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The Bridal Pleasures #1
A Duke's Temptation
THE BRIDAL PLEASURES
Shameless rogues who'll do anything to captivate the women they crave. Willing ladies stolen by desire, seduced into risking it all.
Samuel Charles Aubrey St. Aldwyn, Duke of Gravenhurst, is a radical rogue and champion of unpopular causes. No one would dream that he is also the author of a bestselling series of dark historical novels, a writer accused of corrupting the morals of the public, and a master seducer who counts among his passionate fans wellborn Miss Lily Boscastle. But Lily is no stranger to disrepute.
When her engagement to another man ends in a tarnished image and public disgrace, Lily is forced to seek employment outside London --- as housekeeper for Gravenhurst himself. Her sharp wit and sensuality appeal to his wicked instincts --- and she's a perfect match for every beguiling move he makes. Yet there's more to him than Lily imagined --- a secret known to few living souls, ghosts from the past that haunt both of their futures in ways too dangerous for even the duke to have invented.
Shameless rogues who'll do anything to captivate the women they crave. Willing ladies stolen by desire, seduced into risking it all.
Samuel Charles Aubrey St. Aldwyn, Duke of Gravenhurst, is a radical rogue and champion of unpopular causes. No one would dream that he is also the author of a bestselling series of dark historical novels, a writer accused of corrupting the morals of the public, and a master seducer who counts among his passionate fans wellborn Miss Lily Boscastle. But Lily is no stranger to disrepute.
When her engagement to another man ends in a tarnished image and public disgrace, Lily is forced to seek employment outside London --- as housekeeper for Gravenhurst himself. Her sharp wit and sensuality appeal to his wicked instincts --- and she's a perfect match for every beguiling move he makes. Yet there's more to him than Lily imagined --- a secret known to few living souls, ghosts from the past that haunt both of their futures in ways too dangerous for even the duke to have invented.
342 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 1, 2010
62 people are currently reading
1362 people want to read
About the author
Jillian Hunter
51 books429 followersJillian Hunter is the bestselling author of over twenty historical romances. She lives with her husband, three daughters, a pug and a poodle in Southern California. She loves anyone who can make her laugh, which means she is in love with Mike Myers and Tyler Perry.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
December 30, 2010
Despite some of the "controversies" about this book, I found this one to be rather funny and very romantic. A Duke's Temptation was my first book by Jillian Hunter and I'm looking forward to read more from her. Although this was not the greatest historical romance that I have read, I did find it to be enjoyable and the characters to be rather charming, witty, and also sweet! Sadly, I had a few unanswered questions that I did not understand... For example, what happened to Captain Jack Grace, Lily's ex-fiance? How exactly did he die? And, I would have liked to know more about Lily's reaction to the incident between Samuel and the villain of the story.
Something that I did love about this book was the romance between Samuel and Lily. It was very romantic-- which was quite obvious because he is a writer and she, a hopeless and romantic reader. When they finally got together, the love scenes was very sensual and hot! Samuel is sureee one good seducer. ;) As a reader, I wasn't really into the love at first sight thing (if you like that, this is the book for you), but it worked well for this book. Samuel and Lily both had an instant connection the first time they met at a masquerade party and they both shared a kiss. Even though Lily forgot to mention that fact that she was engaged! Gasp. Well anyway, Samuel found out and "gave up" on her but of course, something happened that caused Lily to break her engagement and have her reputation ruined in the process. She ends up deciding to relieve her family of her presence and lands a job as a housekeeper. Mind you, she did not know that her master would be the one and only, Samuel, the Duke of Gravenhurst. Coincidence? Naah, haha. After that, the love story truly gets started! I did love how the author combined Samuel's story, The Wickbury series that Samuel wrote, with his own reality. It was very amusing and interesting to read Lily's reaction after finding out that he was no other but Lord Anonymous!
To sum it all up, I give this book a 4 ½ stars. It was much better than the previous book that I had read, A Most Scandalous Engagement by Gayle Callen-- in which I gave a 4 out of 5 stars. Both the H/hr were strong and witty, even if the villain was not as strong as I would have liked. This book was an enjoyable read and I'm definitely looking forward to reading more of the Bridal Pleasures series!
Something that I did love about this book was the romance between Samuel and Lily. It was very romantic-- which was quite obvious because he is a writer and she, a hopeless and romantic reader. When they finally got together, the love scenes was very sensual and hot! Samuel is sureee one good seducer. ;) As a reader, I wasn't really into the love at first sight thing (if you like that, this is the book for you), but it worked well for this book. Samuel and Lily both had an instant connection the first time they met at a masquerade party and they both shared a kiss. Even though Lily forgot to mention that fact that she was engaged! Gasp. Well anyway, Samuel found out and "gave up" on her but of course, something happened that caused Lily to break her engagement and have her reputation ruined in the process. She ends up deciding to relieve her family of her presence and lands a job as a housekeeper. Mind you, she did not know that her master would be the one and only, Samuel, the Duke of Gravenhurst. Coincidence? Naah, haha. After that, the love story truly gets started! I did love how the author combined Samuel's story, The Wickbury series that Samuel wrote, with his own reality. It was very amusing and interesting to read Lily's reaction after finding out that he was no other but Lord Anonymous!
To sum it all up, I give this book a 4 ½ stars. It was much better than the previous book that I had read, A Most Scandalous Engagement by Gayle Callen-- in which I gave a 4 out of 5 stars. Both the H/hr were strong and witty, even if the villain was not as strong as I would have liked. This book was an enjoyable read and I'm definitely looking forward to reading more of the Bridal Pleasures series!
June 28, 2016
Belum pernah saya membaca buku HR yg seburuk ini, dgn plot hole parah sebanyak buku ini.
Saya tidak mengerti pengarangnya ini mau menggiring pembacanya kemana? Saya malah melihat ada kesan mau sok-sok-an membuat karakter dark hero, tapi yg muncul malah hero tanpa karakter yg jelas. Datar, tidak menggugah sama sekali. Heroine nya jg sama amblasnya. Tidak berjiwa pemberani walau tampaknya diniatkan seperti itu. Tidak ada struggle dari kedua belah pihak. Heroine nya dikatakan jadi pelayan, tapi koq cuma ongkang2 kaki dan malah jadinya meregangkan kakinya utk si hero?
Konflik juga nihil. Percekcokan jg nyaris tidak ada. Yg saya jg bingung, knp pelayan wanita (Marie Elaine maksud saya disini, bukan yg heroine) bisa membaca novel fantasy majikannya (yg boleh dibilang masih berupa draft) dan memberikan saran? Pdhl tidak dijelaskan apakah pelayan itu mengecap bangku sekolah atau tidak.
Knp di penghujung cerita tiba2 muncul si antagonis yg mau membunuh si heroine dgn motif tidak kuat? Knp seorg penulis bisa jd ahli pedang (tanpa latihan adu laga dgn seorgpun)? Belum lagi istilah2 jenis pedang yg kebanyakan jg dicomot dari genre fantasy.
Hal ini makin diperparah dgn terjemahan yg acakadut, dgn kosakata tidak tepat dan ajaib yg bertebaran di buku ini. Ada kata "fasad" yg sama sekali tidak umum. Ada adegan yg mengatakan ".....mengitari punggungku" Ya Tuhan, punggung itu bukan jalanan loh. Saya harap penerbit buku ini editor nya tolonglah bekerja dgn sungguh-sungguh. Typo mungkin mengganggu, tapi tidak ada yg mengalahkan diksi-diksi yg tidak tepat yg mengakibatkan kalimat jadi aneh, tidak berjiwa dan secara keseluruhan bukunya jadi tidak enak dibaca.
Saya tidak mengerti pengarangnya ini mau menggiring pembacanya kemana? Saya malah melihat ada kesan mau sok-sok-an membuat karakter dark hero, tapi yg muncul malah hero tanpa karakter yg jelas. Datar, tidak menggugah sama sekali. Heroine nya jg sama amblasnya. Tidak berjiwa pemberani walau tampaknya diniatkan seperti itu. Tidak ada struggle dari kedua belah pihak. Heroine nya dikatakan jadi pelayan, tapi koq cuma ongkang2 kaki dan malah jadinya meregangkan kakinya utk si hero?
Konflik juga nihil. Percekcokan jg nyaris tidak ada. Yg saya jg bingung, knp pelayan wanita (Marie Elaine maksud saya disini, bukan yg heroine) bisa membaca novel fantasy majikannya (yg boleh dibilang masih berupa draft) dan memberikan saran? Pdhl tidak dijelaskan apakah pelayan itu mengecap bangku sekolah atau tidak.
Knp di penghujung cerita tiba2 muncul si antagonis yg mau membunuh si heroine dgn motif tidak kuat? Knp seorg penulis bisa jd ahli pedang (tanpa latihan adu laga dgn seorgpun)? Belum lagi istilah2 jenis pedang yg kebanyakan jg dicomot dari genre fantasy.
Hal ini makin diperparah dgn terjemahan yg acakadut, dgn kosakata tidak tepat dan ajaib yg bertebaran di buku ini. Ada kata "fasad" yg sama sekali tidak umum. Ada adegan yg mengatakan ".....mengitari punggungku" Ya Tuhan, punggung itu bukan jalanan loh. Saya harap penerbit buku ini editor nya tolonglah bekerja dgn sungguh-sungguh. Typo mungkin mengganggu, tapi tidak ada yg mengalahkan diksi-diksi yg tidak tepat yg mengakibatkan kalimat jadi aneh, tidak berjiwa dan secara keseluruhan bukunya jadi tidak enak dibaca.
June 22, 2021
Samuel Charles Aubrey St. Aldwyn, duque de Gravenhurst, es un hombre bastante excéntrico que además esconde un secreto, él es el famoso escritor de una controvertida serie de novelas que se esconde bajo un pseudónimo. Lily Boscastle es una de las fans de sus novelas, tras un compromiso cancelado por un escándalo se ve obligada a buscar empleo y es ahí donde Samuel aprovechará para conseguir su propósito con una Lily que llamó su atención.
De la serie “Boscastle” he leído unos cuantos libros y es bastante larga pero por alguna razón en su momento conseguí esta novela, y como también podréis observar es la primera de otra serie “The bridal pleasures” por lo que me animé a leerla sin esperar más.
En su momento creo que Jillian Hunter me pegó fuerte pero en esta novela no he podido conectar con la historia y la verdad es que empezaba bastante bien.
Samuel es un personaje bastante particular con sus excentricidades y “locuras” de escritor, ahí reconozco que me gustaron estas cosillas, la manera en la que utiliza a los criados para darle vida a su novela, ver los escollos por los que debe pasar para darle sentido a sus personajes, a la historia.
Tengo que reconocer que a veces me gustaba más el asunto de escritor que la de la pareja protagonista. A pesar de tener escenas bastante “spicy” la relación de pareja me pareció algo floja y eso que el primer encuentro entre ellos pintaba muy bien pero la historia se fue por otros derroteros, a veces un poco sin sentido y con partes inconexas.
Lily no me...https://oceanodelibros.blogspot.com/2...
De la serie “Boscastle” he leído unos cuantos libros y es bastante larga pero por alguna razón en su momento conseguí esta novela, y como también podréis observar es la primera de otra serie “The bridal pleasures” por lo que me animé a leerla sin esperar más.
En su momento creo que Jillian Hunter me pegó fuerte pero en esta novela no he podido conectar con la historia y la verdad es que empezaba bastante bien.
Samuel es un personaje bastante particular con sus excentricidades y “locuras” de escritor, ahí reconozco que me gustaron estas cosillas, la manera en la que utiliza a los criados para darle vida a su novela, ver los escollos por los que debe pasar para darle sentido a sus personajes, a la historia.
Tengo que reconocer que a veces me gustaba más el asunto de escritor que la de la pareja protagonista. A pesar de tener escenas bastante “spicy” la relación de pareja me pareció algo floja y eso que el primer encuentro entre ellos pintaba muy bien pero la historia se fue por otros derroteros, a veces un poco sin sentido y con partes inconexas.
Lily no me...https://oceanodelibros.blogspot.com/2...
December 6, 2019
4/5 ESTRELLAS
Es el primero de una serie llamada “Placeres Nupciales” y leí su sinopsis y decidí conocer cómo escribe ésta autora. De entrada decir que desde el primer capítulo sentí divertida la trama que creó y finalicé el libro muy conforme con su lectura. Espero más adelante seguir leyendo la serie.
“La Tentación del duque” nos ingresa en la alta sociedad inglesa, con dos personas que se sienten fuera de lugar en dicha sociedad: Lily y Samuel.
Jilian nos va introduciendo en éste mundo muy despacio, con una prosa simple pero que te invita a seguir leyendo cada capítulo, ya que, Hunter te mete de lleno en la historia y en las personalidades de los diferentes personajes.
Los personajes son tiernos y ni hablar de Samuel que es muy enternecedor con nuestra protagonista más allá que él sea un libertino, pero a la historia la sentí de cuento de hadas con algunas escenas elevadas de tono (hay que decirlo).
El argumento de éste libro gira en torno al asesinato de un hombre por parte del ex prometido de Lily y en el pasado del protagonista masculino. He de decir que Lily es una mujer, soñadora y amante de las letras. Tiene un carácter particular para la época y cuando ella quiere es osada. Y Samuel me enamoró mucho pese a que es conocido por ser un seductor descarado, sin vergüenza, y provocador de muchos escándalos y guarda un secreto: Es el talentoso escritor conocido como Lord Anónimo. Aquí la autora lo maneja de una excelente manera porque el lector verá cómo el personaje Samuel crea sus propios personajes a tal punto que una no sabe cuál es Samuel y cuál es Wickbury. Me pareció magistral.
El estilo de escritura me pareció ágil, por lo menos yo lo leí en menos de dos días y el romance desarrollado me encantó. La ambientación no tiene desperdicio porque Hunter nos enseña desde los bailes de la aristocracia hasta los páramos de la Inglaterra más rústica. No sentí que fuese una historia pesada o que el desarrollo fuese lento, todo lo contrario. Me parece una novela exquisita, con el punto justo de sensualidad, y mucha picardía. Divertida y fresca, me dejo con una sonrisa en la cara y me dio la sensación de ser yo Lily y estar en los brazos de Samuel. Lo recomiendo.
Es el primero de una serie llamada “Placeres Nupciales” y leí su sinopsis y decidí conocer cómo escribe ésta autora. De entrada decir que desde el primer capítulo sentí divertida la trama que creó y finalicé el libro muy conforme con su lectura. Espero más adelante seguir leyendo la serie.
“La Tentación del duque” nos ingresa en la alta sociedad inglesa, con dos personas que se sienten fuera de lugar en dicha sociedad: Lily y Samuel.
Jilian nos va introduciendo en éste mundo muy despacio, con una prosa simple pero que te invita a seguir leyendo cada capítulo, ya que, Hunter te mete de lleno en la historia y en las personalidades de los diferentes personajes.
Los personajes son tiernos y ni hablar de Samuel que es muy enternecedor con nuestra protagonista más allá que él sea un libertino, pero a la historia la sentí de cuento de hadas con algunas escenas elevadas de tono (hay que decirlo).
El argumento de éste libro gira en torno al asesinato de un hombre por parte del ex prometido de Lily y en el pasado del protagonista masculino. He de decir que Lily es una mujer, soñadora y amante de las letras. Tiene un carácter particular para la época y cuando ella quiere es osada. Y Samuel me enamoró mucho pese a que es conocido por ser un seductor descarado, sin vergüenza, y provocador de muchos escándalos y guarda un secreto: Es el talentoso escritor conocido como Lord Anónimo. Aquí la autora lo maneja de una excelente manera porque el lector verá cómo el personaje Samuel crea sus propios personajes a tal punto que una no sabe cuál es Samuel y cuál es Wickbury. Me pareció magistral.
El estilo de escritura me pareció ágil, por lo menos yo lo leí en menos de dos días y el romance desarrollado me encantó. La ambientación no tiene desperdicio porque Hunter nos enseña desde los bailes de la aristocracia hasta los páramos de la Inglaterra más rústica. No sentí que fuese una historia pesada o que el desarrollo fuese lento, todo lo contrario. Me parece una novela exquisita, con el punto justo de sensualidad, y mucha picardía. Divertida y fresca, me dejo con una sonrisa en la cara y me dio la sensación de ser yo Lily y estar en los brazos de Samuel. Lo recomiendo.
February 24, 2011
*** First of all I totally enjoyed this book and while some thought it not up to Ms. Hunters standards, I thought it delightful. The Duke of Gravenhurst was secretly known (to his publisher and a few close friends) as the mysterious Lord Anonymous and the witty conversations between Lily and the duke as they discussed (unbeknownst to Lily) her critique of Anonymous’ Wickbury and how she perceived both the villain and the hero were immensely satisfying. What was even better of course was when Lily suggested that the author Lord Anonymous must be a woman!
Gravenhurst was totally besotted, (something that had never happened before) and was going to do the honorable thing and court Lily until he discovered that her engagement had been announced before he had time to act. In fact, the marriage would have taken place but for Lily witnessing her fiance committing a murder then telling her she was crazy that there was no body, consequently no murder. When he, and her family all tried to convince Lily she had been hallucinating (or going crazy) Lily knew she could never marry a man who lied to her about committing such a foul crime. Which was why it made perfect sense for Lily (even though she was wealthy) to leave home and assume a position as a housekeeper. Everyone (including her family) thought Lily to be a little crazy believing in a murder when a body had never been found. [Some reviewers belabor this point, I do not]
Naturally, the housekeeper assignment she later finds is working for the Duke of Gravenhurst. His house and staff are not at all what Lily expects and secrets (some are very strange and humorous) abound. The Duke is mysterious as well as the plethora of some impertinent staff, who all love and protect him which only adds to the amusement and enjoyability of A DUKE’S TEMPTATION.
I definitely can recommend this book and suggest fans of Jillian Hunter overlook some of the negative reviews to judge for yourself.
Gravenhurst was totally besotted, (something that had never happened before) and was going to do the honorable thing and court Lily until he discovered that her engagement had been announced before he had time to act. In fact, the marriage would have taken place but for Lily witnessing her fiance committing a murder then telling her she was crazy that there was no body, consequently no murder. When he, and her family all tried to convince Lily she had been hallucinating (or going crazy) Lily knew she could never marry a man who lied to her about committing such a foul crime. Which was why it made perfect sense for Lily (even though she was wealthy) to leave home and assume a position as a housekeeper. Everyone (including her family) thought Lily to be a little crazy believing in a murder when a body had never been found. [Some reviewers belabor this point, I do not]
Naturally, the housekeeper assignment she later finds is working for the Duke of Gravenhurst. His house and staff are not at all what Lily expects and secrets (some are very strange and humorous) abound. The Duke is mysterious as well as the plethora of some impertinent staff, who all love and protect him which only adds to the amusement and enjoyability of A DUKE’S TEMPTATION.
I definitely can recommend this book and suggest fans of Jillian Hunter overlook some of the negative reviews to judge for yourself.
January 6, 2012
5 starts for the romance part of the story, 3 stars for leaving me scratching my head over some of the things that trouble me about the story.
Lily was engaged to another man, but while at a party, she met Samuel ( He is a writer of her favorite books, but she doesn't know this secret identity part of him) and it was love/lust at first sight for both of them. They went for a private walk, had the passionate kiss and he realized she was "the one" They clicked, they understood each other yada yada. He did not know she was engaged and had papers made up that night asking her father permission to court and marry Lily. Thankfully, his man of affairs discovered she was engaged before the papers were sent. He was regretful but decided to keep an eye on her and was making plans to perhaps whisk her away from the altar.
Lily, in the mean time, witnesses her fiance' and his friend in an altercation that led to murder. Now this is the part I don't get... She tells her family that she saw her fiance shoot and kill a man, but no one believes her. Why? Because she reads too much and her fiance convinces them it didn't happen. Now, why would they not believe her? Was she given to crazy impossible stories in the past? No, not that we know of. I just don't get this, they seem like a close family, this makes no sense at all.
Well she ends up as housekeeper to Samuel, the Duke. He tries first to take her on a crazy adventure, like something out of one of his books, but she wasn't buying it.
The story progressed well from there, and I really did love the rest, aside from some unanswered issues. We never find out why he can't remember the fire. The whole villain thing seemed unfinished. I think there should have been more to Samuel's sisters story.
Lily was engaged to another man, but while at a party, she met Samuel ( He is a writer of her favorite books, but she doesn't know this secret identity part of him) and it was love/lust at first sight for both of them. They went for a private walk, had the passionate kiss and he realized she was "the one" They clicked, they understood each other yada yada. He did not know she was engaged and had papers made up that night asking her father permission to court and marry Lily. Thankfully, his man of affairs discovered she was engaged before the papers were sent. He was regretful but decided to keep an eye on her and was making plans to perhaps whisk her away from the altar.
Lily, in the mean time, witnesses her fiance' and his friend in an altercation that led to murder. Now this is the part I don't get... She tells her family that she saw her fiance shoot and kill a man, but no one believes her. Why? Because she reads too much and her fiance convinces them it didn't happen. Now, why would they not believe her? Was she given to crazy impossible stories in the past? No, not that we know of. I just don't get this, they seem like a close family, this makes no sense at all.
Well she ends up as housekeeper to Samuel, the Duke. He tries first to take her on a crazy adventure, like something out of one of his books, but she wasn't buying it.
The story progressed well from there, and I really did love the rest, aside from some unanswered issues. We never find out why he can't remember the fire. The whole villain thing seemed unfinished. I think there should have been more to Samuel's sisters story.
June 10, 2017
2 y media
Samuel es un Duque pero además autor famoso de una serie de novelas góticas. Un poco obsesivo con el trabajo. Lily es una joven de la nobleza pero que ha quedado marginada por haber roto un compromiso anterior.
Lo que tiene de bueno es que no es tan predecible, no tiene las salidas comunes de las novelas de regencia. Los personajes son espontáneos y hacen lo que quieren. Es divertido cómo Samuel intenta escenificar lo que va escribiendo usando a los sirvientes de su castillo.
Pero sentí problemas con el ritmo de la novela, creo que hay cosas que se resuelven demasiado pronto, otras inesperadas que aparecen de pronto... otras cosas que enlentecen o que no se terminan de aclarar.
Pero bueno, por lo menos es distinta.
Samuel es un Duque pero además autor famoso de una serie de novelas góticas. Un poco obsesivo con el trabajo. Lily es una joven de la nobleza pero que ha quedado marginada por haber roto un compromiso anterior.
Lo que tiene de bueno es que no es tan predecible, no tiene las salidas comunes de las novelas de regencia. Los personajes son espontáneos y hacen lo que quieren. Es divertido cómo Samuel intenta escenificar lo que va escribiendo usando a los sirvientes de su castillo.
Pero sentí problemas con el ritmo de la novela, creo que hay cosas que se resuelven demasiado pronto, otras inesperadas que aparecen de pronto... otras cosas que enlentecen o que no se terminan de aclarar.
Pero bueno, por lo menos es distinta.
December 11, 2010
The writing style prevents the reader from really engaging with the characters. For example, towards the end of the book, the heroine has a reconciliation with someone who failed to help and support her in a time of crisis. Instead of showing the scene, which could've been a tearjerker, we're TOLD about it from the perspective of the hero, an outside observer. For that matter, the original betrayal was portrayed in such a dispassionate way that it was hard to really feel the heroine's experience. It's a good story, and has some really charming moments, but I felt distanced from the emotions of it by the "tell-rather-than-show" style.
January 15, 2012
Aspects of this book were lovely, particularly the hero, who is a novelist and rather eccentric. He has a reputation for being a rakehell but that just his way of getting publicity to help his causes. He's actually not a man-whore, and is rather kind. In his novelist mode, he's a little odd, but amusing. The heroine has nothing about her that really annoys me or anything, but she does seem very young and she didn't really grab me. Other characters, like the Duke's servants, did not at all strike me as realistic, but it wasn't a deal-breaker in this instance. Mostly what kept me from rating it higher were aspects of the plot. There were a number of things that seemed to come out of nowhere, or they went nowhere. These plot elements helped make the book feel fragmented and like everything was thrown in, even the kitchen sink.
December 19, 2010
I'm not sure why this didn't ring my bell the way other Boscastle titles in the previous series have, but Lily and Samuel were kinda "eh." Whether that was simply chemistry, or personalities, I don't know. Lily is previously engaged, but through tragic circumstances she rebuffs her fiance and is forced to leave town and find a position as a housekeeper in Samuel's quirky household. Samuel wonders what has made the fairy girl he had become obsessed with into this lost woman, and vows to make things right. Samuel is unique, has a lot of secrets, and is focused, intelligent, self-absorbed. Others might disagree with my last comment, but while he cares about those he considers "his," he has a lot of personality quirks that I found annoying and obnoxious, regardless of the muse. Lily is very accepting of him and his habits, but I wasn't clicking with them. This might be the first Boscastle book I don't keep.
April 26, 2011
3.75 stars...rounded up to 4 stars for GR and FVBR...
A DUKE’S TEMPTATION is a Regency-set historical romance that feels very different from other Regency romances I’ve read and I mean that in the most positive way. This has a lot to do with the hero and heroine of the story. The hero is Samuel Aubrey St. Aldwyn of Dartmoor, the 4th Duke of Gravenhurst and member of the House of Lords by day and author Lord Anonymous by night. Samuel is charismatic, controversial, rakish, ill reputed, self-assured and cocky yet not arrogant or derogatory. He has a way of making you smile while shaking your head at the things he does and says.
The heroine of this book was just adorable. I wanted to hug her the whole time I was reading the book. Miss Lily Boscastle of Tissington is from the country and on the verge of marrying her childhood friend Captain Jonathan Grace. However her trip to London, just before the announcement of their marriage, takes a turn she never could have imagined in her wildest dreams. Lily is an avid reader; you might even say she’s obsessed with reading, something I know I can relate to. She’s flirtatious, impulsive, smart and witty with an air of sweet innocence and honesty.
This book was a rollercoaster ride of things happening, there was a lot going on that the reader is aware of but the main characters aren’t and that’s a way of presenting a story that I really like. For instance, the many sides of Samuel: his secret identity of a popular author, his reputation of an indiscrete rake and his devotion to lost causes. Then there’s Lily's betrothal to the Captain, which she breaks off, after she witnesses a side of him she didn’t know. This evolves into a small suspense side plot that was a little predictable and for me could've been left out as the book was entertaining enough and the romance was strong enough without it.
After the broken off engagement fate brings Lily closer to Samuel when she decides to be a housekeeper as she her reputation is ruined because of what she says she saw but no one believes her. Though of course Samuel helped fate a little.
Between Lily and Samuel the chemistry and attraction is instant. It starts as anonymous flirting at a masked ball, is continued when Lily signs on to be Samuel's housekeeper for a year. Though for Samuel it's more than mere attraction and he's ready to take the next step and commit to Lily, he gives her time to form reciprocating feelings.
Familiar with Jillian Hunter after reading the first two books of her Boscastle Family series I was drawn right back to her smooth, vivid and fluent writing style that accurately pulls you back in the time-period yet doesn't give her books that halting old-fashioned feel some historical romances have. I would have appreciated a few more steamy scenes, but that's the only true complaint (if you can call it that) I have.
Jillian Hunter kept the pace moving fast and forward constantly. The pages and chapters flew by imperceptibly and before I knew it I was at the final chapter. This was invigorated by the fact that I found it hard to stop reading, every time I had to put the book away because of the late hour or other things, I couldn't get back to it, and Lily and Samuel's lovely story, fast enough. I loved how Jillian Hunter had Samuel work through scenes and plot holes by having his staff acting out his writing, as if they were performing a play of the book
A DUKE’S TEMPTATION is an utterly entertaining, fast-paced historical romance. I was sad when I reached the last page and knew it had ended and Lily and Samuel's story was told. Though seemingly simple and straightforward it’s an intricate and layered story for any reader willing to see the intensity and depth hidden in the fluff and lightness
This book put a smile on my face and reminded me why I, though favoring certain subgenres in romance, would never give up reading historical romance. When you make me smile and sigh within one breath, you will definitely be put on my list of authors to keep an eye on and Jillian Hunter was already on her way there but with A DUKE'S TEMPTATION she's managed to definitely secure her position on that list. And I need to continue the Boscastle family series as soon as I can.
A DUKE’S TEMPTATION is a Regency-set historical romance that feels very different from other Regency romances I’ve read and I mean that in the most positive way. This has a lot to do with the hero and heroine of the story. The hero is Samuel Aubrey St. Aldwyn of Dartmoor, the 4th Duke of Gravenhurst and member of the House of Lords by day and author Lord Anonymous by night. Samuel is charismatic, controversial, rakish, ill reputed, self-assured and cocky yet not arrogant or derogatory. He has a way of making you smile while shaking your head at the things he does and says.
The heroine of this book was just adorable. I wanted to hug her the whole time I was reading the book. Miss Lily Boscastle of Tissington is from the country and on the verge of marrying her childhood friend Captain Jonathan Grace. However her trip to London, just before the announcement of their marriage, takes a turn she never could have imagined in her wildest dreams. Lily is an avid reader; you might even say she’s obsessed with reading, something I know I can relate to. She’s flirtatious, impulsive, smart and witty with an air of sweet innocence and honesty.
This book was a rollercoaster ride of things happening, there was a lot going on that the reader is aware of but the main characters aren’t and that’s a way of presenting a story that I really like. For instance, the many sides of Samuel: his secret identity of a popular author, his reputation of an indiscrete rake and his devotion to lost causes. Then there’s Lily's betrothal to the Captain, which she breaks off, after she witnesses a side of him she didn’t know. This evolves into a small suspense side plot that was a little predictable and for me could've been left out as the book was entertaining enough and the romance was strong enough without it.
After the broken off engagement fate brings Lily closer to Samuel when she decides to be a housekeeper as she her reputation is ruined because of what she says she saw but no one believes her. Though of course Samuel helped fate a little.
Between Lily and Samuel the chemistry and attraction is instant. It starts as anonymous flirting at a masked ball, is continued when Lily signs on to be Samuel's housekeeper for a year. Though for Samuel it's more than mere attraction and he's ready to take the next step and commit to Lily, he gives her time to form reciprocating feelings.
Familiar with Jillian Hunter after reading the first two books of her Boscastle Family series I was drawn right back to her smooth, vivid and fluent writing style that accurately pulls you back in the time-period yet doesn't give her books that halting old-fashioned feel some historical romances have. I would have appreciated a few more steamy scenes, but that's the only true complaint (if you can call it that) I have.
Jillian Hunter kept the pace moving fast and forward constantly. The pages and chapters flew by imperceptibly and before I knew it I was at the final chapter. This was invigorated by the fact that I found it hard to stop reading, every time I had to put the book away because of the late hour or other things, I couldn't get back to it, and Lily and Samuel's lovely story, fast enough. I loved how Jillian Hunter had Samuel work through scenes and plot holes by having his staff acting out his writing, as if they were performing a play of the book
A DUKE’S TEMPTATION is an utterly entertaining, fast-paced historical romance. I was sad when I reached the last page and knew it had ended and Lily and Samuel's story was told. Though seemingly simple and straightforward it’s an intricate and layered story for any reader willing to see the intensity and depth hidden in the fluff and lightness
This book put a smile on my face and reminded me why I, though favoring certain subgenres in romance, would never give up reading historical romance. When you make me smile and sigh within one breath, you will definitely be put on my list of authors to keep an eye on and Jillian Hunter was already on her way there but with A DUKE'S TEMPTATION she's managed to definitely secure her position on that list. And I need to continue the Boscastle family series as soon as I can.
Favorite Quote:
He moved like seduction unleashed at her urging. She wondered if she would be able to move at all the next morning, if she would even try. For an electrifying moment she met his gaze. She saw past his sensuality to the intense emotions he struggled to hide from the world. He beckoned her into their dark vortex, reveling his vulnerability to her without a word.
April 29, 2015
This was a really fun book to read, with a very unusual hero. Samuel is a duke with something of a wicked personal reputation, a radical political reputation, and a secret known to very few. He is the anonymous author of a series of gothic novels that have as many detractors as fans. One of his biggest fans is Lily Boscastle.
Both of them attend a literary masquerade ball, where they have a brief encounter and an instant connection. Samuel is instantly smitten by Lily's beauty and wit, and leaves the ball determined to pay court to her. But Lily's engagement to another man is due to be announced the next day, so he leaves London to return to his home in Dartmoor and continue with his writing. Being the romantic that he is, he leaves instructions for her to be watched over in case she ever needs his help.
Lily is intrigued by the man she met at the ball. He's one of the few men she's met who admits to reading novels. She gives in to the desire for a kiss from him, even though she knows she's promised to another. It's an eye opening occurrence that she does her best to forget over the next couple weeks, as plans are made for her wedding. Lily calls off her engagement shortly before the wedding when she witnesses her fiance kill a man, then attempt to cover it up. No one will believe her about what she has seen, and blames her for the scandal of her engagement's end.
Desperate to get away from London and the gossip, Lily applies for a job as a housekeeper at a remote estate. She has no idea that it is Samuel's home until she gets there. Once there she is committed to the job for at least a year. His house and his staff are unlike anything she expected and soon she's trying to find out just what is going on.
I loved the growth of their relationship. Samuel is in love from the beginning and willing to do whatever necessary to win his fair lady. He goes a little overboard at first, trying a scenario from one of his books, but that doesn't go over very well. Lily has been burned by her love of novels, as everyone blames that love for her actions regarding her engagement, so she tries to remain practical rather than romanced. Samuel's willingness to believe her story goes a long way toward softening her attitude. Samuel guards his secret until he's sure that he can trust her with it, but then does his big reveal in novel worthy manner. Knowing his secret and hearing his intentions toward her opens her heart to him even more. I loved their interactions, from their love scenes to the conversations about his book and the trouble he is having with the end of it.
It was interesting to see how Samuel seemed to be in a constant battle with the various parts of himself. His two main characters seemed to be differing sides of his personality and he couldn't decide which he really wanted to be. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing him work out the various scenes, and loved the way his staff was so involved with him. When Lily's past makes an unwelcome appearance, everything comes together for him to save the day.
I really enjoyed the ending and seeing their fairy tale come true. It was nice to see that Lily was vindicated in the eyes of her family. I loved the epilogue and seeing the literary process still continued with just as much exuberance as before.
Both of them attend a literary masquerade ball, where they have a brief encounter and an instant connection. Samuel is instantly smitten by Lily's beauty and wit, and leaves the ball determined to pay court to her. But Lily's engagement to another man is due to be announced the next day, so he leaves London to return to his home in Dartmoor and continue with his writing. Being the romantic that he is, he leaves instructions for her to be watched over in case she ever needs his help.
Lily is intrigued by the man she met at the ball. He's one of the few men she's met who admits to reading novels. She gives in to the desire for a kiss from him, even though she knows she's promised to another. It's an eye opening occurrence that she does her best to forget over the next couple weeks, as plans are made for her wedding. Lily calls off her engagement shortly before the wedding when she witnesses her fiance kill a man, then attempt to cover it up. No one will believe her about what she has seen, and blames her for the scandal of her engagement's end.
Desperate to get away from London and the gossip, Lily applies for a job as a housekeeper at a remote estate. She has no idea that it is Samuel's home until she gets there. Once there she is committed to the job for at least a year. His house and his staff are unlike anything she expected and soon she's trying to find out just what is going on.
I loved the growth of their relationship. Samuel is in love from the beginning and willing to do whatever necessary to win his fair lady. He goes a little overboard at first, trying a scenario from one of his books, but that doesn't go over very well. Lily has been burned by her love of novels, as everyone blames that love for her actions regarding her engagement, so she tries to remain practical rather than romanced. Samuel's willingness to believe her story goes a long way toward softening her attitude. Samuel guards his secret until he's sure that he can trust her with it, but then does his big reveal in novel worthy manner. Knowing his secret and hearing his intentions toward her opens her heart to him even more. I loved their interactions, from their love scenes to the conversations about his book and the trouble he is having with the end of it.
It was interesting to see how Samuel seemed to be in a constant battle with the various parts of himself. His two main characters seemed to be differing sides of his personality and he couldn't decide which he really wanted to be. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing him work out the various scenes, and loved the way his staff was so involved with him. When Lily's past makes an unwelcome appearance, everything comes together for him to save the day.
I really enjoyed the ending and seeing their fairy tale come true. It was nice to see that Lily was vindicated in the eyes of her family. I loved the epilogue and seeing the literary process still continued with just as much exuberance as before.
dnf
July 11, 2015Arghhhh I can't!! The heroine is a stupid spoiled girl. The hero is an idiot. The plot that will happen is wtf!? I mean COME ON!!!!
So I am not gonna read any more. Enough is enough. Not the historical romance for me.
So I am not gonna read any more. Enough is enough. Not the historical romance for me.
August 7, 2012
Done !
Tadinya sih aku mau kasih 4 bintang, tapi sepertinya kok ke gedean,padahal di awal aku suka nih sampe setengah buku, nah di pertengahan sampe belakang agak aneh sih,makanya agak aku kurangin. 3,5 deh bintangnya. Anehnya dimana? Sabar ya...
Sebetulnya cerita nya sih ringan aja, sampe aku bingung nulis nya.
Awalnya diceritakan ada seorang Duke nyentrik, namanya Samuel (gak usahlah kita sebut gelarnya yg panjang itu ya)...dia punya profesi rahasia, yaotu sebagai penulis best seller novel suspence gothic, kisahnya tentang si penjahat yg jahaaaaaat banget sama pahlawan nya yg berebutan Julliete, sang heroine.
Samuel sudah lama gak punya mistress, dan dia keluar dari kastilnya yg terpencil buat cari mistress gitu, di pesta publisher nya, ketemulah dia dengan si Lily, yg waktu pesta topeng itu pake kostum Goose Girl, yg bulu nya berterbangan kemana2...daaaaan, si Lily ini hari itu bertunangan dengan Captain Grace, yg temen dari kecil, tapi gila judi..hmpffft...
Jatuh cinta pada pandangan pertama sama si Goose Girl, Samuel yg waktu itu pake kostum Don Quisout, gak pernah lepas pandangan dari Lily, even dia di kerubutin sama segerombolan cewek2...secara..dia Duke, dan ngguanteng gitu lhooooo....prospek bo'..bibit,bobot,bebet.....
Si Lily,ternyata gak amnis2 amat, naksir juga dia sama si pehlawan keren itu, jadilah pas tunanganny ayg gila judi itu naik main kertu,dia malah jalan2 ketaman sama samuel. Karena ini buku yg lumayan sopan, mereka di taman cuma rayu merayu..ehem...dan cipokan dikiiiit aja....
Malam itu juga si samuel memutus kan dia harus bisa memperistri Lily yg katanya...
"You are the loveliest woman in...in forever".... [image error]
Siapa sih yang gak melting...huuhuuu
Cuma, besok paginya,begitu dia mau mengirim pengacara buat ngajuin kontrak perkawinan (ih, jd inget mister Grey nih pake acara kontrak2an...sama inget temenku si Chiko, yg juragan kontrakan) wakkakakakkak.....ternyata si Lily sudah tunangan...kecewa, tapi gak putus asa, dia menanti dalam diam...halah...drama banget siiih.... [image error]
Benarlah,ternyata si kapten tunangan Lily itu emang bajingan abnget,udah punya hutang,gak mau bayar pulak gara2 kalah judi, dan nembak orang pulak..dan gak mau ngaku pulaaaakkkk....hadoooh...
Si Lily malah di bilang nagrang2 karena kebanyakan baca novel....plaaaak si kapten...sebagai pembaca novel,aku tersinggung ! [image error]
Nah disinilah muncul keanehan yg aku bilang di atas...karena dianggap mengkhayal, Lily di anggap ruin, dan Lily mutusin pertunangan sama tunangannya yg gak mau ngaku dan egois itu...keluarga Lily malah ngebelain si cowok itu, Lily justru diminta buat mengasingkan diri, dan di lepas begitu aja ngelamar jadi Housekeeper di tempat jauh... (di rumah si Samuel ternyata)..... [image error]
Yang aneh lagi, kan si Lily udah di terima jadi housekeeper,kenapa pula di tengah jalan dia di culik sama Samuel..kan gak jelas..maksudnya apa sih? Hiiihihihi...
Okelah, kita skip adegan2 aneh ini dulu... [image error]
Sampai di kastil nya, di tempatin di kamar yg bagus banget penuh dengan motif bunga Lily,sampe parfum dan sabun nya beraroma Lily of the Valley (my favorire scent)....Lily langsung di rayu, biarpun cuma cipokan sih, tetep aja,melting dan osteoporosis si Lily..aduh,sekeren apa sih si samuel ini...hiiihihii [image error]
Mulai lah kehidupan "nyentrik" di rumah Samuel, dengan malam2 penuh jeritan dll (yg ternyata dia ngajak karyawan nya buat acting buku yg mau di tulis, biar kesan nya real gitu deh(.......hmpfftt
Lily, pada suatu malam, di undang ke east wing yg terlarang buat dia, dan di buka lah rahasia si Duke, bahwa ternyata dialah selama ini yg namanya Lord Anonymus... [image error]
Bete berat,si Lily malah ninggalin pesta dan kesasar ke kamar Samuel...halaaaah...kesasar apa kesasaaaaaaaaar wkwkwkkwkwkkwk [image error]
Ya sudah lah,karena terlanjur kesasar,terjadilah adegan yg selama ini kita tunggu sodara2ku...hm, standar lah,gak bikin my toes curling gitu (compare to miss LK yaaaa)......
Malam itu after deflowering si Lily, langsung di lamar,di ajak kawin...dan aneh nya lagi,biarpun istimewa, sambil nunggu pernikahan mereka, si Lily tetep mau jd housekeeper dulu aja...hadeeeeh ...again... [image error]
Sempat juga si kapten dateng dan mau minta maaf bla bla bla...tapi ga di ijinin sama Samuel...ada masa lalu Samuel yg terasa gak penting, dan sebenarnya ceritanya bagus sih kalo gak terlalu singkat, bisa 500an halaman deh....soalnya banyak beberapa masalah yang gak tuntas....
Makanya aku cuma kasih 3,5 bintang.
Tapi,aku suka sama samuel yg seksi ,rambut panjang kayak bajak laut..... [image error] dan dia pengarang novel !
Bacaan yang lumayan ringan (walopun di akhir2 uhuk2nya lumayan juga sih)...bolehlah buat 18 tahun ke atas....Hero nya setia, gak ada cemburu2an, ceweknya di rebutin 2 cowok...I like it hahahha.....
Tadinya sih aku mau kasih 4 bintang, tapi sepertinya kok ke gedean,padahal di awal aku suka nih sampe setengah buku, nah di pertengahan sampe belakang agak aneh sih,makanya agak aku kurangin. 3,5 deh bintangnya. Anehnya dimana? Sabar ya...
Sebetulnya cerita nya sih ringan aja, sampe aku bingung nulis nya.
Awalnya diceritakan ada seorang Duke nyentrik, namanya Samuel (gak usahlah kita sebut gelarnya yg panjang itu ya)...dia punya profesi rahasia, yaotu sebagai penulis best seller novel suspence gothic, kisahnya tentang si penjahat yg jahaaaaaat banget sama pahlawan nya yg berebutan Julliete, sang heroine.
Samuel sudah lama gak punya mistress, dan dia keluar dari kastilnya yg terpencil buat cari mistress gitu, di pesta publisher nya, ketemulah dia dengan si Lily, yg waktu pesta topeng itu pake kostum Goose Girl, yg bulu nya berterbangan kemana2...daaaaan, si Lily ini hari itu bertunangan dengan Captain Grace, yg temen dari kecil, tapi gila judi..hmpffft...
Jatuh cinta pada pandangan pertama sama si Goose Girl, Samuel yg waktu itu pake kostum Don Quisout, gak pernah lepas pandangan dari Lily, even dia di kerubutin sama segerombolan cewek2...secara..dia Duke, dan ngguanteng gitu lhooooo....prospek bo'..bibit,bobot,bebet.....
Si Lily,ternyata gak amnis2 amat, naksir juga dia sama si pehlawan keren itu, jadilah pas tunanganny ayg gila judi itu naik main kertu,dia malah jalan2 ketaman sama samuel. Karena ini buku yg lumayan sopan, mereka di taman cuma rayu merayu..ehem...dan cipokan dikiiiit aja....
Malam itu juga si samuel memutus kan dia harus bisa memperistri Lily yg katanya...
"You are the loveliest woman in...in forever".... [image error]
Siapa sih yang gak melting...huuhuuu
Cuma, besok paginya,begitu dia mau mengirim pengacara buat ngajuin kontrak perkawinan (ih, jd inget mister Grey nih pake acara kontrak2an...sama inget temenku si Chiko, yg juragan kontrakan) wakkakakakkak.....ternyata si Lily sudah tunangan...kecewa, tapi gak putus asa, dia menanti dalam diam...halah...drama banget siiih.... [image error]
Benarlah,ternyata si kapten tunangan Lily itu emang bajingan abnget,udah punya hutang,gak mau bayar pulak gara2 kalah judi, dan nembak orang pulak..dan gak mau ngaku pulaaaakkkk....hadoooh...
Si Lily malah di bilang nagrang2 karena kebanyakan baca novel....plaaaak si kapten...sebagai pembaca novel,aku tersinggung ! [image error]
Nah disinilah muncul keanehan yg aku bilang di atas...karena dianggap mengkhayal, Lily di anggap ruin, dan Lily mutusin pertunangan sama tunangannya yg gak mau ngaku dan egois itu...keluarga Lily malah ngebelain si cowok itu, Lily justru diminta buat mengasingkan diri, dan di lepas begitu aja ngelamar jadi Housekeeper di tempat jauh... (di rumah si Samuel ternyata)..... [image error]
Yang aneh lagi, kan si Lily udah di terima jadi housekeeper,kenapa pula di tengah jalan dia di culik sama Samuel..kan gak jelas..maksudnya apa sih? Hiiihihihi...
Okelah, kita skip adegan2 aneh ini dulu... [image error]
Sampai di kastil nya, di tempatin di kamar yg bagus banget penuh dengan motif bunga Lily,sampe parfum dan sabun nya beraroma Lily of the Valley (my favorire scent)....Lily langsung di rayu, biarpun cuma cipokan sih, tetep aja,melting dan osteoporosis si Lily..aduh,sekeren apa sih si samuel ini...hiiihihii [image error]
Mulai lah kehidupan "nyentrik" di rumah Samuel, dengan malam2 penuh jeritan dll (yg ternyata dia ngajak karyawan nya buat acting buku yg mau di tulis, biar kesan nya real gitu deh(.......hmpfftt
Lily, pada suatu malam, di undang ke east wing yg terlarang buat dia, dan di buka lah rahasia si Duke, bahwa ternyata dialah selama ini yg namanya Lord Anonymus... [image error]
Bete berat,si Lily malah ninggalin pesta dan kesasar ke kamar Samuel...halaaaah...kesasar apa kesasaaaaaaaaar wkwkwkkwkwkkwk [image error]
Ya sudah lah,karena terlanjur kesasar,terjadilah adegan yg selama ini kita tunggu sodara2ku...hm, standar lah,gak bikin my toes curling gitu (compare to miss LK yaaaa)......
Malam itu after deflowering si Lily, langsung di lamar,di ajak kawin...dan aneh nya lagi,biarpun istimewa, sambil nunggu pernikahan mereka, si Lily tetep mau jd housekeeper dulu aja...hadeeeeh ...again... [image error]
Sempat juga si kapten dateng dan mau minta maaf bla bla bla...tapi ga di ijinin sama Samuel...ada masa lalu Samuel yg terasa gak penting, dan sebenarnya ceritanya bagus sih kalo gak terlalu singkat, bisa 500an halaman deh....soalnya banyak beberapa masalah yang gak tuntas....
Makanya aku cuma kasih 3,5 bintang.
Tapi,aku suka sama samuel yg seksi ,rambut panjang kayak bajak laut..... [image error] dan dia pengarang novel !
Bacaan yang lumayan ringan (walopun di akhir2 uhuk2nya lumayan juga sih)...bolehlah buat 18 tahun ke atas....Hero nya setia, gak ada cemburu2an, ceweknya di rebutin 2 cowok...I like it hahahha.....
October 18, 2020
I've been neglecting Goodreads, another casualty of 2020. This isn't the work of quality literature I'd prefer to come back with, but whatever, one must start somewhere.
A Duke's Temptation is one of those books that makes me feel embarrassed, like I'm watching actors in a bad play and you just know they're going to be on the phone with their agents as soon as it's over. Gothic novels, as penned by the hero, are unrecognizably, improbably racy. And Bridal Pleasures sounds like the kind of store I wouldn't want anyone to see me going in. I ran out of steam about 2/3 of the way through. I feel pretty confident they're going to live happily ever after, even if I'm not there to witness it, and I'm donating this one to the thrift store.
A Duke's Temptation is one of those books that makes me feel embarrassed, like I'm watching actors in a bad play and you just know they're going to be on the phone with their agents as soon as it's over. Gothic novels, as penned by the hero, are unrecognizably, improbably racy. And Bridal Pleasures sounds like the kind of store I wouldn't want anyone to see me going in. I ran out of steam about 2/3 of the way through. I feel pretty confident they're going to live happily ever after, even if I'm not there to witness it, and I'm donating this one to the thrift store.
April 21, 2021
This was a little on the weak side, but wasn't painful to get through or anything. I liked the hero well enough, but the heroine was a bit of a ninny. And, generally, the plot ranged from whimsical to outright ridiculous. The hero's world of characters reminded me of Romancing the Duke by Tessa Dare, but the humor was carried off better in that one, IMO. This was a pretty quick read though, and I was willing to go along with the unlikeliness for the most part.
July 31, 2025
This was a cute enough book, but not super complicated. There was quite a bit of page filling describing how the author in the story came up with his scenes, but overall, I'd consider reading more by this author.
January 19, 2011
Hunter pens a tale full of delicious delights with "A Duke's Temptation." Samuel St. Aldwyn, the Duke of Gravenhurst, has a reputation for being a rogue, but he also harbors a secret. Does Lily Boscastle dare to discover what the handsome duke strives so hard to keep hidden?
Set in London, 1818, Lily Boscastle attends a masquerade ball with her cousin, Chloe Stratfield. The Wickbury Tales by Lord Anonymous is all the rage. Lily meets a handsome young man masquerading as Don Quixote. They take a walk into the gardens where their light-heartened banter turns into a heated kiss, betraying their attraction.
Once they depart, the handsome young turns out to be Samuel St. Aldwyn - the Duke of Gravenhurst - and he desires to make Lily his wife. Unfortunately, the next morning, Samuel learns that Lily is engaged to Captain Jonathon Grace and while he has a marriage contract drawn up, he doesn't deliver it.
Lily is resigned to marry Jonathon, who she considers a friend. Then she witnesses Jonathon commit a murder, and he doesn't admit it. Lily insists she saw what she saw, and refuses to marry Jonathon. Disgraced, Lily takes a job as a housekeeper.
Lily travels a long distance to reach her new job. Along the way someone appears to hijack the carriage - a rogue who is supposed to remind her of Sir Renwick from the Wickbury Tales. To her surprise, Lily realizes it's the handsome young man she kissed on the night of masquerade and that man is the Duke of Gravenhurst.
As Lily discovers the complexities of the man, her attraction grows, but will Samuel's secret and her dubious past keep them apart?
Hunter crafts a vivid story full of imagination. Her writing is sharp, putting the reader right in the scenes with Lily and Samuel.
The story uses a good economy of words to paint vivid pictures of the setting. Hunter's dialogue is crisp and delightful.
Lily and Samuel are intriguing characters. Lily is honest to a fault and that honesty causes trouble between her, Jonathon, and her family. What I admire is despite the trouble, Lily stays true to her convictions and beliefs. Samuel's most endearing quality is his loyalty. He's true to the people who are true to him.
The story's love scenes are sophisticated, tasteful, yet sensual, embodying the newfound love the couple has for each other. Overall, "A Duke's Temptation" is another delicious romantic historical from Hunter.
Set in London, 1818, Lily Boscastle attends a masquerade ball with her cousin, Chloe Stratfield. The Wickbury Tales by Lord Anonymous is all the rage. Lily meets a handsome young man masquerading as Don Quixote. They take a walk into the gardens where their light-heartened banter turns into a heated kiss, betraying their attraction.
Once they depart, the handsome young turns out to be Samuel St. Aldwyn - the Duke of Gravenhurst - and he desires to make Lily his wife. Unfortunately, the next morning, Samuel learns that Lily is engaged to Captain Jonathon Grace and while he has a marriage contract drawn up, he doesn't deliver it.
Lily is resigned to marry Jonathon, who she considers a friend. Then she witnesses Jonathon commit a murder, and he doesn't admit it. Lily insists she saw what she saw, and refuses to marry Jonathon. Disgraced, Lily takes a job as a housekeeper.
Lily travels a long distance to reach her new job. Along the way someone appears to hijack the carriage - a rogue who is supposed to remind her of Sir Renwick from the Wickbury Tales. To her surprise, Lily realizes it's the handsome young man she kissed on the night of masquerade and that man is the Duke of Gravenhurst.
As Lily discovers the complexities of the man, her attraction grows, but will Samuel's secret and her dubious past keep them apart?
Hunter crafts a vivid story full of imagination. Her writing is sharp, putting the reader right in the scenes with Lily and Samuel.
The story uses a good economy of words to paint vivid pictures of the setting. Hunter's dialogue is crisp and delightful.
Lily and Samuel are intriguing characters. Lily is honest to a fault and that honesty causes trouble between her, Jonathon, and her family. What I admire is despite the trouble, Lily stays true to her convictions and beliefs. Samuel's most endearing quality is his loyalty. He's true to the people who are true to him.
The story's love scenes are sophisticated, tasteful, yet sensual, embodying the newfound love the couple has for each other. Overall, "A Duke's Temptation" is another delicious romantic historical from Hunter.
August 17, 2013
Ok, this one just did not work with me. 121 pages in and i just couldn't bring myself to finish it.
Yes, Samuel was wonderful, he had that devilish thing going on about him that all women just seemed to love, he was a rouge.
What you are going to read in the next few lines are my ranting about what i read. Be warned, i like to tail on for a while. And my for a while i mean a while. What i originally thought would only be a few lines became about 6 and 1/2 paragraphs. Sorry ahead of time.
Lilly.
Yes, Samuel was wonderful, he had that devilish thing going on about him that all women just seemed to love, he was a rouge.
What you are going to read in the next few lines are my ranting about what i read. Be warned, i like to tail on for a while. And my for a while i mean a while. What i originally thought would only be a few lines became about 6 and 1/2 paragraphs. Sorry ahead of time.
Lilly.
February 9, 2013
Lily Boscastle is deluded. Everybody thinks so, including her own family. She insists she saw her erstwhile fiancé commit a murder, which he denies. Everyone attributes it to those ridiculous romance novels she pores over. They can give a girl the strangest notions.
Suddenly unmarriageable, Lily decides to take a position as a housekeeper (because people will jump at the chance to have a madwoman keeping their house). She accepts an offer—which turns into an abduction reminiscent of the wicked Wicksbury stories she loved to read before her world crashed in on her and her sense of romance went down the crapper. Turns out her employer is this rakish fellow she met (and kissed) at a masquerade.
Samuel Charles Aubrey St. Aldwyn, Duke of Gravenhurst, was so impressed by that kiss that he woke his solicitor in the middle of the night to draw up a contract for courtship to be presented the next day to her father—only to find a notice in the next day’s paper that Lily was engaged to be married. He’s been keeping tabs on her since, hoping to come up with a way to make sure she doesn’t marry the other guy.
He has lots of secrets, this duke; strange noises and wails echo through his house by night—and Lily is warned to remain in her chambers after lights out. And there just might be someone who would like to silence her….
I’d read this one before, but when I realized, I went ahead and reread. It’s a fun romp—Samuel has some interesting idiosyncracies (though from what we see of them, his stories make NO sense whatever), and the romance is sort of quirky gothic. Four stars.
Suddenly unmarriageable, Lily decides to take a position as a housekeeper (because people will jump at the chance to have a madwoman keeping their house). She accepts an offer—which turns into an abduction reminiscent of the wicked Wicksbury stories she loved to read before her world crashed in on her and her sense of romance went down the crapper. Turns out her employer is this rakish fellow she met (and kissed) at a masquerade.
Samuel Charles Aubrey St. Aldwyn, Duke of Gravenhurst, was so impressed by that kiss that he woke his solicitor in the middle of the night to draw up a contract for courtship to be presented the next day to her father—only to find a notice in the next day’s paper that Lily was engaged to be married. He’s been keeping tabs on her since, hoping to come up with a way to make sure she doesn’t marry the other guy.
He has lots of secrets, this duke; strange noises and wails echo through his house by night—and Lily is warned to remain in her chambers after lights out. And there just might be someone who would like to silence her….
I’d read this one before, but when I realized, I went ahead and reread. It’s a fun romp—Samuel has some interesting idiosyncracies (though from what we see of them, his stories make NO sense whatever), and the romance is sort of quirky gothic. Four stars.
January 13, 2011
Samuel is the ‘duke of duality’; he’s the Duke of Gravenhurst, but with a tarnished reputation – a reputation that he has engendered by disseminating unsavory rumors and false information about himself. Why?! One reason is to protect his other persona – as the Lord of Anonymity, the author of a dark historical romance series. Enter Lily Boscastle, who is almost engaged to her childhood friend. Samuel meets her at a literary masquerade ball and is immediately enchanted with her and decides to marry her, but there are a lot of roadblocks to get through, especially since her almost engagement became real at the very same ball. While Samuel retreats to his estate to write (and to try to figure out how to keep the wedding from happening), Lily witnesses a murder that involves her betrothed, but instead of supporting her story he denies that there was a murder – and there’s no body to prove her story. Lily refuses to recant, she breaks her engagement, and now society labels her a jilt with an unstable mind. No one believes Lily, not even her parents, so she seeks employment as a housekeeper (no experience, but why should that matter?!), and accepts a position far from London. She discovers after she arrives there that it’s Samuel’s estate. Now he has her where he wanted her and he didn’t even have to kidnap her to accomplish it! There’s just the small matter of keeping his secret identity a secret from her while she’s living in his house. Samuel’s servants are wonderful characters, and really enliven the plot.
This is a strong 3*, but didn’t really rise to 4* for me.
This is a strong 3*, but didn’t really rise to 4* for me.
November 13, 2011
Actual rating: 3.75.
A lighthearted, fun romance novel with engaging characters, which I quite enjoyed.
Our hero, Samuel, Duke of Gravenhurst is a bit of a radical and supports unpopular causes...but, he has a secret. He is also Lord Anonymous, author of a series of Gothic historical novels.
Our heroine, Lily Bocastle, is an avid reader of Lord Anonymous' books.
The two meet for the first time at a literary masquerade ball, and both are enchanted with the other. Problem is Lily is about to be engaged to her childhood friend, and Samuel has his secret identity to protect.
Events happen that cause Lily's engagement to end in a scandalous manner, and she takes a position as housekeeper at Gravenhurst.
This book...it really was a lot of fun to read. I liked both Samuel and Lily, and I loved the dialogue between the two...especially the bits where they were discussing Samuel's books when Lily still had no idea that Samuel was actually Lord Anonymous. Also, the scenes in which Samuel and his household staff act out various scenes from the book in progress to help Samuel with his writing process are a hoot.
Just don't go into this book expecting a lot of angst. There's really not many stumbling blocks keeping the couple apart, and those that are there are overcome pretty quickly. I've said in other reviews before that I love reading a book like this one from time to time to give my brain a bit of a break.
This is the first book I've read by this author, but I am definitely interested in checking out some of her other work.
A lighthearted, fun romance novel with engaging characters, which I quite enjoyed.
Our hero, Samuel, Duke of Gravenhurst is a bit of a radical and supports unpopular causes...but, he has a secret. He is also Lord Anonymous, author of a series of Gothic historical novels.
Our heroine, Lily Bocastle, is an avid reader of Lord Anonymous' books.
The two meet for the first time at a literary masquerade ball, and both are enchanted with the other. Problem is Lily is about to be engaged to her childhood friend, and Samuel has his secret identity to protect.
Events happen that cause Lily's engagement to end in a scandalous manner, and she takes a position as housekeeper at Gravenhurst.
This book...it really was a lot of fun to read. I liked both Samuel and Lily, and I loved the dialogue between the two...especially the bits where they were discussing Samuel's books when Lily still had no idea that Samuel was actually Lord Anonymous. Also, the scenes in which Samuel and his household staff act out various scenes from the book in progress to help Samuel with his writing process are a hoot.
Just don't go into this book expecting a lot of angst. There's really not many stumbling blocks keeping the couple apart, and those that are there are overcome pretty quickly. I've said in other reviews before that I love reading a book like this one from time to time to give my brain a bit of a break.
This is the first book I've read by this author, but I am definitely interested in checking out some of her other work.
June 28, 2014
A Duke's Temptation was a bad attempt to create a Gothic story but it really didn't work. The story was all over the place with an implausible plot even for romance standards.
I liked having a hero who was an accomplished author and was crazy about his craft but there was to much going on with him. He seemed to be so into his writing that I couldn't believe he had time to devote to anything else, so the reason as to why he needed to have a scandalous reputation was completely convoluted and out of place. There was just too much time devoted to the book the hero was writing instead of the relationship, which was the insta-love kind. I also couldn't believe the heroine was really in love with him. In fact, she seemed more in love with the idea of being with the author of her favorite books than the man himself.
Because of the title, I was expecting it to be a steamy read but nothing of the sort. The first love scene was very awkward and the subsequent ones were very bland.
The narrator did a decent job although sometimes I couldn't tell the male characters apart. I may listen to her again if I get the audio from the library but I wouldn't pay for it.
Definitely not reading this series or this author again unless somebody I trust really recommends her.
Audiobook narrated by Justine Eyre.
I liked having a hero who was an accomplished author and was crazy about his craft but there was to much going on with him. He seemed to be so into his writing that I couldn't believe he had time to devote to anything else, so the reason as to why he needed to have a scandalous reputation was completely convoluted and out of place. There was just too much time devoted to the book the hero was writing instead of the relationship, which was the insta-love kind. I also couldn't believe the heroine was really in love with him. In fact, she seemed more in love with the idea of being with the author of her favorite books than the man himself.
Because of the title, I was expecting it to be a steamy read but nothing of the sort. The first love scene was very awkward and the subsequent ones were very bland.
The narrator did a decent job although sometimes I couldn't tell the male characters apart. I may listen to her again if I get the audio from the library but I wouldn't pay for it.
Definitely not reading this series or this author again unless somebody I trust really recommends her.
Audiobook narrated by Justine Eyre.
May 8, 2019
Jillian vie ako navnadiť čitateľa na čítanie. Hoci som od nej ešte nečítala všetko, ale z toho, čo som si prečítala môžem usudzovať, že úvodné kapitoly zvláda autorka bravúrne. Sú vždy niečim originálne a plné humoru. Slúžia ako dobré lákadlo pre čitateľa. Nie je tomu inak ani v tejto knihe. Avšak...
To, čo sa začalo dobre (maškarný ples, stretnutie hlavných hrdinov a lietajúce iskry), pokračuje už iba priemerne (ukončenie zásnub absolútne nezvyčajným spôsobom, akoby sa autorka "pokúšala" čitateľa šokovať) a končí sa to... ach, jaj... no... nudne. Zvyšok recenzie je tu: http://kokinakniznica.blogspot.com/20...
To, čo sa začalo dobre (maškarný ples, stretnutie hlavných hrdinov a lietajúce iskry), pokračuje už iba priemerne (ukončenie zásnub absolútne nezvyčajným spôsobom, akoby sa autorka "pokúšala" čitateľa šokovať) a končí sa to... ach, jaj... no... nudne. Zvyšok recenzie je tu: http://kokinakniznica.blogspot.com/20...
February 7, 2012
I really liked this one. I am a huge fan of heroes that are different from the norm - especially in historical romances. It is so easy to (well, I shouldn't say "easy" seeing as I am not and never could be a writer) just make all historical romance heroes into ex-rakes/rogues or scarred from one war or another. Hunter did a great job creating the uniqueness that is Samuel. In fact, as I write this I have the urge to re-read this book!
I would recommend this book for Samuel alone, but the rest of the book was pretty great too!
I would recommend this book for Samuel alone, but the rest of the book was pretty great too!
August 31, 2022
Lily Boscastle will be married to her betrothed very soon, but when she catches the eye of a man under a mask, a little flirtation before the wedding couldn't be so wrong. This bit of flirtation sweeps Lily up into the gaze of Samuel Charles Aubrey St. Aldwyn, Duke of Gravenhurst, a well-known rake with secrets. Samuel is actually Lord Anonymous, the author of a popular novel series that has taken the country by storm. Samuel knows that Lily is the one for him, and he quickly attempts to set up a marriage contract. Until... he discovers that she is already engaged.
One night, Lily and her fiancée attend a soirée together and things get out of hand. Lily swears that she saw Jonathan, her fiancée, shoot a man. But everyone thinks she is lying, and soon scandal befalls her and any chances of marriage for Lily are over.
So, Lily decides to leave her family home, hoping that she would not be a burden. She seeks out a job as a housekeeper, a far cry from her status as a noblewoman. Little did she know, she would end up at St. Aldwyn and in the Duke's arms.
A Duke's Temptation is one of those Regency era / Victorian romances that are not only captivating, but also enticing.
While I know that these sorts of novels are formulaic (there is comfort in knowing exactly what you are going to get), this one took a bit of a turn. It was unexpectedly imaginative. Samuel is an author with a best-selling series about a nobleman and his dark wizard half-brother. These novels are not just mentioned in passing, but they almost take on a life of their own within the novel. I nearly felt disappointed when I realized that Wickbury isn't exactly a real series.
If you're looking for a regency romance, this one is a pretty good one. It met my expectations.
One night, Lily and her fiancée attend a soirée together and things get out of hand. Lily swears that she saw Jonathan, her fiancée, shoot a man. But everyone thinks she is lying, and soon scandal befalls her and any chances of marriage for Lily are over.
So, Lily decides to leave her family home, hoping that she would not be a burden. She seeks out a job as a housekeeper, a far cry from her status as a noblewoman. Little did she know, she would end up at St. Aldwyn and in the Duke's arms.
A Duke's Temptation is one of those Regency era / Victorian romances that are not only captivating, but also enticing.
While I know that these sorts of novels are formulaic (there is comfort in knowing exactly what you are going to get), this one took a bit of a turn. It was unexpectedly imaginative. Samuel is an author with a best-selling series about a nobleman and his dark wizard half-brother. These novels are not just mentioned in passing, but they almost take on a life of their own within the novel. I nearly felt disappointed when I realized that Wickbury isn't exactly a real series.
If you're looking for a regency romance, this one is a pretty good one. It met my expectations.
February 28, 2021
I think my first mistake with this book was listening to the audio version. The narrator was awful. Every moment with any excitement was communicated with a ridiculous throaty trembling. In a way, that was appropriate because this book was intentionally (I hope!) overdramatized. Think, Northanger Abbey as a parody of gothic novels. This book is the same in that sense, in that the story both mocks and revels in the ghosts/damsels/thunderstorms/sword fights/villains/innocents/secrets/castles/house fires/madness/genius and every other trope of the genre. That may have been my second mistake. Northanger Abbey is the only Austen novel I don’t love, so this book didn’t really stand a chance.
Likes: humor, the cast of characters in the Duke’s employ, and Lilly and the Duke.
Dislikes: the dramatics, the blah bedroom scenes, the dramatics, the audiobook narrator, the dramatics, the glossed over plot points (tell more about what happened to the captain, how did the villain reach the castle, what gossip there was in London after the heroine left, what does her family really think, how does the truth come out in society...), the dramatics, Lilly’s faulty decision-making, and the dramatics.
Likes: humor, the cast of characters in the Duke’s employ, and Lilly and the Duke.
Dislikes: the dramatics, the blah bedroom scenes, the dramatics, the audiobook narrator, the dramatics, the glossed over plot points (tell more about what happened to the captain, how did the villain reach the castle, what gossip there was in London after the heroine left, what does her family really think, how does the truth come out in society...), the dramatics, Lilly’s faulty decision-making, and the dramatics.
September 29, 2019
if it has Bocastle in it, i will read it
would have liked more background on the branch of the family Lily came from and her relationship to Chloe. the story was a revealing of the insane roller coaster a writer goes through in creating characters and plots. The romance was definitely up to par. The plot left many questions however, what was the 48th revision of the final chapter of Winterbury; Samuel's sister and her return to the castle to live; did Lily and Samuel go on honeymoon?; what further interactions were there with the London Bocastles, in light of Samuel's secondary London life. Not the best of the series, and it does deserve a follow on. would compare it to a smooth lake with both ripples from skip stones and some deeper splashes from larger rocks. The most intriguing story line was of course the writer's compulsion, which can be a curse.
would have liked more background on the branch of the family Lily came from and her relationship to Chloe. the story was a revealing of the insane roller coaster a writer goes through in creating characters and plots. The romance was definitely up to par. The plot left many questions however, what was the 48th revision of the final chapter of Winterbury; Samuel's sister and her return to the castle to live; did Lily and Samuel go on honeymoon?; what further interactions were there with the London Bocastles, in light of Samuel's secondary London life. Not the best of the series, and it does deserve a follow on. would compare it to a smooth lake with both ripples from skip stones and some deeper splashes from larger rocks. The most intriguing story line was of course the writer's compulsion, which can be a curse.
November 28, 2019
I really enjoyed this book I was looking for an easy historical romance and that was what I received. :). I also thought the plot line and characters in the book were very unique and it kept me interested. It also made we want to see what happened with the characters.
One thing I thought was that the ending of the book felt a little rushed and one story line came out of the blue and really didn’t make much sense but even with that I enjoyed the two main characters and loved how they got together in the end
One thing I thought was that the ending of the book felt a little rushed and one story line came out of the blue and really didn’t make much sense but even with that I enjoyed the two main characters and loved how they got together in the end
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