A Duke to Die For

The Rogues' Dynasty #1

by Amelia Grey

The handsome fifth Duke of Blakewell is more interested in card parties, horse racing, and carousing than in settling down to manage his extensive estate and vast fortune. When young Miss Henrietta Tweed arrives on his doorstep and announces he's her new guardian, she also tells him that a family curse accompanies her, and each of her previous guardians has met an untimely end. Finding her remarkably capable and cool-headed, Blake sets about to get her a husband, but finds something wrong with every one of her suitors.
When Blake suffers a series of accidents, Henrietta is more than ever convinced she must free him from the cursed guardianship. Just as Blake realizes he wants nothing more than to marry her himself, she accepts a suitor and now he has to win her back. But someone or something definitely seems out to get him, and one final accident may prove to be deadly.
PRAISE FOR AMELIA GREY:
"Definitely a sexy, tantalizing romp through the Regency period."
Rendezvous

"This beguiling romance steals your heart, lifts your spirits, and lights up the pages with humor and passion."
Romantic Times

"Superb Regency romantic suspense."
The Best Reviews

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Regency, Regency Romance, Adult

386 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Amelia Grey (aka Gloria Dale Skinner) grew up in a small town in the Florida Panhandle. She has been happily married to her high school sweetheart for over twenty-five years. She has lived in Alabama, Connecticut, New Hampshire and now lives in Florida.

Amelia has won the coveted Romantic Times award for Love and Laughter, the prestigious Maggie award for best historical and Affaire de Coeur's best American historical award. She has been a finalist for the Golden Heart and the Holt Medallion awards which are given by Romance Writers of America and numerous other awards. Her books have been sold to many countries in Europe, Russia and China.

Amelia likes flowers, candlelight, sweet smiles, gentle laughter and sunshine.

Reviews

[Julie (jjmachshev) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I discovered author Amelia Grey several years ago and quickly found myself searching out her backlist to enjoy her light touch of humor and emotionally touching reads. "A Duke to Die For" is the start of her new 'Rogue's Dynasty' series from SourceBooks Casablanca. This publisher is one I'm coming to admire for their strong list of romance authors from several different genres so I guess I wasn't really surprised to see Amelia Grey is now one of their number. Grey's heroines aren't weak, but they're not ball-busters either. And her heroes are more Gammas at times in that they CAN take charge, but aren't overbearing about it for the most part. Anyhow, this wasn't as good as some of her other books, but still plenty good enough to keep me entertained this afternoon.

Lucian is a rogue, a rake, and a scoundrel. He's also an extremely wealthy, young, and sexy Duke so society mostly forgives him as they throw their daughters in his path. He knows he'll have to settle down one day since he must carry on the family name now that his father is dead, but he's just having a bit too much now to worry about that. When a young miss arrives at his house, he's not sure what to think. When he sees how beautiful she is, he thinks he wants her. When he finds out she's his ward...oh crap! If that's not bad enough, this 19-year-old diamond is filthy rich, level-headed, but still thinks she's cursed.

Henrietta doesn't just think she's cursed, she's sure of it. She's been through five, count 'em five, guardians already. It just figures that this last one turns out to be a man she comes to care for...and the one man she can't have. Not just because he's her guardian, but because if she doesn't get away, the curse will kill him too.

Henrietta was an interesting character for me. In many ways, older than her years and so level-headed...yet fully convinced in the curse and naive in so many 'city ways'. Yet I can almost see how living in the country and having so many guardians die not long after taking her into their charge could mold a younger woman's mind. Especially after the tragic circumstances of her family's death. Anyhow, she's one of the weakest heroines Grey has written and maybe that's why she seemed so different. Lucian is just scrumptious and watching him force himself to grow up was entertaining all on its own.

Grey's books are always well-paced, beautifully written and quite sensual..."A Duke to Die For" is no exception. I enjoyed the break from murderous plots, sinister suitors, etc and just basked in a true romance. Lucian's buddies are slated for their own stories and I'll be picking those up as they're published.

[Blodeuedd Finland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing like a cute little historical romance now and again. But I have found out that I have the most stupid pet peeve. I grew up with Cartland and other "nice" writers of romance. So now every time some one has sex, I shake my head and tell her in a stern voice, what improver behavior for a young lady. You will never get married now! Sometimes it works for me, but here I just shook my head. I mean that is so silly, if this had taken place 100 years later I would have just shouted , you go girl!

