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Lords of Hedonism #1
Duke of Decadence
Welcome to Book One in the original rock gods and bad boys of Regency series - men of talent, of divine inspiration, of passion, and of torment. If there were guitars to be smashed in hotel rooms, these gentlemen would have been at the forefront. Groupies? Yes. Bad behavior? Absolutely. But in the end, love rules the day and the soul is satisfied. Indulge in unexpected stories and unexpected adventure in the first, the best, and the only LORDS OF HEDONISM series...
Alonzo, the Duke of Pridegate, is handsome, wealthy, and hedonistic to a fault. Gifted with the voice of a siren that can inflame the tamest of London debutantes, he has just returned to London after a year-long tour. Although he spent a considerable amount of time in the beds of beautiful ladies, he longs for the familiar and sedate — and perhaps even a woman of his very own.
Lady Julia Castle, the only child of the Duke of Hampstead, has no interest in overbearing, spoiled lords—especially ones who pretend to be famous and greatly desired. She’s a dedicated intellectual with ambitions to become a respected philanthropist, so when Alonzo Farrington runs into her at a book shop and claims to be a duke, she immediately doubts him. What man of the ton would act as he does? When he invites her to a private performance, she reluctantly accepts only to discover that he is indeed a duke and a famous Verdi baritone.
Unimpressed by his fame, Julia admits to herself that any woman would be thrilled to be seduced by such a man and with her father pressuring her to marry—Julia is now desperate to find a husband she can tolerate. Could Alonzo be that husband even though he goes against everything she's fought so hard to resist? It may be a decision that costs her greatly, for once she and the duke are alone, she's at his mercy.
Or, so he believes...
A Lord of Hedonism may have met his match.
Read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited!
Lords of Hedonism
Book 1 - Duke of Decadence
Book 2 - Earl of Excess
Book 3 - Prince of Pleasure
Alonzo, the Duke of Pridegate, is handsome, wealthy, and hedonistic to a fault. Gifted with the voice of a siren that can inflame the tamest of London debutantes, he has just returned to London after a year-long tour. Although he spent a considerable amount of time in the beds of beautiful ladies, he longs for the familiar and sedate — and perhaps even a woman of his very own.
Lady Julia Castle, the only child of the Duke of Hampstead, has no interest in overbearing, spoiled lords—especially ones who pretend to be famous and greatly desired. She’s a dedicated intellectual with ambitions to become a respected philanthropist, so when Alonzo Farrington runs into her at a book shop and claims to be a duke, she immediately doubts him. What man of the ton would act as he does? When he invites her to a private performance, she reluctantly accepts only to discover that he is indeed a duke and a famous Verdi baritone.
Unimpressed by his fame, Julia admits to herself that any woman would be thrilled to be seduced by such a man and with her father pressuring her to marry—Julia is now desperate to find a husband she can tolerate. Could Alonzo be that husband even though he goes against everything she's fought so hard to resist? It may be a decision that costs her greatly, for once she and the duke are alone, she's at his mercy.
Or, so he believes...
A Lord of Hedonism may have met his match.
Read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited!
Lords of Hedonism
Book 1 - Duke of Decadence
Book 2 - Earl of Excess
Book 3 - Prince of Pleasure
156 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 10, 2020
71 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
Violetta Rand
46 books284 followersRaised in Corpus Christi, Texas, Violetta Rand spent her childhood reading, writing, and playing soccer. After meeting her husband in New England, they moved to Alaska where she studied environmental science. Violetta spent a decade working as a scientist before quitting her day job to pursue her dream as a full time writer.
Violetta still lives in Anchorage, Alaska, and spends her days writing evocative contemporary and historical romance. When she’s not reading, writing, or editing, she enjoys time with her husband, pets, and friends.
Violetta still lives in Anchorage, Alaska, and spends her days writing evocative contemporary and historical romance. When she’s not reading, writing, or editing, she enjoys time with her husband, pets, and friends.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 15, 2020
❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋
Admired for his voice if not for his hedonistic actions, Alonzo Duke Of Pridegate is Wanted and chased by nearly all women , young or more mature.
Julia Castle Daughter to a Duke does not seem to one of them. From their unusual introduction to her doubts of his title she fights her attraction to him.
Alonzo seems to love and thrive on this situation, and the slow burning chemistry that develops is great to read.
I very much enjoyed this book , I also loved the secondary characters or Willa , her Mother and Graham the Earl .
I can see the next book developing slowly in the background.
Great read from Violeta , I’ll definitely read the others .
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
💋
Admired for his voice if not for his hedonistic actions, Alonzo Duke Of Pridegate is Wanted and chased by nearly all women , young or more mature.
Julia Castle Daughter to a Duke does not seem to one of them. From their unusual introduction to her doubts of his title she fights her attraction to him.
Alonzo seems to love and thrive on this situation, and the slow burning chemistry that develops is great to read.
I very much enjoyed this book , I also loved the secondary characters or Willa , her Mother and Graham the Earl .
I can see the next book developing slowly in the background.
Great read from Violeta , I’ll definitely read the others .
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
Want to read
March 19, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/19/2020)! 🎁
May 18, 2020
Rating: 4.5/5.0
"Duke of Decadence" reads swiftly, and will satisfy the cravings of regency romance readers.
Read full review in the 2020 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.
"Duke of Decadence" reads swiftly, and will satisfy the cravings of regency romance readers.
Read full review in the 2020 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.
January 27, 2020
The ending was rush and abrupt
The book was pretty fun but not without its problems which could have been overlooked if the ending wasn’t so jarring. 🤷♀️ like I’ll probably read the rest of the series b/c the characters are in engaging they just need more time to develop
The book was pretty fun but not without its problems which could have been overlooked if the ending wasn’t so jarring. 🤷♀️ like I’ll probably read the rest of the series b/c the characters are in engaging they just need more time to develop
January 23, 2020
A delightful Regency tale with a different twist, featuring Alonzo, the Duke of Pridegate, who is just full of himself! Oh yes, he considered himself "the pearl of London" and the scandal sheets described him as the prince's favorite and a lord of debauchery. He was a famous Verdi baritone that attracted women by the masses. Yes, think of groupies in modern day.
Put pride cometh before a fall and it happened when he literally ran into Miss Julia Castle when he ducked into a bookstore to try to avoid the ladies pursuing him! He finds her attractive but is irritated when she does not believe his is a famous duke and invites her to a soiree the next night.
When she sees that he is indeed a duke and has a beautiful voice, but they begin sparing verbally when he comes to talk to her.
I had a hard time with the arrogant Alonzo at first, but he began to change and he and Julia had a great journey to find their HEA! Loved it and cannot wait to see the other additions to this new series!
Put pride cometh before a fall and it happened when he literally ran into Miss Julia Castle when he ducked into a bookstore to try to avoid the ladies pursuing him! He finds her attractive but is irritated when she does not believe his is a famous duke and invites her to a soiree the next night.
When she sees that he is indeed a duke and has a beautiful voice, but they begin sparing verbally when he comes to talk to her.
I had a hard time with the arrogant Alonzo at first, but he began to change and he and Julia had a great journey to find their HEA! Loved it and cannot wait to see the other additions to this new series!
January 19, 2020
Great fun!
The first in a new series by this author, this is an entertaining story of Lady Julia, the daughter of a duke, who definitely has a mind of her own. She knows what she wants and what she does not. She is a faithful friend, educated woman, and a proponent of social justice for her era. Her father would prefer she just be married. Therefore, he has given her until the end of the year to pick an acceptable husband or he will do it for her.
Just back from a time spent of the continent, outracing his outrageous reputation for high living, (and running from hoards of young women who chase him like a rock star),is the young and popular Duke of Pridegate, Alonzo Farrington. His name suits him, as he’s rather self impressed. He has enjoyed gambling, drink, and women, and is also a well known and talented opera talent. He is back in London and thinking it might be time to take a wife. But not just ANY wife.
