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Wallflowers vs. Rogues #2
The Devil's Own Duke
USA Today bestseller Lenora Bell returns to her Wallflowers vs. Rogues series with a romance between a lady and the scoundrel claiming to be next-in-line for her father’s title.
Lady Henrietta Prince is far too busy for romance. She’s dedicated her life to turning her family vineyards into a profitable wine venture. But when she shares a kiss at midnight with a handsome stranger, she’s captivated…until he claims to be the distant heir to her father’s earldom.
Ash Ellis is a gambler who lives life on the edge. Now he’s locked his sights on a glittering prize and nothing will stand in his way.
When Henrietta is forced to marry the wickedly seductive scoundrel to keep her beloved vineyards, she vows that Ash will never have her trust, or her love. Even if his kisses are more intoxicating than the finest of wines.
His new bride is certainly beautiful, but biddable? Not so much. Ash will settle for nothing less than Henrietta’s total surrender…but is he the one in danger of losing his heart?
Lady Henrietta Prince is far too busy for romance. She’s dedicated her life to turning her family vineyards into a profitable wine venture. But when she shares a kiss at midnight with a handsome stranger, she’s captivated…until he claims to be the distant heir to her father’s earldom.
Ash Ellis is a gambler who lives life on the edge. Now he’s locked his sights on a glittering prize and nothing will stand in his way.
When Henrietta is forced to marry the wickedly seductive scoundrel to keep her beloved vineyards, she vows that Ash will never have her trust, or her love. Even if his kisses are more intoxicating than the finest of wines.
His new bride is certainly beautiful, but biddable? Not so much. Ash will settle for nothing less than Henrietta’s total surrender…but is he the one in danger of losing his heart?
373 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 28, 2021
75 people are currently reading
3333 people want to read
About the author
Lenora Bell
12 books1,396 followersLenora Bell is a USA Today bestselling, award-winning author of historical romances with Avon Books. A teacher with an MFA in Creative Writing, Lenora has lived and worked on five continents. She's currently lives in Colombia with her partner and two tiger-striped rescue kitties. She loves hearing from readers!
Learn more at www.LenoraBell.com
Learn more at www.LenoraBell.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 343 reviews
March 26, 2022
I was so pleasantly surprised with this romance and ending up absolutely LOVING it! Henrietta's father inherits a dukedom and doesn't want it. But he has to find a bride so that he can have an heir. To his relief, Ash shows up claiming to be a long lost heir to take over the duke down. Henrietta knows her father is happy to give the title to someone else, but she's wary and suspicious of the dashing man who has shown up to take the dukedom. THEN we get a marriage of convenience??? Yes, please. I loved how that played out!! Henrietta is also nervous because she is very passionate about the vineyard the family owns and Ash has made it clear he wants to use that land for horses since the wine business isn't that profitable. Henrietta and Ash strike a deal so that Henrietta can prove her wine can be profitable. And the more time the two spend together, the more they start to fall for one another. I also really loved Ash's kind heart and charity because of his own childhood that was really not great. There were just so many things that made me love these characters more and more and I love their romance!!
November 27, 2022
"I'm something completely new, and it scares me. I don't know how to be this new man. Vulnerable. Aching for you."
After not reading this genre for so long, this felt like historical romance heaven to me. It helped that I already adore Lenora Bell's work. But this story was so good and so, so enjoyable. Stories that consume are always what I want and what I'm looking for and this did just that.
The series title for these books is very apt: they're very much wallflowers that are matched with rogues and scoundrels.
But they're the smartest of wallflowers and softest of rogues.
Together, this dynamic/trope always makes for an enjoyable reading experience. I love the way Lenora Bell explored Hetty and Ash's characters. They both come from vastly different backgrounds; Hetty has lived a life of privilege whereas Ash has known poverty and abuse. Though she's known privilege, Hetty longs for something to be in her name, for her dreams to become a reality and earn a seat at the table for the wine her vineyards produce.
Ash storms into her life, to rescue the failing dukedom (for his own gains) and for him to be amongst power and wealth in order to make long-term changes and reform the laws that govern child labour. Having grown up in that type of environment and having experienced first-hand what working in such horrid conditions can do to child's life, he will lie and deceive his way to the top.
I loved everything about this. Lenora Bell's writing is always such a joy. It's quiet and steady but full at the same time.
More importantly, we have a cat named Lucifer, wine-tasting that turns into the best kind of foreplay and women winning.
I can't wait to pick up the next book in the series.
After not reading this genre for so long, this felt like historical romance heaven to me. It helped that I already adore Lenora Bell's work. But this story was so good and so, so enjoyable. Stories that consume are always what I want and what I'm looking for and this did just that.
The series title for these books is very apt: they're very much wallflowers that are matched with rogues and scoundrels.
But they're the smartest of wallflowers and softest of rogues.
Together, this dynamic/trope always makes for an enjoyable reading experience. I love the way Lenora Bell explored Hetty and Ash's characters. They both come from vastly different backgrounds; Hetty has lived a life of privilege whereas Ash has known poverty and abuse. Though she's known privilege, Hetty longs for something to be in her name, for her dreams to become a reality and earn a seat at the table for the wine her vineyards produce.
Ash storms into her life, to rescue the failing dukedom (for his own gains) and for him to be amongst power and wealth in order to make long-term changes and reform the laws that govern child labour. Having grown up in that type of environment and having experienced first-hand what working in such horrid conditions can do to child's life, he will lie and deceive his way to the top.
I loved everything about this. Lenora Bell's writing is always such a joy. It's quiet and steady but full at the same time.
More importantly, we have a cat named Lucifer, wine-tasting that turns into the best kind of foreplay and women winning.
I can't wait to pick up the next book in the series.
October 3, 2021
The Devil’s Own Duke by Lenora Bell
2nd book in the Wallflowers vs. Rogues series. Historical romance. Can be read as a stand-alone. The couple from the prior book appear in at least two scenes but you don’t need to know them as both are large groups with several names dropped.
Lady Hetty is happy in the country working the vineyard and caring for the tenant families. Unfortunately she’s not aware the accounting books are incomplete and that even if her father gets married, it won’t save their estate. Ash Ellis claims he is a long lost heir and threatens the land she loves. There is attraction between Hetty and Ash but can she believe his claim?
Rags to riches for Ash with a heart and determination to help overworked children in factories of the time. A time to be proud that the laws were eventually passed and sorrow for the children that weren’t saved.
I learned, I laughed, I sighed with the romance and sweetness of Ash. He has a goal and a tender heart.
Hetty was a bit wispy and uncertain even though she is a member of the woman’s club that supports each other. I know that’s how she was expected to behave but I wanted to push her.
Three short excerpts of Ash:
“She kissed me.”
“She kissed you?”
“At first. Then I kissed her. Quite thoroughly.” It had been more than just a kiss. Something had happened to him out there on the balcony. The earth had shifted beneath his feet.
She’d made him feel like the king of the world.”
—————————————————
“I’ll be a different breed of nobleman. One who never forgets his dark, twisted roots. Who never stops attempting to right life’s inequities for those less fortunate, those less privileged.”
————————————————-
“I’ll change the nobility from the inside out. I’ll be just as ruthless as they are, but for the benefit of the child laborers.”
Excerpts from The Devil’s Own Duke by Lenora Bell
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
2nd book in the Wallflowers vs. Rogues series. Historical romance. Can be read as a stand-alone. The couple from the prior book appear in at least two scenes but you don’t need to know them as both are large groups with several names dropped.
Lady Hetty is happy in the country working the vineyard and caring for the tenant families. Unfortunately she’s not aware the accounting books are incomplete and that even if her father gets married, it won’t save their estate. Ash Ellis claims he is a long lost heir and threatens the land she loves. There is attraction between Hetty and Ash but can she believe his claim?
Rags to riches for Ash with a heart and determination to help overworked children in factories of the time. A time to be proud that the laws were eventually passed and sorrow for the children that weren’t saved.
I learned, I laughed, I sighed with the romance and sweetness of Ash. He has a goal and a tender heart.
Hetty was a bit wispy and uncertain even though she is a member of the woman’s club that supports each other. I know that’s how she was expected to behave but I wanted to push her.
Three short excerpts of Ash:
“She kissed me.”
“She kissed you?”
“At first. Then I kissed her. Quite thoroughly.” It had been more than just a kiss. Something had happened to him out there on the balcony. The earth had shifted beneath his feet.
She’d made him feel like the king of the world.”
—————————————————
“I’ll be a different breed of nobleman. One who never forgets his dark, twisted roots. Who never stops attempting to right life’s inequities for those less fortunate, those less privileged.”
————————————————-
“I’ll change the nobility from the inside out. I’ll be just as ruthless as they are, but for the benefit of the child laborers.”
Excerpts from The Devil’s Own Duke by Lenora Bell
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
October 2, 2021
I’m not sure why, but it seems as if Lenora Duke’s historical romances fly under the radar. She has written some of my favorite series and HR’s and she checks all of the important boxes.
Strong heroines with feminist tendencies-without being an anachronism; a smokin’ hot, clever hero; supportive friends who could carry their own books, original plotting; check, check and check in Bell’s The Devil’s Own Duke .
Henrietta Prince (Hetty) is the only child of the Duke of Granville, the man without an heir. Hetty is determined to find another wife for the Duke so that he can sire an heir, preventing the ducal estate from becoming an escheated estate, reverting to the crown. BTW, this is still the law in England, women can not inherit titles.
But never fear, Ash Ellis owner of the gaming den, The Devil’s Staircase, has his own plans for the dukedom. Ash claims it as a long lost heir, risking his life with one roll of the dice.
The Duke of Granville doesn’t really care; he just wants to make tracks to the Continent. In fact he cares so little he basically forces his beloved daughter to marry Ash Ellis, the new heir presumptive. Hmm, a little weird, unless father really does know best; but he is excused because he is a partially sympathetic character, but a dreadful father.
Hetty discovers that Ash is planning to tear out her Rosehill Vineyards to build up a racing stable on the land. Hetty is appalled, she has been working to improve the grapes and the wines coming from the vineyards started by her mother. Her late mother was a Frenchwoman who brought vines and vintner when she married the Duke.
Hetty is positive the wines from the Rosehill Vineyard, especially her sparkling wines, can stand up to anything France has to offer with their champagnes. Not such an odd idea since sparkling wine, or champagne as those French poseurs like to say, was invented in England about forty years before Dom Perignon started rattling on about drinking stars. I love history! Look it up…..
Hetty and Ash realize they can not deny their mutual attraction, while realizing they can come to agreements in their new life together. In other words, mature behavior instead of immature reactions; yay, grown-ups!
Ash comes from a horrible background, where he and his best friend and gaming den partner, Jax Smith, have fought their way out of ghastly beginnings.
My biggest problem with the HR genre is how accepting the women are of mistresses, brothels and cheating. I say all this because I can’t fathom why Hetty wants to make love with Ash in the same pleasure room at the Devil's Staircase, in which he often cavorted with his mistress. Hetty found a letter from this former mistress describing their encounters in great detail. Seems like a really tacky idea. Minor point and I guess it’s all a sign of the times, but it left a bad taste in my mouth. Rant over.
I enjoyed The Devil’s Own Duke it ranked high in steaminess, friendship, new-to-me historical information, clever characters, originality and angst-not listed in any order.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC for review purposes.
Strong heroines with feminist tendencies-without being an anachronism; a smokin’ hot, clever hero; supportive friends who could carry their own books, original plotting; check, check and check in Bell’s The Devil’s Own Duke .
Henrietta Prince (Hetty) is the only child of the Duke of Granville, the man without an heir. Hetty is determined to find another wife for the Duke so that he can sire an heir, preventing the ducal estate from becoming an escheated estate, reverting to the crown. BTW, this is still the law in England, women can not inherit titles.
But never fear, Ash Ellis owner of the gaming den, The Devil’s Staircase, has his own plans for the dukedom. Ash claims it as a long lost heir, risking his life with one roll of the dice.
The Duke of Granville doesn’t really care; he just wants to make tracks to the Continent. In fact he cares so little he basically forces his beloved daughter to marry Ash Ellis, the new heir presumptive. Hmm, a little weird, unless father really does know best; but he is excused because he is a partially sympathetic character, but a dreadful father.
Hetty discovers that Ash is planning to tear out her Rosehill Vineyards to build up a racing stable on the land. Hetty is appalled, she has been working to improve the grapes and the wines coming from the vineyards started by her mother. Her late mother was a Frenchwoman who brought vines and vintner when she married the Duke.
Hetty is positive the wines from the Rosehill Vineyard, especially her sparkling wines, can stand up to anything France has to offer with their champagnes. Not such an odd idea since sparkling wine, or champagne as those French poseurs like to say, was invented in England about forty years before Dom Perignon started rattling on about drinking stars. I love history! Look it up…..
Hetty and Ash realize they can not deny their mutual attraction, while realizing they can come to agreements in their new life together. In other words, mature behavior instead of immature reactions; yay, grown-ups!
Ash comes from a horrible background, where he and his best friend and gaming den partner, Jax Smith, have fought their way out of ghastly beginnings.
My biggest problem with the HR genre is how accepting the women are of mistresses, brothels and cheating. I say all this because I can’t fathom why Hetty wants to make love with Ash in the same pleasure room at the Devil's Staircase, in which he often cavorted with his mistress. Hetty found a letter from this former mistress describing their encounters in great detail. Seems like a really tacky idea. Minor point and I guess it’s all a sign of the times, but it left a bad taste in my mouth. Rant over.
I enjoyed The Devil’s Own Duke it ranked high in steaminess, friendship, new-to-me historical information, clever characters, originality and angst-not listed in any order.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC for review purposes.
September 12, 2021
Severely disappointed that I started this book in may and only ended up finishing it now but our hero??? How does lenora do it??? Every one of her heroes is better than the next and this one is a big fluffy cinnamon roll!!!! I loved this opposites attract romance so much.
September 12, 2022
✨A Sexual Wine Tasting™✨
I’m popping this bottle with no delay; this book was SO SEXY. These cupcakes made you wait for it but lord did they repent. This book was very very generous. So selfless really. Many things were given, many things were received—so many things of the many variety. Saint of Sex Scenes right here. I really just think all dirty worshipping should happen under ceiling mirrors. Glory be to Really Good sex.
The first note I wrote about Ash was “verified angel???????” I couldn’t believe how well he was written: just enough asshole to be interesting but all heart all the time. It also didn’t hurt that the man went ✨down✨ like an expensive bottle of wine and was totally gone for his cat. Simply put, Ash was deep fried, covered in chocolate and made Hetty entirely miffed that she wanted dessert. As expected, both really resisted falling in love, most deliciously of course.
I really enjoyed Hetty’s love for wine and how Ash’s backstory didn’t get too angsty or too over the top. Both were present but they didn’t derail the chemistry and romance of it all. His past and her present also fit together in a really interesting way that I didn’t see coming. As far as third act breakups go, I enjoy when the separation is against their will. Also when the duke is naked through it all and may or may not be bleeding most ardently. I do love choosing violence.
By the end, I was so starry eyed I could barely think straight. I mean really, trying to grapple with their love and reading! by! the! fire! and the adorable epilogue was simply unfair. Overall, Ash was dessert, Hetty was sparkling wine, and this book was such a treat.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶.25/5
P.S. I know Miss Daphne is about to overcome her writer’s block in a very very sexy way. You heard it here folks, I’ll bet my life on it.
P.P.S. I was worried to read this one on the heels of Portrait of a Scotsman because I didn’t really enjoy the set up in that one and it was presented super similarly here. HOWEVER. This one was way more emotional and rewarding. Not to pit books against each other but like The Devil’s Own Duke was what Portrait of a Scotsman tried to be . . . I said what I said 👁👄👁 @violence I’m back baby, hug me brotha
🍷Thank you to the publisher for gifting me an advanced copy of this book. As always, this review is honest and the opinions are my own.🍷
I’m popping this bottle with no delay; this book was SO SEXY. These cupcakes made you wait for it but lord did they repent. This book was very very generous. So selfless really. Many things were given, many things were received—so many things of the many variety. Saint of Sex Scenes right here. I really just think all dirty worshipping should happen under ceiling mirrors. Glory be to Really Good sex.
The first note I wrote about Ash was “verified angel???????” I couldn’t believe how well he was written: just enough asshole to be interesting but all heart all the time. It also didn’t hurt that the man went ✨down✨ like an expensive bottle of wine and was totally gone for his cat. Simply put, Ash was deep fried, covered in chocolate and made Hetty entirely miffed that she wanted dessert. As expected, both really resisted falling in love, most deliciously of course.
I really enjoyed Hetty’s love for wine and how Ash’s backstory didn’t get too angsty or too over the top. Both were present but they didn’t derail the chemistry and romance of it all. His past and her present also fit together in a really interesting way that I didn’t see coming. As far as third act breakups go, I enjoy when the separation is against their will. Also when the duke is naked through it all and may or may not be bleeding most ardently. I do love choosing violence.
By the end, I was so starry eyed I could barely think straight. I mean really, trying to grapple with their love and reading! by! the! fire! and the adorable epilogue was simply unfair. Overall, Ash was dessert, Hetty was sparkling wine, and this book was such a treat.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶.25/5
P.S. I know Miss Daphne is about to overcome her writer’s block in a very very sexy way. You heard it here folks, I’ll bet my life on it.
P.P.S. I was worried to read this one on the heels of Portrait of a Scotsman because I didn’t really enjoy the set up in that one and it was presented super similarly here. HOWEVER. This one was way more emotional and rewarding. Not to pit books against each other but like The Devil’s Own Duke was what Portrait of a Scotsman tried to be . . . I said what I said 👁👄👁 @violence I’m back baby, hug me brotha
🍷Thank you to the publisher for gifting me an advanced copy of this book. As always, this review is honest and the opinions are my own.🍷
September 13, 2024
My first Lenora Bell. And after reading this delightful romance, I'm sure it won't be my last. Full RTC
“I know that my love for you holds risk, but it also holds action. I choose to give you this love, Ash, whether you accept it or not. I give it, gift it, freely, because I know you to be worthy of owning my heart.”
The year isn’t over, but this book might be my top historical romance that I’ve read in 2024! Hetty and Ash’s love story was incredible. Ash is my perfect genre of hero: a bit of an asshole with a heart of gold. He does some messed up things, but he has good reasons; he lies to infiltrate the nobility to reform child labor laws and he unalives his abuser in order to save his best friend’s life. More heroes like this in historical romances, instead of the ones who are jerks for no reason! He also adores his cat Lucifer AKA Lucy, but he pretends like he doesn’t 😭 Of course I had to stan.
Hetty was a fabulous heroine as well, a blue stocking who’s willing to do whatever it takes to save her family’s vineyard. She’s starts off pretty prickly but like Ash, her personality traits that are considered less desirable are a defense mechanism. She wasn’t butting heads with Ash for the hell of it, she was fighting for her mother’s legacy. Also her response to realizing she was in love with her husband was hilarious and relatable.
I loved this book so much that I didn’t mind the deus ex machina at the end 😭😂
Favorite scenes:
1. Hetty being ready to lie back and think of England on her wedding night because surely, she can't enjoy sexy time with a SCOUNDREL, only to walk into his bedroom and see him cuddling with the cat that he claims he can't stand and he's fast asleep 😭
2. Ash telling a bullied kid that it's cool to be a reader.
3. The courtship between Bacchus and Lucy aka Lucifer.
4. Ash publicly challenging wine snobs to a wine competition for his wife's honor.
5. Ash being all "I can't bang my elegant lady wife in a gaming hell" and that same wife MATCHING HIS FREAK.
Perfection. I have no notes.
“I know that my love for you holds risk, but it also holds action. I choose to give you this love, Ash, whether you accept it or not. I give it, gift it, freely, because I know you to be worthy of owning my heart.”
The year isn’t over, but this book might be my top historical romance that I’ve read in 2024! Hetty and Ash’s love story was incredible. Ash is my perfect genre of hero: a bit of an asshole with a heart of gold. He does some messed up things, but he has good reasons; he lies to infiltrate the nobility to reform child labor laws and he unalives his abuser in order to save his best friend’s life. More heroes like this in historical romances, instead of the ones who are jerks for no reason! He also adores his cat Lucifer AKA Lucy, but he pretends like he doesn’t 😭 Of course I had to stan.
Hetty was a fabulous heroine as well, a blue stocking who’s willing to do whatever it takes to save her family’s vineyard. She’s starts off pretty prickly but like Ash, her personality traits that are considered less desirable are a defense mechanism. She wasn’t butting heads with Ash for the hell of it, she was fighting for her mother’s legacy. Also her response to realizing she was in love with her husband was hilarious and relatable.
I loved this book so much that I didn’t mind the deus ex machina at the end 😭😂
Favorite scenes:
1. Hetty being ready to lie back and think of England on her wedding night because surely, she can't enjoy sexy time with a SCOUNDREL, only to walk into his bedroom and see him cuddling with the cat that he claims he can't stand and he's fast asleep 😭
2. Ash telling a bullied kid that it's cool to be a reader.
3. The courtship between Bacchus and Lucy aka Lucifer.
4. Ash publicly challenging wine snobs to a wine competition for his wife's honor.
5. Ash being all "I can't bang my elegant lady wife in a gaming hell" and that same wife MATCHING HIS FREAK.
Perfection. I have no notes.
August 14, 2022
3/3.5 stars
Overall a decent historical romance. The characters were good and lack of communication was not a theme in this one. I’m always happy when an author doesn’t make unnecessary drama in a book.
The theme of wine making and maintaining a winery was okay. It wasn’t thrilling by any means but it was interesting enough in the details of how wine is made.
I think I enjoyed the plot points more with Ash’s life and background since it had a bit more thrill and danger to go with it.
I’ll definitely keep reading this series and author when I’m up for another brain candy romance to go too.
Overall a decent historical romance. The characters were good and lack of communication was not a theme in this one. I’m always happy when an author doesn’t make unnecessary drama in a book.
The theme of wine making and maintaining a winery was okay. It wasn’t thrilling by any means but it was interesting enough in the details of how wine is made.
I think I enjoyed the plot points more with Ash’s life and background since it had a bit more thrill and danger to go with it.
I’ll definitely keep reading this series and author when I’m up for another brain candy romance to go too.
October 15, 2021
If con artists paired with independent women are your jam, you'll enjoy The Devil's Own Duke. Ash is a gaming hell owner-slash-secret social reformer, and he wants Hetty's father's dukedom so that he can promote progressive labor legislation in the House of Lords, plus use all of the dukedom's ill-gotten gains to support his charity school. Hetty, on the other hand, just wants to build a thriving wine business.
We would have liked to see more time spent with Ash and Hetty falling in love - we could tell they were both attracted to each other (Hetty kisses him the first time she meets him!), but we weren't convinced by the deepening of their relationship. We also would have liked the dialogue to sparkle as much as Hetty's wine, but it fell flat in some places. That said, this is a sexy, fun book that continues the story of the Boadicea Club members. Definitely worth checking out.
39-Word Summaries:
Laine: Henrietta loves wine and to keep her vineyard she needs her dad to beget an heir. When an unsavory one pops up, of course they've already made-out. Luckily she's plucky and he's extremely hot so they figure it out.
Meg: It’s the worst when that guy you kissed at the ball turns out to be your dad’s long-lost heir who’s gonna take all of your vineyards and turn them into horse pastures. If only you could convince him otherwise...
This objective review is based on a complimentary advanced reader copy of the novel.
We would have liked to see more time spent with Ash and Hetty falling in love - we could tell they were both attracted to each other (Hetty kisses him the first time she meets him!), but we weren't convinced by the deepening of their relationship. We also would have liked the dialogue to sparkle as much as Hetty's wine, but it fell flat in some places. That said, this is a sexy, fun book that continues the story of the Boadicea Club members. Definitely worth checking out.
39-Word Summaries:
Laine: Henrietta loves wine and to keep her vineyard she needs her dad to beget an heir. When an unsavory one pops up, of course they've already made-out. Luckily she's plucky and he's extremely hot so they figure it out.
Meg: It’s the worst when that guy you kissed at the ball turns out to be your dad’s long-lost heir who’s gonna take all of your vineyards and turn them into horse pastures. If only you could convince him otherwise...
This objective review is based on a complimentary advanced reader copy of the novel.
January 17, 2023
⭐💫
1½ stars.
Flat and bland main characters.
Dragged.
Disjointed. (Too many stray storylines)
Annoying and unlikable heroine and hero. (especially the heroine that was rather shrewish/cantankerous)
The chemistry and romantic build up was lacking and unconvincing.
Anachronistic.
Sort of distantly related main characters… which is kind of icky.
1½ stars.
Flat and bland main characters.
Dragged.
Disjointed. (Too many stray storylines)
Annoying and unlikable heroine and hero. (especially the heroine that was rather shrewish/cantankerous)
The chemistry and romantic build up was lacking and unconvincing.
Anachronistic.
Sort of distantly related main characters… which is kind of icky.
September 25, 2021
I was provided an ARC for my honest review. The set up in here of Ash, our devil of a hero, and Hetty, our Lady heroine coming together at a ball in a fit of attraction only shortly after to find out that they are entangled in a plot of lies and disappointment, vineyards, rogue cats, and missing heirs to the dukedome.
Bell's romances are always light and fun and this definitely delivered on that. We also had very engaging characters with some unique back story.
This fell a bit flat for me in a few ways, one was that a lot of the plot points seemed to be items a modern writer needed checked off a box, and another was a lack of chemistry between the characters. After loving the first book in this series I was hoping for a bit more than what I got with this one.
Bell's romances are always light and fun and this definitely delivered on that. We also had very engaging characters with some unique back story.
This fell a bit flat for me in a few ways, one was that a lot of the plot points seemed to be items a modern writer needed checked off a box, and another was a lack of chemistry between the characters. After loving the first book in this series I was hoping for a bit more than what I got with this one.
October 1, 2021
Overall: 3.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥
Humor: Yes, a bit, but maybe not as much as her usual books
(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from The Ton and the Tartans facebook group.)
Should I read in order?
So I believe all of Bell’s series are in the same ‘universe’, if you want to start at the very beginning (How the Duke was Won). This book I think is fine as a stand alone though. Most of the focus is with the hero and heroine either in London or at the heroine’s estate. There is minor page time of prior characters, including the heroes from For the Duke’s Eyes Only and One Fine Duke. Beatrice and Ford (heroine and hero from prior book, Love is a Rogue) and other members of the Boadicea club are mentioned but it’s nothing extensive.
Basic plot
Hetty’s main goal is to get recognition for her endless hours of work in her vineyards. She knows she has some of the best wine around and can’t wait to be taken as seriously as a wine from France. Ash is the owner of the gaming hell The Devil’s Own Staircase. He is willing to take high stakes risk and right now his eyes are set on Rosehill Park, Hetty’s home.
Give this a try if you want:
- Mid to higher steam – A few full scenes in detail, lots of kisses, touches and thinking about each other
- A working heroine – I found the plot line of a heroine run vineyard fascinating
- A bit of enemies to lovers feel in the beginning that gets moved to marriage of convenience and getting to know each other
- Have to give a shout out for the kitty loving readers – I love furry friends in the storyline and this one features 2 cats
- Gambling hell owner hero
My thoughts:
I do want to address the hero and heroine being related – Ash claims to be from a branch that split off long ago. They are seventh cousins and the lineage would have to be traced back to the 16th century to find the connection of a secret marriage to maid. So it’s nothing close and it’s only briefly mentioned in the beginning.
Hetty is very orderly, she’s a planner, she makes lists, she alphabetizes books without even realizing she’s doing it. She knows how things are supposed to be and she works hard to get everything to fall in line. She’s organizing a ball for her father to choose a wife by midnight so he can sire an heir when she meets Ash.
Ash is unpolished, a go getter, a bit rough around the edges. He’s a self made man, coming from nothing. And he wants Rosehill Park. He has plans for the future and he thinks he can manage Hetty to be able to get what he wants.
I found myself liking Hetty. She’s cautious and doesn’t want to let herself get hurt. I liked her passion for wine making. Ash I wasn’t sure how I would feel about. I’ll be honest, in the beginning I wasn’t a big fan and I found myself setting the book down and not caring if I picked it back up. This is one of the few books that really got better for me in the second half (maybe because that’s when the steam picked up :P )I ended up liking Ash and appreciating how he treated Hetty (despite the lying)
This book WAS a bit unbelievable to me. I’m not sure how the whole Duke plot point would actually play out – it seems a bit far fetched, but I am able to suspend my belief for that. I do wish there had been a bit more depth to both characters. It didn’t quite grip my heart the way I wanted it to, especially with Ash’s background. Still I found it enjoyable overall!
But there was also a lot of sweetness here that I enjoyed. As you get to know Ash, he really becomes this sweet man that would do anything to see Hetty smile.
This book did feel a touch darker than Bell’s other work. Not that her other work didn’t have serious themes running through it – this just didn’t seem to me to have as much humor (that could just be my mood not picking up on that though!)
Here’s a few random parts that I wanted to note from the book
Content Warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥
Humor: Yes, a bit, but maybe not as much as her usual books
(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from The Ton and the Tartans facebook group.)
Should I read in order?
So I believe all of Bell’s series are in the same ‘universe’, if you want to start at the very beginning (How the Duke was Won). This book I think is fine as a stand alone though. Most of the focus is with the hero and heroine either in London or at the heroine’s estate. There is minor page time of prior characters, including the heroes from For the Duke’s Eyes Only and One Fine Duke. Beatrice and Ford (heroine and hero from prior book, Love is a Rogue) and other members of the Boadicea club are mentioned but it’s nothing extensive.
Basic plot
Hetty’s main goal is to get recognition for her endless hours of work in her vineyards. She knows she has some of the best wine around and can’t wait to be taken as seriously as a wine from France. Ash is the owner of the gaming hell The Devil’s Own Staircase. He is willing to take high stakes risk and right now his eyes are set on Rosehill Park, Hetty’s home.
Give this a try if you want:
- Mid to higher steam – A few full scenes in detail, lots of kisses, touches and thinking about each other
- A working heroine – I found the plot line of a heroine run vineyard fascinating
- A bit of enemies to lovers feel in the beginning that gets moved to marriage of convenience and getting to know each other
- Have to give a shout out for the kitty loving readers – I love furry friends in the storyline and this one features 2 cats
- Gambling hell owner hero
My thoughts:
I do want to address the hero and heroine being related – Ash claims to be from a branch that split off long ago. They are seventh cousins and the lineage would have to be traced back to the 16th century to find the connection of a secret marriage to maid. So it’s nothing close and it’s only briefly mentioned in the beginning.
Hetty is very orderly, she’s a planner, she makes lists, she alphabetizes books without even realizing she’s doing it. She knows how things are supposed to be and she works hard to get everything to fall in line. She’s organizing a ball for her father to choose a wife by midnight so he can sire an heir when she meets Ash.
Ash is unpolished, a go getter, a bit rough around the edges. He’s a self made man, coming from nothing. And he wants Rosehill Park. He has plans for the future and he thinks he can manage Hetty to be able to get what he wants.
I found myself liking Hetty. She’s cautious and doesn’t want to let herself get hurt. I liked her passion for wine making. Ash I wasn’t sure how I would feel about. I’ll be honest, in the beginning I wasn’t a big fan and I found myself setting the book down and not caring if I picked it back up. This is one of the few books that really got better for me in the second half (maybe because that’s when the steam picked up :P )I ended up liking Ash and appreciating how he treated Hetty (despite the lying)
This book WAS a bit unbelievable to me. I’m not sure how the whole Duke plot point would actually play out – it seems a bit far fetched, but I am able to suspend my belief for that. I do wish there had been a bit more depth to both characters. It didn’t quite grip my heart the way I wanted it to, especially with Ash’s background. Still I found it enjoyable overall!
But there was also a lot of sweetness here that I enjoyed. As you get to know Ash, he really becomes this sweet man that would do anything to see Hetty smile.
This book did feel a touch darker than Bell’s other work. Not that her other work didn’t have serious themes running through it – this just didn’t seem to me to have as much humor (that could just be my mood not picking up on that though!)
Here’s a few random parts that I wanted to note from the book
Content Warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
October 5, 2021
this one didn't hit as I hoped it would..
my interest was inconsistent and I struggled with some parts..
when things were good they were great but then when they were bad I contemplated dnfing...
my interest was inconsistent and I struggled with some parts..
when things were good they were great but then when they were bad I contemplated dnfing...
October 15, 2021
This is the second book in the Wallflower vs Rogues series and I liked it better than the first one. Lenora Bell is new to me with this series and I just love her writing style. The Devil's Own Duke is cute, funny and very sexy. Hetty's winemaking and the cats were a wonderful addition to the story. Ash becoming the Duke's heir was a bit unbelievable but I usually suspend all belief when reading historical romance. Anything goes, that's half the fun!
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for allowing me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for allowing me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 18, 2021
Barbara’s rating: 2.5 of 5 Stars
Series: Wallflowers vs. Rogues #2
Publication Date: 9/28/21
Period: Regency London
Number of Pages: 384
I fully intended to absolutely love this book because I have loved every book I’ve read by this author. I just couldn’t get there with this one and I’m so sorry to have to say that. Since I’m reading an advanced copy, there are several things I sincerely hope are corrected prior to publication – there are smaller things – like a completely naked man suddenly having blood on his sleeve – and there are huge things like the entire process of being declared the heir to a duke (which is the entire premise of the book). If you add in that I neither liked nor was invested in ANY of the characters, you’ll see why I just couldn’t love the book. The only character I found unobjectionable was Jax, who is our hero’s friend. The other characters in the book seem more like cardboard caricatures – even with Ash’s noble intentions, I couldn’t like him or what he did. He did have an epiphany, but – well – that didn’t make up for the rest of it – at least not to this reader.
Ash Ellis had a very, very hard life. He was raised in an orphanage and went to work in a bottling plant when he was eight. The work was grueling with long days, no sleep, little if any pay, the punishment was often and severe, and starvation-type hunger. When John Coakley offered him a chance to escape that existence, he jumped at it – only to find that he’d jumped from the frying pan into the fire. Coakley was cruel, took all of the goods they’d pickpocketed, beat them regularly, and virtually owned them. They’ve finally managed to escape Coakley and Ash and Jax now own their own gaming club, The Devil’s Staircase. That, however, isn’t enough for Ash. He wants revenge on the aristocracy for all of the mistreatment he and other children have suffered – and he’ll get it by fair means or foul. When the germs of an idea take hold, he acts and gets himself declared a ducal heir.
Lady Henrietta Prince is the daughter (and only child) of the Duke of Granville. Since her mother’s death, Hetty has secluded herself on their country estate, Rosehill Park, where her French mother had been revitalizing the vineyards. That became Hetty’s mission in life, she’d continue her mother’s work and make their wines a profitable entity. She loves Rosehill Park, it is her solace, her refuge – and she certainly isn’t going to allow that upstart rogue who claims to be her father’s heir to tear it apart.
Upon meeting Ash and hearing his claim, Hetty’s father accepts the claim as real – after about a 5-minute conversation. Hetty’s father and his lover are cartoonish – outlandish – and in no way believable. Then – he tells his new heir and Hetty that he wants them to marry. This man could be a pervert of the first order, and the duke wants him to marry his daughter just as soon as he meets him.
I found everything about this book to be implausible, improbable, and very, very unlikely, and since I also did not care for the characters, I cannot recommend the book. If you choose to read it, I hope you love it. The author is one I normally love; I just could not love this particular book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Series: Wallflowers vs. Rogues #2
Publication Date: 9/28/21
Period: Regency London
Number of Pages: 384
I fully intended to absolutely love this book because I have loved every book I’ve read by this author. I just couldn’t get there with this one and I’m so sorry to have to say that. Since I’m reading an advanced copy, there are several things I sincerely hope are corrected prior to publication – there are smaller things – like a completely naked man suddenly having blood on his sleeve – and there are huge things like the entire process of being declared the heir to a duke (which is the entire premise of the book). If you add in that I neither liked nor was invested in ANY of the characters, you’ll see why I just couldn’t love the book. The only character I found unobjectionable was Jax, who is our hero’s friend. The other characters in the book seem more like cardboard caricatures – even with Ash’s noble intentions, I couldn’t like him or what he did. He did have an epiphany, but – well – that didn’t make up for the rest of it – at least not to this reader.
Ash Ellis had a very, very hard life. He was raised in an orphanage and went to work in a bottling plant when he was eight. The work was grueling with long days, no sleep, little if any pay, the punishment was often and severe, and starvation-type hunger. When John Coakley offered him a chance to escape that existence, he jumped at it – only to find that he’d jumped from the frying pan into the fire. Coakley was cruel, took all of the goods they’d pickpocketed, beat them regularly, and virtually owned them. They’ve finally managed to escape Coakley and Ash and Jax now own their own gaming club, The Devil’s Staircase. That, however, isn’t enough for Ash. He wants revenge on the aristocracy for all of the mistreatment he and other children have suffered – and he’ll get it by fair means or foul. When the germs of an idea take hold, he acts and gets himself declared a ducal heir.
Lady Henrietta Prince is the daughter (and only child) of the Duke of Granville. Since her mother’s death, Hetty has secluded herself on their country estate, Rosehill Park, where her French mother had been revitalizing the vineyards. That became Hetty’s mission in life, she’d continue her mother’s work and make their wines a profitable entity. She loves Rosehill Park, it is her solace, her refuge – and she certainly isn’t going to allow that upstart rogue who claims to be her father’s heir to tear it apart.
Upon meeting Ash and hearing his claim, Hetty’s father accepts the claim as real – after about a 5-minute conversation. Hetty’s father and his lover are cartoonish – outlandish – and in no way believable. Then – he tells his new heir and Hetty that he wants them to marry. This man could be a pervert of the first order, and the duke wants him to marry his daughter just as soon as he meets him.
I found everything about this book to be implausible, improbable, and very, very unlikely, and since I also did not care for the characters, I cannot recommend the book. If you choose to read it, I hope you love it. The author is one I normally love; I just could not love this particular book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 11, 2021
The Devil’s Own Duke (Wallflowers vs. Rogues, #2) was just a wonderful story that kept my attention from start to finish. The pace was on target and I thought this book was better than the first in the series.
I do love opposites of somewhat. Here you have Lady Henrietta Prince a bluestocking winemaker and Ash Ellis, a gaming den owner in line for a dukedom. The heroine is ambitious and is convicted to achieving her goals so much so that she has the hero rethinking his plans. Right from the beginning there is so much strong will between both characters who eventually are in a marriage of convenience. There is an attraction between the two that results in finding compromises for their differences in personalities that lead to a strong and loving relationship.
This is my third book by Lenora Bell and second in this series. I love how she develops her characters throughout the story and especially the heroine in this one where she is strong, ambitious and intelligent. It was well-written and captivated my attention from the start. As stated in most of my reviews, I love a good historical romance that brings a bit of steamy between the H/h and this one did not disappoint… Warning…in fact it was very explicit in content and language. Ms. Bell has made it to my list of fav authors just for her writing on women elevating from the normal gender roles. Just a delightful read with delightful characters.
Thank you NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for this ARC in exchanged for my fair and honest review. All opinions contained in this review are my own.
I do love opposites of somewhat. Here you have Lady Henrietta Prince a bluestocking winemaker and Ash Ellis, a gaming den owner in line for a dukedom. The heroine is ambitious and is convicted to achieving her goals so much so that she has the hero rethinking his plans. Right from the beginning there is so much strong will between both characters who eventually are in a marriage of convenience. There is an attraction between the two that results in finding compromises for their differences in personalities that lead to a strong and loving relationship.
This is my third book by Lenora Bell and second in this series. I love how she develops her characters throughout the story and especially the heroine in this one where she is strong, ambitious and intelligent. It was well-written and captivated my attention from the start. As stated in most of my reviews, I love a good historical romance that brings a bit of steamy between the H/h and this one did not disappoint… Warning…in fact it was very explicit in content and language. Ms. Bell has made it to my list of fav authors just for her writing on women elevating from the normal gender roles. Just a delightful read with delightful characters.
Thank you NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for this ARC in exchanged for my fair and honest review. All opinions contained in this review are my own.
September 5, 2021
I adored this lovely romance by the super-talented Lenora Bell. She can always make me swoon, laugh, and start my heart beating faster with her clever stories. I just adored Ash and Hettie. They were perfect together. Hettie's wine business and Ash's gambling establishment were refreshing and their love story "hot!" I can't wait for the next in the series. If you haven't read Lenora Bell, you're missing out!
October 20, 2022
Since her mother’s untimely death at the beginning of her first season, Lady Henrietta Prince has devoted herself to reviving the grapevines her mother so loved and turning them into a profitably wine business. She values her independence above all else, but she does indulge in a kiss with a stranger at a midnight ball in a moment of enchantment, only to be horrified when the man turns out to be a very distant cousin and the heir to her father’s dukedom.
Lifelong gambler Ash Ellis has pulled himself up from nothing and won’t let anything get in the way of his goal of making real child labor reform a reality. When her father suggests a match between Hetty and Ash, both are immediately reluctant, but Hetty fashions it as a business arrangement once she realizes this is likely the only way she'll have any chance of saving her vineyards.
Hetty is determined their arrangement will be for mutual gain only, regardless of her physical reaction to Ash’s presence. Ash had never planned to marry, and he demands everything from Hetty, only to realize that he’s unwittingly given her just as much of himself.
I really enjoyed this story. Hetty was independent without being annoying about it. Though I did find her insistence on rigid adherence to planning a bit frustrating, I think that’s because this is a trait I too possess and looking in the mirror isn’t always pleasant. Ash was one of those heroes who has never experienced love and has no idea what to do with it, so I loved that. I’m always a total sucker for the hero who has to learn how to give and accept love. Both Hetty and Ash were so afraid of their feelings, despite their obvious attraction, and watching them fight it was quite entertaining. There’s also an element of threat from Ash’s past that keeps things interesting and gives Ash the hard edge to go along with the soft sweetness at his core. Ash wound up being a genuinely good man with a gruff exterior and I loved that Hetty was so determined to peel back his layers to find that goodness at his heart, no matter how much he resisted her. I also loved that Ash did the same with Hetty, peeling back her defenses to get to the same desire for love and connection that he was also trying to ignore and overcome. These two made an excellent pair as opposite personalities who had much in common and wound up being a great match with excellent chemistry and I really enjoyed their story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
Lifelong gambler Ash Ellis has pulled himself up from nothing and won’t let anything get in the way of his goal of making real child labor reform a reality. When her father suggests a match between Hetty and Ash, both are immediately reluctant, but Hetty fashions it as a business arrangement once she realizes this is likely the only way she'll have any chance of saving her vineyards.
Hetty is determined their arrangement will be for mutual gain only, regardless of her physical reaction to Ash’s presence. Ash had never planned to marry, and he demands everything from Hetty, only to realize that he’s unwittingly given her just as much of himself.
I really enjoyed this story. Hetty was independent without being annoying about it. Though I did find her insistence on rigid adherence to planning a bit frustrating, I think that’s because this is a trait I too possess and looking in the mirror isn’t always pleasant. Ash was one of those heroes who has never experienced love and has no idea what to do with it, so I loved that. I’m always a total sucker for the hero who has to learn how to give and accept love. Both Hetty and Ash were so afraid of their feelings, despite their obvious attraction, and watching them fight it was quite entertaining. There’s also an element of threat from Ash’s past that keeps things interesting and gives Ash the hard edge to go along with the soft sweetness at his core. Ash wound up being a genuinely good man with a gruff exterior and I loved that Hetty was so determined to peel back his layers to find that goodness at his heart, no matter how much he resisted her. I also loved that Ash did the same with Hetty, peeling back her defenses to get to the same desire for love and connection that he was also trying to ignore and overcome. These two made an excellent pair as opposite personalities who had much in common and wound up being a great match with excellent chemistry and I really enjoyed their story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
January 5, 2024
This book didn't do anything for me. I didn't think the hero and heroine were likeable, nor interesting for that matter.
September 5, 2021
I love Lenora Bell! She's the nicest, funniest, kindest cat mom ever! And she can really write some swoony romance. Unfortunately, not this one. It was so incredibly predictable and full of every possible cliche that it made parts of it (including the cheese-fest denouement and epilogue) seem like a parody of historical romance. I cringed and rolled my eyes so many times trough this book I lost count. The fact that I'm fed up with unlikely feminism and societies of ladies is probably due to the fact that I read a lot of HR but that should kind of be the expectation. My favorite character in the book was the hero's best friend. I found Hetty terribly annoying and Ash had no depth in spite of his rather Dickensian past. And while I am a diehard cat lover, Lucy and Bacchus could not save this book, they just added to the feeling of elements readers generally like, randomly gathered together in hopes of making them work. They don't. It's almost as if the publisher doesn't trust this book either and decided not to invest in the cover. I've seen self-made ones looking a lot better. I won't give it two stars because this is Lenora Bell and her writing is beautiful. The story and the characters didn't work for me at all. I'm not even talking about Hetty's father because he's just a caricature, along with his Italian lover. I'm bummed that this was so far from what I was expecting. I got a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 19, 2021
Oh, how I love a good regency romance! She is the daughter wanting nothing more than to tend her grapes and make good wines. He will do whatever it takes to get the title and station he needs. Together they formulate a plan that will inevitably enable them both to achieve their goals. Neither predicted how much they would enjoy this ruse. Lenora Bell has given us a fun and sexy romp into regency romance!
~Tanja
*ARC Provided by publisher via Netgalley
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~Tanja
*ARC Provided by publisher via Netgalley
Follow me on
Instagram✿Twitter✿Facebook✿Pinterest✿TikTok
September 22, 2021
Lady Henrietta Prince is dedicated to turning her family vineyards into a profitable sparkling wine business. Ash Ellis, a gaming den owner, is claiming to be the heir to her father's title. They have an instant spark, until Hetty learns who Ash is. When they are forced to marry, Hetty vows that Ash will never have her trust or love.
This is the second book in the Wallflowers vs Rogues series. The previous couple make appearances, but this book can stand alone.
This story is another winner from Lenora Bell, and I just loved it! Hetty has goals, plans, and no time to deal with charming opportunists. Ash doesn't think much of the aristocracy, but has no qualms about pursuing a claim that will help him change the child labor laws to improve lives of children suffering as he did. These character came alive for me and I adored getting to know them. The storytelling was focused, fun, and sexy.
Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Class Difference, Working Heroine, Bluestocking, Rags to Riches (sort of)
Steam Rating: 4
* I received an ARC and this is my honest review. #TheDevilsOwnDuke #NetGalley
This is the second book in the Wallflowers vs Rogues series. The previous couple make appearances, but this book can stand alone.
This story is another winner from Lenora Bell, and I just loved it! Hetty has goals, plans, and no time to deal with charming opportunists. Ash doesn't think much of the aristocracy, but has no qualms about pursuing a claim that will help him change the child labor laws to improve lives of children suffering as he did. These character came alive for me and I adored getting to know them. The storytelling was focused, fun, and sexy.
Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Class Difference, Working Heroine, Bluestocking, Rags to Riches (sort of)
Steam Rating: 4
* I received an ARC and this is my honest review. #TheDevilsOwnDuke #NetGalley
June 19, 2022
I feel like there was something off about this, possibly in the character development or pacing, but I can't quite put my finger on it. Still an enjoyable book, though, even if it did feel like it was channeling Drops of God in some places.
February 5, 2022
Lady Henrietta Prince cares nothing for the marriage mart, or the ton, but loves her family home, and the vineyard she hopes to turn into one of the best wine producers in England. However, as the only daughter of an aging duke, who will have to remarry and produce an heir, she's expected to marry well. So when Ash Ellis enters their lives, claiming to be the long lost heir, the duke thinks it's kismet - especially when it opens the door for him to marry his long term mistress - and that Henrietta should marry her 'new cousin'. Ash is playing a long game, and is more than happy to marry Henrietta, but she's actively against the match, especially when he wants to destroy her vineyards and introduce a stable to rival Tattersall's. However, as the two grow closer, and the sparks start to fly, will they learn to trust one another?
I really enjoyed the previous book in this series, so when I saw book 2 available at my local library, I had to check it out. As a member of the wallflower society, Lady Henrietta has fully embraced her wallflower status, and just wants to be free to tend her vineyards and look after her father. When Ash appears, claiming to be heir, she's immediately sceptical, but her father is happy, so she'll let it go. But being forced to marry him is against everything she stands for, and she's not about to say I do without a fight. I loved how the chemistry between Ash and Henrietta was there from the get go, and the banter between them was unreal. They didn't fall for each other easily, but when they did, they fell hard. Ash had such a traumatic back story, that was explored in a really tasteful and respectful manner, and really, he was a softie at heart, under his gruff exterior. A really good addition to the series, and I'm looking forward to more!
I really enjoyed the previous book in this series, so when I saw book 2 available at my local library, I had to check it out. As a member of the wallflower society, Lady Henrietta has fully embraced her wallflower status, and just wants to be free to tend her vineyards and look after her father. When Ash appears, claiming to be heir, she's immediately sceptical, but her father is happy, so she'll let it go. But being forced to marry him is against everything she stands for, and she's not about to say I do without a fight. I loved how the chemistry between Ash and Henrietta was there from the get go, and the banter between them was unreal. They didn't fall for each other easily, but when they did, they fell hard. Ash had such a traumatic back story, that was explored in a really tasteful and respectful manner, and really, he was a softie at heart, under his gruff exterior. A really good addition to the series, and I'm looking forward to more!
October 19, 2021
It’s been a while since I’ve read a Lenora bell’s book and my average rating for her books are 3 to 4 stars. I’m very upset to give this book a very sad 2 stars because it just didn’t work out for me.
Things were just lacking. If i were to put a finger on it, it would be the characters. I failed to like hetty even till the end. She was constantly trying to pick a fight with ash who did not provoke her on purpose sometimes but she’s just going ‘oh i won’t go down without a fight’ and just blasts off at ash. I get that she likes rules and doesn’t like her world upended by ash who could be lying about being an heir but almost every sentence of hers is a prelude to a fight.
There are 2 types of women in historical romance books. The first is the normal, shy wallflower. The second is the fiery and strong woman —＞this combination can be hard to write. The author needs to be able to balance fierceness and strength properly. In this book, hetty came off as too fierce and too headstrong which made her look and seem like a nasty woman. Lenora failed in making hetty a lovable character. At least to me.
As for ash, it’s great and all that he has a tragic childhood story and while i admire him and his friend for escaping and building a life for themselves from rock bottom, i did not find much about ash to love about except for the fact that he loves his cat more than he says and is willing to help hetty with her wines by hosting that competition — but even trying to surprise hetty had its setbacks which was getting scolded by hetty and to be honest, i felt he didn’t deserve to get scolded.
The chemistry between them was great at the starting few chapters but it went downhill as hetty continued to go against ash, which grated on my nerves. The whole romance failed because i disliked hetty and was neutral about ash. If i had liked one of them better and the romance was better/more believable, i could have given this book a higher rating.
Things were just lacking. If i were to put a finger on it, it would be the characters. I failed to like hetty even till the end. She was constantly trying to pick a fight with ash who did not provoke her on purpose sometimes but she’s just going ‘oh i won’t go down without a fight’ and just blasts off at ash. I get that she likes rules and doesn’t like her world upended by ash who could be lying about being an heir but almost every sentence of hers is a prelude to a fight.
There are 2 types of women in historical romance books. The first is the normal, shy wallflower. The second is the fiery and strong woman —＞this combination can be hard to write. The author needs to be able to balance fierceness and strength properly. In this book, hetty came off as too fierce and too headstrong which made her look and seem like a nasty woman. Lenora failed in making hetty a lovable character. At least to me.
As for ash, it’s great and all that he has a tragic childhood story and while i admire him and his friend for escaping and building a life for themselves from rock bottom, i did not find much about ash to love about except for the fact that he loves his cat more than he says and is willing to help hetty with her wines by hosting that competition — but even trying to surprise hetty had its setbacks which was getting scolded by hetty and to be honest, i felt he didn’t deserve to get scolded.
The chemistry between them was great at the starting few chapters but it went downhill as hetty continued to go against ash, which grated on my nerves. The whole romance failed because i disliked hetty and was neutral about ash. If i had liked one of them better and the romance was better/more believable, i could have given this book a higher rating.
August 5, 2021
This was interesting book to read. I liked that the book was a page turner. The story made the book easy to read, however some of the wording or verbiage was to flamboyant. Keeping the wording simple to the point helps the reader enjoy the book more, without reading a word that they have to determine the meaning. I appreciate that the writer supplied the readers a very entertaining book filled with excitement and secrets to divulge.
All the characters were wonderful and charming. I also would like to say thank you to the author for writing the age range for the heroine as twenty four or older. The book is definitely a romantic read that’s gives the readers a happy ending.
All the characters were wonderful and charming. I also would like to say thank you to the author for writing the age range for the heroine as twenty four or older. The book is definitely a romantic read that’s gives the readers a happy ending.
October 1, 2021
The Devil’s Own Duke was a perfectly fine romance novel, but not one that’s going to stick with me for a long time. In fact, in the two or three days since I finished it, I have already forgotten so many of the details. That said, I think this book is definitely for someone and so I’m going to try and explain what did work for me and what didn’t the best that I can.
Lady Henrietta Prince is a winemaker who thinks that she has a good grasp of what’s going on on her father’s estate and if he would just get married again to have a male heir, her life could continue to be as wonderful as it is at the moment. Except, it turns out, her father has been keeping secrets about their overall financial health from her and also, this scoundrel is claiming to be the long lost heir to the estate. When the two wind up in a marriage of convenience, Hetty is determined to convince Ash that they need to keep the vineyards and not abandon the wine making in favor of stables. She has lists and rules for their marriage and is determined not to let herself fall in love with him. Obviously, that goal doesn’t work out so well.
Now, I am usually a person who loves lists and rules and the breaking of said rules, but for some reason, the pacing of this book didn’t quite work for me. It was a book where it felt like there wasn’t room to breathe in spaces where I felt needed that and too much space in times I thought we could move along quicker. It could have just been that I was grumpy because on paper this book seems like something that would absolutely appeal, but unfortunately, it just didn’t quite work for me.
Thanks to Netgalley and Avon for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Lady Henrietta Prince is a winemaker who thinks that she has a good grasp of what’s going on on her father’s estate and if he would just get married again to have a male heir, her life could continue to be as wonderful as it is at the moment. Except, it turns out, her father has been keeping secrets about their overall financial health from her and also, this scoundrel is claiming to be the long lost heir to the estate. When the two wind up in a marriage of convenience, Hetty is determined to convince Ash that they need to keep the vineyards and not abandon the wine making in favor of stables. She has lists and rules for their marriage and is determined not to let herself fall in love with him. Obviously, that goal doesn’t work out so well.
Now, I am usually a person who loves lists and rules and the breaking of said rules, but for some reason, the pacing of this book didn’t quite work for me. It was a book where it felt like there wasn’t room to breathe in spaces where I felt needed that and too much space in times I thought we could move along quicker. It could have just been that I was grumpy because on paper this book seems like something that would absolutely appeal, but unfortunately, it just didn’t quite work for me.
Thanks to Netgalley and Avon for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
August 22, 2021
This was so very unlikely. A duke doesn’t have an heir and doesn’t want to marry. Suddenly Ash Ellis, a dissolute gambler, shows up and claims to be his heir. The duke is thrilled that he doesn’t have to do anything. Then he decides that his daughter, Hetty, should marry Ash. Hetty has mostly retreated from society so she can concentrate on growing grape vines on the family estate to make wine. But she also has very close friends in London and she knows exactly what modern fashion is when she decides to help Ash update his wardrobe. It just didn’t match up with the description of her as this person who has been isolated tending her vines for the past several years.
And then there is the insta-lust between Hetty and Ash. Later on we can see that each are strong, attractive characters, but I’m tired of couples meeting and immediately feeling shivers and emotions just from each other’s physical appearance.
And it was a bit irritating that after the villain who has been threatening Ash is captured, we never hear what happened to him. It’s as if the author just lost interest in winding up that plot point.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.
And then there is the insta-lust between Hetty and Ash. Later on we can see that each are strong, attractive characters, but I’m tired of couples meeting and immediately feeling shivers and emotions just from each other’s physical appearance.
And it was a bit irritating that after the villain who has been threatening Ash is captured, we never hear what happened to him. It’s as if the author just lost interest in winding up that plot point.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.
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