"Is it too much to hope that you were so overcome by my masculine appeal and erotic prowess that you couldn't stand to live another moment without the pleasure of my touch?"

This book, as with all Kerrigan Byrne stories, tackles characters who have endured very serious and painful pasts. Much of this story revolves around the secrets in Alexandra's past - <spoiler> she was raped by the headmaster at her school and killed him in the heat of the moment while trying to get away </spoiler>. Both Piers and Alexandra have deep scars (in some case physical) that inform their interactions and assumptions of each other.

I did love sweet, nerdy, Alexandra and protective, overbearing Piers. They did complement each other perfectly.

This book is sweet, funny, suspenseful, and deeply emotional. <spoiler> Seeing Piers dawning realization that Alexandra was raped, his subsequent rage, and ultimate comfort, love, and focus on Alexandra was beautiful. Reading that she hand stitched her undergarments closed at the seam for protection is heartbreaking - not just for Piers but for the reader as well </spoiler> This book has an important message about survival of sexual assault - it may only last seconds or minutes, but the subsequent effect and aftermath is long lasting - if not permanent. It takes and takes and takes from the victim, long after that actual act is complete. <spoiler>That is why Piers's total acceptance and support for Alexandra is so very important. This is the type of love and support we need to offer all victims of sexual trauma. No questioning whether it happened or wondering what the victim did to provoke the action (nothing - because there is no excuse).</spoiler>

Overall this is a wonderful read - the only thing that kept it from being five stars was the rather melodramatic climax.

"All I'm asking is for you to have mercy on me, wife. If there is a battle to fight, a villain to face, I beg you to allow me the honor. Because the cruelest thing you could do, is sentence me to a world without you in it."

I received an arc copy of this book from NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for my honest review. At 17 Lady Alexandra’s life was full of potential, unfortunately she learned that not all people are true and honorable forcing her to make a terrible decision and scarring her soul in the process. She carries her scars inside while Piers the Duke of Redmayne carries his on his face for all to see, but he too struggles to trust after being deceived one to many times. While their initial meeting seemed to be accidental they soon find a compatibility that brews into more than just liking one another, but first they must survive their own mysterious circumstances and hope that their love will overcome their damaged hearts. This book had humor, adventure , mystery and a nice soft romance that showed great empathy. What a nice start two a new series and I wish book two would come sooner as I can’t wait to hear more about these characters. 5 stars

Overall nicely done. The prologue is very dark and violent. The rest is not quite so dark (fortunately) however murder attempts are made; the question is who is supposed to be the victim. There are nasty relations, some great friends, and a lot of jealousy.
Call it a pet peeve, but I extremely dislike dialogues being interrupted by overly long thoughts or memories of the characters. In one rather heated scene, Piers thinks back to his parents marriage while arguing with Alexandra. While these memories provide some information which helps the reader understand Piers and his angry reaction, the length of the interruption is so long I was tempted to skim (I didn't) but went back to re-read the earlier portion of the dialogue.
I received a free advance copy via netgalley and voluntarily post my review.

How to Love a Duke in Ten Days is an exceptionally well written and captivating historical romance. One that stands out from the rest and demands to be read.

I’m speechless and awed. This is without a doubt one of the best historical romances I’ve EVER read.

With an incredible, out-of-this-world romance, a dash of mystery and suspense, and memorable characters, this book eclipsed everything and anything I was doing.

This could or may very well be a unique and spectacular retelling of Beauty and the Beast. A retelling that has included everything I did not know I wanted and more love and devotion than I could have ever forseen.

Alexandra is such a strong and smart woman. Her character is well written. You understand her as well as her motives. You feel her distress, her pain and her fear. But you also see strength and a survivor.

Piers, aka the Duke of Redmayne, was the most perfectly written book-boyfriend to date. His character is so well fleshed out and so real. His character is not perfect by any means but he is perfectly imperfect. He has a short temper and is quick to judge but the way he takes care of and is with Alexandra is heart-melting and swoon-worthy. He is guaranteed to burrow himself into your heart.

I am more than eager to continue this series.

How to Love a Duke in Ten Days is A MUST READ! One-click today! NOW! Go, go, go!

I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I rather liked this book, in spite of its flaws.. The first flaw is the title, which suggests this is a “typical” light, Regency romance. There is a good amount of darkness in this story, including a disturbing rape scene. The rape is a major theme throughout the book.
The version I read was a pre-publication version, so I wasn’t surprised to find a few mis-spellings, an occasional missed word. But there were a couple of instances of information that didn’t make sense, as though there had been edits or changes to the story along the way and not all parts of the plot affected by the changes were updated to fit. I’m annoyed when an author overuses words, and this author was guilty of this. A couple of these overused words: iridescent, luminous. However, I will give credit to the author for correctly knowing the appropriate usage of “into” vs, “in to”, and “disoriented” instead of “disorientated”.
I found the main characters to be likable, despite some character inconsistencies. My greatest criticism, though, is that there were too many plot twists that seemed forced and unrealistic. This could still be a solid 3-4 star read, if some of the over complicated plot lines could be corrected.

Kerrigan Byrne delivers another powerful story of two scarred people-one on the inside and one on the outside. Alexandra has her doctorate from the Sorbonne and as an archioligist, she travels the world working on digs. Piers is the Duke if Redmayne. He travels the world seeking new adventures. When the two meet, it is an interesting tale and their ten days are filled with suspense, mystery, and secrets., and love!

YESSS!!!! Great, start for first book in a new series! Oh gosh and that Prologue! Kerrigan sure knows how to write a tragic scene. I also loved how the title actually coincides with part of the plot in the story. This is a slight part Beauty and the Beast retelling and how Piers and Alexandra meet was so vivid and detailed, I'll never forget it! This also was more of a slow burn romance but the story is still a page-turner. I can't wait for the other ladies books! Kerrigan sort of left us a tease for Cecilia.

I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

I received an ARC in return for a honest and fair review.

I have been a huge fan of Kerrigan Byrne since the very first book in the Victorian Rebels series and this book continued to show why I love her stories so much.

Alexandra and Piers are amazing and instantly likable characters from the moment they're introduced. Alexandra is relateable and I never found myself rolling my eyes at her actions, but understanding them and finding myself thinking that I would have made the same choices in her position. You quickly find yourself rooting for her from the very onset on the book.

Piers is another tortured, dark hero that Kerrigan loves as her leads but it was refreshing to read a hero who isn't quite as vicious and blood thirsty, but still fiercely devoted and protective of his lady. I do wish that we had more back-story and details about him and his family life but Alexandra and her story took up a lot of space and adding more would have made the story too cluttered. However I due feel that the climax of the book was a bit overcrowded by one surprise thrown in there.

My favorite part of the story however was Alexandra and the interactions with her two friends. At points in the book I was more interested in their interactions with each other than with her and Piers. I'm excited to read their upcoming books and <spoiler> if you're familiar with Kerrigan's writings there's little hints to the hero is in the next book that is confirmed in the epilogue and some eagle eyed readers may have gotten a hint as to who the hero in the third book will be.</spoiler>

I love it Kerrigan Byrne has started a news series. The story is about Piers Gedrick Atherton, the Duke of Redmayne, and his purpose is too get revenge. In order to get revenge he will have to attain a wife. Lady Alexandra Lane has a secret. If she will marry the Duke than he will protect her. But she is worried he will change his mind when he finds out what she her secret is. I really enjoyed this story and I can't wait for the next book.

There is one reason...
And one reason only, that this reviewer can and does drop everything when presented with the chance to read the latest book by Kerrigan Byrne.
In fact. It happens to be the same reason that said reviewer finds herself awake and penning this review at the ungodly hour of 4 a.m.
While still basking in the afterglow of Ms. Byrne's first offering of the Devil You Know series. Entitled How To Love A Duke In Ten Days.

This book may be a Historical Romance at its core. But it is delightfully so much more.
Including:
1. A sisterhood built upon shared life altering childhood secrets.

2. Murder, mayhem, a marriage made by money.

3. One very, very, contrary bluestocking, Lady of a Doctor, Miss Alexandra Lane.
Determined to ply her mantra of head over heart against the ferociously tempting Duke of Redmane. One Piers Gedrick Atherton.
While doing her best to keep more than a few of the afore mentioned life altering secrets.
One of which could end up costing one or both of them their lives.
And one so horrid that its revelation could cost her the chance of a lifetime with a man that she never thought that she could bring herself to desire.

But wait...
It gets better.
Because it seems that the Piers has a few deadly secrets of his own.
Which threaten the already beleaguered couple just as doggedly as those of his leading lady.

Leading readers chomping at the bit to know.
Whose secrets will be the ones that toll the death knoll for both this couple and their future?
And...
Will one of both of them be brave enough to trust the other with the spectors that haunt their tortured souls?
And most importantly...
Who wants Alexandra and Piers dead so badly?
And why?

To unearth (pun intended) the answers to these, and many more questions. While enjoying a happily ever after custom tailored to highjack any beating heart.
Don't miss How To Love A Duke In Ten Days. Or as this reviewer likes to call it. How To Devour A Book In One Sitting.

I would like to thank Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for granting my the privilege of reviewing such a wonderful book. The opinions found within this review have in no way been influenced by the publisher, its author, or any agents thereof.