Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this title.

I was a bit nervous when I started this book, as I felt our hero was a bit much. But once the situation is clear to both I was able to settle in and fully enjoy myself. I thought that the characters were strong, in charge of their own destiny, and worked well as individuals and together. The length was refreshing as I am used to longer historicals. Overall a great read.

A Duke, not concerned with getting to know the woman he's to marry offers for a woman in love with another. Get ready for some fireworks. Loved the story and characters. Definitely recommended.
Thank you Bella Moxie, Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me an advance copy for my honest feedback.

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

Debutante Evangeline Dalton knows that entry into society comes with the goal of marriage, but she is already in love, and cares nothing for the gentlemen of the ton. Unfortunately, she draws the attention of the rakish Duke of Raffian, and from the moment he sees her, he wants her. And Raff is not one to be told no. When it's clear that there's no way out but marriage to the devilishly handsome duke, Evangeline promises that she will never let him into her heart, even if he is in her bed.

I found myself binging the Dukes Gone Dirty series recently, and enjoyed how quick and engaging each book was. The Duke's Defiant Angel was one I wasn't too sure what to expect, considering the heroine was sort of forced into the marriage, but the way the couple came together, first through lust, and then with genuine feelings, was great to read. There's a really good cast of characters too, with a villain becoming obvious which is a plot point across the series, and Raff's friends, Benedict and Hayden, the heroes of the subsequent books. A good start to the series.

The Devil’s Seduction

Was he the devil, or was there more to this determined duke than met the eye? One thing was certain; he was a man obsessed. Evangeline had another man in mind, and it was not this forceful duke. The two would have a journey full of challenges that they must overcome. There were secrets that must come to the light, and the two must acknowledge that they have fallen in love, hook, line, and sinker. I enjoyed this story and would recommend it to those who like steamy, historical romance. It was my first read by this author, and it won’t be my last.

I was hooked with the word Duke. Oh boy, yes. Historical romances are my jam. They are good and bring a bit of romance and loved it. this one was a good one.

Raff, Duke, rake, and man about town, decides it's time to get married and finds debutante Evangeline at the first ball he attends. Raff doesn't bother getting to know "Angel" or even speak with her. He imbues her with all these qualities of docility, femininity, and tranquility and feels like she will be the perfect duchess. Angel is actually in love with someone else and is quite livid when her father accepts Raff for her. On their wedding night, she expresses her anger and dislikes to Raff, taking him by surprise. The rest of the book is a courtship between Raff and his new bride as they navigate marriage and fall in love.

This book started with the best sentence and worked well as a novella. But personally, for me, it dragged in areas and took too long to get to the real steam. Based on the other reviews, I was expecting a lot more than the book delivered. But I did like the characters and I am curious as to the other books in this series.

I have not had the opportunity to read anything by this author before and I was excited to try this book out. I was not disappointed! This is the first installment of a deliciously captivating new series, Dukes Gone Dirty. Raff is a duke who has made the decision to find a bride. He spies Evangeline and immediately becomes obsessed with her. As bold and daring as Rafe is, Evangeline is the complete opposite, docile and shy. But Raff should not be fooled by her shyness, because she is perfectly capable of standing up for herself and speaking her mind. She is in love with another, and doesn't want to marry Raff. But when circumstances happen and she is unable to avoid it, she gives him a vow. He will have her body, but never her heart and soul. Raff knows his commands can only go so far and has plans of his own. He will not lay a hand on Evangeline until she willingly comes to him. As their journey of love begins and progresses, Raff learns a lot about his own heart and they both must learn to trust each other. A captivating and sensual journey, this story was both engaging and entertaining. The dialogue between the two was also witty and fun to read. I am looking forward to the upcoming books of the series.

I received a complimentary copy from Dragonblade Publishing via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

Yowza!

When the Duke of Rafferton decides he needs to marry, he is determined to find his duchess. Then live his life as he wants. What he never expected was to find her at the first ball.
"Pretty, they'd said? What a tepid word. She wasn't merely pretty, she was dazzling in her beauty. She was dazzling in her beauty, incomparable.....an angel."

Evangeline is in love with another man and has no interest in Raff. But in a twist, her father accepts his suit and she is forced to marry him.

But, even rakes can change can't they? Well, it is a sensual journey with many secrets coming out and a love that wants to grow, if only they can acknowledge their feelings!!

In The Duke’s Defiant Angel, Raff the Duke of Raffian is a notorious Rake who has no plans of staying faithful to one woman, even his wife. Evangeline is a shy young lady who hates social functions and would rather be in the country than the city. Once Raff sets eyes on Evangeline, he decides he wants her as his wife, and nothing will stand in his way from getting what or who he wants.

This is a steamy enemies to lovers story.

I very much enjoyed watching Raff go from obsession to realizing that he loves Evangeline. Watching these two characters grow as they realized that they loved each other was fun. It was by no means an easy journey because of their childhoods and beliefs. This was a good book and I’m looking forward to seeing how the remaining 3 friends find their wives and the journeys they take to get to their HEA.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

William Cooper, Duke of Raffian has decided it's time for him to find a bride and sire his heir. There are plenty of pretty young women just begging to marry a duke. Our extremely arrogant hero doesn't expect to become obsessed with one woman.

Miss Evangeline Dalton reluctantly agreed to attend one ball. Her parents insisted she at least try and meet some more men before marrying the man she says she wants. Our heroine has always been incredibly shy. The whole idea of being the center of attention terrifies her.

This is a sexy historical romance filled with lovely characters and quite a few giggles. The personalities of our protagonists are complete opposites and it's hard to imagine how they can even live in the same house. It's the first book in a new series that I will definitely be reading more of.

I loved it.

What a wonderful start to a new series! William Cooper (or Raff) is the Duke of Raffian. Raff has decided it is time to marry and sire an heir. His two closest friends are not as enthusiastic to marry as Raff is determined to do this Season Raff figures he will find a wife, get her with child (hopefully the heir), and while his wife resides in the country Raff can continue his life in London.
At his first ball, Raff sees Miss Evangeline Dalton, and decides she is the one for him. Evangeline is shy, and believes herself in love with Albert, a neighbor back home. However, her father has the say in who she marries and accepts Raff's offer.
I loved Raff and Evangeline's characters, their chemistry, and how they interacted with each other. I thought it very romantic that Raff was willing to wait until Evangeline gave herself to him.

Oh, this story is so steamy and sexy!! I loved it!
From the moment Raff sets eyes on the fair-haired debutante with the angelic smile, he knows he must have her. And he has a plan. He is a duke, after all. And she will be his. Evangeline has plans of her own, however, and they don't call for an overwhelming brute who’s never heard the word no—until now. When she can't evade marriage, she makes a new vow. He may own her body, but he'll never have her love. But in this battle of wills, they might just lose their hearts.
This love story is easy to read and engaging. Raff is proud and overwhelming. He’s been lonely most of his life and he’s accustom to have always his way. He’s sure he is marring the perfect docile and beautiful duchess and he’s shock when he discovered that under the shy façade lives an outspoken and fire woman. Evangeline, Angel, has been cossetted all her life and is infatuated with the second son of a baron. When her father marries her off to the Duke, she promised both of them her heart will never be his. But as they start spending time together, they began to realize that there’s a lot more between them that HOT HOT sex and surrender.
The attraction between them is right on the pages and the sexy times are really nice written. The dialogs are smart, witty and meaningful. There are a few moments that the main characters can be a bit frustrating, but that just make them more real to me.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Such a dirty duke!

Raff is almost unbearably arrogant and selfish, pursuing Evangeline for her beauty alone, regardless of her wishes. He all but forces her into marriage, but stops short of being openly cruel to her.

Evangeline is so much more than just a pretty face. She's got a spine of steel that enables her to accept being sold to the highest bidder without losing her sense of self. She may not have control over much in her life, but she can retain ownership of her heart. She may have to change eventually, but she sure won't be the first.

I really enjoyed their dance as they figured out just what to do with their marriage. Raff's gradual journey toward caring about someone other than himself was beautifully written, staying true to his initial character while allowing for tremendous personal growth.

