Monday, June 22, 2015

Review: I've Got My Duke to Keep Me Warm (Lords of Worth #1) by Kelly Bowen

Book coverI've Got My Duke to Keep Me Warm (Lords of Worth #1) by Kelly Bowen
Purchase link: Amazon

My rating: star star star star

Heat rating: Flame  Flame  Flame



Where Secrets Smolder...

Calm. Cool. Collected. Gisele Whitby has perfected the art of illusion—her survival, after all, has depended upon it. Years ago, to escape an abusive husband, Gisele "disappeared." Now she must risk revealing her new identity to save another innocent girl from the same fate. But she needs a daring man for her scheme, and the rogue in question shows a remarkable talent . . . for shattering Gisele's carefully constructed façade and igniting her deepest desires.

...Passion Ignites.

This isn't the first time Jamie Montcrief has awakened naked and confused from a night of drinking. It is, however, the first time a stunningly beautiful woman offers him payment afterward. Gisele has a business proposition for him, a mission involving cunning thievery and a brazen rescue. How can he say no to a plot this dangerous . . . and a woman this delectable?.


This book on face value is very misleading. The cover and title implies a typical Regency romance and it is anything but typical. I recently wrote a post about wanting to read more non-traditional Regency romance and this is exactly that - a very non-traditional Regency romance.

Gisele is a battered wife or rather she was until she escaped her abusive husband and now she spends her life selflessly helping other women escape the same fate she endured. Gisele is the most unselfish and giving heroine I have read in a long time. Her life revolves entirely around helping other women. She is brave, strong, selfless and determined. As the story unfolds, you learn how truly incredible a woman she is as you discover what she endured at the hands of her husband. Her triumph is turning her tragedy into something positive and something that leaves as lasting legacy and impact on the lives of others.

Then there is Jamie. A more noble and honorable man would be hard to find. Right from the beginning, Jamie is a man with a deep sense of integrity in his core, which he displays at the first instance when Gisele tests him to see if he is worthy to help her with her latest rescue scheme. Throughout the story, Jamie slowly reveals who he is as a person and as that strength of character is reveals, Gisele learns she can trust a man with her heart again. The nobility and goodness in Jamie shines so bright, it is very hard to miss.

Jamie and Gisele make a wonderful couple, both wanting to do right, both wanting to protect, both falling in love and not being afraid to embrace what life has offered them. This takes courage given the tragedy of their pasts and I applaud them for it.

I must give it to Ms Bowen, she also paints a truly evil antagonist, cleverly wrapped up in a titled, pretty package that is Gisele's ex-husband. He is a truly, truly evil man, and wonderfully insane as well. I am delighted with what Gisele does to draw him out and expose him. His descent into madness is a sight to behold and it makes my vengeful little heart glad that he got his comeuppance.

Loved how unusual this story is. Looking forward to the next one.

View all my reviews

The other book in the series:

bk2
bk2


About the author

authorI was born and raised in Manitoba, Canada.  I attended the University of Manitoba where I earned a graduate degree in veterinary physiology and spent many years happily working as a research scientist in the agriculture industry.  None of which, of course, has anything to do with writing romance novels.

My writing stemmed from my lifelong obsession with history, a weakness for a good love story and after my first child was born, I sat down to do what I'd also wanted to do - write a novel.  (The entire process being facilitated by the abundance of winter months that can be found in this particular province). 

Currently, I live in Winnipeg with my husband and two boys who are wonderfully patient and supportive of the writing process.  Except, that is, when they need a goalie for street hockey.

Author links: Website - Facebook - Twitter - Goodreads


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2 comments:

  1. I felt pretty much the same about this book - I wish there was an epilogue saying what happened to them after.

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    1. I found it hard to put into words, how I felt, to be honest. There was just so damned much stinking honor and nobility and self sacrifice going around. :-)

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