In the first novel in Christy Carlyle’s sizzling Duke’s Den series, three men, intent on making a fortune, discover irresistible opportunities . . .
Nicholas Lyon gambled his way into a fortune and ownership of the most opulent, notorious gentlemen’s club in England. But when Nick’s cruel brother dies, he inherits a title he never wanted. The sooner Nick is rid of the estate that has always haunted him, the sooner he can return to the life he’s built in London. But there’s one obstacle—the exquisite Thomasina Thorne.
When the new heir to the Tremayne dukedom suddenly appears in Mina Thorne’s life, she’s flustered. Not only is he breathtakingly handsome, but he’s also determined to take away her home and position as steward of the Enderley estate. If Mina learns what makes the enigmatic duke tick, perhaps she can change his mind—as long as she doesn’t get too close to him.
With each day Nick spends with Mina, his resolve weakens as their colliding wills lead to explosive desire. Could she be the one woman who can help him finally bury the ghosts of his past?
About the Book
A Duke Changes Everythingby Christy Carlyle
Series
The Duke’s Den (Each story is a standalone.)
Genre
Adult
Historical Romance
Publisher
Avon Books
Publication Date
November 27, 2018
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Review
I do love a good historical romance with a woman in pants, just bucking traditional gender norms all over the place. Thomasina Thorne (Mina to her friends) is smart and not afraid to take charge, and she sees the sense in wearing trousers instead of dresses to get things done around the estate. She also cares about people (and very pregnant cats), and while maybe she longs for fairy tales and a wider world, she's also sort of glad to be bound by her duty to Enderly because it means nothing needs to change... Until Nick comes to the estate...Nick, like most hot dukes in Regency romances, has a tragic backstory that have turned him into a beast. Between his mismatched eyes and the scar on his face, he's sure that his hideousness is only matched by what lies within. But sorry, Nick, some of us have been dreaming about fairy tale princes with mismatched eyes since primary school (maybe it's a girls who read fairy tales thing?) and anyone who cares about your scars beyond wanting the blood of whoever inflicted them on you isn't worth the breath to dismiss them anyway. In reality Nick's built up this wall around his heart and his spirit so he can't be hurt again.
“I’m not afraid of seeing your scars.”Nick and Mina together are amazing. Nick's behavior in confronting the place where he was basically tortured is at times bizarre and erratic (especially when you don't know why he's acting the way he is) and Mina does a fairly good job of soothing the crazy new duke while he, for example, escapes through a window to burn a portrait in a leaf pile in the middle of the night. (Stark raving bonkers, this one...) They're great for each other, even though Nick is terrified to stay and Mina is terrified to leave. (But what kind of plot would there be if there was no conflict?)
He settled her with infinite care on the edge of the enormous bed, not quite meeting her gaze. “I am.”
A Duke Changes Everything is wonderfully written in the alternating third person limited past tense POV. It's first book in the Duke's Den series, though it's written as a stand alone and Mina and Nick's story is wrapped up within the single book. This was the first book I've read by Christy Carlyle, but I'll definitely be reading more.
Excerpt
Nick looked at the dark drop of honey on her skin and his mouth watered. He licked his lips and looked into her eyes. The heat there made him want more. More moments like this with her. When there was no Enderley boxing them in, no duties that needed their attention. Just Mina and the odd, undeniable spark he’d felt between them from the day he arrived.
“I’d like a taste,” he told her quietly.
Mina bit her lip, and her brows dipped in concentration. She locked her gaze on his mouth and seemed to hold her breath as she slid a honeyed finger across his lower lip.
Nick swept his tongue out to taste and reached for her hand. Flavor burst inside his mouth in a shock of floral sweetness.
“Delicious,” he whispered before leaning closer, flicking his tongue out, and tasting the tip of her finger once more. “But I honestly can’t tell whether it’s you or the honey.”
About Christy Carlyle
Fueled by Pacific Northwest coffee and inspired by multiple viewings of every British costume drama she can get her hands on, USA Today bestselling author CHRISTY CARLYLE writes sensual historical romance set in the Victorian era. She loves heroes who struggle against all odds and heroines who are ahead of their time. A former teacher with a degree in history, she finds there’s nothing better than being able to combine her love of the past with a die-hard belief in happy endings.
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