This book appears to set up the series to focus on Raff's three friends, as all four of the gentlemen have agreed to a pact wherein they each will seek a bride during the current Season. This story certainly was a steamy as the blurb promised, but it also delivered an extraordinary romance with depth and emotional authenticity. I am looking forward to reading more in this series. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

The Duke's Defiant Angel by Bella Moxie is Moxie's first book for Dragonblade. I cannot tell you how much I loved this novel. Those I do need to post a warning: the sex is explicit and pervasive. William Cooper, the Duke of Raffian is looking for a wife. As a rake he should be off limits, but since he was a duke, no one cared what else he was. He was with his two friends, the Marquess of Hayden and Benedict, the Earl of Foster. Their fourth friend, Malcolm, the heir to the Earl of Fallen more was not looking as he had been betrothed almost since birth. The former was drunk, as was often the case, and the latter was badly scarred, the remains of a fire. All had agreed that this was the years to marry. None were enthusiastic, until William (Raff) spied he one for him. The decision was made. Miss Evangeline Dalton was his. She didn't feel the same way. She had met her match, Albert, the second son of a baron who lived near her in the country, and was here only to please her parents. As it turns out, her father was in dire need of money and Raff was able to meet his demands and before you know it. Evangeline and Raff were standing before an altar exchanging vows.

Evangeline (called Angel by her husband) was not happy and let Raff know in her bedchamber that evening. He assured he could wait until she was begging him, as he knew she would, and that it was up to her to keep him faithful. It was not his plan, and he was open about wanting her pregnant before he resumed his rakish life. He then began a concerted march toward making her his wife in reality and unbeknownst to himself, fell in love. It was all physical. She loved it. She had had no idea. I was explicit, but also lovely, as he seduced her, day by day. It turns out Raff was a much better man than he believed himself to be and there wasn't really even a transition. It was all him. She fell slowly. Of course, the physical was an opening. He made it all so good. Eventually, she came around.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of The Duke's Defiant Angel by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. #netgalley #dragonblade #bellamoxie #thedukesdefiantangel

The Duke of Raffian is a man obsessed, from the moment Raff sets eyes on the fair-haired debutante with the angelic smile, he knows he must have her. Evangeline has plans of her own, however, and they don't call for an overwhelming brute who’s never heard the word no—until now. When she can't evade marriage, she makes a new vow. He may own her body, but he'll never have her love. On their wedding night he vows he'll make her beg for the pleasure only he can bring. And heaven help her if he isn't right. But it's not just desire he stirs within her as they forge a truce of a marriage, it's something far more dangerous.
This is the first book I’ve read by the author & it certainly won't be the last. I loved it, it was well written with strong characters & a story that flowed effortlessly. I was a bit wary of the arrogant, rakish Raff but the more we got to know him the more we saw behind the façade. I loved Angel who was shy but not meek, together sparks flew, their verbal banter became entertaining & the sexual tension just grew & grew as did the chemistry. It was a lovely story of two lonely sould finding a family & home. I’m now looking forward to Raff's friends finding love
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

William Cooper, the Duke of Raffian, has made up his mind. Time has come to marry, sire an heir, and then enjoy his life living it to the fullest. Mother and children can live out their lives in the country and things will just go on as they always have. He will go back to his youthful ways. Sounds like a wonderful existence, but his friends are not so sure how this will work for him. Raff discovers his angel, Evangeline, at a ball, and sets his plan in order. Angel, as he calls her, has other ideas for her life and marrying the duke is not a part of it. She knew from the beginning, that she was not what her parents wanted in a child. Not a male and much too shy for her own good. All she wants is to marry the neighboring young man and live quietly in the countryside. But things do not work out as she wants. Her dream is just a memory. Father has other plans, and he sets them in motion. What a scenario is in place for them in this journey and the characters must adjust to the escapades laid out for them to follow. Interesting read and you keep turning the pages to uncover the ending.

The Duke’s Defiant Angel is the first in the Dukes Gone Dirty series from a fairly new writer by the name of Bella Moxie. The book was pleasant enough, but not terribly exciting. The plot was a familiar one…duke meets girl, duke wants girl, to heck with what girl wants, duke gets girl. The characters themselves felt a bit under developed but the steam level between our two main characters is hot..hot…hot! That alone was worth the okay story line and kept me reading. I have a feeling that as this author matures in her writing, she’ll be great!

