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Never Tempt a Duke
He could not forgive her deception. She could not resist the desire they shared. When a scandal forces them to marry, their passions lead to dangerous secrets.
Deverell regarded his beautiful bride dispassionately. He had begun to think--hope--he could find in her what he'd never had before.
That had disintegrated into ashes when she tricked him into marriage.
Now, the wedding breakfast done, the revelry just beginning, she gave him a nervous glance from where she stood near the arbor. He returned her gaze, took note of the wreath of baby's breath and pink roses atop her head, the Belgian lace train cascading from her shoulders and draping loosely over her bare arms before falling to the hem of her gown, and felt nothing. She was beautiful; fairy-like; virginal. Deceitful.
A changeling, he told himself. She'd undergone so many transformations since he'd first met her that he wasn't certain who she really was. Except that now she was his wife.
Deverell excused himself from Craven and strode to his bride; saw her instant wariness as he approached. The past fortnight had not endeared him to her, no doubt. Fitting enough, he supposed, since her actions had not endeared her to him either.
"So, my lovely bride," he drawled, taking one of her hands and drawing her away from her companions, "I trust all has gone according to your wishes."
Apart from the others, she tried to pull her hand free but he held it firmly. She flicked a glance at him from beneath her lashes, a maiden's trick that had never worked on him. He'd had ample time to study the female strategy. Yet he had still been conquered by treachery. A galling admission of defeat.
"If it had gone according to my wishes, your grace," she retorted, "I would be quite far from here, I assure you."
"Somehow, I doubt that, my sweet," he said softly. He lifted her gloved hand to his lips as if to press a loving kiss to her palm and murmured, "I think you've had things your way far too long."
Deverell regarded his beautiful bride dispassionately. He had begun to think--hope--he could find in her what he'd never had before.
That had disintegrated into ashes when she tricked him into marriage.
Now, the wedding breakfast done, the revelry just beginning, she gave him a nervous glance from where she stood near the arbor. He returned her gaze, took note of the wreath of baby's breath and pink roses atop her head, the Belgian lace train cascading from her shoulders and draping loosely over her bare arms before falling to the hem of her gown, and felt nothing. She was beautiful; fairy-like; virginal. Deceitful.
A changeling, he told himself. She'd undergone so many transformations since he'd first met her that he wasn't certain who she really was. Except that now she was his wife.
Deverell excused himself from Craven and strode to his bride; saw her instant wariness as he approached. The past fortnight had not endeared him to her, no doubt. Fitting enough, he supposed, since her actions had not endeared her to him either.
"So, my lovely bride," he drawled, taking one of her hands and drawing her away from her companions, "I trust all has gone according to your wishes."
Apart from the others, she tried to pull her hand free but he held it firmly. She flicked a glance at him from beneath her lashes, a maiden's trick that had never worked on him. He'd had ample time to study the female strategy. Yet he had still been conquered by treachery. A galling admission of defeat.
"If it had gone according to my wishes, your grace," she retorted, "I would be quite far from here, I assure you."
"Somehow, I doubt that, my sweet," he said softly. He lifted her gloved hand to his lips as if to press a loving kiss to her palm and murmured, "I think you've had things your way far too long."
520 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1992
11 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
About the author
Virginia Brown
103 books107 followersSince writing her first romance novel in 1984, Virginia Brown has written nearly 50 romance novels. Many of her books have been nominated for Romantic Times' Reviewer's Choice, Career Achievement Award for Love and Laughter, and Career Achievement Award for Adventure. Her works regularly appear on national bestseller lists. Having written under several different names about historical eras such as the old West, Regency-era, and the American Civil War, she now writes under a new pseudonym, Juliana Garnett, to focus upon the medieval era.
A native of Tennessee, Virginia spent her childhood traveling with her parents as a "military brat,” living all over the US and in Japan. This influenced her love of travel and adventure, which is reflected in her work.
