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Game of Dukes #1
The Duke Identity
Welcome to the Game of Dukes, a world that draws from London's finest drawing rooms and its darkest rookeries. Some dukes are peers of the realm, others lords of London's underworld, but all are relentless in their pursuit of justice, power, and passion. These commanding men will meet their match—in the strong, feisty women who capture their hearts.
The Duke Identity
Shattered by betrayal, former scholar Harry Kent has made a new life for himself as a police man. Sent on a dangerous covert mission, he must protect a clever and wicked beauty who stands for everything he scorns—and who seduces him with every look of her innocent eyes…
A princess of the underworld, Tessa Todd longs for freedom. Yet, fearful of cutthroat enemies, her powerful family keeps her under lock and key. When they assign her a standoffish and damnably handsome new bodyguard, she resists his dominant ways—and a passionate war of wills begins…
Thrown together by crisis, Harry and Tessa will test the bounds of desire, loyalty, and trust. On the run from their foes and from their own hearts, they must find salvation in each other—before time runs out.
The Duke Identity
Shattered by betrayal, former scholar Harry Kent has made a new life for himself as a police man. Sent on a dangerous covert mission, he must protect a clever and wicked beauty who stands for everything he scorns—and who seduces him with every look of her innocent eyes…
A princess of the underworld, Tessa Todd longs for freedom. Yet, fearful of cutthroat enemies, her powerful family keeps her under lock and key. When they assign her a standoffish and damnably handsome new bodyguard, she resists his dominant ways—and a passionate war of wills begins…
Thrown together by crisis, Harry and Tessa will test the bounds of desire, loyalty, and trust. On the run from their foes and from their own hearts, they must find salvation in each other—before time runs out.
376 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 19, 2018
1122 people are currently reading
1504 people want to read
About the author
Grace Callaway
51 books1,085 followers
Preorder GLORY AND THE MASTER OF SHADOWS (Lady Charlotte's Society of Angels #4) for March 28th!
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Don't miss this thrilling new historical romance by USA Today Bestseller Grace Callaway! Set during the Opium Wars, this steamy and spellbinding Charlie’s Angels meets Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon romance will leave you breathless...
Their love is forbidden…and irresistible.
The daughter of a half-Chinese duke and a lady fossil hunter, Lady Glory Cavendish is a free-spirited campaigner for justice. She belongs to a secret society of lady detectives whose goal is to help women in need. During her latest case involving a dastardly dognapping, Glory crosses paths with the handsome and mysterious Wei Chen, a master of healing and martial arts. Fascinated by the noble shifu, Glory convinces him to take her on as a pupil; the more time she spends with him, however, the more she longs for lessons of a more intimate nature.
Master Wei Chen has led a life of discipline focused on a single goal: avenging his murdered kin. His journey takes him to London where, by day, he treats opium users in his East End clinic and, by night, he secretly hunts the villain who destroyed his family. Yet for the first time, temptation distracts Wei: his spirited and lovely new pupil stirs dangerous needs in him. Desires that are forbidden between a shifu and his student…and between a commoner and a duke’s daughter.
As Wei and Glory’s slow-burn romance ignites into fiery passion, they are drawn into a web of betrayal and deceit. Torn between honor and desire, revenge and love, the pair must decide if they will let the past determine their future…or if they will fight the shadows for their chance at happily ever after.
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About Grace
USA Today & International Bestselling Author Grace Callaway writes hot and heart-melting historical romance filled with mystery and adventure. Her debut novel was a Romance Writers of America® Golden Heart® Finalist and a #1 National Regency Bestseller, and her subsequent novels have topped national and international bestselling lists. She is the winner of the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery and Suspense, the Maggie Award for Excellence in Historical Romance, the Golden Leaf, and the Passionate Plume Award for Historical Novel. She holds a doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Michigan and lives with her family in a valley close to the sea. When she’s not writing, she enjoys dancing, exploring the great outdoors with her rescue pup, and cheering on her favorite basketball team.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 218 reviews
May 14, 2023
Diddling was a wild word to use so much. In a sexual way. Diddling her petals. Diddling.
All’s to say though I really enjoyed this book!! The ending got a bit too long, but overall a great intro to the series. I loved the drama of her family being the underworld mobsters and him being the undercover police guy. It was so much fun when he was mistaken as her bodyguard.
All’s to say though I really enjoyed this book!! The ending got a bit too long, but overall a great intro to the series. I loved the drama of her family being the underworld mobsters and him being the undercover police guy. It was so much fun when he was mistaken as her bodyguard.
March 25, 2022
RTC!!!
Full Review:
Last year, I purchased a few titles from Grace Callaway when I finally decided to get my butt in gear and see what the fuss was all about. While I read 2 stories by her, I wasn't into it. They were often interesting as they were boring. There were some spicy, funny, interesting things that just happened but then would come a drought of bland, boring, predictable - safe. Which is fine, but I prefer fluff if it's silly, a little preposterous, but always exuberant cheese, not cheesy sitcom laugh track.
Anyhoos. The Duke Identity would be my recommendation for those interested in trying out Grace Callaway. It has some of my favourite tropes. Tessa Black is a guttersnipe hoyden. I LOVE heroines who are guttersnipes. She disguises herself as a boy when she's running out on her errands. Her friends are brothel workers. By the by, GC writes female friendships in a lovely way - I actually feel like they are supportive friends, not just characters to set up in their own story. She plays pranks and knows how to fight. She is loyal to a fault to her grandfather.
But ooh Harry!
Harry is stoic. Brooding. A scholarly looking fellow but he's Tessa's guard. It immediately reminded me of Joscelin from Kushiel's Legacy series because we all know he is another hot, celibate guard. What is it about heroes who are restrained but full of so much passion that I love? I guess it's because they have so much control so that when they meet the heroine that shakes up that control, it's so good to see.
And Tessa does that! She has him on her List of Retribution, which was so cute and my silly idea of humour. Her pranks were hilarious but his temper tantrum at the brothel was...well, he can get mad at me :)
Tessa may be a hoyden but she is also the heir to the king of London's underworld. The plot is around who is plotting to overthrow the House of Black.
Ok so was this published when Game of Thrones was in peak popularity because there were a few scenes that felt lifted from a scrapped GoT script. House of Black stands with House of ... Hey I'm not complaining. I didn't hate it. Maybe if Callaway writes a full-length medieval, I'll read it.
Minor note: Tessa falls in love fast. I was worried this would make the story boring but luckily there was enough happening to move things along. I was interested in finding out who was behind everything, thus 4 stars. 4 stars for a hero and heroine who have amazing chemistry and fun love story together, and 4 stars for a plot that I actually read and did not skim. Ok maybe a few times towards the end.
P.S. I'm currently reading the third book in this series and am obsessed with the first half of it.
Full Review:
Last year, I purchased a few titles from Grace Callaway when I finally decided to get my butt in gear and see what the fuss was all about. While I read 2 stories by her, I wasn't into it. They were often interesting as they were boring. There were some spicy, funny, interesting things that just happened but then would come a drought of bland, boring, predictable - safe. Which is fine, but I prefer fluff if it's silly, a little preposterous, but always exuberant cheese, not cheesy sitcom laugh track.
