Falling in love was never part of the bargain. Lady Sofia Cloverfield’s family has disintegrated, and she finds herself on the streets to make her own way with only a few guineas and her wits with which to rely on to survive. Sofia uses her common sense and prays she can figure out how to turn her fate around. Exeter Trenton, the Devil Duke, is wealthy, handsome, and lonely. His position demands he take a wife, but he finds none to his liking. Then, quite by accident, his luck changes when his horses nearly trample a waif he mistakes for a child. He allows her to leave with his chastisement ringing in her ear but not before he finds she is no child. Once home, Trenton finds he can’t get the little minx out of his mind. Telling himself he would be creating a better life for her, he devises a plan to bring her home for a brief distraction. The Duke initially intends to enjoy her attributes and teach her the thrills of being a woman with an attentive lover. One who engages in incomparable pleasures while remaining diligent in keeping her safe, but plans change, and before he can stop her, his little distraction has gotten under his skin and crawled into his heart. Now the Devil Duke can never let her go. Just as Sofia realizes Trenton is more dangerous than she ever suspected, her heart is engaged, and her life is at risk, forcing her to draw on every skill she has learned to save herself from a fate she had barely escaped several times before. The Duke’s goals for Sofia may have changed, but not even the confident, masterful, and influential Duke can see into the future and know that someone else has a different ending planned for his Fia… a very different ending .
USA Today bestselling author of Contemporary and Historical Romances. I'm a proud Texan living it up in Alaska's beauty who loves to write both sweet and spicy romances.
My heroes and heroines can be found in this time or another, modern or historic, professionals or not. All include a little naughtiness, sternness, seriousness, a taste of suspense and a HEA.
I have always loved writing about sassy ladies and have done it for fun but never thought I could do it for other's enjoyment. It's my dream job and I hope I never come back to the real world.
The new series, Darling Duchesses, is a spin-off from this author's 'Lords and Ladies series,' and the characters from it will be guests in this new tale. The story is a touch of mystery, suspense, danger, and intrigue with a touch of passion, eroticism, naughtiness, and discipline.
"He would cherish her spirit and respect the gift of her obedience. Her spirit would meet him under the cover at night, and her obedience would be a matter of respect and pride. The world would be her playground, and she would be his. If he could but find the woman of his dreams, the rest of society could go hang for all he cared."
Lord Exeter Trenton is also known in society as the Devil Duke—behind his back. It is time for another season, and while Trenton knows he needs to find him a wife, he has an issue with the pushy mamas and simpering girls. When he marries, he wants love and passion, and if he is fortunate, he will find a woman who has a similar appetite—she can be a lady at her place in society, and behind the bedroom door, submit to him, his control, and his discipline.
Lady Sofia finds herself in dire straits. After informing her their parents had died, her brother sold the family home, took all the money, and left the country. The new Baron of the home kicked her out, and she has been surviving on the streets. Going to the workhouse proved to be more dangerous than on her own. She barely escapes a lecherous man.
"She was a lamb wandering amongst a pack of wolves. Indeed, she wasn't totally unaware. She couldn't be."
The story's plot will have Trenton and Sophia meeting near the docks. His horses nearly trample her, and he scolds her—but she runs away. However, he can't get her out of his mind and will return to the docks and encounters her again. There is something about her that calls to him—and something is off; her speech and mannerism don't match a homeless waif. Trenton will tempt her with pastries but cannot convince her to come home with him—but eventually, he will discover where she is hiding and have her guarded—and rescue her from being raped.
"He was gentle now. Sofia had been the recipient of his kindness and, on occasion, his condescension due to his upbringing and self-importance, but he was always in control. That's what she needed right now, someone to take the lead until she could hold the reins again."
"I am not typically a ruffian, sir, but as the circumstances presented themselves, I adapted. I can change again. However, as to my response to your barbaric means of expressing your displeasure, let me assure you that I feel nothing other than annoyance."
The story will have Trenton taking her to his home, and his head housekeeper, Mrs. Kerns, is astute in understanding his needs, including this young lady. She will assign her a maid, help clean her up and provide her with clothing and a feeling of safety. Trenton will show her that she is safe but expected to obey—and disobedience and naughtiness will have her corrected over his knee.
"His Grace, Papa, Trenton, it all confused her at a time when she needed to be able to think clearly. And through it all, she truly liked him, and didn't that confuse her all the more? She had no doubt that she had sold her soul to the devil himself, and what a sweet perversion to endure."
"I want it to be a fun, relaxing part of you. As your papa, I will take all the burdens when you need me to. They are your bits and pieces to pick up when you are ready."
I loved the chemistry of the two main characters of Trenton and Sofia, and all the struggles they face together. She is caught between a rock and a hard place, not sharing her history, what he brother has done, and her dire circumstances. She proves to be strong and resourceful, but even that is taking a toll on her overall mindset. Only a few things to her name, scrounging for food, and occasionally hired to do minimal work before Trenton enters her life. Trenton wants what his friend has and is almost afraid he never will—until Sofia enters his life. But, with being a Duke, he has obligations—can he forsake society and do what his heart and soul want?
"He could make her happy, give her every desire she dreamed of, and she would be his little lady, his mistress, and his hostess. She would be his darling duchess."
The good, the bad, and the ugly all play their roles. The truth will be revealed, a rescue will save her more than once, and a fairytale ending will happen. The story has mildly explicit scenes along with discipline.
ADULT Historical Recency Romance 💕With BDSM elements and Age Play.
Lady Sofia is out on the streets after her family dies from illnesses. After spending a few nights in a workhouse, she decides the streets are safer.
Exeter Trenton🐺🍆⛲👋, Duke of Trent, is known as the Devil Duke,👹 and has a reputation as a rake. He also has certain very naughty proclivities that preclude him from finding a wife👰 among the ton. But he still has hopes to find that One wanton young miss💃💋 who will enjoy every debauched thing he has to offer!
He rescues Sofia💃💋, and immediately begins to train and discipline👋👋 her to be his little girl/ woman.
ARC Provided by Booksprout 🌱. I also got this ebook from Amazon 📚 with KU.
Trenton🐺🍆⛲👋 is a self professed bad Daddy and Sadist! He's a spankster👋👋👋 at heart and also a binder!
The story is pretty silly at times and gives good excuses for Trenton 🐺🍆⛲👋to spank Sofia💃💋 for every little perceived infraction of all his made up rules.
This is the second book by Author Bailey📚 I have read, and the basic story is somewhat similar. A look at her body of work on Goodreads shows the same pattern , so if you like rebellious young women 💃💋who are tamed and claimed by a handsome, studly, and stern bad boy daddy🐺🍆⛲👋, these are the books for you!
This first book in the Darling Duchesses series by Alyssa Bailey was an entertaining and enjoyable story of how Lady Sofia Cloverfield's station in life fell thanks to her greedy brother, and how she was able to persevere to emerge with her head held high once again, primarily thanks to the Devil Duke Trenton. Sofia has been three names for the three roles Trenton expects from her: Sofia when she is his Duchess, Sofie when they are together in private, and Fia when she can be and act like a little without any of the pressures of society weighing her down. Of course, the Duke does not hesitate to punish her with hard bare bottom spankings in any of the three roles if she fails to please him or meet his expectations during what he anticipates will be only for a short time while he and tutors teach her what she needs to know about proper behavior for a woman who might find a man to marry and have a family with. While Sofia protests verbally about the punishments, her body betrays her in its need and desire for them, which of course the Duke can sense as this is his area of expertise for which he has been called the Devil Duke. Rarely does real-life go as planned, and neither does it in this story, which leads to many fun and pleasurable experiences, as well as some death-defying ones as well. This is a voluntary review of an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from Booksprout.
Another Victorian Era winner from the redoubtable Ms. Bailey. Young Lady Sofia has been left destitute by her cad of a brother. Being homeless, and with no other options, she takes to the streets after escaping a brutal situation in a workhouse. Were it not for Trenton, the Duke of Trent, happening upon her when his cart’s horses nearly ran her down, her life may have come to a tragic end. Instead, Trenton takes an instant like to her and begins a long, difficult, pursuit of her affections. However, she has no trust of men, and a personal inferiority complex, so she spurns all of his advances and attempts of engagement. Trenton is persistent and after another brute’s attack against Sofia she reluctantly accepts his offer of protection. From that point on a D/s relationship, with Little overtones, begins but not without many pitfalls and twists & turns. This is Bailey at her best! A wonderful story with lovable characters and some truly erotic sexual scenarios. Fans of Ms. Bailey will also appreciate getting reacquainted with some of the characters from her previous “Lords and Little Ladies” series. 5 Stars I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This a new series, the Duchesses, which is a spin-off from this author's 'Lords and Ladies series.' Lady Sofia finds herself destitute and living in a workhouse because of the actions of her wastrel brother. She happens to be in the right place, at the right time when she meets the Duke of Trenton, who is immediately drawn to her. Trenton wants love, and a strong, sassy woman who will crave the punishment he longs to give out. This is a wonderful story of a Duke determined to get his way and a woman who has reason not to trust anyone. These two butt heads, challenge each other and ultimately realize that the other is the perfect mate for them.
I would put the steam level at a mid-range, and I did expect more given the strong D/s theme, but the heroine remains a virgin the entire novel. There is a lot of mystery and angst that kept me engaged and I found myself rooting for these two as a couple.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
DNF -- No Warning Given for Offensive Material . . .
I unfortunately did not realize that this was a kinky book, which I refuse to read. It claimed it was “Historical Romance” and I didn’t clue in to the word “Little” in the title because the “little distraction” could be exactly that and not an offensive kink.
In this story, when the Duke almost ran a petite woman down in the street, he thought she was a child. When he realized she wasn’t, he was eager to teach the tiny woman what it was to be female (in his deluded mind at least), as if his instruction would be helpful to her. If this is your “thing”, enjoy the book. That was about all I could tolerate. I accepted it for review because there was no explicit WARNING about kink -- which is not fair to the reader.
Bumps and twists oh my! Good heavens what a tangled mess Sofia’s life had become and was all due to her brother. Good old Robert is one of the worse villains I have read in a long time but to be honest her father turned out to be really clueless about just how hard Robert had made her life. Trenton was great a little old-fashion but you can see the reason behind it all. There is action, danger, along with love it was a really good book. I am so glad I had the opportunity to get the arc. I did receive a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.
Lady Sofia finds herself on the street, trying to survive. When the two meet, Sofia runs from him. But Trenton can't stop thinking of her. He succeeds in luring her from the streets to his home. Trenton has been looking for a woman that he can love, but also to dominate. Once in his home, the two finally work things out and have their HEA. There are discipline scenes and if you enjoy spanking, this is the author for you.
I received an advance copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There were elements in this book that made me raise my eyebrows more than once and at times it read as if the book was written by two different persons - in my opinion. However, it is quite entertaining if you stick with it. It is a hot and sensuous read with some great characters. I especially liked Sofia and Trenton as a couple. This is my first time reading this author's work. I would gladly read more from her.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lady Sofia Cloverfield was left on the streets after her parents died and her brother sold the family home, leaving her destitute. After a few days in a workhouse she ran to keep herself safe. She meets Duke Exeter Trenton after she is nearly trampled by his horses. Trenton can't forget the waif he met and he decides to track her down. Is he going to be able to convince her to be protected by him. Will her past continue to cause problems?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I've read several books written by Alyssa Bailey; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.
This is part of the Darling Duchesses Series; it is a stand-alone book. Lady Sofia finds herself out in the street with no place to live; when Trenton almost runs over her; he thinks she just a child but after he realizes she not he can’t get her off his mind so he sets out to bring her into his home to make her life better.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
This is part of the Darling Duchesses Series and this is Lady Sofia Cloverfield and (the Devil Duke) Exeter Trenton's story. They met in very unusual circumstances, but what a meeting, he couldn't forget her. She was turfed out of her home by her greedy brother, the only way to survive was on the streets and keeping her wits about her. He wants to take her home and make her life better! Will this happen? Will they get their HEA?? I recommend this story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The Devil Duke, Exeter Trenton, is intrigued by this young waif he encounters, not knowing that it was in fact, a Lady Sofia Cloverfield who was down on her luck and living on her wits to survive. Unsuspectingly, this little feisty minx creeps into Trenton's heart as she escapes him time and time again. A lovely, sweet and steamy story. Loved it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lady Sofia has been left destitute and homeless by her unfeeling brother she takes to the streets only to be nearly run over by Trenton, Duke of Trent's horse and cart. Trenton however takes an interest in her and beings to court her, but Sofia has an active distrust of men in general due to past experiences. Trenton is persistent in his endeavours despite this Sofia spurns all his attempts to court her until she is attacked by another man she decides to accept his offer of marriage.
These two are a force to be reckoned with, both strong characters in their own right but together they're a powerhouse. She was forced into living on the streets where he found the need to protect her. I can't wait to read the story of the other ladies' romances with their Papas.
Part of the Darling Duchesses series a well written story that grabbed my interest from the start and did not let go until I had finished reading. Lady Sofia Cloverfield will go through so much and would have been in more trouble if Exeter Trenton, the Devil Duke had not come to her aid. I recommend this story. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Action packed spicy hot and more? The plot is fast paced and keeps you on edge to see what will happen next. Looking for a steamy hot spicy Alpha Hero and firsty sassy heroine? Look no further this is it get the book and see for yourself
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Nice read with mystery, romance, heat, and an engaging main couple as they face danger and grow closer together. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed this historical romance story with all of the characters. The main two characters were Lady Sofia Cloverfield and Exeter Trenton the Devil Duke.
Lady Sofia Cloverfield has been on the streets making do. That is until she all most gets kill by two horse. The man that was in the carriage get out and started to yell at her.
Exeter Trenton is the Devil Duke that is known to be very wealthy and handsome. While out in his carriage it all sudden stops because a child runs in front of it. But while talking to the child he find out the it not a child but a young woman. The young woman run off. But when he returned to home he can't stop think of her.
This was a fun story to read. It has action, adventure, and secrets within. There is also quite a bit of a twist to the story. It had me laughing and giggling to.
I received a complimentary copy via Booksprout. This is my honest unbiased opinions.
I believe this is my first book by the author and for those who are a fan of this genre, I would recommend you give it a try. For me, I had to suspend reality just a little too much to make it believable or relatable. The heroine has a really rough go of it, but she is constantly turning away in ways that just don't make sense, even with her trauma. And the spanking/Daddy aspect feels a little icky (FOR ME) in light of her trauma.
I'm sure there are many who will like this book, but make sure the daddy/spanking genre is your thing before you commit. I probably will not come back to this author because I was naive of the level of the "daddy" trope (I was thinking more "who's your daddy with a wink" rather than "I am your father in these circumstances".)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is a lovely story without being sickly sweet, it has mystery, and intrigue, and spanking and family problems and wonderful friends and a feisty heroine and dominant hero. Sophia is in dire straits when she meets Trenton and he is immediately taken with her. His friends and their wives welcome her and she now feels she belongs but is still unsure about Trenton’s feelings and is facing the threat of her brother and the evil man from Clerkenwell. The characters are wonderful and the story moves well and the ending is lovely.