Beauty and the Beast is one of my favourite tropes in romance. I can't resist when I find a book that centres on this theme. This book takes that theme and creates a story all of its own. Our hero has many limitations not least of which is his inability for physical relations. Alex has given up on even looking for love because his many medical advisers telling him he is impotent.  while he can be harsh at times, the reader knows exactly why he acts that way. he is a hero you root for

Kitty is desperate and resourceful. her motivation is always her family and she isn't afraid to ruin her own reputation if it means her family are well cared for. She sees beyond Alex's limitations and has every intention of paying him back for all his help. 

I highly recommend Ms Reid's works to any historical romance fans. she creates rich imaginative characters and i am eagerly awaiting the next in this new and exciting series.

I received an arc of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Stacy Reid does it again! Who does love a good scintillating and sexy duke. I certainly do and this latest release from the incomparable Ms. Reid was everything I hoped for, I fell in love right along with the characters and devoured the novel in one prolonged sitting. I only wish there had been a second new book from the author to jump right into when I was finished. This was a wonderful read and I will certainly be recommending it to my friends,

Miss Katherine Danvers has always been a wallflower. But now, with her family on the brink of financial ruin, she finds herself a desperate wallflower. To save her family, she'll do anything. Luckily, she has the perfect plan...
When Katherine pretends to be betrothed to the reclusive and mysterious Duke of Thornton, Alexander Masters, she never imagined he would come to London seeking her out. After all the man had not even been heard from in ten years and is rumored to be either mad or dead.
Association to the notorious man is just what she needs to save her family. Soon everything gets totally out of control when the Duke's solicitors show up and ensconce herself, her mother and sisters in a townhouse they never could have afforded on their own. But when the enigmatic Alexander Masters suddenly arrives at a ball, dashing and oh so angry, he demands retribution. Except not in the way Katherine expected…
Stacy Reid has seldom disappointed this reader and not at all on this occasion. She has in fact surpassed everything I have come to expect from her. This book being maybe the best I have ever read from her.
This book gets a score of 4.9 of 5.0 (rounded up to 5 stars) for story line, plot and characterization.
I loved this book and went back to reread several chapters again.
I received a complimentary ARC of this title via NetGalley to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this New Years Eve release which I read and am reviewing voluntarily.

“You are the only person I’ve ever wanted to share my silence.”

Miss Katherine “Kitty” Danvers is going to be bold, daring, and a wee bit wicked to save her sisters from spinsterhood. Claiming to be the betrothed to the recluse Duke of Thornton, Kitty knows her family will begin to receive invitations to balls, dinners, and all the top social functions of the ton. Being a “duchess” will make her sisters stand out amidst the crowd, and will give them the opportunity to find husbands to care and protect them. But when the Duke of Thornton suddenly comes out of hiding to meet his soon to be duchess, Kitty is not at all prepared for the “Beast” she encounters, nor the way her heart beats faster, but not out of fear…

Alexander Master, the Duke of Thornton, starts hearing rumors of his upcoming marriage to a Miss Katherine Danvers. Wondering who would dare claim to want to be engaged to a beast of a man, Alex begins to study and gather as much information about this bold woman. With his curiosity spiked, Alex does the one thing he vowed not to do…enter back into society if for no other reason than to lay his eyes on Miss Danvers. But when she does not shy away from his appearance, and in fact looks upon him with something akin to desire, Alex knows he must possess her…at least until she no longer interests him…

To convince her darling duke he is worthy of love and a happily ever after, Kitty must use the same wicked boldness that started their affair…and hope she doesn’t lose her heart in the process.

Stacy Reid is a new to me author I am ever so thankful to have discovered! My Darling Duke reads like Phantom of the Opera meets Beauty and the Beast (two of my fav kinds of romance). While heartbreaking at times, I devoured every page. Loved and highly recommend!


**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. **

A phenomenal love story of a desperate wallflower with the responsibility of her widowed mother and three sisters. In a wicked move she declares herself engaged to the Duke of Thornton, who lives in Scotland and has not been to London in eight years. All she needs is time to get at least one sister married, in hopes for the second and the coming out of the third. When the mysterious Duke makes an appearance at a ball, Katherine sees it all fall apart. Stacy Reid has written the most emotional love story that had me laughing or in tears most of the time. A five star review isn't enough for this keeper!!! I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

One of my favourite HR reads of the year.

Kitty and Alexander’s story was like nothing I have read. I loved the slow burn feel of their relationship and the fact he wasn’t your average dashing hero. She had a backbone and he definitely needed her to bring some joy back to his life.

I also really enjoyed the premise of the group of friends - the Sinful Wallflowers. Their camaraderie and wit was a great change of pace for female characters in this book. Will definitely be reading more from this series.

Alexander Masters, Duke of Thornton, was disfigured when his home had caught fire and he ran to save everyone, his parents and sister. He managed to save his sister by having to jump out a window from the third floor. He was scarred over at least half his body and the pain was excruciating when he tried to stand. He had been in isolation for ten years and lived in Scotland.
Katherine Iphigenia Danvers along with her three sisters and mother were very poor after their father died. The new Viscount would not help them. They lived in Cheapside and struggled day to day. Kitty as being the oldest tried to take care of everyone but she was a wallflower and a nobody. But she and her sisters in the little group of the Sinful Wallflowers there were five ladies including her, who tried to help each other find a husband. A nice one. She had decided to be betrothed to the Duke of Thornton. Nobody had seen him in ages and when a new rumor about him came out he ignored it. So she felt fairly safe.
I have the good luck to have read several of Stacy Reid's enchanting books. I love her writing, it has always been so engrossing. Her characters are always warm and she uses them to keep the tale entertaining. Her words flow smoothly, are easy to read, and exciting. It should be noted that this is sexy and is detailed. I very highly recommend this wonderful book.
I received this from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.

Prepare to be fall in love with Katherine and Alexander’s story!
Rarely do I come across a book that pulls me in, takes me on a journey of strength, discovery and love. I devoured this book, flipping the pages and learning more about our sweet and courageous Katherine. Our strong and frightening hero, that has suffered so much and is afraid to believe in love.

As the excerpt describes, we find Katherine embarking on a fake engagement so that she can help her sisters find husbands. Little did she know that one lie would lead to another and before you know it she is living in a town home and having credit opened up to be charged to Alexander so that she can shop. The rumors reach Alexander, who has become a recluse after suffering from a devastating trauma due to a fire in his home that claimed his parents. He was able to save his sister but at the price of fracturing his legs and having some severe burning. Your heart just aches for him, for his strength,.

So this fiancé intrigues him and he decides to travel to London to meet her. I love how Katherine refused to back down, even when he was a jerk, she held her ground. She was never frightened of him and instead was so drawn to him. There was a part in the book when Alexander meets Katherine’s mom that I loved. How her mom did not pity or cower away from him but stood there and stare straight at him and just understood and welcomed him. I was also amazed on how she pushed Katherine to join Alexander at his castle, knowing that it may be a devastating scandal for her daughter but yet accepting that she was of an age to make her decisions.

This is a love story, a time of discovery, hope. How two people that have given up on love are faced with a special time and gift. It was very lovely and I so enjoyed reading it. I look forward to the next books in the series!

Oh my! With such a tormented, broken hero, it is no wonder I was completely captivated by every word in this book.

When Kitty is in desperate need to help her family she makes a wicked decision, sure that she is safe from her lie being discovered. At least by the man she has unknowingly pulled into her deception.

Alexander lives a lonely life. He has no hope for the future and lives with the memories of horror as his constant companion. But when he learns about Kitty and the con that she is pulling on London’s society, rather than anger he is intrigued. And soon he is stepping out of the shadows of his home and back into society where Kitty offers the sweetest kind of hope that can never be fulfilled.

’He wanted to know more...everything about her until this perplexing hunger was sated. And suddenly he needed to possess her more than his next breath.’


While Kitty was an interesting heroine, it was Alexander that ruled this story. My heart ached for him and all that he had suffered, continues to suffer. I wanted, needed, him to have a happy ever after. And yet I wasn’t ever sure that was going to happen and if so, what it was going to look like.

