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Victorian Soap Opera #1
La máscara del amor
Greyden Kane es uno de los seductores más famosos de Londres. Un accidente le obliga a instalarse en casa de su mejor amigo, cuya hija, Rose, se dedica a cuidarlo noche y día. Ambos se enamoran, pero la promesa que Grey le hace al padre de Rose en su lecho de muerte les impide estar juntos. Grey y Rose se encuentran en una fiesta organizada en el club Saint's Row. Sólo una mujer capta la atención de Grey. Oculto tras su máscara, pasa con ella una noche de pasión y ternura pensando que no lo ha reconocido. Por su parte, Rose no está dispuesta a sacrificar su felicidad y no descansará hasta seducir a Grey. Lo único que él tiene que hacer es decir que sí…
361 pages, Tapa flexible con solapas
First published January 1, 2009
28 people are currently reading
1574 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
August 14, 2019
$2.99 RN on Amazon Kindle 8/13/19
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
“All I want is a man who will hold me above everything else, including his horse, his fortune, and his pride.” -Rose
"Fortunately, any man worth his salt realized that women became more interesting and attractive as they got older" -Grey
OH-MY-GOSH!!!
This was AMAZZzz-Balzz! I sometimes feel like I’ve read ALL of the FANTASTIC HR books already, and then an oldie but a goodie sneaks up on ya and surprises the crap outta ya. 😁👍
⭐️ 5 STAR read ✅
⭐️ Masquerade ✅
⭐️ Scars R sexy ✅
⭐️ Forbidden Love ✅
⭐️ HR: Dukes.. Bring ‘em On! ✅
⭐️ Alpha Male ✅
⭐️ Banterific/Banterlicious ✅
⭐️ Beauty & The Beast trope ✅
⭐️ Hidden Identity ✅
⭐️ Opposites Attract ✅
⭐️ Jiminy Christmas that scene was HOT HOT HOT!!! ✅
⭐️ Perfectly Imperfect ✅
⭐️ Rakes & Rogues ✅
⭐️ Forced Wedding ✅
⭐️ Love Thy Childhood Sweetheart ✅
⭐️ h is gorgeous ✅
⭐️ H is handsome, dark, and damaged ✅
⭐️ That Ending!!! HEA ✅
It checks off a lot on my “love to read” list apparently 😅
All it needed was an Epilogue 😔 Every HEA romance book needs one!
If you're looking for a redeeming rake/rogue, check out Greyden Kane, Duke of Ryeton. He will make you want to smack him and then kiss the living daylights outta him.
“We all, in the course of our lives, are given gifts we know we cannot accept, Rose. You are that to me.”
And Rose... She was a sassy silver tongued h, and I loved it!
“Go out and enjoy all the Season has to offer, and find yourself a man who will realize he is the luckiest man alive to have won you.”
Hardening her expression, she cast one final glance at him over her shoulder. “Thank you, Your Grace. I believe I will do just that. Lord knows I won’t find him here.”
When Grey was being an a$$HAT she didn't blubber and cry, she served a smackdown and held her head up high.
And Grey F@CKs UP. He's perfectly imperfect so... what did ya expect? He says and does the wrong things, but eventually through the help of his beautiful wife he realizes and learns...
"If her opinion mattered so much, why didn’t he endeavor to do more to earn it?"
"It was good for a man to realize that he wasn’t the Almighty’s gift to womankind."
... how to take his thumb out of his arse 😂👍 and act like a gentleman/wonderful husband.
"This is what happened to innocent little girls who tried to dance with a big bad wolf."
THEY FALL IN LOVE AND LIVE HAPPILY EVER AFTER!!!
duh 😉
~*~*~* Review in Progress *~*~*~
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https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
“All I want is a man who will hold me above everything else, including his horse, his fortune, and his pride.” -Rose
"Fortunately, any man worth his salt realized that women became more interesting and attractive as they got older" -Grey
OH-MY-GOSH!!!
This was AMAZZzz-Balzz! I sometimes feel like I’ve read ALL of the FANTASTIC HR books already, and then an oldie but a goodie sneaks up on ya and surprises the crap outta ya. 😁👍
⭐️ 5 STAR read ✅
⭐️ Masquerade ✅
⭐️ Scars R sexy ✅
⭐️ Forbidden Love ✅
⭐️ HR: Dukes.. Bring ‘em On! ✅
⭐️ Alpha Male ✅
⭐️ Banterific/Banterlicious ✅
⭐️ Beauty & The Beast trope ✅
⭐️ Hidden Identity ✅
⭐️ Opposites Attract ✅
⭐️ Jiminy Christmas that scene was HOT HOT HOT!!! ✅
⭐️ Perfectly Imperfect ✅
⭐️ Rakes & Rogues ✅
⭐️ Forced Wedding ✅
⭐️ Love Thy Childhood Sweetheart ✅
⭐️ h is gorgeous ✅
⭐️ H is handsome, dark, and damaged ✅
⭐️ That Ending!!! HEA ✅
It checks off a lot on my “love to read” list apparently 😅
All it needed was an Epilogue 😔 Every HEA romance book needs one!
If you're looking for a redeeming rake/rogue, check out Greyden Kane, Duke of Ryeton. He will make you want to smack him and then kiss the living daylights outta him.
“We all, in the course of our lives, are given gifts we know we cannot accept, Rose. You are that to me.”
And Rose... She was a sassy silver tongued h, and I loved it!
“Go out and enjoy all the Season has to offer, and find yourself a man who will realize he is the luckiest man alive to have won you.”
Hardening her expression, she cast one final glance at him over her shoulder. “Thank you, Your Grace. I believe I will do just that. Lord knows I won’t find him here.”
When Grey was being an a$$HAT she didn't blubber and cry, she served a smackdown and held her head up high.
And Grey F@CKs UP. He's perfectly imperfect so... what did ya expect? He says and does the wrong things, but eventually through the help of his beautiful wife he realizes and learns...
"If her opinion mattered so much, why didn’t he endeavor to do more to earn it?"
"It was good for a man to realize that he wasn’t the Almighty’s gift to womankind."
... how to take his thumb out of his arse 😂👍 and act like a gentleman/wonderful husband.
"This is what happened to innocent little girls who tried to dance with a big bad wolf."
THEY FALL IN LOVE AND LIVE HAPPILY EVER AFTER!!!
duh 😉
~*~*~* Review in Progress *~*~*~
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May 1, 2017
*4.5 stars*
First book I've read by this author and I have to say I was really impressed with the story and the writing. What surprised me the most was the dark edge to it. Really liked that and really wasn't expecting it. What I liked was the fact that it wasn't over the top and 'crass' for the sake of being crass. I hate when authors have characters swearing off in every other line for no reason but the fact to show off that they are 'oh so bad' yet oh so charming. Here, completely different story. You have a hero who has a very sordid past, he was pretty much a 'villain' before a chain of events ended up changing him and his outlook on life. I have a thing for physically scarred/emotionally 'damaged' heroes especially ones who brood and pine over the heroine who they think is off limits to them and they will never deserve. Be still my heart. YUM. Greyden Kane is the epitome of a bad boy, a rake who's bedded and seduced almost half of the female population in England and didn't care one bit for the ramifications. Until one night he's brutally attacked by a gang of men avenging a woman who he wronged, leaving him with a nasty scar on the side of his face. That changes him completely leaving him with a cynical attitude and loathing society and banishing himself from London world all together. He never leaves his house and if he does he wears a mask to cover up his scar.
