Entertaining Historical Romance

He thought she was his brother's mistress, but soon enough, her past would not matter one jot. Daniel was falling in love with Nora. Could he win her heart? Nora was involved in a scandal in the past. Would Daniel stand up for her? I enjoyed this steamy Regency romance and would recommend it.

After the death of his brother, Daniel suddenly finds himself the new Duke of Thornfalcone, a role he neither wants nor is anywhere ready for. There are many debts attached to the title, one of which includes one that is owed to his brother's mistress. When Daniel stumbles upon Nora, thinking her to be his brother's mistress, he attempts to fulfill the debt. But Nora won't accept his help or support and makes it quite difficult for Daniel to fulfill his duty. Daniel also has a strong attraction to her, and though he is very shy, he has a hard time staying away from her. Nora has been ill-treated by people like Daniel before, and is not quick to trust his intentions to be true. Eventually her frozen attitude began to thaw and she also developed feelings for him as well. But how can Daniel fall for his brother's mistress, and will the secrets that Nora is keeping secrets between them affect their growing relationship?
A lovely story of two people working though misunderstandings to find a beautiful friendship which ultimately leads to love. A wonderful addition to the series!
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing and am voluntarily leaving my review.

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

Daniel Vaughn, Duke of Thornfalcone, has recently inherited his brother's title, and with it comes a lot of debts. So when he finds a letter from a woman named Nora in David's messy study, Daniel is ready to repay the debt and clear all the burden on the estate. However, Nora is not an old lady, but rather a beautiful young woman, who Daniel believes to have been David's mistress. Nora, however, doesn't want Daniel's help or support, and is doing everything she can to make it difficult for him to make amends. Though Daniel may be shy, he is drawn to Nora, and can't seem to stay away.

I liked this book, but there wasn't much to keep my attention once I was finished. Nora and Daniel were okay main characters, and their chemistry was definitely fiery enough for a romance. Daniel was sweet, and I really appreciated how he fought for Nora, and showed her how he could be trusted. Nora, however, was a little too high strung and defensive, which was disappointing as she never caused herself to lose out on love and happiness. A happy ending though, one which was right for the couple.

I enjoyed this story! Great characters and entertaining plot! Loved watching these two mc’s fall in love. 🥰

4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

📚Disclosure: I received a review copy of this #book from Dragonblade Publishing via #Netgalley. All thoughts, opinions, comments, and interpretations of the story are my own and bias free. I did not receive any money in exchange for this review. Thank you to the publisher for allowing me the opportunity to review. 🦄 @dragonbladepub
⭐️When possible reviews are cross-posted on the following:
✔️Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/jaime-loves-romance
✔️Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/2577266404
✔️IG https://www.instagram.com/alphabookclub/
✔️Twitter @alpha_book_club
#ReviewByJaime #BookReview #MustRead #TBR
🦄

Daniel Vaughn may not be everyone's idea of a hero, but I do! He finds himself the new Duke of Thornfalcone, a title he doesn't want. In fact, as the second son he isn't prepared to be called your Grace. A series of letters from Nora Harvey intrigue him and he feels it's his duty to meet her. Far from the old lady he expected, the young woman he meets captures his attention. Sweet and thoughtful, he doesn't seem to make the right moves to take care of her, but it doesn't stop him from trying. How could a woman turn him away? Daniel is such a sweetheart. I couldn't help but fall in love with him a little myself. Passionate kisses. Mild descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

The love story of Daniel and Nora was really sweet. The two of them getting together was sort of like a modern couple going on dates. I really liked Nora once she got past her initial misgivings and started treating Daniel the way that he treated her. Their happy ending was much deserved. The only thing missing in this book was more background on Nora's family, especially her brother Hamish. I don't specifically recall what became of him at the end of this book. Hopefully this will be explained in the future!

Our hero in this historical romance has suddenly inherited his twin brother's title. The twins might have looked very similar, that is the only similarity. The men had very different lifestyles.
Trying to take responsibility for the dukedom, and right the wrongs committed by his brother is proving to be a very difficult job.
Our heroine has been used by men and has reached her limit. She will not put up with anymore disrespect.
The characters are unusual and lots of fun. This is a story of people going against the flow of what society deems correct, and the results. This is part of a series but each book can be read on it's own.

4 star

I quite liked it. Daniel has inherited the dukedom from his twin, David. David was a rake, hoarder, gambler and spendthrift. Daniel is diffident quite shy and more measured. He's having to sort the mess out that he inherited. How does he know that some of the debts are genuine? Why doesn't he just get his solicitor to sort it rather than his butler. Nora has been a courtesan and David was pestering her to add him to her list of conquests. Just as she's running out of money and decides to capitulate Daniel inherits. There's lots of questions I have....surely living on your own in that day and age, even if you're friends with the burly baker makes Nora vulnerable. Her brother comes back on the scene and acts poorly, what happens to him? We don't really learn much about Daniel's back story or perhaps that's me, have I jumped into the middle of a series? Just checked this is the 9th book in a series and I've only read 1,2,3 & 6 perhaps he was part of book 8. I liked Daniel as a hero.

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

I really enjoyed the concept of this novel. It was wel thought out and beautifully put together. It was steamy as this aurthor often has a few steamy scenes but nothing over exaggerated. The previous duke was hoarding things and trying to hoard beautiful women as well. As the Duke tries to make things right no sell what he can he comes across the beautiful mistress. Assuming what everyone thinks they know of a particular he goes after the supposed exmistres to correct things and bring her the closure she needs. Neither wanting to fall for the other, trying to keep it at a friendly distance. But things get complicated and eventually All truths come forward will it make them stronger and push them apart.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with guidelines.

This was an interesting read from start to finish and slightly different from your usual historical romance read. Once I started, I read it in one sitting. 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗬 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗗𝗨𝗞𝗘𝗦, 𝗚𝗘𝗧 𝗕𝗨𝗥𝗡𝗘𝗗 is a must read for fans of sassy, strong willed heroines and kindhearted heroes. I’m giving it the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy.

Play With Dukes, Get Burned by Emily EK Murdoch is an entertaining story of a man who becomes a duke upon the death of his brother. Daniel Vaughn, Duke of Thornfalcone had replaced the previous duke, his twin, David. When he arrived at the ducal manor, he discovered it was a mess. It seems his brother was a hoarder and the place was full of unanswered correspondence as well as too many of everything. Some of the paper was unpaid bills, some was receipts, some was miscellaneous correspondence. He focused on one such letter, from a woman named Nora. She sounded like an old lady in need. He could take care of this one thing and so he set off to find her. She appeared to be David’s mistress, or his discarded mistress. She was beautiful and wanted nothing to do with him. Slowly they became friends. He was not good with woman. He made misstep after misstep, but he did pay all her bills and he brought her a basket of food, then a horse, which she had no way of feeding or housing, and then he bought her a house (she lived in a hovel) but she had no way to pay for the expenses it would generate. Poor Daniel.

Daniel was a good guy. He was a second son and so was not prepared to be a duke. He had the staff from his small townhouse and now the duke’s staff. What was he to do with all of them? He wanted Nora but it was unthinkable of him to sleep with someone whom had slept with his brother. Nora was just exasperated with him. He didn’t think before he acted and it was frustrated but she liked him. He was not at all like his brother. He was kind and caring. They were both endearing characters. Well-written and charming in their own ways. He had a sister who was not really ton-approved and she had a brother who was selfish and mean, or she would not be in these straits. It was a slow-burn, but it got there. Thanks, Emily for this lovely book.

I was invited to read Play With Dukes, Get Burned by Dragonblade. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #EmilyEKMurdoch #PlayWithDukesGetBurned.

Working with the Agents of the Crown is easy next to suddenly becoming a duke and dealing with the mess his brother made. Daniel is the second son, born twenty minutes after his older twin brother. He has worked with the Agents searching out and bringing them important information. He knows nothing about being a duke. While going through his brother’s study, he finds letters from a woman who is pleading for help. Daniel sets out to find the old woman and help her. Surprise! Nora Harvey is in dire need of help, but she is not old. She is young and beautiful. She is also a spitfire tired of the way men think and treat her. Sparks fly and Daniel is immediately taken with her, but he can’t have feelings for his brother’s mistress, can he? This is a lively slow-burn romance. It starts with a bit of hostility and misunderstanding, works its way to friendship, and finally becomes love. I love the way Daniel keeps giving Nora things to improve her conditions and then goes away confused as to why she refuses them. Daniel is a sweetheart. Nora is understandably wary. Time and truth ease their way to a happy ending. A lovely addition to the series.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

Daniel Vaughn, Duke of Thornfalcone, never expected to be a duke. Now he’s attempting to pay off his dead brother’s mistress, Nora Harvey, who is absolutely refusing to accept anything from him. His whole life has changed, people won’t stop bowing when he approaches, and even his sister refuses to stop calling him “Your Grace”. Daniel needs to just fix something, as he used to do in his old spying life. Nora Harvey, his brother’s old mistress, will accept his beneficence. Nora doesn’t want this bizarrely kind Duke’s help. She knows what men really want, and she’s waiting for this Daniel to suddenly demand what every man demands.
The ninth book in the series & it’s easily read on its own. I loved Daniel who was shy, bumbling & out of his depth, he also fell hard & fast for Nora, he was just so endearing. I struggled to like Nora but eventually grew to like her. A well written slow burn romance which I enjoyed, not my favourite of the series but still a charming romance
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

I have liked many of the books in Emily EK Murdoch's "Dukes in Danger" series but this particular story didn't connect with me. It felt like much of the backstory was missing and while some came out in tiny bits and pieces much later in the book, by then I just wasn't sure I cared. MMC Daniel is ineffectual and bumbling, making one wonder how he was a spy for the Crown until it is later revealed how little "spying" he actually did. FMC Nora runs hot and cold seemingly at random and while her anger at her life circumstances is certainly understandable, the way she aims it at Daniel (who for some reason keeps coming back for more) is not. The chemistry between the couple simply wasn't there.

Mild (in my opinion, anyway!) spice. 2 stars. Murdoch can do better. Thank you to NetGalley and Dragonblade for a complimentary ARC of this book. These opinions are my own.

It was just this side of boring. I purposely asked for a book by this Author from NetGallery because normally i love her books. This one was confusing and left me wanting. Nora’s past is never fully explained. She’s a hotheaded shrew. Daniel! Well although he was a spy for the Crown, he’s a pantywaist. It does have some good moments so I have to give it a three. However, nothing is consistent. Example, a Duchess who refuses to let Daniel in her home because he has Nora on his arm, is suddenly helping her get dressed on a special day. No explanations. The servants walk all over Daniel. Last but not least, what happened to David’s horde and all his bills.. i could go on and on. There are just too many loose ends for me. I will not be continuing with this series. I’m voluntarily giving this review.

An interesting story of a young man who became a Duke. Daniel was the second son and not meant to be a duke. As he takes on the title and responsibility, he is overwhelmed by the amount of traditional stuff he faces as well as the mess his brother left behind. Nora is part of that mess and Daniel is not completely sure of how to handle his own feelings towards Nora. I felt the story was generally good yet it lacked tying up loose ends which felt very rushed at the end.

Slow Burn.
Daniel never expected to be a Duke but he suddenly finds himself thrust into that position and trying to contend not only with all the expectations from his newly acquired staff but from all the paperwork, debts and acquisitions that his brother has left behind. One of those debts of honour Daniel works out is to his twin’s mistress, who is prickly, suspicious and heart-stoppingly beautiful. Daniel is rather endearing in his puppy-like devotion and his often misguided attempts to help Nora in her straitened circumstances, which eventually lead to her softening towards him. Ever since her parents deaths life for Nora has not gone to plan and she has learnt to distrust men, why should the new Duke be any different. An unlikely romance and yet the author makes it work. Would have liked an epilogue further into the future.
Note: was a bit surprised that there was seemly no gossip/scandal about the pair’s interactions/Daniel’s gifts and I would have liked to know what consequences (if any) were faced by Hamish.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this story from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was a quick and easy read. Second son Daniel had been living his life in the shadow of his older twin brother David. When David died suddenly, Daniel was at a loss. He was not prepared to be a Duke, especially since David had left his affairs in such a disordered state. While sorting documents, Daniel came across some letters that were written by a desparate-sounding woman named Nora. He figured that her problem would be relatively simple to solve, so he decided to tackle it right away.
When Daniel got to her cottage, he expected to find an old woman. Instead, he found a woman who was young and beautiful. Daniel was shocked and also disappointed because the young lady must obviously have been his brother's mistress.
Nora was not happy to see Daniel at her door. She was very rude because she assumed that he was not genuine in his offer of help. After all, Daniel was probably a rake and a scoundrel just like his brother David!
As time went on, Daniel kept on finding reasons to see Nora. He was initially drawn in by her beauty but he wanted to learn all about her. He was incredibly persistent but kind. Eventually the ice around Nora's heart began to melt and she was able to return his feelings. Unfortunately, the ghost of Daniel's brother and Nora's secrets were still hanging between them.
The love story of Daniel and Nora was really sweet. The two of them getting together was sort of like a modern couple going on dates. I really liked Nora once she got past her initial misgivings and started treating Daniel the way that he treated her. Their happy ending was much deserved. The only thing missing in this book was more background on Nora's family, especially her brother Hamish. I don't specifically recall what became of him at the end of this book. Hopefully this will be explained in the future!
I received a free ARC from NetGalley. This is my honest review.

Fun addition to the series!

Sparks and misunderstandings fly, in the most endearing and engaging way, as a history of past betrayal threatens to colour the promise of a future, in this slow burn, building of trust to friendship to lovers, romance.
Daniel, bewildered and out of his element, thrust into the deepend of his late twin's estate, as the newly appointed Duke of Thornfalcone, stumbles upon Nora, an ex-courtesan in dire straights. Believing her to be his brother's mistress he fights his heady attraction, as he attempts to fulfil his perceived duty to her, whilst attempting to reel in his bubbling over, 'puppy-dog' smitten, besotted love for her at first sight.
I really loved the gloriously befuddling Daniel, he was just so easy to connect with, he had this shy, young lad-esque quality in the throws of his first love, glow about him. All unsure, nervousness and keen to please that makes your heart swoon and melt at his attempts.
In comparison, Nora was one tough cookie to crack. With a scandal steeped mystery, surrounding her ruin you can't help but want to uncover, that puts her on the defensive, untrusting and at her last tether with self-serving men - and if Daniel is anything like she believes, his arrogant, hedonistic brother was, she rightfully wants nothing to do with him. Which at times makes her hard to warm to as she tends to come off as sarky, abrasively sharp and bluntly guarded. Yet, it's the cracks that appear in her armour, the moments she softens and you can feel he is finally getting under her skin, giving her the confidence to smile and slowly open up and trust again that make it all worth while.
As a result, I loved the banter, nurturing friendship and bubbling desire brewing beneath a need to build trust between them and vanquish the ghost of one haunting dead brother and the betrayal of another. As a sweetness and humour radiates throughout this fluently paced joyful addition to the series.
With a statisfying end that builds the subtle sexual tension simmering between them to hot intimacy and a jeopardy laced twist to round off this adorably cute friendship building romance with a thrill!
Looking forward to the next duke in desperate need of assistance and the right woman to come to his rescue and he hers in return!

A Wonderful Meaningful Love Story

I think this is one of my favourite storylines within this series.

I love Daniels character and how different he is compared to his brother. A tender, caring loving person who has been thrown in at the deep end but when he meets Nora he’s determined that she won’t push him away.

Nora had fallen on hard times and her past quite scandalous, she found it hard to trust men but with Daniel he was slowing taking down the wall she had built around herself brick by brick.

A beautiful storyline about love, support and caring with some steamy moments thrown in showing that an unexpected but determine Duke won’t conform to society but will always put love first.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.