Review & Giveaway - - After Dark with the Duke

After Dark with the Duke

by Julie Anne Long

The Palace of Rogues - Book 4

Publisher: Avon

Release Date: November 30, 2021

Reviewed by PJ

She arrives in the dead of night, a mob out for blood at her heels: Mariana Wylde, the “Harlot of Haywood Street,” an opera diva brought low by a duel fought for her favors. But the ladies of the Grand Palace on the Thames think they can make a silk purse from scandal: They’ll restore her reputation and share in her triumph...provided they can keep her apart from that other guest.

 

Coldly brilliant, fiercely honorable, General James Duncan Blackmore, the Duke of Valkirk, is revered, feared, desired...but nobody truly knows him. Until a clash with a fiery, vulnerable beauty who stands for everything he scorns lays him bare. It’s too clear the only cure for consuming desire is conquest, but their only chance at happiness could lead to their destruction.

The legendary duke never dreamed love would be his last battleground. Valkirk would lay down his life for Mariana, but his choice is stark: risk losing her forever, or do the one thing he vowed he never would...surrender.

PJ's Thoughts:

When I was not quite halfway through this book, I sent the following message to the author.

This book is exceptional. I want to rush through it while at the same time force myself to set a snail's pace so as not to miss any of the beautiful prose. If I took the time to underline every exquisitely-written phrase I doubt I'd ever finish reading the book. I'm at 46%. If the second half is anywhere near as good as the first, this is going to end up being one of my all-time favorite JAL stories.

Upon turning the final page, the first thing I did was release a deep, satisfied, heartfelt sigh. The second thing I did was hug my Kindle. Yes, you read that correctly. I was overflowing with so much emotion, so much love for these characters, for their story, I had to express it somehow! Then, after a sufficient amount of affection, I sat down and wrote the author one more message. Here's what I said. 

I am ruined. Totally, completely, utterly ruined. Do you know how many books I have in my read/review queue? How am I supposed to read them now? All I want to do is simmer in the stunningly beautiful, all-encompassing emotion of this book, of these characters. I can't just move on to something else. This is my favorite book this year. It's my favorite book of ALL the books you've written - - and I've read every single one of them. I might as well change the name of my review to "gush fest" because that's exactly what it's going to be. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. But, seriously, RUINED!

In my review, I had planned to write about the snappy banter between Mariana and James, the forced-proximity, enemies-to-lovers evolution, the deeply romantic slow burn as they gradually reveal their vulnerabilities and open their hearts. The Italian lessons that lead to unexpected desire and, more importantly, to the realization that there are deeper layers within each of them waiting for the other to discover. And, to the self-realization that there is more to life for each of them than they had previously considered. But rather than delve into any of the afore-mentioned facets of this book, I recommend that you, my fellow readers, acquire a copy for yourselves, curl up in a comfy chair, and immerse yourselves in this exquisitely-choreographed verbal dance that deserves nothing less than a standing ovation...and a Top Dish rating. 

~~~~~~~

Have you read Julie Anne Long?

Do you have a favorite of her books?

What's the last book you read that pulled you so deeply into the story you couldn't put it down?

One person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, November 30 will receive their choice of a Kindle (Amazon US) or print copy of After Dark with the Duke. (If international, winner will receive a print copy from Book Depository)

*Must be 18

*Void where prohibited 

Birthday Month Giveaway #12 - - Historicals on the Horizon

 

I've been plotting out my reading for the rest of 2021. Oh, not the impulse buys, those books that catch my eye, causing me to quickly one-click at Amazon. No, these are the books I've been hearing buzz about for the past several months, the next installment in an ongoing series that I've been eagerly anticipating since last year. The books written by the authors who are my treasured auto-buys. The majority of these books have already been pre-ordered, allowing me to bask in the giddy anticipation of waking up on release day to the knowledge that a delicious new historical romance is on my Kindle, sitting there like a gaily-wrapped package just waiting to be opened and appreciated. Here are a few of the historical romances I'm most anticipating.

The Devil's Own Duke

by Lenora Bell

Wallflowers vs Rogues - Book 2

Publisher: Avon

Release Date: September 28, 2021

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 says: Bell's books touch my heart, tickle my funny bone, and always, always leave me with a happy smile. I adored book one of this series and can't wait to embark on this new journey with winemaker Henrietta and gambler Ash. 

The Duchess Hunt

by Lorraine Heath

Once Upon a Dukedom - Book 2

Publisher: Avon

Release Date: September 28. 2021

Hugh Brinsley-Norton, the Duke of Kingsland, is in need of a duchess. However, restoring the dukedom—left in ruins by his father—to its former glory demands all his time, with little room for sentiment. He places an advert encouraging the single ladies of the ton to write why they should be the one chosen, and leaves it to his efficient secretary to select his future wife.

If there exists a more unpleasant task in the world than deciding who is to marry the man you love, Penelope Pettypeace certainly can’t imagine what it might be. Still, she is determined to find the perfect bride for her clueless, yet ruthlessly charming employer.

But when an anonymous note threatens to reveal truths best hidden, Kingsland has no choice but to confront the danger with Penelope at his side. Beguiled by the strong-willed, courageous beauty, he realizes he’s willing to risk everything, including his heart, to keep her safe within his arms. Could it be the duchess he’s hunting for has been in front of him all along?

PJ says: Heath is one of my favorite historical romance authors. I've been intrigued by Kingsland and his secretary, Miss Pettypeace since meeting them in book one, Scoundrel of My Heart (highly recommend!). I'm excited for them to take center stage in The Duchess Hunt. 

Rules for Heiresses

by Amalie Howard

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

Release Date: October 26, 2021

Sometimes, finding love means flouting the rules...

Born to a life of privilege, Lady Ravenna Huntley rues the day that she must marry. She's refused dozens of suitors and cried off multiple betrothals, but running away—even if brash and foolhardy—is the only option left to secure her independence.

Lord Courtland Chase, grandson of the Duke of Ashvale, was driven from England at the behest of his cruel stepmother. Scorned and shunned, he swore never to return to the land of his birth. But when a twist of bad luck throws a rebellious heiress into his arms, at the very moment he finds out he's the new Duke, marriage is the only alternative to massive scandal.

Both are quick to deny it, but a wedding might be the only way out for both of them. And the attraction that burns between them makes Ravenna and Courtland wonder if it'll truly only be a marriage of convenience after all...

PJ says: A rebellious heiress, a shunned duke, a delicious scandal, and a marriage of convenience. Check, check, check, and double check! Howard brings heat, humor, and heart to her historical romances and I am here for it. 

 

A Wanton for All Seasons

by Christie Caldwell 

Publisher: Montlake 

Release Date: November 2, 2021

Annalee Spencer and Wayland Smith were uninhibited young lovers until the Peterloo Massacre set them on two different paths. Raised to the title of Baron of Darlington in recognition of his courage, Wayland is now a model of propriety and heroism. As for Annalee, the trauma of that tragic day in Manchester is ever present. To dull the pain, she lives only for pleasure. And she derives immense pleasure from co-leading the Mismatch Society, a league of scandalously independent women. Perhaps too scandalous…because of Annalee. To save the society, she must adopt a veneer of respectability. For that she needs the man who’s won the admiration of the ton.

Wayland may be conflicted, but he agrees to Annalee’s proposal, if only to atone for having brought his former beloved to Peterloo on that fateful day. Reunited under the pretense of a courtship, Wayland and Annalee find the feelings between them are becoming real. With their own futures at stake, it’s finally time to confront the past, to trust in each other again, and against the odds, to reclaim the love they once had.

PJ says: The first two books in this series have been brimming with sensual romance and deep emotion. I have a feeling this third one may be the most emotional yet. Christi Caldwell never disappoints.

After Dark with the Duke

by Julie Anne Long

The Palace of Rogues - Book 4

Publisher: Avon

Release Date: November 30, 2021

She arrives in the dead of night, a mob out for blood at her heels: Mariana Wylde, the “Harlot of Haywood Street,” an opera diva brought low by a duel fought for her favors. But the ladies of the Grand Palace on the Thames think they can make a silk purse from scandal: They’ll restore her reputation and share in her triumph...provided they can keep her apart from that other guest.

 
Coldly brilliant, fiercely honorable, General James Duncan Blackmore, the Duke of Valkirk, is revered, feared, desired...but nobody truly knows him. Until a clash with a fiery, vulnerable beauty who stands for everything he scorns lays him bare. It’s too clear the only cure for consuming desire is conquest, but their only chance at happiness could lead to their destruction.

The legendary duke never dreamed love would be his last battleground. Valkirk would lay down his life for Mariana, but his choice is stark: risk losing her forever, or do the one thing he vowed he never would...surrender.

PJ says: I've been reading Long since her debut. If she writes it, I buy it. I pre-ordered After Dark with the Duke in March. I'm currently at the midway point of an advance copy of the book and all I can say is that if the second half of this book is as good as the first it may well end up being one of my favorite JAL books and one of my favorite historical romances of 2021. 

What historical romances being released between now and the end of 2021 are you most looking forward to reading?

One person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, September 13 will receive a print copy of Scoundrel of My Heart by Lorraine Heath.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

*Void where prohibited