Dukes & Diamonds

Lords and Ladies of St. James #4

by Rachel Ann Smith (Author & Coordinator), Charlie Lane, Rebecca Paula

Dukes and DiamondsA collection of four new exclusive novellas by your favorite historical romance authors all featuring Dukes and Diamonds.

They say…

Ladies are like diamonds - no two are the same

Four daring Dukes…

Discover that gems are forever.



Grab your copy of Dukes and Diamonds today and binge read the brilliant titles

Book 4 - Dukes and Diamonds

Dukes, Diamonds and Other Desires by USA Today Bestselling Author, Charlie Lane

The Heiress and the Duke by USA Today Bestselling Author, Rebecca Paula

Dukes and Diamonds by USA Today Bestselling Author, Lauren Smith

Doubling down on a Duke by Rachel Ann Smith

Other Lords & Ladies of St. James series

Book 1 - Lords and

Book 2 - Earls and Pearls

Book 3 - Rakes and Reticules

Book 5 - Gentlemen and Gloves

Book 6 - Peers and Parasols

562 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 16, 2024

About the author

Rachel Ann Smith writes steamy historical romances with a twist. Her debut series, Agents of the Home Office, features female protagonists that defy convention.

When Rachel isn’t writing, she loves to read and spend time with the family. She is frequently found with her Kindle by the pool during the summer, on the sidelines of the soccer field in the spring and fall or curled up on the couch during the winter months.

She currently lives in Colorado with her extremely understanding husband and their two very supportive children.

Visit Rachel's website for updates on cover reveals and new releases - www.rachelannsmith.com

Reviews

[Alexandra G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thrilling and very entertaining anthology!

There’s some really fine tales in here! All (but one) nice and steamy, well-written and completely enthralling with some tender touching moments and fascinating characters. Do I love them all? No, but that’s what anthologies are for… discovering new authors and falling even harder for those you already love!

Dukes, Diamonds and Other Desires by Charlie Lane ~ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
📚 Absolutely loved it! I’m so happy these two got their happy end! Steamy, witty, fun and always on the move - a perfect addition to the Art Of Love series which, by the way, is a must read if you ask me!
Friends to lovers, road trip, no bed, unrequited love²
📚 Archer Halston, Duke of Crestmore is secretly in love with the talented and determined Posey Frampton. She’s a jeweller's daughter, but he doesn’t care. He’s ready to defy the rules of society and make her his wife.
Posey harbours her own secrets. She’s been in love with the roguishly handsome and cheerfully charming Duke of Crestmore since childhood. But she can never be with him. He’s a duke, and she’s far removed from the world of the ton. More importantly, her sister is a jewellery forger. When she discovers Archer’s heirlooms - a set of diamonds meant for his future wife - is nothing but paste, those secrets collide. The man she loves is in possession of a fake crafted by her sister’s hands. She’ll do everything in her power to keep both secrets safe. Including setting off on a journey to find the real jewels. She’ll cross the country to find answers and save those she loves most. By herself.
Until Archer finds out. Then the chase is on, and he won’t let her escape this time. He’ll catch up with her. And catch her heart.

The Heiress and the Duke Rebecca Paula ~ ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
📚 Scarred hero and a self-made street queen forced together on a riveting secret mission. High contrast, raw and direct, teasing banter, bathtub shenanigans and lots of deliciousness. Excellent!
Class difference, fast paced, touch her and die
📚 In gritty Whitechapel, Nellie James, the spirited leader of the Crimson Roses gang, wants out after one final con. What she didn't anticipate was Oliver Sinclair, the reclusive Duke of Acklery, on a job from The Special Branch - to keep tabs on her.
As the unlikely pair join forces, their sizzling chemistry is undeniable, but the dangerous connection jeopardizes more than the duke’s heart. Their passion blurs the line between justice and sacrifice, forcing them to navigate societal expectations and the looming threats quickly closing in around them.

