who lives in her own little fairytale book work. She is not phased by his tics and grows to care for the person inside and not the outer monster people paint him to be. Both H/H grow fond of each other through the banter they give one another.
Despite the frequency of backstories, the novel was an enjoyable read and I found myself turning page for page. I disregarded to some extent that this was a HR read and felt compassion for those that were less fortunate, including Damon.
4-Stars for my first read from this author.
He meets his soul mate Grace Mattersley who lives in her own little fairytale book work. She is not phased by his tics and grows to care for the person inside and not the outer monster people paint him to be. Both H/H grow fond of each other through the banter they give one another.
Despite the frequency of backstories, the novel was an enjoyable read and I found myself turning page for page. I disregarded to some extent that this was a HR read and felt compassion for those that were less fortunate, including Damon.
4-Stars for my first read from this author.
June 18, 2017
Loved the book from the first page turner!! Damon was banished as a young kid for supposedly being evil. He had not seen his family in over 16 years, then he becomes the Duke after his father and brother are killed. He believes himself a demon because of a ticking affliction. Only by the Grace of God, Lady Grace saves him from himself. A wonderful story with an even better ending!!
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