The Mad, Bad Duke

Nvengaria #2

by Jennifer Ashley

Meagan Tavistock can easily see how Alexander earned the nickname Mad, Bad Duke. His deep blue eyes promise sinful pleasure and his rich voice intimates that as soon as they are skin to skin, he'll fulfill desires she isn't even aware of.

When a love spell misses its intended target, Meagan can no longer resist the temptation...until the magic wears off, leaving the pair in a most compromising position. Their only option is a marriage that thrusts Meagan into a new world of high danger, dark secrets, and a passion so intense she can t help wondering: Is it the lingering power of the spell or true love at last?

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Fantasy, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Regency

370 pages, Paperback

First published November 28, 2006

About the author

NY Times Bestselling author Jennifer Ashley writes historical, contemporary, and paranormal romance, historical mysteries, and urban fantasy as Jennifer Ashley, Allyson James, and Ashley Gardner.

Jennifer's novels have been translated into many different languages, and earned starred reviews from Booklist and Publisher's Weekly. More about her books at http://www.jenniferashley.com and http://gardnermysteries.com.

Reviews

[Danielle The Book Huntress · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I had hoped, I liked this one even more than Penelope and Prince Charming. It was hot without having the over eroticism that I found uncomfortable in the first book. It definitely helped that I became drawn to Grand Duke Alexander in Penelope and Prince Charming. He is a very good villain turned hero, utterly compelling, with a charisma that grabs and doesn't let go. I understood his motivations even then, and I gained a deeper understanding of him in this book. Megan is the perfect heroine for him. She is sweet and innocent, but no pushover. Her love is steadfast, and even though she doesn't always understand everything about Alex, her love for him and the desire to be fully joined with her husband in marriage, is the guiding force that pushes her to break through those quite formidable and rather intimidating barriers between her and her husband. I rooted for their happy ending, because they are one of those couples you really want to see have their happy ever after.

I love the magical aspects of this series, and the fantastic culture of the Nvengarians. They are so dramatic and fascinating. I loved the humorous aspects of their Nvengarians' intensity, how they are loud, proud, emotional people, and very endearing in their over-the-top ways. I think Ms. Ashley crafted these people in a way that feels very authentic, and she gained a fond admirer of these people in me. They stand out in many ways, both in their consistently blue eyes and black hair, and their ethos and their personality traits. It's interesting seeing Megan, who is very English, adapt to a life surrounded by these folk who are so very different. She will have quite a life as the Grand Duchess of Nvengaria.

This is one of those books that you read very quickly because the story draws you in and keeps you hooked. Not just for the romance, but for the whole story, including the cultural aspects and the light fantasy/magical elements. With two leads that are both lovable and compelling, sexy, intense romance, and great humor moments, there is much to recommend this book to readers of historical romance who like their stories nicely steamy, with some well-integrated paranormal elements. Another winner for Jennifer Ashley, who definitely has a master touch with historical romance. This is one of her earlier books, but it's worth looking up if you haven't read it.

[Lisarenee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well he wasn't Mad(well maybe about her), he was a touch Bad, and yes he was a Duke. This book took me by surprise as I just assumed it'd be a standard love story.

A love spell has been put into place. The two affected by the spell will be not be able to resist the magic that pulls them together. Less than an hour after meeting each other the two are naked and well...Need I say more? The problem with a spell like this is how can one tell if the feelings felt while under the spells grip are not what one is still experiencing later? Plus, Meagan was not supposed to be one of the two involved in the spell. Somehow a dreadful mistake was made.

Also, Alexander, the Mad Bad Duke himself, had been experiencing blackouts that he can't explain, even before the Love spell was put into place. Now, however, the blackouts seem to be becoming more frequent and he needs to figure out what is going on.

A very fun read. Some would say it's magical. ;)

[Jennifer Ashley]

And all-new reformatted edition of The Mad, Bad Duke, Nvengaria Book 2. One of my all-time favorites!

What's new in this edition? Story is the same. I revised for sentence clarity and grammar, had it re-edited and re-proofread, and newly formatted. A print edition (trade paperback) is also available from online booksellers.

[Farrah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review also appears on my blog at http://www.thegoldenruleof666.blogspo...

The Mad, Bad Duke was the perfect mix of historical and paranormal romance. This book was fantastic, one of the best historical/paranormal romance books I've read!

Meagan is a resilient woman. After being compromised because of an errant love spell, being thrust into a world of political intrigue, thwarting assassins, and finding out the truth about her new husbands magical background, she still lands on her feet. She deals with all of this with aplomb. I was able to truly care about her character. As she struggled to adjust to the high society life as the wife of a high profile ambassador, I could sympathize with her stress. And as she dealt with everything else in general, the same occurred. She's just a very likable heroine.

Alexander was an incredibly attractive hero, both in looks and in personality. He wears a mask that Meagan calls his "Grand Duke" persona, ever since the death of his father. That made him tend to be coldly logical and distant. But, as soon as Meagan comes into the picture, that mask is ripped away. Then, we get to see him as he truly is: a very sweet, determined, powerful, kind man. If you haven't realized it yet, he had me falling head over heels for him. He was just wonderful.

The relationship between Meagan and Alexander was HOT. At first, it was the love spell, but that spice never went away. These two were constantly panting after each other. Those scenes were tastefully done, the way I prefer the more...intimate scenes to be. But, besides that, they were a sweet couple. Alexander brought out the strength in Meagan and Meagan brought out the kindness in Alexander. They were adorable together.

The paranormal aspect of this book isn't the main point but it plays a big role. It was very well done, seamlessly woven into the historical time period It added a nice extra element to the already delightful story.

The plot took off immediately and never dragged. It kept me interested the entire time. The ending was nice and happy, a perfect romance ending.

The Mad, Bad Duke was a wonderful romance. To any lovers of the genre, you should check this out.

[Sammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Loved The Leads stars



I don't understand how Jennifer Ashley manages to write such wonderful couple , time and time again , and at the same time with different characteristics.

I can't help but keep on emphasizing on how much I loved Hero & Heroine.



Our Hero , the mysterious , the calm , wicked , alpha was just my cup of tea.. lolz.. I loved how he was so intense and at the same time so calm ,
fangirling ...











ANd our heroine was just the perfect girl for him , the innocent , the fun , so understanding & always there for him , accepting him in all his states...



I loved that particular scene where hero when comes to know about his logosh nature, doesn't hide it from her , & shows her. As I always say never keep secrets from each other...

I also loved how when hero tried to keep his distance from heroine , she never gave up , & even in the end when he lost his control & was in his panther form, she was there for him. ANd than she said the perfect words for him... She would want him for HIM.. Alexander , doesn't matter if he is panther , or watever ...

You are the key to my heart

[BJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the not so sweet fairy tale romance with a spell catching an unusual shifter H and the ordinary human heroine. She's a great character, quietly confident but not socially popular. He's promoting his country, and perhaps atoning for for his actions from the previous book. The spell unlocked his hidden beast. I loved the beastly elements, but didn't care for his reluctance about her. I think this series may be best read in order.

[Suzanne (Under the Covers Book blog) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I decided to read this book for three reasons:

1. It’s called the Mad, Bad Duke. Some people are seduced by a cover and some people are seduced by a title. I can be enticed by both. In this case it was the title that got me

2. It’s by Jennifer Ashley, and Ashley has written one of my favourite historical romances of all time – The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenize

3. I read the first book in the Nvengaria series years ago and it was about time I started the second book!

So, did the book live up to the name, was he mad? Was he bad? Was he a duke? No, a little, and definitely. He wasn’t mad, although he was beginning to think he was, but you will need to read the book to find out more about that! He was a little bad, in the previous book he was a very naughty boy and he still has a wicked, ruthless edge. And he isn’t just a duke, he’s a Grand Duke, second only to the King of Nvengaria, here in England as a diplomat to scare everyone into submission for the good of his native land.

