The Duke of Pain

The prologue introduces several members of the club, tossing about names and titles. Bear through this and the story gets better. While Gideon's transformation seems sudden, he's been putting on a show for society for years. It seems his relationship with Olivia wakes him up and he (finally) deals with his stepfather. Although Olivia has been working as a dominatrix, this is not about a BDSM relationship. Both Gideon and Olivia have been hurt by those who should have protected them. Olivia give Gideon the emotional support he was lacking. Overall I enjoyed reading this. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

The Duke of Pain by Karyn Gerrard is the 4th book in series, The Rakes of St. Regent's Park. As the Duke of Watford, Gideon, is vising a new exclusive men’s club he meets Olivia Durham. Gideon has come to the point in his life where nothing is satisfying and his life needs a change although he isn’t sure what that change should be until he encounters Oliva. Oliva sparks his interest and wakes him up in ways he never experienced before. He strikes a bargain with Olivia and so their relationship begins. Both Oliva and Gideon’s lives have been defined by traumas they suffered in the past. In the Duke of Pain, two wounded and battered souls come together first with an uneasy friendship. There is attraction and sparks flying all through this book, but what kept my attention was how the author built a foundation for the couple. She gave them each a voice which they shared with each other. They told their stories and what shaped them into the adults they became. I really appreciated that and the maturity of the two characters. Of course there were some stumbling points in their relationship. How can two people who are continue to overcome past trauma learn to trust and love without a hiccup? Oliva and Gideon managed to not only find each other but keep each other through parentage surprises, villainous and uncaring family members and a surrounding cast of characters that supported their friends. The characters found purpose, love and sparks that were always smoldering embers which threatened to turn into a blazing fire at any given moment. I read the book fairly quickly as I couldn’t put it down. It was a great read. While this can be read as a standalone book, I do recommend that you read the earlier books in this story. I received an ARC of the Duke of Pain by Karyn Gerrard from BookSprouts and voluntarily read the book.

First rate all the way. This was an excellent written piece engaging and intriguing with a touch of danger I loved it. The main characters are two very hurt and loss soul but that is not to say that there are not other characters with some dark history too. In fact there is a great deal of darkness in this book but the light at the end of the tunnel is so bright. I wish a bit more justice could have happen but the author was realistic in what kind of punishment the noble would receive. I enjoyed the twists and turns it is a book well worth reading. I did receive a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.