Twice a year, Virginia visits England to research her novels, and includes Scotland in her travels. She feels this adds a new dimension to her work, and enables her to more authentically impart the true flavor of the geographical and historical sites.
In addition to appearing on the nationally syndicated television program What's Hot, What's Not, Virginia Brown has been interviewed by Jane Pauley on the Today Show, and regularly appears on local television and radio shows in addition to coverage by the press. She also experienced a first for a romance writer by appearing on the cover of Memphis, the magazine.
Virginia is the mother of four grown children, and now enjoys her menagerie of dogs that includes a fat beagle, two part-chows, a hound and five cats. As the grandmother of three lovely children, one of her greatest pleasures these days is visiting with Justin, Christina, and Gaby.
A native of Tennessee, Virginia spent her childhood traveling with her parents as a "military brat,” living all over the US and in Japan. This influenced her love of travel and adventure, which is reflected in her work.
Twice a year, Virginia visits England to research her novels, and includes Scotland in her travels. She feels this adds a new dimension to her work, and enables her to more authentically impart the true flavor of the geographical and historical sites.
In addition to appearing on the nationally syndicated television program What's Hot, What's Not, Virginia Brown has been interviewed by Jane Pauley on the Today Show, and regularly appears on local television and radio shows in addition to coverage by the press. She also experienced a first for a romance writer by appearing on the cover of Memphis, the magazine.
Virginia is the mother of four grown children, and now enjoys her menagerie of dogs that includes a fat beagle, two part-chows, a hound and five cats. As the grandmother of three lovely children, one of her greatest pleasures these days is visiting with Justin, Christina, and Gaby.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 15, 2023
Rereading: 10/15/23
ReRead: 6/20/20
***** original review *******
I loved this story. The h is so brave. Pretending to be her brother, then becoming a young lady in society. The H is an egotistical alpha male. He has numerous affairs in the beginning and doesn't treat the h very nicely. She has a crush on him, but he treats her like an unwanted obligation. When both are tricked by the grandmother, they are forced to marry. Here is when the book starts to get good. As a husband, the H develops feelings for the h. I love watching their love grow. The villains and side characters were great. This is a favorite read of mine.
ReRead: 6/20/20
***** original review *******
I loved this story. The h is so brave. Pretending to be her brother, then becoming a young lady in society. The H is an egotistical alpha male. He has numerous affairs in the beginning and doesn't treat the h very nicely. She has a crush on him, but he treats her like an unwanted obligation. When both are tricked by the grandmother, they are forced to marry. Here is when the book starts to get good. As a husband, the H develops feelings for the h. I love watching their love grow. The villains and side characters were great. This is a favorite read of mine.
May 27, 2014
Dear Virginia Brown, Someone has done you a tremendous disservice. The blurb of your book is a travesty. It is, in fact, no blurb at all. It's a tiny snippet of the book, pulled from the middle, which gives a completely warped impression of what the story is actually about. Maybe you do not have control over this. Maybe I should say shame on you to Bell Bridge Books, but it's very disconcerting to readers to open a book, expecting one story --and getting another.
Let me give you the blurb that should have been:
I was a bit worried when the book began and Alyssa was 17. I'm not a fan overly young heroines, but I was relieved that the romance didn't begin until she was 21 years-old. I liked her. She has pluck. And she fights the good fight... first against a future she doesn't want, and later for a life with the man she loves. I was on the fence with Deverell as a hero. I didn't swoon, because he was too closed off for that. He was also kind of a jerk at times. But he had a code of honor and he was honest with Alyssa and the other people in his life. And he was sexy.
I had some issues, however. First of all, the book was overly drawn out. I felt like it could have ended about 2/3 of the way in. The last third did have some character growth for the hero, but for me it did not justify the entire "danger" plot constructed to get us there. I think that with some good editing and streamlining, this would have been a much better book. As it was, it felt like it was meandering along without a clear focus. The pacing was inconsistent too.
