The Devilish Duke by Maddison Michaels – a Review
Amazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository
Description:
Devlin Markham, the notorious “Devil Duke” of Huntington, needs a woman. And not just any woman. If he can’t woo one of the most eccentric bluestockings of the Ton within the month, he can kiss his hard-earned fortune good-bye. But he’s always thought love a wasted emotion and marriage an inconvenience at best. And oddly enough, Lady Sophie Wolcott seems unmoved by his charm…
When Sophie learns her beloved orphanage is in imminent danger, she will do anything to save it. Even marry a ruthless rake who takes what he wants in business and pleasure. A man who’s everything she’s always feared most—but whom she reluctantly begins yearning for.
Then Sophie becomes the target of a killer lurking from the dark shadows of Devlin’s past. And they find not only their lives in jeopardy but their very hearts.
Review:
The Devilish Duke begins with Lady Sophie spying on a man with whom she’s been in love with for a very long time, only to see him to propose to another. Heartbroken, her mind is whirling, but that’s not the most painful part. That would be her falling out of the tree she had climbed to spy……….right in front of the Duke of Huntington himself, Devlin Markham. Of course, Sophie knows the Duke, and his reputation, and is mortified. Fortunately for her, Devlin is very discreet and aids her, even though the two trade barbs with each other. Such as life…….
A year later, Devlin finds himself in a bit of a situation. The Queen will not approve his proposed project until he has settled down and put his rakish reputation behind him. Having always been able to talk himself in, or out, of any situation, he knows the Queen has him cornered. The thought of falling in love and marriage is laughable for him, but he knows he has to do as the Queen directs. Fortunately for him, he thinks that Lady Sophie might be just what the Queen ordered.
Sophie has come to the conclusion that she will never marry, much to her aunt’s dismay. That doesn’t stop her aunt from trying to play matchmaker. Once her aunt discovers that the Duke of Huntington has declared his interest in pursuing Sophie, she is more than pleased. Sophie is trying her best not to succumb to the Duke’s charm, but when she finds out that her beloved orphanage where she tirelessly volunteers is in danger of being closed, she knows her hands are tied. And, she would do anything to help save it, even if it means marrying someone whom she knows can shatter her heart.
The Devilish Duke is a wonderfully written story. Sophie is a great character. She is spunky, independent and very intelligent. Devlin is great as well, even though he tries to convince everyone that he’s not. He is very smart and very loyal to those he deems his. The two of these characters together, as they navigate their histories and try to overcome them, have chemistry that leaps off of the page. The secondary characters are well written as well. The intrigue of this story grabs you pretty quickly and keeps you turning the pages. For me, anytime that I read a story and I can “see” the scenes as I read them, is one of the highest compliments I can give an author. Maddison Michaels, with this story, is one of those authors. This is the first I’ve read by her, but it certainly won’t be the last. Well done, Maddison Michaels! Very, very well done!
Reviewed by Vickie
Copy provided by Publisher
