Review: The Devil's Own Duke (Wallflowers vs. Rogues #2) by Lenora Bell
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Series: Wallflowers vs. Rogues #2
Author: Lenora Bell
Published September 28th 2021 by Piatkus
Goodreads Synopsis
Once upon a time in Mayfair... a group of wallflowers formed a secret society with goals that had absolutely nothing to do with matrimony. Their most troublesome obstacle? Rogues!
Lady Henrietta Prince is far too busy for romance. She’s dedicated her life to turning her family vineyards into a profitable wine venture. But when she shares a kiss at midnight with a handsome stranger, she’s captivated... until he claims to be the distant heir to her father’s earldom.
Ash Ellis is a gambler who lives life on the edge. Now, he’s locked his sights on a glittering prize, and nothing will stand in his way.
When Henrietta is forced to marry the wickedly seductive scoundrel to keep her beloved vineyards, she vows that Ash will never have her trust, or her love. Even if his kisses are more intoxicating than the finest of wines.
His new bride is certainly beautiful, but biddable? Not so much. Ash will settle for nothing less than Henrietta’s total surrender... but is he the one in danger of losing his heart?
Goodreads
Review
Lady Henrietta Prince cares nothing for the marriage mart, or the ton, but loves her family home, and the vineyard she hopes to turn into one of the best wine producers in England. However, as the only daughter of an aging duke, who will have to remarry and produce an heir, she's expected to marry well. So when Ash Ellis enters their lives, claiming to be the long lost heir, the duke thinks it's kismet - especially when it opens the door for him to marry his long term mistress - and that Henrietta should marry her 'new cousin'. Ash is playing a long game, and is more than happy to marry Henrietta, but she's actively against the match, especially when he wants to destroy her vineyards and introduce a stable to rival Tattersall's. However, as the two grow closer, and the sparks start to fly, will they learn to trust one another?
I really enjoyed the previous book in this series, so when I saw book 2 available at my local library, I had to check it out. As a member of the wallflower society, Lady Henrietta has fully embraced her wallflower status, and just wants to be free to tend her vineyards and look after her father. When Ash appears, claiming to be heir, she's immediately sceptical, but her father is happy, so she'll let it go. But being forced to marry him is against everything she stands for, and she's not about to say I do without a fight. I loved how the chemistry between Ash and Henrietta was there from the get go, and the banter between them was unreal. They didn't fall for each other easily, but when they did, they fell hard. Ash had such a traumatic back story, that was explored in a really tasteful and respectful manner, and really, he was a softie at heart, under his gruff exterior. A really good addition to the series, and I'm looking forward to more!
Dates Read:
December 24-27 2021
Rating
4 Stars
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