Before going further, another thing you need to know about this book is that it isn’t just your typical historical romance, it has a touch of magic and this book starts with a lust spell that bring Meagan and Alexander (the mad, bad duke) together. From there it’s a roller coaster as Meagan gets caught up in the whirl of Alexander’s life, from the formality and daily schedules of a diplomat to the passionate and emotional Nvengarian servants. All the while, the lust spell seems to be morphing into something more, or at least, they assume it’s the spell…

I really enjoyed this early book from Jennifer Ashley, it was passionate, funny and I liked that it had a little magic in it, something that separates it from other books in the historical genre. There are a few more books left to go in this series and this time I don’t plan on waiting another few years before I pick them up.

[Shelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Nvengaria series. The first book, Penelope and Prince Charming, was not terrible, but I never really specifically planned to read the next one. I happened to pick this book up because it sounded interesting and when I started reading it, I realized I had read the first book awhile before.

The Mad, Bad Duke is actually better than the first book. It held my attention better than the first book and I liked the main characters from this book better than Damien and Penelope from the first one.

Alexander is the 'villain' from Penelope and Prince Charming and he is in England on official business from Prince Damien. Meagan is the step-sister of Prince Damien's wife, Penelope. Meagan visits a witch with her friend because her friend is bored in her marriage and wants a love spell put on Alexander so she can have some entertainment. However, the spell is actually cast on Meagan and Alexander, not on Meagan's friend. Alexander and Meagan get married and try to fight their passion for each other while Alexander works to foil plots against Nvengaria.

Overall, The Mad, Bad Duke is an entertaining and light read.

[Barbara ★ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Jennifer Ashley's books and I've enjoyed the Nvengaria storyline but this book took me totally by surprise since I assumed it was a typical love story. Well it's not and I can't even tell you why. Though if you like paranormal romances, you'll love it too.

No insta-love (which I hate) but a whole lotta insta-lust which is always fun to see how each party handles it. The sex scenes were tastefully done and yet very hot and sexy. I loved that Meagan brought out Alexander's kindness (regardless of the fact that he didn't think he was kind at all) while Alexander showed Meagan how to be strong in the face of adversity. They are literally perfect for each other.

[Sharyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well I read 1 and 3, then found 2. Early Jennifer Ashley, whom I love now. This is a paranormal sort of Regency, with a make believe Kingdom in Eastern Europe. The Duke was a bad guy in the 1st book, and Meagan the best friend of Penelope from the 1st book, so it all ties together. Thjis trilogy is fun, sexy and the paranormal parts are right in vogue now.

[Jessica Simone · Rating 3 out of 5]

I preferred this one to the first one. I found that Meagan lost some of her spunk, where she was vivacious in the first one, I found her lacking here. It made me upset because I really liked Meagan in the first book and would have liked her traits to carry on into the second.

[Keri · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an ok book. It was a historical romance that had shifters, spells and magic.

[Maggie Shanley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quick read but include some paranormal elements that weren't well grounded in the text. Nice bit of romance fluff but I am not interested in reading anymore by this author.

[Clarice · Rating 3 out of 5]

What happens when a love spell missed its intended target. Megan Tavistock could no longer resist the temptation of Alexander (Mad Bad Duke) until the magic has wore off. Leaving the pair in a most compromising position, where they must marry. Thrusting Megan into a new world of high danger, dark secrests and a passion so intenst she couldn't help but wonder if this is a real love and passion or the magic of the love spell that wasn't ment for her?

[Ruth Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've increased the rating from 4 to 5 because I can't get it out of my head over 24 hours later.

[Desi · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. A wild ride.

[Fran P. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

[Sheila Melo · Rating 4 out of 5]

FINAL DECISION: Incredibly enjoyable for readers open to fusion romances.  This charming historical paranormal perfectly merges the genres to fashion a fairy tale about a former villain who can't help but fall in love (because of a love charm) with a woman he never would have chosen on his own.

THE STORY: Megan Tavistock gets unexpectedly snared by a love spell which results in her ending up married to Grand Duke Alexander of Nvengaria.  Alexander has been sent to England because he plotted against the Prince of Nvengaria.  In England, Alexander is redeeming himself being running intricate plots to protect Nvengaria's interests. A widower with a young son, Alexander never thought to marry again, especially not an innocent like Megan, but when the love spell results in him ruining Megan, Alexander is determined to protect Megan and discover who is trying to plot against him.

OPINION: Ashley has a way with men who are handsome and unconventional. Here, Alexander is a man who has been isolated and alone. He doesn't have strong connections with people and sees his only value in intrigue and deception. Having been married and with a young son, Alexander remains essentially alone.

This book is inspired by the fairy tale of Beauty and the Beast and the inspiration is cleverly done without being a scene by scene repeat of the classic.  Alexander is a man isolated and when the beautiful and innocent Megan comes into his life, Alexander is dazzled by her even as he tries to keep her at a distance.

The love spell works to bring these two together quickly and unexpectedly. Their first meeting is hot and passionate and I really liked how the love spell worked in the story. It is the catalyst that forces Megan and Alexander together so that they can spend time together working though their relationship.

The mix of genres really works in this book in a way that it didn't completely mesh in the first book in the series.  The combination of paranormal and historical and fairy tale gives this book interest and heft and I just loved every page.

Like a true beauty, Megan transforms the beastly Alexander into a loving husband and father by the end of the book and allows his true self to be revealed.

WORTH MENTIONING: The Scot Egan MacDonald has a significant role and his story is up next.

CONNECTED BOOKS:  The Mad, Bad Duke is the second book in the Nvengaria series. While this story can be read as a standalone, I think it is better having read the first book in the series so that readers can truly understand what a potential bad guy Alexander is.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4.5 stars.This review was originally posted on Top10RomanceBooks.com

[Ravioli Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 out of 5 Stars

Book Description -

Meagan Tavistock can easily see how Alexander earned the nickname Mad, Bad Duke. His deep blue eyes promise sinful pleasure and his rich voice intimates that as soon as they are skin to skin, he'll fulfill desires she isn't even aware of. When a love spell misses its intended target, Meagan can no longer resist the temptation...until the magic wears off, leaving the pair in a most compromising position. Their only option is a marriage that thrusts Meagan into a new world of high danger, dark secrets, and a passion so intense she can't help wondering: Is it the lingering power of the spell or true love at last?

My Review -
I struggled with giving this book a 3.5. There was nothing wrong with the book exactly, it had all the elements to make up a story that I would normally like but it was just lacking something for me. I wasn't able to connect with the characters like in Jennifer Ashley's Highland Pleasure Series. I didn't hate the book, but I just didn't love it either. The writing was fine, the plot was fine, but that's just it, everything was just fine.

Parts that I liked -
When they went fishing in a puddle (this had me laughing).
Alexander's son, I'm not sure why but I thought he was adorable.
Meagan's backbone, she definitely didn't let anyone walk all over her :).

Parts that I disliked -
Nothing specifically.

Overall I will probably continue reading this series because I'm definitely curious about the next book. I would recommend that you give the book a chance if it seems at all interesting, you might find that you like it more than me :).

Blog Review

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dierdre is married to a wonderful guy but she wants to have an affair with the Grand Duke of Nvengaria, Alexander, however she is having trouble getting his attention. To remedy this small issue Dierdre decided to see a witch for a love spell but fearing she will be caught if she goes alone, Dierdre coerced her friend Meagan to go with her. Meagan is against the idea and really is against the idea of love spells in general but the witch has other plans. Then one night before the ball Meagan and Alexander manage to somehow activate the love spell.

This is a wonderful love story about learning how to surrender to the one you love. Throughout the story neither of them fully understand if they are in love with each other or is it the spell. I really liked the pace of the story and I read it all in one sitting. It is definitely sensual and erotic but it is also sweet.

The story is a follow up to Penelope & Prince Charming but it stands on its own. There is also a nod to The Pirate Next Door but this book stands on it own.

[Jenn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one started out well. I was intrigued by a slight supernatural element, but since it didn't take up a huge part of the first half of the book, I foolishly thought it would remain that way. Perhaps if I'd read the first book and had some background on the logosh stuff, I would have liked this one better. And I did try to read the first one before I read this one. But I picked up this one and the next at the used book store. I tried to get the first one on the Kindle, but it's not available that way. So, I went ahead. It usually doesn't matter in these types of regency romance series.

I started getting bored in the second half. Nothing was really happening between the two main characters. Then the whole logosh thing kind of bored me to tears. I skipped a lot in the end because I just wanted to be done. I have the next one, but I doubt I'll read it.

[~Megan~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book much more than the previous one in this serious. Where Penelope seemed a little disjointed at times because of all the traveling around, Mad Bad Duke flowed seamlessly.

The romance between Alexander and Meagan (he he, you know I pretended this was me) was beautiful to read about. Just like Black Annie predicted, they were truly perfect for one another. I loved all the magic and love spells involved in this story...it transformed it from a regular historical novel to something far more. Learning Alexander's background was very interesting, and the logosh creature was original and unlike anything I've read.

The epilogue was truly glorious, and I'm looking forward to Egan's story in The Mad Highlander!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great read. Alexanders story was wonderful and loved the lil twist w/ him. Meagan is funny in an innocent way but it didn't make her childish or aggravating at all. I really liked her!

O' and I'd REALLY like to get my hands on that Nvengarian seduction book for women! lol

I'm quite surprised by this series and loving the historical mixed w/ myth and magic. Has a bit of a fairytale feel to them...........

Jennifer Ashley is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors.

LOVED the ending!

[Lin #Historical lover...❤️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite genre is historical romance. My best friend's favorite genre is erotica.

This book meet us both very very happy.

Being a fictional place, the author had creative license to make the culture of this country anything she wanted it to be. And she made it hot and passionate.

Bad guy turning good, and sexy as sin, Alexander was interesting to the last drop. Add in his other.... er... UNIQUE qualities and I just wanted the book to last forever.

[Danette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining enough. Hot enough. Odd plot though.

[Dona DeSy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nevgaria è una trilogia historical- paranormal che ho adorato .Questo è il secondo romanzo della serie ambientata in periodo Regency , ma all’interno elementi di magia ,Incantesimi, pozioni e demoni, Che si intrecciano con la realtà storica in maniera assolutamente deliziosa. Come ho trovato questo libro mi sono accorta che era il secondo volume quindi ho interrotto la lettura(appena in tempo ) per leggere il primo ….Questo però aveva come personaggi l’affascinante e oscuro granduca Alexander, oggetto del desiderio di molte donne tra cui Deirdre un’amica della protagonista Meagan, Che per ottenerlo va da una maga insieme alla dolce nostra eroina, Per effettuare un incantesimo di seduzione. Qualcosa va storto ( in realtà non è proprio così, ma preferisco non anticipare troppo) e l’incantesimo d’amore si risolve a favore di Meagan (bizzarro come nel primo libro aveva domandato al principe Damian proprio di presentarle un duca). Entrambi cadono immediatamente l’uno ai piedi dell’altro e altrettanto immediatamente la passione si risolve in una camera da letto. Ora,dato che Alexander è un granduca d’onore e che conosce molto bene la bigotta Londra ,immediatamente dispone un matrimonio con Meagan accettando con garbo che molto probabilmente la passione accecante che prova è accesa da un sortilegio che prima o poi cadrà. Non voglio anticipare troppo perché alcuni lati magici della storia vengono svelati passo per passo, posso dire che la caratterizzazione di entrambi è assolutamente favolosa. Lui oscuro e ardente, lei dolce e frizzante; la passione fra di loro viene raccontata come spasmodica e lascia veramente il lettore senza fiato ( letteralmente! mi sono accorta di aver trattenuto il fiato leggendo le scene d’amore)pur senza mai arrivare alla scrittura erotica. Lui in particolare ha una caratterizzazione che inizia dal primo libro, cosa che mi ha ricordato molto il duca di tresham della Balogh . Si vede che l’autrice lo ama come personaggio perché come appare lui si illumina tutto(anche nel libro precedente ). Apprezzabile e decisamente credibile, la fusione di un mondo esoterico, in un contesto storico reale, la descrizione di Nevgaria inoltre mi ha ricordato piacevolmente, il regno di Dorne di George Martin. Un regno con persone passionali, prive di ipocrisie e falsi pudori, dove la donna non è soggiogata dall’uomo, ma fa parte integrante della coppia. Il finale è dolcissimo e un epilogo soddisfacente. Un bel lavoro che consiglio sia come stand alone che parte di una serie .

