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Ravishing Regencies #2
Drenched with a Duke
A woman fished out of the ocean, and a man looking to ruin his reputation - and neither is expecting to find answers with each other...
Alexander, the Duke of Caershire, wasn't expecting to drag a half-drowned woman from the Thames, but there seems little to do but help the bedraggled woman home.
Teresa Metcalfe, courtesan to the rich and famous, knows a fool when she sees one, but her instincts to rob him melt away as she discovers just why he was walking the docks that night.
As the night continues and time forces honesty from their lips, will Alexander relinquish the reputation that he has worked so hard to maintain? Will being drenched with a duke give Teresa a man not just for a night, but for a lifetime?
This is a steamy Regency romance with a happily ever after, no cliffhangers, and part of a series that can be read in any order.
Alexander, the Duke of Caershire, wasn't expecting to drag a half-drowned woman from the Thames, but there seems little to do but help the bedraggled woman home.
Teresa Metcalfe, courtesan to the rich and famous, knows a fool when she sees one, but her instincts to rob him melt away as she discovers just why he was walking the docks that night.
As the night continues and time forces honesty from their lips, will Alexander relinquish the reputation that he has worked so hard to maintain? Will being drenched with a duke give Teresa a man not just for a night, but for a lifetime?
This is a steamy Regency romance with a happily ever after, no cliffhangers, and part of a series that can be read in any order.
168 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 9, 2018
193 people are currently reading
110 people want to read
About the author
Emily E.K. Murdoch
177 books278 followersEmily E.K. Murdoch is also known as Emily Murdoch.
Emily Murdoch is a medieval historian and writer. Throughout her career so far she has examined a codex and transcribed medieval sermons at the Bodleian Library in Oxford, designed part of an exhibition for the Yorkshire Museum, worked as a researcher for a BBC documentary presented by Ian Hislop, and worked at Polesden Lacey with the National Trust. She has a degree in History and English, and a Masters in Medieval Studies, both from the University of York. Emily is currently working on a new four part Regency novella series, two of which are now published.
You can follow her on twitter and instagram @emilyekmurdoch, find her on facebook at www.facebook.com/theemilyekmurdoch, and read her blog at www.emilyekmurdoch.com
Emily Murdoch is a medieval historian and writer. Throughout her career so far she has examined a codex and transcribed medieval sermons at the Bodleian Library in Oxford, designed part of an exhibition for the Yorkshire Museum, worked as a researcher for a BBC documentary presented by Ian Hislop, and worked at Polesden Lacey with the National Trust. She has a degree in History and English, and a Masters in Medieval Studies, both from the University of York. Emily is currently working on a new four part Regency novella series, two of which are now published.
You can follow her on twitter and instagram @emilyekmurdoch, find her on facebook at www.facebook.com/theemilyekmurdoch, and read her blog at www.emilyekmurdoch.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
February 4, 2024
Rejected by a young society lady at a ball, Alexander, Duke of Caershire, walks along the Thames in frustration. A cry for help leads him to rescue a young woman from drowning.Teresa Metcalf is a courtesan. Not by choice, but in desperation to help her family. A gentle duke who sacrificed his own reputation for family, discovers he is free to love any lady he chooses.
Very sweet with steam.
Very sweet with steam.
September 3, 2018
When I saw the title, I wondered what would happen in this delightful novella by an author I so enjoy. The title lived up to its name when we find Teresa, a London courtesan being thrown in the Thames and struggling not to drown. Alexander, Duke of Caershire sees her and pulls her out of the water. This was such a fated meeting for them both. Alexander has been rejected by society and weighted down by his past. Teresa has been working to earn money for her family but it all weighs her down. As the two spend a night together, can they heal each other and look to the future?
An enjoyable story that will have you smiling at the end and knowing love can conquer all!!
An enjoyable story that will have you smiling at the end and knowing love can conquer all!!
August 27, 2019
This is an OK Regency romance, but I didn't really believe the couple was in love. They were definitely in lust, but their instalove was just too unlikely and unbelievable.
I liked the couple well enough, but his behavior didn't fit the time. No gentleman would have been alone on the London docks at night, because he would have almost certainly been robbed or even murdered. I also thought it was a bit unbelievable that he was a virgin, because very few men of that time period were -- the men were expected to be sexually experienced, while the women were expected to be innocent.
I did get a little irritated at Alexander a few times, with his determination to feel sorry for himself. He also thought that Teresa was "beneath" him and deserved condemnation for being a courtesan -- yet he still wanted to have sex with her. That is a very chauvinistic attitude, but I get that it was typical of the time period. When he finally does understand her reasons for her work, he gets better, but he is just too judgmental for my taste at first.
I also thought it was very unlikely that Alexander would have wanted to marry Teresa, or that his family would have accepted her, because dukes just did NOT marry courtesans. If they did, their families often disowned them, and they were completely rejected by society.
***** Minor Spoiler Follows *****
There was one obvious error in the story. When Alexander leaves Teresa, he leaves money for her, but there is no mention of him leaving a note. His friend even tells him he was an idiot for leaving money, since Teresa would see it as payment for the sex. Later, though, Alexander swears he did nothing wrong, since he did leave a note explaining that the money was for her family. The note should have been mentioned when he first left, not added later just to make him look innocent of "paying" for her services.
My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
I liked the couple well enough, but his behavior didn't fit the time. No gentleman would have been alone on the London docks at night, because he would have almost certainly been robbed or even murdered. I also thought it was a bit unbelievable that he was a virgin, because very few men of that time period were -- the men were expected to be sexually experienced, while the women were expected to be innocent.
I did get a little irritated at Alexander a few times, with his determination to feel sorry for himself. He also thought that Teresa was "beneath" him and deserved condemnation for being a courtesan -- yet he still wanted to have sex with her. That is a very chauvinistic attitude, but I get that it was typical of the time period. When he finally does understand her reasons for her work, he gets better, but he is just too judgmental for my taste at first.
I also thought it was very unlikely that Alexander would have wanted to marry Teresa, or that his family would have accepted her, because dukes just did NOT marry courtesans. If they did, their families often disowned them, and they were completely rejected by society.
***** Minor Spoiler Follows *****
There was one obvious error in the story. When Alexander leaves Teresa, he leaves money for her, but there is no mention of him leaving a note. His friend even tells him he was an idiot for leaving money, since Teresa would see it as payment for the sex. Later, though, Alexander swears he did nothing wrong, since he did leave a note explaining that the money was for her family. The note should have been mentioned when he first left, not added later just to make him look innocent of "paying" for her services.
My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
September 19, 2018
A brilliant romance that washed me away to the Regency period!
The eloquent words flowed off the page and deeply immersed me in a romantic tale of a lonely nobleman rescuing a beautiful courtesan from being murdered after she was pushed into the river by a scoundrel. The pair spend a lot of time talking and connecting. The dialogue was superb. I quickly loved both characters. I absolutely adore this book, and I am definitely read the next one in the series. I highly recommend this novella to all Regency romance fans.
The wonderfully sensual love scenes were extremely well written and intimate; the author has quite a talent for that.
The only part of the novella that did not seem believable was that after the pair got dunked in the river, neither one mentioned the awful smell of the water when, in reality, the Thames was very polluted at the time. Neither one of them took a bath; they just dried off. Yuck!
I received a free advanced reading copy, and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.
The eloquent words flowed off the page and deeply immersed me in a romantic tale of a lonely nobleman rescuing a beautiful courtesan from being murdered after she was pushed into the river by a scoundrel. The pair spend a lot of time talking and connecting. The dialogue was superb. I quickly loved both characters. I absolutely adore this book, and I am definitely read the next one in the series. I highly recommend this novella to all Regency romance fans.
The wonderfully sensual love scenes were extremely well written and intimate; the author has quite a talent for that.
The only part of the novella that did not seem believable was that after the pair got dunked in the river, neither one mentioned the awful smell of the water when, in reality, the Thames was very polluted at the time. Neither one of them took a bath; they just dried off. Yuck!
I received a free advanced reading copy, and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.
July 17, 2018
In this very different Regency romance, Alexander Caershire discovers that making sacrifices for his family comes with a price. He is furious at society's rejection of him, but in that catalytic moment, he finds so much more worth living for. When a young woman is pushed into the Thames River, Alexander is close enough to rescue her, and once again has to question the value of his reputation. Although this story takes place across the great divide, love cannot be denied and when Alexander realises that he doesn't have anything to lose, he experiences the kind of relief that only a person living under a cloud can feel. Whether he can persuade Teresa that she can be part of his future is another question altogether. The story is generally well written and although it does not follow the pattern of other books by the author, it is nevertheless enjoyable. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
February 2, 2019
The heroine had such a personality change it seemed, or maybe she was just snarky in the beginning as her coping mechanism. Ok like I try to believe it, and the romantic side of me accepts it like sometimes if two ppl are really soul mates, then it makes sense that they would fall in love with each other really quickly, but it's hard for the more realistic side of me to believe that they fell in love in just a night. Yes, sure they shared some personal stories and secrets, but idk...
And I didn't like how the author made the heroine seem dumb. Her purpose was probably just to show him as ignorant of courtesans and how the ton really lived, but he just came across as not so intelligent. Like I'm pretty sure that was basic knowledge, especially for men. And it was weird for him to be so shocked that the fact that many lords weren't faithful to their spouses and instead took mistresses and visited courtesans.
And I didn't like how the author made the heroine seem dumb. Her purpose was probably just to show him as ignorant of courtesans and how the ton really lived, but he just came across as not so intelligent. Like I'm pretty sure that was basic knowledge, especially for men. And it was weird for him to be so shocked that the fact that many lords weren't faithful to their spouses and instead took mistresses and visited courtesans.
July 7, 2018
You will do whatever it takes to save your family. Alexander has come to realize that he will not be able to carry on the family name he was hoping that he would be able to be accepted back into society after a time. Teresa realizes long ago that she had to make a choice and she makes good money by being a courtesan and she can send money back to her family. So when Alexander saves her she can't believe that he wants to help her and their one night together will change both of their life's. But can they ever have a future together as they both come from two different backgrounds? Will Alexander be able to move on from the past and realize that he doesn't need the ton's approval to make him happy? And can Teresa see herself being loved for who she is? A good read. Thanks to Emily for the copy.
July 14, 2018
GRIST FOR THE RUMOR MILL!!!
Talk about throwing caution to the wind. This is one wild spin on a regency era tale. Not a bad one by any means. Emily really brought things front and center here. You get all the drama, steamy interchanges, action and suspense that keep you on the edge as the tale unfolds. The characters are intriguing, complex and true to form. Realistic and believable personalities that range with a balance that works superbly. The scenes are stunningly graphic that paints a breathtaking backdrop for this page turning bombshell. Twists and turns abound with a few unexpected surprises that make for a very satisfying storyline. Fantastic job Emily, thanks for sharing this awesome read with us.
Talk about throwing caution to the wind. This is one wild spin on a regency era tale. Not a bad one by any means. Emily really brought things front and center here. You get all the drama, steamy interchanges, action and suspense that keep you on the edge as the tale unfolds. The characters are intriguing, complex and true to form. Realistic and believable personalities that range with a balance that works superbly. The scenes are stunningly graphic that paints a breathtaking backdrop for this page turning bombshell. Twists and turns abound with a few unexpected surprises that make for a very satisfying storyline. Fantastic job Emily, thanks for sharing this awesome read with us.
September 27, 2018
This is one of the few books that takes a situation - a romance between an aristocrat at the top level of the Haute Ton (Alexander, the Duke of Caershire) and a “lady” of the Demi Monde (Teresa Metcalfe, “courtesan to the rich and famous”) and somehow makes it work perfectly well in a Regency Period context. Yes, their meet up is unusual to say the least (he literally had to drag her half-drowned from the Thames ... though we later find out there’s much more to that), but he’s not typical noble and she’s not the typical “lady of the night”. what happens next, with all it’s fun twists and turns, makes for a fabulous story. Bottom line is that this ebook is easily worth 5 stars. It’s superbly written and a lot of fun. Can’t do much better than that in my opinion.
January 10, 2020
New Author, with a different look at the ton. A Duke and a Courtesan ! One raised at the top of the ton
and the other having to do whatever to keep her family safe. Using whatever means she has.
Teresa and Alexander have nothing in common except both have had disappoints in their lives.
I found the twist that he was a virgin, and she had all the experience a great twist for the time period.
This is a very steamy romance, but was well written. I do think it would have been even better if I
had read the first book, Lost with a Lord before.
I received and ARC and want to thank the author for it. I am giving my opinion, voluntarily.
All in all this was a fun, quick read and hope you give it a try. Am sure you will enjoy it too...
and the other having to do whatever to keep her family safe. Using whatever means she has.
Teresa and Alexander have nothing in common except both have had disappoints in their lives.
I found the twist that he was a virgin, and she had all the experience a great twist for the time period.
This is a very steamy romance, but was well written. I do think it would have been even better if I
had read the first book, Lost with a Lord before.
I received and ARC and want to thank the author for it. I am giving my opinion, voluntarily.
All in all this was a fun, quick read and hope you give it a try. Am sure you will enjoy it too...
July 7, 2018
This is a very interesting and clever love story about two people from totally different walks of life who meet under a most unusual situation and who discover that by good communication they are able to find trust and love together.
I love the different strengths of character of both main characters and also the gentle and almost innocent portrayal of Alexander which is quite novel. Teresa is more forceful and more confident and both of them are quite likable.
I am very happy to recommend this entertaining story and hope you enjoy it as much as I have.
I read an Advance Reader's Copy and the above is my voluntary and unbiased review of it.
I love the different strengths of character of both main characters and also the gentle and almost innocent portrayal of Alexander which is quite novel. Teresa is more forceful and more confident and both of them are quite likable.
I am very happy to recommend this entertaining story and hope you enjoy it as much as I have.
I read an Advance Reader's Copy and the above is my voluntary and unbiased review of it.
July 16, 2018
Scandle and Nobility Teresa a high priced courtesan willing to do whatever it takes to provide for her family even the loss of herself. Alexander a Duke most respectable wanting to help his family unable to do so all he wants is to be very tarnished in reputation. And when he saves Teresa he gets that and more then he expected they both have obligations but there passion for one another cant be denied both unable to speak of love. With drama and action and a steamy love and passion will they work it all out between them and can they be together. I was gifted a copy by the Author and this is my honest review.
October 17, 2018
This was a different story & not one I would usualy read but the writing was very good & the characters were extremely likable. Alexander, Duke of Caershire left Almacks after being given the cut direct & to help calm himself he went for a walk by the Thames. His enjoyment of the calming waters was suddenly broken by a woman splashing & calling for help. Alexander pulls her from the water - her name is Theresa Metcalfe & she tells him she is a courtesan.. After talking a while, he escorts her home & they change in to dry clothes & he ends up spending the night - a lot of things happen but you need to read the final results!
February 14, 2020
Drenched with a Duke is a sexy short Regency romance about a ruined Duke and a lady of the night. The story is fun, though there are a couple racy sex scenes, so if that’s not your thing, you should skip it. I personally had a hard time buying the Duke’s ruin- I doubt such an act would be much of a scandal for a man of the era, but you be the judge.
Recommended for mature adult readers only due to sex scenes.
The narrator of the audiobook is well suited and does a nice job. Her male voices are not very masculine however.
I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Recommended for mature adult readers only due to sex scenes.
The narrator of the audiobook is well suited and does a nice job. Her male voices are not very masculine however.
I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook. This is my honest and voluntary review.
April 5, 2022
3.5 stars
Alexander, Duke of Caershire ends up wandering along the Thames one night when he's frustrated and hears a splash. After pulling Theresa out of the water, he finds out she's injured, and a courtesan. But his desire to help her out might turn into a bit more.
I really enjoyed the premise of this story and I liked how strong Theresa is. Also, a virgin hero! I wish that it was just a bit longer so we could get to know the characters a bit more and see them work through their challenges a bit more fully.
Thank you to Emily EK Murdoch for providing a copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own.
Alexander, Duke of Caershire ends up wandering along the Thames one night when he's frustrated and hears a splash. After pulling Theresa out of the water, he finds out she's injured, and a courtesan. But his desire to help her out might turn into a bit more.
I really enjoyed the premise of this story and I liked how strong Theresa is. Also, a virgin hero! I wish that it was just a bit longer so we could get to know the characters a bit more and see them work through their challenges a bit more fully.
Thank you to Emily EK Murdoch for providing a copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own.
July 8, 2018
Alexander, Duke of Caershire left Almacks after a young lady read him the riot act his friend Luke left with him then left him as he had a meeting with his brothers. Alexander continued his walk along the Thames River hearing a splash someone call for help he saved a young woman. Her name was Teresa Metcalfe and she told him she was a courtesan. They spent the night together and u will need to read the book if u want to know everything that happens to them. I liked the book but it's not what I would normally read.
July 8, 2018
Very entertaining romance! Ms. Murdoch is becoming quite adept at weaving entertaining and interesting ways for people of different classes and walks of like to meet and fall in love. Loved the main female character, Teresa. She was quite a strong woman for the times and managed to hold her own with all kinds of people. Also very interesting how this fit so well with the first book of the series. Nice little intrigue and some steamy sex too.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
November 4, 2019
I received an Audible copy of this book from the author. So I got to listen as I read along. It made for a more interesting experience. I loved the overall romance of this story. A hero rescues a young woman from drowning and they both come to find respite in each other. A very sweet story. I feel the narration would have been more effective if there had been both a male and female. This does not take long. I is a short story and is moderately paced. The love scenes were sensual and passionate. Very dreamy. The conversation honest and from the heart. I liked it.
June 22, 2018
Murdoch weaves a wonderful tale of intimacy and love. When Teresa Metcalfe is thrown into the Thames River by an evil man, she believes she is going to die. Then a strong hand pulls her out to safety and she meets Alexander the Duke of Caershire. They escape an angry mob and spend a romantic night together huddled in a shack. Teresa’s line of work makes her an unlikely match for a Duke. Can love last once it blooms? I highly recommend Drenched with the Duke.
July 16, 2018
An unconventional love story that grabs your interest and twists it's tale right around your heart until you want both the misunderstood Duke and the unconventional courtesan to get their happily ever after! Ms. Murdoch wraps this story up in details left hanging from her first story 'Lost With a Lord' that takes place this same night in such a clever manner that I cannot wait to get more stories from other seemingly inconsequential characters points of view! Very cunning and creative!
September 1, 2018
Another fun story from Emily Murdoch. Teresa and Alexander are from different worlds, but their attraction sees beyond that. Their love for each other is stronger than opinions of others. I enjoyed their interactions, their strong feelings and opinions, and even their expectations of each other. With a kick in the pants, they come together for an HEA as it should be.
I received an ARC copy of this story as a gift, and this is my unsolicited review.
I received an ARC copy of this story as a gift, and this is my unsolicited review.
September 12, 2018
Love is wonderful
I enjoyed this tale, the fun and laughing were great. They had so much love for each other and a few obstacles to overcome. He was a duke and she was a half drowned courtesan.
The plot sure kept your interest, Alexander and were lucky to find each other There is some sex so any one under eighteen should not read this.
I received this ARC from the author and voluntarily reviewed it and loved it.
I enjoyed this tale, the fun and laughing were great. They had so much love for each other and a few obstacles to overcome. He was a duke and she was a half drowned courtesan.
The plot sure kept your interest, Alexander and were lucky to find each other There is some sex so any one under eighteen should not read this.
I received this ARC from the author and voluntarily reviewed it and loved it.
September 12, 2018
I enjoyed this tale, the fun and laughing were great. They had so much love for each other and a few obstacles to overcome. He was a duke and she was a half-drowned courtesan.
The plot sure kept your interest, Alexander and Teresa were lucky to find each other There is some sex so anyone under eighteen should not read this.
I received this ARC from the author and voluntarily reviewed it and loved it.
The plot sure kept your interest, Alexander and Teresa were lucky to find each other There is some sex so anyone under eighteen should not read this.
I received this ARC from the author and voluntarily reviewed it and loved it.
July 2, 2018
Drenched with a Duke book 2 Ravishing Regencies by Emily Murdoch. A wonderful tale of love and self discovery, as two people who should have nothing in common, somehow are perfect for each other. The story flows at an enjoyable and natural pace, with plenty of funny moments, alongside the romantic scene. My free opinion ARC. Thanks.
July 13, 2018
For the past year Alexander, the Duke of Caershire has been trying to salvage and repair his ruined reputation. But to no avail. But can his life change when he rescues a woman from drowning in the Thames.
A quick read but another well-written story and a delightful romance.
A quick read but another well-written story and a delightful romance.
July 11, 2018
A lovely short story about a young lady who had to make a bad choice. She meets Duke Alexander Caershire when he saves her from drowning. Can a courtesan marry a Duke. I truly enjoy Emily Murdock's short story's, she packs a lot into it. I recommend this book to all who love regency romances.
July 16, 2018
This is a really good book. It flowed so well. Teresa is a really strong character and Alexander was her saviour from her hard life. My favourite character has got to be the Dowager Duchess of Caeshire who was also really strong and liked Teresa also.
August 8, 2018
"Drenched with a Duke" by Emily E K Murdoch
This was a fun quick Regency romance read. I was gifted an ARC copy by the author and am pleased to say this was a good read. It had an interesting plot and yes there was some steam. But you can skim those passages and still enjoy the story.
This was a fun quick Regency romance read. I was gifted an ARC copy by the author and am pleased to say this was a good read. It had an interesting plot and yes there was some steam. But you can skim those passages and still enjoy the story.
August 23, 2018
When Teresa, a courtesan is pushed into the river, Alexander comes to her rescue. A night of sharing their lives turns into an intimate encounter and love. But when Alexander leaves, Teresa is heartbroken. But love will prove that no matter the chasm in their social status, you will make a sacrifice to be together. I received a complimentary copy and I am voluntarily reviewing.
October 14, 2019
A quick Romance!
I really liked this romance story. He saved her life, while she made his life worth living. Love could not start on a better foundation than this. I really enjoyed this delightful love story. Thank you, Jack.
I really liked this romance story. He saved her life, while she made his life worth living. Love could not start on a better foundation than this. I really enjoyed this delightful love story. Thank you, Jack.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews