kimbacaffeinate
Written on Jan 13, 2014
Lily Phillips in an attempt to retrieve property sold by her brother goes to London dressed in one of her mother’s outdated dresses where in one night she meets a handsome man, shares a night of passion and steals back a family piece. She returns to the countryside prepared to live as a spinster but her brother has other ideas and a year later she returns to London. Her brother intends to arrange a marriage that will benefit his pockets. Now her path cross with the stranger from a year ago. The one who invades her dreams, only to discover he is Devon Grey, the Duke of Thornwood known amongst the peerage as the Mad Duke. Devon has been miserable the past year thinking about the woman who warmed his bed and stole from him. The tale that unfolds is delicious, as these two tango. Devon has Lily assist him by pulling pranks and discouraging the dreadful men on her brother’s list of prospective husbands. Will these two find their happily ever after?
Michels introduced such wonderful, tormented, head strong characters. Lily was a breath of fresh air, despite her dastardly brother she is sentimental, ever the lady and just a tiny bit naughty. I loved when she laughed and wanted more. Devon is swoon-worthy from his rakish good looks, to his outlandish behavior. The ton wants a madman and he gives them one. Devon’s mother the Duchess was wonderfully meddlesome and I quite liked her. Lily has several brothers and I adored one of them. Michels provided a little side story regarding him. The men on her brother’s list of possible husbands all made me cringe and I enjoyed seeing them come undone. Suzanna a childhood friend of Lily’s and Holden Ellis, Lord Steelings, friend to the Mad Duke are ever present. They provided aid but something curious is going on between them and I am anxious to discover their secrets.
Must Love Dukes was a captivating romp from the very first pages. The characters were fresh and likable while the plot had just enough twists to keep me entertained without overdoing it. The interaction between Devon and Lily was such fun, never have I rooted for two characters. Mischief, stolen moments, laughter and growth are all present. I loved watching Devon go from blackmailing Lily to realizing what his true feelings were. The story was well paced as it ebbed and flowed towards a nerve wracking conclusion that left me giddy. While the tale begins with a heated love scene overall it is pretty tame by historical romance standards and I found it well balanced and genuine.
Copy received from publisher in exchange for unbiased review that originally published @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer