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Not Just Royals #1

The Duke Takes A Wife

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Jasper McTavish, Tenth Duke of Northumberland, blah, blah, blah, he hated the pomp and pageantry of having the title of Duke. Especially when it was announced in the middle of a ball in the United States and he saw the gleam of financial interest in women’s eyes. He liked living like a regular man in the countryside of England, he liked wood crafting for his profitable business and he liked his peace. But when he was forced to perform his diplomatic duties he did it and longed for the evening to end. Except this time his uncle was with him and they expected him to fulfill another part of his lineage, marry someone they deemed suitable. Jasper was known for never fitting in the mold that was expected of him. So when he met the military attaché to the White House . He was intrigued and definitely smitten by the smart crisp Sergeant Zeva Troy. A plan formed in his mind, Jasper knew if this duke were to take a wife, it would be her. He had five days in Washington D. C to convince her to marry and to go home with him. The duke with a smooth accent, anything he owned. nor his title, definitely did not impress Zeva. Yet after a few steamy kisses and his offer or marriage and a life away from D.C, she could see the benefits of a change from the place she was starting to loathe. Jasper was all male dominance yet kind, and sexy as hell something that she saw in very few men. Acting on impulse she said yes to his proposal and they were off to meet his family. They were a pompous horrible bunch of people sans a few. But seeing that she maneuvered through deployments and politicians, these elitists were a piece of cake. Zeva found herself falling for the sexy duke and the marriage tuned from being in name only to something more. Would it last knowing that his family would try anything to tear them apart? Especially when they had no problem playing dirty.

86 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 13, 2017

51 people are currently reading
59 people want to read

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Dahlia Rose

241 books600 followers

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5 stars
96 (48%)
4 stars
63 (32%)
3 stars
26 (13%)
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4 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Jodi.
1,797 reviews
October 13, 2020
I liked Zeva. She was strong, smart, sexy and had knew how to hold her own. She held her ground against the military, Jasper and his family. Jasper was royalty and blah, blah, blah, that made me laugh out loud. They made a great couple. My favorit scene was Zeva walking back to the castle in rain, spitting mad and puched Patricia. Ha! The whole story worked for me, flowed well and quickly.
Profile Image for Twinsie Talk Angie J.
1,809 reviews
April 9, 2020
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The Duke Takes A Wife (Not Just Royals #1) by Dahlia Rose
I purchased this book.
I am such a historical fan so when I saw this book, I needed to grab it. It didn’t seem to be a “traditional” historical but more of a modern royal’s book and I was cool with this. I mean I love the Ton and all the regency, but this was a new historical vibe.
I will say the first chapter or two were super-fast because it was the rushed part of the story for Zeva and Jasper meeting and marrying. Once the couple are reunited in England, I felt the flow slowed down a lot and really helped build the characters for this book and future books.
Zeva was the most kick ass, take no crap from anyone heroine ever! I loved her sass and fire, but she was the perfect woman for Jasper and what he was dealing with in regard to his family lineage. Jasper was no fool and he laid his cards on the table for Zeva. He told her it would be tough, but he would love her and make it all worth her time to take a chance on love.
I loved the family dynamics of the story and the twisted plots that Dahlia threw in to show just how awful Jasper had it with regard to his lineage. But Zeva was no wilting flower and she stood up to everyone and did right by everyone.
I totally loved the story and the end was cracking me up. When I finished and I saw who book 2 was about, I downloaded it because Haile was such a great side character, I can’t wait to see him get a strong women too.
Profile Image for Laverne Brewster.
1,381 reviews18 followers
May 24, 2023
2.00 stars. BW/WM). Kindle Edition 86 page novella e-book. Insta lust. Marriage of convenience.

Setting: Washington DC, USA & Blyth, Northumberland, Great Britain. Modern day.

Main Characters:
Sergeant Zeva Troy US Army, heroine, is on assignment as secretary to her commanding officer and is avoiding his sexual advances.
Duke Jasper McTavish, Tenth Duke of Northumberland and hero of the story.

This is an uninteresting story with characters that are neither dislikable nor particularly likable or memorable. The story states the Duke's reason for being in the USA is to find a wife-as though there are no women in England. He is a mundane, sensible responsible entrepreneur who has turned his wood crafting hobby into a international multi billion dollar enterprise. Any way. As in Ray Charles' hit, What'd I Say, Jasper sees a the rear of a woman in a red dress and is smitten and is as determined to find her as the prince was to find the wearer of Cinderella's slipper. Within a week of meeting and having sex, Jasper and Zeva marry and two months later Zeva arrives in Blyth and they commence the struggle with Jasper's racist mother. Although Zeva is Army, she cusses like a sailor; but after much todo about nothing, Zeva and Jasper fall in love and rule their kingdom and live happy lives.
Profile Image for kittykat AKA Ms. Tortitude.
615 reviews117 followers
January 4, 2023
What a cute couple Zeva (love that name!) and Jasper make.

