This is my second Kerrigan Byrne, and like the first of hers that I read, this is a great love story. Alexandra Lane experiences trauma as a 17 year old at boarding school. It happens in the prologue and while I’m normally not insistent on trigger warnings, the prologue scene was shocking to me and I’m not sure I ever really moved past it. While it does provide a bit of extra detail as to why Alexandra and her two friends have such a tight bond, if you are highly sensitive to scenes of abuse, I would recommend skipping the prologue.

Chapter 1 begins the core of our story, 10 years after the events of the prologue. It’s a bit of an insta-love story - meeting, marriage, drama, and HEA take place over the course of 10 days (hence the title), but it’s not completely unbelievable. Piers Atherton, the Duke of Redmayne, is a wonderful hero. He’s kind, considerate, and very gentle with Alex. Alex, despite the trauma in her past, is a very strong, independent woman. I loved watching their relationship blossom.

The only things that keep this from being a 5-star read for me, personally, are the prologue and the lack of humor. I love Tessa Dare and Sarah MacLean because their novels always make me literally laugh out loud. Byrne’s novels are much more serious, and I prefer the humor.

I loved this!
So much heartache and terror for Alexandra at first, you’re unsure of how she’ll ever get past her traumatic experience. But then she meets Piers. He’s sure to be the brute that turns her life around.
But something deadly lurks in the shadows. It might be too much for Alexandra and Piers to survive.
I can’t wait for the next in this series!!! 5 stars!

This was an amazing, superbly written book. I can't express how much I loved the writing in this book. This author has become a "must read" for me. The way the words were put together, the images, the way each part of the book meshes so perfectly throughout, the way the characters are described, what they have gone through and how they develop together, all of it was incredible. I couldn't put it down and I am eager to read the next book in the series as well as find and read all the other books this author has written. I could not recommend this book more highly.

This book was simply amazing. I love a good historical romance, and Kerrigan Byrne did a tremendous job with How to Love a Duke in Ten Days. From the friendship between Alexandra, Cecelia and Franchesca to her unconventional romance with Piers Redmayne, this book kept me hooked from the moment I started reading it.

Content warning: Alexandra is a rape victim. Parts of this book are very heavy and sometimes very difficult to read, especially if you have been a victim of sexual abuse. But Byrne has a way of weaving a lovely romance in between the horrors and after effects of sexual abuse. I've highlighted so many passages that both touched a deep part of me and made me love not only Alexandra, but Piers too.

Piers and Alexandra have this crazy intense chemistry from the moment they meet each other. Their encounters had me laughing out loud on more than one occasion! But I was also swooning at the sweet (and sexy) things that Piers would say to Alexandra to keep her on her toes. I ended up falling so in love with this sweet, sweet couple who were so perfectly matched for each other.

One of the aspects of this book that I loved so much was the friendship between Franchesca, Cecelia and Alexandra. These three women have such a special bond. Within the first few pages of this book, I was already emotional by how much support they provided one another. These are the kinds of friendships that we all aspire to have in our lives. Friends who will be there for you no matter what you are going through without judgment. Friends that provide a shoulder to lean on or cry when you are feeling at your lowest or celebrate with you when you're at your highest. I hope to read more of this friendship throughout the trilogy. I already can't wait for the next book!

This was my first Kerrigan Byrne book, but will most definitely NOT be my last. **Thank you St Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review**

Kerrigan Byrne is my favorite historical romance author, so I was very excited about the start of a new series! Without sharing spoilers, I will simply say that I thoroughly enjoyed the book. The character development and plot lines were fantastic, although I would warn there are a couple triggers, but nothing that prevented me personally from connecting with the book and falling in love with the characters.

The threesome of lovely red-headed ladies, Alexandra, Cecilia and Francesca appear to be the heroines in this new series, and although each is quite different from her associates, they make a great team. I also really liked the male character, the Duke of Redmayne. I started out picturing a more British-looking Jason Momoa in the role, and it was a very pleasant reading experience ;-)

There was also quite a bit of distrust between certain characters (which is understandable considering their circumstances), but it drove me a little crazy at times when characters seemed to think the worst of each other by jumping to conclusions. It's a work of fiction of course, and this is all about driving the plot and creating tension, so I definitely understand the purpose, otherwise there would be no story to tell. All of this was obviously resolved for a HEA.

I am so excited for the next book in this series, which is due out next spring. I happily recommend How to Love a Duke in Ten Days to fans of historical romance books.

I was provided a free digital copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

How to Love a Duke in Ten Days by Kerrigan Byrne was a fun historical romance. I found the characters interesting and liked how the story slowly evolved and grew. The novel was an interesting mystery as well as a romance. It was unclear who was trying to be murdered and why. I enjoyed the twists and turns. I felt the author had a great writing style and drew me into the story.

I liked Alexandra, she was strong and determined, yet vulnerable. I found her devotion to her friends heart felt and allowed her to become a character to enjoy. It is inconceivable to me how hard Lady Alexandra Lane had to work to be accepted and complete a program at the Sorbonne during this period of time. The story of Alexandra’s past and her fear only made her more appealing.

Piers Gedrick Atherton, the Duke of Redmayne made me laugh. His gruff exterior and his so over the top alpha male growl made him fun. I love how he treated Alexandra as an intelligent woman. I love how he began to understand her fears. He was also very, very hot in a growly way.

How to Love a Duke in Ten Days by Kerrigan Byrne was a great read.

My Rating: 4.5 Stars

Lady Alexandra Lane, with two very close friends, Francesca Cavendish and Cecelia Teague, have formed a little group called the Red Rogues. The name is partly due to their varying color of red hair, as well as their rather unorthodox behavior. The girls are away at school and. under certain circumstances, refer to each other as Alexander, Cecil and Frank.

One day after class, the headmaster has caught Alexandra out. He knows of their nefarious activities and threatens to expose the girls. Before he can do that, he does unspeakable harm to Alexandra, and she defends herself, and ends up killing him. They manage to cover the crime up, and go about their lives. Before I go on, I will admit to feeling rather broken while reading this scene.

It is now ten years later and Francesca is about to announce her betrothal. Alexandra and Cecelia travel to Devonshire for the announcement. But, Alexandra has received a note from Francesca that indicates she may be in danger, so Alexandra knows something more is up.

There is something else. Each girl is bond together by a dark secret. As this is Alexandra's story in this trilogy by Kerrigan Byrne, the turn of events becomes rather interesting. One of the first people that she sees is going to be rather significant in her life. During her years away, Alexandra became a doctor, an archaeologist, but her past has traveled with her. She has been blackmailed all of these years and her family is now destitute.

Meanwhile, the stranger Alexandra meets, Piers Gedrick Atherton, the Duke of Redmayne, is actually soon to become Francesca's betrothed. Piers is badly scarred and has the moniker, Terror of Torcliff. Nonetheless, sparks quickly fly between him and Alexandra. Therefore, things end up completely different, and before long, Alexandra and Piers are together.

The story shifts to their honeymoon in Normandy, where the couple go on an archaeological dig. While they get to know one another, Piers must work feverishly hard at keeping her safe. In all actuality, her blackmailer will stop at nothing.

What a story! After what Alexandra experienced as a teen, marriage was the furthest thing from her mind. She faces quite a bit of adjustment. Piers is a true hero. His compassion, understanding and gentleness shine through. Between watching the relationship develop, all while with danger continually escalating, made this quite an impressive, fast-moving story. I adored this book and cannot wait for the other two stories.

Many thanks to Kensington Publishing and to NetGalley, as well as Edelweiss, for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.

A guilty pleasure! Know that this starts - yes starts- with the rape of Alexandra by the headmaster of her school. Know also that she has two really good friends- Francesca and Cecilia- and that this well written sleigh ride is as much about their bond as it is about Alexandra's romance with Piers, the Duke of Redmayne, a man many view as a monster. Piers, like Alexandra, has his secrets but he's not a bad man. Alexandra's decision to marry him in order to save her family leads to a ballet dance of back and forth. These two develop a nice relationship. I enjoyed this much more than I expected to, especially after the beginning. It's well written and very entertaining. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. I'm looking forward to more from Byrne, a new to me author.

I really enjoyed the way this couple was portrayed. They were both independent and strong...and stubborn. I like that they respected each other, even if they didn't always trust each other, and that when we finally got to their HEA it felt exactly right.

I also enjoyed the Rogues' friendship and can't wait to see how they all conquer their men.

I follow Natasha of Natasha’s Book Junkies and recently she highly recommended Ms. Byrne’s Victorian Rebels series to her followers. Reading The Highwayman made me love historical romance again.

How to Love a Duke in Ten Days is the first book in her new series and it was a an intriguing story. It starts out with Alexandra involved in a serious and heartbreaking situation. Her friends, Francesca and Cecelia surround her with love, friendship and a pact.

The story jumps to ten years later and Alexandra is highly educated and travels the world in her archeology work. When Francesca asks Alexandra and Cecelia to come to her immediately as she’s going to be married, they all rush to the estate of her potential future husband.

When Alexandra and Piers, the Duke of Redmayne first meet, they have misconceptions about each other. The more time they spend together, they are yearning for a connection and yet they are wary of trusting each other. Both have secrets and the story is full of mystery and intrigue. Their conversations were so entertaining with Alexandra not hesitant to speak her mind and Piers enjoying her intelligence and wit.

While Alexandra keeps her secrets, it drives me crazy because if she and Piers would just talk, it would make things so much easier between them. I wanted to see them give in to the building emotions much quicker but I enjoyed the pace as they learned more about each other. It was so sweet to see the Terror of Torcliff, as Piers is known due to his behavior and scarred face, to start becoming so different with Alexandra and for her to feel something she’s never experienced.

I love epilogues and this one was sweet with the adventures they shared along with such promise in their future. The ending gives a hint to the characters in the next book and I look forward to reading more of Ms. Byrne’s work.

Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for allowing me the opportunity to read this new work.

Where to begin?

This was a thoroughly engrossing book. I enjoyed it from the very first moment, I got lost in Lady Alexandra Lane's world. The characters Alex and Piers, the Duke of Redmayne and all supporting the supporting friends were very well written.

I liked that it did not follow the typical format of a romance novel and they both characters had an identity that wasn't just based on the aristocracy and the haute ton. Both protagonists changed for the better over the course of their relationship and it done in a really beautiful and poignant way.

Piers was a delight to read about, from his masculinity as well as his gentle manner with Alex won me over from the very first introduction. I enjoyed the building of their feelings for each other as well as the pace of the plot.

There were a few heart breaking moments, but I think this author really handles them in very effective manner.

A thoroughly enjoyable read. Highly recommended!

A love story that starts in 1880 and ends in approximately 1892. Three school girls are finishing up a school year, in France, when their mischievous behavior entails their unofficial leader being called to the headmaster's office to answer for their misdemeanors. The punishment gets out of hand and she is raped by the headmaster. While defending herself she kills the man. All three, plus a trusted gardener, then conceal the body and crime. Move forward 10 years and we find the young lady being blackmailed, broke and single, while attending a party to celebrate the upcoming engagement of one of her school friends. Subsequent events lead to her being the bride and the blackmailer being exposed and dealt with along with other miscreants. All in all a good story line but if I had to sum it up in five words it would be sex, sex, and more sex.

I have rated this book 4 stars.

I received an ARC from Netgalley for my unbiased opinion.

4.5 stars. An excellent start to Kerrigan Bryne's new series! At first I was sad to hear that she wasn't continuing her Victorian Rebels series, which I loved, but I really liked the tonal shift in this one. It still has the heartbreaking background traumas and the dark and angsty twists, but at the same time it feels more hopeful, since the characters are actively trying to move beyond their pasts (with varying degrees of success, but at least the intent is there).

Alexandra and Piers are such well written main characters. Although Piers certainly can be a domineering character, for the most part he lets Alexandra set the terms of their relationship (with a notable exception when he veers a bit off character and acts like a total a-hole). Alexandra is an interesting and complex heroine -- she hides her past traumas from the world through various coping mechanisms, while still forging forward to become a successful and well-respected academic (aside from within the snobbish circles of the English aristocracy).

Overall, this was headed to 5 star territory, but dropped off a little due to an overly convoluted ending and the feeling like -- despite it being 445 pages -- it felt like not enough happened plot-wise. I love the characters' introspective parts, but they could have been scaled back a little in exchange for more action.

Looking forward to reading Cecilia's and Francesca's stories next!

Thank you to St. Martin’s and Netgalley for providing an ARC for review!

Kerrigan Byrne’s new series starts with a serious crime - you immediately know this is one book not to put down. Beginning with our heroine in a difficult situation, things get worse immediately. Alexandra is blessed to have great friends as school mates, Francesca and Cecelia, who become lifelong friends and confidants to help and care for her. They had already formed the Red Rogues during those school years who get up to a bit of mischief to alleviate the boredom of boarding school. Each of these school girls mature into successful women who are keeping each other’s secrets when a serious threat arises years later.

The duke is ruggedly handsome and a bit scary to some. He has his own issues with which to deal beginning with his mother’s infidelity. This affects his relationship with Alexandra who fights her own demons determined to keep the Red Rogue’s secrets although it could cost her marriage to Piers.

The title may confuse you if you think this a light hearted romance. There are several twists and curves to keep you turning the next page wanting to find out what is really going on. The Red Rogues stick together no matter what. This group of ladies is so enjoyable, all with such odd situations. I cannot wait for the next book in the series!

Allow me to say that I was surprised by how many times the F-bomb was dropped by our hero - not sure that was necessary. I believe Ms. Byrne to be able to express a character’s frustration with other words, but with the very sensual nature of the book, I guess it is to be expected. I love the care that Piers showed for Alexandra once he figured out what had happened to her.

I loved that this story did not follow the typical, historical romance 'formula'. It was a very unique tale that immediately drew me in. The characters were vivid and complex and made the story seem so realistic, that I often felt like I was actually there watching the story unfold.

#NetGalley #HowToLoveADukeInTenDays #KerriganByrne

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book from NetGalley & St. Martin's Press in order to read and provide a voluntary and honest review, should I choose to do so.

Oh swoon....what is can be better than a broken man and broken woman coming together to fall in love and healing their broken? Nothing, nothing is better and this book was awesome! I have just discovered Kerrigan Byrne and I am loving all her books. The hero's that need saving and the strong women who save them, and themselves.

Piers and Alexandra were perfect! Piers the strong, scarred Duke with trust issues and Alexandra the woman with many secrets and who has been through the roughest of times. However, they found each other in this book and it was great! I was cheering all along that these two lost souls would come together as one and heal one another. This story has suspense, steam, romance, great secondary characters and a strong H and h. That is the quint-fecta (yeah I just made that word up) right there. This book had everything that makes a 5 star story and this story is definitely five stars. I was so sad when the book ended I kept swiping on my kindle wishing there was just one more page...just one more, but sadly the story had to end and I can't wait to get Cecilia and Francesca's stories! One note of warning, there is a trigger in this book, but it handled well in my opinion and there is no "insta-cure" to the issue. This was just a darn good book and I will continue to work my way through Ms. Byrne's backlog as well as wait patiently for the next books in the series! Highly recommend!

Kerrigan Byrne has started her new series, The Devil You Know with an ablate bang! From the moment I started on the first pages of How To Love A Duke in Ten Days, I was hooked and enamoured with the leading ladies of this new series. They call themselves the Red Rogues and have banded together at boarding school together. These are the girlfriends you want on your side!

How To Love A Duke in Ten Days tells the story of the strong, intelligent and beautiful archeologist, Lady Alexandra Lane as she ventures to the castle of the scarred Duke of Redmayne, in order to rescue her friend and fellow Rogue from her marriage to said duke! Ever the loyal friend, Alexandra proposes herself to the duke!

Both the characters of Alexandra and Piers , the Duke of Redmayne, are wonderfully written and immediatly relatable, both are flawed and in need of something to make them whole. I fell in love with their intimate kindnesses to each other.

I adored this story and am now anxiously awaiting the next book in this series. Also- the cover art on the book is perfect! Beautiful and taken right from the book, I love it!

How To Love A Duke in Ten Days by Kerrigan Byrne is due to release August 27th, 2019.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#HowToLoveADukeinTenDays #NetGalley

How to Love a Duke in Ten Days by Kerrigan Byrne is the first book in the Devil you Know series and I have to say, it was everything I was hoping for! If you know me, you know I have been reading more historical romance of late and having loved Byrne’s Victorian Rebels series, I jumped at getting the chance to check this one out.

Lady Alexandra Lane is our lead and I loved everything about her. She loves her friends and is willing to protect them as much as she is able. We immediately learn about what happened in her past and there’s no question it has impacted her…as it would anyone. And while she hasn’t necessarily resolved the pain and fear that came out of that event, she has continued to live her life. What it did for the story was show exactly why Alexandra and her friends are so protective of each other. I thought that while it is traumatic and perhaps some more sensitive readers might not love it, Byrne created a story that shows just how much of a survivor Alexandra is.

The friendship between Alexandra, Francesca, and Cecilia was really well built and it all starts with the prologue and when the story picks up years later, we can easily see that despite the trauma, Alexandra will do whatever is necessary to help and protect her friends. When she finds out Francesca is supposed to marry the Duke of Redmayne (known as the Terror of Torcliff), she immediately digs in to figure out what is going on and comes up with a solution everyone can be happy with…she will marry the Duke instead.

Piers has his own issues, one of which includes the fact that he needs to marry and have some heirs. When he runs into a woman at the train station who immediately takes over his thoughts, he never expects to see her again. Lucky for him, she just happens to be the best friend of his unannounced fiancé and when she proposes an arrangement that essentially gives him what he wants, a wife, he is more than willing to take the deal.

I loved the chemistry between these two characters. Yes, they are both scarred but they slowly get to know each other and trust one another. Without knowing the full story of Alexandra’s past, Piers is left to make some assumptions which are shaded by his experience with his mother and this all creates some tension. There are bumps along the way for these two as they learn more about one another and it only helps move the story along.

Alongside all of that, there is a bit of a mystery to solve too. Someone has been blackmailing Alexandra because of her secret. As Alexandra and Piers go on their honeymoon, things start to move forward with this storyline. When she finally figures out who is behind the blackmailing, there’s another complication that puts them both in danger.

Overall, this is another great historical romance from Byrne. There’s no question that she is officially on my auto-buy list and I can’t wait for the next books in the series so we can learn more about Francesca and Cecilia as I can already tell there are some twists and turns coming with their stories. If you are looking for a book that will give you well developed characters, swoons, mystery, and some heartache, consider checking this one out.

The story is well thought out and nicely written making this an exciting page turner and one which I am more than happy to recommend."

I received an ARC of this book to read through NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. How To Love A Duke In Ten Days is the first book in Kerrigan Byrne’s new series The Devil You Know.
As schoolgirls three young friends are embroiled in danger and secrets that mark their lives and strengthen the bonds between them. Although Lady Alexandra Lane’s secret hasn’t prevented her from pursing higher education and becoming Dr. Lane a graduate of the Sorbonne and and well known archaeologist and historian it still affects her almost every action from her manner of dress to her ability to sleep at night and her finances. Piers Gedrick Atherton, Duke of Redmayne desires to marry in order to produce an heir or two and thwart the ambitions of his cousin and heir who is now married to the woman who betrayed him. Not overly concerned with whom he marries he has invoked a betrothal agreement arranged by his father. Alexandra arrives at Castle Redmayne in response to the urgent request of her dear friend Countess Francesca Cavendish to be her bridesmaid and because she fears she is in danger. Understanding that Francesca and the duke are unsuited to find happiness together and since she finds herself in need of a husband, Alexandra proposes a marriage of convenience to the duke. When murder, betrayal, blackmail and mysterious attempts on their lives follow these two on their honeymoon their marriage of convenience becomes something more. I enjoyed this book very much and look forward to reading the rest of the series. Medium Steam Publishing Date August 27, 2019 #NetGalley #HowToLoveADukeInTenDays #StMartinsPress #StMartinsPaperbacks #MarriageofConvenience #HistoricalRomance #Bookstagram #KerriganByrne