Nothing Compares to the Duke: The Duke's Den (The Duke's Den, #3)

by Christy Carlyle

Christy Carlyle concludes her Duke’s Den series with this sparkling romance about two reluctant allies intent on following the rules and breaking every single one.

His Only Regret…

Rhys Forester, the new Duke of Claremont, lives his life by four words: Enjoy All, Regret Nothing. He’s devoted to the pleasure of his wild soirees, reckless behavior, and shocking the ton with his interests in trade. The debts that come with his title don’t fit the carefree lifestyle he’s created and when he’s forced to return to his family’s estate, he’s also forced to confront his one and only regret: the beautiful girl he left behind.

May Be Falling in Love…

Arabella Prescott has been the belle of more balls than she cares to remember. After three seasons and five rejected proposals, she’s done with the marriage mart. Bella’s hopes to live a comfortable life, alone, come crashing down when her parents demand she marry. But her salvation may come in the form of the man she hates the most.

Bella has never forgiven Rhys for what he did to her, but desperate times call for fake engagements. With a few dozen rules, their scheme begins, but it’s not long before the former enemies find themselves breaking every single rule, including the most important of them all: don’t fall in love…

 

• ISBN10: 0062854011
• ISBN13: 9780062854018
• Publish Date: 25 June 2020 (first published 26 May 2020)
• Publish Status: Active
• Out of Print: 6 July 2023
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Avon Books
• Format: Paperback (US Mass Market)
• Pages: 368
• Language: English

Reviews

[whisperingchapters]

I hadn't read the first two books before starting Nothing Compares to the Duke, and I'm glad to admit I didn't feel like I had missed out, and was able to read without having any confusion.

Bella and Rhys used to be as thick as thieves until Bella, who had a crush on Rhys, found him with another woman. From then on, they never spoke until many years later when Rhys seeks Bella's help.

Bella [...] glanced over her shoulder at the man she should have slapped five years ago.

I greatly enjoyed getting a glimpse of these two being young and carefree, and having that specific scene when the encounter happens told through flashback, rather than from memory. It definitely felt more powerful and brought all the feels for Bella.

I appreciated so much Rhys owning up to what he did and putting his feelings on the table right from the start. He knew it was the only way for Bella to forgive him and move on from the past. Once that happened, I just loved their little banter, and the course of them going on a "detective adventure".

"I'd be more than happy to exchange favors, Bella." His smile was wicked, unlike any he'd ever offered her before. "If you change your mind, you know where to find me."

I was slightly surprised by the fake-engagement, but at the same time, I loved it! I'm such a sucker for this trope. When Bella proposed the idea, my heart got so giddy! I respected Rhys so much when he gave his answer to Bella. Rhys is just so perfect. *dreamy sigh* I especially loved all the conversations these two characters had. I will always prefer dialogue because it truly shows the reader that the characters are connecting, at least in my eyes.

Overall, Nothing Compares to the Duke is so lovely, enticing and marvelous! I'll be reading more books by this author!