The Duke Gets Desperate
Series: Sirens in Silk #1
Author: Diana Quincy
Published September 26th 2023 by Avon

Goodreads Synopsis
Diana Quincy returns with a steamy affair between an Arab-American woman who inherits a run-down castle in the English countryside and the duke who asserts the castle is his, in the first book in a brand-new Victorian historical romance series.

Anthony Cary, Duke of Strickland, inherits his spendthrift father's title and can finally restore the family castle to its former glory. But at the reading of the will, Strick is stunned to learn that his father has secretly disentailed him, leaving the family manor--home to twelve generations of dukes--to Strick's American stepmother. Everyone knows Strick detests the dowager duchess, and when she dies mysteriously, damning rumors start to surface.

When Raya Darwish unexpectedly inherits her glamorous late cousin's castle in the English countryside, she clashes with the charismatic young duke who insists the castle is rightfully his. The estate is practically bankrupt, so she must find a way to work with the duke in order to save both of their futures.

The two cannot stand each other, but mutual disdain soon gives way to desire. When questions arise about how her cousin died, Raya cannot help wondering if Strick's sudden unbridled passion for her is part of a scheme to get his castle back...
Goodreads

Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher. This in no way impacted on my view.

Anthony Cary, Duke of Strickland, has finally inherited the duchy, but not all it entails. His father secretly left the family home, Tremayne Castle,  to his young stepmother, Deena, and Anthony is a duke in name only. On his stepmother's death, he expects that his home will be returned, but at the will reading, it's revealed that his stepmother left everything to a distant American cousin, who's due to arrive any day now. When Raya Darwish arrives in England, it seems like a miracle. She has been pushed out of the family business, but this English castle is completely hers, and no one can take it from her. But there's a problem - the estate is bankrupt, and for both Raya and Anthony to manage, they need to work together before it's too late.

This was so fun! Raya and Anthony hated each other from the beginning, and actively went out of their way to ruin the other's day. Raya seemed to be one of the only people who didn't believe the rumours that Anthony killed Deena, but even so, she wasn't going to let him get his hands on her castle. Raya needed something for herself, though her family all believed she should be married by now, and stop thinking about business. Instead, she thinks about how she can monetise the castle, by opening it up to the paying public, and invigorating the nearby town. As much as Anthony hates that idea, he does see merit in the plan, and knows that both he and Raya need money, sooner rather than later. The chemistry between Raya and Anthony was off the charts, and this was a fantastic enemies-to-lovers romance. I can't wait to see what happens in book 2, and hope Raya and Anthony play a part - I need to see them happy together!

Dates Read:
July 17-20, 2023

Rating
4 Stars