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The Secrets of Charlotte Street #1
The Duke I Tempted
He’s controlled. Meticulous. Immaculate. No one would expect the proper Duke of Westmead to be a member of London’s most illicit secret club. Least of all: his future wife.
Having overcome financial ruin and redeemed his family name to become the most legendary investor in London, the Duke of Westmead needs to secure his holdings by producing an heir. Which means he must find a wife who won’t discover his secret craving to spend his nights on his knees – or make demands on his long scarred-over heart.
Poppy Cavendish is not that type of woman. An ambitious self-taught botanist designing the garden ballroom in which Westmead plans to woo a bride, Poppy has struggled against convention all her life to secure her hard-won independence. She wants the capital to expand her exotic nursery business – not a husband.
But there is something so compelling about Westmead, with his starchy bearing and impossibly kind eyes -- that when an accidental scandal makes marriage to the duke the only means to save her nursery, Poppy worries she wants more than the title he is offering. The arrangement is meant to be just business. A greenhouse for an heir. But Poppy yearns to unravel her husband’s secrets – and to tempt the duke to risk his heart.
Having overcome financial ruin and redeemed his family name to become the most legendary investor in London, the Duke of Westmead needs to secure his holdings by producing an heir. Which means he must find a wife who won’t discover his secret craving to spend his nights on his knees – or make demands on his long scarred-over heart.
Poppy Cavendish is not that type of woman. An ambitious self-taught botanist designing the garden ballroom in which Westmead plans to woo a bride, Poppy has struggled against convention all her life to secure her hard-won independence. She wants the capital to expand her exotic nursery business – not a husband.
But there is something so compelling about Westmead, with his starchy bearing and impossibly kind eyes -- that when an accidental scandal makes marriage to the duke the only means to save her nursery, Poppy worries she wants more than the title he is offering. The arrangement is meant to be just business. A greenhouse for an heir. But Poppy yearns to unravel her husband’s secrets – and to tempt the duke to risk his heart.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 31, 2018
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5009 people want to read
About the author
Scarlett Peckham
9 books990 followersScarlett Peckham writes sexy, gothic, feminist historical romances about alpha heroines. She splits her time between Los Angeles and the spooky cliffs of Coastal Oregon.
For a taste at her critically acclaimed Secrets of Charlotte Street series, download her free novelette, The Emerald Widow: https://geni.us/EmeraldWidow
To be the first to hear about her new releases and cat photos, sign up for her legendary newsletter: https://geni.us/TheScarlettLetter
For a taste at her critically acclaimed Secrets of Charlotte Street series, download her free novelette, The Emerald Widow: https://geni.us/EmeraldWidow
To be the first to hear about her new releases and cat photos, sign up for her legendary newsletter: https://geni.us/TheScarlettLetter
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July 12, 2018There is more to cheating than just having sex with someone. I say this because other readers might argue with me when I say there is cheating in this book. But there is. And for me, it ruined what was otherwise a very well written, sexy, and angsty read that was so cracktacular, I had to fight the urge to open my Kindle app while I was driving home from work. IT RUINED IT. And it’s the kind of spoiler I don’t feel bad about writing, because if I had known this was going to happen before I started reading, I would have walked the other way. I would have never chosen to invest in these characters, to yearn with them--and for them--the way I ultimately did.
I would have never been so thoroughly disappointed.
So now you’re warned. Let me go back to the beginning... and beware, spoilers on the cheating are ahead.
Archer, the Duke of Westmead, is in need of a wife, but he isn’t looking to fall in love. He’s had that once before and lost it under devastating circumstances. He’s never stopped blaming himself for their deaths and the only way he can find solace is by being whipped by a domme at a specialty club for those with needs like his own.
Let me stop here and say that I don’t enjoy BDSM in any form. I got a hint that he might be submissive in the blurb because of a line about how he likes to spend his nights on his knees. I almost opted to DNF after an early scene with him in his club, but I wanted to give it a chance. Then I got to know Poppy, the heroine, who is a botanist who just wants to make a life for herself cultivating plants. She is hired to decorate for a party thrown by Archer’s sister. And when she twists her ankle, she ends up staying with them to get the job done.
But here’s the thing… I loved the way Poppy and Archer interacted. Neither thought they would ever want to fall in love, but their dynamic was undeniable. Archer was so down on himself, so convinced he could never say the right thing or do the right thing. But he saw the value in Poppy. He respected her. And every single time they touched, they set the page on fire. On FIRE.
By the time they got together for real, I needed it so much. They wed in a marriage of convenience, with promises that it's a business arrangement, but they clearly fall in love with each other. They share their bodies. They bare so much of themselves to each other… all except Archer’s need to be whipped. Poppy sees the scars; she hears the rumors, but still he hides. Then, they have a huge fight. And at 85% into the book, she walks in on him, naked from the waist down, with a raging boner, getting whipped by another woman.
I understand that this secret of his “perversion” was his internal conflict. I just can’t be ok with him finding a sexual outlet with another woman, especially this late in the book. I felt punched in the stomach. I HATE THAT FEELING.
And the resolution was way too easy.
I hate saying this because there was so much magic here otherwise. But this, straight up, made me read the last 10% of the book with my face all twisted up.
Maybe you don’t consider this cheating. Maybe you have a higher threshold for betrayal than I do. If so, really, the rest of the book is so good. But if cheating of any kind is a hard no… just keep right on walking.
*ARC provided by author
I would have never been so thoroughly disappointed.
So now you’re warned. Let me go back to the beginning... and beware, spoilers on the cheating are ahead.
Archer, the Duke of Westmead, is in need of a wife, but he isn’t looking to fall in love. He’s had that once before and lost it under devastating circumstances. He’s never stopped blaming himself for their deaths and the only way he can find solace is by being whipped by a domme at a specialty club for those with needs like his own.
Let me stop here and say that I don’t enjoy BDSM in any form. I got a hint that he might be submissive in the blurb because of a line about how he likes to spend his nights on his knees. I almost opted to DNF after an early scene with him in his club, but I wanted to give it a chance. Then I got to know Poppy, the heroine, who is a botanist who just wants to make a life for herself cultivating plants. She is hired to decorate for a party thrown by Archer’s sister. And when she twists her ankle, she ends up staying with them to get the job done.
But here’s the thing… I loved the way Poppy and Archer interacted. Neither thought they would ever want to fall in love, but their dynamic was undeniable. Archer was so down on himself, so convinced he could never say the right thing or do the right thing. But he saw the value in Poppy. He respected her. And every single time they touched, they set the page on fire. On FIRE.
By the time they got together for real, I needed it so much. They wed in a marriage of convenience, with promises that it's a business arrangement, but they clearly fall in love with each other. They share their bodies. They bare so much of themselves to each other… all except Archer’s need to be whipped. Poppy sees the scars; she hears the rumors, but still he hides. Then, they have a huge fight. And at 85% into the book, she walks in on him, naked from the waist down, with a raging boner, getting whipped by another woman.
I understand that this secret of his “perversion” was his internal conflict. I just can’t be ok with him finding a sexual outlet with another woman, especially this late in the book. I felt punched in the stomach. I HATE THAT FEELING.
And the resolution was way too easy.
I hate saying this because there was so much magic here otherwise. But this, straight up, made me read the last 10% of the book with my face all twisted up.
Maybe you don’t consider this cheating. Maybe you have a higher threshold for betrayal than I do. If so, really, the rest of the book is so good. But if cheating of any kind is a hard no… just keep right on walking.
*ARC provided by author
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November 20, 2019This is fascinatingly ... flawed.
There's so much I admire about this book, the heroine is great, the writing is smooth, it's fucking bold for taking histrom is a rarely-taken direction. I loved the fact that sex-work isn't shamed, I loved that the heroine got to be passionate (both sexually and in her life in general) and I loved the fact that the hero's relationship with his mistress (in the BDSM sense here) was always treated respectfully.
I think the things that didn't work for me were sort of ... first book things? I mean, there's a LOT going on here, between Poppy's botanicals, the hero's grief, the hero's kink, this "one steps forward two steps back" dynamic between the hero and the heroine, where it feels like they're just coming to a better understanding of each other then NOPE. I'm not the biggest fan of the "one steps forward, two steps back" thing in general - although I think it can work, as long as it is carefully structured. For this book, it felt to me as though they'd figure something out in one chapter, and then immediately find another to cause tension in the next, and the cumulative impact of that (again, to me) was their relationship progressed somewhat unevenly, and slightly randomly. On top of which, I'm inclined to think there's too much happening - so some things feel less resolved than others, or else appear without warning like your latest friend at your birthday party.
I also - and this is largely personal - wasn't super convinced by the way the kink strand of the plot was resolved. Firstly, the heroine finds out the hero is kinky because she literally pursues him the brothel where he gets his kink on and sees the kink taking place: while I'm super glad this wasn't handled in a demeaning way to any participant and the heroine isn't awful about it, I generally prefer characters to learn about each other because the other person has chosen to share. That always feel more meaningful to me than, "oh, I accidentally discovered this about you" because I'm obsessed with the inherent romance of ... um ... what we choose to share with the people we care about, and how difficult that is, wanting to be loved and be open, but terrified of being ugly and rejected.
And so part of me is left wondering ... if Poppy hadn't literally barged in on him, would Westmead ever have got his balls together and told her? And what does it say about the future their relationship that he didn't?
(Err, I am muttering about this, because I cared about them, and cared about their relationship - I don't get worried about the lasting potential of fictional peoples' relationships unless I'm invested. Also it's strongly a personal taste thing, and I'm not against "I worked it out" in all cases, it's just Westmead is so closed down emotionally-speaking, and Poppy is amazing, so I wanted him to just make the leap and fucking trust her, you know?)
