Friday, October 1, 2021

Review and Giveaway - - The Devil's Own Duke

The Devil's Own Duke
by Lenora Bell
Wallflowers vs Rogues - Book 2
Publisher: Avon
Release Date: September 28, 2021
Reviewed by PJ 
 >


Lady Henrietta Prince is far too busy for romance. She's dedicated her life to turning her family vineyards into a profitable sparkling wine venture. But when she shares a thrilling kiss at midnight with a handsome stranger, she's captivated...until he claims to be the distant heir to her father's dukedom.

Ash Ellis is a gambler who lives life on the edge. Now he's locked his sights on a glittering prize and nothing will stand in his way.

When Henrietta is forced to marry the wicked rogue to keep her beloved vineyards, she vows that Ash will never have her trust, or her love. Even if his kisses are more intoxicating than the finest champagne.

His new bride is certainly beautiful, but biddable? Not so much. Ash will settle for nothing less than Henrietta's total surrender...but is he the one in danger of losing his heart?


PJ's Thoughts:


Lenora Bell continues to delight with her fresh storylines, intriguing characters, witty banter, and feel-good happy endings. As with the first book in this series, The Devil's Own Duke reeled me in and kept me on the line from beginning to end. 


I loved the journey Ash and Hetty traveled in this story. They both turned out to have unexpected layers, Ash in particular. He was such a complex character, jaded and bent on revenge, but with a soft, noble center and social conscience rarely revealed. I really enjoyed his evolution as he and Hetty gradually became more emotionally involved; how he finally opened himself up to the possibilities of love and happiness. By the end of the book, he had transformed into one of my favorite Bell heroes.


Hetty had my respect and admiration for everything she had done - and continued to do - to manage and protect her father's estate and her mother's vineyards, to fight for respect as a vintner, and for recognition of her sparkling wines in a man's world. She wasn't without flaws either but I enjoyed how she met every obstacle head on, especially the sizzling chemistry between her and her "marriage of convenience" husband. These two only had to get out of their own way to realize how good they could be together. Bell guided them over shaky ground, and through life-threatening obstacles, with a deft hand until they finally reached a happily ever after filled with laughter, love, forgiveness, and acceptance that had me sighing with delight. Now if we could just get a story for Ash's best friend and business partner, Jax. I'm not above begging. ;-) 



Do you enjoy sparkling wine?


Speaking of sparkling, have you read Lenora Bell's books yet?


One person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, October 4 will receive a fabulous prize package from Lenora Bell. 




PRIZE PACK INCLUDES:

 

Signed copy of The Devil’s Own Duke/champagne-scented Roots beeswax candle/champagne Jelly Belly candy/Ace of Spades bottle opener/2 wine charms/sticker/magnet/bookmark (bookmark not pictured/wine glasses not included)

 

*Open internationally

*Must be 18

*Void where prohibited



41 comments:

  1. I do like Champaign but my go to is Cabernet. I have enjoyed her stories in the past and this looks like a good one!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much!! I love sparkling rose - it's bubbly and pink and makes me feel happy :-) Have a wonderful weekend! xo LB

      Delete
  2. I enjoy a sparkling rose. Leonora's novels are captivating and special.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Me too! I love sparkling rose. Thanks so much - I'm thrilled about PJ's review and thanks so much for reading my books!

      Delete
  3. I love sparkling wine since it is light and has such a lovely flavor. I would enjoy t his author's books.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for commenting! Historical romance is the perfect escape :-) Have a wonderful weekend!

      Delete
  4. I do enjoy sparkling wine - it always feels like a treat. I am new to Lenora Bell’s books, but am looking forward to reading them! This one sounds great.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's lovely to meet you, Ina! Thanks so much for commenting and have a wonderful weekend. xo LB

      Delete
  5. I like pink champagne. I usually have White Zinfandel. Champagne goes right to my head.

    I have not yet read as my of Lenora’s stories. I am going to look for her books. I enjoy your review!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Laurie! It's great to hear that you're new to my books. This is my eighth book - I can't believe it! I was so thrilled by PJ's review. Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

      Delete
  6. PJ!!!! This review means everything to me. I'm so glad that Ash became one of your favorite heroes of mine--I think everything came together for me when I discovered that he was secretly in love with his fluffy finicky cat ;-) Thanks so much for all of your support over the years and for everything you do for the romance community. Big virtual hugs and hope to meet in person again someday soon. xo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I thoroughly enjoyed this book! His secret love affair with his cat most definitely contributed to my love for him. ;-)

      Delete
  7. I'm more of a wine person.

    I have read a couple of Lenora's books and still have a few on my tbr list. I loved How the Duke Was Won

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love Lenora's books! I'm also kind of stalking all her events :D

    I love bubbly! The sensation of the bubbles on the tong as you drink, perfection :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL! This is one type of stalking I'm going to guess she's probably okay with. ;)

      Delete
  9. Lenora's books are wonderful!! She is one of my autobuy authors! I used to love sparkling wines. Sandly, most of them have enough added sulfites that I can't indulge without a migraine.... I don't love them that much.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sadly, I share your aversion to sulfites. It's just not worth the headaches.

      Delete
  10. I first met Lenora and read one of her books at a book signing (RWA I think.) Now I can't get enough of her stories. Can't wait to read this one.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love the sparkling wit, passion, and humor in her stories.

      Delete
  11. I enjoy champagne but hardly ever get it. Usually it's a zinfendel or reisling at our house!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I do love sparkling wine. I have read one of her books.

    denise

    ReplyDelete
  13. I have not read any of Ms Bell's books. But, your terrific review has made me realize that I need to fix that problem.
    Hope everyone is well and safe and happy.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I enjoy a nice glass of sparking rose, too. Thank you for the chance to win this lovely prize pack. I've read a few of Lenora's books.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I'm not really a sparkling wine person and I haven't tried Lenora Bell's books, but I've definitely been wanting to read one of them!

    ReplyDelete
  16. I'm definitely a fan of Lenora's books and yes to enjoying sparkling wine especially if it's red and sweet. ����

    ReplyDelete
  17. I love Lenora Bell's books and I like some sparkling wines. Thanks for the chance.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Champagne is one of the few alcoholic beverages that I like. I also loved this book. Here is part of my review: The way Hetty and Ash met, especially the occasion for the ball, was highly entertaining, but the reasons for Ash’s actions melted my heart. Who wouldn’t love such a scoundrel?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. He had some endearing layers hidden beneath that rough exterior, didn't he?

      Delete
  19. I have read one of your historical romance.
    The only sparkling I drink: water

    ReplyDelete
  20. I do enjoy sparkling wines. To me they are a bit like a party starter in a bottle. They are perfect for little celebrations whenever you want one or big ones when celebration is needed.
    I have a couple of her books in my TBR pile, but haven't gotten to them yet. This one sounds like one I will thoroughly enjoy. I look forward to meeting these two characters and following their story. I think I read somewhere there were pet cats involved in the plot. It could be interesting.

    ReplyDelete
  21. I do enjoy a glass of cava! I’ve read several of Lenora’s books and can’t wait to read this one.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Sparkling wine is great for a celebration. I have read a book of Lenora's.

    ReplyDelete
  23. What red-blooded romance reader doesn't love sparkling wine? My local bookstore sells a sparkling mango muscado that's simply wonderful. I read and enjoyed How the Duke was Won several years back, but sadly, I haven't had a chance to get to any more of Lenora's books. I'll have to move them up my list!

    ReplyDelete
  24. I like champagne but only on special occasions otherwise I'm not a fan of alcohol :) I'm a newbie to her books but I've been following her for a while now :)

    ReplyDelete
  25. Yes to both!! I love Lenora's books and enjoy the occasional glass of sparkling wine.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Not a big wine drinker but I loved the first book in this series and I'm sure this one is also fantastic.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm so glad you enjoyed Love Is a Rogue. Hope you're having a great weekend!

      Delete
  27. I enjoy sparkling wine and Lenora’s books.

    ReplyDelete
  28. It sounds like a good story. I'm not really a wine drinker.

    ReplyDelete