Books and Dukes, Oh My!

A Duke's Temptation by Jillian Hunter

Summary: Samuel Charles Aubrey St. Aldwyn, Duke of Gravenhurst, is a radical rogue and champion of unpopular causes. No one would dream that he is also the author of a bestselling series of dark historical novels, a writer accused of corrupting the morals of the public, and a master seducer who counts among his passionate fans wellborn Miss Lily Boscastle. But Lily is no stranger to disrepute. 

When her engagement to another man ends in a tarnished image and public disgrace, Lily is forced to seek employment outside London --- as housekeeper for Gravenhurst himself. Her sharp wit and sensuality appeal to his wicked instincts --- and she's a perfect match for every beguiling move he makes. Yet there's more to him than Lily imagined --- a secret known to few living souls, ghosts from the past that haunt both of their futures in ways too dangerous for even the duke to have invented.

Review: An enjoyable romance with likable characters and books that play a major part in the story. 

I found the premise of the book a bit hard to swallow. I did like Lily and her naughty streak, but a few minutes of flirting should not make a man want to marry her. That's incredibly stupid. The scandal wasn't much of one. I was expecting Lily to have been caught with another man, not what actually happened. I am not sure how that situation turned into a scandal and why would her parents just let her go on her own as a housekeeper, which is so below her station. 

I did like Samuel and his antics, especially when he acted out the scenes from his books with his staff. Despite wanting to marry Lily instantly, he was a surprisingly level headed man who wasn't going to try and seduce her even though he really wanted to. He wanted her to make the decision. Which she certainly does, but it seems out of character for her. I found it hard to get a good grasp of her character. I enjoyed the interweaving of the story and Samuel's novels and the humor strewn throughout the novel. The ending was melodramatic, but satisfying. 

Rating:






Recommendation: I would recommend this book to fans of historical fiction and those who enjoy a dash of humor and books with their romance.