This book is was very entertaining and you feel like you're with the characters when reading.

As always Ms Evans delivers. Good story. great characters. Loved the book.

Sometimes in life, we make decisions that have a profound effect on our lives. The Duke, made such a decision. This is a dark look at life, with love as the redemption that turns dark, dreary clouds, though to a sunny bright day. I recommend! Thanks!

catolintallahassee

3.5 Rating

This had great potentially for a five star rating, but some of the scenes and dialogue I had issues with. Characters of the hero and heroine were lacking somewhat, underdeveloped in some instances.

We open in the prologue in the Greek isle with the hero, Alex rescuing Lady Hestia from being sold into slavery by a Turkish Sultan. His nemesis, Sultan Murad of Turkey had captured Alex years back. Murad kept Alex as a slave, had horrible things done to him and got him addicted to opium (he used opium to control Alex). But Alex was back to rescue Hestia and as a favor to her father. Alex rescues Hestia just in time but during the opening scene you are aware of the torment that Alex experiences in facing Murad again.

Fast forward four years and we are given a glimpse of what Alex life has been like back in London. He's still fighting his demons and one of his vises are women, that help him forget. He still struggles with the cravings of opium but seems to keep it at bay. Hestia is a woman who's lives with her aunt because her father travels and collects artifacts. Hestia is hurts that her father is never home and chooses his artifacts over her. But she has Alex, Alex who she's loved from the moment he rescued her. He became her friend at the time of the rescue and for a couple months after. But then something happened and all of a sudden he changed, pulled away and distanced himself. She saw him occasionally but when she did he was distant and guarded. Hestia was aware through friends and gossip about his lifestyle and women. But she still had hope that he would come to realize that she loved him and would love her in return.

Then something happens that changes the course of their relationship. Hestia has a distant relative, Fredrick Cary that say's her father is dead, but she and her aunt don't believe him. Both of them think that he's trying to take over her father's title and monies and her father is out there in the Greek isle somewhere in danger (Cary will try to have him killed in the mean time). They ask Alex for help and come up with a plan to find and rescue her father. Of course Alex and Hestia will travel together to find her father on his ship. Alex can only protect Hestia if she's with him as they fear Fredrick will either try to marry Hestia or have her killed for her fortune (Cary they learn only receives the title and the money goes to Hestia or whoever she marries)

The voyage on the ship is the major part of the story. And during this time we learn more about Alex's struggles and demons, and also what happened during his captivity. Hestia works on learning more about Alex and what demons he's fighting. She's hoping to have him open up and possibly desire her as a woman and not some young girl. During their voyage they are dealing with Fredrick in pursuit and also Murad (who is the real reason Alex agreed to take the trip, to kill him and seek revenge). Alex and Hestia work through their misconception of each other and what each wants for themselves and their future together. We have a conclusion to her father, Murad and Fredrick.

I found the premise of the story to be good but the execution to be average. Pacing was good but did find that a couple of the scenes were confusing and felt lost (going from one scene then it would jump to another scene and you felt like you missed something). The main characters I struggled with. Alex is tormented and you just feel for him, but after a while the- I'm not good enough, I'm damaged goods, I'm evil became too much for me. His pushing away of Hestia also became tiring after two thirds into the book. Hestia had moments of being strong and sweet but then at other times she seemed childish/immature with her inner dialogue/actions- why doesn't he see me as a desirable woman, does he like me or not, can I attract/seduce him? I also had a real problem with Alex and supposedly having these feeling for Hestia for four years but yet boy was he ever a manwhore (yes he had opium issues and things happened when he was with Murad, but still). For me it just seemed off and I found it didn't work for me in their love story. Also found some of the scenes/dialogue a bit over the top cheezy as well.

I've read other books by this author and enjoyed them. This book again had potential but some areas had issues that took away from a four or five star rating.

This was an interesting read. I've read many historical romance books where I read about the ladies being given laudanum but I never really made the connection of it being an opiate. I think the depiction of struggle the duke, Alex, was going through put año interesting twist to the story. It's not something widely talked about especially in books during that time period. I think Ms. Evans did a really good job in that aspect. I did find the story sometimes lacking and with too much explaining or detail. Overall it was a good read and I learned something new, so that's always a plus in my book.

I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review. I loved this book. The love story between Alex and Hestia is well written and keeps your attention. Also the storyline of their previous and later capture by the Turk pirate Murad adds great drama to this book. I have read several of Evans historical romance novels and they have all been wonderful books. I would highly recommend this one. I hope Stephen will be featured in his own story.

Edgy! Perversely pleasurable! A perfect example of a historical romance taking you on a journey and leaving you breathless. Evans doesn't miss a note in this thrilling historical romance. From start to finish readers will be on edge. Strong, deeply scarred characters come to life in this passionate exploration of love and salvation. Alex will leave his mark! Addicted to the Duke indeed!

This novel was a very good read. I have read several of Ms. Evan's novels and she has continued writing great novels. This novel was a little different that your typical regeneracy novels, since it addresses addiction, which is a very common problem, but was not really addressed during this time period. People used opiates without understanding the addicting effects it causes. This story also contains romance, action, and adventure.
Alexander Sylvester Bracken, Duke of Bedford, was captured by Murad, a Turkish "sultan", who got Alex dependent on opium. He escaped and had severe withdrawal. Two years after his escape, he rescues Lady Hestia Cary from Murad. Her father has saved his wife. Hestia fell in love with him then,
Four years later, Hestia asks for Alex's help to find her father. Her cousin has claimed that her father is dead and he is the new earl. Alex knows the only was to protect Hestia is to take her with him. As they travel, they relive the memories they had from years past. Alex has become a rake, but he is using women as a coping mechanism from his addition, but cares deeply for Hestia, even if he does not quite realize it yet. Hestia wants to be with Alex, but he does not want to marry, since he does not feel worthy of Hestia and he wants revenge on Murad. Alex will protect Hestia and Hestia realizes the only man she loves in Alex and could not give her heart to another. She wants to marry for love, after seeing the non-loving relationship her parents has and a father that prefers to spend more time traveling than being with his daughter. Both Hestia and Alex have faced society's scorn, but still remain very strong people. Will Alex's quest for vengeance prevent his from loving Hestia and moving forward from the past? Can Hestia accept Alex's past and still love him or will she force herself to move on without him? Will Murad seek his revenge on Alex and Hestia for escaping his clutches? Read and find out!!

Hestia is one saucy woman, “yes, it is much better, thank you for asking. How are you feeling tonight? It would appear your temper is not improving as quickly as your health.” Alex would do anything to put a smile on his lady's face, “what are you looking so smug about? I think you are remembering our bath in the early-morning hours. I’m more than happy to repeat the exercise and pleasure you all morning if it keeps that look on your face...” I really liked this book, I loved Alex.