I really enjoyed Devlin and Sophie's story! I loved both Devlin and Sophie! Sophie was not your typical debutant and I loved her all the more for it. Devlin was so much more that his nickname of the Devil Duke gave him credit for. I just loved watching these two interact with each other and the feistiness of them both!

This is a wonderful first story by Michaels and I look forward to reading more of her work.

I got this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

One afternoon, one book! Sophie has an orphanage to take care of and it is in danger. On the other side is Devlin, the Devil Duke of Huntington who is in need of a wife – and he has to get the most eccentric woman to marry him within a month to get his inheritance. Easily said – easily done … if there wouldn’t be a killer who tries to hurt people. He kills downstairs people, people who are connected to Sophie.

This was one of the quickest reads this year so far because I loved Devlin. It’s such a well written story with a good mix of passion, blue stocking ideology, love of the poor etc. Every character had a few sides, they weren’t black and white like in so many novels. Devlin is the devil, he is a Don Juan but he also cares about the people around him. Like Sophie does.

Well written. Worth reading!

This ARC was provided through Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.

I can't say that this novel is completely original, however I enjoyed reading it immensely !
The main characters were likable, especially Sophie, endearing and geeky as she is. Devlin was mysterious and tempting and his line of business was, indeed, very original !
The other characters added some depth to the story and the mystery was intriguing.
This is a fast paced story, written fluidly. This is Maddison Michael's first novel published, so kudos to the author ! I can't wait to get my hand on what she's going to write next !
Highly recommended.

Devlin Markham, the notorious “Devil Duke” of Huntington, needs a woman. And not just any woman. If he can’t woo one of the most eccentric bluestockings of the Ton within the month, he can kiss his hard-earned fortune goodbye. But he’s always thought love a wasted emotion and marriage an inconvenience at best. And oddly enough, Lady Sophie Wolcott seems unmoved by his charm...
When Sophie learns her beloved orphanage on Grey Street is in imminent danger, she will do anything to save it.
I was drawn into the story from the start & found myself laughing out loud at Sophie’s climbing fiasco. I thought it would just be a light hearted but I was wrong, the mystery of who’s murdering servants & how it’s linked to Devlin & Sophie added another dimension. The characters are very well fleshed, Devlin (sigh) has an awful reputation but as Sophie gets to know him more of his backstory is revealed we find everything shouldn’t be taken at face value. Sophie is no simpering miss but an intelligent, independent woman who will do almost anything for her orphans. The attraction between the pair is immediate & just grows which perplexes both of them. The secondary characters are also delightful especially Mabel – loved her & Nicholas is a scene stealer. I thoroughly enjoyed this engrossing debut novel which was very accomplished, there was everything you could want in a historical romance, mystery, murder, humour, a tortured gorgeous hero, a determined heroine & of course romance. I’ll be impatiently awaiting the next novel.

My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

This was a very enjoyable read. I look forward to more by this author.

I find it hard to believe that this is a debut novel. The characters were well developed, the plot intriguing, and the dialogue witty. In short - this novel was everything I love about historical romances.

Sophie was a unique blend of a woman who knows her own mind, who isn't afraid to assert herself when she feels it is warranted, but who above all, cares for others more than herself. She displays this in her work with the orphanage (after all, there are not many women who would have made a deal with the devil so to speak in order to not only provide for orphans, but to also help train them to take positions themselves later on). Devlin himself was all that a Duke should be in my opinion - arrogant but with a vulnerable side. Haunted, but looking for redemption (even if he's too pig headed to see it right away).

When you add in the aspect of the killer - man did this book keep me guessing. There were a few times when I thought for sure I knew exactly how that angle was going to play out, only to be surprised again and again.

I would definitely recommend this novel to those who enjoy a well written historical novel with a bit of mystery thrown in. I would definitely read more from this author!

