Even when the historical romance brings similar characteristics of others, there is always some twist that can improve the story.
Hestia asked to the Duke of Bedford for help to find her father. She herself was in a dangerous position since she was without a protector.
Six years ago, Bedford had already helped rescue her from the hands of a pirate.
Detail: this same man had captured Bedford and done horrible things with him.
So now, even knowing that Hestia was in love with him-and he for her-Bedford didn't feel worthy of her.

Adventure, romance and an unconventional heroine.
5 stars

Alex and Hestia's story is surrounded by the complications of opium addiction. In today's culture and the heroine epidemic that's is overtaking many of our young people, this is a timely story that takes the same complications and gives a mirror to them. Alex is fighting his attraction to Hestia, as he feels he's not good enough for her due to his opium addiction and struggling sobriety. He loves her and feels responsible for her, which drives them both into some dangerous & life threatening situations. Hestia's belief in Alex and second chances eventually saves them both, and her addiction to him turns out to be all that's needed to bring him around to her thinking.

Loved Alex & Hestia's story, it was heart wrenching and wonderful. The characters were well written and the addiction story line was a crucial part to the way this story played out.

A terrible past haunts Alex and he must face his demons when he rescues Hestia. She knows her heart belongs to Alex, but it takes a lot of faith, patience, and strength to help him find his way to his own heart. Alex is a very tortured soul, physically and emotionally, and I wanted to help him see the light. Hestia is young and honest, but learns and accepts the bad in the world, and I applauded her strength. I highly recommend this story and give a mild warning about the dark aspects of this story. It kept me reading whenever I could. I enjoy Ms. Evans stories, and look forward to more in this series.

I received a copy of this story through Netgalley, and this is my unsolicited review.

This is a well written story that is filled with love, passion and redemption. Alex, the Marquess of Tavistock, endure unbelievable abuse when he was held captive by Murad. When he escaped he was a broken man addicted to opium. He felt then and now that he's unworthy of love. Alex cheated the brutal Turk of his prize when he rescued Lady Hestia. She's an innocent. He won't let her be hurt. Alex is her hero, but he won't let her commit to him. I cared for these characters. Their plight tugged at my heart. Alex has his flaws and his secrets, but he learned from his mistakes and become a better person. Hestia is a loving and caring woman. She want Alec to be hers. Can she reach him and help him put the past behind him? Bronwen Evans has written great emotional characters. Their dialogue is both touching and passionate. I enjoyed how they cared and protected each other. I couldn't put this book down until I knew they were safe. I wanted them to have their HEA. This story is a great addition to the Imperfect Lords series. I can't wait for Stephen's story.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.

Publisher's Description:
A lovestruck lady charms the duke of her dreams during an expedition on the high seas in this sexy, swashbuckling novel from USA Today bestselling author Bronwen Evans.

Alexander Sylvester Bracken, Duke of Bedford, has a mission: sail to the Mediterranean and track down Lady Hestia Cary’s missing father. It is a straightforward task, but for two rather vexing complications. First, the sea holds painful memories; second, for her own safety, Hestia is to accompany him. As Alex battles the demons of his past, he must also resist Hestia’s surprisingly skillful attempts at seduction. After all, Alex has sworn to leave her untouched, and he intends to honor that vow—until he can properly ask the Earl’s blessing.

Ever since His Grace rescued Hestia from the arms of a Turkish pirate six long years ago, her heart has belonged to Alex. So when he agrees to help find her father, Hestia is thrilled. Although Alex tries to hide it, there’s passion in his eyes—and a frisson of desire in the air—whenever they meet. On board ship, miles from home, Alex won’t be able to deny her any longer. But with scoundrels lying in wait, she may not live to tell the tale of her conquest.

Look for the enchanting Disgraced Lords series from Bronwen Evans:
A KISS OF LIES | A PROMISE OF MORE | A TOUCH OF PASSION | A WHISPER OF DESIRE | A TASTE OF SEDUCTION | A NIGHT OF FOREVER

My Thoughts:
I have read almost every book this author has written and I usually have loved them.
This book, however is based on a completely different premise. It is most assuredly not my favorite. It is still well written but I didn't care for the basis of the storyline in this one.

Can this duke with an addictive personality kick his habits long enough to win the woman he loves? That is the question.

There is just too much violence and implied violence in this one for my taste.
We certainly know who the villain is but there are other evil characters in the underlying story.

I gave this book 3.5 of 5 stars for storyline and characterization and a sensual rating of 3 of 5 flames.
I don't usually give a violence rating but will in this case. This story is heavy with violence so it gets a rating of 3.5 out of 5.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book from the publisher to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House - Loveswept for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book was offered to me and since I love Historical Romances I didn't turn it down. This was my first Bronwen Evans (amazing name for a HR writer by the way!) book and I was impressed by her writing. In some HR novels the authors tend to overuse Regency slang but I didn't really see that in this book.

Also, the plot wasn't your average "girl/guy longing for a certain guy/girl then something makes them see they love each other and all ends well" story which I appreciated. It kept the story from feeling familiar and that can't be an easy task considering how many historical romances are out there.

So why 2 stars? I could not get over the drug theme in this book. Im not easily offended and certainly not by a book with a drug addict in it but it seemed like all they did in this book was talk about drug use. I get it affected the main characters but by the end of the book the fact that he was "addicted" was brought up on every page. And if you're going to have a strong main character with this type of character flaw then they need to have more emotional growth than what I felt he had in this book to overcome his addiction.

Overall, this isn't a book I'd recommend however I will probably read another Bronwen Evans book in the future.

FINAL DECISION: A good kickoff to a new series about men who are definitely not your perfect men. Alex is a man struggling with an addiction and the consequences of his capture and imprisonment and his belief that he is not good enough for Hestia. I love damaged heroes and Alex is definitely an imperfect one.

THE STORY: Alexander Sylvester Bracken, Duke of Bedford agrees to help Lady Hestia Cary find her missing father. Alex feels a debt to Hestia's father for helping in Alex's rescue from his captivity with a pirate. When he is forced to take Hestia with him in order to ensure her safety. Four years ago, Hestia was rescued by Alex from the same pirate who had captured Alex years before. At sixteen, Hestia fell in love with Alex and doesn't understand why he has spent years avoiding her. Alex is determined not to taint the sweet Hestia with his tainted presence but their voyage together allows Hestia to batter down the walls that Alex is using to separate them.

OPINION: I greatly appreciate books that stretch the genre -- and this book does. Alex is a hero who struggles with his addiction and there is no easy and simple resolution. He also has done terrible things under the influence of his drug of choice. This book is about how he forgives himself and reaches for happiness rather than dwelling on a past he cannot change.

The story was filled with adventure which I didn't expect. There are multiple levels of villains that Alex and Hestia have to defeat on the way to their happy ending. Some of their challenges are external, some are internal. Some want to threaten their lives and some want to threaten their relationship.

At first, I wasn't sure about the matchup with Hestia because she seemed too sweet and innocent for the damaged Alex...but she has a hidden strength that I didn't expect. Alex doesn't expect it either.

This book pushes the envelope on Alex's addiction because there are no easy answers for him. During this time period, addiction is not understood and is seen as character flaw rather than an illness. My one serious complaint about the book is that I would have liked an explicit update in the epilogue about Alex's addiction since it was such an important part of the story (maybe in the next book in the series).

WORTH MENTIONING: This book deals with the issue of addiction in a time period long before there was an real understanding of addiction.

CONNECTED BOOKS: ADDICTED TO THE DUKE is the first book in the Imperfect Lords series.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in order to provide a review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.

Addictions are something you fight with every single breath in your body. Hestia and Alex have fought their addiction for years. Alex, a former Turkish slave, spent two years in captivity. While there he became addicted to opium. It was the only thing that provided him an escape from the nightmarish reality he lived. After rescuing Hestia, they tried to deny their attraction towards one another. Years passed wth both still fighting their own addictions. Hestia was determined to make Alex hers by any means necessary. A skillful seduction would get everything she desired.

This is an exceptional story. I just loved it!!! Alex and Hestia we're both truly amazing. These two characters were very strong in their own right.

I do not like to give away spoilers, therefore, I will only say Alex is a hero who has had his fair share of extreme struggles and is battling addictions. His story which is revealed page after page makes you fully understand what has gotten him to the point he is at in his life. You weep for this man and end up rooting for his HEA.

Hestia, has loved Alex essentially since they met. Now that she is an adult she needs him. As her understanding of this flawed man is exposed to her...instead of running from him she runs towards him. She is an extremely strong heroine!

The passion of these two sizzles loudly. I love this author's story. It is a keeper for me!!! I look forward to what is next. I received this story as a gift and loved it!

Alexander Sylvester Bracke 4 years ago had a mission to save and rescue 16 year old Lady Hestia Cary. She was kidnapped by the same Turkish pirate Murad, who had previously kidnapped him and held him captive for 2 long years before Hestia’s father, the Earl of Pembroke finally rescued him. Lady Hestia Cary was in love and determined that someday Alex, the Duke of Bedford would be hers. Now a 4 years later we find Alex now the Duke of Bedford avoiding Hestia to keep the vow to her father he sworn to her father to leave her untouched, even though he knows she has feelings for him he feels she is too good for him.
Lady Hestia needs Alex’s help’s her father, the Earl of Pembroke, is missing and is presumed dead with his cousin Fredrick Cary his heir, wanting to take over. Hestia summons Alex, the one man she and her aunt knows is capable of finding her father. Can Alex become the man he wants to be, but his past behind him? Can both Alex and Hestia overcome both psychological and emotional turmoil to rescue the Earl or will they suffer even more. A captivating story with romance, intrigue and adventure as Hestia and Alex race to save the Earl from the Turkish pirates.
I voluntarily read this free ARC copy from Net Galley and this is my honest opinion.

This is a great historical romance that touches on a very delicate issue: addiction. The author handled it beautifully and I loved her explanation/understanding of opiate addiction in the beginning. This story is raw and real and deals with heavy emotions. I liked that it wasn't like other fluffy historical romances. There is depth and feeling in the story and characters. You could really feel the pain and torment that Alex felt because of his captivity and addiction. The story was raw and honest but still romantic and sexy. Alex tries to protect Hestia with everything he has and you can't help but fall in love with him as the hero. This story was refreshing and different from anything else I've read. It doesn't come with an easy HEA but it's worth it from beginning to end. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series!

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

Addicted to the Duke
by Bronwen Evans
Rating 5 stars
Heat 4🔥🔥🔥🔥

Alexander Sylvester Bracken the Duke of Bedford is a tortured soul having been a slave to the wicked Turkish Pasha -Sultan Murad- and battling an addiction to opium knows he's not perfect and therefore he can never have the one woman that has touched his broken heart- Lady Hestia Cary. Her father has made that perfectly clear to him. After all he owes it to father he is the one who led his men to save him. In turn Alex saves Hestia when abducted by the same villain he was a slave too on an excavation trip with her father.

Lady Hestia Cary has been in love with Alexander since the day he rescued her, but the man has eluded her for the past six years. No longer the sixteen year old young girl she needs his help......her father is missing presumed dead.
Alex has no choice but to accept knowing that his attraction and desire for Hestia will test his sanity. But will their acceptance for each other's love survive an old evil nemesis?

I thoroughly enjoyed this highly entertaining new story from Bronwen Evans. It's the perfect start to a wonderful series of imperfect heroes with flaws who are strong enough to overcome their vices and stronger women who help heal these wounded men. She did an awesome job in portraying an addicts struggle to overcome an addiction. To overcome such a vice is truly a testament of strength of character and the support of family and loved ones who go far and beyond to be there no matter what. I highly recommend this story once again Bronwen Evans has done a sensational job.
I received this ARC from the publisher and NetGalley for my honest unbiased opinion

Addicted to the Duke by Bronwen Evans was a good read. I like how Bronwen had mixed an historical romance with the serious problem with addiction. The characters were fun, even if Alex was a little too bull-headed for me.

Alex, the Duke of Bedford offered to help Hestia Cary. Hestia’s nearest relative brought back a body and tried to convince her of her father’s death. However, Hestia does not believe Frederick and with the help of Alex leaves to save her father. Her father - who saved Alex from slavery - with a horrid pirate. Hestia’s father always believed that Alex was too imperfect to marry his daughter. Now Hestia and Alex are together on a ship rushing to save her father, so Hestia is safe.

Hestia is one brave woman. She feels the love for Alex will help heal him and you root for her. I did find the book a little repetitive at times, but the end certainly was a winner. Addicted to the Duke by Bronwen Evans was a good read.

I must admit that I was a bit torn when it came to rating this book. my problem was that it is a book that is really well written and is dealing with some rather difficult topics like abuse, rape, and drugs. Not the most romantic stuff, is it? Right, And when people are hurt that way and when they are judged badly for it and when the descriptions are not always easy to read....well, it is not the easiest or most romantic thing to read. Nevertheless, the effect the story and the events described had on me, convinced me that it is not the book's fault that it is too intense and too hard for me, at least sometimes but it is too well written and, well, I guess that explains the four stars, doesn't it?

I had to put the book away for a while when I read it but I can honestly say that it is not just a well-written book with an interesting and gripping story but that I also liked the hero and the heroine a lot. The passion between them is palpable and I must admit that I was furious when Alexander talked to Hestia's father about his feelings for her. Hestia is sweet and determined, brave and loyal and Alexander - honorable, brave and constantly battling his demons. Life hasn't been kind to him and his experiences have left him vulnerable and torn but when Hestia needs him, he faces his worst nightmares again....
A well-written book with characters that are both strong and vulnerable and a gripping story - I liked it.

Alexander must overcome a painful past while helping Hestia find her father. She has loved Alexander for long time and wants a future with him. The medicine of history was helpful at times however this book delves into the lesser known long standing problems with some treatment. This author always delivers an excellent tale of intrigue and love for her characters. Keeps the reader turning pages to the end.

Ebook from Netgalley and publisher with thanks. opinions are entirely my own.

Mystery, suspense, action and romance - this historical had it all! Fantastic writing and a story that sucked me in from the beginning and I couldn't put it down. I have never read a book by this author before but I can't wait to read more! Fantastic!

Great Historical Read! Alex was captured and kept a slave by a Turkish pirate and becomes addicted to opium. Alex looking for revenge helps the man who rescued him rescue his daughter, the pirate escapes and Alex knows he isn’t good enough for Hestia. Now, four years later Hestia needs his help to find her father and Hestia plans to join him on the journey. With the sexual mounting can Alex stay away? Plenty of suspense and drama and the chemistry is very steamy. I loved it!

Alexander Sylvester Bracken, Duke of Bedford has never recovered from the horror of his captivity by a Turkish pirate. Lady Hestia Cary lost her heart to Alexander Bracken when he rescued her from the very pirate that almost destroyed him. When dark plotting forces Alexander and Hestia to join forces to find her missing father their confrontation with their past may be the beginning of their future.

Addicted to the Duke by Bronwen Evans introduces her new Imperfect Lords series. Alex was an interesting and complex character sharing with readers a very real inner struggle as he deemed himself as undeserving all the while performing the actions of an honorable man. As readers were made privy to his personal agony and relentless thirst for revenge, that even surpassed his craving for opium, they could understand his war over his desire for Hestia. Hestia's beauty extended way beyond her visage as her acceptance and care of Alex showed her to be a thoughtful and strong heroine. The pages of this work were filled with intrigue, action and suffering as tenderness and love took over to win the day. Bronwen Evans always shares candid snapshots of history as her fiction brings characters that standout even as they conform to the time period they live in.

I’m a little bit on the fence with Addicted to the Duke. It’s kind of hard to form an opinion on something that shocked me just a little bit. Shocked I tell ya! I’m not scandalized, but Alexander is NOT your typical hero.


Not sure if he is hero material but that might be a harsh criticism. Just as the title suggests, addiction plays a big ole in the story. Alex’s addiction to opium to be precise. From reading this he might even be addicted to his desire for revenge as well. The opening was a harrowing experience and it kind of set the tone for the rest of the story. A Turkish “sultan” type villain made me cringe especially as Alex’s history unfolds. I could totally understand his need for revenge against that character. So he’s dead set in his goals, not quite over his addictions, and totally attracted to the woman (then girl) that he rescued from his enemies clutches.

But even I was thinking that he’s not good enough for anybody. Such demons! I really didn’t understand Hestia either. She comes off as a brave character overall, but a mere mention of something that did not agree with her, she faints. I hate swooning heroines. It just did not fit with her character to do that.

Honestly, this story is mainly about Alex. I really wanted to know how he would overcome his demons. And he really had some great inner dialogue.


“She was open, brave, and giving, all the things he was not. She was perfect. And he hated perfection.”


♥



“He had two great vices in his life: women and opium. Only one of these was entirely under his control: women.”


If you love unconventional heroes with a lot of demons and stories with a little shocking topics. Pick this one up. Just be warned that there are themes that include rape and drug abuse.