It was interesting seeing Grey struggle with past mistakes and trying to make things better for his family and the family he's responsible for. Rose Danvers and her mother are Greyden's responsibility after Rose's father dies. He saves them from ruin and looks after them while secretly longing for the much too young beautiful Rose. Grey is a very flawed character with a lot of emotional, personal insecurities and fears and I just fell for him really hard. And the intensity with everything he does from looking after his family, protecting his loved ones and 'lusting' (as he referred to it) after Rose so openly completely enthralled me. It was just overwhelming. I mean can I get some of that please? lol Grey tries very hard to be a better person and just keep to himself. His charge, Rose Danvers makes it very hard for him to keep to his promise of protective duty. He promised Rose's father to look after her and her mother and make sure she is married off and happy and oh yes..... to keep his hands off of her. The continuous attraction and hidden feelings between the two flares up whenever they see each other and when a secrete masked rendezvous between the two is revealed things get even more complicated and interesting. The angst and push/pull dance between Grey and Rose is very intense and emotional that I almost wish it was dragged out a *little* longer to see what would happen before they were compromised. Ha. They broke my heart with how much they wanted to be together but couldn't. I also really loved the family interaction and witty banters, especially between Grey and his brother Archer. Makes me really wish there was a book on him. :P
I would definitely read another book by Smith if the writing style used in this book is present in her other work. And can I say the love scene with the reading material was by far the sexiest, sensual and most INTENSE love scene I've read in a long time. Left me with my mouth hanging open and wanting to just re-read it again. Having a man be so emotionally open and vulnerable while making love to a woman is by far the sexiest thing to me. She really knows how to write steamy sensual love scenes. So good!
Great book.
First book I've read by this author and I have to say I was really impressed with the story and the writing. What surprised me the most was the dark edge to it. Really liked that and really wasn't expecting it. What I liked was the fact that it wasn't over the top and 'crass' for the sake of being crass. I hate when authors have characters swearing off in every other line for no reason but the fact to show off that they are 'oh so bad' yet oh so charming. Here, completely different story. You have a hero who has a very sordid past, he was pretty much a 'villain' before a chain of events ended up changing him and his outlook on life. I have a thing for physically scarred/emotionally 'damaged' heroes especially ones who brood and pine over the heroine who they think is off limits to them and they will never deserve. Be still my heart. YUM. Greyden Kane is the epitome of a bad boy, a rake who's bedded and seduced almost half of the female population in England and didn't care one bit for the ramifications. Until one night he's brutally attacked by a gang of men avenging a woman who he wronged, leaving him with a nasty scar on the side of his face. That changes him completely leaving him with a cynical attitude and loathing society and banishing himself from London world all together. He never leaves his house and if he does he wears a mask to cover up his scar.
It was interesting seeing Grey struggle with past mistakes and trying to make things better for his family and the family he's responsible for. Rose Danvers and her mother are Greyden's responsibility after Rose's father dies. He saves them from ruin and looks after them while secretly longing for the much too young beautiful Rose. Grey is a very flawed character with a lot of emotional, personal insecurities and fears and I just fell for him really hard. And the intensity with everything he does from looking after his family, protecting his loved ones and 'lusting' (as he referred to it) after Rose so openly completely enthralled me. It was just overwhelming. I mean can I get some of that please? lol Grey tries very hard to be a better person and just keep to himself. His charge, Rose Danvers makes it very hard for him to keep to his promise of protective duty. He promised Rose's father to look after her and her mother and make sure she is married off and happy and oh yes..... to keep his hands off of her. The continuous attraction and hidden feelings between the two flares up whenever they see each other and when a secrete masked rendezvous between the two is revealed things get even more complicated and interesting. The angst and push/pull dance between Grey and Rose is very intense and emotional that I almost wish it was dragged out a *little* longer to see what would happen before they were compromised. Ha. They broke my heart with how much they wanted to be together but couldn't. I also really loved the family interaction and witty banters, especially between Grey and his brother Archer. Makes me really wish there was a book on him. :P
I would definitely read another book by Smith if the writing style used in this book is present in her other work. And can I say the love scene with the reading material was by far the sexiest, sensual and most INTENSE love scene I've read in a long time. Left me with my mouth hanging open and wanting to just re-read it again. Having a man be so emotionally open and vulnerable while making love to a woman is by far the sexiest thing to me. She really knows how to write steamy sensual love scenes. So good!
Great book.
February 4, 2017
3,5 en realidad.
El empiece me ha tenido bastante enganchada porque creo que ha sido de los pocos que ha empezado con un ambiente completamente diferente al acostumbrado en este tipo de historias.
Si bien a medida que iba leyendo el comportamiento de los protagonistas, sobre todo de ella me ha confundido un poco y ha hecho que me fuera un poco más difícil engancharme, lo cierto es que trata bastante bien lo que a mi entender ha sido una crítica a la sociedad del siglo XIX.
El empiece me ha tenido bastante enganchada porque creo que ha sido de los pocos que ha empezado con un ambiente completamente diferente al acostumbrado en este tipo de historias.
Si bien a medida que iba leyendo el comportamiento de los protagonistas, sobre todo de ella me ha confundido un poco y ha hecho que me fuera un poco más difícil engancharme, lo cierto es que trata bastante bien lo que a mi entender ha sido una crítica a la sociedad del siglo XIX.
September 26, 2009
When Seducing a Duke takes place in London, 1877. Greyden Kane, Duke of Ryeton is a very rich and privileged man. He has lived a very debauched life where he has seduced both mothers and daughters alike, enjoyed taking the virginities of young innocent misses and has “frigged” more than his own share of widows. Then an event three years ago changed his life forever. One night while he was enjoying himself and had too much to drink, he was attacked and given a six-inch scar on his face. That attack changed Greyden forever. He turned his back on his friends and the London society who came to despise him. Because Grey’s beautiful face was ruined, he hid, literally behind a mask he know wears to hide his scar.
Grey still has wants and desires and for some reason he joins his younger, equally rakish brother Archer to Saint’s Row, a club that gives the appearance of propriety and good manners, but beneath it all many are able to act out their most scandalous desires. This night the Kane brothers enjoy a masked ball where many anonymous women are open to having a few hours in a secluded room with the men of their choosing. Grey doesn’t want just any woman. He lusts for Rose Danvers, a woman ten years his junior. Rose’s deceased father helped Grey in so many ways. And as Danvers lay dying, he made Grey promise that he wouldn’t touch Rose or ruin her. Grey makes that promise even though he yearns for Rose to the point where it hurts. As Grey is watching the orgy like events below him, he spots a masked lady in the distance who robs him of all breath. She reminds him so much like Rose. He will have one night with this mysterious lady. She welcomes his attentions and they engage in amazing sex in one of the special rooms.
The masked woman is Rose and she knows what she has done is beyond foolish. But she has always loved Grey and wants to belong to him, even with his past. She wonders if Grey really has no clue she was the masked woman he so wonderfully loved. Grey acts towards Rose with kindness as much as a brother would. Because he feels he owes the Danvers a world of gratitude, he will pay for Rose to go out into society so she can find herself a husband. This eats at Grey away inside, but since he can’t stand to attend balls and the parties where he would be ostracized, he stays at home hungering for Rose. He even goes back the Saint’s Row where he sees his mysterious lady again. And then he is able to put two and two together, especially one night when Rose, who has too much to drink tells Grey her feelings for him.
When Seducing the Duke is a luscious and sizzling historical with a hero who aches for his heroine. Grey has much to atone for because of his shocking past. He lives up to the Duke of Slut many times over. His redemption comes in the form of Rose who shows Grey that through love, that he has been forgiven. Grey’s guilt over the night he was scarred and the death of Rose’s father eats away at him. He battles the demons inside because he wants Rose so deeply. He lusts for her to the point he is ready to go mad but denies himself because of all the wrongs he has done to other women.
Rose is a bit of a saucy wench. She loves to read dirty magazines that no women of her station should know about. She enjoys her sexuality and wants Grey to enjoy it with her. The language these two share is very spicy, as well as the love scenes between them. Kathryn can sure write some hot love making!
I found the beginning of When Seducing a Duke to be reminiscent of a past Elizabeth Hoyt novel. Some may find it a bit unbelievable with Rose being plundered by Gray where he doesn’t know that it is she right away. Kathryn quickly nips that in the bud. The next step is watching these two try to decide what their future holds. It isn’t that hard to figure out but watching Grey try to stay away from Rose was great to because his eventual downfall, that will lead into Rose’s arms, will be all the more sweeter.