It also feels like the kink strand is fully resolved with one kinky sex scene that came, I think, in the last 20% of the book? Maybe even the last 10% of the book. Again, I should probably emphasise that I'm not demanding more hawt submissive duke action (although submissive duke, in itself, is such a fucking gorgeous concept I will take as much of it as I can get) but I feel if that a sexual element is entwined with one of your emotional conflicts you need to give it as much on page time and development as, for example, the dude's dead wife.
So, for me, I think I needed less emotional back and forth, for the kink thing to come out earlier, and for it be resolved more comprehensively. Also I vaguely wish he hadn't got kinky because his wife had corked it.
All of which said, I would take a fascinatingly flawed book over a well put together mediocre book any goddamn day of the week.
There's so much I admire about this book, the heroine is great, the writing is smooth, it's fucking bold for taking histrom is a rarely-taken direction. I loved the fact that sex-work isn't shamed, I loved that the heroine got to be passionate (both sexually and in her life in general) and I loved the fact that the hero's relationship with his mistress (in the BDSM sense here) was always treated respectfully.
I think the things that didn't work for me were sort of ... first book things? I mean, there's a LOT going on here, between Poppy's botanicals, the hero's grief, the hero's kink, this "one steps forward two steps back" dynamic between the hero and the heroine, where it feels like they're just coming to a better understanding of each other then NOPE. I'm not the biggest fan of the "one steps forward, two steps back" thing in general - although I think it can work, as long as it is carefully structured. For this book, it felt to me as though they'd figure something out in one chapter, and then immediately find another to cause tension in the next, and the cumulative impact of that (again, to me) was their relationship progressed somewhat unevenly, and slightly randomly. On top of which, I'm inclined to think there's too much happening - so some things feel less resolved than others, or else appear without warning like your latest friend at your birthday party.
I also - and this is largely personal - wasn't super convinced by the way the kink strand of the plot was resolved. Firstly, the heroine finds out the hero is kinky because she literally pursues him the brothel where he gets his kink on and sees the kink taking place: while I'm super glad this wasn't handled in a demeaning way to any participant and the heroine isn't awful about it, I generally prefer characters to learn about each other because the other person has chosen to share. That always feel more meaningful to me than, "oh, I accidentally discovered this about you" because I'm obsessed with the inherent romance of ... um ... what we choose to share with the people we care about, and how difficult that is, wanting to be loved and be open, but terrified of being ugly and rejected.
And so part of me is left wondering ... if Poppy hadn't literally barged in on him, would Westmead ever have got his balls together and told her? And what does it say about the future their relationship that he didn't?
(Err, I am muttering about this, because I cared about them, and cared about their relationship - I don't get worried about the lasting potential of fictional peoples' relationships unless I'm invested. Also it's strongly a personal taste thing, and I'm not against "I worked it out" in all cases, it's just Westmead is so closed down emotionally-speaking, and Poppy is amazing, so I wanted him to just make the leap and fucking trust her, you know?)
It also feels like the kink strand is fully resolved with one kinky sex scene that came, I think, in the last 20% of the book? Maybe even the last 10% of the book. Again, I should probably emphasise that I'm not demanding more hawt submissive duke action (although submissive duke, in itself, is such a fucking gorgeous concept I will take as much of it as I can get) but I feel if that a sexual element is entwined with one of your emotional conflicts you need to give it as much on page time and development as, for example, the dude's dead wife.
So, for me, I think I needed less emotional back and forth, for the kink thing to come out earlier, and for it be resolved more comprehensively. Also I vaguely wish he hadn't got kinky because his wife had corked it.
All of which said, I would take a fascinatingly flawed book over a well put together mediocre book any goddamn day of the week.
June 11, 2021
I adored everything about this book. Archer is a damaged hero after losing his wife and child tragically. He's very closed off and seeks out pain to handle his grief. Poppy is a gardener and is hired by Archer's sister to create a garden themed ball. Poppy is hesitant to help, but she is bribed to design the ball by receiving help to move her nursery and grow her business. I will say, Archer does push Poppy away more than once and that does bother some people, but I think that was realistic given his past. Poppy was very patient with him and did tell him when he was being too much, which I appreciated. There is a marriage of convenience and Archer definitely has to grovel at the end to prove to Poppy he really does love her. There is a scene in here that could be considered cheating, but I actually liked how that was handled and how the story wrapped up. This was definitely an angsty historical romance and I really loved it! I can't wait to continue with the series!
August 8, 2018
Though this came highly recommended, THE DUKE I TEMPTED just didn't work for me. What seemed like an interesting storyline, with interesting if perhaps not entirely unique personas, totally failed to keep me interested or engaged; instead it outright frustrated me. I was bored or annoyed the entire time I read this. I feel like this could've worked had it been written by someone else, or maybe just written differently, but alas here we are. Sadly (though unsurprisingly) I have no interest in reading on in this series.
February 19, 2021
I like Scarlett Peckham's writing but for the life of me I can't get into her stories. The Duke I Tempted was also way lighter with the BDSM/erotica than I expected, which was disappointing. I'm still curious about her minister historical romance though 👀
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September 4, 2018This was actually a very rare DNF for me.
will-never-read
September 24, 2018PERSONAL REMINDER NOTE:
I guess I'm too old fashioned but this hero doesn't conform to my personal vision of what a sexy duke is supposed to be. He gets sexually turned on when he's whipped by a domme ( dominant female in a D/sub relationship ).
I don't EVER write these little notes to myself but I need to remind myself to stay far away from this book, because I'm always tempted by titles with the word "Duke" in it. Therefore, this note is not intended to spread any kind of negativity or hate for this book, its subject matter or the author. My Goodreads friends will know I'm speaking the truth because my bookshelves don't ever have these "notes". I just don't want to keep reading through reviews of this book again and again in the future, before I remember why I'm not supposed to read it. I decided to write this "note to self" because this is the 3rd or 4th time I've come across this book and clicked on it because the title grabbed my attention.
I guess I'm too old fashioned but this hero doesn't conform to my personal vision of what a sexy duke is supposed to be. He gets sexually turned on when he's whipped by a domme ( dominant female in a D/sub relationship ).
I don't EVER write these little notes to myself but I need to remind myself to stay far away from this book, because I'm always tempted by titles with the word "Duke" in it. Therefore, this note is not intended to spread any kind of negativity or hate for this book, its subject matter or the author. My Goodreads friends will know I'm speaking the truth because my bookshelves don't ever have these "notes". I just don't want to keep reading through reviews of this book again and again in the future, before I remember why I'm not supposed to read it. I decided to write this "note to self" because this is the 3rd or 4th time I've come across this book and clicked on it because the title grabbed my attention.
August 1, 2018
This is a historical romance with a major twist; the hero is a tortured type who finds emotional and physical release in subjugation. Hence, his membership at an exclusive club where he is regularly whipped. Being a duke, he must marry, however, and as soon as possible in order to get an heir and secure the line of succession away from a cousin who will certainly not see to it that his younger sister Constance is taken care of.
Intending to offer for the first young woman who will take his ring and his money and not demand any sort of emotional connection, Archer is somewhat horrified to find himself falling for Poppy Cavendish, an independent young woman his sister has hired to transform their ballroom into a magical garden in which he is to woo a bride. Poppy is too much of everything; too clever, too questioning, too appealing. He should stay well away.
Of course, he fails dismally and his sister’s machinations leave him with no choice but to propose. He tries to make it a business arrangement and fails dismally at that as well. In fact, he’s an utter failure as a husband, giving Poppy mixed signals, making loving gestures and encouraging her to trust him while refusing to give the same trust in return.
I really liked Poppy, and Archer’s tortured past made him an easy hero to root for even if I didn’t quite comprehend his addiction to subjugation. BDSM isn’t something you find a lot of in historical novels, and particularly not with the male in the submissive role. Scarlett Peckham writes it very well and believably, and I’d probably have given the book four stars (well written, but not quite my cup of tea) if it hadn’t been for one episode where Archer returned to the club after his marriage and Poppy caught him being whipped, in the throes of clear arousal. In my book, that’s cheating, and that’s a massive nope for me in a romance novel. Poppy’s reaction just wasn’t believable either; she didn’t even ask Archer if that was his first visit there since their marriage, didn’t rebuke him for seeking sexual gratification elsewhere. I didn’t like it, I didn’t buy her reaction as genuine, and I nearly DNF’d the book right there. It was pretty close to the end, though, so I finished it.
At the end of the day, I ended the book with a bad taste in my mouth, and therefore I have to give it two stars.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
Intending to offer for the first young woman who will take his ring and his money and not demand any sort of emotional connection, Archer is somewhat horrified to find himself falling for Poppy Cavendish, an independent young woman his sister has hired to transform their ballroom into a magical garden in which he is to woo a bride. Poppy is too much of everything; too clever, too questioning, too appealing. He should stay well away.
Of course, he fails dismally and his sister’s machinations leave him with no choice but to propose. He tries to make it a business arrangement and fails dismally at that as well. In fact, he’s an utter failure as a husband, giving Poppy mixed signals, making loving gestures and encouraging her to trust him while refusing to give the same trust in return.
I really liked Poppy, and Archer’s tortured past made him an easy hero to root for even if I didn’t quite comprehend his addiction to subjugation. BDSM isn’t something you find a lot of in historical novels, and particularly not with the male in the submissive role. Scarlett Peckham writes it very well and believably, and I’d probably have given the book four stars (well written, but not quite my cup of tea) if it hadn’t been for one episode where Archer returned to the club after his marriage and Poppy caught him being whipped, in the throes of clear arousal. In my book, that’s cheating, and that’s a massive nope for me in a romance novel. Poppy’s reaction just wasn’t believable either; she didn’t even ask Archer if that was his first visit there since their marriage, didn’t rebuke him for seeking sexual gratification elsewhere. I didn’t like it, I didn’t buy her reaction as genuine, and I nearly DNF’d the book right there. It was pretty close to the end, though, so I finished it.
At the end of the day, I ended the book with a bad taste in my mouth, and therefore I have to give it two stars.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
April 2, 2021
Only a masochist would think that someone bringing them pain was a fairytale experience...
This was a weird book.
I liked it up until they got married. Then it took me months to finish a few chapters here and there...
I respected the heroine for her business mind and hardworking personality but I absolutely hated her as a wife. She was simply selfish. Everything she wanted was for right now. There was no patience in her, only her feelings, her saying, her independence, her her her... every single thing the hero said was analyzed in a way that she felt hurt. He asked her for a marriage of convenience (because he lost his first family in a very traumatic way and uses pain to help him with his grief, he does not want to open up again when the mere thought of his lost family brings him in a panic attack) and she wanted right away that he loves her, trust her and be everything to her. Instead of being patient and getting him used to the idea of having a second wife, to enjoy the moment and help him one day at a time, no, she was vindictive and full of venom towards him in a subtle way. But every single misunderstanding she did something to hurt him.
I am not saying he was perfect, far from it. But besides some hurtful words said in a moment of hurt, he did everything he possibly could to make her feel welcome and help her in her business. He treat her like a man of business where I doubt a lot of gentleman would have done so back then. But she didn't see anything besides what he was NOT giving her. For me she was one of the the worst wife I have ever read about. Not that the hero was much better.
Spoiler: the hero started using pain to help him with his grief and after some time started using it as a form of BDSM. He did not reveal this to her though, and therein lies his mistake.
This was a weird book.
I liked it up until they got married. Then it took me months to finish a few chapters here and there...
I respected the heroine for her business mind and hardworking personality but I absolutely hated her as a wife. She was simply selfish. Everything she wanted was for right now. There was no patience in her, only her feelings, her saying, her independence, her her her... every single thing the hero said was analyzed in a way that she felt hurt. He asked her for a marriage of convenience (because he lost his first family in a very traumatic way and uses pain to help him with his grief, he does not want to open up again when the mere thought of his lost family brings him in a panic attack) and she wanted right away that he loves her, trust her and be everything to her. Instead of being patient and getting him used to the idea of having a second wife, to enjoy the moment and help him one day at a time, no, she was vindictive and full of venom towards him in a subtle way. But every single misunderstanding she did something to hurt him.
I am not saying he was perfect, far from it. But besides some hurtful words said in a moment of hurt, he did everything he possibly could to make her feel welcome and help her in her business. He treat her like a man of business where I doubt a lot of gentleman would have done so back then. But she didn't see anything besides what he was NOT giving her. For me she was one of the the worst wife I have ever read about. Not that the hero was much better.
Spoiler: the hero started using pain to help him with his grief and after some time started using it as a form of BDSM. He did not reveal this to her though, and therein lies his mistake.
April 26, 2019
Reseña completa: https://masromance.blogspot.com/2019/...
Aunque sería un 3.5, al ser la primera novela de esta autora, le doy las 4
Toca un tema complejo y delicado, el masoquismo en el protagonista. Eso me ha parecido muy original y ya sabéis que lo arriesgado y novedoso me gusta.
Quizás la resolución al final no me ha convencido del todo, ni esa escena en la que se podría hablar o no de infidelidad... no lo tengo claro, la linea es muy fina.
Hay cosas que me han quedado algo difuminadas, pero puede ser que al leerla en inglés no me haya enterado yo, por eso no lo tengo en cuenta
Me ha gustado esa ambigüedad de él, esa fortaleza de ella, y me ha caido genial Constanze
Aunque sería un 3.5, al ser la primera novela de esta autora, le doy las 4
Toca un tema complejo y delicado, el masoquismo en el protagonista. Eso me ha parecido muy original y ya sabéis que lo arriesgado y novedoso me gusta.
Quizás la resolución al final no me ha convencido del todo, ni esa escena en la que se podría hablar o no de infidelidad... no lo tengo claro, la linea es muy fina.
Hay cosas que me han quedado algo difuminadas, pero puede ser que al leerla en inglés no me haya enterado yo, por eso no lo tengo en cuenta
Me ha gustado esa ambigüedad de él, esa fortaleza de ella, y me ha caido genial Constanze
July 9, 2018
Fabulous debut by Scarlett Peckham! It's a BDSM themed romance, with Archer feeling he needs to atone for a loss in his life by experiencing pain. No one knows of his secret, and when he's faced with having to marry and produce an heir, he ends up with a most unlikely woman - the female botanist Poppy whom his sister hires to make a lavish forested setting for her ball. Poppy discovers Archer's secret desires and finds that rather than repel her, they fascinate her.
This historical details are well written and engaging, drawing the reader into the world with ease. The sex is steamy, and the emotional connection between Archer and Poppy grows as they share details of their lives with each other. But revealing that they are falling in love with each other is a step that requires trust and there are some ups and downs for them as they strive to understand and be the person the other one needs. The happy ending is worth the wait and the story kept me enthralled all the way through. Archer and Poppy turn out to be a perfect match. I can't wait to read the next in the series!
Note: a copy of this romance was provided by the author via NetGalley for review.
This historical details are well written and engaging, drawing the reader into the world with ease. The sex is steamy, and the emotional connection between Archer and Poppy grows as they share details of their lives with each other. But revealing that they are falling in love with each other is a step that requires trust and there are some ups and downs for them as they strive to understand and be the person the other one needs. The happy ending is worth the wait and the story kept me enthralled all the way through. Archer and Poppy turn out to be a perfect match. I can't wait to read the next in the series!
Note: a copy of this romance was provided by the author via NetGalley for review.
February 27, 2019
I'm mostly just baffled by this book. The plot is interesting enough on the surface, and I'm enjoying the heroine's passion for horticulture and botany. However, both main characters are too puzzling to comprehend their feelings and motivations. The hero is charming and kind one minute to the heroine, and distant and arrogant the next. Likewise, the heroine is hostile one minute and loving the next. They have secrets that are on the verge of being revealed, and then suddenly one or the other pulls away. I've lost patience trying to keep track of what motivates them and what is driving this story. It is a debut novel, which might explain what seems like pretty poor characterization. I'm calling it at 60%, but I might at some point be open to reading more from Peckham.
June 10, 2019
Wow. Wow. Wow.
I read this book on the recommendation of Sierra Simone and I was obsessed with the cover and blurb. I absolutely loved it. The writing was flawless and the way she handled the hero was brilliant.
I devoured every word as the story was unraveled bit by bit.
For those who love historical and want a bit of an edge, this is the perfect book.
I read this book on the recommendation of Sierra Simone and I was obsessed with the cover and blurb. I absolutely loved it. The writing was flawless and the way she handled the hero was brilliant.
I devoured every word as the story was unraveled bit by bit.
For those who love historical and want a bit of an edge, this is the perfect book.
December 20, 2018
This was quite the rollercoaster. The first half was truly excellent, if a bit slow. The second half was awful. As much as I love the marriage of convenience trope, I don't think it was the right trope to use for the story Peckham was trying to tell.
The characters are flawed. I have a love/hate relationship with the hero and heroine. In fact, Peckham's ability to show her characters at their worst reminds me a lot of Sherry Thomas's writing style. Poppy and Archer are incredibly flawed and we see them at their best and at their absolute fucking worst. Hats off to Peckham for doing that because the only other romance author who's ever done that is Sherry Thomas.
The author also did a good job making me feel guilty for hating Archer. Everytime I would yell "I HATE HIM," the author reminds me of just how damaged he is. But now that I'm done the book, I can safely say that I don't like him at all. I feel sorry for him given everything he had to endure, but I hate the way he treated Poppy. Yes, Poppy wasn't the best either, but at least she tried to make things work. He barely lifted a finger and he was too much of a coward to take the first step. I have nothing against Archer's penchant for submissiveness, but I had a hard time understanding it. At first, he made it sound like it was nothing sexual and that it was only for penance. But we later find out that it is indeed sexual...and we find out about this after he marries Poppy.
The lack of communication on Archer's part, Poppy's pettiness (though I did revel in the pettiness at certain instances because I hate Archer lol), and Archer's refusal to even try to be honest drove me mad. Both Poppy and Archer were incredibly stupid, petty, and frankly, annoying. Despite my strong negative feelings, I was still engaged in the story because I'm a masochist who enjoys angst. However, I put my foot down when Archer cheats on Poppy 85% into the fucking book. I almost DNF the book right there and then, but persevered since I was so close to finishing it. I should have seen this coming since he kept getting aroused thinking about another woman whipping him even after he married Poppy. Ugh. Gross.
What's even more ludicrous is Poppy's reaction. She didn't even tell him how betrayed and hurt she was. All of this was so quickly resolved that all of the angst preceding it just felt like useless and meaningless filler. I guess Poppy only needed to see a woman whipping her fully aroused husband in order to save her marriage. Spare me, please. And that's where the comparison with Sherry Thomas ends. Because while Sherry Thomas isn't scared to show her characters at their worst and while she writes the most angsty romances ever, everything is worth it at the end because the HEA is meaningful. I can't say the same for The Duke I Tempted.
thank u, next
The characters are flawed. I have a love/hate relationship with the hero and heroine. In fact, Peckham's ability to show her characters at their worst reminds me a lot of Sherry Thomas's writing style. Poppy and Archer are incredibly flawed and we see them at their best and at their absolute fucking worst. Hats off to Peckham for doing that because the only other romance author who's ever done that is Sherry Thomas.
The author also did a good job making me feel guilty for hating Archer. Everytime I would yell "I HATE HIM," the author reminds me of just how damaged he is. But now that I'm done the book, I can safely say that I don't like him at all. I feel sorry for him given everything he had to endure, but I hate the way he treated Poppy. Yes, Poppy wasn't the best either, but at least she tried to make things work. He barely lifted a finger and he was too much of a coward to take the first step. I have nothing against Archer's penchant for submissiveness, but I had a hard time understanding it. At first, he made it sound like it was nothing sexual and that it was only for penance. But we later find out that it is indeed sexual...and we find out about this after he marries Poppy.
The lack of communication on Archer's part, Poppy's pettiness (though I did revel in the pettiness at certain instances because I hate Archer lol), and Archer's refusal to even try to be honest drove me mad. Both Poppy and Archer were incredibly stupid, petty, and frankly, annoying. Despite my strong negative feelings, I was still engaged in the story because I'm a masochist who enjoys angst. However, I put my foot down when Archer cheats on Poppy 85% into the fucking book. I almost DNF the book right there and then, but persevered since I was so close to finishing it. I should have seen this coming since he kept getting aroused thinking about another woman whipping him even after he married Poppy. Ugh. Gross.
What's even more ludicrous is Poppy's reaction. She didn't even tell him how betrayed and hurt she was. All of this was so quickly resolved that all of the angst preceding it just felt like useless and meaningless filler. I guess Poppy only needed to see a woman whipping her fully aroused husband in order to save her marriage. Spare me, please. And that's where the comparison with Sherry Thomas ends. Because while Sherry Thomas isn't scared to show her characters at their worst and while she writes the most angsty romances ever, everything is worth it at the end because the HEA is meaningful. I can't say the same for The Duke I Tempted.
thank u, next
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2022
This debut romance by Scarlett Peckham is a wickedly addictive combination of a marriage of convenience plot and blisteringly hot sex. The Duke I Tempted is a brilliant, passionate story that's equal parts sexy and charming. I read it one sitting, and I definitely plan on reading it again. (To put it bluntly: I AM SHOOK.)
The Duke I Tempted begins pleasantly enough. Archer, a duke, has decided to renounce bachelorhood and beget an heir, so he directs his sister to host a massive ball on his estate so he can take his pick of eligible society ladies. Poppy, a botanist, is hired to decorate the ballroom with flowers and trees and suchlike. She instantly hits it off with Archer, and they become...friends. There are some misunderstandings, but they like each other and have fun together. Up until Archer accidentally gives Poppy some smoking hot oral sex in his study. Whoopsie!
Anyway, it's pretty much downhill from there (downhill as in "shit gets real GOOD"). There is a Marriage of Convenience, AKA my most favoritest trope ever, and boy does Peckham use that trope to perfection. Archer promises Poppy unlimited funding and all of his ducal power in order to realize her dream of opening a successful plant nursery. All he asks for in return is an heir. And under No Circumstances (None!) are they going to fall in love.
Hahahahahahahaha!
My favorite part in the marriage of convenience storyline is when the protagonists ardently promise that their marriage will be a business deal only, no pesky feelings allowed. It's so adorable and deluded. Silly children, that's not how this works.
Surprising to no one: Archer and Poppy's marriage begins splendidly. The sex is like...whew. *fans self* I have obviously read a great many sex scenes, but I can 10/10 attest that Scarlett Peckham's sex scenes, which are fraught without outrageous amounts of raw chemistry and charisma, are some of the best. Top notch sexytimes abound in The Duke I Tempted!
What's the hitch? What obstacle keeps Archer and Poppy from sailing off into the sunset immediately after saying "I Do"? A Dark Past and a Perverse Secret, of course. Archer has some bad skeletons in his closet, and also he enjoys sexual submission, as do many a manly business man with untold power at his fingertips. Obviously, Archer is entirely certain that Poppy would reject him if she knew what kind of person he truly is, but silly Archer, your wife thinks you're amazing and wonderful and she has recently discovered that she, too, is kinky. But, of course, that all needs to be sorted out, and it is—perfectly.
Every single aspect of The Duke I Tempted is a dream, but especially the characterization. The nuances and depth of Poppy and Archer's personalities, and they ways in which they interact, are flawlessly written. It is rare for me to read a couple where I fully understand both so well. At one point, during a particularly nasty fight, I could exactly empathize with both Poppy's side and Archer's side. That's genius. Even in the best of romances, there is usually a very clearly delineated "Wrong" party and a "Right" party. Yet in this book, everything is more complicated, and is shown in various shades of gray.
I also thought that Peckham perfectly brought out the humor and tenderness that can go hand-in-hand with a BDSM situation. While that aspect of the plot isn't really central to the book, it's there, and it's never once portrayed as a power struggle. Both characters, the whipper and the whippee, are empowered by the game, and it's made clear that in submitting to his wife, Archer does not lose his own agency or sense of self. It was so beautiful and so exquisitely done.
Clearly, I am a huuuuuge fan of this book. The Duke I Tempted is one of the most perfect books I've ever read. Every single scene was masterfully written, and infused with emotion. This book made me happy and swoony and it was just delightful from the first chapter to the epilogue. I loved every bit of it.
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The Duke I Tempted begins pleasantly enough. Archer, a duke, has decided to renounce bachelorhood and beget an heir, so he directs his sister to host a massive ball on his estate so he can take his pick of eligible society ladies. Poppy, a botanist, is hired to decorate the ballroom with flowers and trees and suchlike. She instantly hits it off with Archer, and they become...friends. There are some misunderstandings, but they like each other and have fun together. Up until Archer accidentally gives Poppy some smoking hot oral sex in his study. Whoopsie!
Anyway, it's pretty much downhill from there (downhill as in "shit gets real GOOD"). There is a Marriage of Convenience, AKA my most favoritest trope ever, and boy does Peckham use that trope to perfection. Archer promises Poppy unlimited funding and all of his ducal power in order to realize her dream of opening a successful plant nursery. All he asks for in return is an heir. And under No Circumstances (None!) are they going to fall in love.
Hahahahahahahaha!
My favorite part in the marriage of convenience storyline is when the protagonists ardently promise that their marriage will be a business deal only, no pesky feelings allowed. It's so adorable and deluded. Silly children, that's not how this works.
Surprising to no one: Archer and Poppy's marriage begins splendidly. The sex is like...whew. *fans self* I have obviously read a great many sex scenes, but I can 10/10 attest that Scarlett Peckham's sex scenes, which are fraught without outrageous amounts of raw chemistry and charisma, are some of the best. Top notch sexytimes abound in The Duke I Tempted!
What's the hitch? What obstacle keeps Archer and Poppy from sailing off into the sunset immediately after saying "I Do"? A Dark Past and a Perverse Secret, of course. Archer has some bad skeletons in his closet, and also he enjoys sexual submission, as do many a manly business man with untold power at his fingertips. Obviously, Archer is entirely certain that Poppy would reject him if she knew what kind of person he truly is, but silly Archer, your wife thinks you're amazing and wonderful and she has recently discovered that she, too, is kinky. But, of course, that all needs to be sorted out, and it is—perfectly.
Every single aspect of The Duke I Tempted is a dream, but especially the characterization. The nuances and depth of Poppy and Archer's personalities, and they ways in which they interact, are flawlessly written. It is rare for me to read a couple where I fully understand both so well. At one point, during a particularly nasty fight, I could exactly empathize with both Poppy's side and Archer's side. That's genius. Even in the best of romances, there is usually a very clearly delineated "Wrong" party and a "Right" party. Yet in this book, everything is more complicated, and is shown in various shades of gray.
I also thought that Peckham perfectly brought out the humor and tenderness that can go hand-in-hand with a BDSM situation. While that aspect of the plot isn't really central to the book, it's there, and it's never once portrayed as a power struggle. Both characters, the whipper and the whippee, are empowered by the game, and it's made clear that in submitting to his wife, Archer does not lose his own agency or sense of self. It was so beautiful and so exquisitely done.
Clearly, I am a huuuuuge fan of this book. The Duke I Tempted is one of the most perfect books I've ever read. Every single scene was masterfully written, and infused with emotion. This book made me happy and swoony and it was just delightful from the first chapter to the epilogue. I loved every bit of it.
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July 30, 2018
THE DUKE I TEMPTED by Scarlett Peckham is the First book in the Secrets of Charlotte Street series. This is the story of Poppy Cavendish and Archer, the Duke of Westmead.
Poppy is happy to be unmarried and working on her botanist designs and pursuits. When she goes to help set up a design for a ball she meets Archer. Archer feels the guilt of a painful lost that he hasn't forgiving himself for and likes to be a submissive in the BDSM scene. It helps him to cope with his inside pain. But it has now come to pass that he will need a wife and an heir. When Poppy's life choice is threaten and compromised they end up in a marriage of convenience.
Both start to fall in love but can Poppy deal with Archer's needs?
This does have a late scene in the book of Archer with another women but it wasn't really sex but them doing a 'scene'. I mention it because some people have a harsh definition of cheating.
Overall I enjoyed this book and the steamy scenes!
Poppy is happy to be unmarried and working on her botanist designs and pursuits. When she goes to help set up a design for a ball she meets Archer. Archer feels the guilt of a painful lost that he hasn't forgiving himself for and likes to be a submissive in the BDSM scene. It helps him to cope with his inside pain. But it has now come to pass that he will need a wife and an heir. When Poppy's life choice is threaten and compromised they end up in a marriage of convenience.
Both start to fall in love but can Poppy deal with Archer's needs?
This does have a late scene in the book of Archer with another women but it wasn't really sex but them doing a 'scene'. I mention it because some people have a harsh definition of cheating.
Overall I enjoyed this book and the steamy scenes!
August 6, 2018
The Duke of Westmead,who also goes by Archer, is in need of a wife. Aren't all dukes?? Archer doesn't want a wife, he doesn't even want a lover. He hasn't kissed or slept with a woman in thirteen years! (Are we perking up now?). After tragedy strikes all those years ago, Archer doesn't know how to handle his grief and turns to a woman who runs a very secretive business in her house - she whips, strikes, hits him and brings him the pain his mind and body need to focus and live his life. Archer visits this woman every so often as he craves the pain when the world gets too tough.
The girl left him, and he went through the ritual he had perfected over a decade’s attendance in these chambers. From the shelves along the wall, he scanned Elena’s wares. Leather straps, cat-o’-nine-tails, all manner of restraints. As always, he gathered the crisp rods of birch, kept pliant and green in a shallow tub of water, and an elegant braided whip with golden tails. He laid them neatly on a velvet cloth left for that purpose on a sideboard, and folded his clothes beside them. Nude but for his linen shirt, he knelt, facing the wall, to wait for her.
But now he needs an heir, and he knows he must marry. He meets Poppy Cavendish as his sister prepares for a big ball to find him a wife. Poppy has a passion for plants, trees specifically. Her uncle left her a cottage, and she has great plans for a large nursery - but money is a concern and moving all of her plants there is a concern. Archer's sister begs Poppy to decorate the ball room for the ball, but Poppy hesitates. She isn't really into decorating with flowers, but the amount of money and attention that could come out of this job would greatly help Poppy out. She decides to decorate it in a forest theme, and pulls it off. All the while, she meets and starts to spend time with Archer, who starts out cold and distant but there is definitely an attraction between them. The sexual tension is done really well...
A man with more talent for self-preservation would have removed himself from the vicinity of Poppy Cavendish immediately. He would have noted the sight of her on his sofa in front of his fire and the effect it was having on him and discovered a sudden urgent need to balance the estate accounts or rekindle his boyhood love for conjugating Latin.
He would not have moved a pile of books so he could look directly into her eyes as he said: “Cavendish, what I wanted was a very different type of kiss.”
He would not have leaned into her ear and whispered: “And if you don’t want to be embarrassed, I’ll spare you what I wanted when your thighs were wrapped around me on my horse.”
A man who did not want to drown would have gotten up the second she had whispered back: “And what do you want right now?”
He would not have answered: “This.” And put his mouth on hers with the force of all the hunger he had been fighting since the moment he first saved her from the blasted plumeria in her bloody greenhouse.
Archer realizes that he could marry Poppy in a business arrangement. He can provide her with all the funds to make however a grand nursery she wants, and she can provide him an heir - and they can just be on their merry way. It takes Poppy some time to agree to this, but the lure of a wealthy independence is too much to pass up. They are wed....and things get messy.
I love that things get messy - it's one of the reasons I love a marriage of convenience or a marriage in trouble story. The messiness after they are legally stuck together. Poppy and Archer are friends and respect each other at the start of their marriage. They even enjoy sex and Poppy finds she is quite passionate and assertive in the bedroom. But things don't stay this way. They don't communicate well - Archer doesn't open up about his tragic past or that he craves to be whipped. There are times that they both jump to the wrong conclusions and lash out.
Poppy can't decide if she wants to fall in love with him or leave him. She is terrified that she has such strong feelings for him, and the same thing happens to Archer. Instead of talking it out, they fight and hurt each other and try to find their way back to happiness but it's murky. I think this is the strongest part of the story. Their emotions are chaotic and run from passionate lovemaking to passionate fights - but love always finds a way and their journey is well done.
However, I do think this story started slow and dragged the first few chapters. I also think some events are rushed. The reason they marry seemed rushed. And when events play out with Archer's cravings at the sex house, that felt a little too easily resolved. We needed more pages towards the end for Poppy to truly understand Archer's desires and her role with that in the future.
I enjoyed this author's voice and look forward to another book.
Grade: B-
The girl left him, and he went through the ritual he had perfected over a decade’s attendance in these chambers. From the shelves along the wall, he scanned Elena’s wares. Leather straps, cat-o’-nine-tails, all manner of restraints. As always, he gathered the crisp rods of birch, kept pliant and green in a shallow tub of water, and an elegant braided whip with golden tails. He laid them neatly on a velvet cloth left for that purpose on a sideboard, and folded his clothes beside them. Nude but for his linen shirt, he knelt, facing the wall, to wait for her.
But now he needs an heir, and he knows he must marry. He meets Poppy Cavendish as his sister prepares for a big ball to find him a wife. Poppy has a passion for plants, trees specifically. Her uncle left her a cottage, and she has great plans for a large nursery - but money is a concern and moving all of her plants there is a concern. Archer's sister begs Poppy to decorate the ball room for the ball, but Poppy hesitates. She isn't really into decorating with flowers, but the amount of money and attention that could come out of this job would greatly help Poppy out. She decides to decorate it in a forest theme, and pulls it off. All the while, she meets and starts to spend time with Archer, who starts out cold and distant but there is definitely an attraction between them. The sexual tension is done really well...
A man with more talent for self-preservation would have removed himself from the vicinity of Poppy Cavendish immediately. He would have noted the sight of her on his sofa in front of his fire and the effect it was having on him and discovered a sudden urgent need to balance the estate accounts or rekindle his boyhood love for conjugating Latin.
He would not have moved a pile of books so he could look directly into her eyes as he said: “Cavendish, what I wanted was a very different type of kiss.”
He would not have leaned into her ear and whispered: “And if you don’t want to be embarrassed, I’ll spare you what I wanted when your thighs were wrapped around me on my horse.”
A man who did not want to drown would have gotten up the second she had whispered back: “And what do you want right now?”
He would not have answered: “This.” And put his mouth on hers with the force of all the hunger he had been fighting since the moment he first saved her from the blasted plumeria in her bloody greenhouse.
Archer realizes that he could marry Poppy in a business arrangement. He can provide her with all the funds to make however a grand nursery she wants, and she can provide him an heir - and they can just be on their merry way. It takes Poppy some time to agree to this, but the lure of a wealthy independence is too much to pass up. They are wed....and things get messy.
I love that things get messy - it's one of the reasons I love a marriage of convenience or a marriage in trouble story. The messiness after they are legally stuck together. Poppy and Archer are friends and respect each other at the start of their marriage. They even enjoy sex and Poppy finds she is quite passionate and assertive in the bedroom. But things don't stay this way. They don't communicate well - Archer doesn't open up about his tragic past or that he craves to be whipped. There are times that they both jump to the wrong conclusions and lash out.
Poppy can't decide if she wants to fall in love with him or leave him. She is terrified that she has such strong feelings for him, and the same thing happens to Archer. Instead of talking it out, they fight and hurt each other and try to find their way back to happiness but it's murky. I think this is the strongest part of the story. Their emotions are chaotic and run from passionate lovemaking to passionate fights - but love always finds a way and their journey is well done.
However, I do think this story started slow and dragged the first few chapters. I also think some events are rushed. The reason they marry seemed rushed. And when events play out with Archer's cravings at the sex house, that felt a little too easily resolved. We needed more pages towards the end for Poppy to truly understand Archer's desires and her role with that in the future.
I enjoyed this author's voice and look forward to another book.
Grade: B-
December 6, 2025
Edit: So, apparently I misread the year... The whole time I'm reading I thought it was set in the 1850's not 1750's. This would make this book not only too anachronistic but too wallpaper-y (none of the fashion or ambiance match the time. Not a single tricorn or brocade dress in sight. I mean, look at the dress in the cover...)
I want to start this review by saying the D/s descriptions and scenes in this book were hot AF. I've read very few submissive heroes and I struggle with them because when I read romance, part of my ideal hero is that he is strong enough to protect. Why? No idea. Never been hurt (physically or otherwise) and I live in a very safe country. So, submissive heroes seem to go against that. The key word being 'seem'. Archer is definitely capable of protecting, as he demonstrates several times.
"Then, why the low rating?" you might wonder.
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
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I want to start this review by saying the D/s descriptions and scenes in this book were hot AF. I've read very few submissive heroes and I struggle with them because when I read romance, part of my ideal hero is that he is strong enough to protect. Why? No idea. Never been hurt (physically or otherwise) and I live in a very safe country. So, submissive heroes seem to go against that. The key word being 'seem'. Archer is definitely capable of protecting, as he demonstrates several times.
"Then, why the low rating?" you might wonder.
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
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January 9, 2019
A very interesting and entertaining historical romance, featuring a woman fighting for her independence and horticultural passion, and a man who has had more than his fair share of suffering but is still devoted to meet his responsibilities.
The author really invests in these two characters, their dramatic experiences, and the ways in which each found some measure of solace in their lives. Before carrying on, a word of caution. If you prefer stories without sexy moments, or an element of BDSM, then stay away. Instead, I can recommend the books of Mimi Matthews. I’ve read a couple so far and loved her writing style, attention to historical details, and stories.