This is a pretty angsty read with Alexander’s and Kitty’s relationship being the focal point for the drama. Though there is a lot of push and pull from Alexander, it was completely understandable. While you won’t find your standard alpha hero here, you will find a man who struggles with not only what is currently happening to him, but what the future holds.

I’m looking forward to reading more about Kitty’s friends and learning what wickedness they get themselves into.

Wallflowers are usually not devious, but some are desperate enough to go to extremes. Miss Katherine Danvers thinks that the only way to pull her family out of ruination is to use the name of the mysterious Duke of Thorton. When she declares Thorton as her fiance, her world changes in ways she never expects. Money, attention, and a new townhouse come from out of nowhere. While keeping a tally of all the money she’ll need to pay back to the duke, she almost faints when the reclusive duke shows up at a ball.

Alexander Masters, the Duke of Thorton, was injured and scarred in a fire where he rescued his sister but lost his parents. He has kept himself and his sister away from London in the safety of his Scottish estate. When word of his engagement reaches him, he instructs his lawyers to continue to help Miss Danvers in any of her endeavors. When he returns to London, he shows up at a ball in a half mask and sitting in a wheelchair. His injuries prevent him from walking or standing for long periods. He also believes he is impotent. Impotency is a big issue in this novel. While it doesn’t prevent the fated couple from falling in love, it does cause Alex to claim he will never marry.

Stacy Reid has done it again. I swear, everything I read of hers is worthy of five gold stars! Her world-building is impeccable. Her characters are realistic and engaging. When I cry both tears of joy and sorrow throughout reading a novel, I feel truly blessed.

If you are a historical romance fiend such as myself, READ THIS BOOK NOW!!! This is only the first in the Sinful Wallflowers series, but Reid has many other fantastic books to read.

I received My Darling Duke for free. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

This is my first book by this author, and I'm wondering why no one has pushed her in front of me before now. I couldn't get enough of this book, and her words.

There is so much emotion that leaps off of the pages. The story was consuming, and the characters were everything. I swooned hard, I fell in love, my heart broke, and I couldn't get enough. I just recently got into historical romance books. I've been looking for authors in the genre that could invoke a range of emotions from me while I read - she will be one of them. I think some authors get so lost in trying to recreate the time and everything from that period. I feel when they do this they lose sight of romance in the story. The characters have no chemistry, the story doesn't hold your attention like it should, and it all just goes flat. Stacy is not one of those authors, she checked every box for me.

I'm off to read her back list of books. She's on my radar now, and I'm so excited to get anything new from her.

received an ARC of this book to read through NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. My Darling Duke by Stacy Reid is the first book in the new Sinful Wallflower series. The Sinful Wallflowers are a group of young ladies who tired of being passed by have decided to take decisive action. Katharine (Kitty) Danvers wants to ensure her sisters make suitable matches but she doesn’t have the connections and they don’t have any dowries. She comes up with the idea of pretending to be engaged to Alexander Masters, Duke of Thornton a recluse who never comes to London. While her plan is successful it’s also getting out of hand because between the scandal sheets and the Duke’s lawyers deciding that they should be finding her a house to live in, gowns for balls and a carriage, she has no idea how she will repay all of this. Alexander was severely injured in the fire that took his parents lives, It took a long time for him to heal and he is still badly scared from his injuries. When the news of his engagement reaches him he is at first amused by the audacity of the young woman and then determines he must meet this mysterious lady. This is a delightful Beauty and the Beast story and I enjoyed it very much. Great banter, Medium Steam. Publishing Date December 31, 2019 #NetGalley #MyDarlingDuke #StacyReid #BeautyandtheBeast #EntangledPublishing #EntangledAmara #historicalromance #bookstagram

This was a new to me author and I was in love with the cover and synopsis and beyond excited when my wish was granted by the publisher.

I love love loved Kitty and Alexander. They’re both smart, stubborn, good people in seemingly difficult situations. They’re so much alike, it was delightful reading them navigate this fake real relationship. Oh, and I could have choked on the chemistry between them. Alexander’s sister, Penny is charming, and even the household staff was impertinent and so supportive.