Dukes and Diamonds by Lauren Smith ~ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
📚 How a pickpocket steals her broody prince charming’s frozen heart, and other gems to help London’s less fortunate. Sizzling with some sweet grovel in the end - yes, he messes up and fesses up. Captivating! And I really hope this is the start of a series, because I want more!
Class difference, forbidden romance, enemies to lovers, Robin Hood vibes
📚 Diamonds are a duke’s best friend…
When the infamously cold-hearted Duke of Helston decides to catch a gang of jewel thieves stealing from London’s elite circles, he never expects the thief to be a woman.
She’s not just any woman either…
She happens to be the bewitching creature he met in the darkened corridor during a musicale who changed his life forever.
What’s a duke to do when he wants to catch a thief who not only stole his family diamond, but also his heart?

Doubling down on a Duke by Rachel Ann Smith ~ ⭐⭐⭐
📚 I remember reading the first book in this series and it left me just as confused and wanting as this short story.
📚 Lady Helen Reynolds has managed to evade the charms of her rakish betrothed, the Duke of Whistlestop, for two decades - a feat few could claim. When duty calls and she’s tasked with retrieving missing diamonds for the crown, Helen’s streak comes to an end. There’s only way to get the diamonds: marry the man she’s been avoiding. Finding the diamonds will be easy. The real challenge comes in guarding her heart against her betrothed’s winning smile and warm embrace.
Bryce Barrington, the Duke of Whistlestop, has waited patiently in the wings for Helen to fall in love with him. But she’s so far proved immune to his efforts to win her hand. They may be forced to wed, but he’s determined to knock down the walls around her heart and prove that, to him, she’s more valuable than any jewel.
Focused on their mission, the two stubbornly refuse to acknowledge the simmering feelings bubbling to the surface as they are forced to spend day and night together as husband and wife. With a race against time to return the jewels, the two will have to act fast and avoid the most perilous of distractions - falling in love.

[Cassandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Doubling down On a duke bit Rachel Ann Smith.
It was just kind of okay To me. I am kind of over ladies spies right now so that might also have something to do with it Close to door but it did Sleepy with The other main character. And I do kind of have this grab all the time but it was really apparent in this story, When the man says he is in love with somebody for years There is no reason in the time. That the story is written in that he cannot make the 1st move . Also I just Can't understand How you can be so in love with someone But sleep with other people. 3/5

Dukes diamonds and other desires Charlie lane
This is the reason I bought the book. I loved that the main characters were 30 , that he had only two previous lovers cause he had been on love with her since he was a teen, and he was described so ooo charmingly I wanted to swoon myself. I LOVED that he seemed to have years long 5 step plan to win her over. It reminded me of my partner and his slowness in progressing our relationship. Open door 5/5 stars

The heiress and The duke by Rebecca Paula
Ill be honest I wasn't going to read this cause like instated above I'm kinda over spy stuff, but I'm glad I read it. It was more Robin hood/ beauty and the beast. Our heroine is Robin hood. This was sexy and hot. I liked both main characters quite a bit and I thought the ending was interesting. I need to add some of this authors stuff to by tbr if its not already there. 4/5

Dukes and diamonds by Lauren Smith
3.5/5 this one was kind of a mess but the characters really seemed to love each other. And Fitz does some real growth to make himself worthy of love and trust. Tabitha and her friends steal From rich men that have wronged women And use those funds to help the poor women and veterans. Fitz Believes in a strict code of conduct To make sure that he feels safe and secure within society. They fall in love quit quickly but it was very sweet but all very dramatic and not necessarily believable.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I decided to only read one story in this anthology

I received this an arc from Charlie Lane in exchange for an honest review and this purely based upon my own personal opinion and that of no one else.

Dukes Diamonds and Other Desires by Charlie Lane

Posey and Archer are from two different words.

She's a jeweler and he's a Duke.

What's even more scandalous is her sister used to forge
paintings and jewelry..

She thought she could finally try and have him as her own. However when she discovers something her sister has done, she runs and she feels like her world is falling apart.

However despite all of this Archer doesn't care, the only thing he cares about is Posey, and her alone. He just has to convince her that she is his diamond and he is the only thing that he has ever wanted.

With being stuck in a carriage together they end up confessing their love for each other and they realize they have both been loving each other for years and they not only love each but they need each other for support.

This story was refreshing instead of a typical rake for a Duke we have a tame duke who is sure who he wants. And we have a heroine who is more than willing to confront her family for something they did wrong even if it cost her everything..

I definitely can't wait for more stories from Charlie Lane.

[Fanosse23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doubling Down on a Duke by Rachel Ann Smith

Bryce, the Duke of Whistlestop, and Lady Helen were betrothed as children. It’s been twenty years, and Bryce still has not taken steps for them to marry. Lady Helen has been avoiding him because she wants to marry for love, and doesn’t feel Bryce loves her or has the ability to love her. When they are forced to marry, Lady Helen can no longer avoid him, I absolutely loved that both of them actually cared very much for each other but were afraid to be hurt so they kept their distance from each other.

As they work together to solve a mystery, they also unravel the feelings they have for each other. The emotional journey they took together was beautiful, Bryce was actually very sweet, not dismissive as Lady Helen initially thought, he does love her, she loves him and her wishes for a marriage of love comes true.

Dukes, Diamonds and other desires by Charlie Lane

I was familiar with Archer and Posey from Charlie's Art of Love Series. Even then it was obvious that they had feelings for each other, the attraction was evident, and although Posey has loved him forever, she could not image anything between them, I hoped that Archer would finally admit his feelings.

When Posey discovers that his priceless family jewels are fakes she sets out to get to the answers and resolve the mystery of what happened. Since her sister has done jewelry forging before she plans to start with her. When Archer finds out he follows her and the fun begins, their passion was steamy, and Archer isn’t going to let her get away this time.

A love between them seems impossible, but Archer and Posey are perfect for each other, they had deep feelings for each other, had me smiling throughout, Archer was flirty and impossible to resist, I loved them, so happy they got their happy ending, another excellent story by Charlie Lane.

The Heiress and The Duke by Rebecca Paula

Nellie James, is the leader of the Crimson Roses gang, pulling cons but for all the right reasons, she helps those in need, a woman Robin Hood. Oliver Sinclair, the Duke of Ackerly, is hired as a consultant to the Special Branch to take down whoever is responsible for the crimes. Nellie has one last con to complete to bring to justice Reginald Whitmore who is involved in art fraud, but she cannot get the evidence she needs.

The apprehension between Oliver and Nellie was evident from their first encounter, as was the sizzling attraction they had for each other. These two had no business being together, but what an adventure, passion, a mystery to solve, and angst, I was totally surprised by the events that occurred but it truly was the perfect ending for them. I was intrigued until the last page, and enjoyed this story very much.

Dukes and Diamonds by Lauren Smith

I cannot even begin to describe the emotional journey, I found myself on while reading this book. I read a lot of books, but this story just touched my soul. Fritz (the beautiful bastard) didn’t seem to have a heart, he was cold, cruel, and arrogant. When he meets Tabitha, someone socially beneath him, the attraction and connection was immediate.

Tabitha along with Julia, and Hannah, take from the undeserving and give to those less fortunate. Similar to Robin Hood they take from the rich and give to the poor, but the people they choose are chosen because of a misdeed they committed. Fritz is chosen because he broke up a couple with his opinion, and now she is ruined and his friend is miserable. They plan to take his family heirloom diamond and sell it. Tabitha is torn she has been taken in by Hannah and Julia and can’t let them down, they have been there for her and their friendship is unconditional, she doesn’t want to hurt Fritz either.

Fritz starts evaluating his choices in life, he starts seeing things differently, and what he does to make things right is definitely unexpected. The transformation of Fritz was amazingly surreal and beautiful. I am an emotional person, and often get chocked up, or cry a few tears, but I found myself in tears quite a few times, especially during their separation, anxiously waiting to see if they would find happiness together, and I could not have asked for a better ending for this beautiful couple.

Whenever, I read an anthology, by a variety of authors, I always have a favorite or two, and generally there are a few, I could have skipped. This collection of stories was the exception to the rule, every one of them was awesome, I loved each of them for different reasons. If you love stories about extraordinary ladies who know what they want, and the remarkable men they can’t resist you have to read this book.

I received an ARC copy of the book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Linda J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

1. DOUBLING DOWN ON A DUKE - by Rachel Ann Smith - 3 STARS

I found the story confusing at times. I would go back a few pages to see if I missed something. Especially how they jumped from 3 women being thieves, to they were trying to do something honorable. This is the shortest of the bundle and it needed to be longer.

Only kisses, little on romance, HEA, no cheating

2. DUKES, DIAMONDS AND OTHER DESIRES - by Charlie Lane - 4 STARS

Our H/h have loved each other for awhile, but neither is aware of it. This is about two people belonging to two different worlds. He is a Duke and she is the daughter of a jeweler. Their mothers have been friends for years.

Two likable characters who find out their true feelings. No villains, some suspense concerning the h's sister and a mail coach driver.

Lovemaking outside of marriage - heat level 4 out of 5.

No cheating, HEA, romantic, sweet epilogue 3 years in the future and steam.

3. THE HEIRESS AND THE DUKE - by Rebecca Paula -4 STARS

Not a virginal h for sure. I did like both MC, and their journey to HEA wasn’t far from smooth.

The H came from working class people and he hasn’t been happy he is the Duke now. He was injured and received severe scars in working for the home office. The h has grown up on the streets and is in charge of women thieves. Think of a female Robin Hood,

Story does have suspense, surprised ending, crude words used and the Lord’s name several times. Lovemaking out of marriage-heat level 4 out of 5 and described many times.

At the end something happens to the H and he grabbed her hand -how was he able to do that since use was unconscious? Epilogues 3 months in the future but nothing was mentioned how they were going to be able to live? What was the outcome for her friends who were thieves with her?

No cheating, HEA, some romance and plenty of steam.

4. DUKES AND DIAMONDS - by Lauren Smith -5 STARS

This is the longest story in this bundle, and it shows. The characters are written with depth and you truly got to know them.

Great main and secondary characters. Romance builds slowly, lovemaking outside of marriage heat level 4+ out of five. Some suggestive talk once. Lords name used in vain several times.

Story was suspenseful, great dialogue, some twists and a unique storyline I enjoyed a lot. No cheating and nice set up for the next book in this series by his author, which I will check out. We have a bumpy road to HEA, and steam. Loved the epilogue one year in the future. (ljb)





Sent from my iPad

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doubling Down on a Duke by Rachel Ann Smith
Lady Helen Reynolds and Bryce, Duke of Whistlestop had been betrothed at an early age. They are also part of a group of people who protect the Royal Family. I had read a few books in this series so I was familiar with this group and how they worked. Although, Helen and Bryce had been childhood friends for some reason they had stopped speaking to each other. Helen wanted to marry for love , Bryce for duty. However, if only they would talk to each other, they may have a better understanding of how the other feels. There is a problem affecting the Crown to solve and some passion.
Dukes, Diamonds and Other Desires by Charlie Lane
Archer, Duke of Crestmore and Posy Frampton have known each other for some time. Posy is the daughter of a jeweller but unbeknown to most people she is a skilled jeweller herself. There are also secrets that
Posy has concerning her family that she knows will affect how Archer feels about her. I did enjoy this story, although I wasn’t keen on the way that Posy ran away when things got awkward.
The Heiress and the Duke by Rebecca Paul
This concern two people from different places in society. Nellie James runs a gang called the Crimson Roses and Oliver Sinclair has recently become the Duke of Acklery. Oliver had been part of the police investigation service but his accident and inheritance put a stop to his work. Nellie and Oliver need to work together to find the culprit. This was an entertaining read with a surprising ending.
Dukes and Diamonds by Lauren Smith
This was the longest story and my favourite. Tabitha had experienced hardship in her life but was determined to help others less well off than herself. Fitzwilliam, Duke of Helston, was immediately attracted to Tabitha, she felt the connection as well. Fitz is thought by some to be arrogant but he too, has a background that has affected him. I enjoyed the way Tabitha was able to make him rethink his actions and to look at things in a different way. There is passion and also heartache. There are some interesting secondary characters in their friends and it seems like they will get their own stories.
These are a mix of 4/5 star but all enjoyable reads. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Cheryl McTyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from Lauren Smith for her contribution to the series, but including very brief reviews for the other three included in the anthology...

DOUBLING DOWN ON THE DUKE by Rachel Ann Smith
Lady Helen and the Bryce, the Duke of Whistlestop, were betrothed as children. Helen wanted a love match, but avoided him because he was dismissive of her and love in general. Unbeknownst to each other, they pined for each other, then forced to marry they find their way to an HEA while uncovering a mystery. Loved this story. Loved how they had their own private way to communicate, but didn't realize it the time.

DUKES, DIAMONDS AND OTHER DESIRES by Charlie Lane
Archer (a Duke) and Posy (working class) were side characters from Charlie's Art Of Love Series, Book 2. I was ready to fall in love with this one, and she didn't fail me. (but then Charlie never does) A love that cannot be, but is. Such a wonderful story. Archer takes the art of flirtation up a level.

THE HEIRESS AND THE DUKE by Rebecca Paula
Loved it, but then it lost me when I felt the storyline jump and it left out details to wrap everything up in a bow. Could have been great, it all still made sense, and didn't stop me from finishing the book.

DUKES & DIAMONDS by Lauren Smith
A new take on Robin Hood as the Merry Robin's (Hannah, Julia and Tabitha) take from the arrogant, cruel, and greedy rich to give to orphans, widows and veterans. Fitz (the Beautiful Bastard) isn't looking for love, but then he meets Tabitha (Orphaned pickpocket) and he feels drawn to her. I didn't want to put this book down. It was a fun, sweet, emotional love story between the two lead characters as well as the story of the three female friends. It shows what friendship should be and how love should feel. Unconditional love and support, only wanting the best and looking out for each other.

I forget how good Lauren's writing is. She takes you everywhere all at once and then ties it all up in one pretty bow. I was anxious reading this book, but in a very good way. This will go into my reread pile before the 2nd book comes out.

[Pat Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This anthology was great!

Doubling down on a Duke by Rachel Ann Smith

I will admit to being confused a little by the first chapter of this novella, but that cleared up as I read along. To find our heroine , Helen, hiding from her intended was a bit funny and sad at the same time. This is a delicious tale of how Bryce tries to win her back after being less than attentive to his betrothed of 20 years. The story did feel somewhat choppy, I guess because it was a short 13 chapters . I loved the ending and the epilogue, especially their “code”.

Dukes, Diamonds and other desires by Charlie Lane

I do love a story where the hero falls first and has to fight for the love of his life. Such is the case of Archer and Posey. Add to that a difference in stations and you have a conundrum.
I loved how Archer flirted with her and it was refreshing to see his mother be so willing to help. The problem causes Posey much angst and it was adorable to watch her bloom with his love. A lovely story

The Heiress and The Duke by Rebecca Paula

What a delightfully different storyline about a Robin Hoodess and the man sent to find her. Nellie does all she can to help the poor and abused by any means . A broken man, Oliver is sent to catch her. The angst and spark between them leaps off the page, even from the very first. I was TOTALLY blown away by the climax, something I never saw coming, but oh so fitting for these two. Truly a gem to read!

Dukes and Diamonds by Lauren Smith

I was enamored with this story from the very beginning ! The emotions between Fitz and Tabitha were palpable and the pain of separation was heartbreaking . To see Fitz grow into the man he was meant to be was so enjoyable. Hannah and Julia were a trip , as was Evan and Beck. The premise of the story is priceless, especially if you love Robin Hood!

I received this book for free and these are my own opinions

[iReadBooksNSchit · Rating 5 out of 5]

DUKES, DIAMONDS, AND OTHER DESIRES
Charlie Lane

“Do you truly have no idea, Posey?” “Do you have no idea that I love you?”
“I love you. And not only as a friend. I love you as a man loves a woman. I want to fall to sleep with my body curved around yours and your hair upon my pillow. I want to know the feeling of your fingertips stroking down my spine and your lips fitting hot against my skin. I want to hold you while you laugh and care for you when you’re ill. I want to storm through the house, demanding to know where you are when you’re not home, and then storm after you wherever you are and wait patiently in the background as you do brilliant things that make me proud….

Oh my goodness. If you’re gonna love somebody…puhlease let it be the way that both Archer and Posey love one another. There's something deeply moving and romantic about these two friends finally discovering their connection, especially after years of yearning and playful interactions with one another. In "Dukes, Diamonds, and Other Desires," Charlie Lane has beautifully crafted a novella that illustrates a love born of friendship and compassion and kindness. 

Archer Halston, Duke of Crestmore has been carrying a torch for Posey Frampton, the daughter of a jeweler, for what seems like forever. Unbeknownst to him, Posey feels the same way. Unfortunately, just when the two feel comfortable enough to act on their feelings, Posey discovers that the prestigious Crestmore jewels are nothing but elaborate fakes and the mastermind behind it is none other than her very own sister.

Charlie Lane never disappoints me. She does an amazing job balancing the emotion and heart of her characters with just the right amount of spice. Dukes, Diamonds and Other Desires is charming and spicy and just an all around lovely read. It’s the perfect addition to the Art of Love series. If you enjoyed the other three books in this series, you’ll love this one.

[Bookish.Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a big fan of Charlie Lane’s Art of Love Series, so was happy to read an ARC of an Art of Love novella from the Dukes and Diamonds Anthology, “Dukes, Diamonds, and Other Desires”. It follows the story of Posey, Fiona’s sister, and her friend Archer, Duke of Crestmore, both introduced in Book 2. It’s a great little story about social class differences (Posey is a jeweller’s daughter and is secretly the main jeweller at her father’s store), and about a long-simmering sexual tension between Posey and Archer who have been friends since childhood. The secret and mutual pining was a delight to read.

I loved both characters, Charlie Lane’s absorbing writing, and the sustained focus on the characters and their relationship. Archer sees himself as a divided man: he’s a man with his own set of values, and he’s also a duke with the incumbent responsibilities. Archer talks to his “inner duke”, and I found it charming, cute, and it worked well to show us his struggle to make Posey his wife. The obstacles and misunderstandings are used smartly, the two mothers are supportive, and it was nice to see a focus on love above duty as a priority without a drawn-out conflict. More importantly, the prioritizing of love is something that is passed done to Archer from both of his parents. I haven’t seen this in an HR focused on a duke before, and I loved it.

We get a glimpse of some of the other characters from the series, and I would’ve loved to see more of them, but also understand that the novella format didn’t allow for it. This novella can be read as a standalone, but the other books are so excellent that I encourage readers to read them all. I am looking forward to Atlas’s story! I am also looking forward to reading the other stories in this anthology as they are all by new-to-me authors. (4.5 stars rounded up to 5)

I received an advance copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[BookishMya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good anthology and who doesn’t love a banquet of Dukes. Here’s two of my favs.

Dukes , diamonds and other desires. - Charlie Lane
Archer & Posey, what can I even say?! My emotions throughout their entire story were a pure glow. Giggling, kicking & screaming, I could not love these two more. I was so anxious for their story. Both loving from afar for years, how can you not feel for these two? Class differences in a family that turns its back on such distinctions. How these two did not come together sooner is both baffling and understandable in complete contradiction. The Duke’s family has never stood on ceremony, though they’ve also never flaunted that fact so the doubt is realistic. Watching Archer bring the two halves of himself to agreement was a fantastic journey, and that description of him was so completely fitting. We are all a series of personalities, each struggling for control. This may be a romance novel, but that doesn’t mean the road will be smooth. Their struggles were real, their doubts, sincere and that is what makes them so completely lovable. And Oh, the perfect reconnections with the Bromley crew and all their eccentricities! A pure delight! This family is everything I love in a Lane creation, a little bit zany, a whole world of lovable, pure perfection!

Doubling Down - Rachel Ann Smith
The path to love is never easy. This is never more true than for Bryce & Helen. I enjoyed their cat & mouse game, each hiding their feelings devastatingly from the other. If only they would’ve opened up earlier, they could’ve been happy for years! It was an eventful story with all the secret missions bringing them closer together in the end.

[Robin Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

These stories are a nice introduction to the various authors, if you haven’t previously read any of their books. Wonderful variety, but be warned, these are steamy reads!

Doubling down on a Duke by Rachel Ann Smith - Helen and Bryce have been betrothed for 20 years, and each secretly loves the other from afar. They are forced into a marriage of convenience in order to work together to retrieve stolen diamonds. Will forced proximity lead to revealing true feelings? I will be looking for the next in the series!

Dukes Diamonds and Other Desires by Charlie Lane - Posey and Archer are from different levels of society, she is a jeweler and he is a Duke. Archer is sure of what he wants, but convincing Posey is another matter, especially with the family secrets she is keeping. Sweet story.

The Heiress and The Duke by Rebecca Paula – Nellie is the leader of the Crimson Roses gang, who are stealing from the rich and giving to the poor, and Oliver is a broken man and unlikely duke who is tasked with finding her. Loved the twist at the end!

Dukes and Diamonds by Lauren Smith – This was the longest story, over 200 pages, so a lot of character development and back story is included. Tabitha is a pickpocket who is recruited by the Merry Robins (Hannah and Julia), who steal from the aristocracy to provide for the poor. Fitz is a Duke, who with his friends Evan and Beck, set a trap for the Robins. Love how the story played out, filled with drama, angst, and emotion. I will definitely be on the lookout for Evan and Beck’s stories (and hope they include Hannah and Julia).

I received an ARC from Rachel Ann Smith, and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Doubling Down on a Duke by Rachel Ann Smith - A twenty year old betrothal, kidnapping, marriage and a retrieval mission. Shame this was only a novella, felt it needed to be longer to develop the characters, but I did enjoy it.

Dukes, Diamonds and Other Desires by Charlie Lane - Posey has always known that her love for a certain Duke could never go anywhere, after all she is a jeweller’s daughter. However finding out what her sister has done means she now risks losing Archer’s friendship too. Will the Duke have something to say when she pulls away from him?

The Heiress and the Duke by Rebecca Paula - A new Duke, formerly working for Special Branch, is asked to investigate a con woman but unfortunately he falls for her. A Cockney orphan, who has been masquerading in the ton as an American heiress and a Duke can never be together, or can they? Did find this story a bit confusing, and not sure how Nellie made enough money from her cons to pay £15,000 for a painting (not sure what year this is set in but would be more than £1.2M), own at least one building, have a private fortune and help out the poor, all by the age of 24 and with the money also being shared between the other members, one assumes, of her gang.

Dukes and Diamonds by Lauren Smith - Two society ladies recruit pickpocket Tabitha to help them steal jewels, the proceeds of which are given to worthy charities. What will happen when a cold-hearted Duke is the mark but Tabitha falls for him? This was the longest and my favourite in the anthology, despite it being far fetched.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this story from one of the authors. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doubling down on a Duke - Rachel Ann Smith
Bryce, the Duke of Whistlestop & Lady Helen Reynolds have been betrothed since children & she’s spent much of that time avoiding him. However when they are tasked in finding some royal diamonds they have no choice but to marry, as they work together they realise their feelings. A delightful novella which is a spin off from one of the author’s series. Lovely characters, a well paced story & a lovely journey to their HEA

Dukes, Diamonds and Other Desires - Charlie Lane
Archer, Duke of Crestmore has been in love with talented jeweller Posey Frampton for years. Posey has been in love with Archer for years but each thinks the other thinks they are solely friends. Until a family heirloom is discovered to be fake & Posey dashes off to speak to her sister. A lovely story of misunderstandings, class differences & secrets. Strong characters & a fast paced made for a lovely novella

The Heiress and the Duke - Rebecca Paula

Dukes and Diamonds by - Lauren Smith

My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Catherine Cheng · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclosure: I received an advance reader copy of this book.
In this collection, I especially liked Lauren Smith's novella, Dukes and Diamonds. This short work may have finally won me over to consuming more historical romance, we shall see!
The hero and heroine are both flawed and real, experiencing both emotional and physical attraction and also the extreme cognitive dissonance of their situation. I want to be friends with them both.
Fitz's journey of inner discovery and how it manifests in the end makes his character believable and oh-so psychologically swoon worthy, on top of the usual sexy hero stuff. The writing is smooth and engaging, with just the right blend of humor, steam, tension, and imagery. Well done, Lauren Smith! I will read more of your writing in the near future.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four fantastic stories in one collection! I really liked how they all kinda tied together.

Doubling Down on a Duke -
Bryce & Lady Helen were promised to each other as children. He was all in for her and she was less than pleased. I loved their journey of where they started to where they end up.

Dukes, Diamonds & Other Desires -
Posey and Archer were so sweet! I loved that he supported Posey no matter what.

The Heiress and the Duke -
Nellie and Oliver were so fun! My favorite scene in the story without spoiling much is the bathroom scene. That was great!

Dukes And Diamonds -
This was my top favorite of the four books. Tabitha and Fitz were perfect. Also, I really wanna know what will happen with Hannah and Evan.

[Ly · Rating 5 out of 5]

For now, I have only read one story in this anthology: The Heiress and the Duke by Rebecca Paula.

I liked the two main characters of this story, Nellie and Oliver. They are two lonely souls who met. Then everything changed for them. Their feelings develop, and this scares them. They form an odd, yet deep, bond. I completed my reading with a few unanswered questions, which is one of the disadvantages of a short story. Despite this, I enjoyed reading this story and look forward to reading more from this anthology.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Pamela Barbee · Rating 4 out of 5]

As you might image the stories do include Dukes and lots of other interesting facts, but every story is very different with very well detailed characters. Three of the stories are short which means just a few hours of reading on each. However the Duke and Diamonds is a longer story with gives more time to discover more about the characters and to devlop the storyline more fully. Whether you first chose the shorter stories or the longest one to read, you will find stories that you will enjoy!!

[NelleRenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m pretty sure I had read some of these stories before. The heroines are varied: one has been has been betrothed for years; one knows about jewelry reproductions, one is the leader of thieves, but in a Robin Hood sort of way; the last tries to rectify wrongs. There are obstacles to overcome before they get their HEAs. It is a good box set.

[bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a reimaging of Robin Hood- Three women target men whom have wronged others. They take a treasured possession, sell it and give the proceeds to the poor. I felt the story was well written and the plot, while a reimagining, was unique in itself. The scenery was vivid and the backstories were told well. It was an enjoyable read.
While I received a copy, my review is my own.

[CATHERINE BURHANS · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is just a wonderful collection of four short stories by four wonderful authors. Each one has a powerful Duke, and who doesn’t love a smitten Duke, in a steamy romance, mixed with diamonds or jewels in the story! A most enjoyable read!

[LizardQueen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received an ARC of Lauren Smith's story. Interesting premise for a story.
Really enjoyed the story. The characters were well rounded and relatable. Can't wait for next book in the series.

[Chris, RN · Rating 3 out of 5]

MEH.... stories good, 2 ugh

Easy read for 2 of the tales, hard to sync my head with the others. Had to try multiple times to finish.

[Rebekah Carulli Hanson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great anthology! The stories are well written the characters are relatable. I love these authors they’re all so very talented.

[Gloria Pastorino · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gorgeous anthology and four talented authors! I read Charlie Lane's novella and I loved it!
It was such a cute story! I loved both characters when they appeared in Fiona’s book, Forgery, Love and Other Lies, and I was intrigued by their interactions… And now I discovered a gorgeous childhood friends to lovers story! I loved that the hero seemed to have two personalities, the starch, stern Duke, and the common man, because I honestly think that it’s quite common for people who have a certain status in society to be torn between their duty and their feelings. It was fun to see both personalities collide and then converge on their love for Posey. Lane’s writing is refreshing and gorgeous as usual and I loved the humor and the touch of angst in the story. It’a perfect novella that complements a perfect series.
I hope to read the other novellas soon!

[Catherine Heffernan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a fabulous collection of stories about Dukes and Jewellery. Each one has its on unique take on the various characters.

I loved each story but particularly love Dukes and Diamonds by Lauren Smith. Loved those Merry Robins and their antics.

And Doubling down on the Duke by Rachel Ann Smith. Loved the chemistry between Lady Helen and her Duke Bryce.