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Dukes Gone Dirty #1
The Duke's Defiant Angel
He can force her to marry, but her heart? That will never be his.
The duke is a man obsessed. From the moment Raff sets eyes on the fair-haired debutante with the angelic smile, he knows he must have her. And he has a plan. A way to cure himself of this tempting madness. He is a duke, after all. And she will be his.
Evangeline has plans of her own, however, and they don't call for an overwhelming brute who’s never heard the word no—until now. When she can't evade marriage, she makes a new vow. He may own her body, but he'll never have her love.
But the duke is far more devious than she'd thought. He doesn’t demand she submit. Oh no. It seems he's finally learned that there are some areas where his commands are futile. So he resorts to other methods instead. On their wedding night he vows he'll make her beg for the pleasure only he can bring. And heaven help her if he isn't right. But it's not just desire he stirs within her as they forge a truce of a marriage, it's something far more dangerous. And in this battle of wills, she might just lose her heart.
Raff won't be swayed. If he can't force her to love him, he'll sure as hell seduce her into his bed. It might not be fair, but when it comes to winning his angel, this duke is prepared to play dirty.
Note: This series is part of Dragonblade's Flame line, so this is a sexy, steamy, and scorching-hot read with multiple sex scenes. Be advised.
Dukes Gone Dirty
The Duke’s Defiant Angel
The Earl’s Tempting Ward
The Marquess’s Stolen Bride
The duke is a man obsessed. From the moment Raff sets eyes on the fair-haired debutante with the angelic smile, he knows he must have her. And he has a plan. A way to cure himself of this tempting madness. He is a duke, after all. And she will be his.
Evangeline has plans of her own, however, and they don't call for an overwhelming brute who’s never heard the word no—until now. When she can't evade marriage, she makes a new vow. He may own her body, but he'll never have her love.
But the duke is far more devious than she'd thought. He doesn’t demand she submit. Oh no. It seems he's finally learned that there are some areas where his commands are futile. So he resorts to other methods instead. On their wedding night he vows he'll make her beg for the pleasure only he can bring. And heaven help her if he isn't right. But it's not just desire he stirs within her as they forge a truce of a marriage, it's something far more dangerous. And in this battle of wills, she might just lose her heart.
Raff won't be swayed. If he can't force her to love him, he'll sure as hell seduce her into his bed. It might not be fair, but when it comes to winning his angel, this duke is prepared to play dirty.
Note: This series is part of Dragonblade's Flame line, so this is a sexy, steamy, and scorching-hot read with multiple sex scenes. Be advised.
Dukes Gone Dirty
The Duke’s Defiant Angel
The Earl’s Tempting Ward
The Marquess’s Stolen Bride
180 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2022
183 people are currently reading
402 people want to read
About the author
Bella Moxie
17 books76 followersBella Moxie is the author of the steamy regency romance series, Dukes Gone Dirty, as well as the offshoot novella series, Rogues Gone Dirty. Her books are spicy, but filled with sweet, satisfying, over-the-top love that not even the most alpha hero can resist.
Grab a free, steamy regency romance novella when you join Bella's newsletter at: http://eepurl.com/gW_QWL
Grab a free, steamy regency romance novella when you join Bella's newsletter at: http://eepurl.com/gW_QWL
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
April 4, 2022
Plot- 3/5
Spice - 4/5
If you want to read a historical romance with A LOT of spice and forced marriage, then don't hesitate. There seems to be an age gap as well but their ages aren't mentioned. The plot although intriguing, isn't unique. It's a fast paced read which you can finish in one sitting. I basically devoured it. And the spice is so good y'all. It's so well written.
Raff is a duke who is possessive and obsessed with making Evangeline his. He's basically a sort of character who gets what he wants. He's portrayed as a bad guy but is a marshmallow at heart. He's totally smitten with Evangeline at first sight.
Evangeline is a basic shy girl, who hates Raff's guts. She's in love with another man. And that's her WHOLE personality. I didn't like her as much, I would've liked to see more character growth.
The chemistry between the two is good enough.
I would've liked that the author had built more on Malcom's and Benedict's story even though it's clear we're going to get their stories next in the series.
Overall, an pretty good read. I give it 3.5 stars, rounded up to four.
eARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review.
Spice - 4/5
If you want to read a historical romance with A LOT of spice and forced marriage, then don't hesitate. There seems to be an age gap as well but their ages aren't mentioned. The plot although intriguing, isn't unique. It's a fast paced read which you can finish in one sitting. I basically devoured it. And the spice is so good y'all. It's so well written.
Raff is a duke who is possessive and obsessed with making Evangeline his. He's basically a sort of character who gets what he wants. He's portrayed as a bad guy but is a marshmallow at heart. He's totally smitten with Evangeline at first sight.
Evangeline is a basic shy girl, who hates Raff's guts. She's in love with another man. And that's her WHOLE personality. I didn't like her as much, I would've liked to see more character growth.
The chemistry between the two is good enough.
I would've liked that the author had built more on Malcom's and Benedict's story even though it's clear we're going to get their stories next in the series.
Overall, an pretty good read. I give it 3.5 stars, rounded up to four.
eARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review.
November 19, 2022
4 Stars
This was my first Bella Moxie, and I am so looking forward to the next one!
It was a cute, fun, steamy, romantic story that went into a confusing bender towards the end, but thankfully, quickly made it back to sanity.
Highlights...
- A decisive duke who is willingly stepping into the marriage mart. Not only for duty but because he wants a family.
- The adorable group of friends. I live for a good bromance, and this series promises that.
- A timid but not quite timid heroine. I am unsure what to make of her, no complaints about her mind you, but I am confused as to what happened in the aforementioned bender, or maybe it’s just my fevered mind (real fever, not metaphorical) that is stopping me from comprehension.
- A true marriage of convenience where the couple hardly knows each other and are trying to figure stuff out!
Eh, whatever the case may be, I liked this little book.
This was my first Bella Moxie, and I am so looking forward to the next one!
It was a cute, fun, steamy, romantic story that went into a confusing bender towards the end, but thankfully, quickly made it back to sanity.
Highlights...
- A decisive duke who is willingly stepping into the marriage mart. Not only for duty but because he wants a family.
- The adorable group of friends. I live for a good bromance, and this series promises that.
- A timid but not quite timid heroine. I am unsure what to make of her, no complaints about her mind you, but I am confused as to what happened in the aforementioned bender, or maybe it’s just my fevered mind (real fever, not metaphorical) that is stopping me from comprehension.
- A true marriage of convenience where the couple hardly knows each other and are trying to figure stuff out!
Eh, whatever the case may be, I liked this little book.
June 10, 2022
Very enjoyable story of 2 lonely people that find marriage just the right thing. A duke sees a lovely woman and decides that this is the woman he wants to marry. The story of 2 strangers coming together and learning about each other in an arranged marriage and have a happy steamy hea.
April 7, 2022
3.5 stars rounded up
There were two types of gentlemen in attendance at the Daltons’ ball, those looking for a lady to fuck and those hoping to wed. First sentence of the book and I was all in!
A very honest portrayal of what I imagine a true marriage of convenience would be like. Two people, basically strangers, feeling their way blindly through adjusting to being married, each desperately trying to figure out who the other was, and who they themselves were, with thoughts, feelings, desires and expectations all over the place. They both were repeatedly thrown off balance by their changing relationship and I, too, felt a sense of being off balance while reading. I loved how utterly obsessed and possessive Raff, the debauched duke, was with Evangeline; it gave me delicious shivers. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
There were two types of gentlemen in attendance at the Daltons’ ball, those looking for a lady to fuck and those hoping to wed. First sentence of the book and I was all in!
A very honest portrayal of what I imagine a true marriage of convenience would be like. Two people, basically strangers, feeling their way blindly through adjusting to being married, each desperately trying to figure out who the other was, and who they themselves were, with thoughts, feelings, desires and expectations all over the place. They both were repeatedly thrown off balance by their changing relationship and I, too, felt a sense of being off balance while reading. I loved how utterly obsessed and possessive Raff, the debauched duke, was with Evangeline; it gave me delicious shivers. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
May 2, 2024
Kind of irked me that the hero is described constantly as being "much older" than the heroine with grey hair at this temples but no mention of ages are mentioned in this...? Considering he's a well known rake about town and a Duke no less and heroine just came out for her first season I thought that was a weird important detail to ignore. Very much a wallpaper historical with not much attention to detail or world building. Angst was decent. It's fluffy brain food.
March 31, 2022
This is my first book by author Bella Moxie and I LOVED IT!
“Raff won't be swayed. If he can't force her to love him, he'll sure as hell seduce her into his bed. It might not be fair, but when it comes to winning his angel, this duke is prepared to play dirty.”
That quote pretty much sums up the plot. A high handed Duke who sees the debutant he wants as his Duchess and doesn’t give up until she is his! There is a lot of sexy times in this story so be ready with a cool drink!
I can’t wait for the next book in this series!
4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 5 Flames 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
“Raff won't be swayed. If he can't force her to love him, he'll sure as hell seduce her into his bed. It might not be fair, but when it comes to winning his angel, this duke is prepared to play dirty.”
That quote pretty much sums up the plot. A high handed Duke who sees the debutant he wants as his Duchess and doesn’t give up until she is his! There is a lot of sexy times in this story so be ready with a cool drink!
I can’t wait for the next book in this series!
4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 5 Flames 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
December 12, 2022
So, this is definitely a smutty historical romance read (which I devoured, by the way). The book is filled with one-sided insta-lust, lots of tropes (forced marriage, age gap, reformed rogue, etc. etc.), plenty of sexy times and a fairly decent love story all in under 200 pages. 👏👏👏
Ms. Moxie is a new author for me and considering her books appear to be free on KU, I will be a repeat customer.
Ms. Moxie is a new author for me and considering her books appear to be free on KU, I will be a repeat customer.
July 14, 2022
swoon and steam ♥️🔥🔥♥️🔥🔥
Well this was a scorcher! Lots of steam and angst. Raff is a heartless, cold Duke who needs a wife to sire an heir. He has no intentions of loving her or remaining faithful once he gets her with child. So he starts off as jackass. But he didn’t count on his wayward, long-neglected heart coming alive under the heat and sweetness and gentleness and willfulness of his bride. The more he knows her, the more he feels, the more he wants and the more he falls, until all he can see and feel is her.
For Angie, marrying a cold, arrogant Duke wasn’t in her plans. But her wants and desires weren’t consulted when he decided she would be his and claimed her. She fully plans to remain emotionally aloof from him. But you know what they say about the best laid plans…
The more she learns of her husband, the more she comes to realize that the coldness and arrogance is a mask he has put on to protect himself. It may just be that they both want the same thing. A family. Love. Each other.
Safe-ish. The hero’s past is mentioned. He was a manwhore but is celibate after meeting heroine. Heroine is 100% innocent and gives him the gift of claiming all her firsts. There is OM drama. Heroine believed herself in love with another man, wanted to marry him but there was no physical intimacy between them. No cheating, no abuse. HEA with epilogue and pregnant
Well this was a scorcher! Lots of steam and angst. Raff is a heartless, cold Duke who needs a wife to sire an heir. He has no intentions of loving her or remaining faithful once he gets her with child. So he starts off as jackass. But he didn’t count on his wayward, long-neglected heart coming alive under the heat and sweetness and gentleness and willfulness of his bride. The more he knows her, the more he feels, the more he wants and the more he falls, until all he can see and feel is her.
For Angie, marrying a cold, arrogant Duke wasn’t in her plans. But her wants and desires weren’t consulted when he decided she would be his and claimed her. She fully plans to remain emotionally aloof from him. But you know what they say about the best laid plans…
The more she learns of her husband, the more she comes to realize that the coldness and arrogance is a mask he has put on to protect himself. It may just be that they both want the same thing. A family. Love. Each other.
Safe-ish. The hero’s past is mentioned. He was a manwhore but is celibate after meeting heroine. Heroine is 100% innocent and gives him the gift of claiming all her firsts. There is OM drama. Heroine believed herself in love with another man, wanted to marry him but there was no physical intimacy between them. No cheating, no abuse. HEA with epilogue and pregnant
March 26, 2022
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋💋
The Duke of Raffian stole my heart while i was reading this book, my first from this author.
This was right up my street, a steamy and beautiful story, very well written, loads of new characters to get my teeth into and further books to intrigue me, what’s not to love.
This is a slightly forced marriage, but it’s all consensual in the bedroom.
He’s a gentleman, though I use the term lightly, a carouser, a womaniser, then he sees the woman to change him, across a ballroom floor.
Evangeline Dalton, a diamond if ever there was one.
And now the Duke must fight to keep his marriage and his sanity it seems, and keep his hands to himself until she gives herself to him .
Excellent book, can’t wait for the next.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
Sent from my iPhone
💋💋💋
The Duke of Raffian stole my heart while i was reading this book, my first from this author.
This was right up my street, a steamy and beautiful story, very well written, loads of new characters to get my teeth into and further books to intrigue me, what’s not to love.
This is a slightly forced marriage, but it’s all consensual in the bedroom.
He’s a gentleman, though I use the term lightly, a carouser, a womaniser, then he sees the woman to change him, across a ballroom floor.
Evangeline Dalton, a diamond if ever there was one.
And now the Duke must fight to keep his marriage and his sanity it seems, and keep his hands to himself until she gives herself to him .
Excellent book, can’t wait for the next.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
Sent from my iPhone
March 29, 2022
The blurb cautions the reader that this novel goes full steam ahead. It is in fact a delightful romance between two completely opposite characters. Recognizing that it is time for him to take a wife and beget an heir, the Duke of Raffian, in his usual dominant style, has determined that he and his friends will participate in the season and find themselves brides. His friends are not as enthusiastic as he is. On their first foray, Raff sets his eyes on the beautiful and docile-looking Miss Evangeline Dalton and claims her as his wife-to-be. As Raff discovers, nothing is as it seems and although his Angel is intensely shy and dislikes being the center of attraction, she is in fact quite capable of making her own decisions and standing up for herself. Declaring that he will not have her heart and cannot own her, Raff makes her a promise that takes him on an unexpected journey. The book comes to a lovely conclusion, opening the way for Raff's friends to find their way forward. I received a copy of this romance from Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.
March 31, 2022
The Duke of Raffian is a man obsessed, from the moment Raff sets eyes on the fair-haired debutante with the angelic smile, he knows he must have her. Evangeline has plans of her own, however, and they don't call for an overwhelming brute who’s never heard the word no—until now. When she can't evade marriage, she makes a new vow. He may own her body, but he'll never have her love. On their wedding night he vows he'll make her beg for the pleasure only he can bring. And heaven help her if he isn't right. But it's not just desire he stirs within her as they forge a truce of a marriage, it's something far more dangerous.
This is the first book I’ve read by the author & it certainly won't be the last. I loved it, it was well written with strong characters & a story that flowed effortlessly. I was a bit wary of the arrogant, rakish Raff but the more we got to know him the more we saw behind the façade. I loved Angel who was shy but not meek, together sparks flew, their verbal banter became entertaining & the sexual tension just grew & grew as did the chemistry. It was a lovely story of two lonely sould finding a family & home. I’m now looking forward to Raff's friends finding love
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
This is the first book I’ve read by the author & it certainly won't be the last. I loved it, it was well written with strong characters & a story that flowed effortlessly. I was a bit wary of the arrogant, rakish Raff but the more we got to know him the more we saw behind the façade. I loved Angel who was shy but not meek, together sparks flew, their verbal banter became entertaining & the sexual tension just grew & grew as did the chemistry. It was a lovely story of two lonely sould finding a family & home. I’m now looking forward to Raff's friends finding love
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
August 15, 2022
Pretty much no story aside from smut, and it was kinda good, until he broke her “virginity veil” 🙄🙄 I feel like it's my lifes mission to exterminate this d*mn myth!!
2/5 ⭐️
3/5 🌶
2/5 ⭐️
3/5 🌶
January 3, 2023
So this is not quite 5 stars but better than four if for no other reason than the steaminess. This is my first book by the author. The first few pages I thought that writing was poor, I am not sure if it improved or I adjusted my expectations but I ended up liking it quite a bit. Plot 6(1-10) steaminess 9 (1-10)
July 31, 2022
I really enjoyed reading this, I don't normally read Regency-era books but the characters were well written and you could connect with them.
The chemistry and plot were really good.
The chemistry and plot were really good.
December 12, 2022
Well I guess I already wrote the same review for another HR but .....too much "modern" sex!
June 29, 2022
I will give it to this book, after the first chapter I was not convinced I would like Raff- at all. His way of talking about his exploits (I completely dislike unrepentant manwhores), his plans of continuing to be promiscuous after his marriage and his complete overbearing ways, did get in the way of me finding him a worthy hero. I had a few chapters of reading stuff like this:
“Raff leaned back in the armchair in his study with a smug smile. His gaze found the clock on the mantel as he tapped his fingers on the desk’s edge. He’d waited long enough to claim his prize, hadn’t he?”
And all I was thinking was, ‘man I want this smug son of a gun to be brought to his KNEES or else I’m out of here’.
I’m glad I stayed for the ride.
Because, gosh, he turned out to be a wicked sweetheart. He was afraid of loving, of having a family, because of how he grew up, alone and isolated. Now, that’s doesn’t excuse his previous behavior, but it allows some insight and understanding of his growth. He thought he could have it all, without ever risking his heart. It was so satisfying to see him brought to his knees by Evangeline.
I enjoyed that she was not in love with Raff. Seeing him sweat over not having her heart was entertaining… and gut wrenching. I enjoyed where the plot was taken from there, though. Them falling in love and realizing they were being silly fools; Raff coming to the realization before she did, and trying to protect her feelings from some horrible people from the get go, even when she was maddening (at least in his eyes, in my eyes she was completely reasonable 😂).
Something that always bothers me in romances in general is that guys get to be, “mine” or “no one can touch you, but me” monologues. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that I don’t like them, I do, nothing gets me more than one of those monologues done well; by done well, I mean that the guy offers himself equally in return. In this book, the heroine throws in the hero’s face that, while he was claiming her, he was not allowing himself to be claimed.
And is just some bullshiiii.
That is later resolved, of course. But it was immensely satisfying to have it been put to words.
The more I read, the more one thing is made clear, the only thing both fictional man and real man have in common, it’s the audacity.
Don’t believe me? Hear it from the heroine herself:
“The audacity of this man!”
4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ps: That library scene, boy was it HOT 🥵. I had my eyes wide open because, wow, just wow.
Some Quotes (SPOILERS AHEAD):
“What sort of family could she have with a man like the duke?
All of the dreams she’d harbored—of marrying for love, of having children, and living a quiet life in the country with her family around her…
She had to bid farewell to that, as well.”
-
-
“If he hadn’t the courage to claim you for himself, then he didn’t deserve you,” he said.
Her lips were pressed together in a thin line now, but she didn’t look away. Did she agree?
That was likely too much to hope. But maybe one day, she’d see that any man who truly loved her would never have let her go.
He would certainly never let her go.”
-
-
“She hurried off to find Raff. He would be looking for her. Not because he cared but because she was his possession. That was all she was to him.
It was all she’d ever be.
That was enough for him…but for her?
She ran away from Albert, but she couldn’t run from the truth.
For her, that would never be enough.”
“Raff leaned back in the armchair in his study with a smug smile. His gaze found the clock on the mantel as he tapped his fingers on the desk’s edge. He’d waited long enough to claim his prize, hadn’t he?”
And all I was thinking was, ‘man I want this smug son of a gun to be brought to his KNEES or else I’m out of here’.
I’m glad I stayed for the ride.
Because, gosh, he turned out to be a wicked sweetheart. He was afraid of loving, of having a family, because of how he grew up, alone and isolated. Now, that’s doesn’t excuse his previous behavior, but it allows some insight and understanding of his growth. He thought he could have it all, without ever risking his heart. It was so satisfying to see him brought to his knees by Evangeline.
I enjoyed that she was not in love with Raff. Seeing him sweat over not having her heart was entertaining… and gut wrenching. I enjoyed where the plot was taken from there, though. Them falling in love and realizing they were being silly fools; Raff coming to the realization before she did, and trying to protect her feelings from some horrible people from the get go, even when she was maddening (at least in his eyes, in my eyes she was completely reasonable 😂).
Something that always bothers me in romances in general is that guys get to be, “mine” or “no one can touch you, but me” monologues. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that I don’t like them, I do, nothing gets me more than one of those monologues done well; by done well, I mean that the guy offers himself equally in return. In this book, the heroine throws in the hero’s face that, while he was claiming her, he was not allowing himself to be claimed.
And is just some bullshiiii.
That is later resolved, of course. But it was immensely satisfying to have it been put to words.
The more I read, the more one thing is made clear, the only thing both fictional man and real man have in common, it’s the audacity.
Don’t believe me? Hear it from the heroine herself:
“The audacity of this man!”
4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ps: That library scene, boy was it HOT 🥵. I had my eyes wide open because, wow, just wow.
Some Quotes (SPOILERS AHEAD):
“What sort of family could she have with a man like the duke?
All of the dreams she’d harbored—of marrying for love, of having children, and living a quiet life in the country with her family around her…
She had to bid farewell to that, as well.”
-
-
“If he hadn’t the courage to claim you for himself, then he didn’t deserve you,” he said.
Her lips were pressed together in a thin line now, but she didn’t look away. Did she agree?
That was likely too much to hope. But maybe one day, she’d see that any man who truly loved her would never have let her go.
He would certainly never let her go.”
-
-
“She hurried off to find Raff. He would be looking for her. Not because he cared but because she was his possession. That was all she was to him.
It was all she’d ever be.
That was enough for him…but for her?
She ran away from Albert, but she couldn’t run from the truth.
For her, that would never be enough.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2023
3.5- good enough but not enough unique material to set it apart from other HR's. The Duke, his emotions felt a little extreme- the anger, the lust, the possession and that he wanted to kill her Father? I think he could just hit him a few times, he wasn't THAT bad. Anyway, it was a sweet story once they were honest with each other.
It started out with the delusional inner speak from the ignorant male:
He truly had been angry at her parents for letting her out of their sight for even a second. Didn’t they know just how fragile a sheltered little beauty like her could be? She ought to be protected and coddled. And as her father was clearly not doing right by her, it was that much better that he’d decided to make her his. And she would be his. She was exactly what he needed in a wife. Biddable. Beautiful. Obedient. Dutiful. And beddable in the extreme. (Eye Roll inserted here)
She thought she was in love with another suitor but in the end discovers that she lived in a house of lies and realizes that he has saved her. HEA for everyone.
It started out with the delusional inner speak from the ignorant male:
He truly had been angry at her parents for letting her out of their sight for even a second. Didn’t they know just how fragile a sheltered little beauty like her could be? She ought to be protected and coddled. And as her father was clearly not doing right by her, it was that much better that he’d decided to make her his. And she would be his. She was exactly what he needed in a wife. Biddable. Beautiful. Obedient. Dutiful. And beddable in the extreme. (Eye Roll inserted here)
She thought she was in love with another suitor but in the end discovers that she lived in a house of lies and realizes that he has saved her. HEA for everyone.
April 4, 2022
Yowza!
When the Duke of Rafferton decides he needs to marry, he is determined to find his duchess. Then live his life as he wants. What he never expected was to find her at the first ball.
"Pretty, they'd said? What a tepid word. She wasn't merely pretty, she was dazzling in her beauty. She was dazzling in her beauty, incomparable.....an angel."
Evangeline is in love with another man and has no interest in Raff. But in a twist, her father accepts his suit and she is forced to marry him.
But, even rakes can change can't they? Well, it is a sensual journey with many secrets coming out and a love that wants to grow, if only they can acknowledge their feelings!!
When the Duke of Rafferton decides he needs to marry, he is determined to find his duchess. Then live his life as he wants. What he never expected was to find her at the first ball.
"Pretty, they'd said? What a tepid word. She wasn't merely pretty, she was dazzling in her beauty. She was dazzling in her beauty, incomparable.....an angel."
Evangeline is in love with another man and has no interest in Raff. But in a twist, her father accepts his suit and she is forced to marry him.
But, even rakes can change can't they? Well, it is a sensual journey with many secrets coming out and a love that wants to grow, if only they can acknowledge their feelings!!
April 1, 2022
Raff, the Duke of Raffian, makes up his mind the minute he sees Angie Dalton she will be his wife. She is his angel. Angie is not as receptive to Raff's attention, she has someone else she wants to marry. Raff won't give up until she marries him. Once married, she holds him off on their wedding night. She is shy and insecure. Raff has a lot to learn about his wife and his heart. One thing they both want, is to trust each other. Passionate, heated encounters that create steam. Love it when an arrogant Duke falls off his pedestal and is perplexed when he does not know why.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
June 10, 2022
An interesting, spicy novella that definitely isn’t your run of the mill historical!
Read full review in the 2022 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2022 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
March 17, 2023
My first book by Bella Moxie and I can say I enjoyed it. At some point I got the vibe the plot was going to center around a misunderstanding that could have been cleared up by an honest conversation. Misunderstanding plots are tedious. It didn’t go that way. Thank goodness. Enjoyable Easy read. I’ll continue series.
March 30, 2022
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley and this is my freely given opinion.
William Cooper, also known as Raff, the Duke of Raffian, is the epitome of an arrogant duke. He and his friends are apparently notorious rakes, but have made a pact this Season to find brides for themselves, so they can do their duties to their titles, and beget heirs. Raff thought he had it all figured out; find himself a biddable wife, the best of the herd of debs for the Season, marry her, get her pregnant, and go back to living his vastly enjoyable life otherwise.
Once he sees Evangeline, the debutante daughter of a viscount at her ball, he zeros in on her like a predator on prey. He is incredibly attracted by her beauty and determines that he will have her as his bride and in his bed, and nothing will stop him. He finds out that her father is in massive debt and pretty much steamrolls his way into a betrothal and marries her within a couple of weeks. After all, what debutante would not want to marry a handsome, rich, eligible duke, and become duchess? She would be falling all over herself with gratitude to be wedding and bedding him, right, and then be amenable to allowing him to go back to his whores, mistresses, and other debaucheries?
Wrong, apparently the quiet angelic beauty is not what he was expecting. This was not how she wanted her life to turn out, and she was in love with another man. But her parents disregarded her wishes and betrothed her to the duke, who did not even try to get to know her before wedding her. Evangeline is very shy, lonely, a bit bookish, and does not like being in the spot light of Society at all. Things Raff did not know, especially as he did not bother wooing or trying to get to know her before deciding he would have her as his bride. Luckily, she found the fire within to not let him steamroll over her, but to resist him, and tell him exactly how she feels about their marriage. A shock to him, but one that makes him think, and listen to her.
This is the first time I am reading a book from this author and I have to say that I quite enjoyed this story. The characters came alive, and were quite engaging. Raff's arrogance was overwhelming, and his ego quite large, but I still ultimately found myself liking him, especially as that candy coating hid a centre that was ultimately a caring person, who really just wants a family and to care for others.
The writing was engaging, quick paced, bold, and fun... I was drawn in by the firs sentence;
"There were two types of gentlemen in attendance at the Dalton's ball, those looking for a lady to fuck, and those hoping to wed."
Talk about starting things out bold and with a bang :)
3.75 stars out of 5 for me, and I have just downloaded the free e-book from her site, and looking forward to the story behind Raff's friend, Benedict.
William Cooper, also known as Raff, the Duke of Raffian, is the epitome of an arrogant duke. He and his friends are apparently notorious rakes, but have made a pact this Season to find brides for themselves, so they can do their duties to their titles, and beget heirs. Raff thought he had it all figured out; find himself a biddable wife, the best of the herd of debs for the Season, marry her, get her pregnant, and go back to living his vastly enjoyable life otherwise.
Once he sees Evangeline, the debutante daughter of a viscount at her ball, he zeros in on her like a predator on prey. He is incredibly attracted by her beauty and determines that he will have her as his bride and in his bed, and nothing will stop him. He finds out that her father is in massive debt and pretty much steamrolls his way into a betrothal and marries her within a couple of weeks. After all, what debutante would not want to marry a handsome, rich, eligible duke, and become duchess? She would be falling all over herself with gratitude to be wedding and bedding him, right, and then be amenable to allowing him to go back to his whores, mistresses, and other debaucheries?
Wrong, apparently the quiet angelic beauty is not what he was expecting. This was not how she wanted her life to turn out, and she was in love with another man. But her parents disregarded her wishes and betrothed her to the duke, who did not even try to get to know her before wedding her. Evangeline is very shy, lonely, a bit bookish, and does not like being in the spot light of Society at all. Things Raff did not know, especially as he did not bother wooing or trying to get to know her before deciding he would have her as his bride. Luckily, she found the fire within to not let him steamroll over her, but to resist him, and tell him exactly how she feels about their marriage. A shock to him, but one that makes him think, and listen to her.
This is the first time I am reading a book from this author and I have to say that I quite enjoyed this story. The characters came alive, and were quite engaging. Raff's arrogance was overwhelming, and his ego quite large, but I still ultimately found myself liking him, especially as that candy coating hid a centre that was ultimately a caring person, who really just wants a family and to care for others.
The writing was engaging, quick paced, bold, and fun... I was drawn in by the firs sentence;
"There were two types of gentlemen in attendance at the Dalton's ball, those looking for a lady to fuck, and those hoping to wed."
Talk about starting things out bold and with a bang :)
3.75 stars out of 5 for me, and I have just downloaded the free e-book from her site, and looking forward to the story behind Raff's friend, Benedict.
April 2, 2022
Oh, this story is so steamy and sexy!! I loved it!
From the moment Raff sets eyes on the fair-haired debutante with the angelic smile, he knows he must have her. And he has a plan. He is a duke, after all. And she will be his. Evangeline has plans of her own, however, and they don't call for an overwhelming brute who’s never heard the word no—until now. When she can't evade marriage, she makes a new vow. He may own her body, but he'll never have her love. But in this battle of wills, they might just lose their hearts.
This love story is easy to read and engaging. Raff is proud and overwhelming. He’s been lonely most of his life and he’s accustom to have always his way. He’s sure he is marring the perfect docile and beautiful duchess and he’s shock when he discovered that under the shy façade lives an outspoken and fire woman. Evangeline, Angel, has been cossetted all her life and is infatuated with the second son of a baron. When her father marries her off to the Duke, she promised both of them her heart will never be his. But as they start spending time together, they began to realize that there’s a lot more between them that HOT HOT sex and surrender.
The attraction between them is right on the pages and the sexy times are really nice written. The dialogs are smart, witty and meaningful. There are a few moments that the main characters can be a bit frustrating, but that just make them more real to me.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
From the moment Raff sets eyes on the fair-haired debutante with the angelic smile, he knows he must have her. And he has a plan. He is a duke, after all. And she will be his. Evangeline has plans of her own, however, and they don't call for an overwhelming brute who’s never heard the word no—until now. When she can't evade marriage, she makes a new vow. He may own her body, but he'll never have her love. But in this battle of wills, they might just lose their hearts.
This love story is easy to read and engaging. Raff is proud and overwhelming. He’s been lonely most of his life and he’s accustom to have always his way. He’s sure he is marring the perfect docile and beautiful duchess and he’s shock when he discovered that under the shy façade lives an outspoken and fire woman. Evangeline, Angel, has been cossetted all her life and is infatuated with the second son of a baron. When her father marries her off to the Duke, she promised both of them her heart will never be his. But as they start spending time together, they began to realize that there’s a lot more between them that HOT HOT sex and surrender.
The attraction between them is right on the pages and the sexy times are really nice written. The dialogs are smart, witty and meaningful. There are a few moments that the main characters can be a bit frustrating, but that just make them more real to me.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 21, 2022
So Bella Moxie is a new author for me. After researching her I found she only has 3 books out and 2 more to come in 2022 but that is all. After reading this book, that makes me sad because it was so good.
I found her story to be a great read. I loved Raff and Evangeline to be such a great couple. It was a short read but Bella got a lot of story and character depth in such a short read. Also well written sex scenes. I knew it was going to be a good read when the very first paragraph is: "There are two type of gentlemen in attendance at the Daltons' ball, those looking for a lady to fuck and those hoping to wed." :)
I can't wait for the next book.
I found her story to be a great read. I loved Raff and Evangeline to be such a great couple. It was a short read but Bella got a lot of story and character depth in such a short read. Also well written sex scenes. I knew it was going to be a good read when the very first paragraph is: "There are two type of gentlemen in attendance at the Daltons' ball, those looking for a lady to fuck and those hoping to wed." :)
I can't wait for the next book.
April 23, 2022
Sizzling hot
This is the first book I've ever read from this author. It was much heavier on the steam than most HRs but it definitely worked within the framework of the story
. The duke's friends are interesting supporting characters and I'm looking forward to reading their stories as well. The book took what could have been a very cringy situation and made it into a very satisfying HEA.
This is the first book I've ever read from this author. It was much heavier on the steam than most HRs but it definitely worked within the framework of the story
. The duke's friends are interesting supporting characters and I'm looking forward to reading their stories as well. The book took what could have been a very cringy situation and made it into a very satisfying HEA.
July 6, 2023
It was a pretty cute story. I liked the plot but was a bit annoyed at MFC. She kept denying her chemistry with Raff. It was nice to see Raff slowly fall head over heels for her.
Overall, cute novella with plenty of spice and story.
Overall, cute novella with plenty of spice and story.
January 9, 2025
1.5 stars. This is my own fault. I read the back of this book after realizing it was connected to another book written by this author that I liked. I’ve read enough books with the MMC trapping the FMC into marriage because he wants her with little regard to her wants and needs to know it’s not something I’m a fan of. However because the other book was so enjoyable I just knew it would work this time. Obviously it didn’t and i’m disappointed.
The MMC literally treats the FMC like a possession, he’s entitled to and not a person. As the reader we are suppose to give him a pat on head and a pass because he doesn’t force himself on her, but he makes his expectations know. It’s also depressing that he’s framed as a hero for “rescuing the FMC” from her situation when in actuality just like her parents he limits her wants/options for his own gain. 😞
The FMC like most in these types of books starts out with fire and contempt for the MMC to only fall for him and become more open to his advances for vague some reason. Everything he did in his quest to obtain her is water under the bridge for some reason and he’s totally not the villain 🙄. Sigh I need to read something else to wash this book out of my head.
This would have been a DNF If I didn’t really want to reach my reading goal.
The MMC literally treats the FMC like a possession, he’s entitled to and not a person. As the reader we are suppose to give him a pat on head and a pass because he doesn’t force himself on her, but he makes his expectations know. It’s also depressing that he’s framed as a hero for “rescuing the FMC” from her situation when in actuality just like her parents he limits her wants/options for his own gain. 😞
The FMC like most in these types of books starts out with fire and contempt for the MMC to only fall for him and become more open to his advances for vague some reason. Everything he did in his quest to obtain her is water under the bridge for some reason and he’s totally not the villain 🙄. Sigh I need to read something else to wash this book out of my head.
This would have been a DNF If I didn’t really want to reach my reading goal.
July 25, 2022
1.5/2 Stars
I'll be generous and give this a 2 star. It was simply ok.
I didn't particularly care for any characters in this book. The hero especially sounded like an ass with his vow of never remaining faithful to any woman and then even tells the heroine that on their wedding night because "she appreciated honesty" but it just placed him in a unlikeable light. Which I guess was meant to sway me into liking him when he finds he caught feelings for his wife, though let's be real here, he caught lust and obsession with a dash of possession. But whatever.
The heroine was absolutely forgettable. Lonely childhood, disappointment to her parents blah blah blah. Shy and doesn't like socializing, gee I wonder why with parents like hers? Heh. She was rather pathetic. I believe she was supposed to be around 18-19 perhaps? It was unclear. She was very naive, which was no fault of her own tbh. But I didn't enjoy her personality. Maybe in a longer book written by a different author this type of heroine could flourish and grow into herself. Here we see next to nothing of that. A tiny glimpse but mostly it was all tied with her sexual feelings for the hero.
It had plenty potential but I don't think the author focused on the right attributes of the characters, particularly the hero. I found them both boring.
I also was really not enjoying the repetitive use of calling her "child" either from the hero or by the heroine referring to herself this way. Yes, she was sheltered and inexperienced in life but there was better ways to get that across than labeling her a child. Especially knowing she's married to a man much older, though we have no idea to the heroes age just that he was much older than her and had some gray in his hair...so early thirties to early forties for all I know. 🤷🏻♀️
It was just cringe everytime. Either your heroine is a grown woman or she's a child. Choose.
Gonna give the next book a try and after that I think it best me and this author part ways.
I'll be generous and give this a 2 star. It was simply ok.
I didn't particularly care for any characters in this book. The hero especially sounded like an ass with his vow of never remaining faithful to any woman and then even tells the heroine that on their wedding night because "she appreciated honesty" but it just placed him in a unlikeable light. Which I guess was meant to sway me into liking him when he finds he caught feelings for his wife, though let's be real here, he caught lust and obsession with a dash of possession. But whatever.
The heroine was absolutely forgettable. Lonely childhood, disappointment to her parents blah blah blah. Shy and doesn't like socializing, gee I wonder why with parents like hers? Heh. She was rather pathetic. I believe she was supposed to be around 18-19 perhaps? It was unclear. She was very naive, which was no fault of her own tbh. But I didn't enjoy her personality. Maybe in a longer book written by a different author this type of heroine could flourish and grow into herself. Here we see next to nothing of that. A tiny glimpse but mostly it was all tied with her sexual feelings for the hero.
It had plenty potential but I don't think the author focused on the right attributes of the characters, particularly the hero. I found them both boring.
I also was really not enjoying the repetitive use of calling her "child" either from the hero or by the heroine referring to herself this way. Yes, she was sheltered and inexperienced in life but there was better ways to get that across than labeling her a child. Especially knowing she's married to a man much older, though we have no idea to the heroes age just that he was much older than her and had some gray in his hair...so early thirties to early forties for all I know. 🤷🏻♀️
It was just cringe everytime. Either your heroine is a grown woman or she's a child. Choose.
Gonna give the next book a try and after that I think it best me and this author part ways.
September 27, 2023
DROPPED. The quality of the story is....appalling. And needed better editing.
The characters were literally 2-dimensional and so unlikeable. RAFF was a duke used to waving his big dick, and EVANGELINE was nothing more than a fuck doll who ABSOLUTELY WASN'T THE DEFINITION OF THE TITLE. A defiant angel would have spoken back or rebelled when the Duke rudely claimed her as his, singled out her attention like a horny fox on the hunt and clearly wanted her only because she was beautiful. His second impression told me he was a man who enjoyed hearing himself talking. I hated it when TWICE he muttered those eye-rolling pick up lines from their era, and while Evangeline mentally protested and felt angry, SHE NEVER UTTERED A FUCKING WORD.
I'm questioning the author's use of the word DEFIANT.
The story was too superficial. While I appreciate beautiful looking characters, there was ZERO TACT in how they were introduced them. I was AGHAST by how shallow RAFF was. A man claiming to never be faithful to his vows and used to having what he wanted, he changed his mind in a heartbeat when he clasped eyes on Evangeline. In that moment, he wanted to own her.
EVANGELINE was no better. A spiritless, empty shell. There was no fire in her. For all her beauty, she might as well have been invisible to me.
The characters were literally 2-dimensional and so unlikeable. RAFF was a duke used to waving his big dick, and EVANGELINE was nothing more than a fuck doll who ABSOLUTELY WASN'T THE DEFINITION OF THE TITLE. A defiant angel would have spoken back or rebelled when the Duke rudely claimed her as his, singled out her attention like a horny fox on the hunt and clearly wanted her only because she was beautiful. His second impression told me he was a man who enjoyed hearing himself talking. I hated it when TWICE he muttered those eye-rolling pick up lines from their era, and while Evangeline mentally protested and felt angry, SHE NEVER UTTERED A FUCKING WORD.
I'm questioning the author's use of the word DEFIANT.
The story was too superficial. While I appreciate beautiful looking characters, there was ZERO TACT in how they were introduced them. I was AGHAST by how shallow RAFF was. A man claiming to never be faithful to his vows and used to having what he wanted, he changed his mind in a heartbeat when he clasped eyes on Evangeline. In that moment, he wanted to own her.
EVANGELINE was no better. A spiritless, empty shell. There was no fire in her. For all her beauty, she might as well have been invisible to me.
March 27, 2022
Everything about this book felt somewhat underdeveloped. Hard to feel that much of a connection with , or between, the Duke or Evangeline. Not much to recommend it really. Flat characters - one totally overbearing and arrogant, but little else. One very shy but comes across pretty anaemic. Didn't much enjoy this one.
Received ARC from Netgalley.
Received ARC from Netgalley.
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