I read some negative reviews for this book after finishing it, and I do understand where they are coming from. This book is a pretty raw, dark example of historical romance and a reader should be aware of the content warnings before diving in.
However, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The author wasn’t afraid to delve into deep, dark issues that can come between spouses. It made the forgiveness and understanding between them all the more soft and sweet. It made sense.
Overall, I found it an emotional and endearing story about a couple who were lucky enough to find their soulmates and didn’t let their unusual sexual proclivities tear them apart.

I received this eARC novel from NetGalley. This is my honest review.

Poppy loves to garden. It's her passion and she's damn good at it. She doesn't need a man to help her with her business - she just wants to get her business up and going and become successful...which is hard to do as a single women in the 1750's...

She gets a great gig with the Duke of Westmead to decorate his estate for a lavish party. But more than just getting her business reputation occurs during her frequent visits to his home. By the end of it, she finds herself engaged to the Duke of Westmead and wondering what just happened.

But the Duke has dark secrets - secrets he doesn't want to share with Poppy. The only thing is, if he were to share, he thinks she would be revolted. but Poppy is not a typical woman in her time, and she may just surprise the duke yet...

This was a good historical fiction novel. It's been so long since I've read one of these that it took me a little longer to get into a story where a character can have 3 names and it's just one person. There were moments that I became bored with the story, but I just skimmed past those sections and got to the middle and end, which kept my interest.

Poppy and the Duke were a hoot and a half watching them figure each other out. I just wanted them to both come clean with their secrets and their desires, because they would have been a lot happier a lot earlier in the book. But that's what the drama is for, right?

Overall, I enjoyed getting back into a historical fiction novel and I may just have to find some more to dive into later. I'm glad I got a chance to read this eARC.

He’s controlled. Meticulous. Immaculate. No one would expect the proper Duke of Westmead to be a member of London’s most illicit secret club. Least of all: his future wife.
This book really sounded interesting. I liked both characters up to a point. Then there’s an incident towards the end that is a big no no for me in books. It completely ruined the story and became DNF.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

The first thing I thought when I finished the book was–Where has this author been all my life? I didn’t even review the book at first. It was 2 am after a long flight and even longer conference and I was scouring Amazon trying to find more books by her. I came up empty and almost emailed her to demand WHY she would do that to a person.

There is nothing better than finding a historical author who knows what they are doing. Who understands the need for witty dialogue, sensual encounters, and strong characters.

This is that book.

If you want something reminiscent of Julia Quinn or Lisa Kleypas, look no further.

Our heroine wasn’t just wicked smart, she was driven and I loved that early on her genius and her drive are what got her into a situation she would have never found herself in–with a Duke who offers to marry her and help her with her life goal, to move the nursery to the cottage she’s inherited before it’s too late. It sounds like a simple story line but this is anything but simple.

Our hero is more anti hero than anything and needs to experience a certain amount of pain/submission in order to feel anything, so whats one to do with a woman like Poppy? I can honestly say that I cried a few times because I felt like she was such a lovable character as was Archer, he doted on his sister, he was wealthy, from the outside had everything but truly had nothing and continued to punish himself which may seem like a tired story line, but I assure you. It’s nothing like you would think.

I love that the sister was matchmaking the entire time as much as I loved that Archer, wanted to be good. I truly think he was a hero that wanted to be hero but was afraid his past kept him from being looked at that way by anyone such as Poppy.

All in all a fantastic historical romance that will leave you refreshing amazon for news of another release! Thank you for he pleasure Miss Peckham! FIVE roses that rule.

Tortured hero, STEM heroine and a marriage of convenience made this exactly my kind of catnip. Peckham manages to write an emotional romance that isn't too heavy on the angst but still thoroughly engrossing and genuine. I can't wait to read more from her moving forward.

I will not be reviewing or rating this book; I didn't finish reading it because I didn't care for the BDSM element of the story. I'm no prude, I read books with explicit sex scenes on a regular basis, but I just can't equate pain with sexual pleasure and I was unable to sympathise with the hero as a result. What I read was well-written and I would be interested in reading more from this author, but the BDSM scenes - though very few - turned my stomach. I don't have many dealbreakers, but it appears I've found another one.

The story is based on BDSM erotica and although I have enjoyed some books from this genre, this is one book I could read past the first chapter. I didn't really like the way the story started and rather than sexy the entire scene with the hero getting whipped made me cringe. This book didn't work for me and I would not be recommending this book.

* I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review*

There is more to cheating than just having sex with someone. I say this because other readers might argue with me when I say there is cheating in this book. But there is. And for me, it ruined what was otherwise a very well written, sexy, and angsty read that was so cracktacular, I had to fight the urge to open my Kindle app while I was driving home from work. IT RUINED IT. And it’s the kind of spoiler I don’t feel bad about writing, because if I had known this was going to happen before I started reading, I would have walked the other way. I would have never chosen to invest in these characters, to yearn with them–and for them–the way I ultimately did.

I would have never been so thoroughly disappointed.

So now you’re warned. Let me go back to the beginning.

Archer, the Duke of Westmead, is in need of a wife, but he isn’t looking to fall in love. He’s had that once before and lost it under devastating circumstances. He’s never stopped blaming himself for their deaths and the only way he can find solace is by being whipped by a domme at a specialty club for those with needs like his own.

Let me stop here and say that I don’t enjoy BDSM in any form. I got a hint that he might be submissive in the blurb because of a line about how he likes to spend his nights on his knees. I almost opted to DNF after an early scene with him in his club, but I wanted to give it a chance. Then I got to know Poppy, the heroine, who is a botanist who just wants to make a life for herself cultivating plants. She is hired to decorate for a party thrown by Archer’s sister. And when she twists her ankle, she ends up staying with them to get the job done.

But here’s the thing… I loved the way Poppy and Archer interacted. Neither thought they would ever want to fall in love, but their dynamic was undeniable. Archer was so down on himself, so convinced he could never say the right thing or do the right thing. But he saw the value in Poppy. He respected her. And every single time they touched, they set the page on fire. On FIRE.

By the time they got together for real, I needed it so much. They wed in a marriage of convenience, with promises that it’s a business arrangement, but they clearly fall in love with each other. They share their bodies. They bare so much of themselves to each other… all except Archer’s need to be whipped. Poppy sees the scars; she hears the rumors, but still he hides. Then, they have a huge fight. And at 85% into the book, she walks in on him, naked from the waist down, with a raging boner, getting whipped by another woman.

I understand that this secret of his “perversion” was his internal conflict. I just can’t be ok with him finding a sexual outlet with another woman, especially this late in the book. I felt punched in the stomach. I HATE THAT FEELING.

And the resolution was way too easy.

I hate saying this because there was so much magic here otherwise. But this, straight up, made me read the last 10% of the book with my face all twisted up.

Maybe you don’t consider this cheating. Maybe you have a higher threshold for betrayal than I do. If so, really, the rest of the book is so good. But if cheating of any kind is a hard no… just keep right on walking.

This book is a bit darker than the romances I've read lately, without being too dark or full of very unhealthy relationships (I hate those). It was a perfect change of pace for me, and I can't wait to read the next book.

Both main characters, Poppy and Archer, worked really well, as does their relationship. The pull-and-push was well-done, even if some steps were maybe not necessary, with just the right dose of misunderstanding. One caveat, though : some stuffs happening may be interpreted as cheating, depending on how you see things ; it did make me uncomfortable, but not enough to ruin the book for me. Other than that, there are some pretty great secondary characters, and it's always a pleasure to see a woman carve her own business empire in historical romance, especially when it revolves around something rather feminine, like flowers. Businesswomen for the win!

Popular Elizabeth Cavendish is alone but since she was small she loved plants. She has a small nursery. She gets inquiries from all over the world. She is introduced to Archer Stonewell, Duke of Westmead, He is looking for a wife. Constance, his sister thinks they are perfect for each other. He lost his wife and son in a fire at their home. So emotionally he cut himself off.
The characters reacted to each other like typical people. The descriptions were very good. The plot was great so many things happen to Poppy and Archer. The author has written it to keep your attention, While it smoothly reads very well. I highly recommend this book.
I received this ARC from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.

3 STARS!


✦ Tortured hero (Duke, duh) who craves submission and whippings, etc

✦ Independent heroine, botanist with big dreams

✦ Marriage of convenience

✦ I admit, I was left wanting/expecting more from this one -- uneven pacing, I felt like things only just started, literally, when the book ended.

Yes, I'm definitely curious to see where this series goes, but I was left feeling like I missed out on so much with this story. Then again, maybe it's just that I was wanting so much more from a book with a submissive Duke, and what I got, while okay, was also more than a bit underwhelming. :/

I am going to tell you this straight!

The Duke I Tempted was ready a great read. Actually, I finished it the same day I got it and I did not put it down until I was done.

In recent months, I have been enjoying those Regency romances with a twist. You know all the ones that included some mysteries or spies etc… I think those elevated the genre quite a bit and here we have something with a more classic take, but still with a spice.



Now, you have the blurb above and from there you can guess what the spice is, but even then though it is part of the background of the story and integral part of Archer, our dashing duke!

Poppy, is also something else. A real breath of fresh air and a business woman to top it all off. In those books, you always get the women to be governesses or modistes etc.. but Poppy is a gardener and a very talented one at that.

So Scarlett you get 2 thumbs up from me for sheer originality.

It was really entertaining seeing these 2 come together, I have to give extra brownie points for Archer’s sister! That is another really standout character and I loved her very much!

You know me, I love strong female characters.

I am not going to discuss Archer’s personal proclivities here, because though an important part of who he is, it is not all of him.

I hope you understand what I mean.

But I will be nice and tell you, that is not a reverse 50 shades in regency. I found that the way the topic is addressed, quite smart and refreshing!

For me, it was about acceptance.

I am curious to see what you guys think after you read it, because you already know that I am going to be very highly recommending it.

The Duke I Tempted is a true original standout, and I cannot wait to read more from this series, as this looks like to be book 1.



Saying that, I am not entirely sure, if book 2 will focus on a new set of people or maybe around someone we already met here, but either way, I am looking forward to it.

I really hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Based on the conversations I've had about this book so far, it seems to be a polarizing novel. I was thoroughly spoiled for the ending, so when I got to the 44% mark and realized I'd been trying to read it for a week, I threw in the towel.

There's a lot to like here: Peckham's writing is gorgeous, her botanist heroine is prickly, resourceful, and totally competent, and the set-up of the novel pulled me right in.

It's the darker aspects of the book that turned me off, however, and I think readers will want to know what to expect before starting. A few content warnings: trauma as a reason for masochism, a whipping that some saw as cheating (near end of book), said trauma includes death of a small child at the hands of hero's father, heroine has an aggressive stalker-type man in her life. I felt what the hero needed was therapy and something more healing than the heroine's magic vagina. After all, if he had been punishing his body with alcohol or if he had committed suicide, I don't think his actions would be considered "sexy" by readers. (That is a larger conversation.)

The book reads as a gothic Beauty & The Beast retelling with botany and BDSM. If that sounds like your thing? You may very well love it.

Review copy received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a fun, quick read and the author includes some lovely writing in the book. I enjoyed the unusual premise and think she did an excellent job pulling it off. I'm looking forward to reading more!

Poppy Cavendish is having a hard time saying no to the Duke of Westmead's sister when it comes to designing the interior of their home for a ball. So, finally agreeing to the task in exchange for things she asks for in return, she finds herself working hard on the job she's offered while trying to expand her exotic plant business. However, when the Duke of Westmead comes to her with an offer, she finds it hard to say no, especially when the terms are so tempting. Will Poppy and the Duke fight for their happy ever after or will their marriage only ever be one of convenience?

What an interesting and emotional read Ms. Peckham has delivered in this book where emotions run high due to the main characters back stories and whether the hero is willing to let the heroine in by telling her everything about his past and the guilt he feels over what happened? However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine come face-to-face for the first where this story really takes off, as the heroine shouldn't be taking on the work the hero's sister wants her to do. Not when she already has her hands full when it comes to her nursery. Will she be able to keep her nursery and business afloat, considering what she's having to do with her plants?

