Desperation makes her brazen. Curiosity forces him to be bold. Kelly Bowen is not the first author to write a story with heroine like Angelique. Angelique is smart, brash and creative but she's also broke. Her brains are the catalyst that leads responsible into tempting when she crosses paths with mysterious bad boy Alex. A walking contradiction, Alex is sexy, intriguing, wealthy with a wicked edge and a sensitive heart and smart mind. An offer she can't refuse and a risk he can't pass up lands them right in the center of drama, betrayal, danger and romance that could be the beginning of something beautiful or end in tragedy. Ms. Bowen has the panache to deliver stories that are exciting, that balance humor with danger and sensuality. I have yet to experience a heroine I didn't like and the heroes aren't bad either. Between the Devil and the Duke is a culmination of suspense, lust and what every good story needs escapism and Kelly Bowen delivered.

I have come across Ms. Bowen’s books before, but have been hesitant to buy.  This book, Between the Devil and the Duke, made me go out and buy the first in the series.

In this story we find Angelique at Alex’s club, playing cards and hoping to win to be able to pay the debts that she and her brothers are currently facing.  She has three brothers, one of them holding the family’s title and a set of twin brothers that are currently in boarding school.  The family is currently behind in the school’s tuition as well as trying to make ends meet.  The winnings would help pay some of what is due and keep them afloat.  But her brother is not helping, and instead drowning in alcohol and spending away what little they have left.  He quickly finds himself framed for a murder that he did not commit.  

After obtaining employment from Alex, by becoming one of his table dealers, Angelique seeks his assistance to help find who is behind the framing of her brother. They quickly start trying to start putting the pieces together that has led Angelique and her brothers to their current ruin.  Lifting the veil behind the mysteries of why her farther slowly sold away their fortune to silence threats. 

The dance that Alex and Angelique find themselves is absorbing.  There is an undeniable sexual tension between these two, and a very strong attraction.  I enjoyed seeing them come together and learning to trust each other with their secrets. 

I was pretty surprised how the mystery was revealed in the end.  I certainly did not see it coming was surprised to see a new story line to end a mystery.  It was thoroughly a very enjoyable read!

Angelique's life has turned her from a pampered Lady of wealth to a masked card counting lady trying to keep the bill collectors at bay. 
Alex has been a farmer soldier fighting for his homeland to now the owner of the wealthiest gaming hell in London. 
They both have their secrets but the spark and burn between them won't be denied. Lies, betrayals, money, and sex, Angelique and Alex stand in the eye of it all. 
 
Though Angelique didn't consider herself daring. She was simply desperate.
 
Third in the Season for Scandal series, this could be read as a standalone but a solid understanding of how secondary characters fit and of Alex's background would be slightly missed if done so. However, the romance and relationship between Angelique and Alex begins right here. Rarely, do I begin a review with talk of a secondary character but Angelique's brother brought out such a visceral reaction from me I can't help but start with a warning to be prepared to want to commit murder. It's a testament to the author's ability to write a character that brings out such a reaction but there was a moment when I thought Angelique's brother was possibly dumbed-down too much in favor of raising Angelique's pedestal. 
 
You'll feel for Angelique, for her helplessness and her spine. She's a math genius that due to the time period must find creative ways to use her talents in hopes of making money for her family. Alex was our sexy, strong, and heroine enabling hero who had a fascinating background that was fully sketched out but I personally felt didn't get to visit enough. Considering his sister was the heroine of the previous book in the series, I would have liked more interaction between them and maybe a little more healing from their shared pain of fighting in a war and losing a brother. Also, while his propensity to exclaim "Mmmm" started off as a funny character trait, the overabundance started to limit him; I started to miss some feel for his character. I know the "Mmmm" was to represent his humor, bafflement, or sarcasm for the moment/discussion, but actually getting a turn of phrase for at least one out of three of these moments would have added much color to his personality. 
 
"Nothing from the past can make me anything less than whoever it is I wish to be."

I thought this started off really strong with the attraction and interaction between Alex and Angelique. Their sexual tension enticed me to want to keep reading them but I was a bit disappointed on how quickly it was acted upon and I was left missing that anticipation. Angelique's family drama, the plot that drives the danger and mystery, was all laid out admirably but the middle sagged somewhat for me as the author dragged out some misdirection (regarding secondary characters) to, in my opinion, unnecessarily keep the reader guessing. 
 
Angelique and Alex were both interesting characters in their own right and they did have the spark us readers all crave for our couples. I wanted my anticipation to be feed a little longer but this couple definitely had some heat to them. If you're looking for a 1800s historical with family drama, betrayals, and heat set in a world where you can't wait for secondary characters to get their own book, add this one to your list.

Thanks Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and netgalley for this ARC.

