If I Only Had a Duke: The Disgraceful Dukes

Lenora Bell

Aug 2016 · The Disgraceful Dukes Book 2 · Sold by HarperCollins

About this ebook

After four failed seasons and a disastrous jilting, Lady Dorothea Beaumont has had more than enough of her family’s scheming. She won’t domesticate a duke, entangle an earl, or vie for a viscount. She will quietly exit to her aunt’s Irish estate for a life of blissful freedom. Until an arrogant, sinfully handsome duke singles her out for a waltz, making Thea the most popular belle of the season.

The duke ruined her plans and he’ll just have to fix them.

Dalton, Duke of Osborne, is far too heartless for debutantes or marriage—he uses dalliances and public spectacle to distract from his real purpose: finding the man who destroyed his family. When his search leads to Ireland, the last thing he needs is the determined, achingly innocent Thea, who arrives in the dead of night demanding he escort her to her aunt. His foolish agreement may prove his undoing. The road to the Emerald Isle is fraught with unforeseen dangers, but the greatest peril of all might just be discovering that he has a heart...and he’s losing it to Thea.

Ratings and reviews

If I Only Had a Duke "The Disgraceful Dukes" Book 2 in the Series, by Lenora Bell, but can be read as a stand alone. See, Book 1, "How the Duke was Won". Emotional, humorous and captivating characters. Flirty, dangerous, suspenseful, fraught with peril, secrets, challenges, suspense and wildly entertaining. As well as a twist of mystery and entertaining secondary characters. Thus is the story, of Lady Dorothea Beaumont "Thea", a jilted, scandalous, innocent young lady. And, Dalton, Duke of Osborne, heartless, arrogant, and on a quest to find the person who destroyed his family. He hasn't time for innocent ladies, what he's looking for, are dallances, not lifetime commitments, to fit into his plans of retribution. Thea enlists, to use a kind word, the help of Dalton to take her to her Aunt's Irish estate. After much wrangling, he agrees. Actually, he learns his query is in Ireland, as well. The biggest peril these two may face, may well be their hearts. Can Dalton let the past remain in the past and move on to find his and Thea's HEA? Well written with a fresh eye toward Historical Romance. Wildly entertaining, the humor is genuinely woven into the story, but not meant to be a comedy, witty and masterfully written. Fans of witty Regency Romance, a bit of suspense, some mystery and entertainment, as well as captivating characters, will find "If I Only Had a Duke", just the ticket, for their next reading experience. A great Regency Romance read, with a romp from England to Ireland. Strongly recommended! Received for an honest review from Edelweiss. However, all opinions and thoughts are my own. Rating: 4 Heat rating: Mild Reviewed by: AprilR

HOW THE DUKE WAS WON was one of my favourite books this year, and it was with trepidation that I awaited IF I ONLY HAD A DUKE, so how did Lenora Bell fare? Read on. Lady Dorothea Beaumont – Thea – is hiding in Ireland after her dismal appearances in Society. Thea is a student of the arts, and has come upon paintings of inestimable value in the attic of the Irish residence of Dalton, the Duke of Osborne, her neighbour. The Duke is not amused, but Thea will not take no for an answer: she must catalogue the paintings and show them to the world. Dalton cares not a whit about art; he has dedicated his life to finding his brother’s killer. Back in England, Dalton intends to turn “Disastrous Dorothea” into the most sought-after marriageable young woman, if only to be left in peace, and it works so well, that Thea must flee to avoid an ancient toad her mother wants Thea to marry. Dalton, feeling a tad responsible for Thea’s woes, will help her flee her pesky admirers. IF I ONLY HAD A DUKE is the enchanting tale of Thea, who is perfect in every way: she has always done everything that was asked of her, but she’s had enough, and a forced marriage is the last straw. Thea is an extremely engaging heroine: passionate, creative, and full of life. She is dying to experience her newfound freedom, and even the “Monumental Duke” is powerless to reason with her. Thea is not acting foolishly, she is not stubborn just because, but she wants to be able to do what she wants, and now she is able to. Dalton, under the guise of a rake, exists in a vacuum, consumed by revenge, but Thea brings the light he never realised was missing from his life. The chemistry between Thea and Dalton is out of the stratosphere! Together they are invincible, and their banter is delectably brilliant. Lenora Bell dazzles with her lyrical and shimmering prose, a kaleidoscope of colours emanating from her sharp descriptions, and bringing every emotion to life. Dalton and Thea are characters that infiltrate your heart and you feel like you’re living every moment by their side. IF I ONLY HAD A DUKE is a story that was crafted with love and care: it’s one big, wild adventure filled with surprises. It is insanely erotic, exquisitely romantic, absolutely lovely, and irresistibly entertaining. Lenora Bell’s star continues to shine brightly in this scrumptious book! I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I think this may be my new favorite author. I hope she writes fast! <3

About the author

Lenora Bell is a USA Today bestselling, award-winning author of historical romances. A teacher with an MFA in Creative Writing, Lenora has lived and worked on five continents. She currently lives in Colombia with her partner and two tiger-striped rescue kitties. She loves hearing from readers! Sign up for her mailing list to hear about new books, sales, and giveaways.