So yes there was sex, no one missed that after my little conservative speech. I honestly think I will never get over it because I know better and I know they would have been ruined. Luckily they always get to marry the man who ruins them ;) Though here the first sex scene, well I mean I would have been broken after it. She didn't seem that affected that he just went out and left her. For a naive girl who hadn't even been kissed before him that was weird behaviour.

Ok enough with my conservative blabber. I blame Barbara Cartland!

She was a sweet naive girl who believed that there was a curse upon her, and her guardians sure kept on dropping like flies. In comes her last guardian, a handsome young duke and my attention had been earned. She wants to be independent, he wants to see her married and gone from him. Well we all know that things are not that simple, nope, she falls for him, and there are some situations where he fights his emotions, or should I say lust. He, a no good rake has fallen for her too. But of course she has this stupid notion about a curse, or is it stupid?

No kick in the back for these, yes they should have known they were in love, but they were just so clueless that is was sweet. And he was really cute and smart at the end. I liked them as a couple, and there was some nice scenes were things started to get steamy.

Good side characters, I liked his cousins, they have the next two books, so good to see more of them. Their uncle Gibby was a sweet old man, and I find myself liking Blake's old mistress Constance. i never like the old mistresses, but Grey had put it so nicely. They had slept together, and realized they were just to be friends. Gotta love that. I'd like to see her in a book too, the widow who gets married again.

A sweet and easy read that kept my attention through out the book.


Blodeuedd's Cover Corner: Nope not liking it, no head on him, and she is turned away. Oh I just saw, rather girly lips on him.
Reason 4 Reading: Own copy
Final thoughts: You never go wrong with a historical romance now and again.

[Lindsay pinkcowlandreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun, light, no-stress historical romance! This is just what I have been in the mood for lately.

When Miss Henrietta Tween lands at the door of her new guardian, the Duke of Blackwell’s London home she is weary… Since the age of 7 she’s been through 5 guardians after tragically loosing her parents. She is cursed to loose anyone who cares for her. Lonely and concerned fro his safety, Henrietta is surprised to see the young Duke and becomes even more concerned when her feelings get attached to him. She must do something to keep him safe from her curse.

Lucian Blakewell was living the life of Riley until the young and beautiful Miss Tweed shows up. He will put everything at his disposal to find her a husband and have his peace restored… until he discovered that exactly not what he wants! Can he convince her to let the curse be damned and take a chance on loving him?

I loved the easy pacing and linear narrative. Blake and Henrietta complimented each other so well, and it was fun to see them fall for each other and fight the repercussions of that love. Sometimes a romance will have very high highs and low lows, which can add great drama and suspense. I appreciated this book for the easy going story and lighter drama. This book didn’t make me go through a wave of emotions, but kept me happy and enjoying it throughout.

If you are looking for high drama, this is not for you, but if you are looking for a fun romance with great side characters and an electric opposites attract pairing - this book is you you. A perfect easy read summer romance.

A Duke to Die For by Amelia Grey is being re-release with a gorgeous new cover August 25th, 2020.

Thanks so much to Sourcebooks Casablanca for gifting me with my review copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Blog link: https://pinkcowlandreads.blogspot.com...

#ADukeToDieFor #AmeliaGrey #pinkcowlandreads

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spirited, alluring, and witty!

A Duke to Die For is set in London during the early 1800s and features the bold, feisty, Henrietta Tweed who after her previous five guardians have passed, possibly due to a childhood curse, finds herself under the care and the ward of the roguishly handsome, fifth Duke of Blakewell, Lucien Trent.

The prose is authentic and mischievous. The characters are confident, daring, and endearing. And the plot is an amusing blend of mystique, attraction, regency lifestyle, desire, yearning, gossip, tricky situations, danger, and titillating romance.

Overall, A Duke to Die For is adventurous, enticing, and delightfully steamy. It’s the first book in The Rogues’ Dynasty series by Grey and is a wonderful choice for anyone who enjoys the historical romance genre.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Edwina " I LoveBooks" "Deb" · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re Read A Duke to Die For and I am increasing the story from 4 to 5 stars. I really enjoyed reading again Blake The Duke of Blakewell and his Ward Henrietta Tweed. I don't understand the negative reviews as the is story is very well written, true to the era. Great cast of secondary characters. Most of all you can feel and visualize the growing love and sexual tension between Blake and Henrietta. Both H/H are loveable and likeable characters. I loved All the secondary characters Blakes cousins Race and Morgan and there older friend who is more like a grandfather Gibby.


