A fantastic historical romance by Ms. Bryne. Good story elements and super romance. I loved it and will recommend.

I really like these characters. They are so flawed and so perfect for each other. When Alexandra was 17, she was in a situation that scarred her. Ten years later, she is still trying to overcome her past. When her friend invites her to a party for her friend's engagement, she knows she has to go. Alexandra is surprised because she and her two friends swore to never marry. But, upon meeting Piers, Alexandra knows her friend can't be the one to marry him. Things that are happening are all her fault and she will be the one to marry him. Even if he is a great hulk of a man and she is a bit frightened of him. Piers has known betrayal his whole life and if Alexandra wants to marry him for his money, that's okay with him. But, within ten days, through many dangers, they know that they belong to each other. They both have trust issues and are not sure if they will ever be able to have a normal life, but they will try.

I believe that HOW TO LOVE A DUKE IN 10 DAYS is going to be one of the 10 best books I’ve read in 2019! It was truly a different and original storyline that is unique and fresh and to my mind extremely good. Famous and brilliant, Lady Alexandra Lane, knows how to look out for herself, traveling the world over as a famed archeologist. Nobody but her two closest friends know of the terror that haunts her, and yet, they do NOT know of the blackmailer who has been plaguing her for the last 7 years. What she needs is a wealthy husband!

Traveling to meet up with her two best friends, Lady Cecilia and Lady Francesca (who is about to be married to a man she hates) Alexandra meets up with a dashing man whom she assumes is the stable master after he claims a runaway stallion who Alexa had caught after he broke away from his handler. The man was striking and it was very unusual for Alexa to ever be attracted to a male but there was something about him….

Piers Atherton, the Duke of Redmayne is seeking revenge and his first step is to secure a bride. Winning a ladies hand however, is not easy when that man comes with a reputation as the Terror of Torcliff. When Alexandra enters his life his whole resolve changed, when she proposes marriage, he knows that she possesses dark secrets and like him, haunts her being. Yet, her gentleness, sharp wit, independent nature, and incredible beauty awakens passion and desire within him. Feelings he’s never experienced before.

*** The question is who is trying to kill him, or could it be who is trying to kill her? After a few close calls, one can’t quite figure it out! So many questions as to what is really going on, while passions are simmering and trust is fragile with so many secrets still to be told. Who is the villain and who is the victim? Can two hearts trust the other before betrayal tears them apart? The suspense, sensualness, and romance was divine! Highly recommended!

Marilyn Rondeau

I have read one Kerrigan Byrne book by now and loved it but this was the first time I actually got her ARC. I was so excited when I got it!

The prologue of this book contains some heavy stuff (spoiler on my Goodreads) which made me pause reading for a couple days because it was so well written, so emotional I just needed some time for myself. So beware, this may be something you don’t like in your books but I promise you that’s the only time you’ll see this in this book.

But what follows is a beautiful story between two wounded souls.

Alexandra is quirky in her own way, extremely smart (I truly enjoyed when they tested how smart each other is) but haunted by the past and therefore very careful with her interactions with other people.

As for Piers, I have read many, many historical romances but I have never met such a thoughtful, caring, kind person as he is. There are a lot of adjectives that could describe him and yet, it wouldn’t do his character justice. He’s scarred on the outside (just what I like in my HRs 😉 ) but unbelievably nice even though he’s the Terror of Torcliff. I’m so glad Alexandra looked beyond the surface and found how big his heart truly is.

The only minuses I found in this book are a few grammatical errors (dots missing at the end of the sentences, and she’s called Ariande) but since there’s a little less than seven days till the release, I’m sure this will be fixed. I also found that this book was for me maybe a little too long? Like so much happened in this book that just…wow.

Kerrigan Byrne writes to feed your soul, it’s like this book was exactly what I needed yet didn’t know I want. I have never encountered in books a marriage that will have to go through so much obstacles, a journey filled with love, laughs, passion, fear, sorrow and everything in between.

Guys, you need to read this book, period.

4.5 stars.

Lady Alexandra Lane leads an interesting but solitary life, except for her career and relationship with her two best friends from her school days. She’s scholarly and learned but is emotionally scarred and burdened by a ten-year old event that only a few know about. However, one of them is her anonymous blackmailer who has drained her financially. Piers Atherton, the Duke of Redmayne, is hosting a weekend celebration at his estate to announce his betrothed, yet to be named but rumored to be one of Alexandra’s best friends who’s a reluctant bride. He has strong motives to marry but not necessarily to a specific woman. Circumstances change where Piers and Alexandra might alter the original plan.

I’ve wanted to read this author for a very long time, have even collected a lot of her books; so, when this opportunity presented itself, I was more than thrilled. There was something about the synopsis that hinted at more and my instincts paid off. This was a meaty story centered around two very appealing characters, and I don’t necessarily mean physically. Alexandra was shaped by what happened years ago, created so many layers it made her fascinating. Piers is physically imposing with an even larger personality and demons. The conflicts and challenges were immense and the intrigue even grander. I also loved Alexandra’s two friends who are vital to the story.

I loved everything about this story...the characters, mysteries, subterfuge, romance and the stunning prologue that sets the stage for everything that comes after. Alexandra and Piers are well crafted, so much that you eventually know what they will and won’t do. No predictable paths here except where it’s natural for the two of them. There’s quite a bit going on but I appreciated that I got to discover it all by reading the book and won’t deprive anyone of that pleasure. Just know that you’ll be swept up and captivated by it all.

This is the second series I've read by Kerrigan Byrne and I think I need to go and find all her other books. I loved the start of this series! Can't wait for the next one, which is hinted to be Cecelia's. Piers and Alexandra are an awesome fit and once they both realize it, it's so much better!

This review is based on an ARC from NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher. All opinions are my own.

4.5 Stars
These men are dark, bold, and brave. And there is only one woman who can bring them to their knees...
Famed and brilliant, Lady Alexandra Lane has always known how to look out for to herself. But nobody would ever expect that she has darkness in her past one that she pays a blackmailer to keep buried. Now, with her family nearing bankruptcy, Alexandra strikes upon a solution: Get married.
Piers Gedrick Atherton, the Duke of Redmayne, is seeking revenge against a woman who jilted him and the first step is securing a bride. Winning a lady’s hand is not so easy, however, for a man known as the Terror of Torcliff. Then, Alexandra enters his life like a bolt of lightning when she subdues a runaway horse. When she proposes marriage, Piers knows that, like him, trouble haunts her footsteps.
I was drawn into the book from the first page which described Alex’s horrifying experience, it then moved forward a decade to Piers & Alex meeting on a railway station, a stallion was spooked by a storm & Alex saved people from being trampled. There was an immediate spark of attraction which was a first for Alex & she mistakenly thinks Piers is the stable master for the Duke When Piers was described he’s scarred & at this point I thought oh no not another beauty & the beast story as this trope is my least favourite. However the more I read the more I was engrossed as this story was so much more than a scarred hero & beautiful heroine in fact the reverse was true. I loved Piers he was so gentle & understanding with Alex even when he doubted her reasons for marrying him. Alex was a strong woman who had tried to block out her past by excelling in her work. As well as a lovely romance there was the mystery as to who the blackmailer was & also who was trying to murder one of the ‘red manes’. I look forward to the rest of the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

I was so ready for a new series from Kerrigan Byrne and HOW TO LOVE A DUKE IN TEN DAYS, took me on a delightful, fun journey. It had intrigue, suspense, a marriage of convenience and a real connection. I was worried about the title in terms of insta-love and while it was fast moving in that way, it didn’t feel instantaneous.

This story opens with a rather difficult scene, there may be triggers for some in this book. It was a opener that drew you in by the heart strings and it made me immediately invested in the protagonist, Alexandra. She took her vulnerability and forged herself into a strong woman, an academic, no less.

I love a beastly rogue of a character and Piers (the Duke) was rough corners and couldn’t care less about convention or appearances. His meeting with Alexandra on the platform was all growls and harsh man but he had a more refined side to him. That said, the man on the platform felt to be truth of him.

“How did she prefer him? The hunter, predatory and insolent? Or the duke, charismatic, sleek and cunning?”

Secrets are the name of the game between Piers and Alexandra, sometimes secrets between characters infuriate me but with this story, it worked. There was a mutual respect between them, equality was a given and I loved watching their friendship evolve around the other elements of their relationship. I loved that Alexandra constantly surprised Piers.

“Could she be real? Did he hold in his arms the rarest of creatures? A woman of substance. Of integrity?…One who thrived on intellect and honor and genuine interaction rather than the empty endorsements of her peers?”

After launching with enthusiasm into this book, I did find it took a while to really get into it, but by 30% in, I was truly invested. I’m looking forward to more from this series and possibly from Alexandra’s two friends.

Thank you to St Martins Press for the early copy of this book.

5 Stars!

This was an absolute stellar beginning to the Devil You Know historical romance series by Kerrigan Byrne. I've read all the books from her Victorian Rebels Series and enjoyed every single one. Within that series, I have a favorite, but this book just gave it some serious competition.

How to Love a Duke in Ten Days was an emotionally charged novel on so many levels. After the shocking and gut-wrenching prologue (definite triggers,) the numerous and varied emotions I felt continued to war with each other after every other chapter. One moment, I would be devastated and the next I couldn't wipe the grin off my face. That grin was a direct result of the major swooning going on and some fabulous banter. A somewhat broken and occasionally insecure alpha-hero paired with an equally broken, but independent heroine created quite the combustible couple.

Aside from the prologue and epilogue, the story spanned 10 days. There are times when an insta-love romance works for me and most times when they don't. For me this story was an example of when it works. Those ten days between Piers and Alexandra were full of interactions and events that managed to convince me of their accelerated feelings for each other. Also, I was completely enamored with this couple and suspending belief was not at all difficult.

While I have been continually impressed with this author's writing, there were moments in this particular story that I was mesmerized with the descriptive writing. The visualizations she evoked were so fascinatingly real that I found myself re-reading passages in awe. For me, this book is some of Byrne's finest writing and I'm already anxious for Cecelia and Francesca's stories. They can't arrive soon enough.

Kerrigan has done it again! I love her stories! This book has lived up to the same high standards.
Alexandra and Piers have great chemistry. I was caught up in the story from the very first page. The characters and they individual traumas and histories seemed realistically written. KB is always on my priority list of book buys.

I went into this book very excited to read what Miss Byrne had in store for this new series but I was not expecting that opening scene. That was brutal and I don't wish that upon anybody. She handled the sensitive subject of rape and it's far-reaching effects very well. Piers was very much an alpha male and most of the time he does come across as an asshole but he loves his lady.

I did not expect the blackmailer to be who it was but then low and behold there is a twist at the end with that. I'm very excited to read the second book in the series when it's released.

“I cannot – will not – allow you out of my sight into a world where you might be taken from me.”
‘Shame had been her companion for so long. So very long.’

How to Love a Duke in Ten Days by Kerrigan Byrne ticked every single box on the list of why we have such a deep love for historical romance. Not only was it brilliantly written, it had a dark, broody and mysterious hero and a heroine who encompassed both innocence and a will forged in steel. We love historical romances that showcase a time of traditions and societal rules; that keep to the time within which it is written yet highlights the strength of women in a time where the man is considered the dominant. Yes, we absolutely love the ruthlessness, the mysterious and almost aloof nature of the romantic ‘historical’ man, but what we love even more is the fierceness of the -anything but- demure heroine.

‘If only he could slay her dragons. He’d stand over her like a lupine sentinel, snarling at whoever might approach. He’d sear the secrets from her eyes. Who could want to hurt someone like her? What could she possibly have done to warrant such violence?’

Kerrigan Byrne perfectly laid out this story in such a way that we were gripped from the first page. The character development was on point and the story line one of great tragedy, intrigue and suspense. The romance was divine and the character connection intense. We inhaled every single word and barely came up for air. Lady Alexandra Lane and Piers Gedrick Atherton, the Duke of Redmayne stole our hearts.

‘In his experience, people often reviled what they feared, or vice versa. So, if she wasn’t repulsed by him, why fear him? Had he been mistaken? Had he read admiration where none existed?’

Alexandra is one of three, in a powerful bond established in childhood. Along with her best friends, Francesca and Cecilia, they form the Red Rogues Society and forged a friendship for life, cemented even more so during a horrific experience which marked Alexandra in such a way, it’s followed her into adulthood. Three friends, each one of them unique and individual yet sharing the burden of a secret which can never be told. We absolutely loved these three friends, their friendship had such strength, and their nature was fun, loyal and protective. The power of three has never been more evident.

“We are eternally bound,” she repeated. “By secrets, blood, and pain.”
“And by trust, passion, and revenge,” Francesca added darkly.
“And be friendship, love and…” Cecilia sniffed, pressing on the hands beneath her, as if she could touch the heart below it. “And hope. For without that, what reason do we have to endure?”

When we meet Piers, it’s under a fierce, angsty and blustery setting, the brooding rogue nicknamed the Terror had such an impact on us we knew instantly that we would fall in love with this man. Piers lives under a dark cloud, with a past that’s made him distrustful of everyone and quite the cynic. Bearing both physical and psychological scars, he’s reluctant to let anyone in but knows he must, in order to fulfill his duties and exert revenge on those who’ve wronged him. When Alexandra is placed in his path everything he thought he knew about himself and women is challenged.

‘She wondered if the world would ever recognise that the Terror of Torcliff had never been a terror at all. But a man. A man possessed of so much wit, skill, charm, intellect and humour, he was forever surprising her. Often delighting her. Enchanting her, even.’

All the characters had their own individuality and exuded a power from their life experiences, bringing great heartbreak, strength as well as vulnerability to a story where lives are entwined stemming from a shared moment in time where actions changed not only three women’s path but a brute of a duke too. If you love historical romance as much as we do or would like to dip your toes into this wonderful genre then this is the perfect place to start! A compelling story of intense sadness, secrets, murder, suspense and of course an enticing love story. How to Love a Duke in Ten Days stole our hearts and whilst it’s a standalone in a series we cannot wait for the next Red Rogue Society sister to tell her story!

He could break her.
He could protect her.
She feared him.
She needed him.
She wanted…this.

***4 Stars***

I have been a fan of Kerrigan Byrne from her first book. She is an outstanding storyteller and her novels contain deep and dark emotional themes. This novel continues to exemplify her writing skill and her ability to evoke an emotional response.

Lady Alexandra Lane has a dark secret that not only leaves emotional scars but has also caused her fear of revelation throughout the years. Only a few know her secrets, namely her two best friends, and they are all bound by their loyalty and love for each other. Now Alexandra is afraid of the consequences of her secret being revealed by a blackmailer. Her character is noted to be strong, intelligent, independent and serious.

Piers Atherton, the Duke of Redmayne, bears both emotional and physical scars. He is bent on revenge after being ditched by his fiancée. He is immediately drawn to the uniqueness of Alexandra. His character is of a hunter/outdoorsman, open, funny and a rescuer/protector.

The story is fast paced and I read it in one sitting. I love how much time the couple spends together, getting to know one another. There is not a significant secondary story which lends to more time with the couple. Excellent dialogue with some laugh out loud moments with Piers dry humor. Overall a good read and a highly recommend.

Stories you can sink your teeth into – Kerrigan Byrne’s books are so wonderfully written that every time you say “just one more chapter”. Is Piers the beast in this story or is Alexandra’s demons? The gentleness and patience of Piers is so exceedingly sexy. I am blown away every time I read one of Ms. Bryne’s stories. They are compassionate and insightful. I could gush over and over. But please give these stories a try – you will not regret it especially if you are like me and like angst.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

On August 27th Kerrigan Byrne brings us the first in a new series. We start the Devil You Know series with How To Love A Duke In 10 Days. Ms Byrne is out of the gate with a tough subject...rape. Actually, it's more about the aftereffects of the rape. The first of our three boarding school friends is Lady Alexandra Lane. When the unthinkable happens her friends stand beside her, help her (that's an understatement), and keep her (and their) secrets. A lifelong close friendship like this is rare and lovely. She meets the Duke of Redmayne in an original way. While departing a train, the Dukes horse is spooked & runs amuck. Alex bravely stops the horse but it knocked out, leaving the Duke to take her home with him. During an adventure piers Atherton was clawed by a big cat. He's scarred, lucky to be alive, and not in a good mood. These two wounded souls help each other finally move forward. They're good for each other. I'm not sure anyone else could have reached Alex, Piers being a kindred spirit of sorts. By the time their happily ever after came around I was relieved. I got invested in the characters and wanted them to have a good ending, or beginning. I'm now on pins and needles, I have to wait until Spring 2020 for the next installment. If All Scot And Bothered is who I think it is...I'm soooo there. Bring it on. Happy reading.

#Netgalley #KerriganByrne #HowToLoveADukeIn10Days #DevilYouKnow #StMartin'sPress #Romance

My heart was broken and healed within the pages of this book. When we first meet Alexandra, Cecelia, and Francesca they are residing at an elite finishing school for young ladies. They are united through high intelligence, high jinks, and secrets. Some of their secrets are shared, but some are just too painful. Right before graduation, they are thrown into self-defense and murder, leading to a cover-up and a clean-up making them vow to never marry or trust any man. Secrets and promises take on a life of their own, one of the trio finds she can no longer afford to pay off the blackmailer and she sells her soul to the devil in exchange. But what the cost?

The Terror of Torcliff wants no Duchess. His scars are obvious while his anger runs deep. He makes an offer to one of the Red Rogues. One of them must break her vow. No matter the reason, he will have his wife.

Kerrigan Brynne has a mastery of the written word. When reading her novel you are there with the characters. You can breathe, sigh and experience everything they are. I love being pulled into her stories. Don't miss "How to Love a Duke in Ten Days". It's a 5-star plus! #metoo

I received an ARC from Netgalley and I am happy to give my honest review.

This is the first Kerrigan Byrne book I have read but it definitely won't be the last. A few years ago I went through a period of only reading historical romances. I got so burnt out on them because it was the same story over and over. This book was so different and charming and gut wrenching that I can't wait to read more.

Trigger warning: there is a fairly graphic rape scene in the first chapter. This may really bother some people so I want to mention it. However, I do think it was necessary to set up Alexandra's character and the author handled it very well.

Ten years after the trauma, Alexandra is penniless after paying blackmail she can't afford. She goes to be with her friend who is announcing her engagement to Piers, a duke with facial scars. Alexandra's friend doesn't want to marry him and she jumps on the opportunity to marry a wealthy man. She's terrified of being under control but knows she needs his protection.

Piers has watched the women in his life be faithless, with his mother and his ex-fiancee. He wants to get married, have kids, and continue his adventuring. He's drawn to Alexandra's intelligence (score for a lady doctor/archaeologist!) and accepts her proposal. They marry immediately because why not. He discovers she isn't a virgin and is furious. He doesn't treat her unduly cruel, like I have seen other historical romance heroes. He's logical and disappointed. I'll admit I shed some tears during the scene when he discovered her past trauma. It was so heart wrenching and beautifully crafted.

In the end I recommend this book 150%. It was a delight to read and I'm looking forward to Cecilia's story next.

I really enjoyed this story. Loved the girls of the “Red Rogues Society” and their cute names for each other. The first chapter was a bit harrowing and as I do not want to give spoilers, just be mindful of the fact. Alexandra, Cecelia and Francesca’s friendships are bound by “secrets, blood and pain.” But they are the best of friends willing to do anything for one another. Along comes Piers Atherton, Duke or Redmayne or more fondly called “the Terror of Torcliff.” Now things are bound to heat up.

This first book in the series is totally different from the historical romance books you are used to reading. The beginning may look the same, but get ready...

Three girl friends studying at the same school, L'Ecole de Chardonne.
One of them is called in the headmaster's room because he discovered their secret.
They, eager for knowledge, used to meet in a cave to read, learn, and talk about subjects only allowed for men, such as Poe, Dumas, Latin, Algebra.
They called each other by male names: Alexandra was Alexander; Cecelia, Cecil, and Francesca, Frank.

The headmaster acts totally inappropriately for someone of his importance, and that makes Alexandra take emergency and definite actions.

The three friends now change from Red Rogues Society, a group that just wanted to learn, to a society with dangerous secrets.
On this basis, the three swear never to marry and always be ready to help each other.

Years later, Francesca writes to her two friends asking for help.
She should have to marry the terrible Duke of Redmayne, and she was sure he was to blame for her family massacre years ago.

Piers Atherton was so terrible that he was known as The Terror of Torcliff.
He would rather have to deal with his wild horses a thousand times than with other people, but there was an engagement contract signed in his childhood with Lady Francesca Cavendish, and he would honor it.

However, with the arrival of his fiancee's friends, Piers finds himself between the fulfillment of a family agreement and the voice of his heart, which for the first time began to beat.
In addition to this there's a great secret involving Francesca that endangers the life of the woman he loved.
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The book is dedicated to all women who have suffered from being considered fragile sex and to the #metoo movement.

From this beginning, we already know that the secrets of the three friends are serious, especially when referring to women of that century.
The plot is well made, the characters are strong and with each new event the reader is thrilled about how everything will happen.
I can't wait for the story of the other friends, women who don't wait for their enchanted princes in silver armor but who can defend themselves.
More than 5 stars

Alexandra is known as a bluestocking spinster. She has no interest in getting married. She distrusts men and for good reason - she was raped by her headmaster as a young girl. Her two closest friends are the only ones who know she killed him and where she buried him. But someone is blackmailing Alexandra.

Piers is known as the Terror of Torcliff - his scarred face and vicious moods scare people off. He is bitter about the fact his fiancé left him for his cousin and will inherit the title if Piers has no children. Piers is going to marry out of spite to a girl his parents made a marriage contract with in his childhood, Alexandra’s best friend Francesca.

Alexandra knows Francesca doesn’t want this marriage. And she knows Piers is only marrying out of spite. So she volunteers to be his wife - his title and money will help keep the blackmailer from going to the law.

This is a very good and angsty romance. Alexandra is very distrusting of men and with good reason. Piers is known as being a terror, but he’s so in tune with what Alexandra needs.

I really enjoyed this romance. If you don’t like angsty, this romance might not be for you. This is one of the few historical romances that deal with PTSD in a woman. If you would like to see a woman overcoming PTSD and read a great romance - this might be the book for you.