Plot wise it was fantastic. There’s loads of communication and yes, it’s not always the complete truth, but I never tired of the inner monologue from either MC. The thread of Alexander’s injury had a new to me aspect and I really enjoyed reading them figure things out. Yes, I’m being vague on purpose.

Overall, I was basically smitten with these characters from the very first page and I’m thrilled the story delivered. I will definitely be reading this story again, putting the next in the series on my TBR, and eagerly hunting down Stacy’s backlist while I wait.

**Huge thanks to Entangled: Amara for providing the arc free of charge**

My Darling Duke by Stacy Reid is quite the unusual historical romance. And you're probably thinking, "What's unusual about another beauty and the beast story with a scarred hero?" Plenty, actually.

Miss Kitty Danvers decides to make up a lie to save her family from penury. The newspapers and gossip pages are constantly publishing unfounded stories about the reclusive Duke of Thornton. The Duke has never bothered to write back to prove or disprove any of these claims. Kitty decides to take advantage of the latest gossip about the Duke snatching up a fiancee — she pens a letter to the media confirming that she is the betrothed of the elusive Duke. Right away, Kitty and her sister become belles of the ball and her sister finally has a chance of finding a husband. Kitty doesn't expect the Duke to respond to this lie, but imagine her shock when he actually returns to society and meets her for the first time in public.

It's been 10 years since Alexander survived a tragic event, which scarred a good portion of his body and has left him bound to a wheelchair. But with years of determination and effort, he is able to walk for 2-3 hours a day. When he finds out about Kitty's scheme, he is intrigued by her impudence and decides to meet her in person. He agrees to the fake betrothal for reasons of his own and ends up spending time with Kitty out of curiosity. He even summons her to his estate in Scotland, where they spend a lot of time together. Alexander is bound to discover all he can about the woman who has revived his interest in things that have laid dormant for 10 years.

My Darling Duke is a friends to lovers relationship and it's a little slow paced because the author takes her time to set up the story and its characters. It's also very angsty, emotional and a slow burn. The hero is very unusual in his characterization. He's unpredictable to say the least. I know we've all read multiple historical romances with scarred heroes who hide themselves away in their castles. But this one is different. It takes place after the beast has learned to accept his fate — for the most part. And this scarred hero is medically declared impotent due to his injuries. I've never actually read a romance novel with an impotent hero before, so this was a first for me. It was very interesting to read about how the hero deals with his impotency when he's finally falling in love with a woman he admires and desires. He's harsh at times, but in all honesty, I couldn't blame him because his harshness comes from a place of grief and hurt. I'm no medical expert, so I can't confirm the veracity of the depiction of impotency in this book. But I think the author did a great job showing us the complex emotions involved as the characters try to start a relationship, especially a physical one.

So yea, this one was different for me. If you have any more recommendations of books with impotent heroes, please let me know!

Just could not put this down. Katherine Danvers and her group of friends are wallflowers and have been overlooked to achieve wedded bliss. Katherine decides that if she is going to get her sisters married and settled she has to be bold and steam roll ahead. Most talked about the Duke of Thornton has not been seen for years. Plan is to announce him as her fiance thinking that he will never know about it. Plans never turn out like they should and when the Duke appears deals are made and surprises ensue. A copy of this book was provided by Entangled via NetGalley with no requirements for a review. Comments here are my honest opinion."

Alexander is often times stumped stupid by his woman, "he stumbled, dropping back onto the chaise longue, and stared up at her in aroused shock. “Miss Danvers… Katherine… I… I…” Sweet Christ, he had no notion of what he wanted to say." I really liked this book, I loved the witty banter between Alexander and Kitty.

Miss Katherine Danvers has always been a wallflower. But now, with her family on the brink of financial ruin.When I started reading I couldn't put it down.Stacy Reid is magnifysent and amazing writer.I cannot wait to read more of there books.Keep up the great work.You should definitely read this book.Can't wait for the next book.

