Dukes Do It Better

My Review: This book was utter perfection.The gorgeous, tattooed, pirate gave her one night of excitement when the world seemed too heavy and she wanted the comfort of someone else’s arms around her. A reminder that she existed outside of her role as responsible single mom. A reminder that she was still a woman underneath the mask of duty and sacrifice. Emma’s story rang so true. When you are a single parent, as I once was, any time you seek pleasure for yourself or a brief respite from the thousand and one things you have to worry about on a daily basis, there’s a morning of recriminations and guilt. Reconciling the need to keep yourself intact, present a brave face to the world no matter what, and be a fortress against the night for your child, is a challenge all moms face, whether we are single or not. Bethany’s newest book gloriously captures this struggle, and gives us a heroine we can empathize with, cheer for and fight for. This is a second chance romance after a one-night-stand neither of them can forget. A one night stand that fueled hundreds of turbulent, torrid fantasies. A one night stand that was a warm halcyon blanket and bulwark against long, cold, lonely nights.Emma can’t afford the distraction of the newly minted, gorgeous, tattooed duke who was a devil may care sea captain that left her replete with satisfaction the last time she indulged her fascination.Malachi hasn’t stopped thinking about her. She has the power to bring him to his knees, both literally and figuratively. He’s been dreaming and pining since their magnificent night together. He wants to muss her and unravel her and show her that he can give her what she needs. That he can cherish and ravish, protect and please. That he can be a father to her son. That her past doesn’t matter because if it hadn’t happened the way it did, they wouldn’t have this chance. My Favorite QuotesEvery promise, every hope, every touch, bound them together in the antithesis of a no-strings affair. And it was glorious. “Speaking from experience,” she said, squeezing Adelaide’s hand, “there’s nothing better than knowing you’re loved for who you truly are. We all have some version of a social mask. But the people in our inner circle get to see behind the mask. If you want to let him closer, you’ll need to give him a peek.”

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