Last Night with the Duke (Rakes of St. James, #1)

by Amelia Grey

Benedict, the Duke of Griffin, needs to find both of his sisters a husband. Worried about their well being after rumours begin swirling about his various misdeeds, he does not want to be responsible for their romantic demise, and far worse, his own. But when the search for potential suitors leads him directly to a woman who surprises him like never before, Benedict thinks it might be high time he got married as well...Esmeralda Swift's destiny was decided long ago, and her dowry now consists living in the same house that once promised her esteem as a Lady. However, that all changes when Benedict, the Duke of Griffin, is bent on seducing her at every turn. Esmeralda should resist...why on earth would a Duke want to be with a woman like her? But as stolen kisses turn to scorching passion, Esmeralda finds herself wanting to give into desire, and to love...

• ISBN10: 1250102499
• ISBN13: 9781250102492
• Publish Date: 7 March 2017
• Publish Status: Out of Print
• Out of Print: 19 October 2021
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: St Martin's Press
• Format: Paperback
• Pages: 304
• Language: English

Reviews

[stacey_is_sassy]

A message to publishers and big wigs in the industry…

***2.5 stars***

Geez, I’m probably shooting myself in the foot here, but I think it’s about time we set the higher-uppers straight. Recently, I have been involved in discussions with fellow readers and a few historical romance authors about “Dukes”. Supposedly, we, the readers, like our heroes to be of the Duke variety. It’s said to "catch our eye" in a title, appeals to us because of their nobility, more realistic than a Prince...

REALLY????? Every bloody historical romance???? How about we spread it around??? Who's up for an Earl?? When was the last Baron? What happened to the poor Marquess'?

I’ll be honest, I do like to see my hero have a good place in social standings but to be honest, I think Duke’s are a bunch of stuffy dudes who think way too highly of themselves. Their love stories are normally told after they’re sick of mistress’s, drinking to excess and gambling.

I’m convinced that Dukes are ONLY attracted to women with a lower social standing than themselves. This is why we have Duke’s falling in love with mere Miss’s, Lady’s with questionable reputations, governess’s and chaperones. Now, to make us believe that this could remotely be “correct”, the love interest was once part of a reputable family but unfortunately were ostracised because of some sort of scandal. We can’t have a Duke marry a commoner after all.

In relation to Last Night with the Duke, the above was racing through my head as I read. I can’t say for certain, but I feel that I may have “believed” the story if the hero wasn’t a Duke. I struggled to see what the big hullabaloo was about and why it was such a big drama. Yeah, yeah…I get that big bro wants his twin sisters to have the best first season EVER. I understand he doesn't want them tainted by his past transgressions. BUT, it seems to me, that is what all sister’s to a Duke must face...or so I'm lead to believe.

In regards to the Duke’s eventual love for Esmerelda and his desperate need to have only her do the job of chaperoning his sisters…what a crock!! It was plain old lust and completely unbelievable considering they hardly spent any time together. Good old Dukey, was a jerk, a snob and a demanding bossy boots...and not in a sexy way.

Talking about sexy ways...well, we get one intimate scene right at the end after a few fondling sessions. It was rushed and seemed to be added in to fit the required "need to see their connection".

This review probably seems excessively harsh but I really needed more. At the 50% mark the hero is still talking about finding a woman of good standing that he’s attracted to as much as the chaperone. Yuck! By the end of the story, I was left with unanswered questions. What about Esmerelda’s family? Did the pretty boy get shamed because of his bad behaviour? Will the Fortescue douchewaffle get what’s coming to him? Will they find a cure for Lady Evelyn’s skin condition? I have a feeling, I may never know the answers….

Stacey is Sassy, received a complimentary copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.

[Cocktails and Books]

I wasn't sure if I was going to like Griffin, but dammit if his interaction with a 12-year-old Josephine didn't make me tear up.

The romance between Griffin and Esmerelda was fun to follow, especially their verbal sparring. She didn't let him get away with much and that was just what he needed.