Dare to Love a Duke

The London Underground #3

by Eva Leigh

For a dashing duke and the proprietress of a secret, sensual club in the London Underground, passion could lead to love… if they dare

Thomas Powell, the new Duke of Northfield, knows he should be proper and principled, like his father. No more dueling, or carousing, or frequenting masked parties where Londoners indulge their wildest desires. But he’s not ready to give up his freedom just yet. The club is an escape, a place where he can forget about society and the weight of his title… and see her, the woman he’s wanted forever.

Lucia—known as Amina—manages the Orchid Club, a secret society where fantasies become reality. But for Lucia, it’s strictly business, profitable enough to finance her dream: a home for the lost girls of the streets. Surrounded by lovers, she only observes, unwilling risk her future for any man. No member has ever intrigued her...until him, the masked stranger whose heated looks sear her skin. After months of suppressed longing, they dare to give in to temptation…

But the late duke’s legacy comes with a shocking secret, and the scandal threatens to destroy everything Tom loves… his family, the Orchid Club, and even Lucia.

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Audiobook, Regency

370 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published December 24, 2018

About the author

Eva Leigh is a USA Today bestselling romance author. A graduate of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, her books have been featured by the New York Times, NPR, Oprah Daily, the Washington Post, Entertainment Weekly, Library Journal, Kirkus, Booklist, Self, Paste Magazine, and many more. Her work has also been translated into numerous languages. She lives on the Central California coast with her husband and cats. Visit her on the web at evaleighauthor.com.

Reviews

[Nelly S. · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 46%. Can't believe that this is so highly rated. The social messaging is so heavy-handed and ridiculous! And damned annoying too. Meet our scrappy, ambitious heroine, Lucia Marini, who manages an erotic club which hosts orgies. Lucia is a poor Italian immigrant who grew up on the streets and worked as a former prostitute until she became a manager at the Orchid Club by dint of hard work and determination.

But Lucia is also a social justice warrior who fiercly protects the livelihoods of the Orchid Club's employees. Not only that, she also saves her pay to buy books for poor girls and uses her spare time to teach them how to read. Her ultimate dream is to start a home for these girls.

And our hero, Thomas Powell, used to be dissolute but is now a reformed noble duke. He's thoroughly egalitarian and progressive. Indeed, we even get to see him work like a common man at the sex club and sleep in a servant's chamber for a few days! You cannot make this shit up! He's wracked with guilt about society's ills and the fate of the poor. Thomas wants to pursue his progressive ideals and support progressive bills in parliament but his hands as a duke are tied because of his father's conservative political legacy; plus he's being pressured by his deceased father's political ally into toeing the line. WTF???

[Lover of Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance

*May Contain Spoilers*

Dare To Love A Duke is the third book in the London Underground series by Eva Leigh. I am not sure why I haven't read Eva Leigh in such a long time, but after hearing some raves about this book on multiple romance podcasts and the big controversy on the Twitter Romancelandia that dealt with a review from Smart Bitches on this book, I decided that I needed this book in my life especially with the set up of the story which involves a Duke and a passion club madame. I grabbed this up from my local library in audiobook format. So first I want to discuss the fantastic narration done by Zara Hampton Brown. Now she is a newer narrator so this is my first time listening to her but she needs to do more historical's for sure because she is just beautiful to listen to. And she really handled this book so well and pretty quickly I was drawn into this audiobook so BRAVO to this wonderful narration that was done here.

 

Dare To Love A Duke begins with our hero Thomas Powell, is different from who his father the current Duke of Northfield wants him to be. Thomas has always been a bit more rebellious to his father's views in politics and he has wanted to bring about change that is not the most popular opinion. While out with a friend, he is taken to a secret club "The Orchid" , that is a sex club that is all about pleasure and consent.  Thomas has an attraction to the madame of the club, but she never participates but Thomas and Lucia have created a friendship over the past year that Thomas has been attending the club.

But when Thomas' father passes away he is to take his rightful place as the Duke of Northfield and certain parties expect him to play along with their political desires. Thomas is torn in two over his heart and to protect his family. His sister is in love with the son of the man that is blackmailing Thomas and if Thomas doesn't fall in line with the right votes that goes against everything that Thomas believes is right, then his sister will lose the man she loves. But before he makes a decision he goes to the Orchid club for one last night and seeks to make love to the beautiful Lucia and after one night of beautiful passion, they both know that this will be the last night they will see each other. But then a dreadful secret comes out, about Thomas' father and Thomas and Lucia are bound to run into each other as Thomas faces a horrible decision where he will have to battle with what is right over what is easy especially when there could be horrible consequences for his mother and his baby sister. But with Lucia by his side, Thomas will find his path and find a breathtaking love worth fighting for....

Dare To Love A Duke is one of the BEST historical romances I have read in years!! My goodness, this book blew me away in so many different ways but honestly, this book was so fulfilling to this reader and I don't think I could sing this books' praises enough. Eva Leigh has done wonders with this book and even though its book three in the series, you definitely can read this book as a stand a lone. But I definitely need more Lucia, so I want to see her interactions in the previous two books. Now I have NO idea why the Smart Bitches review was so horrible and negative about this book and I HELL NO agree with them. Because honestly, I love seeing the matches that form with the members of the Ton and the members of the London underground. I would like to say that I loved both Thomas and Lucia. Normally with Eva Leigh, its all about the heroine and her strength and "bluestocking" ways, however, what I really loved the most was the focus being equaled between the hero and the heroine and seeing the true intimacy that forms between these two.

The hero, Thomas, was so beautiful and breathtaking and I loved his character so very much. First off, he is so devoted to his family in such beautiful ways. He is the protective older brother to his sister. They have always been really close ever since they were children and even as adults they have such a great close-knit bond to each other. He will do anything to make sure that his sister is happy and wants her to be with the man she has found love with. Thomas may not believe in love in the beginning, but he does believe that it is real and wants his sister to find happiness. Thomas is also one that wants a life better for everyone especially those that live in poverty. His political views are the opposite of his father, where he wants more amendments and laws to benefit the poor more than benefiting the rich and titled. But when his father dies, and he is blackmailed he begins to face up to what is right and he has to make a difficult choice but you see that Thomas is a man of honor and true to himself.

Lucia also known as "Amina" is not originally from England, from the narrator's accent for her, Lucia is from Italy. She grew up poor and then she found a way to come to England and she was a prostitute for  a while and then was lucky enough to have this position as a madame for the "Orchid Club" which gave her the money to supply the people she loves the most with what they need and she found her family in those that run the Club. And which could give her the dream of building the girl's home that she wants more than anything. Lucia is a woman that is independence and is hard working and has such a kind heart and wants to help those girls out in the streets and teach them the tools to find better positions in society to benefit them and give them hope of a brighter future. I adored Lucia because she isn't ashamed of who she is and what she has had to do in the past to survive but also she isn't ashamed of enjoying the pleasure of sex.

The romance that develops between Thomas and Lucia is so well done and I loved the closeness that these two feel for each other. They fit so perfectly together and have the same dreams for the future. We see how well they work together and despite the difference stations in society that these two fit in, they understand one another and they find what they need for one another. There are so many poignant moments between these two and seeing them find common ground and find what they need in each other is pretty stunning. From the pleasures between the sheets to fulfilling both of their dreams, and finding the balance that they need to get to their HEA is so beautiful.

The only drawback to this story is when a big scandal comes out in the story, the heroine Lucia doesn't treat Thomas very good and pretty much blames him for everything when its obviously not his fault and he is just as much a victim as she is. So I didn't like her treatment of Thomas in the end, but the ending was beautifully done so it made up for it.

Overall I found Dare To Love A Duke to be a beautiful portrayal of this Regency romance that is truly outstanding in shape and form, a tale of an intimate romance that brings you all the feels and depths of emotion and heart....a gutsy love tale that will make you fall head over heels in love!

[Caz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review from 2019

I've given this a B for narration and a B+ for content at AudioGals.

Dare to Love a Duke is the third book in Eva Leigh’s The London Underground series, in which the three heroines are not as respectable as the debutantes, governesses and worthy widows that litter the pages of historical romance. Eva Leigh presents a trio of spirited, independent women who know how to play men at their own game and who have made lives for themselves on their own terms – and pairs them with men who fully appreciate them for what and who they are.

Following the recent death of his father, Thomas Powell, the new Duke of Northfield decides it’s time to leave his misspent youth behind him. The late duke was one of the most conservative members of society, and while Tom doesn’t aspire to emulate him, he has no wish to continue to inspire the sort of gossip that will embarrass his mother and sister or tarnish the family name. In any case, his dissolute lifestyle has begun to pall somewhat and he’s ready for a change – but his one regret is that his decision will mean no more visits to the Orchid Club, the clandestine sex club that allows all who attend to indulge their secret sexual desires and fantasies in complete anonymity. Tom has attended the club’s weekly gatherings for the past year – his fascination with the place far more to do with the sense of freedom his anonymity brings and with the club’s beautiful hostess, the mysterious Amina, than with any of the many offers of sexual gratification that come his way.

Amina is actually Lucia Marini, the child of a wealthy Englishman and a poor Italian woman, who was disowned by her English grandparents after her parents died. It’s clear her life has been a far from easy one, and at one point she made her living by selling the only commodity she owned – herself. Seeing a way out of that life, Lucia began working at the Orchid Club as a server (there are no sex-workers there – there’s an entrance fee, yes, but there no sex for money and everything is consensual) and for the past year she has been the manager. The place has continued to thrive under her leadership, but she has just learned of the death of the club’s owner and is worried about its future. Assuming the property has passed to the late owner’s heir, will he want to keep it going or shut it down?

Tom and Lucia have been drawn to each other since Tom’s first, and a year later, that fascination has only increased. Neither of them has ever acted on their strong mutual attraction – until the night Tom tells her will be his last visit. The club’s insistence on complete anonymity means he can’t tell her why he will not be coming back, but he decides to reach for one last thing for himself before being subsumed by the duties and responsibilities of the dukedom, and asks ‘Amina’ to spend one night with him.

Lucia can’t say no. She’s been as smitten with Tom as he with her, and the couple share a night charged with passion but tinged with sadness, both knowing their lives are about to change.

Okay, so there are no prizes for working out the identities of the club’s former owner and its new one – it’s not a spoiler as it’s revealed fairly early on in the book. At first, Tom is stunned – his upright, beyond-reproach father owning a sex club is completely incomprehensible to him – and to the listener, actually; his reasons for doing so are discussed but no conclusion is drawn and no real reason given, which I did find a little dissatisfying.

The real issue is, of course, that all Tom’s good intentions as regards leading a spotless life from now on are rather thrown into disarray. Should his ownership of the Orchid Club become common knowledge, the scandal could have serious repercussions for his mother and especially his younger sister – but if he closes it down, it will put Lucia and all the employees out of work. And also weighing him down is the fact that his father’s cronies are putting pressure on him to align himself with them politically, to quash calls for reform and instead work to preserve the status quo whereby the rich and privileged continue to oppress the poor and needy. His conscience baulks at voting with them, but if he doesn’t, one of the group, Lord Brookhurst, will refuse permission for his son to marry Tom’s sister – and Tom can’t bear the thought of being the cause of her disappointment and unhappiness.

Tom really is caught between a rock and a hard place, and the author does a fabulous job of conveying that as he wrestles with his conscience. How is he to reconcile his desire to stand up for what is right and be the man he knows he can be with his desire to protect those he loves? Tom is one of the most honourable, likeable and genuinely decent heroes I’ve come across in the genre, and his desire to do the right thing and take care of everyone around him is well presented. He’s a duke, but he’s a progressive one; he believes everyone, regardless of station, is deserving of kindness and respect, and his admiration of Lucia’s tenacity and determination shine through in his every word, action and thought about her. She’s his perfect match – clever, spirited and fiercely protective of those she cares about, Lucia is Tom’s anchor and the one person he feels he can turn to – and wants by his side – as he struggles to decide what sort of duke – and man – he is going to be.

I’m always apprehensive about listening to new narrators, and I could find only one other audiobook narrated by Zara Hampton-Brown at Audible, which led me to believe she was new to the business of audiobook narration. But what do you know, after I listened to the sample, I realised she’s not a new narrator at all, but is a fairly well-known one I’ve listened to several times before, recording under an alias. (I know narrators do this for a variety of reasons, but it’s still really frustrating!)

So it was a pleasant surprise to know that I was going to be listening to someone whose work I generally enjoy. Ms. Hampton-Brown’s experience in the genre shows, and she delivers an accomplished performance, differentiating clearly between the characters and imbuing both narrative and dialogue with the right degree of expression and emotional nuance. Each character is vocalised appropriately according to gender, age and station, and although she doesn’t lower the pitch of her voice significantly in order to portray the male characters, she depicts them effectively by adding a brighter edge to her tone and making a slight change to her manner of delivery. The text indicates Tom has an Irish accent, which Ms. Hampton-Brown maintains consistently throughout, and she does a good job conveying the deeply hidden vulnerability beneath Lucia’s strong exterior.

Cross-class romances can be difficult to pull off, but the author does it with aplomb, making it easy to believe in Tom and Lucia’s HEA in spite of the difficulties ahead for them. Dare to Love a Duke is a romantic and sexy story that also makes some serious points about the conditions faced by working women and the underprivileged, and about the importance of doing what’s right no matter how difficult. It’s an enjoyable addition – and fitting conclusion – to the series, and earns a recommendation.

[Lady Nilambari Reads HR]

DNF @44%

It felt very preachy and was veering further away from romance and into “feel guilty about people’s suffering” territory. I absolutely dislike social messaging in my romance novels.

[Grisette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sep 2024 note: And the GR bot strikes again! As someone commented, the bot is currently on rampage (definitely, there is no more apt word for it!): deleting/merging ebook editions without warning, leaving behind a trail of errors like deleted book covers (this is why you will see so many 'broken' images), brutally remove book and re-adding it to shelves with a new date, eviscerating likes and comments to old reviews, misclassifying kindle editions as ebook etc. GR has known about it for months apparently, but nothing concrete has been done to stop this bloody bot. It is maddening how it is purely and simply throwing chaos on a daily basis to the shelves in total impunity. 🤬🤬🤬


♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤

Originally reviewed in June 2024

3.5 stars

This was not the typical regency romance of ballrooms, scandalous cads and ignored wallflowers. And for this, I do have to give a bow to EL to imagine and wholesomely write such a fresh story with verve.

My issues stemmed mainly with the pacing of the plot. Though fresh, the plot had its more than improbable aspects, from the characters' language, their decisions and the deep silences on the why of some key plot elements. All this could have passed muster since this is fiction, if the pacing had been better. The start was very good but the middle part dragged and at the end, too many things happened successively and together. Esp. on the romance angle, where the H does not even have the courtesy of a heart to heart discussion with the h to clear the air and allow confessions of feelings, before springing publicly a marriage proposal to the h - somehow for characters who showed better deliberation and more complex layers during the book, that easy magical end sounded rushed and uncharacteristic.

Questions that beggared explanations in the plot:

🎭 What were the motives for the politically conservative and staid father of the H to open the Sex Club? Why did he not ever tell his son, even on his death bed?

🎭 How did the h afford to take over the club from the old manager?

🎭 How did the villain learn of the H's ownership of the club? He might have had him followed and learned his activities but the ownership was a closely guarded secret!!

Would I read another EL? Probably because she writes well and her plots are unconventional. Tighter editing would likely magnify the beauty of them imho.

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dare to Love a Duke by Eva Leigh is book Three in The London Underground Series. This is the story of Thomas Powell, the new Duke of Northfield and Lucia aka 'Amina'. I have read the previous books, but feel this is easily a standalone book.
Lucia runs the Orchid Club working to earn money to help other girls/ladies on the streets. Tom is the a newly titled Duke but is slow to give up his standing with the Orchid Club. Tom has started a friendship of sorts with Lucia and the desire to be with her. But things don't go easy as a secret comes forward which adds to their setting them back.
Overall really enjoyed this book and has been a great series.

[AnnMarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dare to Love a Duke is the third book in The London Underground series by Eva Leigh. It can be read as a standalone if you haven't read the others in the series. I have, and even if you haven't read them before this one, I say read them anyway, they are just as good as this one is.

Thomas Powell is the new Duke of Northfield. Before his father died Thomas lived his life to the full, doing everything that he knew he would have to stop once the weight of being the Duke fell on his shoulders. One of those things was to attend the Orchid Club. A place where anything goes when it comes to sexual encounters, and all of it done without privacy. Everybody is masked so inhibitions don't exist. Thomas isn't interested in taking part in what is going on, he has caught the eye of the manager of the place and only wants to spend time talking with her.

Lucia, known as Amina is that woman. She has brought herself up on the streets and worked her way into the position she now holds as manager. She's a beautiful person inside and out. Her reason for running the club is mainly to save her wages in order to set up a school and home for the lost girls on the streets. Lucia and Thomas only see each other in the club, they don't touch, they just talk and that continues happening right up until the day that Thomas discovers a scandalous secret that could ruin him and his family if it was to become known.

I won't tell you what it is, but it does end up bringing Thomas and Lucia closer. Starting with them having a whole night of unbridled passionate lovemaking (in private not in the club). Instead of separating afterwards and going their own ways as planned, they can't keep away from each other. That is until something happens that could tear them apart forever.

I loved this book so much, it is hard to write a review without going into detail of the parts I love so much about it. Thomas is such a wonderful man, I loved how he handled things in the story, especially the ending. It was just perfect. Lucia is such a kind person, never putting herself first, never feeling deserving of being put first, and I love how Thomas helps her to realise her worth. They are the perfect couple and I loved their story.

There is only one little thing that niggles me and that is that Lucia is meant to manage the club only so that she can save money for the girls' home and school. But when she finds the means of her dream becoming a reality, she still plans on running a sex club and opening more than one. Why? Is it because she wants to make sure there are more job opportunities for people? Possibly. Apart from that conundrum, the book was perfect and I definitely recommend it.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great conclusion to this series. LOVE it all. This one is fantastic in how Eva Leigh addresses the lives of the women of the time, sex work and poverty in a really interesting way. I can't recommend this one or the series more. So great!

[Frankie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, this is dazzling! By far one of the most seductive and erotic books (apart from Dare) that I have read from Mills and Boon, it’s spine-tinglingly good, its sexy, sensual and enchanting romance, that is so different to the stereotypical historical romance.

This is the third book in what has been an amazing series; The London Underground, and when I say that this is amazing I don’t just say it because I can’t think of another word to use (even though that is true) but it seriously is amazing. I have been hooked from the start, but don’t worry if you haven’t read the previous two, these books are pretty such stand-a-lone stories, but with shared character’s. I have to admit that this book is my favourite out all three, there is just something very sinful and deadly about this one, it makes you want to hide away with it and never let anyone near it, you want to be selfish and keep it all to yourself – or, what I actually ,mean is you want to keep a certain devilishly gorgeous, Irish rogue to yourself…ah, Tom you can ruin me any day….#DoubleSigh



I best move on and actually talk about the book, and not just talk about Tom’s well shaped rear end…;-) Honestly, I have become obsessed, I can’t help myself, this man is the epitome of delectable masculinity, sexy as hell, cheeky, roguish – come one who doesn’t love twinkly eyed rogue? Not to mention he’s Irish, I do love a Irish accent and I am not ashamed to say it but I did hear Cillian Murphey’s swoon-worthy voice in my mind whenever Tom spoke…sigh!

Thomas, the new Duke of Northfield knows that he really must start acting the Duke he is instead of the rake he has been for many years, but if he is to give up his wild life of duels, gambling, debauchery that means he also must give up the one thing in his life that has come to actually mean something to him; the secret ‘Orchid Club’ one of the most sought after clubs in the whole city – if you know about it- a secret paradise where no matter your station in life once you are through the door and the mask is in place you can be who you want to be. Thomas has become bored of the trivial fun of town, he no longer gets pleasure from being the rake he once did, but the moment he stepped into the Orchid Club and met the tempting and mysterious Amina his life changed.

‘Amina’ or otherwise known as Lucia has recently taken over the management of the club, coming from Italy she understands more then most what Thomas feels about being on the outside, but unlike Thomas she has had to face some real struggles in her life. She is a grafter, and that instantly made me like her she isn’t afraid to put in the hours and get the job done, being from poverty she knows just how precarious life can be, she needs the club to succeed as there is more at stake here then just her future.

Have I mentioned how much I adore this man? He’s not just a walking sex god, even though he is very…shall we say; skilled? He is a man who to be honest I don’t think he likes the aristocracy very much (nothing that Thomas) even though he is reluctantly apart of it. Being part Irish and having spent his early years with his mother in Ireland he has always felt on the outside of society, he has been tolerated because of his status but not liked or respected for the man he is and that grates on him, a lot. Now he is Duke, he knows he should start acting as he is supposed to but deep down he is still that wild lad from Ireland who really doesn’t care, he wants to have fun. But above all the thing I love about this man is how much he deeply cares for his family and his closest friends. He also is very passionate about helping those who genuinely need help, unlike his late father and most of society Thomas isn’t ashamed to voice on the rising poverty in the country, if anything his good heart and conscious spoke to me far more then what he can do in the bedchamber.

I adore the relationship between Lucia and Thomas, at first its all about sex the lust between them is palpable from that first meeting when she sees him as nothing but a charming buccaneer, the air sizzles around them, I felt like I was holding my breath, not daring to exhale in case I miss something between them. Then that soon turns into something more profound, something deeper.

What I do love about this book – in fact the whole series, is that these heroines are not your run of the mill sighing, swooning debutantes, these woman have fire and spirit, they aren’t afraid to challenge the hero, they are independent woman in their own right, they can play the seduction game and have the hero eating out of the palm of their hands. The hero’s fully respect these amazing woman for who they are, and this is so rare in historical romances, these couples are equals.

Overall, this is wonderful, a brilliantly original love story with amazingly different and complex characters.

[Gaele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tom is the son of the Duke of Northfield, raised with the understanding that his life will be one of duty and honor, so he’s taking the chance to grab all the gusto he can, while he can. While having experienced love seen from his parent’s view, and adoration from his much younger sister, while he’s not callus with their feelings, he’s not such the rogue as to bring shame to the family. He’s got a fascination with Amina, the manageress of The Orchid Club, a clandestine ‘pay what you can afford’, masquerade club that allows the carnal to take center stage. Not quite the more commonly encountered scenes of brothels or kept women, this is a place that allows people to explore their sexuality with only two rules: no names and everything utterly and completely consensual. Tom’s first introduction to the club comes from one of his friends, The Earl of Blakemore, a notorious libertine we fully met in book 2. While intrigued by the sex itself, Tom is more curious about the manageress, and finds that he enjoys her company and presence above all else.

But, his unexpected ascendancy to the title with his father’s death creates a wholesale change in what he believes he must do – and one trip for one night before he disappears into the House of Lords and endless obligatory functions, he convinces Amina to grant him some answers to questions long held, and her company for the night. Discovering not long after that his very proper father was the founder of the club, and now he’s got to decide on it’s future…. Well, things get complicated. Perhaps unduly so as the ton seems more involved in their neighbor’s business then their own, and the implicit and then later stated threats to derail his sister’s upcoming engagement (and perhaps threaten his own family’s reputation and prospects for evermore) Tom has a crisis of conscience: do what he knows will help alleviate the ills facing society and help make things better for those in he worst conditions, or act as requested, and follow in his father’s old path, punishing those without options or means simply to enrich the upper crust.

What Leigh does so well is let us see the awakening of Tom to the hardships of poverty and the choices are borne of those limited opportunities. With Amina sharing her name, Lucia, her background – daughter of a wealthy Englishman and a poor uneducated woman from Naples, and her paternal family’s treatment of her, not to mention her own determination to open a school for girls from Whitechapel, keep those in her employ at the Orchid Club safe and well-paid, and carve out a life that she has determined for herself, the growth and ending for Tom, along with the clearly presented sense of his character, his mother and sister’s love for him, and the worthiness of Tom as the hero of his story, a thoroughly modern (perhaps even far more of the present than the past) man, to the reasons why he Kit and Alex are such good friends – it all folds together neatly to provide an intriguing and interesting trek into London, without all the smells and soot.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via Edelweiss for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at I am, Indeed

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

After his father's recent death, Thomas Powell knows he needs to change his ways. As the new Duke of Northfield, he should be moral, proper, and an upstanding citizen, and the first thing he needs to give up from his old life is the frequent visits to the notorious Orchid Club. For about a year, he's gone nearly every week, to meet with the manager Amina, who intrigues him, and who he wants to know more. On his final visit he convinces Amina to spend the night with him, and reveal her true name of Lucia. When a visitor appears the next morning, and it's none other than Lucia claiming that Thomas's father was the owner of the club - meaning he now is - he's more than shocked. He agrees to keep the Club running as it is, and as much as he tries to, he can't stop himself from returning again and again, and meeting with Lucia, who's more than meets the eye. Lucia doesn't want to be in charge of a sex club, but is saving up to fund a girls' school to help those in the East End be educated, and not have to sell themselves when money is tight. It's an admirable pursuit, one Thomas fully agrees with, but he's got another Duke on his back, forcing him to agree with what he says, or else Thomas' sister will lose the man she loves, and the truth about the Orchid Club will be revealed. Can Thomas do what he knows is right, or will he be forced to be a different person?

My 7th Eva Leigh book, and I love it as much as I did my first. All of her characters, her plot lines, and her world building are perfect, and I beg you to read her books if you haven't already! This time, with Thomas and Lucia, I knew I would love their relationship, but I was still blown away. We first meet Amina and the Orchid Club in Temptations of a Wallflower, and in the rest of The London Underground series, the attraction between Thomas and Lucia is wholly apparent. Lucia has never taken part in the displays going on in the club, and as Amina she needs to remain aloof, and above it all. However, since meeting Thomas, she's always wished she hadn't made that promise, and when he announces that this will be his final night at the club, she'd be stupid not to agree to it. From then on, both are lost, and I loved the somewhat domestic aspects of their life we saw, especially as Thomas decamped to the club was a few days and helped as if he was just a member of staff. We saw a completely different side to him, and it was just perfect. This book, with all of it's twists and turns, to it's final climax, was outstanding, and it may be my favourite of Eva's of all the ones I've read. Now I'm up to date on her back catalogue, I'm looking forward to Waiting for a Scot Like You when it's released in April!

[Leigh Kramer · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you read historical romance and enjoy audiobooks, you have got to listen to this one. Zara Hampton-Brown does an incredible job with the narration, especially the Irish hero. (Be still my heart, Tom.)

Absolutely loved this one from start to finish! I haven't read Eva Leigh before, although she's been on my TBR for some time. Irish heroes are my favorite, in fiction and real life, so therefore Tom had me at hello. But Lucia was just as impressive a heroine and her work ethic, determination, and compassion for the poor really made an impression on me.

The author did a great job of exploring class dynamics and the layers of privilege. The Orchid Club is a place for everyone—they are all equals when they're there. But life gets more complicated outside the club walls, as Tom soon learns. I really felt for Tom's dilemma but I could see so clearly what he needed to do and I was antsy waiting for him to make a decision. The relief that followed was immense because he absolutely stole my heart. Tom and Lucia were so perfect together and while there were definite barriers in place, their HEA was that much more satisfying.

I was also fascinated/infuriated by how limited women were regarding mourning: not allowed to attend the funeral, not allowed to leave the house, etc. I don't think I've seen those societal rules before and it added some interesting layers. Truly a wonderful story all around.

CW: grief, references to the illness and subsequent death of a family member, reference to being shunned by family and abandonment, reference to the limited options for girls and women in the lower class, sexual harassment, bullying, blackmail

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

See the full review at HarlequinJunkie.com

Dare to Love a Duke was not your typical historical romance. Centered around a scandalous club run by a woman who hides a troubled past, and the newly titled duke who falls for her, Eva Leigh didn’t hold back on the emotions or the passion, which made for a combustible story.

I will start by saying you can read the books in this series individually with no worries but I think they’ve all been interesting enough to check them all out. Also, this particular story dealt with the seedier side of London so there were a lot of F-bombs being dropped. A LOT. I thought it did match what I imagine the characters’ dialogue would consist of but it might be a bit jarring to some readers at first. That having been said, I loved that Eva Leigh just went for it with the setup for this romance and let Lucia and Tom do whatever it took to accomplish what they believed in and to stand up for their loved ones. Read More

[Natasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tom & Lucia are just everything!!

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dare To Love A Duke by Eva Leigh is the second in Leigh's The London Underground series. Find out why I enjoyed this audiobook. Read my full review here Review goes live 6/4/2021

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just started reading Eva Leigh in Feb, 2020 and just loved her writing. As of today, I have read all her books. This is my 14th book by her including one in an anthology. Her stories are well written and sex scenes were really good and very detailed which is always a plus for me. 😊

I enjoyed Tom and Lucia's story. It was very different than my usual "ton" reads. I loved their chemistry and personalities. I appreciate a strong male character that doesn't give a shit what the ton thinks. So many books I read, they'll want something but because it's not expected of them, they just let it go and don't fight for it until it's almost too late. Just an overall really good read.

[Mai · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wish I could have liked this as it's an interesting premise. However, I just wasn't invested in what was happening. I don't know if it was because the odds were stacked so high against them or the number of times fuck was said or how they seem so powerless in their circumstances. I mean, he's a freaking duke and she's the manager of a secret club. They just felt too powerless given the position they carry it didn't click and so the story feel apart for me.

[Rebecca · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 50% Story gets bogged down in moral dithering and implausible situations for the era.

[Smitten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted on Smitten by Books Review blog

4.5 Stars ~ Top Pick

Leigh’s finale to the London Underground is everything I wanted!

First and foremost, this story is a heart-tugger. It grabs a hold with lots of confessions, secrets, and such sweet sorrow. Both hero and heroine seem as if their worlds are too far apart and no way for them to be together. Trust in Eva Leigh to make things happen.

Second, I highly enjoy and love the inclusion I’ve experienced in this series and Dare To Love A Duke is no exception. From a queer secondary set of characters to the description of non-white people in historical romance England, it’s fabulous. It might rub some people the wrong for me to point this out, but I believe it needs to be said. The call for cultural and sexual inclusion has been quite vocal and I am excited to see it appearing from an author with a bigger publishing house.

Third, is there anything more delicious than an imminent HEA for an illegal female immigrant managing a highly controversial and illicit sex club? There is absolutely not. We’ve seen the mistresses get their romance, the courtesans, and even brothel owners. The lovely heroine, Lucia, is not quite any of those. She’s fierce, independent, and ambitious. Throughout the course of this series she’s always been mentioned, hung in the wings, a fabulous, untouchable entity and when we finally get to know her… it’s glorious.

History is filled often with ambitious women, who’ve suffered to make something of themselves only using their body. Often their portrayals are depicted with violence and horrific acts. So, imagine my joy and surprise to see a woman, a sex worker, climb to the highest peak and then have the potential for even more. Huzzah! How does it happen? I can’t tell you, it would spoil the surprise.

Lucia has multiple inspirational thoughts throughout this story. One stuck with me,

All she could do was hope, but hope seldom made for a sound foundation. Without warning, the whole structure could collapse, burying you alive underneath the rubble of your dreams.

This book is filled with both hero and heroine trying to gain their dreams, to be the best person they can possibly be and falling in love in the process of fighting against insane odds.

I waxed poetic on the heroine, let me now on the hero, Tom. The new Duke of Northfield. He’s not an average duke. He’s half-Irish and knows a thing or two about being looked down upon for not having pure English blood. Kind-hearted and progressive, he has respect towards women, from the lowliest servant to the highest of the land. They are all equal in his eyes and that respect endeared him to me. He never talks down to Lucia or attempts to run roughshod with trying to protect her. The whole of the story his battles are waged against his circumstances and though Lucia is entangled in them, his stance towards her is extremely modern.

Finally, the last part of this story I fell for is the sex scenes. Many romance readers claim they don’t really read sex scenes; they typically skim them, etc. I won’t begrudge any reader for doing this, we all have our preferences. Except, Lucia and Tom have something special and Leigh has always been able to weave a good web with intimacies between characters, spilling emotions, spinning metaphors in a way that are grabbing and all the more meaningful. I read every word.

I can only hope for more stories within this world Leigh has created. In fact, I really want Maeve’s story, Tom’s sister. And I pray to the sweet stars that she’s involved in something highly unbecoming of a lady. Because ladies were meant to break rules, to bend the laws of the acceptable, and if they get to fall in love along the way that’s even better.

For readers who enjoy Sarah MacLean.

~ Landra

[Laura Nelson (Tangents and Tissues) · Rating 5 out of 5]

*grins madly*

And Laura’s historical romance fiction addiction continues...

Oh my – my heart is SO full *sighs*

I have been dying (okay, slight exaggeration) to read Tom and Lucia’s story. I’ll let you all in on a not-so-secret, secret – *whispers* Tom is my favourite, but don’t tell Alex (FDTD) *blushes* I’m sure I’m not the only one who always has a favourite in a series. Well, for me, Tom is that character. Although, please note that each book can be read as a standalone.

I’ve been slightly *pinches fingers* obsessed with Tom since FDTD. Ever since their initial meeting I wondered how the heir to a Dukedom and the manageress of a place for hedonistic pleasure could possibly have a HEA. My mind was working overtime. Scary, I know.

So, as you can imagine, DTLAD had a lot to live up to. It did not disappoint. *shouts* I repeat. It. Did. Not. Disappoint. Their story was everything I had hoped for and more. Totally flamazing!

The author threw me a curveball I did not see coming leaving me agog (don’t you just love that word?). Cue Laura with her best ‘WTH?’ expression. With various mutterings of, “This does not bode well...”, and others I can’t repeat in polite society. Whaaa? Don’t look at me like that? I’m a lady... sometimes *snorts*

Brace yourself though, peeps. You are in for one steamy (x 💯) and suspense driven ride.

The phwoar factor is off the charts HAWT. Yet, Tom and Lucia’s connection is such I questioned whether or not I was intruding on *coughs* moments I shouldn’t have been. Oi, watch it you! *wags finger* Read it and tell me if I’m not right *crosses arms*

As events unfolded, I felt the suspense mounting more and more as I waited for the other shoe to drop. My poor heart was beating a mile a minute – stressed you will be. I was also so angry at times I could’ve spit!

It’s been a while since I’ve rooted for a couple more. Sap alert – my happiness depended on their happiness. Ack, you know how invested I can get *wafts hand*

It truly was the perfect ending for an amazing series.

*sigh*

Now what to do? Book hangovers are the worst, aren’t they?

[Shia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this novel. It is #3 in The London Underground series and can be completely read as a stand alone novel. I didn't read the first two books and was still able to follow and enjoy the plot line. 

Let me just say that this beginning.. HOLY MOLY! WHAT A HUGE SHOCKER! I have never encountered a historical romance novel with THIS much of a rule breaking focal point rebelling against such a strict society nature! However, it was soooooo dang good! I was just as stumped and shocked to the core as Tom was when he walked into the Orchid club and saw what he saw! I mean it's very hard to imagine a SEX CLUB in the regency era where being prim and proper was a necessary skill for survival! 

-- Characters --

Tom - I loved how prior to his father's death, Tom was all about breaking the rules and following his heart because he knew once he was Duke all of that would go out the window. I also loved how instead of partaking in the frivolities of the Orchid Club, from the first night he went there he only had eyes for Lucia and for an entire year didn't need to sleep with her to fall in love with her. It was a first for me in a very long while for a HR novel how a regency aristocratic male took his time to develop appreciation and love for a woman below his station because of WHO she is. This affection only grew once he realized her reasonings for wanting to keep the club open and how big heart heart was. What I didn't like about Tom was how he kept using his sister as a reason to not follow his heart. I'm the type of person that no one should get in the way of your happiness, especially if it hinders that person from growing themselves. For example, Tom refuses to love Lucia and refuses to deny the father of his sister's boyfriend of anything! This forces him to make decisions he himself is not proud of and that irritated me because it took away the choices for his sister to acknowledge how wrong her potential father is and to make her own decisions as far as letting her brother continue to sacrifice himself for her gain or support him and learn that she may be better off without that conniving father-in-law. I also really admired Tom for putting himself literally in Lucia's and the other servants' shoes - this humbles him enough to encourage him to fight for what's right and advocate for justice and peace. 

Lucia - first off, the woman on the cover isn't a Caucasian! I love this especially as Lucia is herself not an aristocratic female and actually has Italian roots. She was born and raised in poverty, becoming a prostitute on the streets who gets hired by the manager of the Orchid club and strives gains strength to put herself in a valuable position to where the manager position went to her upon the current one's death with no questions asked. Lucia's drive was very admirable - it is tough to go from a poor situation like hers and still have hope to be better. What was even more remarkable was how big her heart is and how she continued to give back to everyone - from the workers she employed to the young girls she educated and aimed to opening a school for. Lucia is a very strong woman and so much more deserving of the title of Duchess. 

-- Plot --

The plot line was very unique (I mean sex club...HELLO) and was paced very well. I had no difficulty following Tom and Lucia's perspectives and really enjoyed how their love took its time to grow into what it was. It wasn't all about lust but more about the importance of taking what you are given and learning to use that to make the world a better place. Tom's inheritance puts him in a very powerful position to acquire allies and make political decisions that focus on justice and equality. Lucia's treatment of her employees and volunteering to teach the girls encourages equality and hope despite your circumstances. This book not only humbled Tom, but humbled me and reminded me that I can make a difference no matter how small as long as I fight for it. 

Dare to Love a Duke Releases Dec 24, 2018!

Preorder Here

**Thank you to Edelweiss, HarperCollins Publishers and Ms. Leigh for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.**

[Jane Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

On first acquaintance, Lucia is, the most scandalous of the ladies in this Regency romance series. The proprietress of a secret sex club, although not the owner, she is above the wild abandonment that takes place behind its doors, and never fraternises with members, until Tom. The early chapters of this book are explicit, but not in a gratuitous way. The descriptions demonstrate the ethos of the club and the double standards of polite society. It is a surprisingly egalitarian place, where identity is secret, members are drawn to the place for its freedom.

Tom first visits the club as the Duke’s heir, when it fits into his hedonistic lifestyle, Twelve months later, he attends only for his interaction with Lucia or Amina as she is known in ‘The Orchid Club’, they talk but don’t touch, which sets them apart from everyone else. Then his circumstances change, and he realises, so must his life.

Tom and Lucia are from different social classes, but they share the same beliefs, even if it takes Lucia to make Tom realise his true self. The plot has many twists, that force the couple together. Their relationship is full of conflicts that make their chance of lasting happiness unlikely.

Lucia, like all the women in this series, wants to help women and children subjected to deprivation and poverty, which she has experienced first hand. Scandal and social reform are the main themes of this Regency romance, which showcases the strength and tenacity of Lucia and her friends, in a class controlled, male-dominated society.

While the message of the novel is clear, it doesn’t deter from the delicious interplay between Lucia and Tom, and their passionate romance. The ending is romantic and satisfying, and the epilogue rounds off the series perfectly.

I received a copy of this book from Mills and Boon in return for an honest review.

[Gena · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite dukes in a long time. Tom has recently suffered the loss of his father and has to assume a role he never wanted--that of responsible adult. He is a different man than his father, and, through the influence of his progressive friends (whom we have met in previous titles in the series), comes into a deeper understanding of himself and his role in society through the course of the book. He does have a little angst, but he doesn't mope, thank goodness.

One of his friends, however, is not like the others. She is the manager of a VERY adult nightclub in London, The Orchid Club. An Italian who was orphaned at 13, Lucia is a survivor who has been through hell, learning to support herself and the family she has created for herself, including her friends (a couple in their own right), Elspeth and Kitty. Lucia doesn't NEED Tom, but boy does she want him.

The chemistry between these two is HOTTT. Off the charts, really. I loved reading about both of these characters and discovering how their chemistry became the basis of a respectful working relationship, friendship, and love affair. The supporting characters are phenomenal, as well, particularly Lady Maeve. She gets an HEA, too, but I wanted her to have her own book.

My favorite of 2019 so far! (Only 10 days in, but who's counting?!)

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dare to Love a Duke is the story of Tom, new Duke of Northfield, and Lucia Marini. Lucia is also known as Amina, and runs the Orchid Club, which is an exclusive sex club in London.
It’s a lovely story of two people who struggle with the weight of expectations, responsibilities, and their own needs. Though they are from very different worlds, Tom and Lucy complement each other so well. There is a real chemistry between them as they learn to trust each other, and share each other’s burdens.
Lucia/Amina is a strong heroine who is not afraid to take what she wants. She’s fought for everything she has, yet she’s compassionate, and surprisingly and touchingly vulnerable.
Tom is everything a hero should be. A loveable rakehell, desirous of reforming so he can take his new responsibilities seriously; yet he too has a hidden vulnerability.
For me though, the book’s real strength lies in the author’s ability to create two convincing characters we care about, even though society might not think them very sympathetic.
Finally, I feel I should give two warnings:
Firstly, if you are easily offended this may not be the book for you. Dare to Love a Duke shows the underside of society; the language, behaviour, and settings reflect this.
Secondly, you really do need to read this with a fan/your significant other within reach - it is scorchingly hot!!!!

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thomas Powell, formerly the Earl of Langdon & now the Duke of Northfield following his father’s death, knows he should be proper and principled, like his father. No more duelling, or carousing, or frequenting masked balls. But he’s not ready to give up his freedom just yet he wants one more night.
Lucia aka Amina manages the Orchid Club, a secret society where fantasies become reality. Yet no member of the club has ever intrigued her until him, the masked stranger whose heated looks sear her skin. After a year of suppressed longing, do they dare to give in to temptation ?
This is the third book in the series, whilst it could easily be read on its own the three stories do gel together very well & the epilogue rounds the series off very well. I’d been waiting for Tom’s story & it didn't disappoint, I particularly liked how Tom & Lucia's relationship developed, whilst the attraction was in no doubt it was how he treat Lucia that added that little extra, he treated her like a lady not a thirteen year old who’d been thrown out onto the streets & had used all her wiles to survive. I also like the secondary romance of Hugh & Maeve. All in all a lovely romance that had me captivated
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Malin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thomas Powell has just become the Duke of Northfield and has to set aside his previously rakish ways to protect his father's legacy and ensure a good future for his younger sister. She's very much in love with the son of one of their father's most trusted allies in Parliament, who clearly expects Thomas to continue supporting him, whether Thomas actually agrees with his views or not. Torn between duty and his own conscience, Thomas is struggling. The one place he feels at ease, the Orchid Club, is a deeply inappropriate hang-out for a duke.

Lucia Marini has had to make her own way in the world. The illegitimate daughter of a wealthy Englishman and a poor Italian woman, she came to England when her mother died, only to find her grandparents refusing to take her in. Now she is known to all that visit the exclusive Orchid Club as "Amina", the beautiful and elusive proprietress. The Orchid Club takes visitors from all levels of society, and charges what the visitors feel they can afford. Everyone has to appear masked, and all the sexual acts are entirely consensual. The club was successful even before Lucia took over its management with some of her found family, but now they have received news that the club's noble patron has passed away, Lucia and the rest who work there are worried that they may find themselves homeless and without a way to make a living.

While Tom has been drawn to the beautiful Amina since he first visited the Orchid Club, he has never propositioned her in any way, quite happy for their friendship to be platonic (while they flirt shamelessly). Now that he knows he has to become all that is dutiful and responsible, and he comes to the club to say goodbye, he requests one night with her, before he and Amina go their separate ways forever.

I don't think I'm spoiling it for anyone who's ever read anything ever when I say that of course it turns out that the wealthy patron who died was in fact Tom's seemingly faultless father, and that now that Tom is his heir, he finds himself the unexpected owner of the sex club he's been visiting for the past year. His super conservative, family values father also had a pretty big secret, and Tom is rather shocked when he discovers it. Of course, it also means that he is Lucia's employer, which is very fraught for a number of reasons. They were only supposed to spend one night of passion together, but of course, as in all romance, that night was utterly transformative for both of them, and they're completely ga-ga for one another.

Even really rather disreputable dukes are unlikely to settle down and marry former sex workers, and the former Duke of Northfield was known as a pillar of propriety and Tom therefore has all sorts of expectations to live up to in society. He really does take his position seriously, and is extremely protective of his younger sister. He's quite willing to be utterly miserable, giving up any chance of his own happiness, if it means she gets to marry her sweetheart, even though said sweetheart's father is clearly an odious bully, whose political views are pretty much diametrically opposite to the progressive views Tom himself holds.

Family is an important theme throughout the book. Tom deeply loves his mother and sister, and comes to discover his father was a very different man than he believed. Lucia was rejected by first her father and her father's family and had to sell herself to survive, but has managed to find friends and confidantes who love her and care for her as much (or more) than an actual family would. They run the Orchid Club together, determined to make it a safe haven for people of all creeds and classes, and the main reason Lucia has for running the club is to make enough money to open a girls' school for poor and underprivileged girls, like she herself once was, vowing to give them lives better than she had when she arrived in England.

Does the storyline presented in this book require quite some suspension of disbelief? Yes, but no more so than in the majority of Tessa Dare's historical romances. Is it an entertaining read? Yes. Do Tom and Lucia work as a couple? Absolutely, they complement each other's strengths and weaknesses beautifully. Is pretty much all the supporting cast also fun to read about? Yes, I especially liked Tom's sister and the lesbian couple who Lucia run the club alongside. Does Tom's mother seem to accept her son's choice of bride, despite her 'colourful' past, unexpectedly quickly? Yup, but I didn't care.

Eva Leigh continues to write very entertaining historicals, and I'm excited to see what she's going to come up with next.

Judging a book by its cover: Not sure whether Eva Leigh has made some sort of unholy covenant, but the covers for her historical novels are pretty much always, without exception, gorgeous. The cover models portraying the heroines actually look like pretty much like the women inside the cover are actually described, and the dresses they wear are absolutely sumptuous. The utterly stunning blue dress on this cover takes my breath away.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had trouble putting this down.

The general concept of this series is so good and though that makes it a little more serious than I usually enjoy (ie, a bit high on the angst scale for me) the balance here was perfect. I think what really helped was that there was just no denying the feelings between Tom and Lucia—most of the conflict was their stations in life and (to a lesser degree) them actually acknowledging their feelings.

I just also loved how much they listened to each other and the fact that he was so absolutely smitten with her.

A really fun one.

[K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trigger warnings: slut shaming, turning to sex work out of desperation (in the past), blackmail.

I've been intrigued by Amina as a character from the first time she showed up on the page back in the Wicked Quills of London series, so I may have screamed a small amount when I realised that this book was her story.

And it didn't disappoint. I loved getting her backstory (although I wanted sliiiiiiiightly more explanation around her father and grandparents than we got (entirely possible I may have missed it because I was listening to the audio of this while making dinner)) and the romance was delightful. Were things wrapped up a little too neat and tidy for my liking? Sure. Did I care? Not even remotely.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very steamy and very angsty, just how I like my romances. Could have lived without the unnecessary "I knew I should have never trusted you" trope at the end, though. It didn't make a lack of sense to me considering how close Lucia and Tom were but whatever. The mutual pining and the touch her and die tropes made up for the stupid 3rd act break up.

[Harisa- EsquiredToRead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fans of Joanna Shupe will love this! I enjoyed the politics and a very aware Duke who isn’t a jerk. Good couple I really enjoyed, this was a fun light hearted read. Just keep in mind it’s a bit more steamy than you’d probably expect.