ARC Review: Sins of a Duke (Scandalous House of Calydon #3) by Stacy Reid

Title: Sins of a Duke (Scandalous House of Calydon #3)
Author: Stacy Reid
Source: NetGalley
Genre: Historical Romance - Victorian
Length: Novel
Release Date: March 9, 2015
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Rating - 3
Sexual - 3

All of the young ladies whispered about the Duke of Mondvale in hushed tones, their Irresistibly so. Since her reputation is already ruined in London society, why shouldn't she be impudent and dance with the scandalous “Lord of Sin”?
eyes following his tall, dark figure with barely disguised lust. For the newly-ostracized Lady Constance Thornton, he is magnetic and altogether desirable.

Little does she know of his plans.

The beautiful and innocent Lady Constance is no mere plaything for Lucan Wynwood. She will be his revenge. By ruining her, he will have his vengeance against her brother. Except that the Lady Constance is full of surprises...and now she could well be the ruin of him.

An interesting love to hate to love story.  Constance is an amazing character.  She is full of strength as the ton shuns her when the truth of her birth is somehow revealed.  But she holds her chin up and waits for it to blow over - but it doesn't.  Someone is fanning the flames and making her life miserable.  Her views of the ton and the friends she has made change drastically over the course of the story and I really enjoyed watching her develop the "modern woman" mind set.  I loved her reactions to everything along the way - she was very real to me.

Lucan on the other hand, is a bit of a scoundrel. He is instantly attracted to the beautiful lady, but he doesn't realize exactly who she is at first.  When he realizes it's the same lady he's set out to ruin he feels something he didn't expect - guilt.  But that doesn't stop him - and this is where I didn't really like him.  He just refused to let it all go a little too long.  I understand his hurt and his desire for revenge, but he just takes it too long and too far.

Watching it all unfold was a fun story.  As I said earlier, Constance really shone in this story and made it well worth reading.  I just wish Lucan had been redeemed a little bit earlier.

*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*

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More on Stacy Reid

Jasmyn's review of The Duke's Shotgun Wedding

Book Tour Double Review and Giveaway: The Duke's Shotgun Wedding by Stacy Reid and The Affair by Lily Maxton

Title: The Duke's Shotgun Wedding

Author: Stacy Reid
Source: Entangled - Scandalous
Genre: Historical Romance
Length: Novella
Release Date: April 14, 2014
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Rating - 5
Sexual - 3

Victorian Era England…

As far as rash decisions go, it was formidable. But Lady Jocelyn Rathbourne’s will remains strong. If the only way to save her family’s estate and reputation is by aiming a small pistol at the Duke of Calydon, then so be it. For Lady Jocelyn demands satisfaction—and she will have it at any cost. Even if it means demanding the hand of the intense and foreboding Duke himself...

But she’s made the first move against a very dangerous opponent...

For Sebastian Thornton is no stripling to be trifled with. The lady has played her hand. Now it’s his turn. For Sebastian is in need of a wife. And to find a wife with spirit and fire—even if she means to only marry for his money—would be a great prize indeed. And he intends to thoroughly take his pleasure with her... and demand his own satisfaction in return.

When lady Jocelyn stormed the house of a Duke with a derringer I know I was going to love her.  She is probably one of most "modern" historical romance leading ladies I've seen.  Not afraid to speak her mind and demand what she wants - she's sometimes surprised to find out she just may get it.  Sebastion, the Duke of Calydon, is fascinated with the angry and passionate woman holding a gun on him.  So different than the meek little flowers of the ton, he is instantly captivated.

What starts as a very strained and confrontational relationship quickly escalates into one with mutual respect, but with the Duke not willing to share the reasons for some of his decisions, it may just all fall apart around them both.  This was a great romance with a lot of fire and passion in both characters.  (But Jocelyn really made the book click for me).

*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*

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Author Bio:
I am an avid reader of novels with a deep passion for writing. I especially love romance and adore writing about people falling in love. I live a lot in the worlds I create and I actively speak to my characters (out loud). I have a warrior way “never give up on my dream.” When I am not writing, I spend a copious amount of time drooling over Rick Grimes from Walking Dead, watching Japanese anime and playing video games with my love– Dusean Nelson.

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Title: The Affair (Sisters of Scandal)
Author: Lily Maxton
Soure: Entangled - Scandalous
Genre: Historical Romance
Length: Novella
Release Date: April 14, 2014
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Rating - 3
Sexual - 3

She was his for one week only…

When a beautiful stranger ducks into his bookshop during a rainstorm, Cale Cameron, well-known rake, is instantly attracted to her. Elizabeth, Lady Thornhill, is restless and hungers for something she cannot name. Society would never accept a countess and a mere bookseller, so they agree to a one week affair to indulge their desire.

As their passion ignites and their connection grows, Elizabeth threatens the one thing Cale has protected above all else—his heart. Letting her go is the only solution…and the one thing he is not prepared to do.

Lady Thornhill is a widow from a loveless marraige.  She enjoys finally being free to be herself and do as she likes.  She has no intention of falling for the notorious rake, Cale Cameron, when she stumbles into his store one there is an obvious attraction.  While Elizabeth is determined to not fall prey to his wicked ways - she may end up in his arms anyways.  Cale has no interest in a lasting relationship, he's more of a love them and leave them type.  But Elizabeth has managed to wiggle her way into a part of him he thought was dead.

While this was a very cute read, the characters just didn't have the impact I've seen in other books.  The storyline is sweet - who can resist a love conquers all attitude?

*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*

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Author Bio:
Lily Maxton grew up in the Midwest, reading, writing, and daydreaming amidst cornfields. After graduating with a degree in English, she decided to put her natural inclinations to good use and embark on a career as a writer.

When she’s not working on a new story, she likes to tour old houses, add to her tea stash, and think of reasons to avoid housework.

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