[May Mostly Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

กู้ข้อมูลสมัยที่เขียนรีวิวที่ exteen มาได้เลยเอามาแปะไว้ค่ะ สมัยนั้นรีวิวไปเล่าเรื่องส่วนตัวไป เลยจะมีเรื่องชีวิตประจำวันมาแทรกตลอดนะคะ ขออภัยด้วย


ตอนนี้กำลังอ่านเรื่อง The Mad, Bad Duke ของ Jennifer Ashley ครึ่งแรกของเรื่องอ่านได้เร็วมาก แต่ตอนนี้เริ่มอืดแล้ว (แม็กซ์หมายถึงความเร็วในการอ่านนะคะ ไม่ใช่อาการอืดเพราะกินอาหารกลางวันเยอะเกินไปหน่อยของตัวเอง)

สิ่งดึงดูดใจที่ทำให้แม็กซ์อยากอ่านเรื่องนี้ก็เพราะอเล็กซานเดอร์ แกรนด์ดยุคแห่งเวนกาเรีย หรือพูดให้ถูก อดีตตัวร้ายจากเรื่อง Penelope and the Prince Charming

สไตล์พระเอกในดวงใจของแม็กซ์ต้องผ่านประสบการณ์เป็นผู้ร้ายมาก่อน เห็นเป็นไม่ได้ ต้องตามซื้อมาไว้ในครอบครอง และอเล็กซานเดอร์ก็ร้ายไม่ใช่ย่อย ถือเป็นตัวร้ายหลักในเรื่องเพเนโลปี้เลยทีเดียว

แต่ตัวร้ายกลับใจของแม็กซ์จะเลวเล้วเลวไม่ได้ ต้องมีเหตุผล และเหตุผลของอเล็กซานเดอร์ก็เท่ห์ซ้า เขาอายุเพียงสิบสามปีตอนที่พ่อเขาโดยพ่อของเดเมี่ยน (พระเอกเรื่องเพเนโลปี้) ฆ่า เขาต้องสวมหน้ากากของแกนด์ดยุคอยู่ตลอดเวลา ทุกอย่างในชีวิตของเขาก็เพื่อเวนกาเรีย แม้ว่าจะหมายถึงการที่เขาต้องถูกเนรเทศมาอยู่ที่อังกฤษ

ในตอนจบเรื่องเพเนโลปี้ อเล็กซานเดอร์ซึ่งยอมรับว่าเดเมี่ยนเป็นผู้น้ำที่เหมาะสมของเวนกาเรีย เขาละทิ้งความพยายามแย่งบังลังค์ (เพราะเขาเห็นแก่ประโยชน์ของชาติเป็นหลัก) และยอมที่จะให้เดเมี่ยนส่งเขามาเป็นทูตที่อังกฤษ (เพราะเดเมี่ยนไม่ไว้ใจให้เขาอยู่ที่เวนกาเรียต่อ)

ความสนุกของเรื่องนี้อยู่ที่การได้เห็นอเล็กซานเดอร์ประพฤติตัวผิดนิสัย โดยเฉพาะเมื่ออยู่กับมีแกน นางเอกของเรื่อง (แม้ว่าเหตุผลที่ให้ในเรื่องจะไม่ได้เรื่องเอาเสียเลย)

อเล็กซานเดอร์เป็นตัวละครในใจของแม็กซ์ เขาเป็นหนึ่งในพระเอกไม่กี่คนที่ทำให้แม็กซ์นึกถึงเรื่อง The Prince ของมาเคียเวลลี่คนที่โชคร้ายพอที่จะต้องอ่านหนังสือเล่มนี้ หรือเคยเรียนเกี่ยวกับมาเคียเวลลี่ก็คงจะรู้ประโยคเด็ดที่ใช้กับทั่วในวงการนิติศาสตร์และรัฐศาสตร์ที่ว่า "The end justifies the mean" ผลลัพธ์เป็นตัวกำหนดการกระทำ ดังนั้นไม่ว่าจะต้องทำชั่วเพียงใดเพื่อให้ได้ผลลัพธ์ที่ดี นั่นก็เป็นการกระทำที่ยอมรับได้

อเล็กซานเดอร์เป็นหนึ่งในตัวละครที่มีความเชื่อเช่นนั้น และสำหรับแม็กซ์นั่นเป็นคุณสมบัติที่ทำให้เขาเซ็กซี่สุดสุด

หนังสือเรื่องนี้ไม่ถึงกับทำให้ผิดหวัง เพราะอเล็กซานเดอร์ยังคงเป็นตัวละครตัวเดิมที่แม็กซ์กรี๊ดและจำได้จากเรื่องเพเนโลปี้ แต่ครึ่งหลังของเรื่องที่ช้าและยืดยาด ทั้งยังเอาพล็อตพารานอมอลมาผูกทำให้อ่านแล้วรู้สึกเหมือนกำลังฟังเพลงเมดเลย์มากไปหน่อย แต่โดยรวมก็ยังโอเคค่ะ

แต่แม็กซ์ก็ยังอดคิดไม่ได้ ถ้าโจ เบฟเวอร์ลี่เป็นคนเขียนหนังสือเล่มนี้ล่ะ อเล็กซานเดอร์จะเท่ห์ขนาดไหนเนี่ย

[Cait M · Rating 3 out of 5]

A magical love spell accidentally binds the stoic and ruthless Grand Duke Alexander to wholesome English country-girl Meagan.

Alexander is the ambassador to England for the small but mighty European principality of Nvengaria, where the men are all swarthy, cossack/gypsies with fiercely passionate natures. After being influenced by the love spell to have an amorous rendezvous, Alexander proposes to Meagan to protect her reputation and also to keep her safe from his enemies.

Meagan is a freckled redhead who is slightly plump and she is sure that Alexander's attachment will eventually fade once the spell wears off. She thinks the handsome and impressive Alexander would never love her without magical incentive.

With Meagan living in his home, caring for his son (his first wife died) and becoming his devoted wife in every way, Alexander knows he loves her. But when his unstable ability to shape-shift puts her at risk, he refuses to enter her bed for fear of harming her.

Meagan shows her dedication and love for Alexander when she tracks him down after his enemies try to assassinate him and accepts him despite his inner beast's wild nature.

The story was verging on the ridiculous, but it wasn't completely terrible.

This book contains multiple descriptive love scenes.

[Kitty Foil · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was just something about the first book that did not interest me as much as the characters in this book. I think I got bored, but I kind of want to revisit the first book. This book was delightful it had a scarred hero, werewolves, a love spell, pirates, political intrigue it ran the gamut. It is also interesting that the Nvengaria books are apparently in a shared universe with another series the pirate next door. it was kind of self indulgent when the story stopped to remind us of these characters. It only annoyed me because there is no depth to how much I don't care about other characters in the series like penelope, who thankfully does not appear until the epilogue.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennifer Ashley writes scrumptiously. It’s a shame she doesn’t do a lot of HR Georgian/Victorian. I would eagerly camp out for that. Even I, who barely reads Highlanders, have gone out of my way to read at least 2 of hers. I don’t even like paranormal HR and here I am praising this one up.

The sexual tension was PALPABLE in this. The alpha duke was hot. I love a domineering lead so much it’ll eclipse everything else haha.