Duke of My Heart

This was funny. I loved Ivory. She was awesome - she was smart and logical and resourceful and funny. She was so practical about everything and it was very refreshing. Plus she was a total badass - none of this waiting around for someone to save her - she came into things with her own plan for getting out. I especially liked the ending - choosing herself over a man? That was freaking brilliant - I loved that the author made her strong and brave and unwilling to compromise on getting what she deserved and that it was Max that had to come around and bend. Too often with book romance - it's only the women willing to yield to the demands. But this was perfection. Max I felt could be too heavy handed at times. He irritated me a bit with some show more of his comments and particularly the ending -planning to skip out on Beatrice and Ivory really let the story down. To be fair though, I did like Max and he did have his redeeming moments. I really liked all the characters, they were all interesting and complex and everyone worked well together. I loved Gil - I want to read her story. The plot was riveting as well and I found myself devouring the story. 4.5 stars. show less

A delightful departure from the usual Regency romance, in that the main characters are unconventional in the extreme, and prefer a life lived outside of the ton. I enjoyed the mystery, Ivory's deep competence, the web of women taking care of business, and the clever play that continues throughout the book. Smoking hot romance does not hurt, and it was believably portrayed, from intense initial attraction eventual love story.

Max returns from India to find a ball is being held at his house. His sister is missing, a dead man is tied to her bed and his aunt has sent for Miss Moore of Chegarre and Associates, a sort of 19th century crisis management firm.

If you turn a blind eye to the utter preposterousness of pretty much the whole storyline, this book is a joy. It was well-plotted and the characters were intriguing and sympathetic. I'm glad aunt Helen got her happy ending.

It started with a mystery that lead to a romance and my hanging on every word. Ivory was a regency Olivia Pope. She could spin a scenario, find clues and solve puzzles. I was awed by her accomplishments. Her latest case has brought her in contact with the Duke of Harcourt. Duke of My Heart has become a favorite story of mine. Kelly Bowen has created intelligent characters that are a joy to get to know. I love any story that let's me feel like part of the action. Duke of My Heart is a romance that is clever and full of surprises. With a strong female lead to guide the way I found it a fresh escape.

3.4 stars

The hero bumbles around a lot and doesn't get an opportunity to shine while the heroine was strong and awesome. Overall, the historical feel was missing for me, not sure if due to how the heroine was living her life or what but I missed it. The hero just wasn't a strong presence for me and the mystery part of the story felt a little vague and over with earlier on. The author's writing is incredibly strong and I enjoy it but I almost feel like she would be a better fit in contemporaries.

Embarrassingly, I spent a good portion of the latter half of the story fantasizing about Beatrice and King having their own book. Or maybe Captain Black and Beatrice, I think either of those two would be an amazing match for her.
Either way, show more gimme King's book! show less

With ‘Duke of My Heart’ Kelly Bowen starts her new Seasons for Scandal series and I liked it a lot. The premise is reminiscent of Showtime’s Ray Donovan, sans the baseball bat, and the protagonist doing the damage control for the messes that aristocracy creates for themselves or finds themselves in, is one tough chick, Ivory Moore.

Captain Maximus Harcourt, the 10th Duke of Alderidge’s sister is missing and a body of a dead man is found in her bed, hence Max’s Aunt hires Ivory to solve the mystery of a dead body and locating Max’s sister.

And that’s where this story takes off. From the very first paragraph the author draws you in with our heroine’s quick thinking as she’s doing what she must to assure that nobody finds show more out the strange scene left in the missing girl’s room. I enjoyed the main characters very much and the mystery was well written, while the dialogue flowed with ease.

I also liked the unpredictability of the story.

If you love your romance reads with well written mystery, this one is right up there.I’m going to love this series a lot!

Melanie for b2b

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher. show less

-- Want to know if the whole series is worth reading? Read my overall review of the whole series at seriesousbookreviews.com! Spoiler Free!

This book was a lot of fun! I haven't had this much fun reading an historical romance novel since I read [a:Tessa Dare|2752928|Tessa Dare|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1242150259p2/2752928.jpg]'s work!

I loved the mystery/suspense element to it. Gave this story a fresh and dramatic plot line.

The romance was also great! While it was slightly insta-love, it really blossomed into a strong connection that I simply adored.

Can't wait for the next installments!

Check out more spoiler-free book and series reviews on my blog SERIESousBookReviews.com as well as read book series recaps!

Full Review: show more target="_top">http://wp.me/p7hLUw-1yR
Actual Rating: 5/5 show less