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The Seven Curses of London #7
Daring the Duke
From a USA Today Bestselling Author!
Revenge is far from easy...
Lillian Bartley has but one thing on her mind—revenge. That is, until she meets the object of her vengeance. The Duke of Burbridge is nothing like she expected, but everything she could’ve wished for—in a husband. Attempting to make him fall in love with her so she can break his heart as he broke her friend’s is proving difficult, especially when her emotions are hopelessly entangled and attraction simmers between them.
When love is in the air.
Elijah Waters, the Duke of Burbridge, is still reeling from the unexpected death of his father a year ago. Grief-stricken, he realizes too late that his mother has turned to alcohol to drown her sorrow. He discovers someone is selling liquor with harmful additives endangering others, including his mother. Keeping her secret from the ton while he tracks done the culprit is no easy task. When Lady Lillian happens upon his mother in a compromising situation, Elijah fears all is lost. Can he possibly trust the lady who stirs his senses?
Lillian can’t reconcile what she learns of Elijah with what she was lead to believe, but her broken-hearted friend died, leaving only questions behind. Elijah’s concern for his mother is sweet, his kindness to Lillian heart-warming, and his kisses shake her world. But she must confront him about the past before she can hope for a future.
Do they dare trust each other and reach for their happily ever after or will fate keep them apart?
Buy it today and escape to Victorian London for a fun adventure!
Revenge is far from easy...
Lillian Bartley has but one thing on her mind—revenge. That is, until she meets the object of her vengeance. The Duke of Burbridge is nothing like she expected, but everything she could’ve wished for—in a husband. Attempting to make him fall in love with her so she can break his heart as he broke her friend’s is proving difficult, especially when her emotions are hopelessly entangled and attraction simmers between them.
When love is in the air.
Elijah Waters, the Duke of Burbridge, is still reeling from the unexpected death of his father a year ago. Grief-stricken, he realizes too late that his mother has turned to alcohol to drown her sorrow. He discovers someone is selling liquor with harmful additives endangering others, including his mother. Keeping her secret from the ton while he tracks done the culprit is no easy task. When Lady Lillian happens upon his mother in a compromising situation, Elijah fears all is lost. Can he possibly trust the lady who stirs his senses?
Lillian can’t reconcile what she learns of Elijah with what she was lead to believe, but her broken-hearted friend died, leaving only questions behind. Elijah’s concern for his mother is sweet, his kindness to Lillian heart-warming, and his kisses shake her world. But she must confront him about the past before she can hope for a future.
Do they dare trust each other and reach for their happily ever after or will fate keep them apart?
Buy it today and escape to Victorian London for a fun adventure!
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 12, 2018
191 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
Lana Williams
93 books375 followersLana Williams is the USA Today Bestselling and Amazon All-Star Author of over 55 historical fiction novels filled with mystery, romance, adventure, and sometimes a pinch of paranormal to stir things up.
She spends her days in Victorian, Regency, and Medieval times, depending on her mood and current deadline.
Lana calls the Rocky Mountains of Colorado home where she lives with her husband and a spoiled rescue dog named Sadie. Connect with her at https://lanawilliams.net/, find her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lanawilliamsbooks, or on IG @authorlanawilliams.
She spends her days in Victorian, Regency, and Medieval times, depending on her mood and current deadline.
Lana calls the Rocky Mountains of Colorado home where she lives with her husband and a spoiled rescue dog named Sadie. Connect with her at https://lanawilliams.net/, find her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lanawilliamsbooks, or on IG @authorlanawilliams.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 13, 2018
After the death of her best friend while abroad Lady Lillian Bartley vows revenge and sets her plan in motion, make the Duke of Burbridge known as Elijah Waters fall in love with her and then spurn his advances therefore breaking his heart.
But not all is as it seems and Elijah is not the man she envisioned, certainly she never expect that her heart to be in peril of forever being lost to him. Elijah Waters never expected to take over the Duchy, after his fathers death his grief dragged him in a downward spiral.
Elijah who’s not ready for marriage can’t help but be attracted to Lillian, she’s everything he’d want if he was looking for a wife. The fact that she’s helping his mother overcome her own addiction to alcohol especially since the unfortunate incident, Lilian has come to mean even more to him than he’s realized.
There’s a mystery to solve before he needs to persuade Liliane that he loves her.
This was an emotional poignant story! The roller coaster ride that Elijah and his mother endured because of their own substance abuse and grief and the toll it had taken on their daily lives was very well written. I loved the emotions portrayed by the characters and how Lilian helps with their healing. Lana Williams truly has written another amazing story !
I received a complimentary copy from the author, this is my honest unbiased opinion.