Henrietta shows up one day claiming that she is The Duke of Blakewell's ward. In 12 years Henrietta has had 5 Guardians over her and her great fortune. Her parents died when she was just 7 years and now she is 19. She believes she has a curse on her because all of her 5 previous Guardian have died.


Blake is confused at first seeing Henrietta, she is beautiful but he doesn't remember every promising to be someone's guardian. They soon figure out it was the late Duke Blackwell who was among the list of guardians.


The story angst is very understandable. I hate most stories that keep the H/H apart. This one makes sense as Blake and Henrietta are falling hard in love with each other. But Blake feels he shouldn't have these feelings because he is her Guardian. However they get there HEA. This was an very enjoyable read.

First read April 2012 Paperback
Re Read August 2018 Kindle ebook

[Candace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miss Henrietta Tweed loss her parents in a carriage accident when she was seven. A woman finds the seven-year-old Henrietta trying to put the broken pieces of the carriage back together. Left with the woman until her next of kin is notified, the old woman tells Henrietta she is cursed. As she grows up, Henrietta believes she is cursed because five of her guardians have died. She is now on her sixth and final guardian, the Duke of Blakewell; except the duke is a young, handsome man. To save Blakewell, she will have to convince him to sign over her inheritance and dissolve his guardianship.

Lucien Trent, the fifth Duke of Blakewell, is surprised to find out the beautiful, young lady is his ward. She is a nineteen-year-old woman who believes she is cursed. Until she said that he thought her sensible and level-headed. Needing direction, Blakewell seeks out his ex-mistress, Constance, to be Miss Tweed's chaperone. Constance asks if Henrietta is beautiful? Blakewell confirms she is beautiful and level-headed. Constance tells him it will be easy to find Miss Tweed a husband. Blakewell thinks this is a fine idea, until his own feelings grow and he finds himself wanting to fill the role of husband. Can he convince Henrietta there is no curse and to take a chance on them.

This is a easy, fun read. The pacing flows smoothly. The main characters are convincing and electric. The dislogue is realistic and transitions easily between characters. The secondary characters -- Constance, Gibby, Race and Morgan -- are excellent foils for the protagonists. The description is popping and well researched. The plot is simple but original. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this light, Historical Romance. I'm looking forward to the next books in the trilogy.

[Laura V. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bastante mediocre, no vamos a mentir. Henrietta llega a la casa del duque de Blakewell con el que cuento de que es su nueva y crecida pupila. Blake lo acepta y se encandila por su belleza y lo arregla todo para que Henrietta tenga su primera temporada social de un modo exitoso y con suerte pueda encontrar marido y sacarsela de encima pronto. Lo primero que hace es visitar a su antigua amante y pedirle que sea su dama de compañía y se encargue de todo por él. Henrietta, con sus dulces 19, cae terriblemente enamorada (encaprichada, calentura adolescente) del apuesto duque. Y para Blake ella es demasiado tentadora y no puede evitar besarla y manosearle el pecho un par de veces mientras se repriende interiormente porque a) es su pupila y b) si tantas ganas tiene de .... debería buscarse una viuda y piensa en sus opciones.

Y eso es todo lo que pasa en esas míseras páginas. Imaginaba algo muuucho más interesante para un asunto tutor-pupila pero ambos asisten a dos miseros bailes antes de acordar que se aman desesperadamente y que es una locura que sigan negando sus pasiones. Yo lo digo con más sentimiento del que jamás podrían demostrar aquellos dos.

La trama aparte de simplona adhiere una maldición que no lleva a nada y es pura superstición, una intriga sobre una posible embaucadora que quiere arruinar al pseudo abuelo de Blake y nada más. No llevan a nada y definitivamente su resolución no es la gran cosa.

Es cursi, es aburrido, plano, llano, personajes acartonados que dicen dos boludeces y caen enamorados, una calentura sin chispa y montón de tonterías que hace de esto una lectura completamente prescindible.

Si le dejo un 2 fue porque me colaboró a terminar mi reto histórico.

[Lexie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A DUKE TO DIE FOR is the first in Amelia Grey’s Rogues’ Dynasty books. A DUKE TO DIE FOR is about Duke Blakewell and Henrietta Tweed, while the next two will be about Blackwell’s two cousins (Lord Raceworth and Lord Morgangale).

Great fun sums up this story quite well. Despite his initial bluster, Blakewell isn’t quite as bad as his reputation makes him out to be. At least he takes his role as Duke quite seriously (even if he is a tad absentminded), so maybe it's more he hasn’t had time to keep up his reputation as the Devilish Duke. Henrietta, for all her superstitions, is rather level-headed and mature. She’s only nineteen, but shows more sense then many of the older people of the story.

As for the curse, it truly was a self-fulfilling prophecy, I think. Sure enough, if you go looking for trouble, you can subscribe just about any ordinary event to it. What I was really pleased by was Blakewell and how quickly he understood Henrietta. There wasn’t any misunderstandings between them, and even if he didn’t always believe what Henrietta said (who would believe a curse was put upon a seven year old girl?), he didn’t condescend or make light of it.

I look forward, eagerly, to the next two books although I have a feeling Blakewell might keep my heart.

[Christina ~ Brunette Reader · Rating 1 out of 5]

When I choose to read a romance novel it means I'm in the mood for adventure, laughter, tears or anything that might relate to "fun" and pure entertainment. Sadly this book misses all the marks for me and most of all it's lacking in emotional growth. The only good parts were the depictions of the surroundings and the time feeling was quite appropriate, but still it's not enough. At the end you're asking yourself why in the world these two people have fallen for each other. IMHO the aim of any romance novel ( regency, medieval, contemporary etc. it doesn't matter) should be, apart from the plot ( which here is totally absent) the showing of the uniqueness of each love story and its dynamics. After all is said and done, the magic is all in there and here I found none.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (12/8/2021)! 🎁

[Heather Alderman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, maybe 200 pages too long

[Fos · Rating 2 out of 5]

Henrietta and Lucien
Henrietta is Lucien's 19 year old Ward

There is something cringey about Lucien making advances on Henrietta.
She seems traumatized from her parents death and desperate for affection. And desperate to please. At times it seemed like he was grooming her.

I don't think she knows how inappropriate he is Behaving toward her.

I have read Ward historicals before and they've never bothered me, but this one seems like he's intentionally using her -going as far as he can without penetration to save that for her husband---- EW. It's selfish and exploitative. I wasn't comfortable with their relationship. But he definitely fit the bill of a Rogue. 😀

This story crosses a line to me.

But I do like this Author, just not this work.

[Jessi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Henrietta has gone through five guardians and she's worried about the sixth, the Duke of Blackwell. Unfortunately, the Duke has no idea that she's arriving. Lucian is pretty happy with his life. He has responsibilities, sure, but he's been ignoring them pretty well as he continues his debauchery while trying to avoid the young ladies being forced into his path. His father has recently died and Lucian is astonished to realize that this means that... he is indeed this nubile young woman's guardian. He scoffs at her prediction of danger, most of her guardians were men his father's age, of course they died. The real danger is that he might accidentally (or not so accidentally) compromise her virtue and then be forced to marry... a fate worse than death. he calls in his ex-lover to come and help out (I will read Constance's story if it comes out but I sort of hope that she sticks to her guns and remains a happy, unencumbered widow).
Harriet is the least favorite of my heroines in this trilogy. She's young, naive and really kind of a PITA.
Would definitely have rated this two and a half stars if given the option but rounded up for this system. Not as bad as a two but definitely not on par with many other books I've rated three stars.

[Aline · Rating 1 out of 5]

Kecewa ma novel ini.. udah ga nyambung ma judul trus cerita lebay n terkesan dipaksakan *IMO*

Klo baca judul pst lgs terpikir klo ni Duke sangat2 special mpe layak 'mempertaruhkan nyawa' buat mendapatkannya ^--^ ternyata..

si hero, Duke of Blakewell, menurut gw agak2 munafik, pura2 mo menikahkan Henrietta ma nobleman padahal dia jg suka sih napa ga dr awal aja dia menawarkan pernikahan ma Henrietta gw jg ga ngerti..

nahh.. Henrietta lain lg.. gw pikir ni cewe, sesuai deskripsi, tipe2 yg tegas, mandiri, n pny self-respect gitu.. ternyata.. emang sih ga salah klo dia suka ma bapak wali-nya cuma mau ajaaa di"grasa-grusuin" *sigh*
untung Blake memutuskan menikahi dia, naa klo ga?? kan udah tercemar dianya.. ill feel ma scene di "study room" Blake.. iihhh.. ga bisa nahan diri gitu deh.. *rolling eyes* overall, this is not an enjoyable or my kind of HR novel..

[Lucimar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perseguida pelo carma de que todos seus tutores morrem quando assumem a tutoria dela, a herdeira Henrietta se apresenta na casa do duque de Blakewell, supondo que ele seria seu novo tutor. Mas em teoria quem deveria ser era seu defunto pai. Ela está ali para pedir-lhe que a libere. Mesmo achando a história estapafúrdia o duque termina por acolhê-la, e de imediato decide que deverá casá-la e para isso contrata uma acompanhante, para poder voltar a sua vida dissoluta.
Mas ela é alguém cheia de coragem e não teme a nada e aos poucos começa a mostrar quão é inteligente e sábia é e começa a organizar sua vida e seus desorganizados negócios e ele começa a olhá-la com outros olhos, desejando-a e então a paixão explode entre eles. Agora ele terá que decidir se permanece solteiro ou se casa com essa dama encantadora.
Bons personagens, uma boa e entretenida história para rir um pouco.

[Etty Kurnianingsih · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sejak beli terjemahannya ampe sekarang ga selesai2 bacanya hehehe... Sekarang dipaksa'in aja bacanya ampe abis karena lagi bingung mo baca yang mana. Dari segi cerita tidak ada yang spesial, tidak ada intrik yang seru, tokoh2nya pun tidak ada spesial, heroine & hero saling tertarik sejak pertama kali bertemu jadinya bikin ngantuk bacanya, belum lagi soal balon udara dan kutukan yang sebenarnya hanya belum tentu benar tapi dibesar2kan oleh heroine, jadi tambah ngantuk ah! Meski biasa2 aja tapi aku tetap suka karena tidak ada tokoh yang ngerusak mood.

[Jen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had a slight twist on the ward falling in love with her guardian. She believes that she has a curse that causes all of her guardians to die. Other than that, there is nothing new or exciting about this book. It might have been saved by the writing itself, but instead is mired in too many lulls that make you think that Grey was running out of ways to move the story along. I really had to force myself to finish it.

[Novia Liu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not that good but not bad either
The story is simple, easy to read

[Joanna Loves Reading · Rating 1 out of 5]

I've decided to chuck this one. Too many other books that I want to read to waste more time on atrocity, just was not enjoying at all.

[Christine White]

Enjoyed it very much but the end seemed rushed.

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I prefer reading books with likable characters, that I can relate to, despite the age differences and the Era. Author Amelia Grey does that for me. This new series revolves around three cousins, all wealthy, all heirs to different titles. Lucien Trent, the Fifth Duke of Bakewell, called Blake, by his cousins and friends is the youngest, but the highest in rank as a Duke. Of course he is a rake, so is shocked when, Henrietta Tweed, a young lady (19 years old), turns up at his door, claiming he is her new guardian. His is the last name on a long list of guardians written by her father. She was orphaned at the age of seven. She is worried that Blake will meet the same fate. It is clear that the guardian was actually Blake's father, who is already deceased. So Blake is determined to quickly find her a husband. While all she wants is for him to give her her freedom and inheritance, so she can have her forever home.
But as he is inundated by young men looking for her hand, because of her beauty and inheritance, he realizes that none of them are good enough for her. Well developed characters, humorous repartee, detailed descriptions of the settings, interesting secondary characters. I'm looking forward to the books about the cousins. I was lucky to have won a copy of this book in a contest.

[Jo-Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Duke to Die for was a cute, somewhat steamy story with likable characters. Henrietta became an orphan at the age of seven and was informed by the strange woman who found her, that she was cursed and every guardian in charge of her would die. Blake, the Duke of Blakewell unexpectedly finds himself the guardian of a nineteen-year-old lady. She was now on her final guardian named in her father's will and terrified that he would meet the same fate as her previous guardians. Henrietta didn't want or need a guardian. All she wanted was her inheritance to buy herself a home that she would never have to leave. Besides, that would be the best way to protect Blake from the curse of death by being her guardian.

This story is filled with laughs, angst, a few tears and a lovely love story with a beautiful happily ever after. The story flows and the characters are engaging until the very last page. Very highly recommended for all Regency Romance lovers.

[Jami · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has been out for awhile but did not get a chance to read it until this reprint! I enjoyed it. What happens when a rake of a Duke becomes guardian to a headstrong ward? I found the characters full of life. Henrietta was a strong lead. She spoke her mind even though sometimes should not. The side story was also intriguing! The description of the balls was in-depth and I had no trouble picturing it or in truth wanting to try some of the food! There were a couple reasons I didn't give this straight five stars... One- I had hoped the curse would be more fulfilling in the explanation/conclusion. Two- I thought Constance or Rockliffe would have caused a scene or two. Overall though I would recommend this for someone looking for a cozy read or someone who is in the mood for a quick romantic read! I enjoyed it and now want to see how the other cousins fair!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a happy, carefree read!

When a beautiful young lady lands on a wild and free Duke's doorstep as his new ward, he's shocked. Not wanting the responsibility or his lifestyle to change, he sets out immediately to have her married off. His ward despises the idea and only wants her freedom from him, even if he is the most handsome man she has ever seen. And thus, begins a a quite hilarious battle of wits, emotions and temptaions.

This easy and fun read was exactly what I needed after a stressful, busy week. It ended up being an incredibly fast read as well, since I found it so amusing and entertaining. If you're wanting a cute, loving read to get lost in, then you should definitely give this book a try!

*Reviewer copy; all thoughts and opinions are my own.*

[Julie Eichelberger-Ford · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Duke to Die for is a cute, somewhat steamy story. Henrietta became an orphan at the age of seven and was informed by the strange woman who found her, that she was cursed and every guardian in charge of her would die. She is now on her final guardian named in her father's will and terrified that he will meet the same fate. The Duke of Blakewell, Blake, is instantly smitten with his unexpected ward and has plans to marry her off before he acts on his attraction. Is it a curse or fate that is guiding these two? The story that follows is filled with laughs, angst, a few tears and a lovely love story with a beautiful happily ever after. The story flows and the characters are engaging until the very last page.

I received a copy from the publisher but all thoughts and feelings are my own.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Es entretenido, ideal para bajártelo a la playa y leerlo en un día, que es lo que he hecho yo.
Me gusta la forma de escribir de la autora y los personajes que crea. En este caso no me ha encantado su relación porque la he visto demasiado acelerada, en tres días se amaban el uno al otro. Pero me ha entretenido y me ha mantenido enganchada, que es lo que buscaba.
La resolución del tema de la maldición no me ha encantado, la verdad, me ha parecido demasiado fácil y conveniente.
Por último, me hubiera gustado que desarrollara más a Constance, me ha parecido un personaje muy interesante y es una pena que la conozcamos solo como carabina. Sé que hay más libros en esta serie y espero poder conocerla mejor en ellos.

[Jenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good start for a trilogy series. It was an okay Regency romance.
Unfortunately, the plot is extremely familiar & predictable. But let's be honest, most plots are. We read them b/c we like the writers who create great characters, some surprises & good stories regardless.

Henrietta & Lucien have good chemistry. I was a bit perturbed to read that the 3 lead men (cousins) didn't get along which I thought was an unnecessary detail. But by the end of the book, the rivalry mentioned earlier has dissipated and they're best buds.
I wasn't keen on the Lord Chesterfield quotes at the beginning of each chapter.
I liked the author's historical note at the end of the book.

The only negative is that it was too long.

[Yvonne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not quite a two star book but close. I just didn't feel the chemistry between the 2 main characters. The most enjoyable characters were the secondary characters. It really says something when the most interesting thing about a book are the quotes from Lord Chesterfield at the beginning of each chapter. The whole curse thing is not as exciting as it sounds. Overall not a bad book but not really a good one either. I usually like this author so maybe the other books in the series will be better.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Guardian.

Blake, the Duke of Blakewell, unexpectedly finds himself the guardian to a lady, a nineteen year old lady. From a list of now dead guardians, Blake is the last one on the list. Miss Henrietta Tweed doesn't want or need a guardian. All she wants is her inheritance to buy herself a home and never have to leave it. Besides, it works out for the best to protect Blake from the curse of death for being her guardian. The enchanting love story of a rake who never thought he would marry.

[PATRICIA KUNA · Rating 5 out of 5]

another good book by Amelia.

Henriettta believes that there is a curse on her. She had several guardians and they died now she does not want the Duke of Blakewell to die too.

She wants him to sign over her inheritance and she can live her way.

Luicen does not believe her. But he has to find some way to find her a husband but he is attracted to her from the first.

Henrietta is too.

They go find out that she is not cursed.

The sparks develop in to a love that is meant for them.