If you are a fan of historical romance and you like things a little extra angst-ridden and gritty then you can't go wrong with Kerrigan Byrne. How to Love a Duke in Ten Days kicks off her brand new series and it promises to be just as dark and steamy as it's predecessor.

But I have to say first...this book is heavy. Full disclosure, in the prologue of this book there is an on page rape. KB dedicates this book with the words 'to every survivor #metoo'. I think she handles the subject realistically and compassionately. But it's there. And I was a little surprised not to find a content warning. So do with this information what's best for you.

As usual, Kerrigan Byrne's writing sings off the page but, again, this is a heavy, emotional story. And there were elements of Alexandra and Pier's relationship that are problematic...but I am pretty sure that was done on purpose to make a point.

What's different and pretty great about this book/series as compared to KB's previous series is that it features a band of fiercely loyal female friends who will preeeetty much do ANYTHING for each other. I'm quite here for that. And I'm really excited to read All Scot and Bothered in 2020.

How to Love a Duke in Ten Days is set to release on August 27th. Thank you @netgalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I love Kerrigan Byrne’s books! The characters and setting of her stories are so different and interesting. “How to Love a Duke in Ten Days” has the grittiness and danger of her past novels but this one was a bit different. It was a strong 4 stars, because I found myself skipping all the “introspection” going on with the main characters. I wanted to get to the action!

This was a book that really surprised me with its dark undertones and real talk about what happens to women who are left vulnerable at the hands of men. Many books gloss over it, and I would liken Kerrigan's writing to that of Christi Caldwell in how they both handled the sensitive subject of sexual assault in their books - frank but keeping in mind the delicate nature of what has occurred. It's a much talked about topic these days, but it's still a very difficult subject to discuss let alone read about. I am very careful about the books I read, because it is a trigger for me. And fair warning - this book did reach my limit with the subject. I really appreciate Kerrigan Byrne writing such a well-researched book about the life of someone who has experienced it, how they handle relationships in the aftermath, and that finding love is not impossible even if you feel like you are "broken."

Lady Alexandra Lane has been paying a blackmailer for ten years to keep her secrets buried, not only for her sake but that of her friends. But the time has come where she can't afford to do so anymore, and she needs to find protection for those she loves. She finds that protection in the form of a scarred duke known as the Terror of Torcliff, who may appear the monster but has the heart of a gentle warrior. Piers Atherton, the Duke of Redmayne, is entranced by the quiet beauty of Alexandra. Unafraid to stand up to him but appearing to fear him, he doesn't know whether to stay away or coax her closer. He has his own troubles, wanting revenge on the cousin who stole his former fiance, and he needs a bride who can bear him heirs to keep the title far, far away from his title-hungry relative. When Alexandra proposes marriage, he is elated, but as they grow closer, he realizes she has a lot she is hiding. Their love may not be enough to battle her past and his present.

I loved Alexandra and Piers - they were a couple that truly seemed meant for each other from the very beginning. You could tell that Piers was insecure about his looks from the start, and Alexandra's history with men made it seem like she was repulsed by him. Over time, however, Piers realized that it was fear he saw in her eyes, not repulsion, and their love for each other grew stronger. Of course, they didn't realize it at first, and their relationship had its ups and downs like any other couple. But I felt like they really worked through everything, and Alexandra never gave up on her dream of a life with Piers filled with love and laughter. He was the first man to make her feel safe and wanting more closeness, and she desperately needed that in her healing process. Seeing her grow from her past experiences and learning to find love in the wake of tragedy, it was inspiring. Very emotional too, and I loved every bit of it.

I can't wait to read about Alexandra's friends, who are sure to get their books soon in this new series. Get to reading, folks! You don't want to miss these books.

Kerrigan Byrne leaves the reader wanting more. Her protagonists are intriguing and the secondary characters
definitely need their own books.

I haven't read many historical romances, and I'm not sure why.  The entire time I was reading this book I was beating myself up for not reading more of this genre, and more by this author.  Her writing style was engaging, her characters were relatable, and the storyline was both fast paced and fun.  It touched on some very hard hitting topics, but the friendship and fun between the ladies of the Red Rogue Society helped to lighten the mood.

Alexandra was fantastic, she posses so much strength and character.  I loved how she broke the mold that society tried to confine her to.  How she stood up for those around her, and was kind to everyone.  She was truly an inspirational character.

Piers is my favorite kind of leading male.  An alpha jerk with a soft spot for his girl and her alone.  It always impresses me when an author can make him so demanding and domineering, but then he melts for "the one" endears him to you.

This was a great book that makes me look forward to reading more in this genre.

I couldn't put this book down. I devoured in one night and slept at 6am. Kerrigan Byrne is up there with Lisa Kleypas. She is that good of a writer and transports me to these regency time periods. I loved the depth and pacing in which they fell in love within 10 days. Usually insta love is not my cup of tea. But this was executed so well.
Piers was so complex and understanding of Alexandra. And Alexandra faced such tragedy and triumphed in the end. I loved her independence and unwillingness to lose herself. She stayed true to herself and what she felt comfortable with.

Top 5 2019 read.

This is an excellent new series. Alexandra and Piers are very strong characters and I loved how they learned to trust each other. This story was authentic, heartfelt and charming.
Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

When you've been away from historical reading roots for so long, How to Love a Duke in Ten Days reminds me of why I need to go back and rectify that.

While I didn't find this novel full of as much history as some others in the genre, the story was remarkable and the writing perfect for the time period. Reminiscent of Beauty and the Beast, the main characters, Piers and Alexandra, go beyond that popular tale with deep secrets of their own, one needing revenge and the other needing money for her bankrupt family.

The beginning has the biggest hook ever, which drew me in to Alexandra's everlasting struggles and the delightful company she keeps.

This was my first Kerrigan Byrne novel and certainly will not be the last.

ARC via St. Martins Paperbacks and NetGalley

*Trigger Warning: Rape in the Prologue*

The story starts ten years later.

The Dedication Page is for all the Survivers and the #metoo movement.

The story is darker in the sense of more murders than a typical HEA, blackmail plot and dealing with the aftermath of a rape and attempting to move past that, once the Hero learns of the past. The H/H do get their HEA.

I was captivated by Alexandra and Piers from the very start of this book. Alexandra is smart, brave and doing her best to live her life even though a dark secret haunts her. I love the strong friendships she has with her two best friends, who share the secret and support each other in everything. Piers doesn't believe any woman can look beyond his scars, but underneath he is kind and compassionate. Their relationship has an unusual start, but through the secrets, mysteries, mistrust, and someone wanting them dead they come to love each other even though it all happens in 10 days. The setting and social mores of the time are authentic, the characters very well drawn, and the happily-ever-after very satisfying.

Even if it's well written and entertaining book it somehow didn't work for me.
I couldn't connect to the characters and I wasn't able to root for them.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

Love, love love this books. The imagery was over the top. This is a hot, steamy romance with some dark dealings. It was so refreshing to see a strong male character. His character was well developed. He was strong, caring, and emotionally charged. I couldn’t put this book down. I can’t wait to read the next installment. Byrne is one of my new favorite authors.

Four and a half
This author writes historical romance with bite that truly sweeps her readers away from humdrum everyday existence to a world that excites and invites the reader to explore more. In this the first of what appears to be a new trilogy we meet three plucky young women who face life on their own terms. This story introduces Alexandra who at the beginning of this book experiences a horrific ordeal at the hands of her headmaster. The scene didn’t feel gratuitous and actually wasn’t one the author lingered on but it does set up for the way Alexandra conducts herself in the years that follow the attack.
Alexandra has come a long way in nearly ten years and is a respected scholar and archaeologist . She doesn’t trust men but has found a way to deal with her reactions although she’s hesitant to let any male see her as a woman and relishes her blue stocking status. When one of her dearest friends announces she’s about to get married Alexandra is both perplexed and happy for her but it’s obvious it’s no love match and funnily enough perhaps the Duke would prefer to wed Alexandra ? Piers knows he’s not every woman’s dream husband but as he’s desperate to secure an heir the quaint proposition of Alexandra actually surprises and excites him but there’s something she neglected to tell him and it’s about to make their honeymoon both memorable and very dangerous !
I note that there are several reviews that are perhaps more negative than I usually associate with this authors work and would like to state that the author does preface this with a paragraph about the me too movement so going in I knew that there would be a situation that no woman wants to experience. Abuse is never an easy subject but this story is about healing, hope and ultimately survival. It also happens to be a very sexy romance as Alexandra takes control and frees herself from a past that has held her back for too long. For this reader personally I didn’t particularly enjoy the couples dialogue and interaction at times as it seemed perhaps a little too lovey dovey but I did enjoy the overall plot with its mystery and elements of danger. This is a romance so of course there’s a happy ending but oh the author is a tricky woman as something is revealed that means the next book cannot come quickly enough !
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

Kerrigan Byrne is now one of my favorite historical romance authors. So when I heard she has a new series, I was ecstatic. How to Love a Duke in Ten Days was decent, but sadly not a page-turning, can't put down - read. It was good, but I was hoping for a little more chemistry or complexity to the characters. I also felt the villains were a little too stereotyped and their reasons for ill-will almost over the top. For some reason, this story felt a little stilted and long for me. Whereas her last series (Victorian Rebels), pulled me in and kept me riveted.

How to Love a Duke introduces us to a group of women who form a friendship during their days at school. Lady Alexandra Lane is one of the leaders of this group and years later, the women are still friends. Piers Gedrick Atherton, the Duke of Redmayne, is seeking a wife. And intends to marry one of Lady Alexandra's friends. Until he meets Lady Alexandra and the sparks fly. And of course, no stilted bride here, as Francesca absolutely wants nothing to do with marriage and especially not with the Duke of Redmayne. There's a bit of Beauty and the Beast in this story as well.

Still, overall, it's a good read. Just not one of my favorites. I'm looking forward to the next in the series, and hopefully by this second book, Byrne will have a more nuanced handle of her characters.

I adore Kerrigan Bryce’s work and this is my favorite next to The Hunter. I don’t know how I missed that this was a new series but I love the premise of The Red Rogues.

Alexandra is such a strong, endearing, intelligent character. I adored her verbal sparing with Piers. Alexandra experienced a horrible trauma and is keeping some secrets. Piers is scarred and feared as the Terror of Torcliff.

The story is a slow burn with a building of friendship and a slow seduction. There were several tropes but they were used well.

Two tormented souls. Some sensitive subjects touched in this story. Alexandra's friend doesn't want to marry Piers. Alexandra has other plans, but steps in to help her friend and family out. Piers and Alexandra finding their way to each other is a joy to read

Kerrigan Byrne is one of my fave authors. Whenever one of her books come out I dive in and lose myself to her wonderful storytelling. Mystery, passion, intrigue and suspense. She has it all!

I really enjoyed this book. Alexandra is very intelligent and fun. Piers is a bit serious at first but also is comforting and kind. Their relationship, for the most part, was fun to watch unfold with how they got to know one another. There were a few scenes that were a bit difficult to read, but they made you feel for the characters. I was quite emotionally invested in this story.

THAT WAS AMAZING!!!!!!! Since the moment I finished reading The Highwayman, I knew that Kerrigan Bryne was the voice I needed in the historical romance book world. She always manages to combine pieces of those good, old fashioned bodice rippers with the sensitivity of modern issues. What am I going to do with my life now?? Can I just go ahead and have Cecilia and Francesca’s stories right now? I won’t tell anyone....

I received a copy of this title from the publisher for an honest review. How to Love a Duke in Ten Days is the first in a new series by Kerrigan Byrne, but readers who love her alpha heroes shouldn't worry; Byrne's trade mark style remains unchanged in the new series. The book begins in a girls school in Switzerland where a trio of girls have established a life long friendship: Alexandra (Alex), Francesca (Frank), and Cecelia (Cecil). Confronted by the headmaster with the theft of items that they had borrowed, Alexandra finds herself the victim of a man who abuses his power over the young women in his care. Alex and her friends are forced to cover-up a crime as a result of her actions. 10 years later, Alex has established herself as a well educated archaeologist who travels the world never staying in on place long or allowing any man to get to close to her. After receiving a note from Frank asking for her help, Alex forces herself to travel to Castle Redmayne to help out her dearest friend. As soon as she arrives at the station, she finds herself almost trampled to death by a horse. Saved by a man she assumes to be a groom, she makes her way to the castle and her friends to find out what danger her friend is in.


Alex is surprised to learn that the groom that saved her is non-other than Piers, the Duke of Redmayne himself. Scarred and believed to be dying after an attack by an animal in the Amazon during one of his travels around the world, Piers returned to England to find his fiancé married to his presumed heir and with his mother's infidelities throughout her marriage, Piers finds it difficult if not impossible to trust a female. When Alex offers to wed him in her friend's place, Piers agrees as he was drawn to her from the first.

The rest of the book is split between trying to figure out who may be behind accidents that may not be accidents, and Piers and Alex finding a way to trust each other. Alex can't bring herself to tell Piers what happened in the past fearing how he may react and refusing to put her friends in danger. Piers wants to trust Alex, but the women in his past have made trust of females very hard for him. I thought the relationship between the two was very well written and although the action takes place in a short period of time, it didn't feel rushed or forced. I really enjoyed this title and look forward to finding out more about Cecil and Frank and their happily ever afters.