Series: Marrying the Duke #1
Published by Avon on November 24th 2015
Genres: Adult Historical Romance
Pages: 384
Format: Paperback
Source: Publisher
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I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
In New York Times bestselling author Cathy Maxwell's glittering new series, wedding bells are ringing… until the return of a rake throws a bride's plans—and heart—into a tailspin...
Every debutante aspires to snag a duke. Elin Morris just happens to have had one reserved since birth. But postponements of her marriage to London's most powerful peer give Elin time to wonder how she will marry Gavin Baynton when she cannot forget his brother, Benedict.
Already exasperated at being yanked from the military to meet "family obligations," now Ben must suffer watching his arrogant sibling squire the only woman he has ever loved. Joining the army saved Ben from sinking into bitterness, but seeing Elin again takes him back to the day they surrendered to their intoxicating desire.
As the wedding draws near, Elin tries to push Ben far from her thoughts. When danger brings them together, there is no denying their feelings. But can Elin choose love over duty?
Elin Morris has been promised Gavin Baynton, but she has a secret she has been keeping. When Elin was around sixteen years of age, she had fallen in love with Gavin’s brother Benedict, who took her innocents and left the next morning without as much of a word. Now Gavin is hosting a ball to announce their engagement, and Benedict shows up on his doorsteps no thanks to Gavin who took away his military status. Elin is thrown, she has not seen Ben in so long his presence is a shocker. Midst the confusing feelings, her mother passes away and Elin is given a much needed break to mourn and set out her feelings. But danger looms, someone wants Elin dead, and Ben is the one she runs into the arms of.
I enjoyed this book a lot. Ben and Elin was an amazing, fun and heartwarming duo. I loved their interaction, I loved their heartbreaking story of why they were forced apart and of course I loved seeing how they were going to overcome the fact that she was promised to marry his brother.
The romance in this was sweet and exciting.
Ben is awesome, a little rough around the edges, a little cynical from having everything ripped from his life. But he is also protective and wears his emotions on his sleeve.
I loved the little bit of danger that was added into the book, which made the plot line flow quick and more fun. The fact that a lot of the book also took place in them trying to survive the men paid to hurt Elin was also refreshing. I really loved that this one was a really quick read.
The only thing I found odd was that Ben kind of flip flopped with his feelings. He said he was doing this due to lust, but then he realizes that he loves her, and then no soon after he says he always loved her. When at the beginning he was talking all about lust.
Tracy Terry
Wow, not in my wildest of dreams would I have thought that looking at the cover here was a book that warranted a warning about its content. It just goes to show.
Glad you enjoyed The Match of the Century. For myself whilst I do like the sound of the characters I’m not convinced that this is one for me.
Crystal, Tasty Book Tours
Great review! Thank you for hosting!
Heidi
I think Ben’s feelings are a little troubling, but glad that it didn’t completely ruin the read for you.
Heidi recently posted…Tell Me Something Tuesday #128: To Continue A Series Or Not…..
Renee (Lover of Romance)
oh this sounds like a great read. I loved the first novella of the series, so I am really looking forward to this one. Great review hun.
blodeuedd
I have not read this author yet, maybe one day
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LilyElement
Ben sounds like a flip flopper lol Glad you still enjoyed 😀
LilyElement recently posted…Review: Curran POV Collection
kindlemom1
Even with the flip flopping this sounds like it was a fun read!
kindlemom1 recently posted…Review: Twelve Sharp by Janet Evanovich
Carla @ Lipstick & Mocha
I remember seeing this somewhere and thinking the name of the book was oh so cheesy hahaha. I didn’t know what it was about though, it sounds nice! I’d like to know why Ben left her like that though…
Carla @ Lipstick & Mocha recently posted…The Lady Who Lived Again by Thomasine Rappold
Joy // Joyousreads
But…but..why did he leave her after taking away her innocence? Tsk, tsk, Ben.
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Sophia Rose
Love the second chance stories. Haven’t tried this author yet. Nice review, Lily.
Sophia Rose recently posted…Finding Christmas by Jeannie Moon #Review #HolidayDelight
melliane
It sounds like another nice historical romance book there. I’ll keep it in mind.
A Voracious Reader
This sounds interesting even though I hate flip floppers. lol
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Naomi Hop
I wounder if it’s because he’s like a real man and doesn’t know how to handle his feelings?? 😉
Sounds like a good read and I’m glad you liked Ben and Elin!
Naomi Hop recently posted…Play With Me by Anna Katmore ~ Review & Swoon Thursday
Kim @ BookSwoon
This sounds sweet and fun - and it’s a series starter which I love. Glad you enjoyed it, Lily:)
Kim @ BookSwoon recently posted…Waiting On Wednesday: The Star-touched Queen by Roshani Chokshi
Lexxie @ (un)Conventional Bookviews
Maybe Ben had trouble separating love and lust in his mind? Hehe, it still sounds like both he and Elin were solid characters, though, Lily.
Anissa
I haven’t heard of this title before, looks interesting! Thanks for sharing, Lily!
kimbacaffeinate
I love second chance reviews This series is new to me, so thank you for sharing!
kimbacaffeinate recently posted…Just Say Yes by Elizabeth Hayley
Lola
This one sounds interesting with how she’s promised to one brother, but loves to other and it even sounds like there’s a bit of suspense with how someone wants her death.
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Grace MyBookSnack
Oh, I love the sounds of this one! I met Cathy before, but I haven’t read any of her books yet. Maybe I should start with this one. Sweet review!
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