Anyhoos. The Duke Identity would be my recommendation for those interested in trying out Grace Callaway. It has some of my favourite tropes. Tessa Black is a guttersnipe hoyden. I LOVE heroines who are guttersnipes. She disguises herself as a boy when she's running out on her errands. Her friends are brothel workers. By the by, GC writes female friendships in a lovely way - I actually feel like they are supportive friends, not just characters to set up in their own story. She plays pranks and knows how to fight. She is loyal to a fault to her grandfather.
But ooh Harry!
Harry is stoic. Brooding. A scholarly looking fellow but he's Tessa's guard. It immediately reminded me of Joscelin from Kushiel's Legacy series because we all know he is another hot, celibate guard. What is it about heroes who are restrained but full of so much passion that I love? I guess it's because they have so much control so that when they meet the heroine that shakes up that control, it's so good to see.
And Tessa does that! She has him on her List of Retribution, which was so cute and my silly idea of humour. Her pranks were hilarious but his temper tantrum at the brothel was...well, he can get mad at me :)
Tessa may be a hoyden but she is also the heir to the king of London's underworld. The plot is around who is plotting to overthrow the House of Black.
Ok so was this published when Game of Thrones was in peak popularity because there were a few scenes that felt lifted from a scrapped GoT script. House of Black stands with House of ... Hey I'm not complaining. I didn't hate it. Maybe if Callaway writes a full-length medieval, I'll read it.
Minor note: Tessa falls in love fast. I was worried this would make the story boring but luckily there was enough happening to move things along. I was interested in finding out who was behind everything, thus 4 stars. 4 stars for a hero and heroine who have amazing chemistry and fun love story together, and 4 stars for a plot that I actually read and did not skim. Ok maybe a few times towards the end.
P.S. I'm currently reading the third book in this series and am obsessed with the first half of it.
March 5, 2020
3 1/2 stars
I have read everything Grace Callaway has written, and I love her stories, but I have to admit that this one fell a little flat for me. I was looking forward to it because it features a character that appeared in and is part of the family featured in previous series: Harry Kent. Harry is the the brother of Ambrose (Mayhem in Mayfair series book #3) and of Emma, Thea, Violet, and Polly (all featured in the Hearts of Enquiry series books 1, 2, 4, & 5, respectively). Harry is between Violet and Polly in age, but spent most of his adolescent years away at school, so while he was mentioned and sometimes appeared, we didn't know much about him other than his love of science and blowing things up. This book begins after Harry successfully achieved his goal of becoming a scientist but was discredited and fell out of favor when his fiancee's father stole his formula for "hellfire" - the volatile explosive he was unable to find a stabilizer for, and thus believed it too dangerous to be introduced broadly. Given his knowledge of explosives, Harry worked in mining until he was injured during a cave in, and has now returned to London where he has been accepted in a probationary status to follow his older brother's footsteps as a member of law enforcement. His "let's see what you got" assignment: find out what Bartholomew Black, the king of the underground, has done and charge him with those offenses. When Harry starts out, he believes things to be black and white: Black (no pun intended) is a "bad guy;" therefore, he must be stopped, but Harry's mind is changed when he meets Tessa, Black's granddaughter and the apple of his eye.
Tessa is a mischievous, yet kindhearted young lady who wants nothing more than to be accepted as a true member of the Black family and assist her beloved grandfather in managing the daunting role of maintaining some form of order among the "dukes" of the underworld. To date, however, her efforts have been shunned because of her status as a lady, and her grandfather has insisted on entertaining marriage proposals from gentlemen of the nobility who are in need of the very generous dowry Tessa comes with. Tired of feeling underestimated and underappreciated, Tessa conducts herself the way she sees fit: in a candid and often unladylike manner. Harry is baffled by her behavior and initially believes she is driven to act the way she does by boredom, but once he gets to know the little "sprite" (as he nicknamed her) better, he realizes that his first impression may not be the correct one. When he is tasked by Black to serve as a bodyguard for Tessa, they find themselves thrown together with a mysterious villain who threatens to destroy Tessa's family, leaving Harry torn between love and duty.
What I liked:
--- The story and the mystery aspects were great - I liked the way it unfolded, and the "who done it" with the twists kept me wondering until the end
--- Black has appeared in earlier series as well, so it was fun to be able to add some depth to that character and understand him a little better
--- Because Harry is a Kent, it gave me the chance to "visit" some of my favorite characters from the author's earlier series
What I didn't like as much:
--- The main characters were likeable but they just didn't endear me to them as much as earlier books' characters have; it felt like they were going through motions with one another vs being drawn to each other
--- I think because of the lack of chemistry, the steamy goodness was not as delish as it usually is in Callaway's books
Overall, a worthwhile read if you enjoy the story line more than the MC relationship.
Plot --- 3.5/5
Main Characters --- 3/5
Supporting Cast --- 3.5/5
Steam Level* --- 3.5/5
Violence --- nothing graphic
Language --- not egregious
POV --- 3rd
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild; 2/5 - sensual but nothing descriptive; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere; 4/5 - yes please! ; 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
I have read everything Grace Callaway has written, and I love her stories, but I have to admit that this one fell a little flat for me. I was looking forward to it because it features a character that appeared in and is part of the family featured in previous series: Harry Kent. Harry is the the brother of Ambrose (Mayhem in Mayfair series book #3) and of Emma, Thea, Violet, and Polly (all featured in the Hearts of Enquiry series books 1, 2, 4, & 5, respectively). Harry is between Violet and Polly in age, but spent most of his adolescent years away at school, so while he was mentioned and sometimes appeared, we didn't know much about him other than his love of science and blowing things up. This book begins after Harry successfully achieved his goal of becoming a scientist but was discredited and fell out of favor when his fiancee's father stole his formula for "hellfire" - the volatile explosive he was unable to find a stabilizer for, and thus believed it too dangerous to be introduced broadly. Given his knowledge of explosives, Harry worked in mining until he was injured during a cave in, and has now returned to London where he has been accepted in a probationary status to follow his older brother's footsteps as a member of law enforcement. His "let's see what you got" assignment: find out what Bartholomew Black, the king of the underground, has done and charge him with those offenses. When Harry starts out, he believes things to be black and white: Black (no pun intended) is a "bad guy;" therefore, he must be stopped, but Harry's mind is changed when he meets Tessa, Black's granddaughter and the apple of his eye.
Tessa is a mischievous, yet kindhearted young lady who wants nothing more than to be accepted as a true member of the Black family and assist her beloved grandfather in managing the daunting role of maintaining some form of order among the "dukes" of the underworld. To date, however, her efforts have been shunned because of her status as a lady, and her grandfather has insisted on entertaining marriage proposals from gentlemen of the nobility who are in need of the very generous dowry Tessa comes with. Tired of feeling underestimated and underappreciated, Tessa conducts herself the way she sees fit: in a candid and often unladylike manner. Harry is baffled by her behavior and initially believes she is driven to act the way she does by boredom, but once he gets to know the little "sprite" (as he nicknamed her) better, he realizes that his first impression may not be the correct one. When he is tasked by Black to serve as a bodyguard for Tessa, they find themselves thrown together with a mysterious villain who threatens to destroy Tessa's family, leaving Harry torn between love and duty.
What I liked:
--- The story and the mystery aspects were great - I liked the way it unfolded, and the "who done it" with the twists kept me wondering until the end
--- Black has appeared in earlier series as well, so it was fun to be able to add some depth to that character and understand him a little better
--- Because Harry is a Kent, it gave me the chance to "visit" some of my favorite characters from the author's earlier series
What I didn't like as much:
--- The main characters were likeable but they just didn't endear me to them as much as earlier books' characters have; it felt like they were going through motions with one another vs being drawn to each other
--- I think because of the lack of chemistry, the steamy goodness was not as delish as it usually is in Callaway's books
Overall, a worthwhile read if you enjoy the story line more than the MC relationship.
Plot --- 3.5/5
Main Characters --- 3/5
Supporting Cast --- 3.5/5
Steam Level* --- 3.5/5
Violence --- nothing graphic
Language --- not egregious
POV --- 3rd
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild; 2/5 - sensual but nothing descriptive; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere; 4/5 - yes please! ; 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
July 15, 2019
I was looking forward to Harry Kent’s story, but it was a disappointing addition to the series for me.
Harry, actually a scientist, is the youngest brother in the Kent family. He was the one who loved blowing things up. He becomes a policeman after suffering a betrayal back at university (his invention is stolen and he is discredited) and ends up going undercover as the bodyguard of an Underworld leader’s granddaughter. In 19th century London.
TBH, it just got sillier, and I struggled to suspend my disbelief. A granddaughter of a brothel owner/crime boss attends a posh school with upper class ladies? She lives in the rookery but has an upper-class accent because she was taught to speak properly? Her best friends are sex workers? But she is a virgin? The hero has little compunction in spying on her and her family- his supposed conflicted feelings seem half-arsed at best.
The whole premise bothered me. I am never comfortable when criminals and pimps are turned into good guys, or when prostitutes love their job and have hearts of gold. The heroine’s grandfather was a very unpleasant fellow who would have ordered many murdered, all to hold on to his crime lord status and make his fortune. He ran a brothel and made money from these women. Didn't like him and didn't care about him.
The plot was too implausible, and there were not enough likeable people for me to care overmuch about the outcome.
Sorry, but..........
Harry, actually a scientist, is the youngest brother in the Kent family. He was the one who loved blowing things up. He becomes a policeman after suffering a betrayal back at university (his invention is stolen and he is discredited) and ends up going undercover as the bodyguard of an Underworld leader’s granddaughter. In 19th century London.
TBH, it just got sillier, and I struggled to suspend my disbelief. A granddaughter of a brothel owner/crime boss attends a posh school with upper class ladies? She lives in the rookery but has an upper-class accent because she was taught to speak properly? Her best friends are sex workers? But she is a virgin? The hero has little compunction in spying on her and her family- his supposed conflicted feelings seem half-arsed at best.
The whole premise bothered me. I am never comfortable when criminals and pimps are turned into good guys, or when prostitutes love their job and have hearts of gold. The heroine’s grandfather was a very unpleasant fellow who would have ordered many murdered, all to hold on to his crime lord status and make his fortune. He ran a brothel and made money from these women. Didn't like him and didn't care about him.
The plot was too implausible, and there were not enough likeable people for me to care overmuch about the outcome.
Sorry, but..........
January 5, 2023
I enjoyed the book. It had some of my favorite tropes: bodyguard, forced proximity, and secret identity. Since Grace Callaway is the author, there are steamy scenes (one in a moving carriage). 😏😏😏
The heroine has a pet ferret, which I may use for the space for "Interesting Pet" for the Historical Romance Book Club BINGO (2023).
Lastly, because of the title, I thought the hero is a duke, but he's not. The leaders of London's underworld are referred to as dukes.
The heroine has a pet ferret, which I may use for the space for "Interesting Pet" for the Historical Romance Book Club BINGO (2023).
Lastly, because of the title, I thought the hero is a duke, but he's not. The leaders of London's underworld are referred to as dukes.
May 30, 2021
Grace Callaway is one of my go-to authors but this is my least favorite book so far. Tessa is the granddaughter of the powerful and cutthroat Duke of the Underworld, Bartholomew Black. Harry Kent is a policeman and former scholar who's been hired by her grandfather to protect her.
Their relationship develops amidst a backdrop of a turf war among crime lords in the London roookeries. Tessa's grandfather is the overall boss of all the crime bosses. There've been several attacks against his properties including an assasination attempt against him, which is where Harry comes in. Harry is actually an undercover cop investigating Tessa's grandfather but in a sudden twist, her grandfather ends up hiring him to serve as her bodyguard. As Harry spends more time with Tessa's family, he learns that the Duke of the Underworld may not be the unremittingly evil guy he is deemed to be.
Tessa and Harry are soon locked in a battle of wills and develop a classic enemies-to-friends relationship. Tessa chafes at Harry's distant, dominant and pedantic manner. She taunts him, calling him Professor and pranks him numerous times. She's often described as impish but instead comes across as childish. Harry, of course, thinks she's a spoiled brat. Yet they have an instalust relationship which moves so rapidly from intense dislike to sexy times that it gives you whiplash. Beware that the steam level is scorching and there are several erotica-like scenes.
So why does this book not work for me? First of all, Tessa's character is way over the top. She is supposed to be feisty, fearless, and fiercely loyal. Her behavior, however, is so outrageous that she ends up becoming a caricature--walking into a tavern in St. Giles to fleece one of the biggest, baddest crime bosses in a game of vingt-et-un; roaming around the roookeries unchaperoned; she hangs around her father's brothel and her best friends are prostitutes, etc. I'm more than happy to suspend disbelief for the sake of a story but her actions really stretch credulity for a woman in the Victorian era.
Which brings us to another point--Callaway's historical romances have a modern feel because they take liberties with regards to their characters' speech and behavior. I don't mind this knowing that that's her style. But I still expect the overall plot to make sense given the mores of the Victorian era. Another problem is that Tessa and Harry don't read like fully fleshed out characters; they feel like stock characters. I also cringed several times at cheesy lines.
So what did I like? It was nice seeing all the Kent family members back; it felt like a big reunion with Ambrose back and cameos by the sisters (Emma, Violet, Polly, Thea). I liked the idea of having a scholar and scientist as the hero and was looking forward to Harry's story. A great thing about Callaway's stories is that they never drag; even though this wasn't her best, I wasn't bored. So if this is the first book of hers you've read, don't despair. She has so many better books. Check out The Duke Redemption or Her Protector's Pleasure.
Their relationship develops amidst a backdrop of a turf war among crime lords in the London roookeries. Tessa's grandfather is the overall boss of all the crime bosses. There've been several attacks against his properties including an assasination attempt against him, which is where Harry comes in. Harry is actually an undercover cop investigating Tessa's grandfather but in a sudden twist, her grandfather ends up hiring him to serve as her bodyguard. As Harry spends more time with Tessa's family, he learns that the Duke of the Underworld may not be the unremittingly evil guy he is deemed to be.
Tessa and Harry are soon locked in a battle of wills and develop a classic enemies-to-friends relationship. Tessa chafes at Harry's distant, dominant and pedantic manner. She taunts him, calling him Professor and pranks him numerous times. She's often described as impish but instead comes across as childish. Harry, of course, thinks she's a spoiled brat. Yet they have an instalust relationship which moves so rapidly from intense dislike to sexy times that it gives you whiplash. Beware that the steam level is scorching and there are several erotica-like scenes.
So why does this book not work for me? First of all, Tessa's character is way over the top. She is supposed to be feisty, fearless, and fiercely loyal. Her behavior, however, is so outrageous that she ends up becoming a caricature--walking into a tavern in St. Giles to fleece one of the biggest, baddest crime bosses in a game of vingt-et-un; roaming around the roookeries unchaperoned; she hangs around her father's brothel and her best friends are prostitutes, etc. I'm more than happy to suspend disbelief for the sake of a story but her actions really stretch credulity for a woman in the Victorian era.
Which brings us to another point--Callaway's historical romances have a modern feel because they take liberties with regards to their characters' speech and behavior. I don't mind this knowing that that's her style. But I still expect the overall plot to make sense given the mores of the Victorian era. Another problem is that Tessa and Harry don't read like fully fleshed out characters; they feel like stock characters. I also cringed several times at cheesy lines.
So what did I like? It was nice seeing all the Kent family members back; it felt like a big reunion with Ambrose back and cameos by the sisters (Emma, Violet, Polly, Thea). I liked the idea of having a scholar and scientist as the hero and was looking forward to Harry's story. A great thing about Callaway's stories is that they never drag; even though this wasn't her best, I wasn't bored. So if this is the first book of hers you've read, don't despair. She has so many better books. Check out The Duke Redemption or Her Protector's Pleasure.
April 6, 2023
this was crazy stupid stinking adorable 🥹
idk ab anyone else but harry kent gave me major clark kent vibes and not just bc they share the same last name. both are bespectacled heroes donning a secret identity and both have fiery passionate headstrong partners who bring the world to heel with their strong minded personalities and wills of iron.
love to see it 🤍
can’t wait to dig more into this series (and more of the rest of grace callaway’s backlist)
idk ab anyone else but harry kent gave me major clark kent vibes and not just bc they share the same last name. both are bespectacled heroes donning a secret identity and both have fiery passionate headstrong partners who bring the world to heel with their strong minded personalities and wills of iron.
love to see it 🤍
can’t wait to dig more into this series (and more of the rest of grace callaway’s backlist)
October 10, 2022
Great adventure with so many secrets. The H is working undercover, he's an angsty Hero as his reputation was ruined by evil OM, who is destroying buildings in London. The h is a sweetie, her grandfather owns the buildings being blow up, and he's the head of all the London gangs. He hires the H to protect his granddaughter - the h. Of course steamy times begin as they fall in love. There was a great HEA for all, which felt like a miracle with so many issues to resolve. It all worked out and I loved this sweet couple.
July 11, 2022
Solid 5 Stars!
I really like Callaway's style.The heros were adorable.Loads of mystery and humor,which I love.Nice evolvement of the romance,quite steamy.Nothing to complain about!Great read!
I really like Callaway's style.The heros were adorable.Loads of mystery and humor,which I love.Nice evolvement of the romance,quite steamy.Nothing to complain about!Great read!
February 23, 2025
Just okay. I never got into the external plot which was a huge part of the story. The romance was okay but all the conflict hinged on a lie and that bored me. It was spicy as expected of a Callaway but the heroine yelling "crikey" as she was getting serviced was giving Crocodile Hunter and yikes 😳
⭐⭐⭐/5
🔥🔥🔥/5
Tropes:
Bodyguard
Close proximity
Fake Identity
⭐⭐⭐/5
🔥🔥🔥/5
Tropes:
Bodyguard
Close proximity
Fake Identity
March 5, 2024
My first Grace Callaway, and it was very fun. I've yet to find a novel that perfectly blends romance and mystery in quite the way I want (aside from a few long running mystery series with a central couple, but that's something else). But this one was edging up on the tone I'm looking for, so I'll be checking out more from Callaway.
June 24, 2018
FINAL DECISION: Hot and sexy romance between a scientist turned policeman and the young woman who would rather rule in the underworld than marry a duke. Lots of secrets in this one, but I loved the chemistry between Tessa and Harry.
THE STORY: Harry Kent has been forced to leave his dreams of science and the Royal Academy behind when he was betrayed by a woman. Taking on the family business of being a policeman, Harry is tasked with helping to take down Black, the king of the underworld. When a chance encounter has him meeting, Tessa Todd, who is Black's granddaughter, Harry takes on the job of her bodyguard in order to spy on the family. What Harry doesn't expect, however, is the intense attraction between him and Tessa which once again threatens the life he has built for himself.
OPINION: This is an enjoyable tale. Harry and Tessa are adventurous and I liked their interactions and while the story depends a lot upon Harry keeping his identity from Tessa, the hotness between the two keeps any possible annoyance factor low.
Harry is a man trying to rebuild and reshape his life after all he worked for was destroyed. Harry loved and was betrayed and now has to find out what his purpose is. He also doesn't want to make himself vulnerable to a woman again. He has honor even as he continues to lie to Tessa because he has conflicting loyalties. The book goes on his journey where he has to decide what is most important to him. I like that Harry is vulnerable and a little nerdy and on the razor's edge for most of the story.
Tessa is a spunky and independent woman. Her grandfather wants her to marry into the ton, but Tessa wants nothing more than to stand by her grandfather's side. Her unconventional upbringing makes her innocent but not ignorant. She can fit anywhere she wants to, but she feels at home with the whores and thieves of St. Giles. She doesn't fit into any box of what a woman of the period should be. I liked that she is willing to do what she has to in order to make her own dreams a reality. The interesting mixture of her traits and interests intrigue Harry the scientist.
I really liked how the book mixes the heat that the two generate and the curiosity and sweetness of their intellectual relationship. The plot also was interesting as it combined both the people of the streets and also the ton. The mixture allows the hero and heroine to be their own people rather than having to fit in perfectly into expected roles and social classes. I also really ended up liking the ultimate resolution.
The only negative is that Harry keeps his secrets for far too long. That ends up being the primary obstacle between Tessa and Harry. After a while, I tired of him lying to Tessa and justifying it because it seemed to become clear that his reasons were not as strong as in the beginning.
Despite that, I really enjoyed this book and I look forward to the next one in the series.
WORTH MENTIONING: Two words: pet ferret.
CONNECTED BOOKS: THE DUKE IDENTITY is the first book in the Game of Dukes series. This book is, however, connected with the Heart of Enquiry series through the hero. It is not necessary to read that series, however, to enjoy this one.
STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book from the author in order to prepare a review. I was not required to write a review or to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.
This review was originally posted on Top10RomanceBooks.com
THE STORY: Harry Kent has been forced to leave his dreams of science and the Royal Academy behind when he was betrayed by a woman. Taking on the family business of being a policeman, Harry is tasked with helping to take down Black, the king of the underworld. When a chance encounter has him meeting, Tessa Todd, who is Black's granddaughter, Harry takes on the job of her bodyguard in order to spy on the family. What Harry doesn't expect, however, is the intense attraction between him and Tessa which once again threatens the life he has built for himself.
OPINION: This is an enjoyable tale. Harry and Tessa are adventurous and I liked their interactions and while the story depends a lot upon Harry keeping his identity from Tessa, the hotness between the two keeps any possible annoyance factor low.
Harry is a man trying to rebuild and reshape his life after all he worked for was destroyed. Harry loved and was betrayed and now has to find out what his purpose is. He also doesn't want to make himself vulnerable to a woman again. He has honor even as he continues to lie to Tessa because he has conflicting loyalties. The book goes on his journey where he has to decide what is most important to him. I like that Harry is vulnerable and a little nerdy and on the razor's edge for most of the story.
