TITLE: What The Duke Desires
SERIES: The Duke’s Men #1
AUTHOR: Sabrina Jeffries
PUBLICATION DATE: July 18, 2013
PUBLISHER: Pocket Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster
PAGES: 416 pages
FORMAT: E-ARC
SOURCE: Edelweiss
RATING: 4 stars
Maximillian Cale, Duke of Lyons, long ago laid to rest the notion of finding his older brother, who was kidnapped many years ago. His father’s private investigator claims Peter died in a fire many years after his kidnapping and Max has no reason to doubt it, until Tristan Bonnaud writes him a letter claiming to know a man with a striking resemblance to him and undeniable proof of a familiar connection. Tristan, however, is nowhere to be found, eventually leading him to Tristan’s sister’s doorstep. Lisette, like Tristan, is the illegitimate daughter of a french actress and an English Earl. She is headstrong and stubborn and refuses to tell him where to find Tristan, agreeing only to accompany him to France where Tristan lives. The more time the two spend together searching for her wayward brother, the hotter the attraction boils…but can a duke really marrying a bastard?
I really give this novel 4.5 stars, but Goodreads don’t allow half-star ratings. From start to finish, this novel is a wild ride that kept me at the edge of my seat wondering what had happened to Tristan and if he really had found Peter. Watch Max parading around as a mere Mister after being so used to his Dukely title opening all available doors was priceless. Having money helps some, but there are many things that just can’t be accomplished without that title. Lisette was everything a normal historical romance heroine isn’t. I don’t read about female bastards often and definitely not ones who wish to become a spy! Headstrong and fiercely loyal, she’s definitely someone I’d want on my side.
The writing was great, as Sabrina Jeffries always is. I need to really make a mental note to read more of her novels when I get the chance because I’ve yet to read one I didn’t like and seeing as I am abhorrently picky lately, that is really saying something.
****Thank you to Pocket Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster for providing me with an eARC via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review****
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