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

This should have been a great book. I love the premise, and the main characters have interesting if a little clichéd characters (the rake and the bluestocking). There was just something about the writing... It wasn't BAD, but it just didn't capture my attention. There was a lot of telling instead of showing, which I think was the main problem. Also, the leads meet for 5 minutes straight out of the gate, then in the next chapter it's been a year and they haven't seen each other but for some reason neither of them can get the other out of their head. There's a very hot/cold love/hate thing going on for no discernable reason that I can tell. The whole thing just was just the equivalent of someone moving cardboard cutouts around, rather than a full stage production. I DNF'd at 25% because I just couldn't take it anymore. Again, the writing was GOOD, it just didn't, I don't know, CONNECT, somehow. It is clearly a first novel, and I think the author just needs a little more seasoning to be a great historical romance author. I look forward to reading future releases by this author once she's got a bit more experience under her belt.

Maybe 4.5 stars - there was a lot to like about this book and I really enjoyed the author's writing style, she was able to change the tone of the book going from fun and flirty to down right terrifying and back to fun without disrupting the flow of the story, which in my experience is quite impressive, especially from a debut author!!

Lady Sophie Wolcott and Devlin Markham, the Duke of Huntington meet when Sophie falls out of tree after spying on the man of her dreams and seeing him propose to another woman. Devlin aka the Devil Duke is in the midst of a heated tryst when Sophie lands in the bushes. He helps her up and sends his trysting partner on her way. He and Sophie talk for a bit and she is surprised that she is not nearly as heartbroken as she thought and that she is attracted to Devlin - but that will never do because he is a rake and she will never, ever let herself fall for a rake.

A year later, Devlin is meeting with the Queen, he needs her approval for the construction of the Trans-Atlantic Cable, a project he is heavily invested in. The Queen refused to sign unless Devlin gives up his rakish ways and settles down with a respectable woman. Devlin is not happy about being blackmailed by the Queen, but agrees. He knows exactly who he is going to marry - Lady Sophie, the woman who didn't fall for his charms and the woman he hasn't been able to forget.

Sophie has decided that she is not going to marry, she will devote herself to the orphanage that her mother supported and be content with that. So when she hears that both her former crush Richard, Lord Abeland and the rake she can't forget Huntington are both looking for wives, she feigns disinterest. Later that evening she sees Richard and knows that what she felt was just a youthful infatuation and she is over him, but Huntington is a different story, when he approaches her and flirts and says they should marry, she is tempted, but after seeing what her mother endured at the hands of a rake, she just laughs it off. He promises her a huge donation for her orphanage and tells her he will call on her the next day.

The next day Sophie has two visitors, first Richard shows up, he wants to know if Sophie has heard from a former resident of her orphanage, Jane. Jane worked as a housemaid at his home until his wife died, and now he is looking for a missing journal, he is not accusing Jane, but needs to talk to her. Sophie admits that she hasn't heard from Jane, but will write to her. Unbeknownst to Sophie, Jane has been murdered and now the murderer thinks Sophie knows who he is and has her in his sights. When Devlin arrives, he and Richard begin to argue and things escalate quickly. Mabel, Sophie's aunt walks in and sends both men on their way. But she is giddy thinking both men are courting Sophie.

Later that evening Sophie's man of affairs comes to see her with terrible news - the property that the orphanage leases has been lost by the owner in a card game and the new owner is going to tear the place down and build row houses. Sophie learns that the new owner is none other than Devlin and tells her man that she will handle it. She goes to see him and they strike a bargain - she will marry him and he will deed her the property and give a monthly donation, they seal the deal with a kiss. They break apart when someone screams and a small boy runs in the room. Nicholas is Devlin's ward, but he looks like he could be his son, and when Sophie asks, Devlin is completely honest with her. Sophie tells Nicholas that she and Devlin will marry and promises to take him to visit the orphanage. Devlin then informs Sophie that they will marry within the month.

Sophie returns home to find Tina, another maid in the Crowley residence waiting to see her - Tina tells her that Jane has disappeared and she is worried - what Sophie doesn't know is that Tina talked to Jane before she left and knows who the killer is and has tried to blackmail him - Tina asks if Sophie has heard from her and Sophie then asks her butler if she has gotten any mail - it seems like her mail for the last couple of weeks has disappeared. She promises Tina she will look into Jane's disappearance. When she goes to pick up Nicholas, she asks Devlin if he can get her an invite to the Crowley's house party - at first he refuses, the parties are not suitable for innocents - but when she tells him why, he agrees, but insists on going with her.

Tina and her fiancée Robbie meet with the killer and get what he promised them...

That night at the opera Sophie learns that Devlin has sent their engagement announcement to the paper - before she has told her family. They encounter his Aunt, the dowager Marchioness of Brampton, who clearly hates Devlin. And then her brother shows up unexpectantly and overhears, he punches Devlin and refuses to let Sophie marry him. Sophie has had enough for one night and tells Devlin to call on her tomorrow. Mabel fills Sophie in on Devlin's family and her heart softens towards him. When the butler brings Sophie her mail, she learns that their footman was murdered the night before and when she learns that he too worked for the Crowley's she is sure there is something nefarious going on. She decides to call on the Crowley's and runs into Devlin as she is leaving. She tries to get him to leave, but when he hears where she is going, he insists on going with her. They leave the Crowley's with more questions than answers. They chat on the ride back and Devlin kisses her - when they return to her home, her brother opens the carriage door and grabs her - this time Devlin punches him - they move into the house and the two men have at it - Sophie calls for her doctor friend and Devlin is upset to realize that Alec McGuiness is in love with Sophie - Daniel (her brother) thinks that it is hilarious that the rake is falling for his sister and that he thinks that he can actually control her - the two men form a truce.

When Sophie arrives at the Crowley's, she learns that Jane and Tina are dead. Even more disturbing, it seems like someone is trying to frame Devlin for the murders. She begs him to speak to his aunt, believing that she can clear things up, but Devlin refuses. They make love and Sophie knows she is lost, but Devlin makes it clear that he can never love her. She is hurt, but accepts that he never made any promises to her and tries to shut off her feelings. Devlin is sorry that he hurt her and doesn't like this new cold Sophie, but before they can work things out Devlin is called away with an emergency.

Sophie decides to take matters into her own hands and ends up in the villains hands instead. Can Devlin find her before it's too late? Will he be able to tell her that he was wrong to push her away and that he loves her?

This was a very good book with a very good mystery and several twists and turns that kept me guessing until the end. And there was a huge OMG moment when the real villain was revealed. The book is well written, flows great, had somewhat steamy love scenes, wonderful secondary characters, a truly awesome declaration scene and a very hard won HEA.

I would be happy to recommend this book and will definitely be looking out for future books by this author - I didn't give the book 5 stars because there were some minor inconsistencies in the story, some modern verbiage and a major title flub at the end of the book - but nothing that ruins the flow or the story.

We first see Lady Sophie Wolcott climbing a tree determined to spy on the man she's been infatuated with for years, then she falls from the tree into some bushes at the feet of the Devil Duke who comes to her rescue. Devlin Markham, the notorious “Devil Duke” of Huntington, is having a scandalous rendezvous with a married lady right under the tree she climbed and finds the situation extremely entertaining. Devlin and Sophie part ways but a year later the two are destined to meet again.

Devlin approaches the Queen about an investment he wants her to agree to his plans for the Transatlantic telegraph cable, but the Queen feels the notorious “Devil Duke” of Huntington, needs a woman. He remembers Lady Sophie, one of the most eccentric bluestockings of the Ton, and he proposes to the Queen that he can woo her within the month and then be on his way to saving his fortune.
Sophie is not interested in the Devil Dukes charms, but once she learns her beloved orphanage is in imminent danger, she will do anything to save it. Even marry a ruthless rake who takes what he wants in business and pleasure. Devlin has determined not to fall in love, love is dangerous, he lost his parents at an early age and it nearly destroyed him.
Sophie is trying to unravel the mystery a woman from her orphanage who is missing and later she’s finds out two women have been murdered. Sophie finds herself the target of a killer lurking from the dark shadows of Devlin’s past. Devlin will do anything to protect what’s his, especially a women who’s gotten under his skin and means everything to him. A great fast paced story filled with mystery, intrigue and sizzling romance to keep things extremely interesting. 5 STARS!!!
This is my honest opinions after I voluntarily read a copy of this book that was provided to me with no requirements for a review.

Good book overall, there were times I would even have said it was a page turner. Well developed, the plot certainly had enough ups and downs to keep me going. Protagonist was a bit annoying at times but other than that easy to read and follow. Not particularly historically accurate and I thought the scene between the brother/duke reminded me a bit of the Step Brothers scene where they go "are we best friends?" because they seem like that's going to happen. I'd actually like to hear the brother's story next.

This was sheer, ridiculous fun. All my favorite tropes, so if you like rakes + bluestockings and unnecessary amounts of angst via People Needing Revenge, this is probably a good fit for you. The romance was a bit too insta-love, and the Queen Victoria part was odd, but overall, a+ fun, do recommend.

**ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley & did not affect nor influence the content of this review.**

I received an ARC of The Devilish Duke by Maddison Michaels from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. It is the first time I have ever read any books from Maddison Michaels but I have enjoyed the book and will be looking for more from her in the near future.
Devlin Markham, The Duke of Huntington, is forced into wooing Lady Sophie Wolcott by Queen Victoria. Lady Sophie, while acknowledging an attraction to Devlin, is struggling with saving her beloved orphanage. Once she agrees to marry Devlin, Sophie becomes a target to of a killer from Devlin's past.
I enjoyed reading this book and can't wait to read more from Maddison Michaels as she develops her writing style (first romance?). The characters were well developed and I was intrigue by the plot of the book. There were times however, I thought she was using modern day terms (maybe. I tried to research some but couldn't find specific dates) during conversation and too much information that was unnecessary (ongoing journal looking Earl). But the writing was, again, wonderful and the ending a HEA. I enjoyed the last couple of chapters the best. I believe this will be the first book of a series as she introduced several characters that seem to have story lines ongoing. Steamy level low #TheDevilishDuke #NetGalley

When a romance novel (or really any novel) opens with a Victorian-era, bluestocking, just about old enough to be considered a spinster female protagonist falling out of a tree because she climbed it to spy on the man of her dreams propose to another woman…well, you know you’ve got one interesting, captivating, and convention breaking main character. And then, a few chapters later, an Earl and a Duke exchange in fisticuffs in said female protagonist’s sitting room while battling over her affections…you definitely know you’re in for a fun, romantic ride.

Lady Sophie Wolcott has no desire to every get married. After watching her mother get heartbroken time and time again thanks to her philandering father, Sophie has no desire to make the same mistake. Sophie, who is nearing the age where she will be considered a spinster, is quite content working at the orphanage for poor children that her mother had originally started. Until the Devil Duke, Devlin Markham, inserts herself into her life and proposes marriage and a business deal.

Devlin Markham, the Duke of Huntington, has earned his reputation as the Devil Duke. Though the rumors about him are a bit more scandalous than the truth. Devlin also has no desire to get married but when Queen Victoria all but forces him to get married so she will back one of his business ventures, he pursues Lady Wolcott. First, Devlin wins the deed to Sophie’s orphanage, and then he offers to give her the deed if she will marry him. If Sophie doesn’t marry him, Devlin threatens to turn the orphans out into the street and then knock the orphanage down. After making her own deal, Sophie agrees to marry Devlin.

They also both agree not to fall in love with each other… Good luck with that…

Added to Sophie’s and Devlin’s budding romance is a murder mystery. After one of the former orphans is killed while working as a maid for another noble family, Sophie is determined to find out what happened to her. Then two other servants from the same household are also murdered. Delvin finds himself caught up in Sophie’s quest to uncover the killer, and, in the process, uncovers something from his past that has haunted him for years. The added aspect of the murder mystery plays out nicely alongside the romance. Both of the storylines make this novel a page-turner. And, I have to admit, the identity of the bad guy kept me guessing up until the very end when it was revealed.

THE DEVILISH DUKE is an enchanting romance novel. Sophie and Devlin are both likeable characters. The readers will find themselves cheering for the couple in the early stages of their unconventional courtship. They’re both so determined not to fall in love, and watching it happen is both fun and frustrating. I kept wanting to yell at Sophie and Devlin to open their eyes and realize what is going on. Overall, THE DEVILISH DUKE is a fantastic novel. It’s well written, the characters are fascinating, and Michaels brings Victorian Era England to life.

This is a historical romance novel I recommend to anyone.

Our heroine meets our hero by spying on the one she loves - not our hero - and falling off the tree.

Sophie isn't your regular society girl. She's eccentric and doesn't really care what people think/say about her. She dances to the beat of her own drum and I liked that about her. She's loyal to her family - she tries avoiding scandal so she wouldn't hurt her gossiping aunt - and has a big heart, doing everything she can for the orphans.

That includes making a deal with the 'Devil', a.k.a. Devlin, our hero.

But it would be a win-win situation, you see, since he would benefit a lot from that match, business man that he is.

But of course they didn't count on the attraction, the chemistry and how they would end up falling for each other, while also trying to find a murderer.

So the funny scenes, along with the slow burn romance and a touch of mystery and murder, is a great combination for this story.

I really liked it and am rating it 4 stars. I voluntarily agreed to read an early copy of this book.

In her debut novel, Maddison Michaels brings us a charming historical romance. Queen Victoria blackmails Devlin Markham, the Duke of Huntington, into marriage in exchange for her backing one of his financial dealings. She has chosen Sophie Wolcott as his bride to be. Fortunately, Markham is rather fond of the tomboyish Sophie. When she spurns him, he buys the property her pet project, an orphanage, is built on and, in turn, blackmails her into marrying him in order to keep her orphanage open. The two are satisfied with the business-like marriage, but somehow, despite the fact that it’s a business arrangement, can’t keep their hands off each other.

Underlying the love story is a murder mystery, and the killer seems to be heading Sophie’s way. There are numerous plot twists and the usual wronged feelings/heartaches caused when couples don’t communicate well.

I was taken out of the story once by the word shindig which seemed too America.

I received an ARC of this book to read from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. The Devilish Duke by Maddison Michaels is the first book that I have read by this author and it most certainly will not be the last. I was hooked from the moment our intrepid heroine catches our hero’s attention by falling out of a tree to land at his feet interrupting his assignation with a Lady who is someone else’s wife. Lady Sophie Woollcott has decided not to marry, the one man she thought she loved has married someone else and she certainly doesn’t wish to marry a rake and endure heartbreak like her mother did. Devlin Markham, Duke of Huntington is notorious for his rakish ways and his ruthlessness in business something no good Duke should indulge in. Devlin needs a wife specifically Sophie and Sophie needs support for her orphanage and what starts out as a practical arrangement grows into something more. So if you are looking for a story with great banter, serious heat, a very nasty villain and a satisfying HEA this is your book. Publishing Date February 26, 2018 #TheDevilishDuke #NetGalley

The Devilish Duke is my first book by Maddison Michaels, I look forward to reading many more. Ms. Michaels has delivered a book that is well-written and loaded it with amazing, lovable characters. Sophie has dedicated herself to teaching and training the young people at the orphanage she helps with. Devlin has been told he must marry by the queen if she is to endorse a business plan. Sophie and Devlin's story is packed with drama, humor, suspense, action and sexy bits. I enjoyed every page of this book and hope to read more of Maddison Michaels' books soon. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Fun read. Loved the characters and the set up. Didn't hold a much mystery as I was hoping but flowed well.

This is my first book from Maddison Michaels and I really enjoyed it. I loved the banter between the two characters. It was lovely. I'll definitely check out more of her books.
I received this copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review that is all my own.

Read this story. Devlin and Sophie have the best story. No spoiler here, but this is a rake...who really isn't, falling for a strong woman. The development of the characters is well done. I cheered this couple on to their HEA.