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Dangerous Dukes #3
Darian Hunter: Duke of Desire
The Players:
Darian Hunter, Duke of Wolfingham: legendary rake and notorious bachelor
Mariah Beecham, Countess of Carlisle: society's scandalous widow and secret agent of the crown
The Stage:
A notoriously debauched house party
The Scene:
Forced to pose as lovers, Darian and Mariah must work together to stop an assassination plot
The Twist:
As the shocking and oh-so-sensual games play out around them, the romantic ruse becomes all too real. And the tantalizing temptation to indulge their every desire becomes overwhelming…
Darian Hunter, Duke of Wolfingham: legendary rake and notorious bachelor
Mariah Beecham, Countess of Carlisle: society's scandalous widow and secret agent of the crown
The Stage:
A notoriously debauched house party
The Scene:
Forced to pose as lovers, Darian and Mariah must work together to stop an assassination plot
The Twist:
As the shocking and oh-so-sensual games play out around them, the romantic ruse becomes all too real. And the tantalizing temptation to indulge their every desire becomes overwhelming…
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 1, 2014
About the author
Carole Mortimer
1,301 books911 followersI have written almost 250 romance novels in contemporary and Regency.
I am a USA Today Bestselling Author and recipient of the 2015 RWA Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2014 I received a Pioneer of Romance Award from Romantic Times in the US and in 2012 I was recognised by Queen Elizabeth II for my 'outstanding service to literature'.
I am very happily married to Peter with six sons, and live on the Isle of Man
I am a USA Today Bestselling Author and recipient of the 2015 RWA Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2014 I received a Pioneer of Romance Award from Romantic Times in the US and in 2012 I was recognised by Queen Elizabeth II for my 'outstanding service to literature'.
I am very happily married to Peter with six sons, and live on the Isle of Man
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 22, 2024
Questo romanzo è uscito in più edizioni, anche con il titolo differente di “IL SEGRETO DI MISS BEA“.
L’aspetto più carino di questa serie della Mortimer, dedicata ai duchi pericolosi o audaci, è che i protagonisti sono tutti ben dotati di vanagloria e altezzosità, e tutti si trovano invariabilmente presi in contropiede (quasi a pezze in faccia) da gentildonne più toste di loro, ben leste a rimetterli al loro posto.
Nel complesso, più che i duchi, a essere pericolose (e vincenti) sono le fanciulle, come la giovane vedova Mariah (detta anche Bea) che si rigira Harian Hunter, Duca di Wolfingham, a proprio piacere, nonostante lui sia convinto di averla in pugno.
L’aspetto più carino di questa serie della Mortimer, dedicata ai duchi pericolosi o audaci, è che i protagonisti sono tutti ben dotati di vanagloria e altezzosità, e tutti si trovano invariabilmente presi in contropiede (quasi a pezze in faccia) da gentildonne più toste di loro, ben leste a rimetterli al loro posto.
Nel complesso, più che i duchi, a essere pericolose (e vincenti) sono le fanciulle, come la giovane vedova Mariah (detta anche Bea) che si rigira Harian Hunter, Duca di Wolfingham, a proprio piacere, nonostante lui sia convinto di averla in pugno.
July 30, 2017
Darian Hunter: Duke of Desire is the third book in the Dangerous Dukes series by by Carole Mortimer. Although it's part of a series it can easily be read as a stand alone book.
Darian Hunter, the Duke of Wolfingham is not pleased at all to learn that his younger brother, who he is guardian to for another 3 months before he comes of age, seems besotted with a woman much older than him. A widow with a scandalous reputation, and one absolutely unsuitable for his brother. After trying to warn him off the woman with no success, Darian decides he has to find the woman and warn her off instead.
The woman in question is Mariah Beecham, the Countess of Carlisle. She suffered a terrible marriage, and rather than let it beat her down, she has come out of it as a fiercely independent woman, one whose persona is purely a ruse, a way to get information from certain gentleman and then pass it on to the Crown who she secretly works for.
When Mariah and Darian meet the sparks fly, and not just the ones of anger between them when Mariah refuses to agree to leave Darian's brother alone. Darian can certainly understand what his brother finds attractive about Mariah, but all the same, he still must keep the woman from him.
So, that is how our couple meet, little knowing that very soon they would end up working together for the Crown. Neither knew of the other being a spy, and they are shocked to find out that they are expected to go to a house party known for it's debauchery, in order to find and arrest a man out to assassinate the Prince who was to be in attendance too. Their cover is that they are at the party as lovers, one that is all to easy to pretend, especially as secretly it is both what they want to be.
What follows is steamy and passionate with relation to the couple's 'act', in a setting that is as expected, over the top crassness. All the while they have to keep their wits about them in order to discover the would be assassin. Will they be able to concentrate on the job at hand when their passion and ardour seems to be at the forefront more often than not? Will they get their man, and afterwards, will they have a future, or will they both continue believing that the other is only play acting.
This isn't my favourite of the series so far, I think perhaps there was a little too much focus on the sexual side of the story, which may I add does not include graphic description of going 'all the way'. As the author made the story one which included a mystery to be solved, an assassin to be stopped, more focus could have been paid to that. That's just my opinion though. As agents of the Crown I expected them to put their work first, and not just the supposed play acting for their cover. I did enjoy the story, but needed it to be a little more realistic.
I voluntarily reviewed and advanced readers' copy of this book.
Darian Hunter, the Duke of Wolfingham is not pleased at all to learn that his younger brother, who he is guardian to for another 3 months before he comes of age, seems besotted with a woman much older than him. A widow with a scandalous reputation, and one absolutely unsuitable for his brother. After trying to warn him off the woman with no success, Darian decides he has to find the woman and warn her off instead.
The woman in question is Mariah Beecham, the Countess of Carlisle. She suffered a terrible marriage, and rather than let it beat her down, she has come out of it as a fiercely independent woman, one whose persona is purely a ruse, a way to get information from certain gentleman and then pass it on to the Crown who she secretly works for.
When Mariah and Darian meet the sparks fly, and not just the ones of anger between them when Mariah refuses to agree to leave Darian's brother alone. Darian can certainly understand what his brother finds attractive about Mariah, but all the same, he still must keep the woman from him.
So, that is how our couple meet, little knowing that very soon they would end up working together for the Crown. Neither knew of the other being a spy, and they are shocked to find out that they are expected to go to a house party known for it's debauchery, in order to find and arrest a man out to assassinate the Prince who was to be in attendance too. Their cover is that they are at the party as lovers, one that is all to easy to pretend, especially as secretly it is both what they want to be.
What follows is steamy and passionate with relation to the couple's 'act', in a setting that is as expected, over the top crassness. All the while they have to keep their wits about them in order to discover the would be assassin. Will they be able to concentrate on the job at hand when their passion and ardour seems to be at the forefront more often than not? Will they get their man, and afterwards, will they have a future, or will they both continue believing that the other is only play acting.
This isn't my favourite of the series so far, I think perhaps there was a little too much focus on the sexual side of the story, which may I add does not include graphic description of going 'all the way'. As the author made the story one which included a mystery to be solved, an assassin to be stopped, more focus could have been paid to that. That's just my opinion though. As agents of the Crown I expected them to put their work first, and not just the supposed play acting for their cover. I did enjoy the story, but needed it to be a little more realistic.
I voluntarily reviewed and advanced readers' copy of this book.
April 14, 2015
Very good book that starts out with sparks that turn combustible later. Darian is angry when he hears that his younger brother appears to be in a relationship with Mariah. Mariah is a widow with the reputation of having had multiple lovers, and Darian doesn't want his brother involved with her. When he confronts Mariah about it, sparks fly between them.
Darian comes across as quite a judgmental jerk in their first encounters. He's trying to protect his brother from what he sees as a bad influence, but his methods are not appreciated. He certainly doesn't expect to find himself physically attracted to a woman so outside of anything that would normally appeal to him. He's also intrigued by things that don't seem to be consistent with his view of her.
Mariah's marriage had not been by her choice and it had not been a good one. After her husband's death, she swore she would never put herself under the control of another man. She enjoys her freedom and is angered by Darian's accusations. She doesn't see that he has any right to judge considering he has his own reputation. There's also something about him that sets her on edge.
As their latest argument is interrupted by a man they both know, Darian and Mariah are shocked to discover that the other has also been working as a secret agent for the crown. They are asked to put aside their differences and work together to stop an assassination plot against the prince. To do so, they must play the part of lovers at a notorious house party.
I loved the sparks and chemistry between Darian and Mariah. Once they discovered each other's secret lives, both had to resolve the conflicts between their perceptions and what was the truth. This wasn't easy for either of them. They also had to deal with their attraction to each other. Because of her marriage and its effect on her, Mariah is far different than Darian had believed. I loved his protectiveness and gentleness as he gets to know her, and his attempts to control the strength of the desire he feels for her. I loved the strength of will that Mariah had, that enabled her to overcome all that had happened to her. Her wariness about the way Darian made her feel was quite understandable, but I liked that she allowed herself to pursue it. The things that went on at the house party were quite eye opening for her. After the action was all done, I loved seeing Darian realize just how strong his feelings for her were. The scene in the carriage on the way back to London was fun to read as Darian tried to tell her how he felt. I liked the epilogue and the bit about Darian's brother.
The mystery of the traitor was good, but was really mostly in the background. The final confrontation was good, but didn't have much intensity to it.
Darian comes across as quite a judgmental jerk in their first encounters. He's trying to protect his brother from what he sees as a bad influence, but his methods are not appreciated. He certainly doesn't expect to find himself physically attracted to a woman so outside of anything that would normally appeal to him. He's also intrigued by things that don't seem to be consistent with his view of her.
Mariah's marriage had not been by her choice and it had not been a good one. After her husband's death, she swore she would never put herself under the control of another man. She enjoys her freedom and is angered by Darian's accusations. She doesn't see that he has any right to judge considering he has his own reputation. There's also something about him that sets her on edge.
As their latest argument is interrupted by a man they both know, Darian and Mariah are shocked to discover that the other has also been working as a secret agent for the crown. They are asked to put aside their differences and work together to stop an assassination plot against the prince. To do so, they must play the part of lovers at a notorious house party.
I loved the sparks and chemistry between Darian and Mariah. Once they discovered each other's secret lives, both had to resolve the conflicts between their perceptions and what was the truth. This wasn't easy for either of them. They also had to deal with their attraction to each other. Because of her marriage and its effect on her, Mariah is far different than Darian had believed. I loved his protectiveness and gentleness as he gets to know her, and his attempts to control the strength of the desire he feels for her. I loved the strength of will that Mariah had, that enabled her to overcome all that had happened to her. Her wariness about the way Darian made her feel was quite understandable, but I liked that she allowed herself to pursue it. The things that went on at the house party were quite eye opening for her. After the action was all done, I loved seeing Darian realize just how strong his feelings for her were. The scene in the carriage on the way back to London was fun to read as Darian tried to tell her how he felt. I liked the epilogue and the bit about Darian's brother.
The mystery of the traitor was good, but was really mostly in the background. The final confrontation was good, but didn't have much intensity to it.
September 5, 2016
I seem to be the odd one out giving this novel such a low rating. Many have decided it's the next best thing since sliced bread, apparently. However, at the risk of sounding like a wet blanket, I have to denounce this novel as hopeless on all levels. There was nothing to like about it ... not the plot (which was very unimaginative), nor the characters (who were unbelievably shallow) nor, even, the essence of the genre (which had more to do with lust than romance). And last but not least, I have to say that the writing did not come up to par either. (Eg. ...making love to and with ... was repeated many times. Still can't figure what Ms. Mortimer meant by it, but she saw fit to tell us that many times over. To my mind, it's either 'making love to' or 'making love with' not both. And that's just one example.)
For those who do not believe me, let me point out a few things that jarred. First off, there was Darian, Duke of Wolfingham, the hero, who spent his entire journey from start to finish lusting after the heroine and thinking of nothing but how to get her on her back. Not to mention that he thought she was no more than a whore also from beginning to end. Then to wrap it up nicely and smoothen the rough edges, the author rushed into an ending which translated all that lust into 'love'. Same with Mariah, Countess of Carlisle, the heroine, who went through the entire novel hating the hero but who, predictably, did a right-about-turn at the end and changed it to love just as soon as they became intimate. Hardly believable.
Then there was the intrusive stream of consciousness in between every bit of dialogue, so long and convoluted that a reader ends up forgetting what the conversation was about. One would have to go back a couple of pages to find out where the dialogue left off before the 'thinking' got in the way. But never mind the thinking ... it would have been Ok had it not been so contrived and in the right place. Only, it wasn't in the right place and, yes, it was contrived to fit the plot. And it went on and on like that from beginning to end. Not much of a story as much as an introspection of how the author was going to bring about a change in her characters' way of thinking by forcing them to disbelieve the facts and believe instead in what was not there, if you catch my drift.
No, sorry, this book is amateurish to say the least. I hated every minute of it. Won't be reading anymore by this author either.
For those who do not believe me, let me point out a few things that jarred. First off, there was Darian, Duke of Wolfingham, the hero, who spent his entire journey from start to finish lusting after the heroine and thinking of nothing but how to get her on her back. Not to mention that he thought she was no more than a whore also from beginning to end. Then to wrap it up nicely and smoothen the rough edges, the author rushed into an ending which translated all that lust into 'love'. Same with Mariah, Countess of Carlisle, the heroine, who went through the entire novel hating the hero but who, predictably, did a right-about-turn at the end and changed it to love just as soon as they became intimate. Hardly believable.
Then there was the intrusive stream of consciousness in between every bit of dialogue, so long and convoluted that a reader ends up forgetting what the conversation was about. One would have to go back a couple of pages to find out where the dialogue left off before the 'thinking' got in the way. But never mind the thinking ... it would have been Ok had it not been so contrived and in the right place. Only, it wasn't in the right place and, yes, it was contrived to fit the plot. And it went on and on like that from beginning to end. Not much of a story as much as an introspection of how the author was going to bring about a change in her characters' way of thinking by forcing them to disbelieve the facts and believe instead in what was not there, if you catch my drift.
No, sorry, this book is amateurish to say the least. I hated every minute of it. Won't be reading anymore by this author either.
July 20, 2017
This book could have been much more but fell short for me. The plot to assassinate the Regent was underdeveloped and only played a part in the end. Darian and Mariah go to a decadent house party to uncover the assassin but instead of doing their jobs only have eyes for each other. They solve the mystery but their colleagues solve it before them. Hardly professional for agents of the crown. And what guest assaults his host and is allowed to stay on at a house party. Any self respecting host would have our hero out on his ear, even if he had to get muscle to do it. Mariah is meant to be an accomplished seductress, but really has no experience at all. A bit unbelievable. Other things I found irritating was the dialogue. Someone would ask a question or make a comment and it would be followed by a whole page plus of narrative before the recipient responds, by which time you forgot what the question or comment was in the first place, so I found the writing frustrating.
There was too much sexual content at the expense of a good plot.
It was an okay read but a bit far fetched in places.
There was too much sexual content at the expense of a good plot.
It was an okay read but a bit far fetched in places.
February 14, 2016
3.5 stars.
January 23, 2019
Repetitive, lengthy thoughts with little dialogue - honestly skipped most of the pages to get the the point or answer to the questions asked in said dialogue.
Seems to be a reoccurrence in Ms Mortimer's stories, which is rather irritating and disappointing.
Plot was predictable, had put two and two together rather early on after they arrived.
Wasn't a fan of Darian's brother (Anthony) intending and approved of marrying his stepdaughter.
Kind of made me cringe to be honest.
Liked the raunchy scenes and the potential it had in terns of the "House party", other than that wasn't a fan.
Sorry, only two stars.
Seems to be a reoccurrence in Ms Mortimer's stories, which is rather irritating and disappointing.
Plot was predictable, had put two and two together rather early on after they arrived.
Wasn't a fan of Darian's brother (Anthony) intending and approved of marrying his stepdaughter.
Kind of made me cringe to be honest.
Liked the raunchy scenes and the potential it had in terns of the "House party", other than that wasn't a fan.
Sorry, only two stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2022
I read Marcus' and enjoyed it other than it felt rushed. Then read Zachary 's book and really liked it, thought maybe my favourite, then this Darian's book and thought maybe a new favourite. Like Zachary's book bits around the leading lady are a bit repetitive, can go 2 pages between one line of conversation and the next. Decent storyline, although dukes and confessed are a less than obvious choice as spies, as always watched when in society.
September 11, 2025
Wanted to Read all Night
I love the banter between Darian and Mariah. Great story and quit captivating. Carole Mortimer is a talented writer. Would have liked more steamy love scenes and could do without all the lovey dovey stuff at the end. Having said that, I liked it enough to want an epilogue. Let’s have one, please! How does Darian and Mariah love story continue????
I love the banter between Darian and Mariah. Great story and quit captivating. Carole Mortimer is a talented writer. Would have liked more steamy love scenes and could do without all the lovey dovey stuff at the end. Having said that, I liked it enough to want an epilogue. Let’s have one, please! How does Darian and Mariah love story continue????
December 15, 2015
Liked the Characters and the Plot
Continuing the story of dukes who help the English in their battles against Napoleon and the women with whom they fall in love.
THE STORY: Darian Hunter, the Duke of Wolfingham is incensed when he finds out his younger brother has been seen with Mariah Beecham, Countess of Carlisle. Mariah has a very bad reputation. She is rumored to have had numerous lovers before and after her husband's death. When he confronts her, he is intrigued by the strength of the woman and attracted to her despite himself. The two are shocked when it is revealed that they have both been acting as spies for the British crown. They are needed to act as lovers at a house party in order to discover an assassin. Mariah has no intention of becoming involved with Darian. She was forced into marriage by her husband and doesn't intend on becoming involved with anyone again. The two, however, cannot resist one another and as secrets are revealed, the two realize that there is more to the other than they thought.
OPINION: While I found the story adequate, I think that the characters and the story had more promise than was realized. Mariah's backstory was heartbreaking and I think that there was not enough attention paid to how she made the transition to a strong woman. Her actions and her words were contradictory and I just didn't feel that her character was developed enough to explain her contradictions. I think this was just too big a story to be contained in the length of the novel. There are too many things happening and there was not enough emotional depth or character development to support it. The book is a good one time read but doesn't have staying power.
WORTH MENTIONING: There are small cameo appearances by the heroes of the other novels in the series, but not enough to be satisfying.
FINAL DECISION: While I liked this book, it wasn't as good as the second book in the series. The subject matter was full of angst, but the treatment of the subject matter wasn't as deft as the prior book.
CONNECTED BOOKS: This is the third book in the Dangerous Dukes series.
STAR RATING: I give this book 3.5 stars.
Continuing the story of dukes who help the English in their battles against Napoleon and the women with whom they fall in love.
THE STORY: Darian Hunter, the Duke of Wolfingham is incensed when he finds out his younger brother has been seen with Mariah Beecham, Countess of Carlisle. Mariah has a very bad reputation. She is rumored to have had numerous lovers before and after her husband's death. When he confronts her, he is intrigued by the strength of the woman and attracted to her despite himself. The two are shocked when it is revealed that they have both been acting as spies for the British crown. They are needed to act as lovers at a house party in order to discover an assassin. Mariah has no intention of becoming involved with Darian. She was forced into marriage by her husband and doesn't intend on becoming involved with anyone again. The two, however, cannot resist one another and as secrets are revealed, the two realize that there is more to the other than they thought.
OPINION: While I found the story adequate, I think that the characters and the story had more promise than was realized. Mariah's backstory was heartbreaking and I think that there was not enough attention paid to how she made the transition to a strong woman. Her actions and her words were contradictory and I just didn't feel that her character was developed enough to explain her contradictions. I think this was just too big a story to be contained in the length of the novel. There are too many things happening and there was not enough emotional depth or character development to support it. The book is a good one time read but doesn't have staying power.
WORTH MENTIONING: There are small cameo appearances by the heroes of the other novels in the series, but not enough to be satisfying.
FINAL DECISION: While I liked this book, it wasn't as good as the second book in the series. The subject matter was full of angst, but the treatment of the subject matter wasn't as deft as the prior book.
CONNECTED BOOKS: This is the third book in the Dangerous Dukes series.
STAR RATING: I give this book 3.5 stars.
February 10, 2015
Darian Hunter, spy for the Crown, is none to happy with his younger brother who he believes is lusting after a notorious and scandalous widow. He tells his brother to back off but his brother dismisses Darian’s concerns. Darian decides that he’ll talk to the source herself and get her to back off. He dances with Mariah Beecham but she proves to be almost as frustrating as his brother. She also proves to be much more desirable than he originally believed and he finds himself attracted to her which he doesn’t care for at all.
It turns out that Mariah is a spy for the Crown as well and they both work for the same man. That man assigns the two to act as a couple to check out a possible assassination plot to kill the Prince. The two are not happy about it but try quite hard to act like they like each other. They find themselves very attracted to each other but Mariah decided a long time ago that after her first marriage she would never let herself be controlled by a man – no matter how handsome he is. While she sees good qualities in Darian she’s not willing to sleep with him just for fun.
As much as I liked the whole idea of the scandalous house party and Darian and Mariah posing as a couple it ended up not working for me all that well.
Darian and Mariah were so at odds with each other and argued constantly. It was quite frustrating because even after they slept together they almost couldn’t get past the animosity. The fact that they then declared their love for each other surprised the heck out of me because I didn’t see them falling for each other. It was arguing then sex then…love? I couldn’t quite fathom it.
Despite my doubts about the love it was a very sensual book and had some pretty racy stuff in it for the time it was set in. If you like a historical that’s not all prim and proper this one is for you.
Rating: 3 out of 5
This review was originally posted on Book Binge by Tracy.
It turns out that Mariah is a spy for the Crown as well and they both work for the same man. That man assigns the two to act as a couple to check out a possible assassination plot to kill the Prince. The two are not happy about it but try quite hard to act like they like each other. They find themselves very attracted to each other but Mariah decided a long time ago that after her first marriage she would never let herself be controlled by a man – no matter how handsome he is. While she sees good qualities in Darian she’s not willing to sleep with him just for fun.
As much as I liked the whole idea of the scandalous house party and Darian and Mariah posing as a couple it ended up not working for me all that well.
Darian and Mariah were so at odds with each other and argued constantly. It was quite frustrating because even after they slept together they almost couldn’t get past the animosity. The fact that they then declared their love for each other surprised the heck out of me because I didn’t see them falling for each other. It was arguing then sex then…love? I couldn’t quite fathom it.
Despite my doubts about the love it was a very sensual book and had some pretty racy stuff in it for the time it was set in. If you like a historical that’s not all prim and proper this one is for you.
Rating: 3 out of 5
This review was originally posted on Book Binge by Tracy.
August 27, 2014
Seemingly narrow-minded, Darian Hunter, the Duke of Wolfingham does all he can to warn off the woman his brother wants. The Dangerous Duke, himself with a reputation of a scoundrel, begins insulting the widowed, Countess of Carlisle, Mariah Beecham and admonishing her to stay away from his much younger and impressionable brother, since the Countess has quite the reputation for scandal herself. While he does his best to send her on her way, he finds her intriguing and attractive while she just wants him to leave her alone.
Appearances are not everything, as we all know, but to the duke and the countess, appearances hide their true selves out of necessity. When called upon by the crown to assist in saving the Prince Regent from an assassination attempt, both Mariah and Darian and shocked to find that they both work as spies for England. Their superior sends them as lovers into a virtual den of iniquity to find the perpetrator and prevent the assassination attempt. What Darian finds in this household of wickedness, shocks even him, but the circumstances that he and Mariah are thrown into have them desiring one another until nothing can be done but to explore their desires.
Mariah has been through much in her life. She has paid daily for her terrible marriage but rejoiced in having her daughter. Once she is widowed, freedom from ever having to be dominated by any other man keeps her going. Darian's reputation is more talk than fact, as is Mariah's, but they both use these reputations to cover their personas and to stave off unwanted intimacy. I enjoyed DARIAN HUNTER: DUKE OF DESIRE by Carole Mortimer. The story was fast paced and interesting, but I feel that the relationship between the hero and heroine was a bit rushed. I wanted to know more. I wanted to care about them more than I did. The mystery was a solid one and its resolution made the book all the more enjoyable..
~KIMBERLY~
August 14, 2014
A lovely and engaging historical romance, Darian Hunter: Duke of Desire was a wonderful read. I really liked this book. It was a sweet read that I really enjoyed.
Mariah was a great heroine. She had a terrible marriage that made her miserable for years but, rather than let it keep her down, she instead became a successful spy who could pry the secrets out of any man. She was strong, independent, and very protective of her loved ones. I thought she was a wonderful character.
Darian didn't leave the best first impression. He came off as a judgmental jerk with the way he assumed the worst of Mariah at first, because of her scandalous reputation. But, as the book went on, my view of him changed. He proved himself to be clever, fiercely loyal to the people he cared about, and very sweet when he wanted to be. I thought he was great, as well.
The romance was lovely. Despite their rocky relationship at first, it didn't take long for it to be clear that they were perfect for each other. Both clever, independently minded, and more than they appeared on the surface, they were well matched. And they definitely had some chemistry sizzling between them.
The plot was fast paced and I was hooked the entire way through. Though the mystery of the traitor was interesting, it was more on the back-burner, the majority of the book focused on Darian and Mariah's growing relationship. I really enjoyed the story and the ending was lovely.
Darian Hunter: Duke of Desire was a lovely historical romance that I really liked. It was a sweet read that I really enjoyed. Romance lovers, this is a book you'll want to check out.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Mariah was a great heroine. She had a terrible marriage that made her miserable for years but, rather than let it keep her down, she instead became a successful spy who could pry the secrets out of any man. She was strong, independent, and very protective of her loved ones. I thought she was a wonderful character.
Darian didn't leave the best first impression. He came off as a judgmental jerk with the way he assumed the worst of Mariah at first, because of her scandalous reputation. But, as the book went on, my view of him changed. He proved himself to be clever, fiercely loyal to the people he cared about, and very sweet when he wanted to be. I thought he was great, as well.
The romance was lovely. Despite their rocky relationship at first, it didn't take long for it to be clear that they were perfect for each other. Both clever, independently minded, and more than they appeared on the surface, they were well matched. And they definitely had some chemistry sizzling between them.
The plot was fast paced and I was hooked the entire way through. Though the mystery of the traitor was interesting, it was more on the back-burner, the majority of the book focused on Darian and Mariah's growing relationship. I really enjoyed the story and the ending was lovely.
Darian Hunter: Duke of Desire was a lovely historical romance that I really liked. It was a sweet read that I really enjoyed. Romance lovers, this is a book you'll want to check out.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
December 30, 2014
I love Carole Mortimer's stories. I've slowly, over the years, been working my way through them, and each one is just as good as the last. Interesting characters, intriguing situations, and a plot to die for. There's nothing more thespian than having two characters hate each other and then grow to realize that they're the perfect partner for the other. Throw in a hunt for a French spy, and Mortimer's created another classic!
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January 12, 2016"Mortimer’s astounding and amazing Dangerous Dukes series is a hit. This is book three of six planned, and the men are courageous and sexy while the women are daring and feisty. Readers will love the adventures of these dukes and ladies as they serve the Crown and find love and happiness amid murder and mayhem" (RT Book Reviews, 4 stars).
Miniseries: Dangerous Dukes
Miniseries: Dangerous Dukes
January 18, 2015
This is a stunning love story. The sex is sizzling, the characters memorable and the dialogue engaging. In all, this delicious historical romance will make you gasp more than once! Well-done Carole Mortimer. You have never failed to leave your readers wanting for more.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
April 26, 2015
really predictable spoiler.
He taught her the pleasures off the flesh.... And she immediately fell in live with him! Of course! Very predictable (the butler did it? Really?) and the ending was rushed.
He taught her the pleasures off the flesh.... And she immediately fell in live with him! Of course! Very predictable (the butler did it? Really?) and the ending was rushed.
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December 4, 2014Miniseries: Dangerous Dukes
April 24, 2015
Easy to read story.
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November 29, 2016Used - Good (Some wear to spine)
March 10, 2015
3.85 little too much erotica for me
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