Back to the Duke and Poppy :O) The author gives us a romance that charms and makes you feel for these two. Yes, there are the usual tropes of misunderstanding, but Peckham nevertheless weaves together a satisfying story. Poppy’s fight is easy to understand to our eyes, and while Archer’s need of physical pain to deal with his emotional one might be a more difficult one, it is dealt in a very down to earth and positive way.
The second book features Constance, Archer’s sister, who was hilarious in this one. I’ll obviously be reading it soon :O)
The author really invests in these two characters, their dramatic experiences, and the ways in which each found some measure of solace in their lives. Before carrying on, a word of caution. If you prefer stories without sexy moments, or an element of BDSM, then stay away. Instead, I can recommend the books of Mimi Matthews. I’ve read a couple so far and loved her writing style, attention to historical details, and stories.
Back to the Duke and Poppy :O) The author gives us a romance that charms and makes you feel for these two. Yes, there are the usual tropes of misunderstanding, but Peckham nevertheless weaves together a satisfying story. Poppy’s fight is easy to understand to our eyes, and while Archer’s need of physical pain to deal with his emotional one might be a more difficult one, it is dealt in a very down to earth and positive way.
The second book features Constance, Archer’s sister, who was hilarious in this one. I’ll obviously be reading it soon :O)
August 1, 2018
I gave this BRILLIANT début an A at All About Romance. My full review is here: The Duke I Tempted.
As we all know, début novels are notoriously hit-or-miss, so I’m delighted to tell you The Duke I Tempted fits squarely in the ‘hit’ column. Deeply moving, tender, and romantic, this is the first novel in Scarlett Peckham’s Secrets of Charlotte Street series. Charlotte Street is home to an exclusive, secret club where – if they’re willing to sign a confession of membership, and can afford the exorbitant membership fees – the crème de la crème of English society can go to indulge their secret erotic desires and fantasies.
Poplar – Poppy – Cavendish is an ambitious, self-taught botanist, determined to prove herself as a businesswoman. Orphaned as a young girl and sent to live with her Uncle Charles at his Bantham Park estate, she’s painstakingly built up her exotic nursery business, soliciting specimens from the farthest corners of the world. When Charles dies, she expects to inherit his personal fortune. Only, there isn’t one. Instead, she’s inherited Greenwoods cottage, the only part of the estate not entailed. With a new heir scheduled to take possession of Bantham Park in two weeks, she needs to move her entire nursery to Greenwoods two miles away – but with little money to hire help, and most of the local labor otherwise engaged anyway, Poppy is quietly desperate but determined to persevere.
When Archer Stonewell, the Duke of Westmead, and his sister, Lady Constance, unexpectedly show up in Poppy’s greenhouse, she’s startled and annoyed by their unexpected visit. Lady Constance has been in Wiltshire overseeing the renovation of Westhaven, the family estate left empty following a devastating fire thirteen years ago, and she’s the reason no laborers are available for hire to help Poppy. She also has plans for a spectacular ball when the work is done, and Poppy has repeatedly refused her requests to take on a floral design commission for it. She politely, yet firmly, declines again – explaining she’s already otherwise engaged, and that hers is a nursery, and not a floral society. Westhaven, a successful businessman and investor, listens to the exchange, and then smugly suggests a wise businesswoman would negotiate a solution to the impasse. His condescension irks her, but by the end of the visit, Poppy has a steward and workers to transport the nursery, and the promise of enough money to fund her business for the foreseeable future, in exchange for her design services.
As preparations for the ball get underway, Poppy and Archer (as he insists she call him) fight their mutual attraction (a losing battle). For Poppy, the feelings of longing and desire are new – and frustrating. Inadvertently finding a worn book of illicit illustrations hidden amongst the pages of a botany book in Archer’s study, she can’t help peeking inside. The book is scandalous, and Poppy is aroused – especially by the images depicting a man submitting to his (female) partner – and can’t help imagining herself and Archer in the same poses. Archer’s imagination is conjuring up its own erotic pictures… whenever he lets his guard down. Try as he might, he can’t seem to control his reactions to Poppy, but he simply can’t allow his admiration for her deter him from his purpose – finding a wife and begetting an heir. His marriage will be a business transaction only – he doesn’t want any emotional attachments.
Poppy and Archer have a VERY hard time keeping their hands off each other, and ultimately, their erotic interludes leave Poppy confused and hurt. Archer is passionate and open… until he retreats and turns into a remote and detached stranger. Shortly before he plans to return to London, they reconcile and part as friends, but when rumors surface that insinuate there’s more to their relationship than just business, Poppy faces ruin, and as Archer needs a wife and heir, he proposes they marry. Poppy declines initially, but when Archer makes it plain that their marriage will be a business arrangement, she changes her mind and – against her better judgement – accepts.
The Duke I Tempted is a bit tricky to review because I don’t want to tell you about the tragedy in Archer’s past, and how it – and his guilt over it – completely informs how he relates to Poppy and explains why he is the way he is. He ruthlessly represses all emotion in business and in his personal life, and when he can’t, he visits Charlotte Street. There, on his knees submitting, he’s able to channel all those wayward emotions and feelings and focus instead on the pain – emerging cleansed, whole… and in control.
Archer delivers on all his professional promises, and Poppy’s nursery business flourishes. But along the way, Poppy has fallen in love with her husband and despairs of their joyless union. It’s clear he wants and desires her, but she can’t understand why he insists on keeping her at a distance other than when they’re in bed. She suspects there are things he isn’t telling her, but he steadfastly refuses all of her attempts at emotional connection. Poppy has suspicions about the secret he’s keeping, and implores him to trust her with the truth, but Archer fears losing her if he confesses his secret desires.
I love a steamy historical, and I very much enjoyed the BDSM elements here, but...
The rest of my review of The Duke I Tempted is here: All About Romance
As we all know, début novels are notoriously hit-or-miss, so I’m delighted to tell you The Duke I Tempted fits squarely in the ‘hit’ column. Deeply moving, tender, and romantic, this is the first novel in Scarlett Peckham’s Secrets of Charlotte Street series. Charlotte Street is home to an exclusive, secret club where – if they’re willing to sign a confession of membership, and can afford the exorbitant membership fees – the crème de la crème of English society can go to indulge their secret erotic desires and fantasies.
Poplar – Poppy – Cavendish is an ambitious, self-taught botanist, determined to prove herself as a businesswoman. Orphaned as a young girl and sent to live with her Uncle Charles at his Bantham Park estate, she’s painstakingly built up her exotic nursery business, soliciting specimens from the farthest corners of the world. When Charles dies, she expects to inherit his personal fortune. Only, there isn’t one. Instead, she’s inherited Greenwoods cottage, the only part of the estate not entailed. With a new heir scheduled to take possession of Bantham Park in two weeks, she needs to move her entire nursery to Greenwoods two miles away – but with little money to hire help, and most of the local labor otherwise engaged anyway, Poppy is quietly desperate but determined to persevere.
When Archer Stonewell, the Duke of Westmead, and his sister, Lady Constance, unexpectedly show up in Poppy’s greenhouse, she’s startled and annoyed by their unexpected visit. Lady Constance has been in Wiltshire overseeing the renovation of Westhaven, the family estate left empty following a devastating fire thirteen years ago, and she’s the reason no laborers are available for hire to help Poppy. She also has plans for a spectacular ball when the work is done, and Poppy has repeatedly refused her requests to take on a floral design commission for it. She politely, yet firmly, declines again – explaining she’s already otherwise engaged, and that hers is a nursery, and not a floral society. Westhaven, a successful businessman and investor, listens to the exchange, and then smugly suggests a wise businesswoman would negotiate a solution to the impasse. His condescension irks her, but by the end of the visit, Poppy has a steward and workers to transport the nursery, and the promise of enough money to fund her business for the foreseeable future, in exchange for her design services.
As preparations for the ball get underway, Poppy and Archer (as he insists she call him) fight their mutual attraction (a losing battle). For Poppy, the feelings of longing and desire are new – and frustrating. Inadvertently finding a worn book of illicit illustrations hidden amongst the pages of a botany book in Archer’s study, she can’t help peeking inside. The book is scandalous, and Poppy is aroused – especially by the images depicting a man submitting to his (female) partner – and can’t help imagining herself and Archer in the same poses. Archer’s imagination is conjuring up its own erotic pictures… whenever he lets his guard down. Try as he might, he can’t seem to control his reactions to Poppy, but he simply can’t allow his admiration for her deter him from his purpose – finding a wife and begetting an heir. His marriage will be a business transaction only – he doesn’t want any emotional attachments.
Poppy and Archer have a VERY hard time keeping their hands off each other, and ultimately, their erotic interludes leave Poppy confused and hurt. Archer is passionate and open… until he retreats and turns into a remote and detached stranger. Shortly before he plans to return to London, they reconcile and part as friends, but when rumors surface that insinuate there’s more to their relationship than just business, Poppy faces ruin, and as Archer needs a wife and heir, he proposes they marry. Poppy declines initially, but when Archer makes it plain that their marriage will be a business arrangement, she changes her mind and – against her better judgement – accepts.
The Duke I Tempted is a bit tricky to review because I don’t want to tell you about the tragedy in Archer’s past, and how it – and his guilt over it – completely informs how he relates to Poppy and explains why he is the way he is. He ruthlessly represses all emotion in business and in his personal life, and when he can’t, he visits Charlotte Street. There, on his knees submitting, he’s able to channel all those wayward emotions and feelings and focus instead on the pain – emerging cleansed, whole… and in control.
The more he shaped himself into a man who would not fail again, the more vital the release became. He no longer craved the pain itself so much as the abandonment, the feeling of her power over him, the floor beneath his fingers. What had begun as penance had become a sacrament. He was grateful for it. It had saved him. It had taught him who he was.Poppy, who knows nothing about Charlotte Street or her husband’s submissive desires, is bewildered by their ‘business arrangement.’ Archer is eager to consummate the marriage and quick to introduce her to the joy and exhilaration of sex. The first twenty-four – idyllic – hours of their marriage are mostly spent naked, in each other’s arms, but when Poppy expresses curiosity about the scars on Archer’s back (some still healing), he shuts down and castigates her for wanting more from him than they agreed he would give.
He did not wish to imagine what his country nurserywoman, with her scent of grass and dewy skin and twenty-five years of self-discipline and moral rectitude would make of a man who sometimes longed to tremble on his knees. What was solace to him was to the greater world perversion.Hurt and proud, Poppy gives as good as she gets – sex for the purpose of procreation and nothing else.
Archer delivers on all his professional promises, and Poppy’s nursery business flourishes. But along the way, Poppy has fallen in love with her husband and despairs of their joyless union. It’s clear he wants and desires her, but she can’t understand why he insists on keeping her at a distance other than when they’re in bed. She suspects there are things he isn’t telling her, but he steadfastly refuses all of her attempts at emotional connection. Poppy has suspicions about the secret he’s keeping, and implores him to trust her with the truth, but Archer fears losing her if he confesses his secret desires.
I love a steamy historical, and I very much enjoyed the BDSM elements here, but...
The rest of my review of The Duke I Tempted is here: All About Romance
August 29, 2020
Actual Rating: 3.5
While the relationship in this book was definitely more fraught and angsty than I typically prefer, I still rather enjoyed it. The Duke I Tempted is a historical romance with a marriage of convenience, an independent spinster heroine, and a duke hiding a secret proclivity for being dominated in an underground club. I will say, the description makes it seem like the BDSM elements would be more prevalent, but there's really not much of it until near the very end of the book in terms of on-page activity. Rather, the narrative explores the role it has played in how the hero manages a high-pressure life and the grief of losing his wife and son. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it wasn't quite what I was expecting. This should definitively be classified as a romance rather than erotica as the center of the story is the development and growth of a romantic relationship between two broken people who eventually find healing, safety, and love.
This book takes a sex-positive approach to handling less conventional practices, striking a balance between exploring how they can sometimes be tools for dealing with trauma, as well as a part of individual enjoyment. While BDSM isn't a subgenre I'm well-versed in, this seems to be nuanced in its approach with an emphasis on mutual consent and enjoyment, at least by the end of the book. I also like the fact that it places the heroine as the dominant partner, especially in a historical novel where women already have such a lack of power. I'm always uncomfortable with unequal power balances and this sort of practice has the potential to further tip the scales, though others may feel differently. I would read more from this author in the future.
Note: as far as the "cheating" mentioned in reviews, individual readers will have to decide if it's a dealbreaker for them. It doesn't involve actual sex but being dominated by a mistress at a club. For me it was adequately resolved in the plot, especially since the marriage was never made with promises of fidelity in the first place. Other readers may feel differently, but for me it was part of the journey toward eventual trust in the relationship.
While the relationship in this book was definitely more fraught and angsty than I typically prefer, I still rather enjoyed it. The Duke I Tempted is a historical romance with a marriage of convenience, an independent spinster heroine, and a duke hiding a secret proclivity for being dominated in an underground club. I will say, the description makes it seem like the BDSM elements would be more prevalent, but there's really not much of it until near the very end of the book in terms of on-page activity. Rather, the narrative explores the role it has played in how the hero manages a high-pressure life and the grief of losing his wife and son. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it wasn't quite what I was expecting. This should definitively be classified as a romance rather than erotica as the center of the story is the development and growth of a romantic relationship between two broken people who eventually find healing, safety, and love.
This book takes a sex-positive approach to handling less conventional practices, striking a balance between exploring how they can sometimes be tools for dealing with trauma, as well as a part of individual enjoyment. While BDSM isn't a subgenre I'm well-versed in, this seems to be nuanced in its approach with an emphasis on mutual consent and enjoyment, at least by the end of the book. I also like the fact that it places the heroine as the dominant partner, especially in a historical novel where women already have such a lack of power. I'm always uncomfortable with unequal power balances and this sort of practice has the potential to further tip the scales, though others may feel differently. I would read more from this author in the future.
Note: as far as the "cheating" mentioned in reviews, individual readers will have to decide if it's a dealbreaker for them. It doesn't involve actual sex but being dominated by a mistress at a club. For me it was adequately resolved in the plot, especially since the marriage was never made with promises of fidelity in the first place. Other readers may feel differently, but for me it was part of the journey toward eventual trust in the relationship.
September 18, 2022
3 Stars
- My first by this author.
- It was written well. Interesting premise.
- There was a sensitivity to this book, an almost delicate one.
- It needed more character depth.
- The final third was confusing and utterly chaotic.
- I understood Archer, I struggled with Poppy, and finding romance was cumbersome.
- It had the basics in place, just needed more clarity and finesse.
- My first by this author.
- It was written well. Interesting premise.
- There was a sensitivity to this book, an almost delicate one.
- It needed more character depth.
- The final third was confusing and utterly chaotic.
- I understood Archer, I struggled with Poppy, and finding romance was cumbersome.
- It had the basics in place, just needed more clarity and finesse.
July 6, 2020
Putting into exact words how I feel about this book is not nearly as easy as I thought it would be considering I loved every bit of it.
Peckham's writing is so lush and clever, with such witty dialogue that leaves you smiling and artful descriptions of emotions and what it means to feel them; you will have no other choice but to fall desperately in love with the story. This book is about love of course but there are also intimate discussions of what it means to lose people you love. It's a poignant exploration of grief and loneliness and what we as people use to heal, may it be unconventional or not.
I loved the portrayal of BDSM in this because it was informed and healthy. It delved into the intricacies of kink beautifully and without shame. The Duke of Westmead, a stoic, unflappable giant of a man with a knack for numbers and order has a sordid secret he can't afford to reveal if he's looking to restore the family name. He has no plans for love even though he's on the hunt for a Duchess. Enter Poppy Cavendish, a spinster botanist with dirt under her nails and taste for freedom. Marriage is the last thing on her mind but after she's involved in a scandal with the Duke, she finds herself in a convenient contract which will aid all her problems and lead her straight to her dreams. That is, if only she wasn't in danger of falling desperately in love in the process.
If you're a fan of angst-riddled dukes with a boatload of secrets, high heat romances, and brilliant heroines who know their worth: this one is for you!
Peckham's writing is so lush and clever, with such witty dialogue that leaves you smiling and artful descriptions of emotions and what it means to feel them; you will have no other choice but to fall desperately in love with the story. This book is about love of course but there are also intimate discussions of what it means to lose people you love. It's a poignant exploration of grief and loneliness and what we as people use to heal, may it be unconventional or not.
I loved the portrayal of BDSM in this because it was informed and healthy. It delved into the intricacies of kink beautifully and without shame. The Duke of Westmead, a stoic, unflappable giant of a man with a knack for numbers and order has a sordid secret he can't afford to reveal if he's looking to restore the family name. He has no plans for love even though he's on the hunt for a Duchess. Enter Poppy Cavendish, a spinster botanist with dirt under her nails and taste for freedom. Marriage is the last thing on her mind but after she's involved in a scandal with the Duke, she finds herself in a convenient contract which will aid all her problems and lead her straight to her dreams. That is, if only she wasn't in danger of falling desperately in love in the process.
If you're a fan of angst-riddled dukes with a boatload of secrets, high heat romances, and brilliant heroines who know their worth: this one is for you!
December 17, 2018
3.5 stars
March 17, 2019
CW: grief, death of spouse and child
If you're into Gothic angst-fests, this is the historical romance for you! I've been anticipating reading this since before it came out and honestly I'm pretty proud it only took me 8 months to get around to actually reading it. Sometimes I do that with anticipated reads, like I'm worried they won't live up to my expectations so I just keep holding off. Bless my heart in this case because Scarlett Peckham rose to the occasion and then some with her debut.
Poppy is a gardener and Archer is the Duke of Westmead and normally the twain shall never meet. But Archer's sister is planning the gala to end all galas and wants Poppy to create an indoor garden so she'll make the biggest splash. Archer has two major secrets: first, he's into being whipped by a Domme in a secret club that he backs and two, his wife and son died in a fire in the most tragic circumstances many years ago. He's perfected a mask of indifference because he never wants to fall in love. But he does need an heir, which means he needs a wife and so he's basically going to pick a tolerable woman for a marriage of convenience. And that sounds like it could be the premise right there...but it's not!
Poppy is unlike anyone Archer has ever known and he's helplessly drawn to her, as well as she to him. But she has dreams. She wants to launch a seed subscription program and grow her nursery and become the best gardener she can be, no matter how much she's limited as a woman. She's so honest about the ways society impedes women's progress, as well as the way they are at the mercy of men, and indeed she has to navigate some very tricky situations. But her determination and pluck really won me over. She's not interested in marriage, not to that awful Tom who keeps pestering her and she'd never dream of Archer asking her.
When Poppy is compromised by a rumor in a newspaper, Archer sets aside his ideas of who he should marry and realizes he could have it all in Poppy. The angst between those two was either going to kill me or feed my soul for years! They both wanted each other, even more so once they got married, but they felt they couldn't be honest about their feelings and this is really Archer's fault. He said he wanted basically a cold marriage, aside from the heir begetting, but then he wanted to have his cake and eat it too. And gah! This hurt my heart so much, as Poppy was trying to figure out what to do and how to protect herself in the process. I do wish Archer had had to grovel more but that's probably a personal preference.
So there's that part but there's also Archer's secret kink and I really liked how this factored into the story and how it was part of Poppy's own awakening. Realizing she wanted to learn how to be that for Archer. It was really sweet (and hot) to see them navigate this element of their relationship and I only wish there'd been more of it.
Great writing, great characters, and a truly great Gothic feel. I'll be reading book two very soon!
CW: grief, death of spouse and child,
If you're into Gothic angst-fests, this is the historical romance for you! I've been anticipating reading this since before it came out and honestly I'm pretty proud it only took me 8 months to get around to actually reading it. Sometimes I do that with anticipated reads, like I'm worried they won't live up to my expectations so I just keep holding off. Bless my heart in this case because Scarlett Peckham rose to the occasion and then some with her debut.
Poppy is a gardener and Archer is the Duke of Westmead and normally the twain shall never meet. But Archer's sister is planning the gala to end all galas and wants Poppy to create an indoor garden so she'll make the biggest splash. Archer has two major secrets: first, he's into being whipped by a Domme in a secret club that he backs and two, his wife and son died in a fire in the most tragic circumstances many years ago. He's perfected a mask of indifference because he never wants to fall in love. But he does need an heir, which means he needs a wife and so he's basically going to pick a tolerable woman for a marriage of convenience. And that sounds like it could be the premise right there...but it's not!
Poppy is unlike anyone Archer has ever known and he's helplessly drawn to her, as well as she to him. But she has dreams. She wants to launch a seed subscription program and grow her nursery and become the best gardener she can be, no matter how much she's limited as a woman. She's so honest about the ways society impedes women's progress, as well as the way they are at the mercy of men, and indeed she has to navigate some very tricky situations. But her determination and pluck really won me over. She's not interested in marriage, not to that awful Tom who keeps pestering her and she'd never dream of Archer asking her.
When Poppy is compromised by a rumor in a newspaper, Archer sets aside his ideas of who he should marry and realizes he could have it all in Poppy. The angst between those two was either going to kill me or feed my soul for years! They both wanted each other, even more so once they got married, but they felt they couldn't be honest about their feelings and this is really Archer's fault. He said he wanted basically a cold marriage, aside from the heir begetting, but then he wanted to have his cake and eat it too. And gah! This hurt my heart so much, as Poppy was trying to figure out what to do and how to protect herself in the process. I do wish Archer had had to grovel more but that's probably a personal preference.
So there's that part but there's also Archer's secret kink and I really liked how this factored into the story and how it was part of Poppy's own awakening. Realizing she wanted to learn how to be that for Archer. It was really sweet (and hot) to see them navigate this element of their relationship and I only wish there'd been more of it.
Great writing, great characters, and a truly great Gothic feel. I'll be reading book two very soon!
CW: grief, death of spouse and child,
July 15, 2020
“She was tired of needing permission, dispensation, kindness. She intended to be the mistress of her own fate. And there was one thing she knew with absolute certainty from observing the ways of the world: one did not get that kind of power by marrying it.”
Poppy Cavendish and the Duke of Westmead wouldn’t have met under normal circumstances but when he’s looking for a wife to secure his line and she’s desperate for someone to help support her love of botany financially they strike up a deal (with the help of Westmead’s love of gossip and matchmaking sister). What they never expected was the chemistry between them though that they both try to fight.
This was my first book by Ms. Peckham and it was one of those instances where everything clicked for me. I loved Poppy, our heroine from the start. She’s independent, smart and is willing to sacrifice a lot for a career that most women of that time wouldn’t be allowed to have. She’s not giving up what she loves though and that’s where The Duke of Westmead comes in. Archer, our hero is not an easy man to get to know. He’s closed off and cold. So of course I was intrigued by him, I mean who doesn’t love a brooding hero? The chemistry between these two is felt right from the start though. Not insta-love thankfully but a genuine like of each other that they were both surprised by. This book isn’t a typical boy meets girl story though and has some dark themes that could be disturbing for some and also quite sad. BDSM is touched on but not the main focus of the story but if that isn’t your thing than pass on this. Having said that, I ended up devouring ‘The Duke I Tempted’ and was sad to say goodbye to Poppy and Archer. 4.5 Stars!
Poppy Cavendish and the Duke of Westmead wouldn’t have met under normal circumstances but when he’s looking for a wife to secure his line and she’s desperate for someone to help support her love of botany financially they strike up a deal (with the help of Westmead’s love of gossip and matchmaking sister). What they never expected was the chemistry between them though that they both try to fight.
This was my first book by Ms. Peckham and it was one of those instances where everything clicked for me. I loved Poppy, our heroine from the start. She’s independent, smart and is willing to sacrifice a lot for a career that most women of that time wouldn’t be allowed to have. She’s not giving up what she loves though and that’s where The Duke of Westmead comes in. Archer, our hero is not an easy man to get to know. He’s closed off and cold. So of course I was intrigued by him, I mean who doesn’t love a brooding hero? The chemistry between these two is felt right from the start though. Not insta-love thankfully but a genuine like of each other that they were both surprised by. This book isn’t a typical boy meets girl story though and has some dark themes that could be disturbing for some and also quite sad. BDSM is touched on but not the main focus of the story but if that isn’t your thing than pass on this. Having said that, I ended up devouring ‘The Duke I Tempted’ and was sad to say goodbye to Poppy and Archer. 4.5 Stars!
December 27, 2018
I'm not usually a reader of regency fiction, but maybe I just needed to have more sexytimes incorporated into the story to make it interesting, because I enjoyed this very much. Many of my SFF reading friends on Goodreads also read a fair bit of romance, so I have been picking up a few titles that they have been talking about. I thought this one was pretty steamy, although because I haven't read a large number of adult romance titles I can't really say where it falls in terms of what is average for the genre. However, my friend Lindsay indicates that the BDSM elements were a bit of an unusual twist for this setting.
I liked the two main characters, but especially Poppy, who was strong and independent, and so very likeable to me. The writing was good and I liked the way the story unfolded. Probably my only complaint would be that the book didn't end quite as smoothly as I would have liked, but particularly given that this is the author's first novel, I thought overall it was very good.
The second book in this series, The Earl I Ruined, features one of the supporting characters from this book whom I was quite taken with. Given that and how much fun I had reading this, I hope to pick it up soon.
I liked the two main characters, but especially Poppy, who was strong and independent, and so very likeable to me. The writing was good and I liked the way the story unfolded. Probably my only complaint would be that the book didn't end quite as smoothly as I would have liked, but particularly given that this is the author's first novel, I thought overall it was very good.
The second book in this series, The Earl I Ruined, features one of the supporting characters from this book whom I was quite taken with. Given that and how much fun I had reading this, I hope to pick it up soon.
October 17, 2018
“I’m not looking for romance. I’m looking for a wife.”
This book has completely stolen my heart. It’s rare for a debut novel to leave this kind of impression on me, but Scarlett Peckham’s voice is truly exquisite—polished, incisive, yet tenderly rich in emotions—and I fell in love with her radiant prose within a matter of pages. She hits all the classic historical romance buttons—the Duke in need of a wife, the indomitable heroine set on preserving her independence, a marriage of convenience that grows into something more—but injects the story with a variety of human emotions which turn it into something rare and breathtaking. It’s the kind of romance that sweeps you off your feet and holds you hostage until the end, and then makes you wish the author had a backlist a mile long.
Continue reading this review...
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November 17, 2018
This was...frustrating.
I bought this because you don't read a lot of romance of with male submissives, let alone in historicals. I was also interested in the heroine being a botanist, and I am generally always interested in marriage of convenience turned more.
The submissive thing was fine. The botanist thing was great. The marriage of convenience was TERRIBLE.
I'm willing to accept a bumpy road to the hero and heroine finding happiness when one of them wants the marriage because he thinks he doesn't deserve happiness and when the heroine doesn't want to marry at all because it means signing over her legal existence. What I can't accept is the total lack of communication, culminating in the heroine running into an almost burning building to rescue her papers, despite knowing the hero lost his first wife and child to fire. Them learning to negotiate the hero's needs in bed doesn't even happen until the last 10% of the book and that was the best part!!!
I don't know if I will read more in this series. It certainly wasn't the start I would have hoped for with a new to me author that I actually bought. That reminds me why you always get those books from the library first.
I bought this because you don't read a lot of romance of with male submissives, let alone in historicals. I was also interested in the heroine being a botanist, and I am generally always interested in marriage of convenience turned more.
The submissive thing was fine. The botanist thing was great. The marriage of convenience was TERRIBLE.
I'm willing to accept a bumpy road to the hero and heroine finding happiness when one of them wants the marriage because he thinks he doesn't deserve happiness and when the heroine doesn't want to marry at all because it means signing over her legal existence. What I can't accept is the total lack of communication, culminating in the heroine running into an almost burning building to rescue her papers, despite knowing the hero lost his first wife and child to fire. Them learning to negotiate the hero's needs in bed doesn't even happen until the last 10% of the book and that was the best part!!!
I don't know if I will read more in this series. It certainly wasn't the start I would have hoped for with a new to me author that I actually bought. That reminds me why you always get those books from the library first.
June 21, 2020
I struggled to put this down. There are hundreds of books about the uptight duke - I liked that this one took it further. Plenty of edge to keep me interested. Well-rounded characters. At times I was completely lost in the book - unaware that I was reading.
It lost a star Bc it didn’t feel even remotely era-appropriate.
It lost a star Bc it didn’t feel even remotely era-appropriate.
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