Title: Surrendering to the DukeAuthor: Stevie Sparks
Series: Lords of Desire #1
Pages: 290
Publication Date: April 10, 2023
Genres: Fiction / Romance / Historical
Synopsis:
His brother’s wife. He loved his brother’s wife.
After losing his heart to Emmeline, the one woman he could never have, Michael committed himself to a life in the army, fighting for King and country in the Great War.
…Until his brother died, and Michael returned to Scarlett Castle as the Duke of Foxcotte.
Fed up with her lack of grandchildren, Michael’s mother hatches a plan to bring Michael and Emmeline together in a marriage of convenience. However, whilst Michael agrees to court Emmeline, they both secretly long for something more passionate than a business arrangement. But Michael could have never imagined that hidden trauma lurked beneath Emmeline’s emerald eyes.
Michael and Emmeline soon ignite a flame that threatens to consume them both as they learn that all relationships come with risks both wanted and unwanted. Will their marriage of convenience be successful? Or will Emmeline’s traumatic past catch up to her and sweep her away?
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Surrendering to the Duke is the first book in the Lords of Desire series and follows Michael, a war hero who has reluctantly returned to take over the dukedom after the death of his brother, and Emmeline, his brother’s widow. Michael has secretly loved Emmeline for a long time, but he never said anything because she was married to his brother. Away at war, he pined for her, and, when he returns to take his brother’s place as Duke, he’s shocked when his mother suggests a marriage of convenience. Suddenly, it’s all he can think about. But, now he has to convince Emmeline.
Emmeline has suffered horrible abuse and neglect as a child, and the trauma of her past still haunts her. Now a widowed single mom, she’s determined to give her daughter the happy and safe childhood she never had. When her mother-in-law suggests Emmeline and Michael marry, Emmeline needs convincing. Her first marriage was based on a mutual respect, but this time around she wants love and passion. Luckily for her, so does Michael, and he is willing to put in the work to prove it to her. Theirs is an emotional, romantic, and passionate story that begins with friendship and turns into so much more!
Michael is such a wonderful character and love interest for Emmeline. He’s incredibly kind and patient, and he is s in love with Emmeline. Theirs isn’t a high angst love story, but Michael spends quite a bit of time trying to convince Emmeline to take a chance on him. Considering her past and her desire to have a love-based marriage this time, this is no easy feat, but their chemistry is undeniable. I love that Michael takes the time to woo Emmeline, and he really understands her trauma and supports her throughout her emotional journey. He’s very different from his brother, and his feelings for Emmeline run deep. And the spice – Woohoo! Get a fan, my friends, because there are a lot of super steamy times, and some of the things Michael says in these scenes are blush-inducing!
Other characters are also compelling, as are the layered and heartwarming relationships. Emmeline’s bond with her daughter Dora is so sweet, and Dora’s relationship with Michael is beyond special. And Dora is definitely short for a”Dora”ble because she’s the cutest! I also love that Michael’s family is so supportive of Emmeline. Michael’s brother married her when he found out about the abuse she suffered, and his mother and sister are wonderful and bighearted. It was very easy to root for all of them and to despise those who plot against them.
I really enjoyed this read. It takes place during a time in England that I don’t often read about, and the characters, relationships, themes, and romance are all wonderful. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
- Age gap
- he falls first
- brother’s wife
- HEA
- only one bed
Stevie Sparks is a British author and long-time copy editor from Windsor, England (where Windsor Castle is).
She suffers from a terrible medical condition that has left her incapable of reading books without smut. When it comes to books, she prefers the phrase ‘full steam ahead.’
Stevie writes both contemporary and historical romance.
I thought this sounded like one I wanted to read, until I got to the steam and spice. Nice review, Julie.
Yeah, I think it would be way too steamy for you, Carla.