My first thought was that this was like an overachiever in school coming up with creative ways to find more of a challenge in the classroom. Stacy Reid has come to perfect historical romances so why not challenge herself with a storyline that seems physically impossible to turn into a romance. I shouldn't have been surprised when I was drawn into this heartbreaking yet beautiful story of wallflower Miss Katherine “Kitty” Danvers and the reclusive, scarred and broken Duke of Thornton, Alexander Masters.

When it was lies told by Kitty that brought these two together, it was refreshing to have it be her complete honesty with Alexander that helped move (in more ways them one) them towards their HEA.

Another winner in what looks to be a great series.

Stacy Reid is one of my utmost favorite historical romance writer for a reason and this book by far is the best I have read from her.

Basically, I loved everything about this book and could not find any flaw that comes to mind. The plot of the book is reminiscent of Beauty and the Beast and quite honestly had Kitty did not explicitly say so in the book I would not have realized the similarity, I was quite daft to not see it.

Reading the plot unfold I was enraptured withe the blossoming friendship and romance between Kitty and Alexander, their companionship and banter with each other was so sweet to read. It was really nice to see that Kitty just accepted Alexander as he is and just intruded into his life as if they had been lifelong friends.

As you can see, the friendship between them is what got to me and not the sexual interlude between them. Don't get me wrong I live for the sex scenes when reading historical romance but in this case I felt like the friendship between the two protagonist held my attention and feelings more.

There is nothing much to say in regards to the characters because I adored them. I found Alexander to be such a kind and sweet man and Kitty to be so entertaining whereby she does things to purposely annoy and tease Alexander and occasionally he would do the same to her.

I wanted to talk about one aspect of the book I immensely enjoyed but cannot reveal as it might be a spoiler but all I will say is that I liked how the author wrote Alexander's flaw and made it consistent throughout the book. I really appreciated that.

In conclusion, I love this book. This book by Stacy Reid is by far my favorite that I have read from her as I am a sucker for friendship-romance type of plots. I highly recommend this book.

When caught up, what a miss guilty of the deception of impersonating the betrothed of duke is to do ...

I am a sucker for the beauty and beast trope, so even if it had not been written by Mrs Stacy Reid an author I do adore, I would have read it.
But here, I was sure and certain to not be disappointed.
This story goes beyond the usual scarred lord, it is not about a disfigured man, it is a demonstrative tale showing all the sufferings a crippled man went through and still faces.
When I loved easily Katherine, I just adored Alexander.
Katherine has finally decided she has reached her breaking point, she has to do something or there will be no HEA awaiting her family, and even if it is deceptive, it is to offer her sisters a better outcome than hers.
She is aware of the risk, she knows ruin lurks in the corner if she is caught; whatever, she will do it.
And when she is confronted, despite her inner fears, she faces head held high the man who holds her future in his hands.
I loved that albeit she is shaken to her core, she does not cower, and even straighten herself for what is to come. She is very devoted to her family, yet in Alexander’s presence, she feels more brazen, she is tempted to dream for things she has thought not for her. Her caring and devotion whether is for her family or Alexander, she is ready to alter everything in her future if it will bring happiness or contentment to them.

What Alexander went through is just inconceivable, the pain, hurt and loss, nobody can fathom it except him. It is only by his own will, he was able to make progress one step at a time.
It is not often I have read about the impotency a crippled person might suffer, as the usual historical hero is generally more a rake than a saint. Mrs Stacy Reid does not shy away, and her hero must deal with his inability, the humbling that goes it and what it calls for the future.
Thus a hero who can’t see himself condemning a woman to a life without pleasure nor children.
Yet, without being an erotica story, it is a very sensual tale, as while they journey together, get to know the other, Kitty is introduced slowly to the pleasure of the flesh when old stirring sensations Alexander thought dead appear from time to time, as if all was not completely lost.
Ensues a battle of wills, as Katherine fights to pass his inner defense when he tries to keep her at arm’s length.
They have their flaws and pride, why they make mistakes but never and nothing can reshape the love they have for one another.

5 stars for this stirring and poignant love story beyond physical limitations and life expectations.

Can’t wait to learn more about Katherine’s group of friends, each having her own challenge to deal with.

I was granted by the publisher Entangled an advance copy, I prior to it preordered my own.
Here is my true and unbiased opinion.