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My Dirty Duke
Violet knows that her father’s best friend, the Duke of Ravensthorpe, is the most powerful man in all of London with a reputation for sin.
But nothing can stop Violet from wanting to shed her wallflower ways and fulfill her darkest, most forbidden desires…even if it means seducing a man twice her age.
Note: My Dirty Duke was originally published in the Duke I'd Like to F... anthology.
But nothing can stop Violet from wanting to shed her wallflower ways and fulfill her darkest, most forbidden desires…even if it means seducing a man twice her age.
Note: My Dirty Duke was originally published in the Duke I'd Like to F... anthology.
114 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 17, 2020
297 people are currently reading
1860 people want to read
About the author
Joanna Shupe
34 books2,571 followersWant a free Gilded Age read? Sign up for Joanna's newsletter and receive a link for The Knickerbocker Bride. You'll also be the first to hear about new books and discounts!
http://www.joannashupe.com/newsletter/
USA Today bestselling author JOANNA SHUPE has always loved history, ever since she saw her first Schoolhouse Rock cartoon. Since 2015, her books have appeared on numerous yearly “best of” lists, including Publishers Weekly, The Washington Post, Kirkus Reviews, Kobo, and BookPage.
She currently lives in New Jersey with her two spirited daughters and a dashing husband.
http://www.joannashupe.com/newsletter/
USA Today bestselling author JOANNA SHUPE has always loved history, ever since she saw her first Schoolhouse Rock cartoon. Since 2015, her books have appeared on numerous yearly “best of” lists, including Publishers Weekly, The Washington Post, Kirkus Reviews, Kobo, and BookPage.
She currently lives in New Jersey with her two spirited daughters and a dashing husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 363 reviews
May 15, 2025
I was not expecting this book to be a novella (again) but as I am in dire need of Victorian historical romance to read on a whim — enough to say, this book came to my rescue. I am pleased to have Joanna Shupe as one of the authors who would write her novella good as has been said through and through:
novellas aren't easy to write and are rarely gratifying.
Not to mention, having the father's best friend trope is surely tricky, but the characters of our FMC, who grew up with the Duke of Ravensthorpe in attendance at many gatherings and family dinner, fit the author's characters blazingly. My Dirty Duke gets to the heart of the problem without getting entangled in the details that can ultimately destroy any decent story. The characters are well-developed, and their interactions were done naturally. The yearning, and the angst, are all taken into account in making sure this novella would not fall short.
Nevertheless, as enjoyable as this story seems to be, I may yet to get accustomed to taboo romance; so the age gap in this book still feels confining and at times creepy with how much emphasis there was on Violet's chastity and ebullient personality compared to Max pensive impish scheme. It wasn't exactly bad and having to read this in between does serve as a palette cleanser, but also not something I would confine the next time if I could.
Not to mention, having the father's best friend trope is surely tricky, but the characters of our FMC, who grew up with the Duke of Ravensthorpe in attendance at many gatherings and family dinner, fit the author's characters blazingly. My Dirty Duke gets to the heart of the problem without getting entangled in the details that can ultimately destroy any decent story. The characters are well-developed, and their interactions were done naturally. The yearning, and the angst, are all taken into account in making sure this novella would not fall short.
Nevertheless, as enjoyable as this story seems to be, I may yet to get accustomed to taboo romance; so the age gap in this book still feels confining and at times creepy with how much emphasis there was on Violet's chastity and ebullient personality compared to Max pensive impish scheme. It wasn't exactly bad and having to read this in between does serve as a palette cleanser, but also not something I would confine the next time if I could.
August 8, 2024
4 Stars
Well, that was way more explicit saucy dirty than I ever expected, and definitely not in the typical wheelhouse of stories I devoured way back when.
Thoroughly enjoyable historical MF with a substantial age gap and a strong heroine to root for. Me likey!!
Thanks so much Anne for bringing my attention to this tasty nostalgic-esque morsel!
Well, that was way more explicit saucy dirty than I ever expected, and definitely not in the typical wheelhouse of stories I devoured way back when.
Thoroughly enjoyable historical MF with a substantial age gap and a strong heroine to root for. Me likey!!
Thanks so much Anne for bringing my attention to this tasty nostalgic-esque morsel!
August 25, 2022
3.5 stars
This was good, but I wanted SO MUCH MORE. I know it's a novella, but dang... this would have made a great book. I enjoyed Violet and the Duke's story and if it would have had more length and an epilogue I think it could have been awesome.
This was good, but I wanted SO MUCH MORE. I know it's a novella, but dang... this would have made a great book. I enjoyed Violet and the Duke's story and if it would have had more length and an epilogue I think it could have been awesome.
June 28, 2022
not bad, but not great either.
August 3, 2023
I was going to joke-rhapsodize about how this is a tale of fated love across time and circumstance and the rich story it weaves with equal parts longing and pleasure but it’s a novella about a duke who bangs his friend’s daughter and then feels bad about it. I guess he marries her, which is cool of him, and she takes some erotic pictures of him but it’s like the late 19th century so wouldn’t he have to stay still for a long time or the picture would be ruined? He didn’t have a fluffer so I hope not. Anyway I gave this 5 stars because I’m a simple woman.
August 31, 2022
Good lord what does it mean when I didn’t find this book spicy?? It was like…fine but not anywhere near what could have happened?? The age gap was not my thing but I could look past that if I had just liked any of them better or it was hotter.
July 1, 2023
-=- 2 stars for the setting and the smut 🧍♀️-=-
This one was annoying because I actually really liked the writing- but I just had no respect for the H. I'm not even joking, page after page he just kept embarrassing himself so bad- from scenes/comparison with OW, to him just being goofy (not to mention some awful groveling) 😭- I couldn't with him he was so embarrassing 💀.
-=- Just look at this: -=-
HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO TAKE HIM SERIOUSLY AFTER THAT HJDHJS😭😭.
-=-
The H aside, the book was pretty decent. I really liked the historical setting, and again, did like the writing- And I LOVE the cover (but I'm sorry the H alone had to take 3 stars off 💀- I'm not letting this slide).
Overall it was a bit cringy but ok🤷♀️.
This one was annoying because I actually really liked the writing- but I just had no respect for the H. I'm not even joking, page after page he just kept embarrassing himself so bad- from scenes/comparison with OW, to him just being goofy (not to mention some awful groveling) 😭- I couldn't with him he was so embarrassing 💀.
-=- Just look at this: -=-
"Shoving himself away from her, he fell back on his arse, skittering on his limbs like a bloody crab, desperate to put distance between them"
HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO TAKE HIM SERIOUSLY AFTER THAT HJDHJS😭😭.
-=-
The H aside, the book was pretty decent. I really liked the historical setting, and again, did like the writing- And I LOVE the cover (but I'm sorry the H alone had to take 3 stars off 💀- I'm not letting this slide).
Overall it was a bit cringy but ok🤷♀️.
May 5, 2022
Second re-read: my kindle is still smoking 🔥
(Read as part of the Duke I'd Like to F... anthology)
A wicked, debauched, dirty-talking 40-something duke falls in lust and then love with his best friend’s totally off limits 18 year old daughter.
She licked her lips, uncertain but definitely eager. “What do I do?”
His dark eyes glittered from underneath his long lashes. “You worship it.”
(Read as part of the Duke I'd Like to F... anthology)
A wicked, debauched, dirty-talking 40-something duke falls in lust and then love with his best friend’s totally off limits 18 year old daughter.
She licked her lips, uncertain but definitely eager. “What do I do?”
His dark eyes glittered from underneath his long lashes. “You worship it.”
September 18, 2022
ok i most certainly did not read this for the plot 👀
also, maximilian thomas william bradley the third, you are one dirty filthy raunchy debauched motherfucker! GIVE IT TO MEH 🥵
fresh after yet another annual reread so i’m upping my rating for this sinfully sexy concoction of a story 🤌🏽
also, maximilian thomas william bradley the third, you are one dirty filthy raunchy debauched motherfucker! GIVE IT TO MEH 🥵
fresh after yet another annual reread so i’m upping my rating for this sinfully sexy concoction of a story 🤌🏽
April 24, 2024
I loved this shorter steamy love story! About 130 pages on my iPad, but it felt like a complete story for me. It had been awhile since I had read this author, but I remember loving a few of her full-length novels. And after seeing a few good reviews pop up, I just had to have a little look-see for myself!
Hero was a 41-yr old widowed, single father Duke, and boy did he have a little potty mouth on him 😈. He was a long time friend of the heroines father and he had been avoiding the heroine for a while, ever since she matured into a beautiful young woman. He didn’t want to cross the line.
Heroine was 18 yrs old, been in love with the hero for eons, and she was having none of the being ignored treatment. So she followed him around at parties just to be able to secretly catch a glimpse of his loveliness 😍
I absolutely love when the heroine chases the guy, and she didn’t actually build enough confidence to start pursuing him until after he made comments that let her know that he did indeed harbor hidden feelings for her. I loved how she teased him and left it up to him to now pursue her. And he did 😈.
Age gap didn’t bother me at all, as I don’t know how many times we have read about young heroines being married off to men old enough to be their grandpa in historical romances. This case was mutual love that triumphed all.
“Confidence surged through her like a great gust of air and filled her with newfound knowledge and purpose. She lifted her chin. “Perhaps I’ll find a young buck to teach me, then. I’ll return after some tutelage and you might reconsider.”
His gaze, possessive and dark, narrowed on her. “Do not even contemplate it, Violet.”
This was not the typical Regency setting either, it was in the Gilded Age with the heroine owing a camera and was a Kodak girl in the making. And the hero mentioned the idea of her maybe getting her nipples pierced in Paris one day 😖
Hero was a 41-yr old widowed, single father Duke, and boy did he have a little potty mouth on him 😈. He was a long time friend of the heroines father and he had been avoiding the heroine for a while, ever since she matured into a beautiful young woman. He didn’t want to cross the line.
Heroine was 18 yrs old, been in love with the hero for eons, and she was having none of the being ignored treatment. So she followed him around at parties just to be able to secretly catch a glimpse of his loveliness 😍
I absolutely love when the heroine chases the guy, and she didn’t actually build enough confidence to start pursuing him until after he made comments that let her know that he did indeed harbor hidden feelings for her. I loved how she teased him and left it up to him to now pursue her. And he did 😈.
Age gap didn’t bother me at all, as I don’t know how many times we have read about young heroines being married off to men old enough to be their grandpa in historical romances. This case was mutual love that triumphed all.
“Confidence surged through her like a great gust of air and filled her with newfound knowledge and purpose. She lifted her chin. “Perhaps I’ll find a young buck to teach me, then. I’ll return after some tutelage and you might reconsider.”
His gaze, possessive and dark, narrowed on her. “Do not even contemplate it, Violet.”
This was not the typical Regency setting either, it was in the Gilded Age with the heroine owing a camera and was a Kodak girl in the making. And the hero mentioned the idea of her maybe getting her nipples pierced in Paris one day 😖
September 7, 2021
Age gap, voyeurism, dirty talk and hot as sin sex play.
That sums up this hot little number quite right.
A wicked palate cleanser!
More reviews and book talk at :
You can find me here too ☞
That sums up this hot little number quite right.
A wicked palate cleanser!
More reviews and book talk at :
You can find me here too ☞
October 4, 2021
This one was actually pretty good. Not exactly pure smuttiness. The characters were fleshed out even though it is only a novella. I've only read one other book by Ms. Shupe and I think her writing is fine. Nice tidbits about camera during this time period. I was in the mood for older guy/younger woman romance and this fits my mood perfectly.
October 15, 2023
Definetly a dirty H! 😎
December 5, 2023
4.5 stars
Really loved this. There's just something about Shupe's writing I really enjoy when the story is right. It's so intelligent, precise, sexy and well researched. It does take on a bit of a modern tone in some areas as far as female autonomy and independence but it's not distracting. This is the biggest age gap romance I've read and I'll be honest if this was a Contemporary I would not have touched it. There's a 23 age difference here. The hero is 41 and the heroine is 18 and yes it took me some getting used to considering he's known her since she was a baby and he has a teenage son who is 2 years younger than the heroine Violet. I would have liked it more if Violet was 21 at least. But she's very mature for her age (a little too mature at times if I'm being honest lol). It definitely helped that the hero Max tried to put some distance and barriers between him and Violet who is doggedly pursuing him and is freaked out that she wants him. She's hurt that he's put distance between them since her coming out and it turns out he did it for a reason as he found her beautiful but much too young for him and it freaks him out. This also helped because if he had just went along with it easily I would have dropped this in a hot second. He's terrified and tries to scare her off at first which was great character development.
The Duke of Ravensthorpe is Violet's father's best friend and a family friend and Violet's crushed on him from afar since girlhood. He's a widower who enjoys single life after his marriage was a disappointing disaster after his wife died during child birth. He's a rake through and through who loves naughty times in the bedroom and honestly I found him so sexy and delicious. He's so intimidating, commanding, intelligent, earthy, sensual and masculine but also kind and a gentleman. I can't blame Violet for wanting him. A silver fox Duke with a filthy mouth. I wanted to climb him like a jungle gym so I get it. lol He steals the scenes and then some. Violet for her part I thought could have been developed a little more in comparison. The fact that I don't know what she looks like beyond having blonde hair and a curvy body for example did bug me. Her face is a hazy blur in comparison to the Duke who we get every little detailed description on. I liked that Violet's passion was in photography (I didn't even know Kodak camera boxes were a thing in 1895?) and studying photography (were classes available for women back then?). The sex scene involving her taking pictures of him naked was insanely hot and erotic. I thought that was nicely done. (ETA: I just realized the model on the cover is holding a camera. Very clever.) This is a very hot spicy novella and I loved every minute of it. I honestly wish this was a full length book given how quickly these two acted on their attraction and I wish that was dragged out a bit more given the forbidden aspect of it and Max's hang ups over their age difference and his friendship with her father. The hero caves a little too soon for my liking but since this is a novella you kind of just go along with it. I thought the emotions, the connection and tension was nicely done. If this was a full length book I probably would have given this a 5 star TBH. I could not put this down. Maximilian Thomas William Bradley III could absolutely GET IT. 🔥🤤
Really loved this. There's just something about Shupe's writing I really enjoy when the story is right. It's so intelligent, precise, sexy and well researched. It does take on a bit of a modern tone in some areas as far as female autonomy and independence but it's not distracting. This is the biggest age gap romance I've read and I'll be honest if this was a Contemporary I would not have touched it. There's a 23 age difference here. The hero is 41 and the heroine is 18 and yes it took me some getting used to considering he's known her since she was a baby and he has a teenage son who is 2 years younger than the heroine Violet. I would have liked it more if Violet was 21 at least. But she's very mature for her age (a little too mature at times if I'm being honest lol). It definitely helped that the hero Max tried to put some distance and barriers between him and Violet who is doggedly pursuing him and is freaked out that she wants him. She's hurt that he's put distance between them since her coming out and it turns out he did it for a reason as he found her beautiful but much too young for him and it freaks him out. This also helped because if he had just went along with it easily I would have dropped this in a hot second. He's terrified and tries to scare her off at first which was great character development.
The Duke of Ravensthorpe is Violet's father's best friend and a family friend and Violet's crushed on him from afar since girlhood. He's a widower who enjoys single life after his marriage was a disappointing disaster after his wife died during child birth. He's a rake through and through who loves naughty times in the bedroom and honestly I found him so sexy and delicious. He's so intimidating, commanding, intelligent, earthy, sensual and masculine but also kind and a gentleman. I can't blame Violet for wanting him. A silver fox Duke with a filthy mouth. I wanted to climb him like a jungle gym so I get it. lol He steals the scenes and then some. Violet for her part I thought could have been developed a little more in comparison. The fact that I don't know what she looks like beyond having blonde hair and a curvy body for example did bug me. Her face is a hazy blur in comparison to the Duke who we get every little detailed description on. I liked that Violet's passion was in photography (I didn't even know Kodak camera boxes were a thing in 1895?) and studying photography (were classes available for women back then?). The sex scene involving her taking pictures of him naked was insanely hot and erotic. I thought that was nicely done. (ETA: I just realized the model on the cover is holding a camera. Very clever.) This is a very hot spicy novella and I loved every minute of it. I honestly wish this was a full length book given how quickly these two acted on their attraction and I wish that was dragged out a bit more given the forbidden aspect of it and Max's hang ups over their age difference and his friendship with her father. The hero caves a little too soon for my liking but since this is a novella you kind of just go along with it. I thought the emotions, the connection and tension was nicely done. If this was a full length book I probably would have given this a 5 star TBH. I could not put this down. Maximilian Thomas William Bradley III could absolutely GET IT. 🔥🤤
January 16, 2022
3.75*
I love me a good May-Dec romance but they are so difficult to find outside of Smutopia.
So yeah, this is a short-ish Victorian Smutrotica but not the mindless kind.
I love me a good May-Dec romance but they are so difficult to find outside of Smutopia.
So yeah, this is a short-ish Victorian Smutrotica but not the mindless kind.
April 4, 2024
✨️ 4.5 Stars ✨️
Violet has admired Max for years. When she gets a chance to pretend to be someone else to sneak into his house, she does! Sparks fly right away, even if Max tries to resist. After all, he's a long-term friend to her father…
Spicy writing style. I thoroughly enjoyed this novella. I love the age gap trope. Max is 41, and Violet is 18. I'll probably re-read this yearly! I intend to get Shupe's other short novella, Sold to the Duke. Have you read this?
Don't forget to follow me on IG — readinginbliss.
Violet has admired Max for years. When she gets a chance to pretend to be someone else to sneak into his house, she does! Sparks fly right away, even if Max tries to resist. After all, he's a long-term friend to her father…
Spicy writing style. I thoroughly enjoyed this novella. I love the age gap trope. Max is 41, and Violet is 18. I'll probably re-read this yearly! I intend to get Shupe's other short novella, Sold to the Duke. Have you read this?
Don't forget to follow me on IG — readinginbliss.
August 8, 2021
Well. My Dirty Duke was a hot little number!
Lusting after one of your father's best friends? Can't say I've ever been there. But my dad didn't have friends like Max. The dirty-talking silver fox was so sexy that I couldn't blame Violet. The 20+ year age gap should not have worked for me - but it worked, and then some. Yes, my modern sensibilities would have appreciated if Violet had been a few years older. But the genuine affection and respect between Max and Violet, combined with the smoking hot sex, made me a believer.
A fun and steamy ride!
Lusting after one of your father's best friends? Can't say I've ever been there. But my dad didn't have friends like Max. The dirty-talking silver fox was so sexy that I couldn't blame Violet. The 20+ year age gap should not have worked for me - but it worked, and then some. Yes, my modern sensibilities would have appreciated if Violet had been a few years older. But the genuine affection and respect between Max and Violet, combined with the smoking hot sex, made me a believer.
A fun and steamy ride!
August 21, 2021
3.5 'Little mouse' Stars!
Found this around social media, an author I follow recommeded it because it is a short and deliciously dirty treat and that is exactly what I got! My Dirty Duke made me miss historical romance so much (I need to get back to that ASAP) and that's why I really enjoyed Violet and Max's short love story. I do wish it was a bit more developed but that always happens with me when it comes to novellas lol I enjoyed Joanna Shupe's style, this was my first read from hers and I hope it will not be the last!
Found this around social media, an author I follow recommeded it because it is a short and deliciously dirty treat and that is exactly what I got! My Dirty Duke made me miss historical romance so much (I need to get back to that ASAP) and that's why I really enjoyed Violet and Max's short love story. I do wish it was a bit more developed but that always happens with me when it comes to novellas lol I enjoyed Joanna Shupe's style, this was my first read from hers and I hope it will not be the last!
December 11, 2021
I, hereby, swear that I'll never be reading a regency era book, no matter how pretty the book cover is.
This was cringey but dare I say...sexy too? I mean, yeah, it was meant to be sexy but I cringed 90% of the time. I liked how the heroine was independent and smart. It somehow also had plot in it which was surprising to me.
The rule is simple, the more I cringe, the more I take off the stars no matter how sexy the books are.
This was cringey but dare I say...sexy too? I mean, yeah, it was meant to be sexy but I cringed 90% of the time. I liked how the heroine was independent and smart. It somehow also had plot in it which was surprising to me.
The rule is simple, the more I cringe, the more I take off the stars no matter how sexy the books are.
November 8, 2025
This Victorian smut-let was an absolute DELIGHT!
We’ve got Max, a silver fox Duke with a filthy mouth, a commanding presence and a heart of gold buried under all that rakish charm. He’s been best friends with Violet’s father since she was a baby (he’s 23 years her senior). Yes, please. Age gap perfection!
Violet isn’t some wilting wallflower, she’s known what she wanted since she was a girl and she’s not afraid to go after it. Even when Max tries to resist (because principles, his son, his best friend…you know, reasons), she meets him head-on. And when they finally give in? The tension ignites into some of the steamiest, most creative scenes I’ve read, including a naked photography session that was artfully erotic and seriously hot.
That said, I wish this was a full-length novel! Max caves a little too quickly for my taste and I wanted more angst, more forbidden longing, and maybe an epilogue featuring his son or her parents. Violet also felt slightly underdeveloped compared to Max, we get every silver-fox detail of him, but she remains a bit blurry beyond her blonde hair and curvy confidence.
But overall? This was a deliciously wicked, emotionally charged romp through Victorian drawing rooms and bedrooms. If it would have been longer it definitely would have gotten 5 stars!!
Trops/kinks/safety
🤎historical setting
🤎age gap
🤎forbidden love
🤎silver fox
🤎widower
🤎confident heroine
🤎virgin heroin
🤎manwhore MMC
🤎possesive/ protective hero
🤎steamy
🤎light trauma
🤎death at childbirth mentioned (past)
🤎dirty talk
🤎rough sex
🤎cunnilingus
🤎blow jobs
🤎voyeurism
🤎light public sex
🤎naked photo shoot
We’ve got Max, a silver fox Duke with a filthy mouth, a commanding presence and a heart of gold buried under all that rakish charm. He’s been best friends with Violet’s father since she was a baby (he’s 23 years her senior). Yes, please. Age gap perfection!
Violet isn’t some wilting wallflower, she’s known what she wanted since she was a girl and she’s not afraid to go after it. Even when Max tries to resist (because principles, his son, his best friend…you know, reasons), she meets him head-on. And when they finally give in? The tension ignites into some of the steamiest, most creative scenes I’ve read, including a naked photography session that was artfully erotic and seriously hot.
That said, I wish this was a full-length novel! Max caves a little too quickly for my taste and I wanted more angst, more forbidden longing, and maybe an epilogue featuring his son or her parents. Violet also felt slightly underdeveloped compared to Max, we get every silver-fox detail of him, but she remains a bit blurry beyond her blonde hair and curvy confidence.
But overall? This was a deliciously wicked, emotionally charged romp through Victorian drawing rooms and bedrooms. If it would have been longer it definitely would have gotten 5 stars!!
Trops/kinks/safety
🤎historical setting
🤎age gap
🤎forbidden love
🤎silver fox
🤎widower
🤎confident heroine
🤎virgin heroin
🤎manwhore MMC
🤎possesive/ protective hero
🤎steamy
🤎light trauma
🤎death at childbirth mentioned (past)
🤎dirty talk
🤎rough sex
🤎cunnilingus
🤎blow jobs
🤎voyeurism
🤎light public sex
🤎naked photo shoot
May 8, 2024
I like that they have a camera for the cover of this
I have been in the worst reading slump this past month and am hoping these “duke I’d like to f…” novellas can save my reading goal lol.
I liked this! I’ve talked before of how Shupe is a hit or miss for me, sometimes I like her novellas and sometimes I really don’t. She can be pretty heavy handed and preachy with women’s rights stuff in her books (my usual disclaimer, I am a feminist and don’t have an issue with feminism in my books but like please don’t lecture me lol! I am not dumb, please show and don’t tell, this is a novel not a textbook!) and sometimes it makes the plots really ridiculous but this one was more chill.
Very horny! Also she’s 18 and he’s like 41 or something so if that’s not your thing move along. But the fun from this is the “they shouldn’t be doing this” aspect, and there were actually some nice/non-sexual touching moments that made me actually root for these two (we will just ignore the fact that his son is two years younger than her lmao how they are going to handle her being his step mom is not commented on).
But it was good and I read it in an hour and can feel the book slump curse breaking lol!
I have been in the worst reading slump this past month and am hoping these “duke I’d like to f…” novellas can save my reading goal lol.
I liked this! I’ve talked before of how Shupe is a hit or miss for me, sometimes I like her novellas and sometimes I really don’t. She can be pretty heavy handed and preachy with women’s rights stuff in her books (my usual disclaimer, I am a feminist and don’t have an issue with feminism in my books but like please don’t lecture me lol! I am not dumb, please show and don’t tell, this is a novel not a textbook!) and sometimes it makes the plots really ridiculous but this one was more chill.
Very horny! Also she’s 18 and he’s like 41 or something so if that’s not your thing move along. But the fun from this is the “they shouldn’t be doing this” aspect, and there were actually some nice/non-sexual touching moments that made me actually root for these two (we will just ignore the fact that his son is two years younger than her lmao how they are going to handle her being his step mom is not commented on).
But it was good and I read it in an hour and can feel the book slump curse breaking lol!
December 14, 2024
Lady Violet Littleton has been in love with Maximilian "Max" Thomas William Bradley III, Duke of Ravensthorpe since she was (and I quote) "a girl". Now 18, she's ready to Be An Adult by doing Adult Activities with the much older Max.
1. Another age gap, this one made weird by the casting of Max as Violet's father's friend. Who was there through the whole of her childhood. Just: WHY? What was the purpose other than the ick factor? Let him be older and new in town! Don't have your hero tell "cute" stories about the heroine as a child because THEY ARE NOT CUTE.
2. The need for heroes to cling to their obviously flawed notions of never marrying again grows tiring??
3. This was set in 1895 which means there were some fun inklings of the coming 20th century: Kodak girls and electricity and living in a rented apartment above a camera shop and that sort of thing, which was fun!
4. Really, everything other than the fact that MAX WITNESSED VIOLET GROW UP was pretty okay, but that one fact really sank the rest of it. 1.75 stars.
1. Another age gap, this one made weird by the casting of Max as Violet's father's friend. Who was there through the whole of her childhood. Just: WHY? What was the purpose other than the ick factor? Let him be older and new in town! Don't have your hero tell "cute" stories about the heroine as a child because THEY ARE NOT CUTE.
2. The need for heroes to cling to their obviously flawed notions of never marrying again grows tiring??
3. This was set in 1895 which means there were some fun inklings of the coming 20th century: Kodak girls and electricity and living in a rented apartment above a camera shop and that sort of thing, which was fun!
4. Really, everything other than the fact that MAX WITNESSED VIOLET GROW UP was pretty okay, but that one fact really sank the rest of it. 1.75 stars.
September 12, 2021
I've read this book as part of the anthology Duke I'd Like to F... But the novella own cover is absolutely gorgeous!!!
This book was hot as hell with some interesting dad's BF trope. 🥵 The Duke of Ravensthorpe is such a dirty talker and Violet loves it. They have a big 23 years age gap (as he is her dad's best friend), but it doesn't stop the young lady to fight for what she wants and pursue Max. He is doomed right away by his temptress "mouse". The steam level is crazy 🔥🔥🔥 from the start and doesn't go down.
It was my first read from Shupe but it won't be the last one for sure.
This book was hot as hell with some interesting dad's BF trope. 🥵 The Duke of Ravensthorpe is such a dirty talker and Violet loves it. They have a big 23 years age gap (as he is her dad's best friend), but it doesn't stop the young lady to fight for what she wants and pursue Max. He is doomed right away by his temptress "mouse". The steam level is crazy 🔥🔥🔥 from the start and doesn't go down.
It was my first read from Shupe but it won't be the last one for sure.
July 29, 2021
I'm not an erotica or a novella reader, but this one worked! I'm surprised more authors don't write historical erotica like this. I mean the age gap makes total sense for the time period, plus young women that are sexually repressed- and plenty of rouges willing to give them what they crave- makes total sense to me! The only negative is that the title of this book is horrible!!
I might start reading more erotica if it's written like this!
I might start reading more erotica if it's written like this!
June 6, 2022
three stars! *:･ﾟ✧ you definitely cannot go wrong with an age gap romance :) i also think this may have been my first, like, “regency” ish (?) romance, and while i love watching bridgerton, i’m not too sure if i enjoy reading that particular setting. i love the balls and the dresses and the forbidden looks and touches and whatnot, but there’s a lot of other things that make me kinda meh. anywho, definitely enjoyed this little novella! i may possibly be tempted to pick up more from this author if i ever decide to truly give historical romance a try!
January 1, 2023
“I’ll see myself out,” she said and turned to the door.
“You are not leaving until you agree never to return.”
She paused and tried to remember this was for the best. Either way, win or lose, she couldn’t pursue Max like a hound after a fox forever. “I won’t return until you invite me.”
Glancing over her shoulder, she gave him a heated look from under her lashes. “Because you will come looking for me, Your Grace. And when you do, I’ll be waiting.”
My Dirty Duke by Joanna Shupe is my first foray into the author’s writing and I am happy to report that this story was mesmerizing and that I loved every aspect of it.
18 year old Lady Violet Littleton falls in love with the Duke of Ravensthorpe, Maximilian Thomas William Bradley III (Max) at a tender age. At the time, it is his tenderness that catches her heart. It is only when Violet turns of age that she starts to understand the reasons behind her fascination with the Duke who makes her heart race, her insides yearn with longing. Max is the man who stars as the centerfold of her dirtiest fantasies.
Violet bides her time looking on at the Duke, who also happens to be her father’s closest friend. Though the Duke stops visiting their home since her debut, Violet has no qualms about “spying” on Max whenever she encounters him at society functions. However, her secret longings are laid bare for the Duke to see when she spies on him during one of his garden trysts, leaving Violet with little else to do but be honest about what she wants from him.
Max’s resistance to Violet stems from a lot of things; he is old enough to be her father and he has sworn off marriage since the death of his wife during child birth. After all, a man like him should not pursue an innocent like Violet without noble intentions. But resistance does prove to be futile once he has a taste of Violet and the passion that she invokes in him which he has denied for too long. But fiery passion alone cannot be enough, especially for Violet, and facing a shared future might prove to be Max’s undoing in every sense.
As mentioned earlier, I loved everything to do with this story. I had just one problem; I wished for this to have been a full length novel which would have delivered the kind of angst and emotions that a short length story does not allow the time for. However, even with that limitation, Ms. Shupe did an amazing job out of carving out her characters and giving them life in a way that speaks to the hearts of readers.
Max is such a compelling hero – he is kind, forthright, and a deeply sensual man who carries a wealth of guilt associated with the death of his wife. I would be giving away too much if I were to delve into the reasons behind the guilt but needless to say, Violet is exactly what he needs, even if Max might believe otherwise. The guilt is one huge aspect that makes him resist any of kind long-lasting relationship that could lead to marriage, and Violet spells trouble with a capital T for him in that regard.
Violet’s quiet determination and strength was what drew me to her the most; the way she never cowered from going after what she wanted, knowing full well that heartbreak would be the result. She also was independent in a way that drew me to her; she was her own person and her love for the Duke was just a part of that same personality. She was intuitive in a way that makes her perfect for someone like Max, who guards his heart closely. I loved the gauntlet that she threw at Max, something which proved to be the tipping point in the story. The steam between the two just cements the emotional goodness and that is why this made for a tantalizing read when all was said and done.
Definitely recommended for fans of historical romances laced with passion and endearing characters to boot!
Final Verdict: With My Dirty Duke, Ms. Shupe proves to readers the kind of riveting read that a talented author can provide, even through a novella! Splendid read!
Rating = 4.25/5
For more reviews and quotes, please visit A Maldivian's Passion for Romance
“You are not leaving until you agree never to return.”
She paused and tried to remember this was for the best. Either way, win or lose, she couldn’t pursue Max like a hound after a fox forever. “I won’t return until you invite me.”
Glancing over her shoulder, she gave him a heated look from under her lashes. “Because you will come looking for me, Your Grace. And when you do, I’ll be waiting.”
My Dirty Duke by Joanna Shupe is my first foray into the author’s writing and I am happy to report that this story was mesmerizing and that I loved every aspect of it.
18 year old Lady Violet Littleton falls in love with the Duke of Ravensthorpe, Maximilian Thomas William Bradley III (Max) at a tender age. At the time, it is his tenderness that catches her heart. It is only when Violet turns of age that she starts to understand the reasons behind her fascination with the Duke who makes her heart race, her insides yearn with longing. Max is the man who stars as the centerfold of her dirtiest fantasies.
Violet bides her time looking on at the Duke, who also happens to be her father’s closest friend. Though the Duke stops visiting their home since her debut, Violet has no qualms about “spying” on Max whenever she encounters him at society functions. However, her secret longings are laid bare for the Duke to see when she spies on him during one of his garden trysts, leaving Violet with little else to do but be honest about what she wants from him.
Max’s resistance to Violet stems from a lot of things; he is old enough to be her father and he has sworn off marriage since the death of his wife during child birth. After all, a man like him should not pursue an innocent like Violet without noble intentions. But resistance does prove to be futile once he has a taste of Violet and the passion that she invokes in him which he has denied for too long. But fiery passion alone cannot be enough, especially for Violet, and facing a shared future might prove to be Max’s undoing in every sense.
As mentioned earlier, I loved everything to do with this story. I had just one problem; I wished for this to have been a full length novel which would have delivered the kind of angst and emotions that a short length story does not allow the time for. However, even with that limitation, Ms. Shupe did an amazing job out of carving out her characters and giving them life in a way that speaks to the hearts of readers.
Max is such a compelling hero – he is kind, forthright, and a deeply sensual man who carries a wealth of guilt associated with the death of his wife. I would be giving away too much if I were to delve into the reasons behind the guilt but needless to say, Violet is exactly what he needs, even if Max might believe otherwise. The guilt is one huge aspect that makes him resist any of kind long-lasting relationship that could lead to marriage, and Violet spells trouble with a capital T for him in that regard.
Violet’s quiet determination and strength was what drew me to her the most; the way she never cowered from going after what she wanted, knowing full well that heartbreak would be the result. She also was independent in a way that drew me to her; she was her own person and her love for the Duke was just a part of that same personality. She was intuitive in a way that makes her perfect for someone like Max, who guards his heart closely. I loved the gauntlet that she threw at Max, something which proved to be the tipping point in the story. The steam between the two just cements the emotional goodness and that is why this made for a tantalizing read when all was said and done.
Definitely recommended for fans of historical romances laced with passion and endearing characters to boot!
Final Verdict: With My Dirty Duke, Ms. Shupe proves to readers the kind of riveting read that a talented author can provide, even through a novella! Splendid read!
Rating = 4.25/5
For more reviews and quotes, please visit A Maldivian's Passion for Romance
June 8, 2023
“How dare you insult her.” He tightened his fist, cutting off Wingfield’s air supply. “If I hear of you talking about her, I will feed you to the pigs on my estate. Are we clear? You don’t breathe her name ever again. If you see her on the street, don’t even offer a polite greeting. She no longer exists for you.”
When will I find a man who threatens another man and tells him that he will feed the other man to the pigs.
Because the other man called me a stupid cow?
When will I find a man who threatens another man and tells him that he will feed the other man to the pigs.
Because the other man called me a stupid cow?
June 17, 2021
My Dirty Duke (read this in Duke I’d Like to F anthology) - a delicious age gap between Violet who is in love with her father’s friend, Maximilian, Duke of Ravensthorpe. Max is very stand-off-ish to Violet and she is the one who seduces him. Loved both of these characters so much & the fact that Violet was into photography was so fun.
October 4, 2022
Good book
The Duke was a great character.
Max and Violet were meant to be together although he doesn't know it.This is an awesome novella.
Joanna Shupe is one of my favorite authors.
The Duke was a great character.
Max and Violet were meant to be together although he doesn't know it.This is an awesome novella.
Joanna Shupe is one of my favorite authors.
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