That brings me to my next problem. Time jumps. At one point we jumped three years. Another, 10 months. I felt like I missed things. More so in the second jump, where months of their shaky marriage happened off page. I felt like there were holes too. Like with Alyssa's twin particularly. His return felt inorganic to the story after his long absence. And I hated --hated-- the explanation of Deverell's part in the climax. Who would do that? What??? #fail
It wasn't all bad. I did enjoy parts of the story, especially in the first two thirds. Like I said, I think some judicious editing and the deletion of the plot point at the end would have gone a long way to making a better book.
And fix the damn blurb.
Rating: C/ C-
*ARC provided for review
Let me give you the blurb that should have been:
Born and raised in America, Alyssa has no idea that her father was actually heir to an earldom in England until he died and her twin brother was tapped to take over the title. Faced with the horrifying prospect of a convent, she dons the disguise of a man and takes her brother's place in England while he follows his dreams on the high seas. Her new guardian, the Duke of Deverell, is a hard man, determined to instill the same qualities in his effeminate young charge. But there is something about the teenager that's not quite right.
Alyssa falls for the harsh duke despite herself. Long after her ruse is uncovered and her youth is left behind, her feelings remain. And when circumstances beyond either of their control force them together, she finally gets her chance to know the man who has so kept himself at a distance. But can he ever truly let her see him? Or will grief from his past force him to hide behind the haughty exterior he crafted to keep his heart safe from being broken again?
I was a bit worried when the book began and Alyssa was 17. I'm not a fan overly young heroines, but I was relieved that the romance didn't begin until she was 21 years-old. I liked her. She has pluck. And she fights the good fight... first against a future she doesn't want, and later for a life with the man she loves. I was on the fence with Deverell as a hero. I didn't swoon, because he was too closed off for that. He was also kind of a jerk at times. But he had a code of honor and he was honest with Alyssa and the other people in his life. And he was sexy.
I had some issues, however. First of all, the book was overly drawn out. I felt like it could have ended about 2/3 of the way in. The last third did have some character growth for the hero, but for me it did not justify the entire "danger" plot constructed to get us there. I think that with some good editing and streamlining, this would have been a much better book. As it was, it felt like it was meandering along without a clear focus. The pacing was inconsistent too.
That brings me to my next problem. Time jumps. At one point we jumped three years. Another, 10 months. I felt like I missed things. More so in the second jump, where months of their shaky marriage happened off page. I felt like there were holes too. Like with Alyssa's twin particularly. His return felt inorganic to the story after his long absence. And I hated --hated-- the explanation of Deverell's part in the climax. Who would do that? What??? #fail
It wasn't all bad. I did enjoy parts of the story, especially in the first two thirds. Like I said, I think some judicious editing and the deletion of the plot point at the end would have gone a long way to making a better book.
And fix the damn blurb.
Rating: C/ C-
*ARC provided for review
April 24, 2014
Wow. That was quite a roller-coaster ride!
First and foremost, I have to say that the description of this book is just awful. It’s just one line with a short excerpt from the middle of the book. It doesn’t really give you a sense of what the book is about. But, I was in the mood for a historical so I thought I would give it a try.
This book was full of twists and turns. Starting out with the death of their parents, Nick and Alyssa were told that their father inherited a title before his death and it had now been passed on to Nick. The plans for Alyssa were less desirable. And seeing as Nick didn’t want the title and lands in England, he went off on a grand (ish) adventure while Alyssa pretended to be Nick and took his place in England, in their guardian’s home. I have to say that this part was hilarious. All her foibles while trying to be her brother kept me in stitches. I was also biting my nails wondering when her charade would be found out.
The relationship between the Duke (Blake) and Alyssa could be quite vexing at times. I actually enjoyed the dancing around each other parts. When she was first presented to society and later when she turned 21. I just wish there had been more of that. Show how Blake’s view of her changed, show him being jealous of the attention other guys paid her when they courted her. The way the wedding went down…had me biting my nails. Poor Alyssa was blamed by Blake when she had nothing to do with the events. She was just as much of a pawn. But I was extremely glad to see that he didn’t really take his anger out on her…especially in the bedroom.
I found the time jumps to be somewhat disconcerting. There was a jump from Alyssa’s 18th birthday to just before her 21’s birthday. Then, there was another time jump when she found out she was pregnant to the time of the birth. During the first jump is when I would have liked to see more of how Blake’s view of Alyssa changed. And I wouldn’t have minded seeing more of her betrothed during that time. As for the second time jump…I would have liked to see Alyssa and Blake bond over the pregnancy. But we missed all that.
And speaking of missing things, I really disliked the absence of Alyssa’s twin brother Nick. In the beginning it made sense. His absence was how she ended up in England. But I loved the relationship they had once he finally showed up in England and he was missing for a good 90% of the book. And for siblings that were so close, it just felt wrong. Especially with how the wedding happened between Blake and Alyssa. I just couldn’t see Nick abandoning her after that. Yet that’s exactly what he did.
Even with my issues, I couldn’t put this down. It held my interest from page one.
*I received a copy from the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
First and foremost, I have to say that the description of this book is just awful. It’s just one line with a short excerpt from the middle of the book. It doesn’t really give you a sense of what the book is about. But, I was in the mood for a historical so I thought I would give it a try.
This book was full of twists and turns. Starting out with the death of their parents, Nick and Alyssa were told that their father inherited a title before his death and it had now been passed on to Nick. The plans for Alyssa were less desirable. And seeing as Nick didn’t want the title and lands in England, he went off on a grand (ish) adventure while Alyssa pretended to be Nick and took his place in England, in their guardian’s home. I have to say that this part was hilarious. All her foibles while trying to be her brother kept me in stitches. I was also biting my nails wondering when her charade would be found out.
The relationship between the Duke (Blake) and Alyssa could be quite vexing at times. I actually enjoyed the dancing around each other parts. When she was first presented to society and later when she turned 21. I just wish there had been more of that. Show how Blake’s view of her changed, show him being jealous of the attention other guys paid her when they courted her. The way the wedding went down…had me biting my nails. Poor Alyssa was blamed by Blake when she had nothing to do with the events. She was just as much of a pawn. But I was extremely glad to see that he didn’t really take his anger out on her…especially in the bedroom.
I found the time jumps to be somewhat disconcerting. There was a jump from Alyssa’s 18th birthday to just before her 21’s birthday. Then, there was another time jump when she found out she was pregnant to the time of the birth. During the first jump is when I would have liked to see more of how Blake’s view of Alyssa changed. And I wouldn’t have minded seeing more of her betrothed during that time. As for the second time jump…I would have liked to see Alyssa and Blake bond over the pregnancy. But we missed all that.
And speaking of missing things, I really disliked the absence of Alyssa’s twin brother Nick. In the beginning it made sense. His absence was how she ended up in England. But I loved the relationship they had once he finally showed up in England and he was missing for a good 90% of the book. And for siblings that were so close, it just felt wrong. Especially with how the wedding happened between Blake and Alyssa. I just couldn’t see Nick abandoning her after that. Yet that’s exactly what he did.
Even with my issues, I couldn’t put this down. It held my interest from page one.
*I received a copy from the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
December 20, 2022
Enjoyed it ☺️ good banter! Only downside is that it was a bit too long
January 19, 2025
3.5 stars for this oldie.
January 4, 2023
Excellent romance novel, which was under a different title when I read it
April 20, 2014
Very good book, long story that spans about five years, but very enjoyable. Alyssa's twin brother Nicky has just inherited an earldom from their father, they live in America and had no idea that their father was the son of an English Earl. Alyssa travels across the ocean masquerading as Nicky to meet their guardian Deverell. The part where Alyssa pretends to be a boy is funny and makes for great reading. The circumstances of her unmasking are hilarious.
Alyssa, as a girl, is finally brought out into society and has always mooned over her guardian Deverell. They were a very enjoyable couple to read about, they were pushed into marrying and Deverell was not at all happy about it. Alyssa is so different from other women of his acquaintance he can't help but be attracted to her. I really liked reading their story and the love scenes were pretty juicy. The middle dragged a little, too much description of society and every day life.
This was really good and I look forward to reading more by this author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Alyssa, as a girl, is finally brought out into society and has always mooned over her guardian Deverell. They were a very enjoyable couple to read about, they were pushed into marrying and Deverell was not at all happy about it. Alyssa is so different from other women of his acquaintance he can't help but be attracted to her. I really liked reading their story and the love scenes were pretty juicy. The middle dragged a little, too much description of society and every day life.
This was really good and I look forward to reading more by this author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 27, 2016
As I read this delightful Historical Romance, I was impressed by the level of historical detail that surrounded the main story. Notable events, people and political intrigue at the time were included in the conversations and the plot which made this book much more interesting. The American heroine, Alyssa, and her twin brother have just discovered that their deceased father was heir to an earldom and they are now left under the guidance of the Duke of Deverell. Both chafe under this directive and concoct an interesting plan to get freedom from the life planned for them. As Alyssa meets the Duke and begins to fall for him, things get more complicated and the romance that ensues is difficult and full of misunderstandings. Deverell is not always likable but it seemed to fit his station and as his life changed for the better, so does his treatment of others. At times the book drags, especially as the misunderstanding begin to pile up but I liked the characters and the well-written historical details. I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 11, 2014
I received this from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Oh man, I so wanted to rate this book higher but I just could not do it. I absolutely loved the first part of this book it had me laughing so hard at one point I was crying. It was just awesome. Then it just went down hill. The book was way too drawn out. It could have been finished a lot faster and the story would have flowed better. It was just too long. Then I hated the ending. Small spoiler alert-- I did not like that the Duke did not tell her of his plans. That was just stupid on his part. I did not like that at all. Other than those issues it was a solid story.
April 22, 2014
Disclaimer: I received this book from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
A great story full of humor, heartache, triumph and love. When Alyssa Trenton finds herself pretending to be her brother, Nicholas, the Earl of Eastland, she never dreams of falling for the Duke of Deverell. As the Duke tries to shape Alyssa into a picturesque Earl, Deverell is shocked to discover her secret. Alyssa and Deverell face many obstacles as they begin to discover and act on their feelings. When a scandal befalls upon Alyssa, the Duke must make an honest woman of her and marry her. Will their marriage be one of convenience or love?
A great story full of humor, heartache, triumph and love. When Alyssa Trenton finds herself pretending to be her brother, Nicholas, the Earl of Eastland, she never dreams of falling for the Duke of Deverell. As the Duke tries to shape Alyssa into a picturesque Earl, Deverell is shocked to discover her secret. Alyssa and Deverell face many obstacles as they begin to discover and act on their feelings. When a scandal befalls upon Alyssa, the Duke must make an honest woman of her and marry her. Will their marriage be one of convenience or love?
April 29, 2014
A historical romance of a young girl being forced into a world far from home and all alone. As she struggles to hide her identity for her own protection, things spiral out of control. When the duke discovers her deceitful secret, he is livid and amused at the same time. As years pass by and Alyssa reaches her majority, the duke is once again caught in a tangled web spun by the beautiful, charming Alyssa. Can he learn to forgive her and put the past behind him, or will he let his own jaded emotions cause him to continually mistrust Alyssa? A beautiful story full of secrets, humor, suspense and love.
February 16, 2016
The first half of the book was actually good but then it turned into this hot mess, and all I could think about was how much I dislike these characters. The hero was an alphahole and the heroine deserved him. Sometimes I felt sorry for her because of how badly he treated her, but then there were moments when she provoked him while knowing how bad his temper is. I also totally lost respect for the hero after some of his comments about the twins. Overall, I was disappointed in Hidden Touch and I would not recommend it.
May 8, 2014
This is the type of book that angers me the most! One where the publishers attempt to pass it off as a new book. Believe it or not, in the 20+ years since this book was written, writing styles have changed. It wasn't a classic, got to keep it on the shelf so I can re-read it when I first read it in 1992!
Please read my full review at my blog: http://letague.blogspot.com/2014/05/n...
Please read my full review at my blog: http://letague.blogspot.com/2014/05/n...
May 12, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's characters were wonderful and it covered a lot of years for a book. It had a great love story and a mystery that was unexpected. All in all a great read.
May 12, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. It was a great read and it covered a lot of ground. The characters were wonderful and in the end love wins. My idea of a great read.
January 13, 2016
I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/13805362
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/13805362
historical
January 14, 2019He could not forgive her deception. She could not resist the desire they shared. When a scandal forces them to marry, their passions lead to dangerous secrets.
Deverell regarded his beautiful bride dispassionately. He had begun to think--hope--he could find in her what he'd never had before.
That had disintegrated into ashes when she tricked him into marriage.
Now, the wedding breakfast done, the revelry just beginning, she gave him a nervous glance from where she stood near the arbor. He returned her gaze, took note of the wreath of baby's breath and pink roses atop her head, the Belgian lace train cascading from her shoulders and draping loosely over her bare arms before falling to the hem of her gown, and felt nothing. She was beautiful; fairy-like; virginal. Deceitful.
A changeling, he told himself. She'd undergone so many transformations since he'd first met her that he wasn't certain who she really was. Except that now she was his wife.
Deverell excused himself from Craven and strode to his bride; saw her instant wariness as he approached. The past fortnight had not endeared him to her, no doubt. Fitting enough, he supposed, since her actions had not endeared her to him either.
"So, my lovely bride," he drawled, taking one of her hands and drawing her away from her companions, "I trust all has gone according to your wishes."
Apart from the others, she tried to pull her hand free but he held it firmly. She flicked a glance at him from beneath her lashes, a maiden's trick that had never worked on him. He'd had ample time to study the female strategy. Yet he had still been conquered by treachery. A galling admission of defeat.
"If it had gone according to my wishes, your grace," she retorted, "I would be quite far from here, I assure you."
"Somehow, I doubt that, my sweet," he said softly. He lifted her gloved hand to his lips as if to press a loving kiss to her palm and murmured, "I think you've had things your way far too long."
Deverell regarded his beautiful bride dispassionately. He had begun to think--hope--he could find in her what he'd never had before.
That had disintegrated into ashes when she tricked him into marriage.
Now, the wedding breakfast done, the revelry just beginning, she gave him a nervous glance from where she stood near the arbor. He returned her gaze, took note of the wreath of baby's breath and pink roses atop her head, the Belgian lace train cascading from her shoulders and draping loosely over her bare arms before falling to the hem of her gown, and felt nothing. She was beautiful; fairy-like; virginal. Deceitful.
A changeling, he told himself. She'd undergone so many transformations since he'd first met her that he wasn't certain who she really was. Except that now she was his wife.
Deverell excused himself from Craven and strode to his bride; saw her instant wariness as he approached. The past fortnight had not endeared him to her, no doubt. Fitting enough, he supposed, since her actions had not endeared her to him either.
"So, my lovely bride," he drawled, taking one of her hands and drawing her away from her companions, "I trust all has gone according to your wishes."
Apart from the others, she tried to pull her hand free but he held it firmly. She flicked a glance at him from beneath her lashes, a maiden's trick that had never worked on him. He'd had ample time to study the female strategy. Yet he had still been conquered by treachery. A galling admission of defeat.
"If it had gone according to my wishes, your grace," she retorted, "I would be quite far from here, I assure you."
"Somehow, I doubt that, my sweet," he said softly. He lifted her gloved hand to his lips as if to press a loving kiss to her palm and murmured, "I think you've had things your way far too long."
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews