Series: The Duchess Society #2
Author: Tracy Sumner
Published January 6th 2022 by WOLF Publishing
Goodreads Synopsis
In this enemies-to-lovers Regency romance by award-winning author Tracy Sumner, a bold lady and a ruthless duke realize they need to agree to an ardent alliance to get what they want.
He knew at first sight.
She knew at first kiss.
Helena Astley, Lady Hell to the ton, has plans. To control her father’s shipping business, to live her way, by her rules. Her plan is going remarkably well until one ill-advised kiss invites the duke she doesn’t want but cannot resist into her life.
Hardnosed Roan Darlington, Duke of Leighton, cares little for society or finding a duchess. The only person ever to challenge him is the incorrigible, infuriating Helena Astley. The one woman he’s never been able to forget. When they’re caught in a ruinous situation, Roan offers her an alternative. A sham engagement she can break off after Christmas.
As they discover a world of forbidden pleasure, Helena must decide if she can relinquish a heart she vowed to withhold from the only man powerful enough to seize it.
And Roan must decide if falling madly, passionately in love is worth the risk.
Goodreads
Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.
Ever since an ill advised comment ruined any chance of friends between them, Roan Darlington, Duke of Leighton, and Helena Astley have been at loggerheads with one another. Helena, or Lady Hell to the ton, knows that as a shipping heiress, and a businesswoman, she faces scorn and ridicule, but she doesn't allow it to change her plans. But a kiss with the handsome duke, who she can't stay away from, has taken over her thoughts. Roan knew from the moment he met Helena that she was the one, but his mistakes in the past ruined all chance of a future, or did they? They're constantly thrown together, and when he gives her an offer she can't refuse - travel to his estate so her young sister can learn social skills alongside his own sister, ready for her debut - Helena would be stupid to refuse. The longer they spend together, the more in love they are, but are they willing to overcome social expectations, and be together?
I found this book even better than The Brazen Bluestocking. Now that we know the characters in the series, and a little of the backstories between the group that Helena dubs the Leighton Cluster, it's so much easier to sink into the story. Leighton never expected to be Duke, but after some relatives passed, and he was the closest male heir, he had to step up and take on the responsibilities he never wanted. He was really sensitive and felt things deeply, but his public persona was one meant to keep people out - apart from his friends. Helena managed to get under his skin, and the way they acted in the years since their first meetings was almost as if they were courting, but without each other really knowing it. There were so many humourous moments in this book, but also really heartfelt ones too - I really felt as if this was a couple made for each other, and they proved they were worthy of one another. Book 3, The Wicked Wallflower, is already set up to be fantastic, and I can't wait to read it!
Dates Read:
December 27-28 2021
Rating
4 Stars
