Duked

Duke Society #1

by Gina Robinson

Ren never wanted to be duke or inherit the castle. I want the castle desperately. But more than that—I want Ren. And if I'm not mistaken, he wants me. I just don't know if that's enough.

DUKED is a sexy, standalone modern marriage of convenience story that blends billionaire, modern gothic, and contemporary romance and has a happily-ever-after.

From an American billionaire’s daughter to a duchess…

Our plan is simple, if not scandalous. Me, the 29-year-old daughter of an American billionaire, marry him, the ancient Duke of Manly on his hundredth birthday. By marrying, we each get something we desperately want. The plan is working brilliantly. Until Manly dies at the altar.

With his dying breath, Manly maneuvers me into a marriage of convenience with his hot, mysterious heir, Ren Sattler, the new duke. Suddenly I'm drawn into the mysteries surrounding the castle and Ren—mysteries that threaten my hopes of saving the estate and my marriage…not to mention my heart.

Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Adult

392 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 16, 2018

About the author

Romance addict. Hopeless daydreamer. People watcher. Total romantic at heart.

That's me. When I'm lost in a good book a nuclear bomb could go off next to me - I wouldn't flinch. I'm not afraid to read in public and laugh until my eyes water and my sides hurt. I'll cry at a tender moment. Dab my eyes when a couple finally realizes they're in love. Race with my heart pounding to the end of an adventure. Give me a little mystery – now I'm really intrigued.

I'll fall in love with a hot, witty hero any day of the week. Shhh. Just between you and me? My biggest turn-on? A man with a sense of humor. Let me melt now. I'm hooked.

Give me billionaires, modern-day dukes and royals. Give me hot, witty nerds, and intelligent men.

Marriages of convenience? Fake relationships? Second-chance romances? I'm in!

I write books that I want to read. That make me laugh. That make my heart race. If any of this sounds good to you, join me! If you want to be sure to hear when I have a new release, visit me at www.ginarobinson.com and sign up for my newsletter.

Reviews

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Duked by Gina Robinson is the First book in The Duke Society Series. This is the story of Renton 'Ren' Sattler and Bliss Harper.
Bliss's mother has come up with the ideal that Bliss should marry the Duke of Manly, a man set to turn 100 years old. Manley wants an heir to inherit his title and her mother thinks it makes good business sense. Bliss likes Manley although there are no romantic feelings for him. Bliss feels this is a good move toward getting away from her mother and start living her own life. Bliss happens to meet Ren the day before the wedding, they both feel the sparks between them. Manly ends up dying and Ren who was the heir steps forward to be the Duke. Now Ren and Bliss are the new Duke and Duchess of Manly. But of course things do go smoothly with there being ghost, Ren's mysterious past and other things keeping things from running smoothly.
Really enjoyed their story and will be looking for more books by this author!!

[Christina Bowling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, first I'm going to say that I don't like how Bliss was going to marry a man so much older than her, and I really hated that he died. I also don't really care too much for the fact that Ren was sort of a second choice to fill in at the wedding. However, that being said, those are just the things I didn't like. There were many, many more things that I DID like about the book, and the good definitely outweighed the few things that I didn't like. Bliss and Ren both grew on me after a bit of reading, and I really grew to love them as a couple, and enjoyed the book. I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of the series. I was gifted a copy.

[D Call · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic romance with a touch of eerie and mystery

MY RATING
5 stars--WOW
4 stars--would read again
3 stars--was good
2 stars--read it, didn't enjoy it
1 star--didn't finish

Should I read books before this one: no
Cliffhanger: no

SUMMARY
Manly wants an heir to inherit his title, and Bliss wants freedom from a controlling mom. While she's daydreaming in the garden, a man holding foxglove bursts into view. He looks and flirts like a young Manly. She resists their chemistry, starts back. He shows her a shortcut, she twists her ankle, he carries her in.

At the rehearsal dinner, that man sits next to her. Manly introduces Ren. After dinner, Bliss escorts Manly to his suite. Manly confesses he loves her and lusts for her. She agrees with him when he says if the age gap weren't so great, they'd be perfect for each other. They've agreed to artificial insemination. They'll never consummate the marriage, and she'll never tell. He warns her to stay away from Ren.

Bliss walks to rejoin the party, looks at the portrait of Manly in his 40s. Ren, "Trying to work up some enthusiasm for the wedding night?" He tells her about the castle's famous ghosts:

In the 14th C, a young woman laid with her knight the evening before her wedding. Duke threw her out the window on their wedding night in a jealous rage. He imprisoned, tortured, killed, then threw the knight in the lake. She walks the halls, he rises from the lake, but never meet. It's bad luck to see her before the wedding.

Ren knows where the journal is that details the white lady's sightings. Bliss says no, proceeds toward the party. She overhears, "He slept with his brother's fiancée weeks before the wedding. He wanted everything William had—the title Will was to inherit and the woman he was going to marry. It's never been a secret that Ren is, and always has been, jealous and utterly ruthless. And now William, the good one and Manly's hope for the estate, and poor, beautiful Zoe, are dead, drowned. Left for dead in a submerged car in the river by Ren." Coroner ruled it accidental. But Ren delayed getting help.

Bliss goes to her room. She gets in bed, a book lands by her head: an ancient journal, Ghost Sightings at Manly Manor. Hundreds of sightings written by different people. Bliss's predecessor saw the ghost her wedding eve; that duchess died tragically. Pictures from the grounds show the white lady looking out the window of Bliss's current room. Bliss sleeps, is awakened by her locked window banging open. She hears running in the hall. She pursues, is caught by Ren. He didn't leave the journal, has never seen it. Desire is rampant, reminiscent of the white lady story. He says this room was boarded up…after. She'd chosen the room, Manly doesn't know. You should've told him. Why? It's bad luck. He begs her not to stay here tonight, kisses her. She makes him leave, "Do you want Manly throwing me out a window?" Story of my life—if we'd been born in the same generation, I could have loved the man I was going to marry. If not for my fiancé, I could have fallen in love with Ren.

Wedding processional. She sees Ren. The pull between them hurts. Manly has a heart attack. Ren gets to him first. Manly puts his hand out, doesn't want Bliss's, takes his friend's. Manly whispers to his friends Axe and Hardly. Manly looks at her, dies.

Ren carries her to the study, holds her while she sobs. Manly's friends and attorney explain Manly's wishes in case this happened. Ren inherits everything, but Bliss's mom's gift investment becomes a hefty loan. Attorney, "There is a remedy. The late duke's will makes it clear that his deepest desire, and the solution to the problem of his untimely death, would be the marriage of [Bliss] to [Ren]. In the case of their marriage, all agreements between the late duke and Miss Harper's mother would remain in place. [business details] The duke stipulated that the new duke should take his place in the wedding that he and [Bliss] were planning. That was his deepest desire to see his heir and nephew married well to a beautiful woman, inside and out. Now you understand the urgency of the situation. You have a castle full of guests waiting for a wedding to resume. And a decision to make. What do you say?"

EVALUATION
Sufficient character development. Mystery keeps the story moving. Enjoyed!

RECOMMENDATION
Adults who like a touch of spooky, a touch of mystery, and romance

FAVORITE QUOTES
I took a deep breath and reached for my sense of humor.

I unlocked the door with trembling fingers and dashed into the dark hall, an umbrella-wielding avenger and ghost hunter.

"He survived a wedding and a wedding night with the Deadly Duchess. Surviving a whole honeymoon is pushing his luck."

Happiness in marriage is a matter of determination and effort. That part is up to you.

We make a stand when we can. When we're strong enough. The time picks us.

POSSIBLE TRIGGERS (SPOILERS)
Sex: multiple scenes
Language: 6 f***, 0 Lord's name in vain, 1 s***
Violence: drugs, drowning, abuse by mentally ill person

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been DUKED! Duked is such a unique take on a modern-day duke and duchess novel. I really liked the plot of this book the most. It killed me yet kept me going. This book has some heat and romance, but it also has a mystery that will keep you guessing. What will happen next?
The plot of this book was so interesting. It was so intricate that I didn’t expect how it ended. It was a rollercoaster ride of mystery and emotions. There are so many layers in this book. Just be aware that there is a surface plot, but there is also an underlying plot that is just as interesting. This is a marriage of convenience, but this is also a bit of mystery.
I really enjoyed these characters. Ren is freaking hot as heck. I knew I liked him from the moment we met him. He is portrayed as the bad boy. Dangerous and out of reach. He has more to him that what the rumors would have you believe though. Then you have Bliss. She is feisty yet regal. Exactly what I would expect from a duchess. She is such a great character.
The heat between these two is immediate. As soon as they meet, you can tell there is an attraction there. This was before Bliss even knew who Ren was. Once that forbidden aspect was added, I feel like it only intensified the heat. Add in the surprises that kept getting thrown their way and you have the perfect recipe for nothing but steam.
I loved the writing style of this book. The pace of the book was steady. The book is told from one point of view, but it fit what the book needed. The characters were dynamic. The author did amazing revealing the mystery little by little. What I really loved was that this book has a historical duke romance feel to it, but it is set in modern day. It really was the best of both worlds.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. This story reeled me in and kept me interested throughout the book. There is going to be another novel following a different set of characters. I cannot wait to see how the author writes that book. I feel like it will be just as good, if not, better. I would recommend this book to others.
Ratings:
Plot: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Heat: 5/5
Writing Style: 5/5
Overall: 5/5

*Reviewed for Seraphim Book Reviews*

[Tina Ullrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do enjoyed this twisty, fun, adventure. I was surprised at the end but had mostly guessed correctly as to what occurred that night.

So here are the basics. You have a brow-beaten daughter, Bliss, who's mother has the money and if she wants to inherit the money and businesses she has to look as if she is doing her mother's bidding. Bliss is smart but quiet. Business savvy and knows how to organize and get things done.

The century old Duke of Manly, our as everyone calls him, Manly. Yes I said century old, 100 and feisty. He has a fun down estate that means the world to him but try as he may, unable to get it out of debt by himself. He has no children, not for lack of trying. He has been married three times already.

Renton, Ren to all, is Manly's heir. He has a mysterious past that he won't defend against nay-sayers and has a thriving career. You learn in about the middle of the story he is an architect. A very good one with several awards to his name, highly sought after.

Bliss is scheduled to marry Manly to turn his estate into a bed and breakfast with haunted tour of the castle. Yes, there is the famous White Lady whose husband locked her away from her lover so she jumped to her death. Then the lover, who was tortured in the dungeon and his dead body folded into the lake making him, The Ghost Knight of the Lake.

Add to the mix the death of Ren's brother and fiancee who also happens to be Ren's ex. Yeah full of twists and mystery. A town that loves gossip and blames Ren for all the town's troubles. The town is sceptical of Bliss too.

Then you have TWO more Dukes Axeton and Hardley, Manly's friends. They are mischievous and loyal and great fun. Put all these characters together and you have one wild, enthralling, and mysterious adventure that will have you reading all night. You won't want to stop.

[Ilona Nurmela · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable female billionaire heiress romance with a Poe-themed mystery

I’ve had this book on my tbr for years and I always thought - based on the cover (old cover had a bride going up a staircase) and the title - that it was a Texan romance, but no, it’s a Downtown-Abbey-esque mix of a ghost / murder mystery focussing on a lustful romance that starts out with a May-December red herring. If I had to use one genre to describe, it’d be Gothic, I guess.

Bliss is an American 27yo heiress who agrees to marry a 99yo English Duke on his 100th birthday - to get out from under her mama’s wing while at the same time securing not just her freedom and a title but also her mother’s trust in her entrepreneurial abilities. On the eve of her wedding she meets Ren, a smoldering & mysterious 31yo younger version of her ancient groom and the rest is history.

I loved the nods to Poe (especiallly his Casque of Amontillado) and the Bluebeard fairytale references - as you do in an English castle that has multiple ghost sightings. The American heiress sounded British to me on occasion (collogueal expressions were BE, not AmE) and her being addressed as Duchess by non-peers was what got in the way of true enjoyment of reading (should be Your Grace by non-lords and Duchess only by peers of the realm). Overall, this was a fast-paced, enjoyable read with a whodunnit murder mystery and ghost story unravelling. I had to go look up a few terms (like freebasing) and that was fun as I like learning by reading, not just research.

Recommended for lovers of mixed genre romantic fiction; of Poe and Downtown Abbey; of murder mysteries with stoic heroes and cutthroat rational heroines.

[Nickole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rcvd an advanced reader copy from the author for giving my two cents. Quite a different approach from previous books by Gina but nonetheless a page turner. We meet Bliss, an American heiress, who is marrying an 100 yr old Duke as a business arrangement. She will inherit a title and a castle in which they plan on turning into a B & B and capitalize on the ghostly stories. Manly wants an heir to carry on his title...eventho he has a nephew. While at the loggia, Bliss meets the most handsome man she has ever seen to only find out it is Ren, Manlys nephew. The day of the wedding, as Bliss is about to embark on matrimony, Manly falls over having a heart attack. Contingencies are in place as Manly was a planner to every minut detail...right down to Bliss still marrying the Duke of Manly which is now Ren. Without a second thought both agree and continue on with the wedding. Rumors and heresy get the village people talking and Bliss trying to come to terms with Manlys wishes. Will Bliss find out the truth of the ghosts that haunt Manly Manor and Ren? Will she become the next victim to the White Lady? A chilling read with lots of drama, soul searching and biting off more than you can chew.

[Bette Stanek · Rating 5 out of 5]

A May (February?)-December romance? Marriage of convenience? A modern-day arranged marriage? A modern-day fairytale? Yep, all of those. Totally unexpected? YES! In the best way. The synopsis describes Duked as “a sexy, standalone modern marriage of convenience story that blends the best of billionaire, modern gothic, and contemporary romance.” That is spot on. This story was so much fun. I had to keep reminding myself what century I was in. You have a perfect blending of past, present, and future. There is plenty of mystery and intrigue right alongside heart and humor, a trip to London where there is clubbing with friends, and then suddenly back to the castle and worrying about titles and heirs. I have been thoroughly Duked! (and charmed).

[Gavinsmommaloves2read · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have not had the pleasure of reading this author before but am so glad I picked up this book. I love duke books but sometimes get lost in the word of the regency era but this book had all the things I loved about books set in the past but in the modern era. Bliss is set to marry the 100 year old duke of manly on his birthday. There both getting something out of this wedding but he does before they say I do but before taking his last breath he secured another marriage to his era Ren. Woot these two had Insta connection that was short but that's not the whole story about this book lost of suspense moments surprises and mystery!

[Chantall Bronkhorst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness. What a lovely book. I enjoyed every sentence of it. Played out in a castle with all the right trimmings. Ghosts. Secrets. Gossip. Love/hate. The atmosphere of the story is so perfect. People dying and past secrets to be figured out. Very intriguing tale. Very well written. Keeps your attention from the first chapter til the last. Definitely a 1 click series. Can't wait for book 2. It sounds amazing.

[lebedeva · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so great. There's a good balance of scorching hot romance between the complex main characters and mystery - the truth about Manly's , Will and Zoe's deaths. There is also great supporting cast with pompous ridiculous names providing great banter and comedy as well as juicy gossips and drama. I need more Melly !

I also loved that it's a modern romance with modern values but with a feel of bodice ripper. 😉

[Charlene Willess · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I really like about this book was the dialogue. It was genuine. There was some of the usual sexual banter, but there was also some heartfelt, realistic discussion between Renton and Bliss's relationship. My favorite scene was at the wedding reception when Renton got up to give the speech and talked about his relationship with the late Duke of Manly and how as a boy, he loved playing in the castle.

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a very interesting plot, yet the pacing seemed rather slow to me. Everything happens in the last 30-40 pages of the book. There were also a lot of highly detailed parts of the book that IMO could have been skipped or shortened like all her errands after Manly died. I found myself skipping ahead by pages at various points of the book. The foxglove explanation was not believable. I liked the characters, but I don’t think I’ll be going for another book by this author.

[Casey Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s amazing what one will do for family, happiness or self-preservation. What deals may be struck, arrangements come to or plans outlined. Duked explores what happens when plans go awry, adjustments are made on the fly and mysteries are u covered. A most enjoyable read; quirky and fun.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. It had all the elements to good story. I realize that marrying a 100 year old Duke is icky but if you overlook that....then it's a pretty romantic take, ghosts are the extra bit.

[Jennifer Oloughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bliss and Ren had such an enjoyable story.
Even though there were layers, we discovered bit by bit, from the start, it was a parent that they were a match made in heaven.I loved it.

*I read an arc

[THall · Rating 4 out of 5]

A castle, mystery, love, who wld't want to read

[Henar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it, even with the ghost story.

[BlueBug · Rating 5 out of 5]

I began reading this because I got a taste of it in a boxed set I bought that contained another of my favorite authors. I had not idea it would be such a fantastic story as I hadn't read anything by this author before. When I got through the part included in the boxed set, I had to buy the rest of it, and I wasn't disappointed.

There are so many things going on in this book that reads like a historical romance. There's so much history in the setting in the Duke's family. Ren never wanted be Duke of Manly, but due to the circumstances surrounding Bliss's wedding, he must take on the responsibility quickly. When nothing goes as she expected the day after the wedding, Bliss wonders if Ren has any feelings for her at all.

But when strange things begin happening in the castle and the surrounding estate, she discovers there is more to the mystery than what Ren won't reveal and the rumors among the villagers. And she plans on uncovering the truth no matter what it takes. In the meantime, she hopes to find out if Ren returns any of the feelings she is developing for him.

It's filled with a deep rich history, and though the wedding is rushed (with obvious reason), there's a sweetness and romantic air about the entire situation. As I kept reading, more of the answers were revealed, and it was just so enjoyable how everything unfolded that I found it impossible to put the story down until I was finished. Needless to say, I read it in a day, and I've gained the love for a new author to me. I look forward to reading more of her works.

[Beachbaby]

In boxed set - Mister Billionaire Boxed Set: Seven Royal and Aristocratic Romantic Suspense Billionaire Novels