But not all is as it seems and Elijah is not the man she envisioned, certainly she never expect that her heart to be in peril of forever being lost to him. Elijah Waters never expected to take over the Duchy, after his fathers death his grief dragged him in a downward spiral.
Elijah who’s not ready for marriage can’t help but be attracted to Lillian, she’s everything he’d want if he was looking for a wife. The fact that she’s helping his mother overcome her own addiction to alcohol especially since the unfortunate incident, Lilian has come to mean even more to him than he’s realized.
There’s a mystery to solve before he needs to persuade Liliane that he loves her.
This was an emotional poignant story! The roller coaster ride that Elijah and his mother endured because of their own substance abuse and grief and the toll it had taken on their daily lives was very well written. I loved the emotions portrayed by the characters and how Lilian helps with their healing. Lana Williams truly has written another amazing story !
I received a complimentary copy from the author, this is my honest unbiased opinion.
June 17, 2018
I am a huge fan of the Seven Curses of London series, and Daring the Duke was a wonderful addition. Elijah, the Duke of Burbridge, was an appealing hero who had me from the beginning. I loved his heart, and he was a perfect combination of cautious and smitten. I especially loved the interaction between the heroine (Lillian) and the Duke's mother. It was poignant and healing for both of them. If you're looking for an enjoyable read, make sure you pick up a copy of Daring the Duke.
June 10, 2018
Still reeling from the death of her beloved friend, Lady Lillian Bartley goes to London with one goal in mind - to make Elijah Waters, the Duke of Burbridge pay for breaking her best friend Helena's heart. Lillian is a sweet, loving, loyal person, she doesn't blame Elijah completely for Helena's death, but she feels that he was a major factor. Helena had fallen fast and hard for Elijah when he danced and flirted with her at a ball. Later she receives a letter from an "admirer" wanting to meet with her - but when he doesn't show, she falls into a fit of despair and when she becomes ill, fails to fight for her life and dies. Lillian believes that Elijah sent Helena the letter and toyed with her affections and she will do the same to him - she will make him fall in love with her and reject him as he did Helena.
But when she meets Elijah, she has a hard time reconciling the man who so callously hurt her friend with the kind man who is obviously dealing with his own grief over the recent death of his father. Lillian's plan begins to unravel before it even starts - she is consumed with self doubt and questions herself, her worth and her motivations.
Elijah has his own doubts and guilt to deal with, he is attracted to Lillian, but he is not ready for a wife. The death of his father hit him hard and he spent most of the previous year in a haze of alcohol and meaningless dalliances to staunch the pain. Now he has finally realized that he owes it to his father to be a better man and take up the reins of the duchy. Elijah tries to do the right things, but besides the estate, his mother is suffering. She has turned to drinking to cope with her pain and Elijah feels responsible. When Lillian saves his mother from a potentially humiliating scene, Elijah begins to wonder about her reason for being so nice to his mother. But as time passes, he realizes Lillian is a truly beautiful person and he longs to know her better. When he suggests a ride in the park, Lillian agrees, only to be hurt when he fails to show. She then begins to question her decision to not hold him liable for Helena's pain. What Lillian doesn't know is, Elijah's mother is on death's door. She consumed some doctored spirits at a party and was poisoned. Elijah was not with her at the time, because he was out looking for the man who is selling altered liquor - he believes that his mother was subjected to it the night she almost caused a scene. He was given a copy of the Seven Curses book by Lillian's brother Viscount Frost and read that things can be added to liquor to improve potency and shelf life while cutting costs - but the true price is high - many of the additives are poisonous.
When Elijah realizes he missed his meeting with Lillian, he rushes to see her - she forgives him and promises to visit the Duchess, but her own insecurities have taken root and the budding relationship they had may never blossom as a result.
Elijah doesn't understand the change in Lillian, but he is grateful for her attention to his mother. The Duchess is finally starting to move past her crippling grief, thanks in part to Lillian. Elijah decides that Lillian is the woman for him and sets out to court her. But Lillian can't seem to accept his attentions, she cares for him, but doesn't feel worthy of his attention. So when an opportunity to help him by finding the apothecary that is suppling the additives to liquor distributor, she jumps at the chance to prove herself worthy of his love.
I thought this was a well written, emotional story that did true justice to how people grieve and the harmful effects of self-doubt. Lillian and Elijah are both dealing with insecurities and both are grieving, I liked how Ms. Williams dealt with both issues and I found the storyline of the tainted/altered liquor completely fascinating. There are no love scenes in this book beyond a couple of stolen kisses, so the heat level is low, but I didn't feel like the story suffered from the lack. I thought this was a well done story that tackled some very sensitive issues and still managed to have a HEA. And while this is the sixth book in the series, it can easily be read as a stand alone title.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an uncorrected eARC that was provided to me*
But when she meets Elijah, she has a hard time reconciling the man who so callously hurt her friend with the kind man who is obviously dealing with his own grief over the recent death of his father. Lillian's plan begins to unravel before it even starts - she is consumed with self doubt and questions herself, her worth and her motivations.
Elijah has his own doubts and guilt to deal with, he is attracted to Lillian, but he is not ready for a wife. The death of his father hit him hard and he spent most of the previous year in a haze of alcohol and meaningless dalliances to staunch the pain. Now he has finally realized that he owes it to his father to be a better man and take up the reins of the duchy. Elijah tries to do the right things, but besides the estate, his mother is suffering. She has turned to drinking to cope with her pain and Elijah feels responsible. When Lillian saves his mother from a potentially humiliating scene, Elijah begins to wonder about her reason for being so nice to his mother. But as time passes, he realizes Lillian is a truly beautiful person and he longs to know her better. When he suggests a ride in the park, Lillian agrees, only to be hurt when he fails to show. She then begins to question her decision to not hold him liable for Helena's pain. What Lillian doesn't know is, Elijah's mother is on death's door. She consumed some doctored spirits at a party and was poisoned. Elijah was not with her at the time, because he was out looking for the man who is selling altered liquor - he believes that his mother was subjected to it the night she almost caused a scene. He was given a copy of the Seven Curses book by Lillian's brother Viscount Frost and read that things can be added to liquor to improve potency and shelf life while cutting costs - but the true price is high - many of the additives are poisonous.
When Elijah realizes he missed his meeting with Lillian, he rushes to see her - she forgives him and promises to visit the Duchess, but her own insecurities have taken root and the budding relationship they had may never blossom as a result.
Elijah doesn't understand the change in Lillian, but he is grateful for her attention to his mother. The Duchess is finally starting to move past her crippling grief, thanks in part to Lillian. Elijah decides that Lillian is the woman for him and sets out to court her. But Lillian can't seem to accept his attentions, she cares for him, but doesn't feel worthy of his attention. So when an opportunity to help him by finding the apothecary that is suppling the additives to liquor distributor, she jumps at the chance to prove herself worthy of his love.
I thought this was a well written, emotional story that did true justice to how people grieve and the harmful effects of self-doubt. Lillian and Elijah are both dealing with insecurities and both are grieving, I liked how Ms. Williams dealt with both issues and I found the storyline of the tainted/altered liquor completely fascinating. There are no love scenes in this book beyond a couple of stolen kisses, so the heat level is low, but I didn't feel like the story suffered from the lack. I thought this was a well done story that tackled some very sensitive issues and still managed to have a HEA. And while this is the sixth book in the series, it can easily be read as a stand alone title.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an uncorrected eARC that was provided to me*
September 20, 2020
A Total Disaster, But In A Good Way💘
Victorian London, 1871
The Best Laid Plans....
Lillian's friend, Helena💔, dies from illness and the loss of the will to live after a failed affair with Elijah Waters, the young and handsome Duke of Burbridge🐺🍆⛲, and a well known rake.
Lillian💃💋 Bartley, the sister of Viscount Frost, a reclusive scholar of ancient books and history, meets the Duke🐺🍆⛲ at a party at his country estate, and then vows to get revenge on him for Helena.
She sets about getting the Duke🍆⛲ to notice her by going to London where he lives much of the time. Lillian💃💋 plans to get him to fall in love💕 with her, then break HIS heart💔. HA!
Elijah🐺🍆⛲ has his own secrets: his devastation💔 over the death of his father, and his mother's apparent alcoholism🍸🍸🍸 after his father's passing.
Lillian💃💋 doesn't yet know Elijah🐺🍆⛲ is considering courting her to be his wife!
I liked the book alot, but there were errors in the way the Duke was addressed. He should be addressed as Your Grace, or Duke, or Duke Burbridge. He is a Duke, not a Lord, so he would Never be addessed as simply Burbridge except possibly by another Duke.
The book about the horrible conditions in Victorian London at the time is "The Seven Curses of London," by James Greenwood 1833-1927, and is available on Amazon as an ebook for $1.56.
Victorian London, 1871
The Best Laid Plans....
Lillian's friend, Helena💔, dies from illness and the loss of the will to live after a failed affair with Elijah Waters, the young and handsome Duke of Burbridge🐺🍆⛲, and a well known rake.
Lillian💃💋 Bartley, the sister of Viscount Frost, a reclusive scholar of ancient books and history, meets the Duke🐺🍆⛲ at a party at his country estate, and then vows to get revenge on him for Helena.
She sets about getting the Duke🍆⛲ to notice her by going to London where he lives much of the time. Lillian💃💋 plans to get him to fall in love💕 with her, then break HIS heart💔. HA!
Elijah🐺🍆⛲ has his own secrets: his devastation💔 over the death of his father, and his mother's apparent alcoholism🍸🍸🍸 after his father's passing.
Lillian💃💋 doesn't yet know Elijah🐺🍆⛲ is considering courting her to be his wife!
I liked the book alot, but there were errors in the way the Duke was addressed. He should be addressed as Your Grace, or Duke, or Duke Burbridge. He is a Duke, not a Lord, so he would Never be addessed as simply Burbridge except possibly by another Duke.
The book about the horrible conditions in Victorian London at the time is "The Seven Curses of London," by James Greenwood 1833-1927, and is available on Amazon as an ebook for $1.56.
June 13, 2018
Looking For Revenge
Lady Lillian Bartley wants to meet Elijah Water, The Duke of Burbridge. Her plan is to make him fall in love with her then ignore him. According to her best friend Helena that was just what he did to her. Helena died so Lillian is out for revenge. When she does meet him her opinion changes. Elijah was still getting over the loss of his father and helping his mother.
Now he is helping some friends as they work on the seven curses of London. This is a great book to read. I would also recommend the other books in this series.
Lady Lillian Bartley wants to meet Elijah Water, The Duke of Burbridge. Her plan is to make him fall in love with her then ignore him. According to her best friend Helena that was just what he did to her. Helena died so Lillian is out for revenge. When she does meet him her opinion changes. Elijah was still getting over the loss of his father and helping his mother.
Now he is helping some friends as they work on the seven curses of London. This is a great book to read. I would also recommend the other books in this series.
August 7, 2018
Loving the Seven Curses series! Lillian has come to London for revenge. She believes that the Duke of Burbridge with his callous act caused the death of her best friend. Elijah has been morning his fathers death for over a year as has his mother. He realizes her grief is causing her to inebriate more and more. As he tries to help her she is poisoned by tainted wine and almost dies. Lillian realizes early on that the Duke could not have done what her friend said. A wonderful read where the Hero finds himself and the heroine finally discovers her true self.
June 17, 2018
A very interesting look into the problems of tainted alcohol and spirits in that period. I also thought that the story deals with grief and the varying ways that different people handle it. I liked that the heroine was able to discern that her friend's feelings about the Duke did not match the man she had come to know. The author does a great job describing the insecurities and the mixed feelings of both sexes while falling in love.
June 14, 2018
Elijah is busy trying to build up his dukedom as well as take care of his grieving, ill mother. In walks Lillian, who seeks revenge upon the Duke for breaking her friend's heart. Instead, there is instant mutual attraction. But the romance is interrupted when someone starts selling the ton liquor tainted with poisonous substances. Very good story.
June 30, 2018
Daring the Duke
I sincerely enjoy Lana 's style of writing. This series is quite enjoyable. I enjoyed this book. Although it is not my favorite in the series. I look forward to the next book in this series.
I sincerely enjoy Lana 's style of writing. This series is quite enjoyable. I enjoyed this book. Although it is not my favorite in the series. I look forward to the next book in this series.
September 22, 2020
Exciting love story
I loved this encouraging story, we face obstacles all the time. I lost a son in’05 a daughter in ‘10 and my husband in ‘14. It takes a lot of faith to get through.
I loved this encouraging story, we face obstacles all the time. I lost a son in’05 a daughter in ‘10 and my husband in ‘14. It takes a lot of faith to get through.
December 15, 2018
Williams does it again, but the pacing was a wee bit slow. Glad it all came together in the end.
November 4, 2019
Wonderful book!
This was such a sweet love story with a little mystery. Two very lovable characters fighting love all the way. I recommend this book.
This was such a sweet love story with a little mystery. Two very lovable characters fighting love all the way. I recommend this book.
January 7, 2020
Hard read
To long without enough to keep the reader interested. Story background stale. No enough intrigue as the previous books. Needs new story line.
To long without enough to keep the reader interested. Story background stale. No enough intrigue as the previous books. Needs new story line.
August 30, 2020
More of the curses
I love reading these stories of romance involving the curses of London. You have a very interesting way of revealing them while matching people together.
I love reading these stories of romance involving the curses of London. You have a very interesting way of revealing them while matching people together.
September 17, 2020
Curses indeed!
After reading the prior book in this series I had to buy this one. The continuing story was delightful with the characters being very likable.
After reading the prior book in this series I had to buy this one. The continuing story was delightful with the characters being very likable.
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March 20, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/20/2021)! 🎁
March 25, 2021
3 star
Meets genre expectations as far as I know. Likeable main character to whom I could relate easily. Clean and sweet while dealing with some heavy side issues.
Meets genre expectations as far as I know. Likeable main character to whom I could relate easily. Clean and sweet while dealing with some heavy side issues.
May 9, 2019
An excellent addition to an excellent series. A one sitting book.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews