Lady Alexandra Lane suffered a traumatic event ten years ago, which makes her very wary of men. When Alexandra goes to rescue her friend, Alexandra ends up engaged to the 'Terror of Torcliff". Piers might be fierce, but he might be the right man to keep her safe from looming danger and heal her sexually. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher through Netgallery. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. As a warning, there is a scene in the prologue that may be tough to read, but is necessary for the story. Even though, this book had more sensual scenes that I prefer and the hero's thoughts often contained the f-bomb, the story and characters intrigued me enough to want to read the next book in the series. Piers is very sweet and caring towards Alexandra and is a fierce protector even when he didn't know her past. Alexandra is a strong woman that has risen above her past. I liked both of them very much. Overall, I enjoyed reading the book.

The writing is fantastic. Beginning with a prologue that includes rape and murder was jarring, but she wrote the scene in a way that you really felt the heroine's anguish and confusion and ultimately her resolve. I love the female solidarity and friendship. I even cried when parts of her past were figured out by the hero. Why can't I rate this book higher then? There's a misunderstanding that's allowed too much play, is infuriating, and leads to the 10 days in the title, and then everything comes to light in some villainous monologues. I'll definitely read Kerrigan Byrne again because of the writing, but this particular book was unfortunately not for me.

It has been quite a while since I've read a historical romance, and I couldn't have picked a better story to dive back into the genre! This was my first Kerrigan Byrne book and tons of my friends and authors as well raved about her stories so when I saw this available on Netgalley I quickly snatched it up!

I really loved Alexandra and her best friends Cecilia and Francesca. The Red Rogues, their own little secret sisterhood they formed in school and still hold dear 10 years later. These three women were headstrong and forward thinking and not afraid to wade into the male dominated world.

Piers Atherton, the Terror of Torcliff, the Duke of Redmayne who is one hot alpha male who is just as gorgeous as he is scary looking with the scars that line his face. One look at Alexandra and he is enthralled, even though he is supposed to be marrying her best friend.

This story has all the makings of an amazing romance. There is the attraction and tension between Piers and Alexandra. There is the desire that neither one wants to admit, as propriety dictates they not speak of such things. I had almost forgotten how eloquent the writing is when reading a historical romance, but Kerrigan really amazed me with how well written this story is.

I didn't want this story to end!! I am dying for more of this world, and reading the very last chapter has me so exited for the next book!! I can't wait to dive into more of Kerrigan's stories!

Many thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for an advance review copy of this book in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

How to Love a Duke in Ten Days
Devil You Know book 1
by Kerrigan Byrne

Well only Kerrigan Byrne knows how to start a series with a bang! This was absolutely THE BOMB!!! Oh my GOSH! The first part of the book just floored me, poor Alexandra didn’t expect that, I didn’t expect it, I was so tense I felt her pain I cried for her, her innocence and her as an individual HER. The Red Rogues - Lady Alexandra Lane, Lady Cavendish and Cecilia Teague created their private girl club to read books away from their school master, they had no idea their pranks would have devastating consequences for one of them. Three women with secrets of their own create a lifelong friendship and one devastating experience that they carry for ten years. I loved the way these girls were resourceful and would do anything for each other, and Alex would do anything for them....even marry the man they call the Terror of Torcliff instead of her friend.

Piers Gedrick Atherton, the Duke of Redmayne better known as the Terror of Torcliff is a man bent on revenge but first he needs a bride. He’s a big burly man with a commanding personality that doesn’t tolerate fools, and with secrets of his own! ( oh my he’s my new book boyfriend!!!!) ) and Alex spoke to the part of him that was broken, he actually has a soft side to him that he kept hidden. At first things didn’t go well with the wedding night but slowly Piers put the pieces together and he felt her pain with everything in him! This is a breathtaking love story with a slow-burn sizzle to it. I looooved it! Kept me turning the pages to the very last page! Kerrigan Byrne really knows how to keep her readers glued to every word! Well done Kerrigan Byrne and can’t wait to read the next in the series!

I Received a Complementary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This is my honest unbiased opinion.

This story is full of mystique and adventure. The heroine, Alexandra, is brave and feisty without going overboard, I envy her career path, and I may want to steal her husband (OK, I do!).

Piers is the kind of hero I’m partial to- broody, roguish, possibly broken, wild, ...need I go on? He’s a poster boy for anti-heroes. Both are lonesome and guard their hearts with care.

Kerrigan Byrne layers romance with lots of witty banter. The result is a delightful journey.

Lady Alexandra Lane was in school with her two best friends Cecilia and Francesca who formed a group known as Red Rogue. When something horrible happened to her, her friends took care of her and supported her and helped her through. They made a pact to keep each other’s secrets and if they needed each other, they would be there. Such is the case when Francesca felt she was in danger and called for her two friends. What Francesca and Cecilia didn’t know is that for the past ten years, Alexandria has been blackmailed to keep her secret and her parents are bankrupt so she is unable to pay anymore. She meets Piers Gedrick Atherton, the Duke of Redmayne, who is to wed Francesca. He feels an attraction to Alexandra the first time he meets her but knows it isn’t going to go anywhere, or was it? Throughout this story, there is suspense and drama. There wasn’t a dull moment in this book, so needless to say I had a hard time putting it down. I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and this is my honest review.

Netgalley provided me with an ARC of this title from in exchange for an honest review.

Anything and everything Kerrigan Byrne writes should be on your autobuy list.

A man who believes his scars preclude a loving marriage, and a woman tortured by the memories of a violent past, are bound together in a marriage of lust and convenience. She is more comfortable determining the provenance of ancient artifacts than hosting an afternoon tea. He is more comfortable stalking lions than waltzing.

Piers and Alexandra are an unlikely pair drawn together like moths to the flame. The dialogue is fast-paced, whiplash smart and engaging. The character development is robust and believable. The love story at the center of the plot does not feel forced, and is a natural evolution of the trauma and intimacy the couple shares. The level of detail in the intimate scenes was extremely vivid, but always tender rather than tawdry. I'll freely admit I fell a little in love with Piers.

This book wowed me from start to finish.

I thought that this was a wonderful read and a terrific start to a brand new series. I loved Alexandra and Piers. The love that blossomed between this woman that wore her scars on the inside and this man that carries scars both on the inside and out was so beautiful that it melted my heart. I truly thought that both of these characters were incredible. Alexandra was smart, brave and strong and the situation she is in now and her painful past made my heart ache. Piers, won me over. He has some pretty big issues of his own that make him a bit unlikable at the start but as their relationship evolves and secrets are revealed he turned into a very charming, funny, protective and sweet swoon worthy book boyfriend. The engaging storyline has lots of emotions, drama, humor, suspense and mystery. The secondary cast of characters was appealing and I loved the powerful friendship that Alexandra, Francesca and Cecilia shared. An excellent romance that left me eager for book two of this series.

Beauty and The Beast come to life. The Duke of Redmayne was an adventurer till he was injured. Now people only see the scars, not the man beneath. Lady Alexandra Lane is part of trio of red heads that have vowed to never marry. She has chosen the life of an archeologist and is known in her field. From the moment they meet, there is this feeling they were meant to be. Only her friend Lady Francesca was promised to him. I love how they chose each other. There is still the matter of who is trying to kill who.

I loved the ending!

**4.5 Stars**

I think I need to start this review by pointing out that Kerrigan Byrne is a phenomenal writer. Phenomenal. One of the best in the business right now. Her descriptions in HOW TO LOVE A DUKE IN TEN DAYS blew me away. I was transported to a dark, gothic, late 1800s, and I never wanted to leave.

Whew, okay with that out of the way, clearly, I loved this book. The first in a new series about three intelligent, redheaded heroines who went to school together as girls and became best friends. HOW TO LOVE A DUKE IN TEN DAYS follows Alexandra, a woman with past scars and lots of secrets, both her own and her friends’, and Piers, a physically scarred duke in need of a bride to exact revenge.

I don’t want to say too much more about this book because all the plot twists and turns are half the fun. The pull between Piers and Alexandra is palpable. The sexual tension alone had me turning pages well into the night. Did I mention there is A+ hero groveling? A freaking plus.

Ms. Byrne did a great job of making Alexandra relatable and an enigma in many ways. She wasn’t a wallflower, but did avoid attention. She was lovely but did her best to hide her light, for many reasons. She was smart, passionate, quiet at times, outspoken at others, adventurous, and I loved that I couldn’t quite put my finger on her. She was multifaceted, like all women, making her feel entirely real to me.

As in all Kerrigan Byrne novels, the prologue is absolutely brutal, and I caution anyone who picks up this book to make sure to check the content warnings. The dedication to the #MeToo movement should be a big clue.

The romantic connection did take a while to heat up. I know KB is just setting up the series, but the beginning of the book felt like a lot of telling instead of showing. I think the first book in any series can fall prey to this, and the pacing of the last half of the book made me forgive the slow start.

Overall, this was another magnificent, sweeping epic of a romance novel. Kerrigan Byrne is a master historical romance writer, and I can’t wait to continue to devour each and every book she publishes.

**I received an ARC of this book in order to provide an honest review**

Lady Alexandra Lane was in a private school in France. She met 2 other girls with red hair and her age. They formed the Red Rogues. They all had their secrets and helped each other. Until Alexandra was raped by the schoolmaster. She was a mess and she knew that soon they would graduate and go back to England. Francesca and Cecelia were going to be there. She received an invitation from Frank and a note asking for help, it sounded frantic. She and Piers met when a huge horse that was on the train, she was in freaked out because of thunder, rain and the loud whistle of the train. she could not stand to be touched by a man and hadn't for over ten years.
This is a complicated but intriguing tale of betrayal, lies, attempted murder, and blackmail. It keeps you on your toes and mesmerized with the novel. The characters were so confused for the most part but managed to keep going. Alex was an archaeologist and loved it. She enjoyed the travel and digging thru the ruins. Cecelia was rich and Francesca toured. Not one of them wanted to marry. p[]
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4.5 stars
If I'm being truthful, I put this one off a little longer because I didn't love the last couple Victorian Rebel books. So I admit that I went into this one with some trepidation...and wasn't immediately sucked in and devoured this book. I loved the gothic feel, the three best girlfriends, the suspense, the archaeology focus...all of it. And, of course, a painful, brutal, and emotional opening that feels a trademark of a Kerrigan Byrne book. I look forward to reading about the other two Red Rogues.

Kerrigan Byrne is my go-to, auto-buy historical romance author! I have been anxiously awaiting this book and was so glad to finally read it!

This story is as much about friendships as it is romance, and that’s what I love about this author’s writing; she makes me care so deeply for everyone.

I am going to be shouting about this book to everyone I know! Everyone needs a love story like this in their life!

[Victoria’s Review]: How to Love a Duke in Ten Days by Kerrigan Byrne
[Victoria's Review]: How to Love a Duke in Ten Days by Kerrigan Byrne

This book may be unsuitable for people under 17 years of age due to its use of sexual content, drug and alcohol use, and/or violence.
[Victoria’s Review]: How to Love a Duke in Ten Days by Kerrigan ByrneHow to Love a Duke in Ten Days by Kerrigan Byrne
Series: Devil You Know #1
Pages: 448
Release Date: August 27th 2019
Genres: Adult, Fiction, Mystery, Romance
Source: Publisher
Format Read: ARC, eBook
Goodreads
Buy on Amazon

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 to one of the empire’s most wealthy eligible bachelors. Even if he does have the reputation of a devil.

LOVE TAKES NO PRISONERS

Piers Gedrick Atherton, the Duke of Redmayne, is seeking revenge 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 proposes marriage, Piers knows that, like him, trouble haunts her footsteps. But her gentleness, sharp wit, independent nature, and incredible beauty awakens every fierce desire within him. He will do whatever it takes to keep her safe in his arms.

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.


*This is a Trigger Warning for the Content in This Book: Depictions of Sexual Assault Found Within*
Wow. Wow-oh-wow.

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You guys…this book…how do I even go about writing this review?

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Kerrigan Byrne is a somewhat new-to-me author that I discovered pretty recently (approximately a year ago). I started with The Highwayman, which was the first novel in her Victorian Rebels series, and soon found myself addicted – her writing, her storytelling, the characters and settings, they gave me everything that I ever wanted in a Historical Romance. Not to mention that the *sexy-times* are pretty delicious, too.

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So when I saw that she was delving into another historical romance series, I immediately added it to my TBR. The premise alone had me hooked – strong-willed heroine (who is actually a Doctor in Archaeology, so that was fun), damaged hero (I’m a sucker for the brooding-types), a marriage-of-convenience plot (um, hello, yes), and a mysterious enemy from Lady Alexandra’s past, out to threaten everything she holds dear.

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What I was not expecting, dear reader, was how hard this book hit. I mean, it was a straight sucker punch, straight out the gate.

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I mentioned above about a trigger warning for sexual assault – within the opening pages of the prologue, there is a very intense rape sequence. Note that I do not say graphic – it is not explicit in detail, but it is intense in emotions.

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The events that follow in that prologue influence the rest of the story, especially in the character of Lady Alexandra. Her motivations, her mannerisms, her very sense of self is impacted by what happens to her as a teenager, and it is something that she works through during the course of the novel. I truly felt like the author did an incredible job balancing sensitivity and understanding of Lady Alexandra, while also depicting the mental toll that a traumatic event can have on a person. There were moments when my heart absolutely ached, because even though I (as the reader) as well as those closest to her (specifically the Red Rogues, which I’ll mention in a moment) knew and understood that what had happened was in no way her fault, the psychological torment that she put herself through were understandable. Lady Alexandra was such an amazing character, and I can’t help but admire her courage and strength – as well as that of the writer who allowed her to story to be told.

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I also loved this book for the amazing way it depicted female friendships – the Red Rogues, comprised of Lady Alexandra, Cecelia Teague, and Francesca Cavendish, Countess of Mont Clair, have been friends since school, united not only in the color of their hair (all possessing varying shades of red), but also in their belief that women can appreciate, and should take part in, all the activities and discussions that men do. Cecelia and Francesca are there for Alexandra, and she for them, throughout anything that comes their way. Their loyalty and love towards one another is something that I wish we saw more of in literature (and in life) – women supporting women. From what I understand, this series is setting up to be a trilogy, following the exploits of the Red Rogues – and I cannot wait to see what happens!

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Now let us talk of our daring hero – the Terror of Torcliff, the Duke of Redmayne, Piers Gedrick Atherton. Having returned from his explorations physically scarred, in addition to the emotional scars that the women in his life have left upon him, this brooding man is immediately captivated by the Lady Alexandra (this isn’t an insta-love situation – she literally stops a rampaging horse in its tracks). I absolutely adored Piers, simply for his infallibility. Despite whatever outward reputation that he’s maintained, he is deeply vulnerable and wounded by the experiences he’s been molded by, and just like Alexandra, has to work through them before he can fully care for and love another person. I loved Piers with Alexandra, and you better believe that my heart broke a little when he found out about what she had been through. Piers, you are a good man, and I really hope that there are more of you out there in this world – with or without a title.

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Simply put, I adored this book. It was emotional and captivating and incredibly well-executed in the handling of the characters and the material. Be sure to head to your nearest bookstore or retailer and buy all of Kerrigan Byrne’s work – I know that I will.

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how to love a duke in ten days starts off brutally, we learn the secrets the red rogues are keeping, have witnessed the violence they've suffered, the things they were forced to do to survive. it's not easy to read. but, and this is a credit to the author, you are compelled to keep reading. it's riveting.

these characters are shrouded in danger, in mystery. and when alexandra is forced to break a promise she made after experiencing sexual assault and put her trust in a man, it's lucky that the man turns out to be piers atherton, duke of redmayne, because even though he knows there's darkness in her past, there is something about alexandra that compels piers to want more.

but he's also everything she's been afraid of for a decade. winning her over won't be easy. but their journey is so delectably worth it.

**how to love a duke in ten days will publish on august 27, 2019. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/st. martin's press in exchange for my honest review.

Very intense and emotional. Lady Alexandra Lane and family are running out of funds so she needs a rich husband immediately. She finds Piers Gedrick Atherton, the Duke of Redmayne, one the the most eligible bachelors. He's seeking revenge for past misdeeds and needs a wife. She proposes to him and he knows she's trouble. I recommend this one for fans of historical romance.

How To Love A Duke In Ten Days by Kerrigan Byrne is the first volume of her new series titled Devil You Know. The next volumes will be All Scot And Bothered and The Importance Of Being An Earl, expected in March and September 2020. I already know who will be the heroes of the next volumes, which you’ll know too from the beginning of the book.
It’s my first Kerrigan Byrne yet she’s already been published in French. Until now I haven’t had the occasion to discover her because of my TBR stack however it's not like I didn't want to. That’s why when her publisher asked me to review her novel, I didn’t hesitate especially as I really liked the synopsis.
All in all I really liked the book. The writing is flowing, dynamic, and we are interested in the characters and what will happen to them.

The book features Lady Alexandra Lane and Piers Gedrick Atherton, Duke of Redmayne, who decide to marry officially for practical reasons, unofficially just because they each fall in love at first sight with the other. However, for diverse reasons, none of them want to confess the feelings inside them, either for themselves or for the other.
I could say the novel is divided in three parts:
- the prologue is very hard especially the first half. However the second half is quite enjoyable;
- the second part in which the heroes meet, frequent each other and try not to yield to their attraction;
- the last part where they are married and the secrets begin to be revealed with more or less sad consequences. It’s in this part that the book title takes all its meaning.
The prologue is what will determine the mood of the whole story. I can’t say more here and I prefer letting you discover what happens. Let’s just say we understand perfectly the reactions of the concerned person and we appreciate the choices and zest for life in spite of everything. At no moment we can blame this character for not revealing everything to the other.

I loved the novel in spite of its difficult beginning. The characters are very likeable and we wish them all the joy possible. The evolution of the feelings is believable. However, there’s not many love scenes but there is sensuality, which is a choice by the author. This book is also very romantic with very touching love gestures especially from the hero who at some point will blame himself for his behavior.

There’s also some suspense that is well done. At one point I had a doubt about the name of the culprit but I was still very surprised by the resolution and the motivations.

The important secondary characters are very interesting and I must say I can’t wait to read the second volume. I loved the relation between the heroine and her friends; they support each other despite all opposition.

To conclude, I recommend this book without hesitation. Be it the romance side or the suspense, or when it comes to the characters, you’ll have a good time in this universe.

This was my first Byrne Kerrigan's book, and won't be my last. This is the first book in he Devil You Know Series. OMG! I love this dark historical romance! All the characters are great. Alexandra is a beautiful and strong character. Her past is heartbreaking. I love Piers. He is handsome, bossy, alpha, but also loving, caring and protective. They are perfect together, and their chemistry is strong. Alexandra's friends, Cecilia and Francesca, are beautiful. I love their friendship. The storyline is absolutely captivating, filled with mystery, and secrets. This book is also available in audiobook, and I would love to revisit it this way. I highly recommend this story. Now, I'm looking forward for the next book in the series, and for more books written by this author.

Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for introducing me to a new author and the delightful start of a new series. How to Love a Duke in Ten Days is a wonderful historical romance, taking place in the late 1800’s, when things were starting to become a little more modern but women were still expected to know their place. This is a tale that is full of laugh out loud humor and seriously sexy scenes (and a Duke, sigh!), but a story that also deals with some very somber issues in a sensitive, realistic manner. Something terrible, unspeakable, happened to Alexandra at the young age of 17 and, at least in her eyes, it has ruined her life forever. She has a very successful career in a field usually reserved for men doing work she loves, many casual friends, and the love, trust and undying friendship of the two schoolmates who were there when the horrible event occurred and who share her secret. But as for men, that’s another story. They bring nothing but trouble and heartache and Alex has no intention of opening her heart to one. Besides, if her secret ever comes out no one will ever want her anyway, and the lives of her friends Cecilia and Francesca will now be ruined because of her as well.

But enter Piers Gedrick Atherton, the Duke of Redmayne, brave and strong (and sullen and angry), once breathtakingly handsome but now known as the Terror of Torcliff due to a disfiguring accident. What follows is oh so funny and sweet and also sad and thought-provoking and dangerous and scary. This isn’t just a story about lords and ladies and how true love should conquer all; there is a real plot and storyline and some excellent writing in How to Love a Duke in Ten Days. The characters are well-developed and interesting, with deep backstories and motivations. And the danger feels real. It’s complicated and as the story moves along you aren’t sure who is in danger and why. What seemed obvious isn’t obvious at all.

After some very exciting events and some fun and romance How to Love a Duke in Ten Days arrives at a very satisfying conclusion, with just enough tidbits left hanging to whet your appetite for what will hopefully be two more books in the series about Cecilia and Francesca.

I received a copy of this book from St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. I loved it, highly recommend it, and can’t wait for this entertaining story to continue.

I am such a huge fan of the Victorian Rebels series that when a new Kerrigan Byrne series-starter was announced for the anticipated August release instead of Inspector Morley's story, I was slightly disappointed. That feeling didn't last long because this new Devil You Know series promises the same intensity and vivid imagery that made me love Kerrigan's books from the first moment I started reading them in 2015.

How to Love a Duke in Ten Days introduces five (?) of the compelling characters in this new series: Alexandra and Piers, Cecelia and Case, and Francesca. (I have a suspicion about who Francesca's partner will be. I won't spoil it for those who haven't read the book yet, but I'm pretty sure it's someone from her past.) A close friendship, hair color, and shared secrets bind the three female leads while familial ties connect two of their love interests. Kerrigan drew each character so distinctively, I can picture them in my head clearly.

She did the same with the book's many locations and action sequences, so much so that it has the feel of a gothic screenplay. There's plenty of violence -- from the shocking Prologue to the dramatic denouement. There are also tender moments in between wherein Piers and Alexandra learn one another on their way to falling in love. Instant chemistry, mutual interest in exploration, and emotional connection make these two work as a couple. After suspicions, misunderstandings, secrets, and threats to their lives, their happy-ever-after is well-deserved.

Both are heavily scarred. Piers physically, from a skirmish with a jaguar, and emotionally, from a negligent mother and an unfaithful lover that colored his opinion of women. Alexandra's sexual assault when she was a teenager and the tragic events afterward forever changed her personality. Fear, shame, and guilt warred within her despite accomplishing so much from her archaeological pursuits. Their coming together is a miracle only a romance novel and a talented author who wrote it can achieve.

The use of male names for the female characters, an abundance of villains, and the over-elaborate language are some of the elements I didn't fully appreciate, but aside from these, I really liked this book and I'm extremely excited for All Scot and Bothered --Cecelia and Ramsay's story.