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The Duke's Darkest Desire
Two people. A scandalous affair. One unique love story.
Anne is condemned to a life of loneliness. Until one day, through a massive crowd in London's Cheapside, she sees a man who instantly makes her heart flutter. Their eyes meet in a unique passionate moment... and then she is forced to flee.
Overwhelmed by the hardships of her life, Anne is certain that she won't see him again. But fate had other, more sinister plans. When her dear friend Katharine introduces her new intended, Henry, Anne recognizes him immediately...
What follows for Anne and Henry is a tale of forbidden passion, friendship, heartbreak, and danger. The closer these two get together, the more they put themselves and everyone they love at risk.
The forbidden fruit never tasted sweeter...
ebook
Published June 24, 2019
4 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
About the author
Ella Edon
63 books66 followersElla Edon is an American author of steamy Regency romance books. She started pursuing her childhood passion for putting stories to paper after experiencing two of the most life-changing experiences of her life.
Her books have received rave reviews for the romance, the character’s depth, the intrigue and the turmoil they have.
She lives in New Orleans, Louisiana with her loving husband and candy-sweet daughter. Before she started writing Regency romance, Ella was working in a call center, despite the fact that she majored in English Literature. However, her restless spirit led her to chase her dream and now she is devoted to sharing her stories with the world.
Join Ella in her romantic escapades, receive a FREE welcome gift, and never miss her new releases by subscribing to her newsletter! Simply click the following link:
https://www.ellaedon.com/ka3u
Her books have received rave reviews for the romance, the character’s depth, the intrigue and the turmoil they have.
She lives in New Orleans, Louisiana with her loving husband and candy-sweet daughter. Before she started writing Regency romance, Ella was working in a call center, despite the fact that she majored in English Literature. However, her restless spirit led her to chase her dream and now she is devoted to sharing her stories with the world.
Join Ella in her romantic escapades, receive a FREE welcome gift, and never miss her new releases by subscribing to her newsletter! Simply click the following link:
https://www.ellaedon.com/ka3u
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
September 10, 2023
Lord Henry Huntington Duke of Richmond has returned from India and comes across Anne, the beautiful heroine was being robbed in broad daylight. He kicked into action returning her purse but never got further with her as she rushed away leaving him dumbfounded.
After the death of her father Anne had became a slave in her own home. Her stepmother was demanding. Anne was illegitimate but had been brought up as a lady by her father who loved her till he died.
Little did she know her friend Katherine was Lord Henry’s betrothed. He was her saviour and she could not rid him from her thoughts. Until the engagement ball. Anne was the target for unkind slurs from other guests at the party.
She is a warm kind soul who fascinates him and he is a fine dashing figure if a man. As they continue to cross paths their destinies entwine.
Anne is a caring person with a secret he needs to know. He pursues her to find out. Passion abounds and drama ensues. The heroine’s angst appears. And the hero read to find out how he reacts. An engaging page turner. Not be be missed.
After the death of her father Anne had became a slave in her own home. Her stepmother was demanding. Anne was illegitimate but had been brought up as a lady by her father who loved her till he died.
Little did she know her friend Katherine was Lord Henry’s betrothed. He was her saviour and she could not rid him from her thoughts. Until the engagement ball. Anne was the target for unkind slurs from other guests at the party.
She is a warm kind soul who fascinates him and he is a fine dashing figure if a man. As they continue to cross paths their destinies entwine.
Anne is a caring person with a secret he needs to know. He pursues her to find out. Passion abounds and drama ensues. The heroine’s angst appears. And the hero read to find out how he reacts. An engaging page turner. Not be be missed.
January 30, 2020
Good read! I read straight through to the end! This story kept my attention to the HEA! I recommend this book and author. SQ
January 28, 2021
Anne is illegitimate, in terms of the period a by-blow. Her Mother was an actress who is now terribly ill; her father was a Marquess who has died leaving mountains of debt . She has been consigned to her half brother, who truly appears to care for her and her father’s legal wife, who uses Anne as a servant. Lord Henry Huntington has recently returned from India and has become betrothed to one of Anne’s closet friends Lady Katherine. Neither Katherine nor Henry love each other but they have been friends since childhood.
Henry first sees Anne from across a street and than aids her when a thief runs off with her purse. He is immediately struck by her beauty, in spite of her dowdy clothing. Henry has like wise caught Anne’s attention. Henry learns of Anne’s visits to her Mother, tucked away in a small cottage where Henry and Anne begin meeting in secret. Henry talks of taking Anne to see India, he basically romances her. While appearing to truly care for her, he refuses to consider ruining his family by breaking his betrothal to Katherine. Instead he asks Anne to be his mistress after his marriage to her best friend.
The writing is a bit weak, to me it reads as a fair draft that needed some more work. In historical context, you rarely see an illegitimate child being accepted and acknowledged in the ton but Anne has two best friends at whose houses she is always welcome. The characters feel too one dimensional, superficial. The reader isn’t offered enough information about the characters, there is a lack of depth. Leaving this reader to focus too much on the disrespect each has for the Lady Katherine first, by carrying on behind her back, and for Anne expecting her to settle for being the other woman in the man she loves life. Henry’s worry about ruining his family makes him a bit spineless. He has no thought to stand up for himself or the lady he says he loves, rather he intends to continue with his marriage to Anne’s friend and then blithely set Anne up as his mistress. There also needs to be more background story.
Henry first sees Anne from across a street and than aids her when a thief runs off with her purse. He is immediately struck by her beauty, in spite of her dowdy clothing. Henry has like wise caught Anne’s attention. Henry learns of Anne’s visits to her Mother, tucked away in a small cottage where Henry and Anne begin meeting in secret. Henry talks of taking Anne to see India, he basically romances her. While appearing to truly care for her, he refuses to consider ruining his family by breaking his betrothal to Katherine. Instead he asks Anne to be his mistress after his marriage to her best friend.
The writing is a bit weak, to me it reads as a fair draft that needed some more work. In historical context, you rarely see an illegitimate child being accepted and acknowledged in the ton but Anne has two best friends at whose houses she is always welcome. The characters feel too one dimensional, superficial. The reader isn’t offered enough information about the characters, there is a lack of depth. Leaving this reader to focus too much on the disrespect each has for the Lady Katherine first, by carrying on behind her back, and for Anne expecting her to settle for being the other woman in the man she loves life. Henry’s worry about ruining his family makes him a bit spineless. He has no thought to stand up for himself or the lady he says he loves, rather he intends to continue with his marriage to Anne’s friend and then blithely set Anne up as his mistress. There also needs to be more background story.
September 28, 2020
In this first book of the series, which can be read out of order, will have you crying and rooting for Anne.
Anne is the by-blow of the Marquees of Wilmington and an actress. Her mother left for the stage in America, so she was raised by her father and step mother. Her half brother cares and protects her but her step mother would rather abuse or neglect her. Anne's friends are Lady Esther and Lady Katherine. They are a close knit group who do look out for one another.
Henry Huntington, the Duke of Richmond, is engaged since childhood to Lady Katherine. After getting to have some adventures in India doing business for his father, he is now back in London.
They meet by chance, someone steals her purse. The ups and downs these two go through will have you ranting one chapter, crying the next chapter, and to finally cheering. The twists and turns in this friends and lovers will have you reading until the end just to make sure all turns out as it should.
Great characters, plot, and creativity in these three friends.
Anne is the by-blow of the Marquees of Wilmington and an actress. Her mother left for the stage in America, so she was raised by her father and step mother. Her half brother cares and protects her but her step mother would rather abuse or neglect her. Anne's friends are Lady Esther and Lady Katherine. They are a close knit group who do look out for one another.
Henry Huntington, the Duke of Richmond, is engaged since childhood to Lady Katherine. After getting to have some adventures in India doing business for his father, he is now back in London.
They meet by chance, someone steals her purse. The ups and downs these two go through will have you ranting one chapter, crying the next chapter, and to finally cheering. The twists and turns in this friends and lovers will have you reading until the end just to make sure all turns out as it should.
Great characters, plot, and creativity in these three friends.
April 6, 2020
Loved the story of the Duke of Richmond (Lord Henry) recently from India. From birth he was betrothed to Lady Katherine, but sees a lady on the street and has an instant attraction. Lady Anne (an illegitimate daughter of a Marques) is a close friend of Lady Katherine and doesn't want to hurt her friend and tried to avoid the Duke. Lord Henry couldn't figure out how to have both women since he didn't want to ruin his family name by calling off the wedding and not ruin Lady Anne. It seemed that Lady Katherine helped with that as she was in love with someone else
August 14, 2020
A good story filled with passion, intrigue and danger. Anne meets a gentleman, Lord Henry, and immediately feels an attraction for him, but never thought she’d see him again. However, fate has other plans and brings them together again. Henry had recently returned from India and is currently engaged to Lady Katherine, Anne’s best friend. Well, things definitely heat up and love blooms. Loved the plot and characters but the ending felt a little rushed. It’s a good book regardless and I’m looking forward to reading this author’s next endeavor.
March 20, 2023
This was a very fast read. I almost felt that it was more a working outline for a Regency than a completed novel. The plot line is that of an illegitimate young woman who was raised as a member of her father’s family until his death when her stepmother turned her into a Cinderella. Her best friend is betrothed to a recently elevated Duke who has been in India and when he and Anne, the heroine, meet they are instantly attracted. One thing leads to another until the finale. Thanks to the author and publisher for an e-galley for an honest review.
January 8, 2023
I loved the book.
Anne is illegitimate and leads a lonely life of almost servitude in the household of her father's legal wife and half-brother and secretly taking care of her ailing mother. Until she meets Henry, who retrieves her purse from a thief in Cheapside. Their mutual attraction is immediate and they begin an affair. As a duke and her best friend's betrothed, he has no intention to break the betrothal.
Anne is illegitimate and leads a lonely life of almost servitude in the household of her father's legal wife and half-brother and secretly taking care of her ailing mother. Until she meets Henry, who retrieves her purse from a thief in Cheapside. Their mutual attraction is immediate and they begin an affair. As a duke and her best friend's betrothed, he has no intention to break the betrothal.
