I love everything this author writes, and this story was no exception. Compelling story line, interested and well developed characters, a mystery to solve, and some steamy goodness = my favorite ingredients!

"The Duke’s Magnificent Obsession" by Chasity Bowlin weaves a captivating tale of Governess Minerva Stone, abandoned at a country estate, navigating the challenges posed by a lecherous teen and his conniving brother. Barrett Graves, the Duke of Hargrieve, haunted by a mysterious past, becomes entangled in the lives of Minerva and her charge. The dark and twisty narrative, coupled with Barrett's determination to protect Minerva, creates a compelling historical romance. Rooting for their happily ever after, the story skillfully combines elements of mystery and love, making it a riveting read.

I am obsessed I loved this book so much it was such a fun and fast read for me really enjoyed the characters and the story

This has been a fun series and this book is no exception. Barrett is a duke, with a dark past including being accused of murder. He’s reclusive for obvious reasons, but when his niece becomes his ward, he needs a governess. Enter Minerva, also from the Darrow school, who sees that Barrett isn’t a monster at all. But as she’s falling in love with him, Barrett begins to discover what really happened the night his family was killed, and the villain behind it.

I liked the story, and I thought the whole misunderstood character finally being recognized for who they are was well written. I liked Minerva’s character and the suspense was well written. The romance really didn’t have any spark to me though, it seemed a bit more superficial than the previous romances in this series. All in all though, a solid but no spectacular addition to the series. 3.5 starts rounded up.

Seriously thought, this means we’re getting closer to Effie and Highcliff’s book, right?

Governess Minerva Stone has been abandoned at the family’s country estate by her employer, Mrs. Charlotte Entwhistle-Graves. She must avoid the unwanted attentions of a lecherous teen and his conniving brother while caring for their little sister. Barrett Graves, the Duke of Hargrieve lost his father and brothers from murder when he was very young. He was injured and has no memory of that day. Rumors swirl that he is responsible. He likes to hide away from others. He is initially annoyed by Charlotte and her children imposing on him, but he is soon intrigued by the governess. Barrett’s thoughts quickly become consumed by Minerva. He makes it his duty to protect her and her charge from the boys. He also highly suspects Charlotte is up to no good.

This is a dark and twisty historical romance. I liked Barrett and Minerva. I was definitely rooting for Barrett to clear his name and for him and Minerva to get their happily ever after!

This is Book 6 in The Hellion Club series. I have only read the previous book, which I enjoyed so didn't hesitate to pick this one up and it also did not disappoint. The story is filled with scandal, mystery and romance and I was pulled into the story from the very beginning and it held my interest till the last page.
Barrett is referred to as The Mad Duke. His father and brothers were tragically murdered when he was a child, and because of his own injury, he does not remember what happened. The rumors imply that he was responsible for the murders and he cannot escape them no matter where he goes, and chooses to stay hidden at Griffingate. When his aunt, who is all that is evil, arrives with her children and her daughter's governess, Minerva, he suspects she is up to no good. Barrett is immediately drawn to Minerva, but because of his tragic past, doesn't think he can be with her. Minerva is a kind, intelligent, and intriguing woman. When she meets Barrett, she is surprised that the man in front of her does not at all seem how all the rumors make him out to be. She does not believe him to be the man connected to all those terrible rumors of murder and is equally drawn to him.
Murder, betrayal, scandal, and drama make this an intriguing read. It is a compelling story that is filled with emotion, and I became completely engrossed in Minerva and Barrett's story. Wonderful story!
Thank you to Dragonblade Publishing and Netgalley for providing a complimentary copy. This is my voluntary and honest review.

“Despite what the gossips might whisper, Aunt, I am a man of honor. Were I not, I’d have left you to freeze on the doorstep when you showed up unannounced and uninvited with your brood in tow.”
“If only I could… because, God help me, I do not want you to let me go. And if you do not kiss me, I may go mad from the lack.” “Then God help us both,” he muttered.
“The question is, do you wish to see more? I will show you anything you desire. You have but to ask.”

The Duke’s Magnificent Obsession, by Chasity Bowlin. Chasity! Chasity! Where did you come up with such a masterfully written romance story? You have did a tremendous job with providing my attention with hours of entertainment.
This story had me at the edge of my seat waiting for the next insane destruction to drop, and drop it did. It was either the crazy antics of a psychotic aunt or the sadistic plots whispered among young minds. I couldn’t help but to fall for the pure sweet love and devotion that two people, Minerva and Barrett couldn’t deny themselves. I absolutely loved Barrett’s character as the heroine. He showed strength, determination, love and admiration as he crossed the country to protect his family.
I, without a doubt will not forget his character. Minerva’s character was a strong and supportive soul. She looked to protect the innocent in the chaos called Charlotte’s world. I enjoyed the suspense and the action within the story. The book was a definite page turner for me, as well as a fun read.
The writer did an excellent job of writing a story that absolutely took ahold of my imagination and allowed me to get lost in a wonderfully written book for awhile. I give this book two snaps and a, Charlotte, prepare yourself by the sins of your mind. Until next time my fellow readers… read on!

The Duke’s Magnificent Obsession by Chasity Bowlin is the about rebirth of a depressed man. Barrett Graves, the Duke of Hargrieve, couldn’t remember that night. Had he killed his father and brothers? He dreamt about it often but the dream always stopped just short of supplying the information he needed. People looked at him as if they believed he had done it. Now, all of a sudden his aunt Charlotte and her children descended upon him. Uninvited. She sucked all the pleasantness out of any room. There were her two older sons and a younger daughter. There was also the governess. The most beautiful woman he’d ever seen, dressed in the most drab garments he’d ever seen. Things started happening. Thus began a very wild ride for all of them.

Barrett had been so young, and wounded and the trauma meant he couldn’t remember . . . until he could. He was a good man. Willing to care for his cousins, just to be rid of Charlotte. Minerva was more than she appeared to be. She was loyal and intelligent. This was a cunningly plotted novel, full of twists and turns and scheming demons. Barrett knew how to take advantage of the system and use his title as duke to its full advantage. In the end he discovered the truth and acted on it decisively. This was a terrific book in so many ways. The personal growth and salvation of this excellent man was in the forefront, but there was the abusive and controlling mother, as well as a lovely romance. Definitely worth your time.

I was invited to read a free copy of the e-ARC of The Duke’s Magnificent Obsession by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #ChasityBowlin #TheDukesMagnificentObsession

I recieved a free copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I have enjoyed this entire series and this was no exception. That being said this can be read as a stand alone.
Minerva was hired as a governess but when the townhouse burns down the family moves to the country estate of her employers nephew, a duke.
Barrett has been alone since the murder of his father and brothers. Now that his aunt and cousins have decended on his home, he is fascinated by the governess.
I liked the relationship between Barrett and Minerva. The plot was interesting and I couldn't wait to read the whole thing.
I can't wait for the next book especially for Effie's story.

The Duke's Magnificent Obsession, is a dark historical romance about Barrett and Minerva. Minerva is the governess for the Duke's sister, Charlotte. When Charlotte shows up unexpectedly there is chemistry between Barrett and Minerva immediately. However, there are villains plotting and obstacles to overcome. I liked the chemistry and the more vulnerable moments in this book.

I received a copy of this book via Net Galley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

The Duke's Magnificent Obsession is book 6 in The Hellion Club series. This is the first I've read of this series, but that didn't diminish my enjoyment of this book, as there was enough backstory to the world building that was interwoven in the plot, not just an info dump of details.

This book had me on the edge of my seat at times. It was full of suspense, a bit of a mystery. Begins with a very dark prologue, and really doesn't have many light moments until the very end.

The story was good, the plot pretty tight, but the romance was average. I didn't really feel any connection between Barrett and Minerva. They had no interaction with each other if it wasn't about the children (Minerva is the governess to the Duke's cousins). Minvera was also just so dull.

The few steamy scenes were essentially closed door (if that matters to you). Strange choices in chapter breaks, the romance finally picks up, then the chapter abruptly ends to move on to a completely dark, villain focused chapter, only then to have the next chapter pick back up in the middle of the sexy time again. It was odd and jarring.

I did like that we weren't left guessing about villains, it's revealed early on who the baddies are. They got off bit to easy in the end, in my opinion!

A good book, worth the read for the engaging plot, but not so much for a swoon worthy romance.

3.5 stars rounded up. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and freely given.

Trigger warnings:

murder
torture
rape
sexual assault
death of children

An Excellent Historical Romance with Mystery and Intrigue

Barrett was a man, haunted by his past. He watched his family killed, and then, he was accused of their murder. He was a duke, with evil nipping at his heals. As you read, you might marvel at the evil that was charlotte. You might wonder how it was conceivable for mothers to treat their children as she did. She was a menace you would not wish on your worst enemy. Could Barrett free himself from such an evil woman? She intended to destroy him and would stop at nothing to do it. What was her plan, and could Barrett stop her? Minerva was the good in his life. She was the governess who took care of Charlotte’s youngest child. Barrett was attracted to her, but there was a line an honorable employer must never cross. As love and danger collide in this magnificent historical romance, it will keep you turning the pages. There are secrets to discover, diabolical plots to uncover, and hidden memories to recover. This is an excellent story; I recommend it to those who like historical romance with mystery, suspense, an intrigue. This story grabbed me from the very first page, and it stayed with me, long after I finished.

The prologue to this novel had me a little worried that I would not be able to finish the book, but the further I read, the most engrossed I became as the Duke of Hargrieve and his young niece's governess attempt to determine the reasons for the malicious Charlotte Entwhistle-Graves actions. Despite her attraction for Barrett, Minerva Stone knows that no good would come from falling in love with the Duke with a wounded spirit, especially as he has declared that he has no intention of marrying. However, when surprising information comes to the fore and Barrett goes on the attack and the truth starts to emerge, the actions of Charlotte and her sons become more vicious, Minerva stands with him and together they start to uncover the depths of depravity Barrett's relatives will go to. The novel is fairly short but fast-paced and comes to an exciting conclusion, bringing justice where it is needed and healing to a broken family. I received a copy of this romance as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

Secrets from the past come forward in this intriguing romance in this great series!

He has a past that has him named The Mad Duke. She was the governess of his sister's children.
A whirlwind journey filled with everything needed to keep you engaged until the end!

A wonderful addition to this great series!!
He has a past that has him named The Mad Duke. She was the governess of his sister's children.
A whirlwind journey filled with everything needed to keep you engaged until the end!

A wonderful addition to this great series!!

Thanks NetGalley for the chance to read this interesting book. Charlotte shows up with her whole all of her children, that is all but one. When the Duke finds she has left her youngest son in Bedlam he is not going to stand for it. That was where she put him. She leaves early in the morning with the governess in charge. Minerva was attacked to the Duke as soon as she met him and he to her. His Aunt Sissy feels they are meant for each other. As the story progresses we find how terrible unfeeling this woman can be. Once John has been rescued then the plan is learned and all must be saved from Charlotte including her older boys. And we are on our way to a happy ending.

When Minerva Stone meets the Duke of Hargrieve, Barrett Graves, he is not the man, she surprised. Whilst society has painted him as mad and murderous, she finds that he is honourable, especially when his aunt Mrs. Charlotte Entwhistle-Graves, leaves him to care for her daughter Meredith and two sons. Barrett finds in Minerva, one person who does not believe that he was responsible for the murders of his father and brothers when he was a child. Having been grievously injured at the time, he has no memory of the events. Soon, events will bring his memories back to the forefront, whilst he also battles his obsession with Minerva.
I thoroughly loved this story which held me spellbound for the entire book. It has everything: murder, mystery and romance. From the first chapter to the last, the characters of Minerva and Barrett and their mutual obsession, made for a fascinating read. I also found many of the secondary characters gave an added complexity to this story, without giving too much away. Whilst I have not read all the books in this series, I am now going back to add to my stash.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Barret Graves doesn’t remember what happened the day his father and brothers were murdered. In spite of the rumors, he doesn’t really believe that he murdered them. He stays hidden away at Griffingate, his estate, from those rumors and the scandal. Minerva Stone, who attended the Darrow School, is governess to his young niece who is ignored and treated cruelly by her mother and half-brothers. When the family descends on Barret after a fire at their home, they bring trouble with them. Barret senses danger and takes steps to protect his niece and Minerva, to whom he is quite drawn. Now he needs to find who is trying to do away with him. Murder, plots for more murder, betrayal, an evil villain (and accomplices), a hidden nephew, and an intense romance make this a very interesting read. The hero is gentle and protective. The heroine is smart and courageous. They are perfect for one another. Great story!
I received an ARC of this story from the publisher via NetGalley, and am voluntarily reviewing it.

CHASITY BOWLIN DOES IT AGAIN!!! The Duke's Magnificent Obsession by Chasity Bowlin is book 6 in The Hellion Club series and though in a series this book can be read as a standalone. I am so loving this series and Chasity is one of the most talented writers of today. Her stories art just amazing and The Duke’s Magnificent Obsession did not disappoint! I found this story east to read, original, had me on the edge of my seat at times, had the real feel of the regency era, wonderful characters and just a true delight to read. I can not say enough about this book. This story has a governess, a duke that is accused of murdered, death, an evil and greedy cousin, a wonderful aunt who like to matchmake, evil brothers, a sweet little girl that is beyond her years, a son that has been institutionalized, kidnapped, rescue, attempting murder and falling in love. This story has it all and I don’t want to give too much away so you will just have to read it for yourself and I am very highly recommending that you do. It was FANTASTIC!!!!

***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.

What a Outstanding story! The sixth in The Hellion Club which is full of Suspense, Danger and Intrigue. The Duke's Magnificent Obsession will hold you spellbound until the very end. Minerva and Barrett find themselves caught in Barrett's malicious aunt's web of mystery, murder, and deceit. As Barrett tries to put together the pieces of the murder of his family he will have to stay one step ahead of those who wish him dead.
Chasity Bowlin has a way of weaving a story that you can’t put it down and this book was no different. She has given readers a book that is well-written, filled it with superb cast of characters that come to life as you find yourself drawn into their story, the scenes are so strikingly detailed it paints an incredible backdrop that you feel like you are one with the story. It's a tension filled story with drama, passion, murder, trials and tribulations, malicious family members as tensions intensify and danger abounds with twists and turns that will make you hold your breath wandering what's around the next corner makes this one a must read!

Mrs. Charlotte Entwhistle-Graves is the scarious, villainous woman to read about in a romance book. Her depth of evil knows no bounds as she uses anyone at her disposal to get what she wants. Barrett Falconer Graves, the Duke of Hargrieve, knows how manipulative his aunt can be. Her unexpected arrival at Griffingate with her children and her daughter's governess, Miss Minerva Stone is very suspicious. Barrett is immediately struck by Miss Stone's beauty, but knows he can't act on his desire. He still has nightmares of his father and brothers' murders when he was a child. He wasn't supposed to survive. From the blow to his head, he cannot remember all that happened. Murder, attempted murder, kidnapping and the knowledge of Bedlam will eventually solve the mystery of the past. This book takes off from the first page to a very satisfying finish.
Some steam.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.