As for the dialogue, it was intense due to the main characters back stories and I could understand why they're both so against relationships because the hero has already suffered when it comes to love while the heroine is determined to keep her independence. Who says she needs a man? Moreover, the heroine is sassy, very independent, resilient, courageous and I liked her determination to follow her dreams. I also liked that the heroine took a chance on the hero, even knowing he might never be able to give her the love she deserves. Will she be able to protect herself from hurt? While the hero, he's tortured by things that have happened in the past and I couldn't help but sympathize with his situation. Since he takes drastic measures in order to forget, which isn't easy. I also liked that he took a chance on the heroine because he needs her in order to be whole again. Will the hero open up to the heroine about his past?

Overall, Ms. Peckham has delivered a really good read in this book where the chemistry was tangible; the growing relationship and romance between these two was pleasing and had me loving how the heroine challenges the hero; and the ending had me liking the hero's determination to win the heroine back because they're good for each other. I would recommend The Duke I Tempted by Scarlett Peckham, if you enjoy Historical Romance, the marriage of convenience trope or books by authors Nicola Davidson, Jess Michaels, Elise Braden and Sophie Jordan.

Fresh from winning a Golden Heart at this year’s RITA awards, The Duke I Tempted is a sexy, scorching and emotional historical from a brand new writer in the genre: Scarlett Peckham.

To the outside world, the Duke of Westmead is a man who appears to be controlled, restrained and guarded who always keeps his emotions in check. He is a man who is known for his meticulousness and punctiliousness and who, against all odds, has managed to overcome financial ruin, redeem his family name and become one of London’s most legendary investors. Westmead has worked hard to ensure that he is freed once and for all of his financial problems, but when he realises that he is in dire need to protect his financial holdings, he quickly comes to the conclusion that the only way he can achieve his objective is by producing an heir – and he will certainly not procure one in the illicit club he is a member of where his darkest desires are catered for and where he is frequently found on many a night on his knees enjoying the seamier side of passion. Westmead is in desperate need of a convenient wife and he thinks he has found the perfect candidate for the job: unconventional botanist Poppy Cavendish…

Poppy has spent her entire life chafing at the confining shackles society has forced upon her. She has neither the need nor the desire for a husband and merely wishes to be left alone to indulge in her passion for botany. Poppy has fought hard to secure the independence which means the world to her and she is determined to do whatever it takes to secure the funding required for her exotic nursery business. But will her desire to see her business succeed see her contemplate the unthinkable: marriage?

A husband might have been the very last thing Poppy wanted, but when a shocking scandal leaves her with no other option and with her beloved business in jeopardy, she finds herself agreeing to a convenient marriage with Westmead. Theirs was meant to be a purely convenient arrangement devoid of any feelings or emotions, but there is nothing manufactured or counterfeit about the passion that sizzles between the two of them. As red-hot attraction gives way to something deeper and very real, Poppy begins to wonder whether she has fallen head over heels in love with her convenient husband. But is she ready to unravel the dark secrets of his heart? And will Westmead allow her to bridge the walls which he has built around himself?

The Duke I Tempted is a book of two halves for me. On one hand, Scarlett Peckham is a talented writer who has written a scorcher full of exquisite prose, searing emotional intensity and powerful romance, however, there were aspects of this book that I found rather off-putting. Although I loved Poppy, I found Westmead to be rather unlikable. I don’t find the idea of punishment sex remotely romantic and there is a particular scene involving the hero and a woman who was not the heroine that made me question whether these two characters could ever be happy together.

Although Scarlett Peckham is a very gifted writer, The Duke I Tempted is a book that didn’t fully work for me.

Archer Stonewell, the Duke of Westmead, lost his wife and son tragically. He now seeks to relieve his guilt by being whipped in a private club in London. His sister is bound and determined that Archer remarry and provide an heir for his title. Archer's sister meets Poppy Cavendish when Constance Poppy to decorate the house for a ball.

Poppy Cavendish is going to lose her business. Her guardian is dying and she is struggling to relocate her growing horticultural business. Archer steps in and guarantees to move her precious plants in exchange for Poppy designing the theme for his sister's ball.

The attraction is instantaneous between Poppy and Archer. When they are placed in a compromising position, Archer offers a marriage of convenience. As they settle into their marriage and get to truly know each other better, they discover the start of love.

When Poppy discovers her husband's secret, Archer fears that the marriage is over. What he doesn't anticipate is Poppy's acceptance of his secret.

Fair warning - this is historical BDSM erotica where the male is the submissive.

I picked up this book from NetGalley because I was intrigued by the description. I have read some historical erotica, but never like this! I loved the book. It seemed to move slowly at the beginning where the Poppy and Archer are trying to figure each other out, but then, the book just flew by.

The book was so well written. I enjoyed the character development of Poppy and Archer. I loved how they became friends before Archer realized he loved Poppy. This was an amazing book and I can't wait for the next in the series.

I received a complimentary ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. Thank you!

An interesting a unusual historical romance. It's more realistic than the usual romance, with strong characters and a fascinating plot.
An entertaining and fun read.
Recommended!
Many thanks to NYLA and Netgalley for this ARC

The Duke I Tempted by Scarlet Peckham
Secrets of Charlotte Street #1

London
Mid 1700’s
Private BDSM club
Keys
More

Different but well done, this romance tells of loss, pain, duty, dreams and desire. Poppy’s desire for freedom from the power men have over women. Archer’s desire and need for a type of release most do not understand. Loss of family that both have experienced. Poppy’s dream of financial independence and a successful business as a botanist. Archer’s duty to provide an heir is the catalyst that sets this story in motion. A marriage of convenience…yes…but with embers that can blow into a conflagration if honest communication is not present.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I found both Archer and Poppy to be well crafted strong individuals that had personalities, goals and feelings that were amenable to one. The dialogue and behavior of both characters was believable. And, I found I could understand and relate to both Poppy and Archer – I cared for them and wanted them to succeed in their desires and endeavors AND find a way to a HEA. The writing was superb. The club on Charlotte Street as a basis for a series gives leave for much to happen in an interesting historical time period. I look forward to reading the next book in this series to see where this debut author will take us next.

Thank you to NetGalley and NYLA for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

This is a historical romance with a major twist; the hero is a tortured type who finds emotional and physical release in subjugation. Hence, his membership at an exclusive club where he is regularly whipped. Being a duke, he must marry, however, and as soon as possible in order to get an heir and secure the line of succession away from a cousin who will certainly not see to it that his younger sister Constance is taken care of.

Intending to offer for the first young woman who will take his ring and his money and not demand any sort of emotional connection, Archer is somewhat horrified to find himself falling for Poppy Cavendish, an independent young woman his sister has hired to transform their ballroom into a magical garden in which he is to woo a bride. Poppy is too much of everything; too clever, too questioning, too appealing. He should stay well away.

Of course, he fails dismally and his sister’s machinations leave him with no choice but to propose. He tries to make it a business arrangement and fails dismally at that as well. In fact, he’s an utter failure as a husband, giving Poppy mixed signals, making loving gestures and encouraging her to trust him while refusing to give the same trust in return.

I really liked Poppy, and Archer’s tortured past made him an easy hero to root for even if I didn’t quite comprehend his addiction to subjugation. BDSM isn’t something you find a lot of in historical novels, and particularly not with the male in the submissive role. Scarlett Peckham writes it very well and believably, and I’d probably have given the book four stars (well written, but not quite my cup of tea) if it hadn’t been for one episode where Archer returned to the club after his marriage and Poppy caught him being whipped, in the throes of clear arousal. In my book, that’s cheating, and that’s a massive nope for me in a romance novel. Poppy’s reaction just wasn’t believable either; she didn’t even ask Archer if that was his first visit there since their marriage, didn’t rebuke him for seeking sexual gratification elsewhere. I didn’t like it, I didn’t buy her reaction as genuine, and I nearly DNF’d the book right there. It was pretty close to the end, though, so I finished it.

At the end of the day, I ended the book with a bad taste in my mouth, and therefore I have to give it two stars.