February 18, 2023
Anne and Henry have a number of problems. He is engaged to her best friend and yet he loves Anne. Anne was born on the wrong side of the blanket and loves Henry. Will they find a way out and have a hea? Read this short but packed story to find out. Overall the story is great, a fast read that holds the reader's attention. My struggle was only based on how the "girl code" is impacted by the characters who only hold honor on a limited basis. Well written and fast moving.
April 23, 2023
While the story was short, the author still brings all of the joy and agony of trying to find true love. Sometimes a person has to step away from what is expected of them to find what or who will make them truly happy. We should never put other's expectations ahead of what our heart truly desires. While it may cause a bit of scandal or hurt feelings, that is better than a life filled with regret. This applies to all aspects of life. I enjoyed the book.
April 28, 2020
A love and a attraction so powerful between Henry and Anne that draws them together even when they know its not mend to be.
Henry is betrothed to Anne’s friend Katherine although they don’t feel anything for each other he can’t scandalize his family. How can he marry Katherine if he can’t even stay away from Anne to court Katherine.
Love as powerful as there will concur.
Henry is betrothed to Anne’s friend Katherine although they don’t feel anything for each other he can’t scandalize his family. How can he marry Katherine if he can’t even stay away from Anne to court Katherine.
Love as powerful as there will concur.
May 2, 2020
I am loving these books from Ella. Their strong story lines, loveable characters and interesting scrapes they get into makes reading them so enjoyable. This book is no different. A love that can't be denied, seemingly impossible odds to happiness. Scandal and intrigue, happiness always elusive until the last. What's not to love?
December 2, 2020
Anna and Henry fell in love with each other even though he was betrothed to another person whom he didn't love. They snuck around and he even asked her to be his mistress. Finally Katherine admitted she was in love with her half brother Victor. Only because she got caught. They wind up together finally and live happily including her mother's dying blessing.
October 1, 2023
This book started slow and jumped around between perspectives more than I would have liked. Once the main characters met at the engagement ball, the rest of the story took off in the best way. The characters balanced the sensibility of the ton with the passions of the heart and the story was well timed and interesting. Would absolutely recommend!
April 26, 2020
I honestly didn't think I would like it. I however did love it. There were some suprising events. I didn't however expect it to end the way it did. I feel like there's a cliff hanger for a second book to start off at the end of this book.
May 1, 2020
I truly like these Historical Romance Book. Anne was so unfortunate to be born illegitimate child. A ruthless Step Mother whom never appreciated Anne for all she does to please her..Henry waltz in her life to make matters worst he is engaged to marry her best friend...I would recommend this book
May 4, 2020
A chance meeting on the street brings two people to a love that cannot be forgotten. I liked how the book had previous characters in it and helps develop the story. These books have romance and mystery to keep you intrigued.
May 31, 2020
Absolutely loved it! There was so much turmoil between the two of them, about what was right and wrong and the people they might affect. Their romance seemed to be a little quick but I didn't mind that either.
July 21, 2020
Love the problems this couple had to work out. I did not expect things to turn out well especially with Ann known as illegitimate. This is a problem in England at the time even though it is not the child problem.
January 13, 2021
Very short and the writing is lacking. The H/h fall into instalust/love and had no true connection. I think there was only one sex scene. Things worked out in a way that did not seem historically possible or accurate. 2 stars b/c this was just ok for me.
March 5, 2022
A very good story about Anne the illegitimate daughter of a duke and she falls In love with her friends betrothed There are twists and turns and love wins The characters are strong and emotional Anne and Henry are happy Very well written a and enjoyable to read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2022
Will Henry manage to overcome society's rules and opinions about Anne's heritage? Will Anne have the courage to face those in society who castigate her?
I enjoyed reading this book. It is well written and kept my attention.
I enjoyed reading this book. It is well written and kept my attention.
November 10, 2022
A well written book with a few grammatical errors. The sweet character Anne had such a dismal story yet she still loved her mother and did whatever her stepmother wanted. A delight to read and short enough to read in one evening.
April 8, 2025
This was the first historical romance by Ella Edon that I have read. I so enjoyed it that I am looking for another Ella novel to read. It was a page turner filled with suspense, drama, love and finding soul mates. I can't wait to read Esher's story.
April 1, 2020
This book had a strong story line from beginning to end. I couldn’t put it down. And, the connection between Anne and Henry was magnetic. I look forward to reading more books from Ella.
April 25, 2020
Enjoyed the intriguing.
May 3, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. I could not put it down. Alot of scandle, betrayal, and action. This book had it all including love and death.
May 11, 2020
Dry enjoyable book that allowed a socially inferior woman to climb all the up the social ladder.
Very nice read that you couldn’t put down.
Very nice read that you couldn’t put down.
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May 25, 2020Loved loved it. One of my all time favorite. A writer to keep your eyes on. Page turner till the end. If you don't get this book you will regret it. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
June 8, 2020
Wonderful action and hidden desire between the characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews