Between the Devil and the Duke by Kelly Bowen (Season for Scandal #3)
Historical Romance
Released: January 31, 2017
Forever
Reviewed by May
“You also have a reputation as an assassin,” she said.
“Mmmmm. It’s a wonder I have time to eat breakfast with all I do.”
“Are you? An assassin?”
“Would it matter?”
“That’s not an answer.”
“Do you need someone killed?”
She blinked. “Not at the moment.”
“Just as well. I am fully engaged until mid-October.”
Between the Devil and the Duke is a fantastic story with wonderful scenes between Lady Angelique, a brilliant but poor lady and Alexander Lavoie the owner of a gaming hell and incredibly wealthy man who is intrigued by her. Quickly figuring out her situation, he offers her a job dealing cards at his club. Having always been ignored or put down for her mathematical brilliance in the past, Angelique can’t help but being drawn to this devil who is anything but a gentleman.
Lavoie had been nothing but kind to her. Brutally honest and direct, but she found that incredibly liberating. He did not seem to want her to be anything she wasn’t. He was, after all, the only man who had ever called her fascinating. And clever.
The story begins so very strong, shots are fired a gentleman of the ton must be put in his place, and Alexander is direct from moment one. He knows she is intensely intelligent and someone who can bring so much to his life. The question is, how much exactly. The story stays very focused on the relationship between these two and the development of feelings as they find a person who they can be themselves with, and who loves them for being exactly who they are.
“I only rape and rob virgins on Mondays and Wednesdays, you know,” Lavoie said dryly, leaning a hip against the massive desk. Now she knew he was laughing at her.
“I’m not a—“ she started to snap, only to bring herself up short, her face burning again with furious horror.
If you’re intrigued based on these few quotes that I’ve included here you really ought to pick this up, read, and truly enjoy it. There is nothing I love better than a bad guy who is super romantic, wonderful to his lady love, and makes me swoon.
If I had one wish it would be that the villain/drama component towards the end had been removed entirely. For me, it was a bit over the top and unnecessary as other elements such as the drunk and irresponsible brother already provided plenty conflict. I would have much preferred more pages with the strong, wonderful, unique, and utterly delightful couple.
I really did enjoy this story, and am so glad to see a book with such strong characters and a more unusual setup than the usual. I look forward to seeing what comes next from Kelly Bowen.
Grade: A-
You had me at “there is nothing I love better than a bad guy who is super romantic, wonderful to his lady love, and makes me swoon.”
Nowadays good historicals are so hard to find. Buying it now!