The Duke

To repay her father’s gambling debts, and to provide for her mother and younger sister, Imogen Pritchard had to take a second job. Besides working as a nurse, Imogen is a server at the Bare Kitten Gin and Dance, and not a prostitute. Until the most gorgeous man she had ever seen walks in one evening and steals her breath: he is Collin – Cole – Talmage, Duke of Trenwyth, he is very drunk, and wants to forget his sorrows. Imogen strikes his fancy, and he demands that she be is for twenty pounds, and the proprietor of the Bare Kitten agrees wholeheartedly. Imogen is distraught: she’s a virgin, she will lose all hope of a respectable marriage, but it’s either her or her younger sister. If one must be ruined, might as well be by a man of unearthly beauty. It was my first time reading a book by Kerrigan Byrne, so maybe I was unprepared for what awaited me. From what I have heard, THE DUKE sounds like an old skool historical romance novel. I must say I struggled right from the beginning, as never grasped why either Imogen became so obsessed with Cole, apart from his blindingly, dazzling good looks. Or Cole, who was very drunk, found solace in the arms of whom he thought a prostitute, then searched high and low for her, to marry her. Cole was a much more complex character than Imogen, but I didn’t like him one bit: I found him beastly, rude, vengeful, and his fixation on Imogen did not appear quite convincing. As for Imogen, I felt she came across as just too perfect. About halfway, a hint of suspense was introduced, and I thought I might enjoy it better, but not really. I thought THE DUKE was way too melodramatic and over the top, and this is a matter of taste of course, although it does fit with the tone of much of the late nineteenth century literature. A couple of characters also became a mere footnote, unless one of them pops up in a forthcoming book. I did adore a very minor character, the wonderful Lord Anstruther, and I would have liked a bit more story with him. I honestly did not care much for either Imogen or Cole, I didn’t feel the romance, and I didn’t enjoy the sex scenes. On the other hand the dialogues are brilliant, and the prose luminous, descriptive and elegant. This just was not a book for me. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

Well done KB, this book was beautifully written. I couldn't wait to read this latest edition after reading the previous books in this series and I certainly wasn't disappointed. The Duke is not just 'another historical romance' it has depth that will draw you in, make you laugh and cry. It's going to be a long wait for the next edition. This is one of my top favourite series for romance novels. I fell in love with Cole and felt all his pain in your words! You know how to make the reader believe KB. I never wanted their story to end.

This book wasn't as intense as the first 3 books.. but still kept me turning pages. I enjoyed the story and passion between them. she's finally able to get through his walls and melt his heart. looking forward to the next book