Never Have I Ever with a Duke by Darcy Burke-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 27, 2019

Meet the smart, independent women who’ve decided they don’t need Society’s rules, their families’ expectations, or, most importantly, a husband. But just because they don’t need a man doesn’t mean they might not want one…

Graham Kinsley is shocked when he inherits a debt-ridden dukedom, and now he has just one month to repay a loan. He needs an heiress—or find a way to recoup the former duke’s losses. When he meets the alluring Arabella, he’s entranced. Unfortunately, she’s as bankrupt as he is, but if they work together they may be able to recover their fortunes. Though if they keep stealing kisses, they may lose their hearts instead.

Arabella Stoke can’t afford an attraction to the penniless duke who has vowed to help rescue her family from financial devastation. She needs to find a wealthy husband before her father succumbs to the stress of losing everything. However, as Graham brings them closer to finding the swindler who stole their money, the war between what they want and what they need may ruin them both.

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REVIEW:This is the new series by author Darcy Burke. She has dubbed it The Spitfire Society. In the time period of this series, the women of English society were expected to marry well and not necessarily for love. A couple of women (Phoebe Lennox and Jane Pemberton) who have inherited a great deal of money and have not either chosen to marry or have not found anyone worthy of them, have formed the Spitfire Society. Spinsters who choose not to marry and enjoy a life of independence. They’re wonderful and supportive of their friends but enjoy their independence. They also support the choices of those who choose to marry.

This is the story of Arabella Stoke and Graham Kinsley, Duke of Halstead. It begins in London, March 1819.

Arabella’s father has been swindled and they are destitute. He’s become bedridden and she and her mother have done their best to keep society from finding out they’re bankrupt. It’s imperative that Arabella marry well and quickly. She’s resigned to this, but it is not what she wants. Marrying for wealth is not an easy thing to do in this society.

Graham has recently inherited his Dukedom. The past duke left him a mountain of debts and two huge properties, mortgaged to the hilt. Both families were swindled by the same villain. Each is hiding the fact they are without funds. Graham may survive the issues but marrying a wealthy woman would certainly end his financial problems and he now feels a need to provide an heir.

Many of the characters from “The Wicked Dukes” are featured as well. Graham was David, Earl of St. Ives secretary for years before inheriting his title and the debt he has chosen not to disclose to his friends. Arabella was betrothed to David as well, but the two did not know each other, the marriage was arranged by their fathers while they were children. David fell in love and married another after his father died (if you’ve read The Wicked Dukes series this will be familiar to you, but it’s explained in this book as well). So, Arabella and Graham are in the same circles, but have never met.

Darcy Burke has a real winner to begin this new series. I love the familiarity from the characters and the new situations she’s invented. The characters are totally relatable and endearing. Each character has his/her own unique personality and it’s a real joy to see them interact. The storyline is well written and interesting. The obstacles are realistic, for the times. The conversations are interesting and well done, the romance is sometimes provocative and when appropriate really hot.

Buckle-up Buttercup and grab a copy of this marvelous new series. It’s interesting, romantic, and a lot of fun!

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Georgianna S.