Loved the scary moments, passionate secrets, and unstoppable highlander in love. So much happens that will make you laugh, scream, and love this story

Sinfully sensual!! Between the Devil and the Duke by Kelly Bowen will enchant you!  From start to finish readers will find themselves wrapped up in this gloriously written romance. Angelique and Lavoie leap off the pages with their heated looks and breathless moments.  Readers will be on the edge, as years of lies and betrayals are unearthed. I could not but it down!


*Note this will go live on Jan. 25

Angelique Archer is trying to support her family in the only way she knows how, by counting cards at the only club open to women, LaVoie's. She revels in the knowledge that she can feel safe because she is unnoticeable and completely forgettable.
Except someone has noticed her, Alexander LaVoie, club owner and rumored assassin. He is curious about this woman who comes in and always wins... but never extravagantly, never drawing attention to herself. And then he finds out how truly wonderful she is at mathematics. Between her brains and her wit, he feels himself start to slide into love.  He's just convinced her to become a dealer in his nightclub (she wants to know how much his customers should win, she's worked out the probabilities and is prepared to keep it to whatever level Alex likes), when her brother, a marquess, is arrested for murder. 
Angelique is going to need not only the help of Alex to get her brother out, but the Chegarre Agency as well.
Angelique was a little annoying just because she was SO SMART and Ms. Bowen kept showing us HOW SMART she was but I really liked that she created her own agency, even when it seemed like it should have been unavailable as an unmarried woman of that time. 

Four stars
This book comes out January 31

Ladies and gentlemen…we have a WINNER!!

I have a confession…I normally prefer my hero in a historical romance to be the stuck up, snobby aristocrat who looks down his nose at…the commoners. I get a kick out of their arrogance and bossiness. Their confidence, to me, sends shivers up my spine. Well, I’ve been proven wrong. It seems I can be aroused by a confident commoner just as much…if not more.

I LOVED Between the Devil and the Duke. To be honest, I should probably remove a half a star because the title has absolutely nothing to do with the story. I’m sure I could sorta, kinda come up with an explanation that could maybe explain it but that may be using my imagination a wee bit. Besides that, I thought this book was practically perfect.

It’s not a secret that I love historical romance. For me, it’s like stepping into another world. Comportment is a lady’s top priority and pride is ranked up there for a gentleman. In Between the Devil and the Duke, we see a different side and different priorities. The lady (our heroine) has a brain…and she uses it too. Our gentleman is not a lord but he holds a lot of power. He’s in the know and uses his knowledge as power and that power has made him a very rich man.

Angelique’s family is of the highest ranking. Unfortunately, their good name does not fill their coffers. Angelique’s parents are both dead and with them the secret to where their vast fortune has disappeared. Her brother, the Marquess, has become a wastrel of the worse sort and has left Angelique to fill the coffers and provide enough funds to keep their 12-year-old twin brothers at school. This is a lot of responsibility for a woman who, because of her position in society, is not supposed to work. This impedes her ability to generate funds…she’s going to have to go incognito…

Alex owns a gaming hell and is intrigued by the buxom lady who wins game after game at his tables. He’s positive she’s not cheating but she has complete control in every game. His fascination leads him to keep a close eye on her. On one of the nights she attends, a patron, who loses badly to her, gets a little handsy and he can’t stop himself from interceding and coming to her rescue. Funny thing is…she doesn’t seem to want his help. Mmmm…even more intriguing.

What follows is a very entertaining story full of intrigue, dedication to family commitments and lust. Alex and Angelique are intelligent and strong-minded. They are attracted to each other but uncertain whether their social positions would allow a relationship to form. Alex tells himself he’s not the sort of man to fall in love. Angelique thinks her burdens are too much to lump on a good man. In the end, none of those things matter. It turns out that when the chips are down, your social standings mean nothing and your true friends will be standing by your side, not pushing you out the door.

Honestly, Kelly Bowen is becoming one of my favourite authors in historical romance. She doesn’t mind showing a lady has intelligence and not afraid to use it to get ahead. What’s even better, her heroes adore their heroines more for it. I love her heroes. They are not cookie cutter historical romance heroes. These guys don’t follow the rules and could care less what society thinks of them. All of her characters are unique and I never know what’s going to happen next.

Between the Devil and the Duke was a WINNER for me. I love this series and each instalment seems to get better. They are all connected by Chegarre & Associates…but I’m not telling you how…but I will tell you that you can definitely read them as a standalone. I say that, but I feel fairly confident in saying that once you’ve read one, you will want to read them all.

Sometimes you just need a good historical romance, and this one hit the mark perfectly! Interesting  colorful characters, a mystery to be solved. I enjoyed every minute of it. Now to go back and find the earlier books in the series!

This is the best book so far in the series. I just love this story by one of my favorite authors. MS Bowen has written a fantastic historical romance that will satisfy everyone. What a treat for all her fans. This can be read as a stand alone book for those of interest.
Lots of mystery, well developed characters and steamy scenes. Oh, I couldn't wait to read this and want to share my thoughts.
You have on smart, intelligent heroine with sass and spunk and is nobody's fool. She makes her way in the world taking care of her family. They come first and foremost in her mind. Angelique Archer is way beyond the simpering miss. She can play a hard game of cards while speculating with her skills in reading numbers. She needs the money to support her kin so they can stay alive. Then one night a man zeroes in on her thinking she's up to something. He finds her beautiful and wants her in his life, bed etc.
Alexander Lavoie owns a club where people come to play cards and more. He is handsome rogue with a demeanor of charm and sex appeal. He is also powerful, rich and suave. He sees Angelique at one of his table playing cards and sparks fly. He knows she is down on her luck and offers her a job at his club where she can make a lot of money. She accepts and then they become intimate along the way.
Such a thrilling read for us, the readers to be a part of something different that appeals to many who love this kind of story.
Please read this to find out how Alexander and Angelique find their happy ever after.
I appreciate New Galley and Jordan Rubinstein for this ARC title in which I gave an honest review.

Kelly Bowen as the fantastic ability to make me fall in love with the leads by the end of the first chapter.

These two as leads had me swooning and rooting for them from the start. I loved Angelique right away and found her refreshing as a heroine. She has a big heart and an even bigger brain--and that was what stood out for me. Her intelligence in math and numbers is something you don't often see in a romance of this genre. Yes, you have those heroines who read books and are smart in their own way; but her mathematics skills was a nice touch for her character.

And Alex...swoon! I was a big fan of his from the previous novels and he did not disappoint. He's smart, protective (but not overly so) and just a great lead. His partnership with Angelique--both in the romantic and in the practical--is EXACTLY what I want for my couples. Perfection.

The plot itself was fantastic! The suspense never stopped building throughout this novel. And there were so many twists I didn't see coming! I loved the unpredictability of this story.

Just a well crafted novel from start to finish and a fabulous way to end this AMAZING series.

I've enjoyed Kelly Bowen's other books, but this one was, by far, the hottest romance out of them all! Angelique and Alex had such a great relationship - witty repartee, emotional bonding, steamy scenes - and I appreciate a book where the emotional revelations are just as hot as the sex! The plot was excellent, as well, with intrigue and mystery. Bowen's books are a definite must-buy for me now!

This is the 7th book I have read from Kelly Bowen and they just keep getting better.   Her characters are not always typical Regency well healed, handsome, hero's or wealthy young Debutantes looking for a husband on the marriage mart.
There are Pirates, Gambling hell owners and lots of other interesting and smart hero's and heroines.  This story is about a young lady trying to keep her brother from bringing the rest of her family to ruin with his drinking and gambling.  
Lady Angelique Archer is a genius with numbers and makes the money she needs to keep food on the table and her younger brothers in school by gambling at Alexander Lavoie's club.  Alex is a commoner who has made a fortune letting the morally corrupt and ignorant Lords of the Realm lose their money in his club.

When Alex notices Angelique she tries to escape without him finding out who she is.  When he refuses to let her leave the club on foot and insists on seeing her home she finds she cannot refuse without causing her identity to be revealed and her only source of money dry up.  Only when they are on their way to his coach someone shoots at Angelique and Alex is determined to find out who wants her dead.

Then her wastrel brother is accused of murder and sent to the Tower.  She has no choice but to turn to Alex for help in trying to prove her brother innocent.  As they spend more time together they find themselves unable to keep their minds or bodies to themselves.  Alex knows that he can never have a woman like Angelique, but she doesn't agree and wants him for herself.

What follows is a perilous journey of danger, betrayal, a mystery that has plagued her family since her father died and the chance of a love that could conquer both their hearts. 

Kelly writes a story full of passion, intrigue and powerful emotion that will leave you wanting more.  She gives her characters challenges that would defeat ordinary people, but Alex and Angelique are much more.  They are strong, stubborn, smart and will go to any length to protect each other.  This is a moving love story that will leave you satisfied and eagerly awaiting her next novel.  There is also witty moments in this book that will have you smiling and moments that will bring tears to your eyes.

This is a book that should not be missed.  I recommend it highly and it will go into my keeper pile to reread again.

I received this book from the Publisher for an honest review.

I love Alex Lavoie! I liked him in the first 2 books of this series, but when he falls for Angelique, he falls hard. Alex owns a gambling club and is a partner with his sisters in Chegarre & Associates, a firm that helps people in troublesome situations – for a price.

Lady Angelique Archer and her brothers have fallen on hard times. She has an exceptional talent with numbers and decides the best way to make money is to play at Alex’s club. He realizes her talent and that she needs the money, so he hires her to deal at his club. She is attracted to him and him to her, but he doesn’t believe in love. Or so he says.

When her brother is arrested for murder under strange circumstances, Alex and his associates start considering why she and her brothers inherited almost nothing. Who would have a reason to set him up? As he discovers more and tries to protect Angelique, the plot gets very good. And of course, eventually there is a HEA.

I love this book – couldn’t put it down. I don’t like plot spoilers so I hope you’ll read this book. I believe you’ll enjoy it. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me an ARC.

What a pleasant surprise! This was my first Kelly Bowen book and I am now hooked. The story flows perfectly and the pacing is lovely. There are no awkward jumps or sudden changes of scenery. Alexander, the hero, is charming and caring. While he has some demons from his past the character does not fall back to the tormented hero trope. Angelique, on her part, is whip smart. I really enjoyed the fact that she was extraordinary with numbers and while she seemed to be disdainful of society's pressures it never felt trope-y. The book has a bit of a mystery in it and much to my delight villains, while evil, are not caricatures.  

I have two main criticisms. First, the title of the book and (to a point the description) does not seem to correspond with the story. I went into the book a lot of trepidation thinking that Angelique was going to be forced or blackmailed into working at the club, which is not the case.  My second critique, is the fact that we don't see much of Angelique working at the club. 

All in all this was really enjoyable book. I am now off to look for Bowen's previous books. I am a fan!

Okay so I do enjoy the historical romances now and then and I am so happy to have had the chance to read this one. Angel and Alex make this book more than anything.They are two very strong characters that you can't help but enjoy on their own but add in the mystery behind them....wow I couldn't put it down. This was great and I seriously enjoyed it. I can't wait for it to come out to share wth some of my other book lover friends and family.

Show of hands, who fell in love with Alex? Me! I really liked him in the previous books but fell in love with his witty, sarcastic, highly intelligent, vulnerable, heroic self in this book. And not to let the men get all the love, I also loved Angelique. I like the trend in the past several years of strong women who are outside the norm. Since math was my favorite subject, I was drawn to Angelique’s math genius and her strength. She is a woman I would want to have as a friend. It also is a bonus that the story takes place in a gaming hell, another favorite in romances.  Alex and Angelique’s relationship and subsequent romance makes this story a fantastic read. The characters are not cookie-cutter and you never know what they are going to say or do. And the mystery is well written. Yes, you can figure some of it out but all of the whys and the main villain are harder to determine. 

Definitely my favorite in this series. Go out and get this book. You will laugh and be on the edge of your seat with the mystery.

There is a very small glimpse of King in this book (he has been in all three books) and like other reviewers of this series, I would love to see him get his own story. He deserves love.

I really enjoyed this book, although I don't see how the title really fits the plot. I enjoyed how the heroine is first valued by the hero for her excellent math skills and second for her looks. In fact the hero is so impressed by her brains that he is trying to ignore her looks so he won't jeopardize their business arrangement. Angelique's brother is frustrating, as he should be, and the plot takes some unexpected turns leading to danger. The moral of the story is that everyone is not what they seem.

This is an honest review, given in return for the opportunity to read this book.  What a delightful book!  Intrigue and awesome characters with a story that will keep you engrossed.  Couldn't put this book down.  The people in the story are all such complicated and interesting characters.  Definitely one to put on your must read list!

We have come to book three, my friends. As soon as I received the request to review this book, I was excited and eagerly awaiting a moment to sit and devour it. Enter the holidays, and I was golden.

We have come to book three of the Season for Scandal series. Alex owns a high end gaming establishment that has featured in previous stories. Angelique is a down on her luck Lady of the ton who desperately needs money for her family, and luckily for her she is super good at counting - and counting cards. I don't want to give too much away because the plot progresses forward fairly quickly. The summary above is actually pretty decent with what you get without giving too much away.

The thing that I love about Bowen's novels is that she brings such a breath of originality into the sometimes tedious stale nature of historical romance. While we still have a titled lady, we have a mysterious gaming hell owner. And that titled lady? Well there is more to her than meets the eye and a very driving motivation behind all of her un-Lady like behavior. It drives the plot forward at a breakneck speed, which meant lots of late night reading for me.

Alex and Angelique were great characters. Both were strong and well developed. They stood on their own solidly, but also worked off each other in a way that made their chemistry all the more enticing. And their chemistry was quite satisfactory.

I've enjoyed all three books in this series so far, but this one was probably my favorite. The only thing I don't get is the title. It sort of set my expectations for a conflict between some of the characters that never came. I wonder if they just needed to use the word Duke...

Anyway, the best part for you guys, dear readers, is that this book can totally be read standalone and you lose nothing. It doesn't really spoil any of the other books, and you don't really need to know the past two at all the enjoy the third. There are some subtle call-backs you'll miss, but nothing major.

I like how Bowen is developing as a historical romance author and I am definitely going to keep an eye out for more books in the future.