The relationship between Grey and Archer is wonderful. These are two brothers who would die for one another if there came a time. Archer is a rascal and I can’t wait for his own story. Kathryn gives you an idea who his heroine may be, but keeps you guessing. She puts some possibilities out there, but the fun in reading is trying to figure out who will be his luck lady.
Spicy, hot, steamy and passionate are only a few words that come to mind while reading When Seducing a Duke. Historical romance fans are not going to want to miss out on this one.
Grey still has wants and desires and for some reason he joins his younger, equally rakish brother Archer to Saint’s Row, a club that gives the appearance of propriety and good manners, but beneath it all many are able to act out their most scandalous desires. This night the Kane brothers enjoy a masked ball where many anonymous women are open to having a few hours in a secluded room with the men of their choosing. Grey doesn’t want just any woman. He lusts for Rose Danvers, a woman ten years his junior. Rose’s deceased father helped Grey in so many ways. And as Danvers lay dying, he made Grey promise that he wouldn’t touch Rose or ruin her. Grey makes that promise even though he yearns for Rose to the point where it hurts. As Grey is watching the orgy like events below him, he spots a masked lady in the distance who robs him of all breath. She reminds him so much like Rose. He will have one night with this mysterious lady. She welcomes his attentions and they engage in amazing sex in one of the special rooms.
The masked woman is Rose and she knows what she has done is beyond foolish. But she has always loved Grey and wants to belong to him, even with his past. She wonders if Grey really has no clue she was the masked woman he so wonderfully loved. Grey acts towards Rose with kindness as much as a brother would. Because he feels he owes the Danvers a world of gratitude, he will pay for Rose to go out into society so she can find herself a husband. This eats at Grey away inside, but since he can’t stand to attend balls and the parties where he would be ostracized, he stays at home hungering for Rose. He even goes back the Saint’s Row where he sees his mysterious lady again. And then he is able to put two and two together, especially one night when Rose, who has too much to drink tells Grey her feelings for him.
When Seducing the Duke is a luscious and sizzling historical with a hero who aches for his heroine. Grey has much to atone for because of his shocking past. He lives up to the Duke of Slut many times over. His redemption comes in the form of Rose who shows Grey that through love, that he has been forgiven. Grey’s guilt over the night he was scarred and the death of Rose’s father eats away at him. He battles the demons inside because he wants Rose so deeply. He lusts for her to the point he is ready to go mad but denies himself because of all the wrongs he has done to other women.
Rose is a bit of a saucy wench. She loves to read dirty magazines that no women of her station should know about. She enjoys her sexuality and wants Grey to enjoy it with her. The language these two share is very spicy, as well as the love scenes between them. Kathryn can sure write some hot love making!
I found the beginning of When Seducing a Duke to be reminiscent of a past Elizabeth Hoyt novel. Some may find it a bit unbelievable with Rose being plundered by Gray where he doesn’t know that it is she right away. Kathryn quickly nips that in the bud. The next step is watching these two try to decide what their future holds. It isn’t that hard to figure out but watching Grey try to stay away from Rose was great to because his eventual downfall, that will lead into Rose’s arms, will be all the more sweeter.
The relationship between Grey and Archer is wonderful. These are two brothers who would die for one another if there came a time. Archer is a rascal and I can’t wait for his own story. Kathryn gives you an idea who his heroine may be, but keeps you guessing. She puts some possibilities out there, but the fun in reading is trying to figure out who will be his luck lady.
Spicy, hot, steamy and passionate are only a few words that come to mind while reading When Seducing a Duke. Historical romance fans are not going to want to miss out on this one.
January 3, 2010
After her father's death, Rose Danvers and her mother are under the protection of Greyden Kane, the Duke of Ryeton. The Duke is scarred from a scorned lover slashing his face, and has become reclusive. He hates the society he used to be a part of and will only appear in public wearing a mask. Rose is one of the few people he allows to see his face. Rose has always loved and respected Grey for taking her mother and herself into his home when they had no where else to go. She has no idea that Grey loves her too, but has put her so high on a pedestal that he feels unworthy of her love and she has become untouchable.
I personally love a really sweet romance, and this book just wasn't sweet enough for me. It was quite the opposite, really. I was turned off by all the cursing and vulgar language.
In the beginning of the book, I thought I was really going to enjoy the story. I love a scarred hero and Grey practically worshipped the ground Rose walked on at the beginning. I thought this would be a hero that I would find irresistible. But as soon as he learned of Rose's feelings for him, his personality changed completely. He became grouchy and the book went downhill for me.
Another thing missing in this story for me was a sense of humor and a strong supporting cast. The Duke's brother, Archer, did provide some much needed comic relief, but the overall tone of the story was a bit too melancholy for me.
Kathryn Smith's writing is always great and I liked how there was no silly side story about stolen jewels or spies, the focus was on the romance.
Overall, the sad tone and overuse of vulgar language turned me off of this book. If Kathryn Smith wasn't one of my favorite authors, I might not have finished this one.
Reviewed for http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com/
I personally love a really sweet romance, and this book just wasn't sweet enough for me. It was quite the opposite, really. I was turned off by all the cursing and vulgar language.
In the beginning of the book, I thought I was really going to enjoy the story. I love a scarred hero and Grey practically worshipped the ground Rose walked on at the beginning. I thought this would be a hero that I would find irresistible. But as soon as he learned of Rose's feelings for him, his personality changed completely. He became grouchy and the book went downhill for me.
Another thing missing in this story for me was a sense of humor and a strong supporting cast. The Duke's brother, Archer, did provide some much needed comic relief, but the overall tone of the story was a bit too melancholy for me.
Kathryn Smith's writing is always great and I liked how there was no silly side story about stolen jewels or spies, the focus was on the romance.
Overall, the sad tone and overuse of vulgar language turned me off of this book. If Kathryn Smith wasn't one of my favorite authors, I might not have finished this one.
Reviewed for http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com/
May 29, 2023
Enjoyable read. Reclusive Duke is seduced by his friends daughter. At a masquerade party.
Though he has feelings for her, he promised his dead friend that he would stay away from her. The daughter has always loved the Duke. And is determined to make him hers.
Though he has feelings for her, he promised his dead friend that he would stay away from her. The daughter has always loved the Duke. And is determined to make him hers.
November 19, 2021
When Seducing A Duke was a first time read by Kathryn Smith, new author to this reader. I thought the story was very nice and enjoyable. I did love the characters but was at times questionable with the hero. It has the makings of what I love in HR's a building romance, some steamy intimacy and relationship to a HEA.
A 3.5 Star read for me (rounded 4 Stars).
A 3.5 Star read for me (rounded 4 Stars).
September 19, 2017
Много нетипичен исторически любовен роман, но ми хареса. Главната Роуз ме впечатли, отстояваше си позицията докрай, бори се за главния Грей и определено знаеше какво иска. За разлика от главната, Грей не ми хареса, един такъв страхлив, плах, нерешителен, заради някакъв си белег на бузата отбягваше да се появява по балове и забави, избягваше цялото общество. Не искаше да обрича Роуз на затворения живот, който водеше в следствие на този белег и нещата, които е правил в миналото, но пък много бързо реши да се ожени за нея, странен ми беше неговия образ. Но като цяло книжката е приятна и бързо се чете.
June 2, 2010
The reason for the 3 stars is that the hero completely did a 360 on me. In the beginning he worship the heroine. Then once she revealed her feelings in return he turned his back to her. He became annoying as he kept going on why they couldn't be together. Dude, you wanted her in the beginning. What changed? There were also other little things that needed to be tweaked for me to give this a higher rating.
January 30, 2018
"The most difficult choices are sometimes
the easiest to make when the time comes."
March 7, 2018
La verdad que no es el mejor libro de esta autora, principalmente por qué el principio no es nada del estilo de la época, y menos supuestamente el comportamiento de ella. No me ha parecido nada creíble, aunque tengo que decir que a mitad del libro mejora, sobre todo tiene un final que me ha gustado bastante. Me suelen gustar casi todos los libros de esta autora pero este no es uno ellos.
June 12, 2013
I agree with every negative comment on here, from the language being too contemporary for the time period down to the heroine being way too sexually forward. My first "peeve" about this book was in chapter 2 when they first had their sexual encounter and even though he recognize how "tight" she was and he even mentioned it...but not one time did he look at those sheets to see if she was a virgin...like how can you NOT know...just ridiculous writing...and HELLO...this book sounds extremely like the book "The Raven Prince" by Laura Lee Gurhke...which by the way...was much much much better. This is my first and LAST book I read from this author. If you have time to waste and need anything to read...then help yourself. My advice, keep it moving. It's better authors out there.
December 31, 2025
A pretty story about "Get Grey to go out of the house."
My first by this author, and I would definitely read her other books. There was a lot of pining, sensuality, emotional exchanges, and freedom!
Excerpts From When Seducing a Duke, Kathryn Smith
“He loved the sound of his name on her tongue, and hated that he loved it. She made him weak and stupid. One sweet glance from her and he was ready to drop to his knees.”
“It didn’t matter that Rose was better off with someone else. That didn’t mean he had to want to see it. He’d be pissed if she seemed happy and miserable if she wasn’t.”
My first by this author, and I would definitely read her other books. There was a lot of pining, sensuality, emotional exchanges, and freedom!
Excerpts From When Seducing a Duke, Kathryn Smith
“He loved the sound of his name on her tongue, and hated that he loved it. She made him weak and stupid. One sweet glance from her and he was ready to drop to his knees.”
“It didn’t matter that Rose was better off with someone else. That didn’t mean he had to want to see it. He’d be pissed if she seemed happy and miserable if she wasn’t.”
July 28, 2013
nov 1st, 2011.i already didn't like the book and i had gotten as far as page two.
i immediately wanted to slam it down.
at pg 35,i realized i really didn't like it.
here's the problems-
he went to a ball to find someone to sleep with that looked like Rose-the girl he loves.i'm not sure if that was supposed to make us feel better about the fact that he's betraying her in a way or not,but it didn't make me feel better at all.it's a little sick and twisted.
if you really loved Rose like you claim you do,you wouldnt sleep with anyone else.
'facing the "real" Rose would be so much easier now.' WTH is all i can say on that one.
'in his younger days,long before the incident that left him scarred and changed his life,he had been quite the rake, enjoying any and everything that was debauched,debased, and decadent.&he hadn't cared who knew of it either.amazing how a torn face and vicious beating could change a man's priorities'. obviously not,or you wouldn't be at the 'ol seductive ball where you don't go for dancing.
i hate when guys get with other people when they love someone else.then again,they are pigs.
she throws out the fact that he doesn't sleep with anyone unless they remind him of Rose,as if that somehow makes it better.how about you make it where he doesn't sleep with anyone.
whats up with authors writing about guys who sleep with anyone and everyone?
&when will we come across characters with morals and scruples and values?!?!
i'm starting to think it doesn't exist.
how would a virgin back in the 1800s know so much about seduction and sex? that seems a lil far fetched.
wouldn't he feel like he just betrayed rose when he sleeps with someone else?
it's all fine and dandy that the girl turned out to be Rose at the ball,but what if it hadn't? he would have sleeping with someone else which is the ultimate betrayal in my book.
i think the storyline is trashy & i don't like it when the girl manipulizes the guy and basically forces him to marry her.or the fact that the guy sleeps with other peoples wives.&their daughters. could you get any more low?
don't really know if im gunna continue with this crappy excuse of a book or not.
i have a feeling it'll be like torture&im sick of reading sucky books when i know i should slam them down.
i just regret that i payed for it.a whole dollar was wasted on this crap pile.
2nd review-I swore never to pick this book up again, and then june 25th came along, and I had nothing to read. So I picked it up again. ill tell you at the end whether I regret that decision or not.
How disgusting that there are parties you go to to hook up with people. And how would a gently bred girl even know about that?
&how amazingly disgusting is it that he gets with girls that look like rose. Is that supposed to be flattering? Cause its gross and kinda creepy.
&that’s great that the experience was amazing for him and he wants to see her again, but what if it hadn’t been rose?
&what does he mean, “now it would be easier to face rose.” How can you even look her in the eye after you betrayed her..probably countlessly.
“quite the rake, enjoying any and everything that was debauched, debased &decadent. &he hadn’t cared who knew of it either. Amazing how a torn face &vicious beating could change a man’s priorities.” You haven’t changed! You’re still sleeping around. Unless you think you classed it up by going to a ball to do so.
“an ass you can sink your teeth into.” That sounds incredibly modern.
What is spirit gum?!
“she would like to know that the degree of emotion she felt for him could be felt for another man as well.” Why didn’t you do that before you slept with him?!
she said she wasn’t going to meet him again. &I applauded her. Then she met up with him. I hate characters say one thing and do the opposite. Then we no longer trust their word.
‘“mine. That’s what I want to call you.” It wasn’t the 1st time he’d made such a declaration, but it was the 1st time he’d ever meant it.” what a huge compliment.
“lit up like a christmas candle.” Modernnn!
Why would you want the main character to run into one of his former lovers? and talk to her?
The only thing that kept me reading this was that I was curious about how he would find out. I didn’t think she’d tell him when she was drunk, though.
We can do w/o the crude cussing in here.
‘”that is such a f****** lie in itself.” Her eyes widened. She’d never heard him use such language before. it was almost as fearsome as it was erotic.’ Whats erotic about cussing?!
He did NOT know it was her at the ball. Why would he even say that? He gave us no indication that he truly knew it was her.
&him not being social is no reason they can’t marry. That’s stupid. He loves her. Has loved her for years. She finally tells him she feels the same way, so you’d think he’d jump on that, wouldn’t you? But no. he decides they cant be together because he doesn’t like social outings, and she does. People will pity her for marrying him or talk maliciously about her because of the scandal floating around him. 1st of all, she’s been through scandal. 2nd, who will pity her? People still think he’s handsome and talk to him. hes no outcast.
Society made you that way? how, exactly? Don’t blame anyone but yourself.
Yea, he said no to archer about the brown eyed girl, but he almost said yes. Which is disgusting. &why do characters always have brothers like this? I hate guys like that in books.
“he’d been nobler with her than any other women he’d ever known.” Why, because you stopped your little affair after two nights? Because you took her innocence and refuse to marry her? If that’s noble, than wth isn’t noble?
“frigging” seems modern.
And “arsehole from a hole in the ground.” Switch it up all you want, but it’s a modern expression.
“cockstand.” Where did this author get her vocabulary?
I hate how respectable women find nothing wrong with women of ill repute. Shes like “you had to respect someone like madam la rieux.
I thought archer was gunna help make his brother jealous with rose, but then he goes &tell his brother he would never start something with rose. Then promises rose he’ll help make grey jealous. How can you when you already assured your brother you wouldn’t touch rose?
“archer and trystan” seem like modern names.
“no woman had ever made him tremble with a kiss, let alone a kiss as half-arsed as that one was.” Boy, this guy is sweet.
You say the F word with no problem, and yet you say “when Hades freezes over.”
I get some women feeling scorned and jealous but to go so far as to drown themselves, rights between mother&daughter and attacking grey…that’s where it starts to get ridiculous.
They’re talking of him sleeping with a married women. Wtf.
“color him astonished.” Modern!
You only slept with married women whose husbands were cheating on them. talk about having morals.
Aiden was rumored to offer rose marriage. They’ve only been in each other’s company once. When they first met. Which lasted all of 2 mins.
I didn’t think this book would turn into the ones where the girl wants to marry him, seduces him and then they’re forced to marry. He proposes and then the girl says they don’t want him to marry them out of obligation. Correct me if im wrong, but rose wanted him to marry her after she seduced him. which meant it would have been without a declaration of love.
I thought Eve loved Bramford, but she doesn’t, just recognizes him as a good match. She finds out he was with two young women and her father at a house of ill repute and still plans to marry him. wth!
“rant &rave.”
“dint give a rats arse.”
Whats this-“he was going to disappoint her very badly one day. It was unavoidable.”
“it was nice, this companionship between them, this ease that marriage had created now that they no longer had to hide their regard &desire.” You’ve been married for a few hours.
What kind of gift is dirty magazines?
How come in books where the guy has loved the girl for years, it’s not sweet when they get together, and it turns trashy?
There are certain parts that are so distasteful to read, it jars you out of the story. “little clitty. Cunny.” Its dumb enough, but to say it out loud..well, that's when its really dumb.
I don't understand why authors want their characters to be found naked.i get the 'found in an incriminating situation' thing, but they didn't have to be naked.at least have the covers over them. I mean, that's his brother walking in the room, for goodness sakes.&two other guys.
also, the conversations him and his brother had were weird to have been between brothers.
Did they say “condom” back then?
Shes a lil too selfish. Spending his money, wanting a new gown. Not wanting to share him with a kid. I get that, but it just adds to her selfishness. &I don’t believe she wasn’t interested in his jewels.
“spleeny.” Wth is that?
“shaggable.” Oh, lord. What is this, the 70s?
“he had in the front parlor, and in the music room, the blue drawing room, and once in the pantry, but never in this room. “how sweet.
“rose’s rank was higher. That was enough to put a big grin on her face.” How unlikeable.
“he was a lovely man, but her heart belonged to pale blue eyes &sardonic lips capable of great tenderness.” Why did that need to be said? You’re married to grey. We know you don’t love that guy.
He’s been with lady branton? Its so hard to keep up with names in here.
“he might tell her husband about that time at drury lane when grey had fucked her in his private box during a staging of Othello. If memory served, the lady in question came like a banshee during desdemona’s death scene. Grey had to smother her screams with his hand, laughing as he did so.” That’s disgusting. Why would we ever wanna hear about the guy with someone else?
Why would you want ur main character to ever meet, hear of, talk to, or befriend one of his former mistresses?
Lady devane, at the time, was possibly the one beyond grey’s attack, and yet you have rose and her bond at a tea party? Why?! It doesn’t matter that she’s not guilty.
You mean to tell me, years of anger and bitterness just go down the drain &u decide to forget what happened to you? Yea, who else isn’t buying that one?
&how can you be 100% sure who did it? you suspect, but you don’t truly know.
“its good” is a modern expression.
She told eve grey deserved the attack and the scar but then a short while later, she tells grey he didn’t deserve the scar. Which is it?
I cant believe it’s the end of the book and she mentions her love could eventually fade for him &she could take a lover. Granted, she doesn’t wanna do it &feels sick by it, but who even wonders that? And especially at that point in the book?
I was surprised she said his conquests bothered her, because most girls don’t even mind it.
How did she know about those balls where you hook up with people? Or that he was going there?
Wasn’t her mo happy that she was dancing with Maxwell, and then in front of grey she said she’d have to keep an eye out or something like that.
We’re supposed to feel sorry for him because he has a scar, but I don’t feel sorry at all. It’s his own fault. He’s so not the scarred hero that warms your heart. He’s not likeable on any level. Hes all “rose would hate him” and all this crap, acting pitiful that she knows the truth. Im not feeling one ounce of sympathy for him.
“he didn’t understand why she closed her eyes. He thought it was because of him.”
Sometimes in here things are called flirting that aren’t that flirty to me. like his comment to her and her maid about making potions. She acted shocked that her maid giggled. He called them witches, not gorgeous women. And then of course he gets all serious and ties it back to his past, where he unconsciously charms women. We should be over that.
“hyenas after a baby chick.” Why would hyenas be after a baby chick? Why not a zebra or something?
Shes one of those girls, who, when the guy is talking, she’s like “I don’t wanna talk anymore.” Or “lets stop talking.” Shes also the girl who waits for the guy to tell her he loves her, and when he finally does, shes like “I know.” Like she wasn’t even happy to hear it. then she just changed the subject.
I loved the fact that he went to the masked ball without his mask. So sweet! Knew he would go, but not unmasked. Surprising &cute.
i get that the character read dirty magazines but even that can't account for how-okay ill just go ahead and say it-slutty she was. no virgin from back then would ever be that trashy. just because she read that didn't mean she had to be 100% okay with doing all that. she didn't seem shy in the least.and I just don't like characters like that.its like others books ive read where the guy has loved the girl for a while, and their relationship is so sweet, but when they get together it all goes to H in handbasket. he starts making trashy demands in the bedroom and the girl just goes right along with it. if you love her as you claim, why would you treat her like a whore?
ive never once come across another romance book where the guy has taken a young woman's v card. what's even likeable about him? that's just awful. its so bad that its never been done before that I've read.
I went up one star from the lst time I reviewed this book.it was okay in places, really bad in others.
The book ended off suddenly, though. I wanted there to be an epilogue. And I hated that in the last chapter, he had just started to get out. I wanted to hear more about him making progress.
I cant say this turned out to be a good book, because it wasn't. there were wayyyyy too many comments about his past. &I hated his reputation and his lack of morals. and the fact that ever guy in here was the same. but im kinda glad I gave it another chance, because there were some good parts to it.
i immediately wanted to slam it down.
at pg 35,i realized i really didn't like it.
here's the problems-
he went to a ball to find someone to sleep with that looked like Rose-the girl he loves.i'm not sure if that was supposed to make us feel better about the fact that he's betraying her in a way or not,but it didn't make me feel better at all.it's a little sick and twisted.
if you really loved Rose like you claim you do,you wouldnt sleep with anyone else.
'facing the "real" Rose would be so much easier now.' WTH is all i can say on that one.
'in his younger days,long before the incident that left him scarred and changed his life,he had been quite the rake, enjoying any and everything that was debauched,debased, and decadent.&he hadn't cared who knew of it either.amazing how a torn face and vicious beating could change a man's priorities'. obviously not,or you wouldn't be at the 'ol seductive ball where you don't go for dancing.
i hate when guys get with other people when they love someone else.then again,they are pigs.
she throws out the fact that he doesn't sleep with anyone unless they remind him of Rose,as if that somehow makes it better.how about you make it where he doesn't sleep with anyone.
whats up with authors writing about guys who sleep with anyone and everyone?
&when will we come across characters with morals and scruples and values?!?!
i'm starting to think it doesn't exist.
how would a virgin back in the 1800s know so much about seduction and sex? that seems a lil far fetched.
wouldn't he feel like he just betrayed rose when he sleeps with someone else?
it's all fine and dandy that the girl turned out to be Rose at the ball,but what if it hadn't? he would have sleeping with someone else which is the ultimate betrayal in my book.
i think the storyline is trashy & i don't like it when the girl manipulizes the guy and basically forces him to marry her.or the fact that the guy sleeps with other peoples wives.&their daughters. could you get any more low?
don't really know if im gunna continue with this crappy excuse of a book or not.
i have a feeling it'll be like torture&im sick of reading sucky books when i know i should slam them down.
i just regret that i payed for it.a whole dollar was wasted on this crap pile.
2nd review-I swore never to pick this book up again, and then june 25th came along, and I had nothing to read. So I picked it up again. ill tell you at the end whether I regret that decision or not.
How disgusting that there are parties you go to to hook up with people. And how would a gently bred girl even know about that?
&how amazingly disgusting is it that he gets with girls that look like rose. Is that supposed to be flattering? Cause its gross and kinda creepy.
&that’s great that the experience was amazing for him and he wants to see her again, but what if it hadn’t been rose?
&what does he mean, “now it would be easier to face rose.” How can you even look her in the eye after you betrayed her..probably countlessly.
“quite the rake, enjoying any and everything that was debauched, debased &decadent. &he hadn’t cared who knew of it either. Amazing how a torn face &vicious beating could change a man’s priorities.” You haven’t changed! You’re still sleeping around. Unless you think you classed it up by going to a ball to do so.
“an ass you can sink your teeth into.” That sounds incredibly modern.
What is spirit gum?!
“she would like to know that the degree of emotion she felt for him could be felt for another man as well.” Why didn’t you do that before you slept with him?!
she said she wasn’t going to meet him again. &I applauded her. Then she met up with him. I hate characters say one thing and do the opposite. Then we no longer trust their word.
‘“mine. That’s what I want to call you.” It wasn’t the 1st time he’d made such a declaration, but it was the 1st time he’d ever meant it.” what a huge compliment.
“lit up like a christmas candle.” Modernnn!
Why would you want the main character to run into one of his former lovers? and talk to her?
The only thing that kept me reading this was that I was curious about how he would find out. I didn’t think she’d tell him when she was drunk, though.
We can do w/o the crude cussing in here.
‘”that is such a f****** lie in itself.” Her eyes widened. She’d never heard him use such language before. it was almost as fearsome as it was erotic.’ Whats erotic about cussing?!
He did NOT know it was her at the ball. Why would he even say that? He gave us no indication that he truly knew it was her.
&him not being social is no reason they can’t marry. That’s stupid. He loves her. Has loved her for years. She finally tells him she feels the same way, so you’d think he’d jump on that, wouldn’t you? But no. he decides they cant be together because he doesn’t like social outings, and she does. People will pity her for marrying him or talk maliciously about her because of the scandal floating around him. 1st of all, she’s been through scandal. 2nd, who will pity her? People still think he’s handsome and talk to him. hes no outcast.
Society made you that way? how, exactly? Don’t blame anyone but yourself.
Yea, he said no to archer about the brown eyed girl, but he almost said yes. Which is disgusting. &why do characters always have brothers like this? I hate guys like that in books.
“he’d been nobler with her than any other women he’d ever known.” Why, because you stopped your little affair after two nights? Because you took her innocence and refuse to marry her? If that’s noble, than wth isn’t noble?
“frigging” seems modern.
And “arsehole from a hole in the ground.” Switch it up all you want, but it’s a modern expression.
“cockstand.” Where did this author get her vocabulary?
I hate how respectable women find nothing wrong with women of ill repute. Shes like “you had to respect someone like madam la rieux.
I thought archer was gunna help make his brother jealous with rose, but then he goes &tell his brother he would never start something with rose. Then promises rose he’ll help make grey jealous. How can you when you already assured your brother you wouldn’t touch rose?
“archer and trystan” seem like modern names.
“no woman had ever made him tremble with a kiss, let alone a kiss as half-arsed as that one was.” Boy, this guy is sweet.
You say the F word with no problem, and yet you say “when Hades freezes over.”
I get some women feeling scorned and jealous but to go so far as to drown themselves, rights between mother&daughter and attacking grey…that’s where it starts to get ridiculous.
They’re talking of him sleeping with a married women. Wtf.
“color him astonished.” Modern!
You only slept with married women whose husbands were cheating on them. talk about having morals.
Aiden was rumored to offer rose marriage. They’ve only been in each other’s company once. When they first met. Which lasted all of 2 mins.
I didn’t think this book would turn into the ones where the girl wants to marry him, seduces him and then they’re forced to marry. He proposes and then the girl says they don’t want him to marry them out of obligation. Correct me if im wrong, but rose wanted him to marry her after she seduced him. which meant it would have been without a declaration of love.
I thought Eve loved Bramford, but she doesn’t, just recognizes him as a good match. She finds out he was with two young women and her father at a house of ill repute and still plans to marry him. wth!
“rant &rave.”
“dint give a rats arse.”
Whats this-“he was going to disappoint her very badly one day. It was unavoidable.”
“it was nice, this companionship between them, this ease that marriage had created now that they no longer had to hide their regard &desire.” You’ve been married for a few hours.
What kind of gift is dirty magazines?
How come in books where the guy has loved the girl for years, it’s not sweet when they get together, and it turns trashy?
There are certain parts that are so distasteful to read, it jars you out of the story. “little clitty. Cunny.” Its dumb enough, but to say it out loud..well, that's when its really dumb.
I don't understand why authors want their characters to be found naked.i get the 'found in an incriminating situation' thing, but they didn't have to be naked.at least have the covers over them. I mean, that's his brother walking in the room, for goodness sakes.&two other guys.
also, the conversations him and his brother had were weird to have been between brothers.
Did they say “condom” back then?
Shes a lil too selfish. Spending his money, wanting a new gown. Not wanting to share him with a kid. I get that, but it just adds to her selfishness. &I don’t believe she wasn’t interested in his jewels.
“spleeny.” Wth is that?
“shaggable.” Oh, lord. What is this, the 70s?
“he had in the front parlor, and in the music room, the blue drawing room, and once in the pantry, but never in this room. “how sweet.
“rose’s rank was higher. That was enough to put a big grin on her face.” How unlikeable.
“he was a lovely man, but her heart belonged to pale blue eyes &sardonic lips capable of great tenderness.” Why did that need to be said? You’re married to grey. We know you don’t love that guy.
He’s been with lady branton? Its so hard to keep up with names in here.
“he might tell her husband about that time at drury lane when grey had fucked her in his private box during a staging of Othello. If memory served, the lady in question came like a banshee during desdemona’s death scene. Grey had to smother her screams with his hand, laughing as he did so.” That’s disgusting. Why would we ever wanna hear about the guy with someone else?
Why would you want ur main character to ever meet, hear of, talk to, or befriend one of his former mistresses?
Lady devane, at the time, was possibly the one beyond grey’s attack, and yet you have rose and her bond at a tea party? Why?! It doesn’t matter that she’s not guilty.
You mean to tell me, years of anger and bitterness just go down the drain &u decide to forget what happened to you? Yea, who else isn’t buying that one?
&how can you be 100% sure who did it? you suspect, but you don’t truly know.
“its good” is a modern expression.
She told eve grey deserved the attack and the scar but then a short while later, she tells grey he didn’t deserve the scar. Which is it?
I cant believe it’s the end of the book and she mentions her love could eventually fade for him &she could take a lover. Granted, she doesn’t wanna do it &feels sick by it, but who even wonders that? And especially at that point in the book?
I was surprised she said his conquests bothered her, because most girls don’t even mind it.
How did she know about those balls where you hook up with people? Or that he was going there?
Wasn’t her mo happy that she was dancing with Maxwell, and then in front of grey she said she’d have to keep an eye out or something like that.
We’re supposed to feel sorry for him because he has a scar, but I don’t feel sorry at all. It’s his own fault. He’s so not the scarred hero that warms your heart. He’s not likeable on any level. Hes all “rose would hate him” and all this crap, acting pitiful that she knows the truth. Im not feeling one ounce of sympathy for him.
“he didn’t understand why she closed her eyes. He thought it was because of him.”
Sometimes in here things are called flirting that aren’t that flirty to me. like his comment to her and her maid about making potions. She acted shocked that her maid giggled. He called them witches, not gorgeous women. And then of course he gets all serious and ties it back to his past, where he unconsciously charms women. We should be over that.
“hyenas after a baby chick.” Why would hyenas be after a baby chick? Why not a zebra or something?
Shes one of those girls, who, when the guy is talking, she’s like “I don’t wanna talk anymore.” Or “lets stop talking.” Shes also the girl who waits for the guy to tell her he loves her, and when he finally does, shes like “I know.” Like she wasn’t even happy to hear it. then she just changed the subject.
I loved the fact that he went to the masked ball without his mask. So sweet! Knew he would go, but not unmasked. Surprising &cute.
i get that the character read dirty magazines but even that can't account for how-okay ill just go ahead and say it-slutty she was. no virgin from back then would ever be that trashy. just because she read that didn't mean she had to be 100% okay with doing all that. she didn't seem shy in the least.and I just don't like characters like that.its like others books ive read where the guy has loved the girl for a while, and their relationship is so sweet, but when they get together it all goes to H in handbasket. he starts making trashy demands in the bedroom and the girl just goes right along with it. if you love her as you claim, why would you treat her like a whore?
ive never once come across another romance book where the guy has taken a young woman's v card. what's even likeable about him? that's just awful. its so bad that its never been done before that I've read.
I went up one star from the lst time I reviewed this book.it was okay in places, really bad in others.
The book ended off suddenly, though. I wanted there to be an epilogue. And I hated that in the last chapter, he had just started to get out. I wanted to hear more about him making progress.
I cant say this turned out to be a good book, because it wasn't. there were wayyyyy too many comments about his past. &I hated his reputation and his lack of morals. and the fact that ever guy in here was the same. but im kinda glad I gave it another chance, because there were some good parts to it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2011
Rose Danvers loves Greydon Kane; Greydon Kane loves Rose Danvers. And this we know at the beginning of the book. So what’s the problem?! For starters, neither one knows how the other one feels. And Rose’s father made each of them promise to have nothing to do with the other – an understandable action at the time, since Grey was living the life of an unrepentant libertine. Grey has since changed his lifestyle, but Rose’s father is not alive to see that, so Grey feels honor-bound to keep his promise. But it’s a promise that’s getting harder to keep, since Rose and her mother are living in his London home during the Season, which demonstrates another problem – Grey supports them because they were left destitute when Papa died, and he’s convinced that Rose’s feelings for him are based solely on gratitude – and Rose is convinced that even if she can get him to marry her, it would only be because he feels obligated to take care of her. So she does what any self-respecting, well-brought-up young lady would do; she goes to a less-than-respectable masquerade ball and seduces him!
After the first few chapters, I was skeptical that this story was really going anywhere – we have a spoiled, rash young lady who doesn’t even begin to grow up until a major disclosure well into the story, and a (formerly) unredeemable duke who enjoyed the decadent life he led and didn’t want to be redeemed. But ‘formerly’ was the key – we learn the reasons he turned his back on his former life and on society, and we watch the spoiled Rose grow up. Ms. Smith did a good job of steering us through all their trials and tribulations, but this still did not rise to a 4* for me. And because of two things, it dropped even lower to a mere 3*: I got so tired of coming across the overused word ‘arse’ – a talented author shouldn’t have to resort to that; and if I want erotica (I refer specifically to the readings from Voluptuous) I would buy something labeled ‘erotica’. I realize now that some readers will rush to get this based on my last statement, but that’s OK with me!
After the first few chapters, I was skeptical that this story was really going anywhere – we have a spoiled, rash young lady who doesn’t even begin to grow up until a major disclosure well into the story, and a (formerly) unredeemable duke who enjoyed the decadent life he led and didn’t want to be redeemed. But ‘formerly’ was the key – we learn the reasons he turned his back on his former life and on society, and we watch the spoiled Rose grow up. Ms. Smith did a good job of steering us through all their trials and tribulations, but this still did not rise to a 4* for me. And because of two things, it dropped even lower to a mere 3*: I got so tired of coming across the overused word ‘arse’ – a talented author shouldn’t have to resort to that; and if I want erotica (I refer specifically to the readings from Voluptuous) I would buy something labeled ‘erotica’. I realize now that some readers will rush to get this based on my last statement, but that’s OK with me!
October 5, 2009
I liked the story well enough especially the first half of the book, but it took a turn I really wasn't expecting. I wasn't prepared for what I thought was excessive language, especially the "F" word and sometimes coming from the heroine too. I thought it was too erotic as I don't remember her earlier Regency books(this was Victorian) being much more than I bargained for. I was really looking forward to the others in this new series, but if they are like this one, I will pass. Just my opinion.
November 30, 2014
A book that can take you from interest, to ecstasy, to boredom, back to holy-shock-wowness has some serious props going for it, in my not so humble opinion. Having never read Kathryn Smith before, I can definitely say I've been missing out.
When Seducing A Duke was probably one of the most dynamic books I've read in approximately sixteen billion years. Such reality isn't so difficult to pull off in a paranormal, or even contemporary romance, but in historical? Yeah, that's rare like a virgin whore.
Smith had my interest initially predominately because, within this novel, she utilized some of my favorite book tropes. Specifically, unrequited love. But, while tropes pick the books that are read, they don't determine book quality. Luckily, in this case, they so did, because this book wowed me extensively. From the first few chapters, I was immediately fascinated how Smith utilized not so atypical story points in a very atypical manner. This is especially poignant during the first developing story aspects in the beginning pages.
Aside from being unique in her structure of a story, Smith wowed me in a more subtle, yet very notable arena of her writing. While I adore romance novels, there are certain cliches I abhor. Specifically, the writing of men as being unlike males. Smith doesn't shy away from her male characters utilizing vulgarity (time appropriate) when among themselves, or during internal thought dialogues. A seemingly non-significant factor, perhaps, but its existence ties in seamlessly with the fact that Smith is very talented in creating realistic characters, both in their technical aspects as well as emotional.
When perusing my last status update pertaining to this novel, I noted, and recall, my sentiments being dissatisfied with the emotional on page writing of the hero, Grey. Such wasn't a lie, for as of page 252, it felt as though the story were collapsing in onto itself, along with his relateability. The plot was a bit dry by that point, the unrequited love of both Grey and Rose seeming a bit then-boring, and a tad pointless seeing as to where the story had developed. And then...magic.
Smith's ability to recreate a story mid-book had me in jaw-dropping awe. This author literally took one story line and bypassed it into another, with small tangible hints of such about-face peppered in the first half of her novel. While the plot had previously been at a 2-3-4 star teetering by that point, it eclipsed such by the impressive high-gear plot and character development. The story morphed from a simple romance tale to a commentary about life and love. About the decisions we make when we are young and dumb, about the realities of consequences, and the pressure we feel from those on the outside, looking in.
As noted before, Smith doesn't shy away from realities in her fiction, at least by this book's indication. Such was refreshing not just in the existence of male vulgarity, but in emotion itself. The heroine and hero are presented as sweetly perfect together, prior to marriage, though when the drama arrives on scene, real human emotion and response are put directly on page. Neither the hero nor heroine respond in Mr. and Mrs. Perfect ways, nor do they turn into Ass Hat #2 and 3, respectively. Walking the fine line of characters seeming realistic, though not negative, is an ability that few authors, I feel, harbor.
The characters, like the writing, became living, breathing entities. This was not done from page one, to final word, but rather as a developing journey. As their story evolved, so too did they. As their emotions and heartaches and experiences were related, so too did they feel and become more as people than as characters. This is impressive to say the least, talented to say the most. The evolution this story undergoes corresponds perfectly to such same as the characters, secondary as well as primary.
To say that I shall be continuing Kathryn Smith's novels is obvious. I merely count myself as being blessed to learn that When Seducing A Duke not only counts itself among a series, Victorian Soap Opera (apropos, no?), but finds itself as being book one. Add that to the fact Kathryn Smith apparently writes other romance genres, and perhaps it could be fair to say that I've found another favored author. Only time, and potential book quality, will tell.
Lastly, can I be the only one who found that Smith's decision to forgo the use of an epilogue was not only refreshing, but specifically as to this story, ideal?
When Seducing A Duke was probably one of the most dynamic books I've read in approximately sixteen billion years. Such reality isn't so difficult to pull off in a paranormal, or even contemporary romance, but in historical? Yeah, that's rare like a virgin whore.
Smith had my interest initially predominately because, within this novel, she utilized some of my favorite book tropes. Specifically, unrequited love. But, while tropes pick the books that are read, they don't determine book quality. Luckily, in this case, they so did, because this book wowed me extensively. From the first few chapters, I was immediately fascinated how Smith utilized not so atypical story points in a very atypical manner. This is especially poignant during the first developing story aspects in the beginning pages.
Aside from being unique in her structure of a story, Smith wowed me in a more subtle, yet very notable arena of her writing. While I adore romance novels, there are certain cliches I abhor. Specifically, the writing of men as being unlike males. Smith doesn't shy away from her male characters utilizing vulgarity (time appropriate) when among themselves, or during internal thought dialogues. A seemingly non-significant factor, perhaps, but its existence ties in seamlessly with the fact that Smith is very talented in creating realistic characters, both in their technical aspects as well as emotional.