These two meet quite by accident and Lady Julia is far less impressed with Alonzo than he is with her. Thus begins a courtship that has funny, romantic, and has unexpected moments. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am looking forward to the next in this series.
The first in a new series by this author, this is an entertaining story of Lady Julia, the daughter of a duke, who definitely has a mind of her own. She knows what she wants and what she does not. She is a faithful friend, educated woman, and a proponent of social justice for her era. Her father would prefer she just be married. Therefore, he has given her until the end of the year to pick an acceptable husband or he will do it for her.
Just back from a time spent of the continent, outracing his outrageous reputation for high living, (and running from hoards of young women who chase him like a rock star),is the young and popular Duke of Pridegate, Alonzo Farrington. His name suits him, as he’s rather self impressed. He has enjoyed gambling, drink, and women, and is also a well known and talented opera talent. He is back in London and thinking it might be time to take a wife. But not just ANY wife.
These two meet quite by accident and Lady Julia is far less impressed with Alonzo than he is with her. Thus begins a courtship that has funny, romantic, and has unexpected moments. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am looking forward to the next in this series.
April 18, 2020
Story set in London about Alonzo, the Duke of Pridegate and Lady Julia Castle. It starts with the Duke returning to England after spending time abroad. The MCs clash at first, mostly due to Julia’s immaturity. The second she meets him, Julia decides he’s arrogant and pompous, and she continued thinking this even though everyone else got along with Alonzo. She was annoyed when she learned that Alonzo was a famous Verdi baritone who attracted women, similar to a rock star with groupies. I liked Alonzo, even at the beginning when he was being conceited he was also trying to straighten his life and make better choices. I had a harder time liking Julia and her way of thinking. I didn’t like that she was insulting and extremely judgmental. It was also hard to believe that Julia’s father allowed her so many liberties for the time period. The secondary characters were great, especially Julia’s friend Willa, and Alonzo’s friend Graham. Overall it was cute but I prefer this author’s Viking series.
January 14, 2020
The Duke of Decadence is book one in The Lords of Hedonism series by Violetta Rand. I have to say that this book is very funny. Alonzo, the Duke of Pridegate is such a preening peacock in the beginning. There are a number of truly hilarious moments between him and the heroine Lady Julia Castle. But as the story progresses, Alonzo’s character changes and a man of worth emerges. Though he has lived a debauched life, he discovers that love calls him to reach higher. “There are other things I’d rather call you,”he said hoarsely, his throat tight with lust. Her eyes grew wide. “Like blue-stocking?” He gave her a sweeping glance, from her head to her feet, his eyes stopping on her delicate hands knotted in her lap. “Like breathtaking.” He nuzzled close to her ear, breathing in her scent, wildflowers, lavender to be exact.” There is one steamy sex scene towards the end. I thought this was very well written, and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
January 16, 2020
Lady Julia Castle, the only child of the Duke of Hampstead who has no interest in marring. She meets quite by accident the arrogantly handsome Alonzo who claims to be a duke. Alonzo the Duke of Pridegate gives her invite to a social affair of the upper nobility. She finds herself giving him rude, snide comments as she frequently insulting him, never believing he's worth her time after all he's exactly like all the other noble men she knows. He finds himself thinking of her, he’s quite intrigued by her ideas and principals so much so he continues to pursue her at a house party he gets her invited to. As Julie gets to know Alonzo his character changes, he’s not just the “Duke of Decadence” his true character comes to light as a man worth knowing and one possible worth falling in love with. I love this new series and I can’t wait for the next book!!! An excellent story I loved and I voluntarily wrote a review.
January 12, 2020
💎DIAMOND of the 1st ORDER💎
WOW, good lord where to start! Obviously it has a Duke who is a RAKE! This I'd an AMAZING Read❣ It has everything you could want from the "HAUTE TON of LONDON! Join Alanzo the Duke of Pridegate & Julia on a WHIRLWIND Romance with there friends Willa, Wrath, and Gates. Lord you will LAUGH & CRY as the PRIDEFUL Duke is lead on a Merry Chase. By the By you will be introduced to the AMERICANS Madeline Hershey, her brother. This NOVE WAS FUNNY, EXCITING, LOVING, and BY THE TIME YOU ARE DONE READING YOU WILL REALIZE THAT SOMETIMES "YOU MAY THINK YOU REALLY KNOW WHAT YOU WANT, BUT IN ALL HONESTY YOU HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA! Violetta Rand you DID IT AGAIN and YOU ROCKED IT🎙🎼🎻🎹 AS ALWAYS❣
WOW, good lord where to start! Obviously it has a Duke who is a RAKE! This I'd an AMAZING Read❣ It has everything you could want from the "HAUTE TON of LONDON! Join Alanzo the Duke of Pridegate & Julia on a WHIRLWIND Romance with there friends Willa, Wrath, and Gates. Lord you will LAUGH & CRY as the PRIDEFUL Duke is lead on a Merry Chase. By the By you will be introduced to the AMERICANS Madeline Hershey, her brother. This NOVE WAS FUNNY, EXCITING, LOVING, and BY THE TIME YOU ARE DONE READING YOU WILL REALIZE THAT SOMETIMES "YOU MAY THINK YOU REALLY KNOW WHAT YOU WANT, BUT IN ALL HONESTY YOU HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA! Violetta Rand you DID IT AGAIN and YOU ROCKED IT🎙🎼🎻🎹 AS ALWAYS❣
January 16, 2020
Alonso Farrington, the Duke of Pridegate has got everything, money, looks a title and a voice that is a gift from god. He often sings opera all over Europe. He literally has young women and their mammas trying to tear the clothes of his back. Still there is something more he wants.
Lady Julia Castle is a very independent and intelligent young woman. Her father is a Duke and he really wants her to get married, but she thinks all the men in the "ton" are wastrels . She has very radical views about the way they treat those not as fortunate.
This is a very amusing story with wonderful characters. Our hero is a Rock God of his time and our heroine is not impressed. Lots of fun for this first book in the series and I can't wait to read the rest.
I loved it.
Lady Julia Castle is a very independent and intelligent young woman. Her father is a Duke and he really wants her to get married, but she thinks all the men in the "ton" are wastrels . She has very radical views about the way they treat those not as fortunate.
This is a very amusing story with wonderful characters. Our hero is a Rock God of his time and our heroine is not impressed. Lots of fun for this first book in the series and I can't wait to read the rest.
I loved it.
February 16, 2020
Lady Julia Castle is the daughter of a Duke and has no interest in society or marriage. When the Duke of Pridegate bursts into the bookshop running from the debutantes who are trying to capture him as a husband Julia gives the arrogant Duke the set down he deserves. Intrigued by the this feisty woman who didn’t fall for his charms Alonzo Farrington has set out on a mission to get the beautiful Lady Julia into his bed. As they come to know each other Julia realizes that there is more to Alonzo than the arrogant Duke. This was a wonderful story to read. At first is was like wow is Alonzo arrogant but it really fit his character and his charm. Julia was just the one to make Alonzo realize what he really needed. Definitely recommend reading this book.
March 10, 2020
A past can cause future pain
Alonzo is handsome, wealthy a Duke and if that isn't enough he can sing like a angel! Julia is a Dukes daughter but so much more! Firmly financially and emotionally vested in her friends and her charities! Alonzo has a vindictive, obsessed American who has followed him across continents! She is hell bent on being his Duchess! Will Julia allow his past to determine their future? What if it's too late and his time of debauchery will cost him the woman he now loves?
Alonzo is handsome, wealthy a Duke and if that isn't enough he can sing like a angel! Julia is a Dukes daughter but so much more! Firmly financially and emotionally vested in her friends and her charities! Alonzo has a vindictive, obsessed American who has followed him across continents! She is hell bent on being his Duchess! Will Julia allow his past to determine their future? What if it's too late and his time of debauchery will cost him the woman he now loves?
January 12, 2020
Short and passionate
A Duke full of himself meets the woman of his dreams and relentlessly pursues her. He has his job cut out for him to convince her to give him a chance. I enjoyed reading this book and the pace kept me guessing how he would succeed. An author well worth reading again.
A Duke full of himself meets the woman of his dreams and relentlessly pursues her. He has his job cut out for him to convince her to give him a chance. I enjoyed reading this book and the pace kept me guessing how he would succeed. An author well worth reading again.
January 14, 2020
Love To Decadence
This is a story about Lady Julia Castle and Alonzo, the Duke of Pridegate. Lady Julia is a daughter of a Duke so she knows the ins and out. Alonzo has been abroad and now finally back home in England! Julia does not care for Alonzo and his reputation!
This is a good book to read to find out what else Alonzo can do!
Enjoy
This is a story about Lady Julia Castle and Alonzo, the Duke of Pridegate. Lady Julia is a daughter of a Duke so she knows the ins and out. Alonzo has been abroad and now finally back home in England! Julia does not care for Alonzo and his reputation!
This is a good book to read to find out what else Alonzo can do!
Enjoy
January 15, 2020
Love Rules
Alonzo was a famous singer, arrogant Duke and mentioned in the London scandal sheets frequently. Lady Julia was the daughter of a Duke but acted like a blue stocking. Alonzo made it plain to her he wanted her, but could she give up everything she believed in and be at his mercy? Will love convince Julia he wants a life and love to hold onto?
Alonzo was a famous singer, arrogant Duke and mentioned in the London scandal sheets frequently. Lady Julia was the daughter of a Duke but acted like a blue stocking. Alonzo made it plain to her he wanted her, but could she give up everything she believed in and be at his mercy? Will love convince Julia he wants a life and love to hold onto?
March 30, 2020
The Duke of Decadence meets his match.
Great book. I loved Julia and Alonzo's love story. Violetta Rand's storytelling and writing style gives us a wonderfully warm and entertaining tale of two people falling in love, one arrogant the other smart and intelligent. It's a book you can look forward to reading again and again.
Great book. I loved Julia and Alonzo's love story. Violetta Rand's storytelling and writing style gives us a wonderfully warm and entertaining tale of two people falling in love, one arrogant the other smart and intelligent. It's a book you can look forward to reading again and again.
January 13, 2020
Enjoyable
I truly enjoyed this story. It is a little different story but still with a HEA finish. The length was a little short but the story still had depth and keep you interested.
I truly enjoyed this story. It is a little different story but still with a HEA finish. The length was a little short but the story still had depth and keep you interested.
February 12, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. While I can't understand why anyone would be so obsessed by a celebrity. Hero was a famous singer with adoring fans meets the heroine that doesn't know him. Such fun. I am looking forward to reading the others in this series.
August 25, 2020
The past is always there
A very good read about two who are more alike than they believe. He’s lived the last few years seeking pleasure, no matter what. She’s a lady rejecting an man from getting close to her. So two worlds collide!
A very good read about two who are more alike than they believe. He’s lived the last few years seeking pleasure, no matter what. She’s a lady rejecting an man from getting close to her. So two worlds collide!
January 14, 2020
Nice book.first book from this author that I’ve read. It’s sweet and nice for a historical romance.
January 20, 2020
The first 80% of the book is not romantic.
February 10, 2020
Good love story
I enjoyed this book, but I always love more of a ending. This is the first book from this author and I might try another.
I enjoyed this book, but I always love more of a ending. This is the first book from this author and I might try another.
March 29, 2020
Loved it
Loved everything about this book. Great story line and characters. Read it in one sitting. Can not wait to read more from this author
Loved everything about this book. Great story line and characters. Read it in one sitting. Can not wait to read more from this author
June 18, 2020
Sorry, I just didn't like this at all, the writing style didn't draw me in at all. Did not finish.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews