Accidentally Compromising the Duke

Edmond and Adelaide's story was more than scandalous. I received an ARC of Accidentally Compromising the Duke in exchange for an honest review. Due to the fact that I read so many different types of stories, it is hard to surprise me. Stacy Reid did. A spur of the moment plan, leads to a hasty union between the most unlikely of suspects. Adelaide is a fun character. She acts before she thinks and that makes for a lot of hilarity. Edmond is more serene. Rough around the edges, closed off to the masses but when he loves, he does so with such depth that it is self-destructive. Adelaide got to see the sides of him that he did not reveal often and Edmond ended up playing a pivotal part in helping her settle down. Ms. Reid's story of loss, love, laughter and healing is all that I look for when reading romance and deserving of a 5 star review.

I’m not a fan of the dead spouse trope so I’ve put this book off for a long time. When it came up on a reading challenge I bit the bullet and jumped in, hoping to just get it over with. However, I actually enjoyed it. The problem for me with dead spouses is the sense that the heroine is second best. While Edmond certainly loved his first wife, it is made clear that what he feels for Adeline is much more. There is some comparing in his mind and he hates that he has done so but I do believe that is a realistic action. I actually liked this hero. He’s so cold and withdrawn but watching Adeline with his daughters and feeling the pull she has on him brought him out of the past and into what could be a beautiful future. The conflict was absolutely heartbreaking. The battle he struggled with had merit. Watching him deal with the devil and come out victorious was wonderful. I loved Adeline. She initially has the appearance of being weak and malleable but her early actions certainly speaks of someone who is made of steel and determination. The way she dealt with Edmond’s unbending manner was perfect. I fell in love with her even as the hero did. Secondary characters do not play a large part in this story and the children were hard to distinguish despite their age difference. The three year old spoke like an adult and I was disappointed we didn’t get more childlike behavior as well as more time with both of the girls. The heat level is extreme and it’s obvious this couple have a sizzling chemistry.

I loved this book, Adels (the dutchess) is an amazing character, strong, loving, kind and secure in herself. I love her straightforward manner, her total lust for her husband, her confidence in herself and her belief in what her and her husband can share. Really loved this book a must read for those who love a strong woman who knows her own worth. Both characters were really amazing. You won't be disappointed