Tessa is a spunky and independent woman. Her grandfather wants her to marry into the ton, but Tessa wants nothing more than to stand by her grandfather's side. Her unconventional upbringing makes her innocent but not ignorant. She can fit anywhere she wants to, but she feels at home with the whores and thieves of St. Giles. She doesn't fit into any box of what a woman of the period should be. I liked that she is willing to do what she has to in order to make her own dreams a reality. The interesting mixture of her traits and interests intrigue Harry the scientist.
I really liked how the book mixes the heat that the two generate and the curiosity and sweetness of their intellectual relationship. The plot also was interesting as it combined both the people of the streets and also the ton. The mixture allows the hero and heroine to be their own people rather than having to fit in perfectly into expected roles and social classes. I also really ended up liking the ultimate resolution.
The only negative is that Harry keeps his secrets for far too long. That ends up being the primary obstacle between Tessa and Harry. After a while, I tired of him lying to Tessa and justifying it because it seemed to become clear that his reasons were not as strong as in the beginning.
Despite that, I really enjoyed this book and I look forward to the next one in the series.
WORTH MENTIONING: Two words: pet ferret.
CONNECTED BOOKS: THE DUKE IDENTITY is the first book in the Game of Dukes series. This book is, however, connected with the Heart of Enquiry series through the hero. It is not necessary to read that series, however, to enjoy this one.
STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book from the author in order to prepare a review. I was not required to write a review or to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.
This review was originally posted on Top10RomanceBooks.com
March 23, 2023
4.5 stars rounded up.
After a personal betrayal ruined his credibility and his career as a scientist, Harry Kent is attempting to create a new life for himself as a member of the London police force. His first mission is dangerous as he attempts to get closer to the notorious Bartholomew Black and winds up protecting the man’s beautiful granddaughter.
Tessa Todd may be a princess of London’s darker side but she longs to be taken seriously rather than endure the smothering protection her grandfather insists upon. When she’s assigned yet another new bodyguard, she’s dismayed by how handsome he is and they’re soon locked in a battle of wills.
When a crisis pitches Tessa and Harry together as a team, their tentative new bonds will be tested, and they won’t have much time to find their enemies and solidify the current state of their own hearts.
I’m beginning to work my way through the Callaway backlist books currently languishing on my kindle and this was a great place to start. Tessa and Harry were both compelling as individuals and as a couple. The danger element of their story added a depth to their bond that wouldn’t have been there otherwise, and I loved the bodyguard aspect of their relationship. Tessa was the sort of independent heroine I could get behind, fierce but not foolhardy and unafraid to confess her feelings to Harry even when he wasn’t yet ready to reciprocate. She brought out the best in him by helping him be true to himself and he returned the favor by encouraging her and helping her force others to take her seriously. I loved the way Harry’s family rallied around Tessa and him and how he was so upfront with her about his intentions, even if he did keep other secrets for a while. I loved that the intrigue from this story came from outside factors and there was very little discord between the MCs. I really enjoyed this series introduction and hope to read the rest as well as going back and reading the stories of the other Kent siblings.
Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
After a personal betrayal ruined his credibility and his career as a scientist, Harry Kent is attempting to create a new life for himself as a member of the London police force. His first mission is dangerous as he attempts to get closer to the notorious Bartholomew Black and winds up protecting the man’s beautiful granddaughter.
Tessa Todd may be a princess of London’s darker side but she longs to be taken seriously rather than endure the smothering protection her grandfather insists upon. When she’s assigned yet another new bodyguard, she’s dismayed by how handsome he is and they’re soon locked in a battle of wills.
When a crisis pitches Tessa and Harry together as a team, their tentative new bonds will be tested, and they won’t have much time to find their enemies and solidify the current state of their own hearts.
I’m beginning to work my way through the Callaway backlist books currently languishing on my kindle and this was a great place to start. Tessa and Harry were both compelling as individuals and as a couple. The danger element of their story added a depth to their bond that wouldn’t have been there otherwise, and I loved the bodyguard aspect of their relationship. Tessa was the sort of independent heroine I could get behind, fierce but not foolhardy and unafraid to confess her feelings to Harry even when he wasn’t yet ready to reciprocate. She brought out the best in him by helping him be true to himself and he returned the favor by encouraging her and helping her force others to take her seriously. I loved the way Harry’s family rallied around Tessa and him and how he was so upfront with her about his intentions, even if he did keep other secrets for a while. I loved that the intrigue from this story came from outside factors and there was very little discord between the MCs. I really enjoyed this series introduction and hope to read the rest as well as going back and reading the stories of the other Kent siblings.
Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
August 16, 2021
“I love you so much,” she said brokenly. “I’ll be the wife of your dreams, I swear. I’ll do everything in my power to be worthy—”
Oh honey, no. If anyone, he needs to prove it to you. Harry Kent had all the right ingredients but someone forgot the spices and the salt, and he ended up being quite a bland dish.
That aside, the level of whitewashing and handwaving of crime was uncomfortable. The heroine is friends with prostitutes but god forbid you call her a trollop. The hypocrisy is unreal.
Oh honey, no. If anyone, he needs to prove it to you. Harry Kent had all the right ingredients but someone forgot the spices and the salt, and he ended up being quite a bland dish.
That aside, the level of whitewashing and handwaving of crime was uncomfortable. The heroine is friends with prostitutes but god forbid you call her a trollop. The hypocrisy is unreal.
April 1, 2022
OUTSTANDING AUDIBLE NARRATION BY MARIAN HUSSEY!! Marian Hussey outdid herself. She really bought this story to life!!
Even though the title of the story is misleading. I still gave it 5 stars. The story is Not about a Duke but a police constable who goes undercover in the underworld of St. Giles. He lies about his true Identity.
When asked to be the bodyguard for Tessa Todd Black by the King of the Underworld Tessa's grandfather Black Harry Kent knows this is his way into investigating the notorious Black. Instead, he fines his self falling in love with Tessa and admiring and respecting Black.
This is a well written story with great characters brought to live by and excellent narrator Marian Hussey!!
Even though the title of the story is misleading. I still gave it 5 stars. The story is Not about a Duke but a police constable who goes undercover in the underworld of St. Giles. He lies about his true Identity.
When asked to be the bodyguard for Tessa Todd Black by the King of the Underworld Tessa's grandfather Black Harry Kent knows this is his way into investigating the notorious Black. Instead, he fines his self falling in love with Tessa and admiring and respecting Black.
This is a well written story with great characters brought to live by and excellent narrator Marian Hussey!!
Want to read
January 5, 2020 Freebie on Amazon 5th January 2020
May 8, 2024
I'm amazed by how much I enjoyed this book!!!
June 22, 2018
I loved the writing, characters and intimate scenes as usual. Callaway is the only author I have come across who writes erotica infused with so much love and emotions...it never feels icky or uncomfortable. She is also the only author who consistently writes heroes I absolutely adore with two exceptions in her earlier books. That being said I didn't like the background of the story. I feel like she glorified mobs and organized crime which I have never enjoyed either in movies or books. This is the only thing that bothered me about this book...I absolutely loved the heroine and her plucky personality. Her playfulness but maturity as well. Harry was hot and vulnerable and just the perfect combination of Jock and Nerd to steal my heart. I am excited about the rest of the books in the series including Garity and Gabby's story....a lot of potential there.
May 7, 2018
I loved this book so, so much and can’t wait for more!
October 6, 2021
I'm honestly waffling over giving this four stars or five...
RTC
RTC
September 20, 2022
TBH I don't like books where they lie about their identity for the majority of it. Also the premise and everything was just meh. I prefer the other ones in the series!!
Want to read
January 2, 2020Kindle freebie 1/1/20!
December 17, 2019
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
I have been waiting for this book for so long and I had very high expectations. I'm happy that The Duke Identity met those expectations and more. This book was so much fun to read. It had a little bit of everything: steamy romance, strong familial love, compelling mystery, rich setting, adventure, and amazing main and supporting characters.
I really enjoyed reading Tessa and Harry’s love story. I’ve loved Harry Kent since the Heart of Enquiry series and I am so happy he got his own HEA. Tessa is his perfect mate and better half. She’s such a clever, loyal, feisty, saucy, and absolutely lovable heroine. I loved her from the very first chapter. To be honest, she kind of took the spotlight away from Harry, that’s how awesome she is!! Like I said, I’ve always loved Harry, but I barely recognized him in the beginning of this book. Something terrible happened to him at Cambridge, which completely changed his outlook on life. Our lovable scientist turned into a broody hero and closed himself off even more. It took me a while to warm up to this new Harry. I loved how Tessa slowly helped him open up. Harry ended up being such a swoon worthy hero in the end – like his brother Ambrose, he is protective, honourable, and a gentleman through and through. I loved how Tessa and Harry were so comfortable with each other. Tessa allowed herself to be vulnerable with Harry and vice versa. It was the most wonderful thing ever. They were SO good together; their relationship development was really well done. Another thing I loved was how both the hero and heroine had such clear motivations. I knew exactly what they were feeling and what they wanted.
The London Underworld setting is fascinating. It was particularly great seeing the Underworld through Tessa's eyes because she had such a unique and fresh perspective. As for the plot, the mystery was engaging and compelling. I was intrigued from the very beginning and I couldn't wait to find out who was behind everything. The supporting characters were amazing – I was surprised to discover how much I loved Bartholomew Black, and even Mavis. There was so much familial love and loyalty in this book. For those who have read the Heart of Enquiry books, familiar faces show up in this book. I loved revisiting the Kents – they are one of my favourite historical romance families. There were other familiar characters that unexpectedly showed up as well: . Finally, there were also a couple of new characters that were introduced and I am really curious about them.
We only got a taste of the London Underworld in the Mayhem in Mayfair and Heart of Enquiry series. Now we’re well and truly immersed in that world. I love the idea of Dukes who rule the Underworld and I’m SO excited to find out where this series is headed!!
I have been waiting for this book for so long and I had very high expectations. I'm happy that The Duke Identity met those expectations and more. This book was so much fun to read. It had a little bit of everything: steamy romance, strong familial love, compelling mystery, rich setting, adventure, and amazing main and supporting characters.
I really enjoyed reading Tessa and Harry’s love story. I’ve loved Harry Kent since the Heart of Enquiry series and I am so happy he got his own HEA. Tessa is his perfect mate and better half. She’s such a clever, loyal, feisty, saucy, and absolutely lovable heroine. I loved her from the very first chapter. To be honest, she kind of took the spotlight away from Harry, that’s how awesome she is!! Like I said, I’ve always loved Harry, but I barely recognized him in the beginning of this book. Something terrible happened to him at Cambridge, which completely changed his outlook on life. Our lovable scientist turned into a broody hero and closed himself off even more. It took me a while to warm up to this new Harry. I loved how Tessa slowly helped him open up. Harry ended up being such a swoon worthy hero in the end – like his brother Ambrose, he is protective, honourable, and a gentleman through and through. I loved how Tessa and Harry were so comfortable with each other. Tessa allowed herself to be vulnerable with Harry and vice versa. It was the most wonderful thing ever. They were SO good together; their relationship development was really well done. Another thing I loved was how both the hero and heroine had such clear motivations. I knew exactly what they were feeling and what they wanted.
The London Underworld setting is fascinating. It was particularly great seeing the Underworld through Tessa's eyes because she had such a unique and fresh perspective. As for the plot, the mystery was engaging and compelling. I was intrigued from the very beginning and I couldn't wait to find out who was behind everything. The supporting characters were amazing – I was surprised to discover how much I loved Bartholomew Black, and even Mavis. There was so much familial love and loyalty in this book. For those who have read the Heart of Enquiry books, familiar faces show up in this book. I loved revisiting the Kents – they are one of my favourite historical romance families. There were other familiar characters that unexpectedly showed up as well: . Finally, there were also a couple of new characters that were introduced and I am really curious about them.
We only got a taste of the London Underworld in the Mayhem in Mayfair and Heart of Enquiry series. Now we’re well and truly immersed in that world. I love the idea of Dukes who rule the Underworld and I’m SO excited to find out where this series is headed!!
Want to read
November 25, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/25/2020)! 🎁
January 13, 2023
Probably more like 3.5/5 stars, but rounding up
I liked Harry and Tessa a lot, and this managed to work for me despite some of the deception involved here. It was great to finally spend real time with Harry and see his relationship with his family from his eyes, and I loved Tessa and getting to know her.
I liked Harry and Tessa a lot, and this managed to work for me despite some of the deception involved here. It was great to finally spend real time with Harry and see his relationship with his family from his eyes, and I loved Tessa and getting to know her.
November 17, 2022
What a bloody good book! I loved this! Tessa is fantastic! What a feisty, loyal, determined woman!
Sam/Harry was fantastic too!
.
I don’t know what it was about this book but it put such a big smile on my face! I loved the involvement from the other family members, the back histories, also the sciences that flowed seamlessly into the story.
.
The 🌶🌶 was great, real and raw. There was also something really hot that he had glasses! Also you can’t go wrong with a pet like Swift!
.
I realised after reading this book that I should have read the other series first, but I don’t mind too much. I really loved the fierce family loyalty and devotion from both characters. It was really special and something I think bonded them both!
Sam/Harry was fantastic too!
.
I don’t know what it was about this book but it put such a big smile on my face! I loved the involvement from the other family members, the back histories, also the sciences that flowed seamlessly into the story.
.
The 🌶🌶 was great, real and raw. There was also something really hot that he had glasses! Also you can’t go wrong with a pet like Swift!
.
I realised after reading this book that I should have read the other series first, but I don’t mind too much. I really loved the fierce family loyalty and devotion from both characters. It was really special and something I think bonded them both!
May 17, 2021
Amazing
Could not put it down. This one has everything. Strong willed heroine, adventure, plot twist, and steamy romance. Loved all the characters, the underworld dukes and the family associate. Excellently written this is a must read!
Could not put it down. This one has everything. Strong willed heroine, adventure, plot twist, and steamy romance. Loved all the characters, the underworld dukes and the family associate. Excellently written this is a must read!
July 1, 2021
4.5 stars
Initial thoughts: I loved and devoured this story. I didn’t want to put it down. It blew me away just how good this story was and made me want to read more Grace Calloway books in the future because I am officially hooked.
Review:
Major Plot spoilers ahead. Read at your own risk
ONCE AGAIN MAJOR PLOT SPOILERS AHEAD, THIS IS YOUR FINAL WARNING
This was a different type of historical romance than I have ever read. Usually if I read historical romances, I tend to gravitate to Highlander or Regency with the focus more on the ton and upper crust society. Though this story did feature some of those same elements from Regency romances that I have read it the past, it was different because this story more focused on the dangerous and gritty Underworld of the Regency time period. I know that there have been authors like Sarah Maclean who have written stories with that darker gritter feel to them like this one had, but this was the first one I have encountered. At first I didn’t know if I was going to like it or enjoy it because of the Underworld/criminal vibe, but after reading this particular story makes me want to read more historical romances in this environment and similar vibe because I wound up freaking love the love story between Harry and Tessa. It blew me expectations out of the water, and I was immediately sucked in. I didn’t want to put it down because of all the suspense, drama, mystery, action, and danger. It just amazed me.
I have to say that I was immediately hooked with the character of Tessa. I loved her so much. Her spunk and quirkiness just really made her stand out from typical historical romance heroine. Yes, she was virginal and she had insecurities to her, but she was a badass too. She was just a really dynamic and three dimensional character that I couldn’t help but rooting for as soon as I met her. Her introduction was absolutely perfect because it showed so much of her character without spelling it out in words. She was dressed as a boy in order to serve justice to the man who wronged her friend along with her trusty sidekick of her ferret. It was so funny and entertaining to watch especially when Harry came into the picture to help her get away. I really got her and felt so much compassion for her especially as the story continued and revealed her psychological hurts from certain rejections in her life. When in reality all she wanted to be was seen and listened to because she had valuable opinion and thoughts of her own especially when it came to running her grandfather’s underworld in the fairest way possible. Then her dealing with Harry was just perfection.
The relationship between Harry and Tessa was perfection in of itself. There were so many levels and developments along the way that it made it very easy to see how they the fell in love with each other. They went through the gament of emotions together. They sparked and clicked immediately from the moment they met. There was all that glorious sexual tension between them as they spent more and more time together. They had this very intense connection in all ways especially in the beginning as they were butting heads as they fought what was between them. It was so good. It was just perfect pacing between them. I loved it.
I think the most interesting part of the romance was the complications of the situation. There were a lot of them even if Tessa didn’t know about them. First, Harry was a cop sent to investigate and spy on her grandfather, who was the king of the Underworld, in order to get evidence to put her grandfather in jail. So, he had to hide his identity from Tessa as well as his occupation, adding a great layer and tension to the romance. The fact that Tessa and her grandfather didn’t trust cops in the first place made it even more crucial to hiding his secret. It added great suspense because I knew she, along her grandfather, were going to find out, but the question was when. As he was getting deeper and deeper with her, the more the stakes rose that put another level to it with the suspense, knowing what was to come and what feelings were emerge over that.
But before that was the fact that her grandfather, not knowing who he was at the time, assigned Harry to be Tessa’s bodyguard, which added more seriousness and intensity to it. The fun thing though was how Tessa played tricked on Harry in order to get him to quit because she didn’t feel she needed a bodyguard. It lead to some really funny moments, but it also upped the intensity between them even more. It was fueled with lots of yummy sexual tension between them that I loved and adored so much. It added so much to their story.
Once they finally gave into their passions, they gave into their passions. They only had two “complete” love scene, but they had made more pleasurable moments filled with sexy foreplay that lead to some hot and steamy moments between them. It was fire. This had to be some of the steamiest love scenes that I have ever read in historical romance before. Nothing was held back as they explored each other’s pleasure and need for one another. It was physical, but it was more to them because it was intimacy too. It was need to have that connection in every single way possible. It was intense. It was delicious.
However my one complaint about this story and the reason I didn't give this five stars was the amount of dirty talk during those sexy scenes. This just my personal taste, but I’m huge fan of dirty talk anyway so I might be biased in my estimation so when it was in here as explicit as it was it took me back when I read it. It took me out of the story bit. I didn’t think it fit for a historical romance. I know this was fiction, but I just didn’t think for that time period that he would say that stuff to her in such explicit terms. I just didn’t think it fit personality either. Now if it was a contemporary romance and features a bad boy or a rockstar it would have more fit. I might not have liked it but I wouldn’t have found it as jarring as I did with this one. I don’t know if other historical romance features that type of dirty talk in those love scenes, but I know I have never encounter one this overly explicit as this one. I got used to it after realizing this was formula but the first couple of times just rubbed me in the wrong way.
I loved everything else in the plot as well and never felt like it took away from the romance of Harry and Tessa. It just added so much flavor to it because it added to their interactions as they set about to solve the mystery together in order to save her grandfather. I liked seeing them work as a team. I loved how they were partners in this together. They actual sat down together and discussed things and listen to one another. It became such a beautiful part of their relationship while all this craziness and danger was going on around them. Having those other elements in their just upped the stakes so much for them as a couple as well as the world around them. It added complexity and kept me on my toes as I flipped through the pages to see what happened next. I loved how everything combined and worked together to create this amazing story.
The twist that came on later on in the story just really knocked my socks off. I didn’t see it coming at all. There was no hints or glimpses of her grandfather having certain knowledge all the way through the story. It was shocking. It surprised me in the best way, and it made it even more meaningful when he gave Harry the job of bodyguard to Tessa. It surprised me how much her grandfather was a fan of Harry and nudging Harry along the way without Harry even knowing. It made mouth drop when the revelation came.
Even though I thought Tessa might give Harry a more run for his money after she found out the truth, Harry did a pretty epic grovel. He really put his heart out on the line for her to show his true feelings for her that laid in his heart. It was beautiful. It was swoon worthy. It just put a smile on my face as he did it. I think she made it pretty easy for him, but I think he would have went through hoops ten times over if that meant winning Tessa back. It was the perfect grand gesture moment that I wanted.
Overall I was so surprised by how much I loved this story. i wasn’t expecting to be sucked in as quickly as I was both with the romance and the Underworld storyline. I thought that I wasn’t going to like the gritter storyline, but that added so much flavor and intensity to the story that it just upped to another level, making me consumed by it. I freaking love that so much. The romance was amazing having a lot of elements in there that I enjoy in my romance like high sexual tension, angst, intensity, an enemies to lover vibe, misunderstandings, forbidden romance, bodyguard, hidden identity, intimacy, and passion. Aside from the dirty talk, everything was just so perfect. I couldn’t ask for a more engaging and consuming romance as the one between Tessa and Harry. I loved it so much. I want to reread it again and just relive those moments between them all over again. Plus I loved the rest of the plot and characters as well. It was just an amazing ride to go on. It was just so good.
This made me want to read more from Grace Callaway now especially the stories featuring Harry’s siblings. If they are going to be as amazing as this one then I’m going to absolutely love her as an author and I might have a new favorite author (not that I need another one). Grace Callaway just gave me so much more than I ever thought I wanted. I look forward to explore more from her in the future, and I may have to pick up physical copies of her books if I love them like I did this one.
Highly recommend for anyone that wants edgier historical romances with high levels of suspense, sexual tension, and passion. If you like spicy and intense romances than you are going to love this one. It was amazing you will not regret it.
Initial thoughts: I loved and devoured this story. I didn’t want to put it down. It blew me away just how good this story was and made me want to read more Grace Calloway books in the future because I am officially hooked.
Review:
Major Plot spoilers ahead. Read at your own risk
ONCE AGAIN MAJOR PLOT SPOILERS AHEAD, THIS IS YOUR FINAL WARNING
This was a different type of historical romance than I have ever read. Usually if I read historical romances, I tend to gravitate to Highlander or Regency with the focus more on the ton and upper crust society. Though this story did feature some of those same elements from Regency romances that I have read it the past, it was different because this story more focused on the dangerous and gritty Underworld of the Regency time period. I know that there have been authors like Sarah Maclean who have written stories with that darker gritter feel to them like this one had, but this was the first one I have encountered. At first I didn’t know if I was going to like it or enjoy it because of the Underworld/criminal vibe, but after reading this particular story makes me want to read more historical romances in this environment and similar vibe because I wound up freaking love the love story between Harry and Tessa. It blew me expectations out of the water, and I was immediately sucked in. I didn’t want to put it down because of all the suspense, drama, mystery, action, and danger. It just amazed me.
I have to say that I was immediately hooked with the character of Tessa. I loved her so much. Her spunk and quirkiness just really made her stand out from typical historical romance heroine. Yes, she was virginal and she had insecurities to her, but she was a badass too. She was just a really dynamic and three dimensional character that I couldn’t help but rooting for as soon as I met her. Her introduction was absolutely perfect because it showed so much of her character without spelling it out in words. She was dressed as a boy in order to serve justice to the man who wronged her friend along with her trusty sidekick of her ferret. It was so funny and entertaining to watch especially when Harry came into the picture to help her get away. I really got her and felt so much compassion for her especially as the story continued and revealed her psychological hurts from certain rejections in her life. When in reality all she wanted to be was seen and listened to because she had valuable opinion and thoughts of her own especially when it came to running her grandfather’s underworld in the fairest way possible. Then her dealing with Harry was just perfection.
The relationship between Harry and Tessa was perfection in of itself. There were so many levels and developments along the way that it made it very easy to see how they the fell in love with each other. They went through the gament of emotions together. They sparked and clicked immediately from the moment they met. There was all that glorious sexual tension between them as they spent more and more time together. They had this very intense connection in all ways especially in the beginning as they were butting heads as they fought what was between them. It was so good. It was just perfect pacing between them. I loved it.
I think the most interesting part of the romance was the complications of the situation. There were a lot of them even if Tessa didn’t know about them. First, Harry was a cop sent to investigate and spy on her grandfather, who was the king of the Underworld, in order to get evidence to put her grandfather in jail. So, he had to hide his identity from Tessa as well as his occupation, adding a great layer and tension to the romance. The fact that Tessa and her grandfather didn’t trust cops in the first place made it even more crucial to hiding his secret. It added great suspense because I knew she, along her grandfather, were going to find out, but the question was when. As he was getting deeper and deeper with her, the more the stakes rose that put another level to it with the suspense, knowing what was to come and what feelings were emerge over that.
But before that was the fact that her grandfather, not knowing who he was at the time, assigned Harry to be Tessa’s bodyguard, which added more seriousness and intensity to it. The fun thing though was how Tessa played tricked on Harry in order to get him to quit because she didn’t feel she needed a bodyguard. It lead to some really funny moments, but it also upped the intensity between them even more. It was fueled with lots of yummy sexual tension between them that I loved and adored so much. It added so much to their story.
Once they finally gave into their passions, they gave into their passions. They only had two “complete” love scene, but they had made more pleasurable moments filled with sexy foreplay that lead to some hot and steamy moments between them. It was fire. This had to be some of the steamiest love scenes that I have ever read in historical romance before. Nothing was held back as they explored each other’s pleasure and need for one another. It was physical, but it was more to them because it was intimacy too. It was need to have that connection in every single way possible. It was intense. It was delicious.
However my one complaint about this story and the reason I didn't give this five stars was the amount of dirty talk during those sexy scenes. This just my personal taste, but I’m huge fan of dirty talk anyway so I might be biased in my estimation so when it was in here as explicit as it was it took me back when I read it. It took me out of the story bit. I didn’t think it fit for a historical romance. I know this was fiction, but I just didn’t think for that time period that he would say that stuff to her in such explicit terms. I just didn’t think it fit personality either. Now if it was a contemporary romance and features a bad boy or a rockstar it would have more fit. I might not have liked it but I wouldn’t have found it as jarring as I did with this one. I don’t know if other historical romance features that type of dirty talk in those love scenes, but I know I have never encounter one this overly explicit as this one. I got used to it after realizing this was formula but the first couple of times just rubbed me in the wrong way.
I loved everything else in the plot as well and never felt like it took away from the romance of Harry and Tessa. It just added so much flavor to it because it added to their interactions as they set about to solve the mystery together in order to save her grandfather. I liked seeing them work as a team. I loved how they were partners in this together. They actual sat down together and discussed things and listen to one another. It became such a beautiful part of their relationship while all this craziness and danger was going on around them. Having those other elements in their just upped the stakes so much for them as a couple as well as the world around them. It added complexity and kept me on my toes as I flipped through the pages to see what happened next. I loved how everything combined and worked together to create this amazing story.
The twist that came on later on in the story just really knocked my socks off. I didn’t see it coming at all. There was no hints or glimpses of her grandfather having certain knowledge all the way through the story. It was shocking. It surprised me in the best way, and it made it even more meaningful when he gave Harry the job of bodyguard to Tessa. It surprised me how much her grandfather was a fan of Harry and nudging Harry along the way without Harry even knowing. It made mouth drop when the revelation came.
Even though I thought Tessa might give Harry a more run for his money after she found out the truth, Harry did a pretty epic grovel. He really put his heart out on the line for her to show his true feelings for her that laid in his heart. It was beautiful. It was swoon worthy. It just put a smile on my face as he did it. I think she made it pretty easy for him, but I think he would have went through hoops ten times over if that meant winning Tessa back. It was the perfect grand gesture moment that I wanted.
Overall I was so surprised by how much I loved this story. i wasn’t expecting to be sucked in as quickly as I was both with the romance and the Underworld storyline. I thought that I wasn’t going to like the gritter storyline, but that added so much flavor and intensity to the story that it just upped to another level, making me consumed by it. I freaking love that so much. The romance was amazing having a lot of elements in there that I enjoy in my romance like high sexual tension, angst, intensity, an enemies to lover vibe, misunderstandings, forbidden romance, bodyguard, hidden identity, intimacy, and passion. Aside from the dirty talk, everything was just so perfect. I couldn’t ask for a more engaging and consuming romance as the one between Tessa and Harry. I loved it so much. I want to reread it again and just relive those moments between them all over again. Plus I loved the rest of the plot and characters as well. It was just an amazing ride to go on. It was just so good.
This made me want to read more from Grace Callaway now especially the stories featuring Harry’s siblings. If they are going to be as amazing as this one then I’m going to absolutely love her as an author and I might have a new favorite author (not that I need another one). Grace Callaway just gave me so much more than I ever thought I wanted. I look forward to explore more from her in the future, and I may have to pick up physical copies of her books if I love them like I did this one.
Highly recommend for anyone that wants edgier historical romances with high levels of suspense, sexual tension, and passion. If you like spicy and intense romances than you are going to love this one. It was amazing you will not regret it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2022
DNF 8% - due to the writing
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