When perusing my last status update pertaining to this novel, I noted, and recall, my sentiments being dissatisfied with the emotional on page writing of the hero, Grey. Such wasn't a lie, for as of page 252, it felt as though the story were collapsing in onto itself, along with his relateability. The plot was a bit dry by that point, the unrequited love of both Grey and Rose seeming a bit then-boring, and a tad pointless seeing as to where the story had developed. And then...magic.
Smith's ability to recreate a story mid-book had me in jaw-dropping awe. This author literally took one story line and bypassed it into another, with small tangible hints of such about-face peppered in the first half of her novel. While the plot had previously been at a 2-3-4 star teetering by that point, it eclipsed such by the impressive high-gear plot and character development. The story morphed from a simple romance tale to a commentary about life and love. About the decisions we make when we are young and dumb, about the realities of consequences, and the pressure we feel from those on the outside, looking in.
As noted before, Smith doesn't shy away from realities in her fiction, at least by this book's indication. Such was refreshing not just in the existence of male vulgarity, but in emotion itself. The heroine and hero are presented as sweetly perfect together, prior to marriage, though when the drama arrives on scene, real human emotion and response are put directly on page. Neither the hero nor heroine respond in Mr. and Mrs. Perfect ways, nor do they turn into Ass Hat #2 and 3, respectively. Walking the fine line of characters seeming realistic, though not negative, is an ability that few authors, I feel, harbor.
The characters, like the writing, became living, breathing entities. This was not done from page one, to final word, but rather as a developing journey. As their story evolved, so too did they. As their emotions and heartaches and experiences were related, so too did they feel and become more as people than as characters. This is impressive to say the least, talented to say the most. The evolution this story undergoes corresponds perfectly to such same as the characters, secondary as well as primary.
To say that I shall be continuing Kathryn Smith's novels is obvious. I merely count myself as being blessed to learn that When Seducing A Duke not only counts itself among a series, Victorian Soap Opera (apropos, no?), but finds itself as being book one. Add that to the fact Kathryn Smith apparently writes other romance genres, and perhaps it could be fair to say that I've found another favored author. Only time, and potential book quality, will tell.
Lastly, can I be the only one who found that Smith's decision to forgo the use of an epilogue was not only refreshing, but specifically as to this story, ideal?
August 28, 2012
Awesome book! Absolutely loved it. The hero is scarred due to some sort of revenge thing(I can't remember exactly). He has feelings for his ward but thinks he can't do anything about it. The only reason I gave it 3 stars instead of 4 or 5 is because(and it could be just me) the scene where the truth comes out I couldn't tell if the hero already knew it or didn't. His response kind of pointed towards yes, he knew. But yet, up to that point his actions and thoughts never hinted that he did. Or maybe I am an idiot and just didn't see the signs. Idk. Great book anyway
January 31, 2010
I liked this B&B story. I thought I would be turned off by the instant bed action in the beginning but it brought something to the story. And that and the others scenes like that were very steamy! I thought that it was a good representation of the recluse hero and the heroine who tried to break through that. This is a beginning of a series I think so I keep my eyes out for the others!
October 11, 2014
Very entertaining regency read. I like my heroes a bit damaged as it makes them more lovable, but this one was just a little too damaged for me, which is why I gave it four stars instead of five. The plot and pacing were just right.
May 25, 2025
One info clearly disgusted me was when he got accosted by a man who claimed that the MC had shagged both his wife and daughter in the past, yikess! I’m not one who likes a deception story of a hero sleeping with someone as a way to get the real person he loves, out of his system (when the person he has slept with is indeed the woman he loves) because this is just straight up ‘cheating’ and counts towards disloyalty. He is just a straight up a manwhore! Also, I can’t deal with his cussing and his language with Rose sometimes. He can be downright rude. But Kathryn’s writing is so good I just need to keep seeing this story through till the end.
July 4, 2020
Los libros de esta autora nunca decepcionan.
Me ha gustado la trama ya que los protagonistas están enamorados desde hace años,y la atracción y la tensión van en aumento a medida que avanza la historia.
En cuanto a la protagonista,he tenido un amor-odio con ella.Me ha gustado su carácter y lo decidida que era ella,pero en ocasiones llegaba a ser una malcriada y una caprichosa. Esto y las historias inconclusas de los personajes secundarios ha hecho que no la de las 5 estrellas.
Por los demás,si quieres tener una lectura amena,fácil y divertida,te lo recomiendo.
Me ha gustado la trama ya que los protagonistas están enamorados desde hace años,y la atracción y la tensión van en aumento a medida que avanza la historia.
En cuanto a la protagonista,he tenido un amor-odio con ella.Me ha gustado su carácter y lo decidida que era ella,pero en ocasiones llegaba a ser una malcriada y una caprichosa. Esto y las historias inconclusas de los personajes secundarios ha hecho que no la de las 5 estrellas.
Por los demás,si quieres tener una lectura amena,fácil y divertida,te lo recomiendo.
March 13, 2024
O livro começou muito bem, com um romance envolto em sensualidade, a mocinha é apaixonada pelo mocinho recluso e durão, e para ter uma chance com ele ela se obriga a disfarçar em um bordel para ter um encontro com ele, e o início do livro é ótimo e queria que esse enredo permanecesse por mais tempo, pois logo acaba e a trama se desenrola de um jeito que não me agradou muito, ficou maçante e repetitivo eles sempre baterem na mesma tecla da reclusão do mocinho, da mocinha se resignar com ele não indo aos bailes...o começo e a premissa foram excelentes, mas o desenvolvimento decepcionante...
July 2, 2017
I found the two central characters not very likeable. Grey den is a man who hasn't changed. Rose is still spoilt. So the first part of the book is a bit of a long drawn affair. But it certainly improved after the two were forced to marry. The character I liked the best was Lady Devane would love to know her story.
January 21, 2018
In love!!!!!!!!!
What a story! Wonderful author, now my new fave! This story was so awesome, i couldnt put it down. If u love a sensual, passionate, sexy romance, this is it. Now the duke is a hurt soul but his love for Rose is so deep. I dont understand any of the negative reviews, if u love a good ward story, this is it. So is Lord of Ice, this is a close one!
What a story! Wonderful author, now my new fave! This story was so awesome, i couldnt put it down. If u love a sensual, passionate, sexy romance, this is it. Now the duke is a hurt soul but his love for Rose is so deep. I dont understand any of the negative reviews, if u love a good ward story, this is it. So is Lord of Ice, this is a close one!
May 27, 2020
DNF @77%
I’ve read good books and I’ve read bad books and somehow the books I hate the most are the ones that are so boring that I physically cannot finish them! and this book was so boring I couldn’t get into to the story or get attached to the characters, even the smut wasn’t so good!!
definitely do not recommend reading.
I’ve read good books and I’ve read bad books and somehow the books I hate the most are the ones that are so boring that I physically cannot finish them! and this book was so boring I couldn’t get into to the story or get attached to the characters, even the smut wasn’t so good!!
definitely do not recommend reading.
May 8, 2023
DID NOT FINISH
This book was very disappointing. The heroine is supposed to be a virginal debutante and yet her behavior was really bold and quite b*tchy. It just wasn’t good. I found both characters wooden and annoying. Don’t bother with this one. Sadly, I have no interest in reading this author again. Boooo
This book was very disappointing. The heroine is supposed to be a virginal debutante and yet her behavior was really bold and quite b*tchy. It just wasn’t good. I found both characters wooden and annoying. Don’t bother with this one. Sadly, I have no interest in reading this author again. Boooo
December 1, 2023
Good but i felt it dragged on in the end and i had to force myself to read the last 100 pages. Halfway through, i was more interested in other character's stories and was bummed to learn there are no sequels about them. I wanted more of Archer and the widow and Eve and Mr. Gregory (more explanation about her "mystery man").
June 7, 2018
No conocía a la autora, pero me gusto la forma de presentar a los personajes, los hace mas humanos, porque normalmente en este tipo de novelas se presentan poco menos que super héroes.
Entretenida novela.
Entretenida novela.
August 1, 2017
A bit silly at first but it was a nice break from reality. Overall well written and captivating.
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