Cover Image: Duchess by Day, Mistress by Night

Duchess by Day, Mistress by Night

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What’s it About? Rhys Tremayne trades the secrets of the London elite for money and power, making him one of the wealthiest men around. His motivation? To take his sisters out of the raggedy, run down world they’ve grown up in. When he meets Georgiana Rutherford, the Duchess of Hardcastle he sees in her the perfect opportunity to help his sisters enter into society. The only problem is that all the time he spends around Georgiana is making him want more than just a business arrangement with her. But he is not from Georgiana’s world and society’s rules dictate that they can only be lovers in secret.


Overall reaction to the story? I enjoyed Duchess by Day, Mistress by Night. Rhys and Georgiana’s forbidden romance was sexy, passionate, and fun. There were a few issues with the story but all in all it was a good introduction to a new-to-me-author.

The heroine in the story is a young widow which to me is one of the best kinds of heroines in historical romance. Georgiana’s need to be in control of her life after so many years of being dictated to by her husband was relatable and I cheered for her every time she stood her ground against someone trying to “protect” her from herself. However, I didn’t love her. I liked her well enough but I think she needed to show more growth as a character. If she had gotten her head out of her rear a lot sooner and realized what was important that probably would have helped a bit. But she didn’t, she waited until the last minute and by then she had done a number on Rhys’ emotions.

Now Rhys didn’t need to figure out who he was, he was confident, almost cocky, and he was determined to take care of his sisters in a way that he felt they deserved. His loyalty to his family kept him from being just another cold, ruthless blackmailer. I loved his darkness to Georgiana’s light because they complimented each other so well. Rhys made sure that anyone who was a threat to Georgiana and her loved ones was removed permanently, and she kept him from losing himself to the dark underworld he moved around in.

There’s plenty of heart in this novel too. Aside from Rhys and Georgiana’s romance there is the love Rhys has for his family. He is such a dangerous character but he loves his three sisters and mother deeply. His interactions with them, especially his sister Lydia, who has a handicap, showed a totally different, tender side of him. If I knew nothing else about him, that would have sold me on him as a hero. With his sisters he is not cold and calculating, he is an indulgent, encouraging, funny, and gentle brother. Their happiness makes him very happy.

My only complaint was how unfinished the book seemed, like it needed more fleshing out. Every circumstance in the story was meant to put Rhys and Georgiana within distance of one another which I get because it’s their story but there were a few side characters that served as little more than to draw every ounce of attention to them. Then these side characters had no more use. Then there were the conflicts. Yes, multiple conflicts that should have been big deals but were essentially swatted away like flies and then forgotten. Um, what? You have a duchess who is having an affair with a commoner who trades favors for favors and you don’t take advantage of the major conflicts that could have? Hmm. And then the last conflict was wrapped up so quickly it made my head spin. Now I’m not a history major but I KNOW that particular solution wasn’t quick to obtain in real life.

Click It or Skip It? Duchess by Day, Mistress by Night has its ups and downs. It wasn’t a terrible book but it did feel like it wasn’t completely finished. I would however, read more from this author.

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I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book one in a new series by Stacy Reid. I cried and loved the story. This was very well done and I cannot wait for book 2. I have just fallen in love with this series and cannot wait for more.

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Awesome book. Terrific story. Kept me enthralled from beginning to end.

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DUCHESS BY DAY, MISTRESS BY NIGHT is the first book in Stacy Reid's Rebellious Desires series. Stacy Reid is a new author for me, but this book has made me a fan. Georgiana Rutherford, the Duchess of Hardcastle and Rhys Tremayne aka "The Broker" are from two different worlds. Not only did they have a different upbringing, but Georgiana associates with lords and ladies, while Rhys occasionally mixes with members of the criminal class. Although society might see their differences in such black and white terms, Stacy Reid does a superb job of creating a hero and heroine who are much more complex than that. Although she is part of high society, Georgiana is no snob and has tried to broaden her horizons after her husband's death. Although Rhys is something of an antihero, who deals in secrets and benefits financially from them, his love of his mother and sisters is paramount and influences every decision he makes. Likewise, Georgiana's love for her son plays a major role in her decision-making. When these two meet, sparks fly almost immediately.

Rhys might be an unlikely knight in shining armor, but he assists Georgiana at a critical moment and endears himself to her. Stacy Reid expertly captures the electricity and sexual awareness between Rhys and Georgiana and then chronicles how those feelings turn into something more profound. The affair Georgiana enters into with Rhys is intensely erotic and somethings she chooses to do for her own enjoyment. Rhys is no heard-hearted seducer. When Rhys unintentionally becomes a father figure to Georgiana's little boy, she falls a little more in love with him. The mystery that Stacy Reid throws into the mix draws Rhys and Georgiana even closer.

DUCHESS BY DAY, MISTRESS BY NIGHT is a sensual romance with explosive chemistry between this hero and heroine. There are occasional stumbling blocks in this relationship, but most work out before any major damage occurs. I look forward to reading about Rhys' sisters in future books. I can't wait for the next Rebellious Desires book!

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This book was a slow read for me. I loved the idea but it just didn’t flow right. It was “slow” IMO. First time reading this author. Not sure if I would try another book. It was hard to finish.

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This my favourite book from stacy reid so far. From the beginning I was I hook with the story of Georgiana and rhys. Georgiana is a Duchess that married very young for duty and honor and through out her marriage and after her husband death was still living according to the ton. Then come along rhys aka the broker, a simple commoner that is going to turn her life inside out. She was reborned. The story is well written the love scenes very hot. I absolutely loved this book.
I was given this book as an Arc from netgalley for an honest review which is my own.

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The thing I hate the most in any HR novel is the feeling that the book belongs in the modern day era. I am not sure if I can fit the book into this category but a few things annoyed me. How could Simon talk to his sister about finding a lover? This is not something that's happening even in our time, because ew. Then, there were a few words that felt out of place and I stopped taking this book seriously. One of my biggest disappointments is the lack of interactions between Nicholas and Rhys. Why couldn't they have spend a little bit more time together? Well, even Georgianna wasn't able to spend time with her son since it didn't;t help the plot so I will just have to accept it. I liked Rhys more than I liked Georgianna. He is a man who has made something in his life and he just wants to see his sisters happy and married. I hope the next books will be about them since they were the most interesting characters in this book. Each of his sisters has something that makes them different than the average heroine, like the oldest sister who is deaf, so their books are bound to be interesting. I am not sure if I would recommend this book because I am a little disappointed. I feel like the content of the book wasn't able to make the best of its title. The thing that drew me to this book was the title and it wasn't what I expected. I did like that Georgianna was able to understand the mistake she had made and was the one who repaired their relationship, even if Rhys also tried to.

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I was very pleased to get an ARC of the newest Stacy Reid, “Duchess by Day, Mistress by Night”. I found myself surprisingly engaged by this hero and heroine, who despite a sizzling hot personal connection, are far apart on the social scale. Initially attracted to Georgiana, Duchess of Hardcastle by her beauty and social power, Rhys Tremayne quickly finds himself obsessed. Georgiana is much more guarded; she is a woman who has been bred to be a duchess, and can’t imagine doing anything to threaten her own position or that of her son, the duke. No pushover, Georgiana withholds her heart with remarkable tenacity.

Reid sets up for all sorts of future fun with Rhys’ sisters!

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Sadly, it's a DNF.

Out of three books that I read by this author, two I loved or liked. So I had high hopes for this one but it just couldn't hold my attention. I kept putting it down to read something else until, frankly, I forgot about it. As harsh as it sounds.

Some books I put down because I don't want them to end, so I drag them out. Others just aren't doing it for me.

I can't exactly pinpoint what the issue is. Can't say I know the characters all that well, except for a few minor details. I have to admit, the fact that the heroine was so accepting and forgiving of her late husband's affair and mistress didn't sit well with me.

I know, I know, it happened but it's historical romance, humor me and make me see the best of it. If I want to read the nasty side of history, I open up a different kind of book.

Anyway, I have voluntarily agreed to read an early copy of this book, which I'm going to rate 2 stars, my standard DNF rating.

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The plot was weak. There were problems thrown at these characters, but they were, essentially, Deus Ex Machina'd aside as if they were cobwebs, easily cleaned with a broom or cloth. Every.single.problem was too easily solved.

But the characters... Well, I enjoyed Rhys' sisters. I did not particularly care for Georgiana's family, however. Perhaps I was not meant to? As for the duchess herself? She was OK. Part of it was that she wasn't standing up for herself with said family members. I mean, she's a duchess, but her brother is bossing her about as if she's living under his roof.

Would I recommend this book to others? Sure, if I think it's their cup of tea. For me, it's a 3 star read, at best. There were no glaring mistakes in it that would knock it down further.

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Duchess by Day, Mistress by Night is sensual, interesting, and completely captivating. Stacy Reid has a way of wrapping you up in her writing, which made it really, really, really difficult to put Rhys and Georgiana’s story down.

Rhys is known to one and all as “The Broker.” He’s a man who deals in secrets, all so that he can make a life for his family and give his mother and sisters the life they deserve. Though he’s accumulated wealth and power, the one place Rhys hasn’t been able to infiltrate is the social whirl of the ton. Georgiana is the key to getting his sisters into society, but he finds that he cannot use her as a pawn, not when he’s drawn to her like no other. I absolutely loved Rhys. He’s worked and fought his way up the ladder for the sake of his family. He’s tough, but with a loving heart, and he’s got a quick and canny mind that I found incredibly appealing. Even though he deals in secrets and favors, Rhys has a strong sense of honor. Add in a few hidden pockets of vulnerability and the fact that he’s unbelievably sexy and you’ve got one heck of a swoon-worthy hero.

A hero as confident as Rhys deserves a heroine who can knock him a bit off his stride, and Georgiana fits the bill perfectly. She’s been raised all her life to be a proper duchess and now that she’s a widow with a young son, she continues to fulfill the role her parents and late husband set out for her. But Georgiana is unbelievably lonely, even though she’s the darling of society. Rhys is the first man to see behind the mask, to make Georgiana feel completely alive. The pull between them is so strong that she risks everything to engage in a clandestine affair with Rhys. But it’s clear to readers from the start that these two were meant for so much more than a few heated encounters. Rhys and Georgiana have searingly hot passion going for them, but they fit extremely well outside the bedchamber as well. Ms. Reid made the pages of Duchess by Day, Mistress by Night come alive with their chemistry and I loved getting lost in their romance. The divide in Rhys and Georgiana’s social classes is a huge obstacle in their love story and I liked that I really didn’t know how they would get their happily ever after. I won’t say how things work out, but Ms. Reid definitely did leave me smiling by the end of this book.

Duchess by Day, Mistress by Night is the first book in Ms. Reid’s Rebellious Desires series and I absolutely cannot wait for more. From Rhys’s sisters to his best friend, there are a number of characters whose stories I am hoping will be told. If you like engaging, emotional historical romances with a healthy dose of heat, then you won’t want to miss Duchess by Day, Mistress by Night!

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Duchess by Day, Mistress by Night is the story of a man who has had a hard life and a women who has always done what is expected of her. No one could predict what happens when these two meet.

Rhys Tremayne is called “The Broker”. He is a dangerous man who trades in secrets. Many powerful people come to the Broker for help. He has two rules. He does not work for money, he is owed a favor to be named by him in the future and no middleman. He deals directly with the person who needs his help. This is how he meets Georgiana, Duchess of Hardcastle. Georgiana is a widow raising her six year old son, who is a Duke. Georgiana’s marriage was pleasant and amiable but not passionate. Georgiana needs the Broker’s help but ends up with much more than she bargained for. This book is hard to put down. There were a lot of interesting characters and I hope some get featured in future stories. I highly recommend reading this book. I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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This book was hard for me to put down. The story captured my attention from the start. I loved Rhys Tremayne and the combination of being ruthless to get what he wanted, yet kind to those he loved. Georgiana was likable as well though sometimes I disliked the actions she took. That being said, I understood why she behaved the way she did. I loved how Georgiana and Rhys had honest conversations, revealing their feelings and being vulnerable with one another.

I recommend this book and can’t wait to read the others in this series.

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There is something to be said for those who live their lives for others and those who live their lives based on what is expected of them. Both Rhys and Georgiana have such experiences, and it makes them crave what the other has. Georgiana has a title and a place in the world. Rhys has wealth and freedom. Naturally, it draws them together. All it took, a missing nursemaid. Georgiana only hires the best to look after her young Duke son, Nicolas. One day, while out in the park with Nicolas, she goes missing. Georgiana is convinced something has happened to her. When the runners on Bow Street can’t get you answers, you get answers from Rhys. But be forewarned, his help comes at a price! And you better be sure you can pay it! Oh, he doesn’t want money. He has enough of that already. You can pay him in secrets and favors.

It’s been a long time since I’ve read a REALLY good historical romance and I’m glad I took a chance on this one! Stacy Reid is new to me and I fell in love with this book immediately. Rhys had the bad boy image while having a heart of gold. Don’t get me wrong, Rhys is a dangerous man, but never towards those who can’t defend themselves. Georgiana is no pushover! She must decide will she put her heart before the reputation of the family in a time where people can be unforgiving if you make the wrong move. I loved every moment of this book. Their chemistry was swoon-worthy and I needed more. I would love to have a book featuring a few of the secondary characters to see how everything ended for them. We shall see!

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Wonderfully written story to keep you entertained from start to finish, passionate and exciting, the characters were fabulous and had a remarkable chemistry. You won't want this to end

I received an advanced copy from Netgalley and voluntarily leave my opinion

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To outsiders it may look like Georgiana, the Duchess of Hardcastle has everything anyone could want but she wants more, a passionate affair. Rhys, the broker deals in secrets and wants to see his sisters lives improved but he wants more than Georgiana to help his sisters. Will she agree? Plenty of drama, the story is entertaining and I loved the chemistry a steamy and entertaining historical read. I really liked it.

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I’ve read several books by this author, and liked them . This one didn’t seem quite as good as the others, though still an interesting book. This author can write well, but this story just doesn’t flow as I remember the others going. There was remarkable passion in the first one I read, Accidentally Compromising the Duke, which was quite compelling. Though I liked this story, I didn’t find it nearly as emotionally charged. Still, it is good enough to recommend.

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Awesome book, I really loved the hero in this story. Who doesn’t love a sexy, dirty talking bad boy who loves his sisters and mother? The plot was a bit predictable, but it didn’t stop me from reading every word!

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could not put this book down and read it in one day. I LOVE sexy historical romances. Stacy Reid is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors in this genre. Girlfriend does not hold back and I can't get enough. The instant chemistry between Rhys and Georgiana was straight up fire and that scene in the library...oh lord! I just couldn't get enough of these two characters together and loved the way they burned up the pages. I think my favorite part is how Rhys never runs from his feelings for Georgiana. He owns them and then does whatever he has to do to keep her. He lays it all our for her and isn't afraid of his love for her. You can understand the predicament that Georgiana finds herself in and why she may not be as carefree as Rhys. Thankfully, she comes to her senses. All in all, a fantastic read and I can't wait for more in this series!

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