William Cooper, Duke of Raffian (Raff to his friends) is handsome, arrogant and a selfish rake, use to getting his way. On the surface, he’s a bit of a boor…but there’s just so much more to Raff than what the scandal sheets write. With a duty to perform, Raff has decided to finally settle down and secure an heir for his title. Attending the first ball of the season, Raff sees Evangeline Dalton and it’s lust at first site. She’s the angel to his devil and he wants her for his wife. There’s absolutely no doubt in his mind that she will be HIS!

She’s the Season’s incomparable. Beautiful, quiet and kind, Angel is in love with another man. Marriage to the cocky Duke is the last thing she wants but Raff refuses to accept no for an answer. Forced to marry a man she does not want, Angel is resigned to the fact that she must share her Duke’s bed…but what she absolutely will not share is her heart. But Raff doesn’t want her just in his bed, he wants her heart.

After reading this book in its entirety, I figured out what was missing. The book is missing Energy! The characters felt flat. Raff’s character needed more backstory. There were too many holes that were unfilled for me. Overall…the book was not bad, not great…just okay. Am I going to buy the other books in this series…probably? Like I said in the beginning of this review…her writing is hot…hot…hot!

This is my first book by author Bella Moxie and I LOVED IT!

“Raff won't be swayed. If he can't force her to love him, he'll sure as hell seduce her into his bed. It might not be fair, but when it comes to winning his angel, this duke is prepared to play dirty.”

That quote pretty much sums up the plot. A high handed Duke who sees the debutant he wants as his Duchess and doesn’t give up until she is his! There is a lot of sexy times in this story so be ready with a cool drink!

I can’t wait for the next book in this series!

4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 5 Flames 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Wickedly spicy fun! When Evangeline marries Raff and vows to never give him her heart, all you can think is “never say never”! Though she believed she loved another, it is not long before she realizes that she never really knew anything. As she discovers that everything she ever believed was wrong, she has to learn to trust her husband and trust herself. This story is one of discovery, physical and emotional. Two people learning not just about each other but about themselves and the dreams and desires they never allowed themselves to believe in. Underneath a strong physical passion, is a story of vulnerability and trust that is simply moving.

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley and this is my freely given opinion.

William Cooper, also known as Raff, the Duke of Raffian, is the epitome of an arrogant duke. He and his friends are apparently notorious rakes, but have made a pact this Season to find brides for themselves, so they can do their duties to their titles, and beget heirs. Raff thought he had it all figured out; find himself a biddable wife, the best of the herd of debs for the Season, marry her, get her pregnant, and go back to living his vastly enjoyable life otherwise.

Once he sees Evangeline, the debutante daughter of a viscount at her ball, he zeros in on her like a predator on prey. He is incredibly attracted by her beauty and determines that he will have her as his bride and in his bed, and nothing will stop him. He finds out that her father is in massive debt and pretty much steamrolls his way into a betrothal and marries her within a couple of weeks. After all, what debutante would not want to marry a handsome, rich, eligible duke, and become duchess? She would be falling all over herself with gratitude to be wedding and bedding him, right, and then be amenable to allowing him to go back to his whores, mistresses, and other debaucheries?

Wrong, apparently the quiet angelic beauty is not what he was expecting. This was not how she wanted her life to turn out, and she was in love with another man. But her parents disregarded her wishes and betrothed her to the duke, who did not even try to get to know her before wedding her. Evangeline is very shy, lonely, a bit bookish, and does not like being in the spot light of Society at all. Things Raff did not know, especially as he did not bother wooing or trying to get to know her before deciding he would have her as his bride. Luckily, she found the fire within to not let him steamroll over her, but to resist him, and tell him exactly how she feels about their marriage. A shock to him, but one that makes him think, and listen to her.

This is the first time I am reading a book from this author and I have to say that I quite enjoyed this story. The characters came alive, and were quite engaging. Raff's arrogance was overwhelming, and his ego quite large, but I still ultimately found myself liking him, especially as that candy coating hid a centre that was ultimately a caring person, who really just wants a family and to care for others.

The writing was engaging, quick paced, bold, and fun... I was drawn in by the firs sentence;

"There were two types of gentlemen in attendance at the Dalton's ball, those looking for a lady to fuck, and those hoping to wed."

Talk about starting things out bold and with a bang :)

3.75 stars out of 5 for me, and I have just downloaded the free e-book from her site, and looking forward to the story behind Raff's friend, Benedict.