Title: Addicted to the Duke
Author: Bronwen Evans
Series: Imperfect Lords #1
Publication date: June 13th, 2017
Pages: 260
Synopsis (according to Goodreads):
A lovestruck lady charms the duke of her dreams during an expedition on the high seas in this sexy, swashbuckling novel from USA Today bestselling author Bronwen Evans.
Alexander Sylvester Bracken, Duke of Bedford, has a mission: sail to the Mediterranean and track down Lady Hestia Cary's missing father. It is a straightforward task, but for two rather vexing complications. First, the sea holds painful memories; second, for her own safety, Hestia is to accompany him. As Alex battles the demons of his past, he must also resist Hestia's surprisingly skillful attempts at seduction. After all, Alex has sworn to leave her untouched, and he intends to honor that vow--until he can properly ask the Earl's blessing.
Ever since His Grace rescued Hestia from the arms of a Turkish pirate six long years ago, her heart has belonged to Alex. So when he agrees to help find her father, Hestia is thrilled. Although Alex tries to hide it, there's passion in his eyes--and a frisson of desire in the air--whenever they meet. On board ship, miles from home, Alex won't be able to deny her any longer. But with scoundrels lying in wait, she may not live to tell the tale of her conquest.
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Review:
As a reviewer of mostly romance books, you'd think I'd have dabbled a bit more into the Historical Romance genre than I have. For some reason, I had still written the genre off as something the little old ladies of the used bookstore I used to work at would read. Wanting to hold onto my youth I deemed to never cross that barrier from regular romance to Historical lest shrivel up and start discussing how the rain always causes my arthritis to flare up in the worst way. Most foolish thing you've ever heard? Same. Which is why I decided to let go of my preconceived opinion of the genre and dive in with this gem.
Alex is a very troubled man. After two years of captivity with a depraved and evil pirate, it's to be understood. The things that Alex had to do, say, and consume by way of opium, would boggle the mind of the average man. With a thirst for revenge for his captor, the approach of an old Earl to save his young daughter from his clutches was the opportunity Alex had long waited for. He wasn't prepared for the young girl's affections to tempt him so thoroughly. Four years after his rescue of the maiden and now her father is the one in need of rescue. Duty bound he agrees to another rescue mission, however, this one comes with Lady Hestia's attendance at the risk of her demise if left behind. The search for her father takes him back to the place of nightmares. This is what Alex was needing; another chance to kill his tormentor after his rescue mission is complete. But can Alex continue to keep his distance from Hestia or will he finally give into the passion he so desperately desires?
Hestia has loved Alex from the moment he rescued her and even his philandering ways can not dissuade her. However, if she cannot find her father she will be forced to marry and Alex is not offering to be that person. Can she convince Alex that she is worth letting his past go and finding love with her or will his dark mission come between them completely?
As my first true dabble into Historical Romance I am truly impressed. I DEVOURED this book in the course of a night and hated the need for it to come to an end. Hestia's obsessive infatuation with Alex was painful to watch at first because it truly seemed like hero worship. I knew that the two were most likely going to end up together in the end but for a minute there I wondered if this was going to lead to a potential spin where Hestia realizes she only loved Alex for his part in her rescue. But some how the author worked some voodoo magic on the story and twisted it so it was obvious Hestia didn't just worship the ground Alex walked on because he rescued her. She loved him despite all his shortcomings and scars. Alex's determination to not tie Hestia to his sinking anchor was admirable and believable. The way he finally relented was borderline uncomfortable but worked for the story as a whole.
Addicted to the Duke is the best example of the healing properties love can have for a dark and wounded soul.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I think I am going to need to read a bit more of the genre. Historical Romance: not just for the elderly.
