I've Got My Duke to Keep Me Warm

Gisele faked her own death to escape from her abusive husband and now spends her time (and the proceeds of the sale of the diamonds she was wearing) helping other women to do likewise. Then she learns that her husband is planning to re-marry and she recruits Jamie to help her save her husband's new fiancee.

Once again an entirely preposterous plot, but a hugely enjoyable story. Perhaps a little darker than the other Kelly Bowen novels I have read - the abuse Gisele has suffered is very violent and the warehouse scene was one I could have done without. Still, humorous in other parts and I do like a story where the hero and heroine are not made to suffer a "big misunderstanding".

This was a debut novel and first in a series from new author, Kelly Bowen. For a debut novel, this book was well-crafted and read at a good pace with an engaging storyline and characters.

Gisele is a tortured heroine whose life has never been her own. First caged by her father and sold into a marriage-turned-nightmare to the Marquess of Valence (Adam). Adam proves to be a horrid husband, isolating her from society and commiting depraved acts upon her body and mind. Things get so bad that Gisele fakes her death in a grand fashion (with some help). While Gisele makes off with a king's ransom in jewelry, she shows the fortitude and charity to use her experience and fortune to help other downtrodden women in similar circumstances. This is show more how we meet our network of interesting secondary characters ranging from a dowager duchess to lowly body snatchers! All were very entertaining and eccentric, and it is clear that they all care for and admire Gisele. But Gisele is simply an admirable heroine, I found her empathetic, resilient and compelling. When she discovered the Marquess was to be married a third time to a petite and demure girl, Gisele decides he must be prevented from committing his horrendous acts on anyone else.

To carry out the task, Gisele and friends need assistance. They luck out when they stumble upon a war hero down in his cups at a tavern. James Montcrief, bastard son of a duke, acquitted himself honorably at Waterloo, and has returned home saddened at his losses as the result of war. The more I learned about James' character, the more I liked him. He was an honorable as you would hope any war hero would be, and was an example of the chivalry of old both in the way he treated Gisele and his willingness to participate in the venture to stop the Marquess from perpetrating his evil deeds.

The Marquess was everything a villian should be - depraved, mad, and desperate. He was a character you could truly hate, and care not one whit how they went about it.

I really enjoyed this read and the characters, and I'm glad I picked it up. I almost didn't as the title and cover didn't appeal... which leads to my only complaint with this book. The title and complaint in no way relate to the story. Our hero is not a duke, and the story doesn't take place in winter or any cold climate. But that's only a small thing and doesn't reflect greatly on the writing or the story. 4 stars / 2 flames. show less

Read for Fun (Library)
Overall Rating 5.00
Story Rating 5.00
Character Rating 5.00

First Thought when Finished: I've Got My Duke to Keep Me Warm by Kelly Bowen is going to make my top 10 of the year.

Quick Thoughts This book is the best historical I have read this year and I have read some damn good historicals. I loved everything about it: the characters, story, emotion, love, intrigue, hero, leading lady, side characters, and conclusion. I laughed, cheered, teared up, and twisted my hands together many times. The emotional core story of Gisele and how she chose to fight back (even in her limited role of the times) was fantastic. Needless to say I will recommend this highly and reread it again!

Part of my Read It, Rate It, File It, DONE! Reviews

I chose this book because of the title [I’m a huge Dean Martin fan and love his “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm” song] but it’s the wonderful writing that kept me glued to this story.

This is apparently a debut novel, although I couldn’t tell by reading it. Just a quick aside that if you’re a fan of Julia Quinn, no doubt in my mind you’ll become a fan of Kelly Bowen. There’s a lot happening in this tale that will keep you on your toes and have you biting your nails.

If you like strong willed, smart and witty heroines, than this book is for you. If you’re into heroes that are hiding their Alpha under their Beta, then you’ve only to read about this man. If you’re like me and appreciate a fast moving plot filled show more with suspense throughout the story, than you just gotta read this story!

Melanie for b2b
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher show less

A solid read, 3.65, between very admirable and likeable leads who were well matched. My first Bowen.

I absolutely loved this book. It was full of mystery, intrigue,humor and passion. Looking forward to reading other books in the series.

a bit improbable, but enjoyable