No seriously, AU. But so enjoyable. While I didn't quite agree with some of the conflicts, I loved the dialogue between Dalton & Thea (laughing for real many times) and the fact Dalton truly had no idea what to do with her sometimes. ( )

If I only had a Duke is the second book in The Disgraceful Dukes series. I read the first book, How the Duke Was Won, earlier this spring and I found it quite good. I'm very pleased to say that If I Only Had a Duke is just as funny to read as the first book in the series. I chuckled aloud several times during the first 1/3 of the book. Also, I really like this series heroines. They are all so bloody funny and feels refreshingly stubborn and independent. And, that, despite living in a time when women aren't more than a man's belonging.

Now, the book is not only funny, it has a serious streak as well. Dalton, Duke of Osborne is after the man that killed his young brother when he was a child. And, now he must flee the town in a hurry after confronting a man who wounded him and could identify him because of that. However, Lady Dorothea Beaumont demands that he takes her with him when she learns that he is going to Ireland since it's his fault that she now after a couple of seasons as a wallflower is now the most popular belle of the season. She has absolutely no plans at all to get married least of all to someone her mother or grandmother wants her to marry. But, traveling, with the handsome Dalton to Ireland may change her mind about marriage. However, will she be able to get the Duke to fall for her?

Nevertheless, as much as I enjoyed the book did I have a bit of problem with the story, and that's the seduction part, the mating ritual between Dalton and Thea. And, this is not the book's fault, this is something that seldom interests me in historical romance. I'm just not fond of reading about people lusting about each other. Especially not when it gets a bit too much. In a small dose, then it's fine. But, this is historical romance, and it's a big part. So, for the right person is that part probably just fine. However, I'm just the odd one out when it comes to that.

Also, the "twist" to the story was not especially surprising, but it at least made the book's ending sweet. Another thing, I just love the ending when Thea really puts down her foot against here families wishes and the result it brings. She really has guts.

I want to thank Piatkus for providing me with a free copy for an honest review! ( )

Same as with the first in the series, some of the premises are a tad unlikely, but if you're willing to overlook those then the story is quite enjoyable. ( )

This was a nice read, but I did have a few qualms about it, such as an easy yet soapy ending and maybe some inconsistencies in the characters. Overall, it was light and enjoyable, if mostly predictable. Bell really does have a way with words, though. I loved the way she describes things, and her writing was a pleasure to read. Read my full review here. ( )

This book features two strong characters. A Duke, who has a secret identity as the Hellhound, he prowls the streets of London threatening gamblers and saving young peers from gambling away their fortunes. He comes face to face with a strong, independent young spinster-in-training. These two both know what they want and fight to get it. As the story goes on, we see each of them grow into an even stronger character.
The background story is the Duke's search for the person who murdered his brother when they were children. I have to admit, I didn't see the resolution of this problem coming. On her side, Thea is set on putting aside all the rules and regulations of a proper English miss and spending her time researching important art works. She doesn't need a husband to validate her - she is her own person.
Lenora Bell does a wonderful job of moving the story along and the Happily Ever After is well worth the trip ( )