The story was fun and fluffy, but as I have found with many of Ms. Rose's books, they're just too short to tell a complete tale. Everything happens so quickly it becomes unbelievable and ultimately, rushed. I think that if this story were fleshed out some, and more made of Jasper's down to earth nature, and it could become so much better.

Also, apart from the sheer ignorance and arrogance shown by Jasper's mother, I can't believe there wasn't more mentioned about the fact that a member of the British Aristocracy married a black woman. Especially in a rural, extreme northern England location. After all, has the author not heard of all the nasty things that have been said about Megan Markle? Whilst I wouldn't want the fact to become a major focus in this light hearted modern day almost fairytale, it was unrealistic to have been totally ignored.
Profile Image for Lynette.
203 reviews10 followers
July 20, 2023
short and sweet

This was a very short read, but I certainly packed a punch. The plot line was very engaging. This is not my first read with the author. I am a true fan! I enjoyed Zeva and she came across as a strong woman with a good head on her shoulders. Of course I would have liked to dig deeper into her background, but again this was a short read. The relationship between the Duke and his mother was sort of cringe for me, but that could be because I am so close to my own mother, and it’s very foreign for me to see such disrespect to and hatred toward a mother figure. I get why he was so upset, but I also had to rush through the parts where he was so ugly toward her. I was sad for Uncle Brewster. He seemed like a good man, but was just caught up with addiction and his crazy sister. Overall I give this read a solid 3 and look forward to the rest of the books in the series.
Profile Image for P Scott.
95 reviews7 followers
July 29, 2021
The story was too short and just grazed over elements that would have made the reader feel more connected to the characters. How did Jasper turn out great despite his mother. The answer, his father but what did his father do? Why was Zeva in foster care? What happened to her family? What did Cornelia due to Lillian? None of these questions are answered and the start of their relationship was rushed.

They are likable characters, but The author does not give the characters enough that’s for you to truly be excited for them. Also, the almost Insta love scenario felt even more unbelievable with out that additional character development.
Profile Image for Michelle.
289 reviews
October 5, 2017
Awesome story!

I thoroughly enjoyed the love story of Jasper and Zeva. Dahlia Rose did a wonderful job in having the heroine as the military person and the Prince as the one that falls for a soldier. A few minor typos but a well-written story nonetheless.

Jasper defied convention to have the woman that stole his heart in the blinking an eye. Zeva had always been alone and had no family to call her own. The attraction was alive and neither one fought their attraction. Tum the party really get started. Thank you Dahlia for an awesome story Dahlia.
Profile Image for Shauntavia McIntyre-Arnold.
339 reviews6 followers
January 2, 2020
I just love Jasper and Zeva

I loved that no matter what happened in Jasper's childhood he didn't let it turn him bitter and nasty like his mother and twin cousins. When he meets his future soon-to-be wife Zeva their chemistry was as if their souls already knew each other. I didn't like how Jasper's mother and cousins acted,I enjoyed when they finally got their comeuppance and through it all Jasper and Zeva became stronger together. There were a few mistakes but other than that I really enjoyed this book even though I read book 2 first and then this one.
Profile Image for Alex.
49 reviews
September 18, 2017
Jasper and Zeva are HOT!

I loved this book from the first paragraph! Jasper knows from the moment that he spots Zeva in a crowd that he wants her and makes his move. Zeva sees behind all the title and finds that she's attracted to Jasper too. I loved how they came together, listened to each other and grew to love other. Jasper's family definitely got the final payoff that each of them deserved.

Hopefully we will see more of Jasper and Zeva. Perhaps in a story for Haile?
Profile Image for Stephanie Jynelle.
1,252 reviews8 followers
October 11, 2017
Woohoo Army Duchess

Once again Ms. Rose brings love in a fun and seriously hot way. Zeva and the Duke were fun, hot and so lovable. I loved that the story wasn't predictable yet kept simple. Love has no timeline or color. Evil can't beat it. So happy to see the Duke bring that witch of a mother to her knees. A fun read with wonderful characters and passion so strong that the furniture is jealous.
Profile Image for Cameron Lindsay.
278 reviews1 follower
June 12, 2021
DNF. This is an interesting concept! There was limited character building, and I didn’t feel that they had a connection. It seemed more like they liked each other because the author said so. That probably had to do with the length of the book. Maybe it there was more written, my issues would have been fixed….

Also it would have been interesting to see the racial implications of a Black woman marrying royalty
611 reviews3 followers
October 2, 2017
LOVED THE STORY.

Loved the story of Jasper and Zeva. This was a fun and serious story. These two seem to click the minute they met, that's all I'm saying. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone who enjoyed reading a good romance story with a bit of suspense. Good job Dahlia please keep them coming. Thank you.
Profile Image for Selina Durio.
2,523 reviews12 followers
October 28, 2017
Enjoyable

This was a very enjoyable, fun read! To have a Duke come to the US looking for a wife to fulfill the terms of a will is not an interesting premise on its own. The way this author unfolds this story was fantastic. From how he meets his intended, to how they marry, to how they finally end up was well crafted.
Profile Image for Janice Anderson.
108 reviews
March 16, 2018
Jasper's Turning Point

I truly appreciate the relationship between Jasper and Zeva this modern day interracial love story that led to marriage was really a fantasy. I didn't like Jasper's mother Cornelia nor the twins Patrice and Patricia, which I would love to know what became of them? Kudos
Profile Image for Belle Anita.
94 reviews
March 24, 2022
Another Quickie!

A brief but complete well written love story. This book was delightful and the story was not your run of the mill romance. Far from a traditional courtship but love bloomed everywhere! I recommend every reader who is interested in the genre pick it up. I guarantee you won't put it down until finished. Thank you Dahlia!
Profile Image for Paige Lynn.
Author 14 books3 followers
February 27, 2023
This book just came along at the right time and sung all the right notes. However, it is a short read, and when that happens, I'm not a fan of sex scenes taking up too much time that we could use to get to know the character. However, they were just too cute together and it was a sweet story that packed punches with the MIL from hell.
Profile Image for Jackueline Graves.
241 reviews1 follower
September 23, 2017
Enjoyed reading

Not sure why except Zeva is a kick but woman. Jasper can throw a punch when needed. There are some Editing errors. Wish this author would hire an editor. Some of the story is a bit convoluted,but I still enjoyed the book.

Ed
273 reviews5 followers
October 3, 2017
Very good!

This book was really good. The only criticisms are that it is too short and cost too much for the length. The heroine is a bad ass and the hero is sweet. Worth the read.
50 reviews
January 2, 2020
Lovely

I liked that all that the Mactavish’s went through in a short period of time they found Love and courage to fight through all that was against them, and healed others along the way.
Profile Image for Ty.
363 reviews1 follower
September 22, 2021
I couldn't put it down

It was that good 👍 even chance I got. Zeva should have did more beating up because that wasn't enough. The mama is a mess all by her self and she deserved way less then what she got.... but zeva and jasper still came out on top.
29 reviews
January 26, 2022
Lovely and moving

Great romance and I loved the plot lines, honesty and storyline. Ms Rose is a good writer. Could taper down some of the explicite sex scenes a little. But truly enjoyed the story.
Profile Image for Amber Todd.
627 reviews6 followers
July 31, 2022
I will always be a sucker for a woman who gets swept off of her feet by a charming Duke! I liked Zeva and Jasper's instant connection and whirlwind romance. Jasper's family was truly a piece of work. Thankfully Zeva's badass self was able to handle them and I loved how she didn't need a knight to come save her.
Profile Image for Renée Dahlia.
Author 75 books75 followers
April 10, 2020
An enjoyable contemporary romance between an American military woman and a British Duke. He has a pretty nasty family, but they stay strong together through all that nonsense for a satisfying HEA.
115 reviews
January 15, 2022
Nice Short Read

It’s a nice short read. It’s a modern day duke, so that’s nice. It was fun. If you are looking for a quick read with a HEA, this could fit the bill.
Profile Image for Donna Lawson.
137 reviews3 followers
October 30, 2023
I loved this book, the storyline was soo good. I think it's 2more books connected that are equally good 👍.
109 reviews
January 3, 2024
Soooo Good!

I was hooked from page one.Will be buying more from this author.Characters were sweet together and love the forever and ever.
115 reviews1 follower
April 6, 2024
Very beautiful story

Both characters adored and loved each other. I love the story plot and how Jasper showed his devotion for Zeva. Zeva was a bad ass

Well-written
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews

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