Thank you to NetGalley and Random House - Loveswept for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book was offered to me and since I love Historical Romances I didn't turn it down. This was my first Bronwen Evans (amazing name for a HR writer by the way!) book and I was impressed by her writing. In some HR novels the authors tend to overuse Regency slang but I didn't really see that in this book.

Also, the plot wasn't your average "girl/guy longing for a certain guy/girl then something makes them see they love each other and all ends well" story which I appreciated. It kept the story from feeling familiar and that can't be an easy task considering how many historical romances are out there.

So why 2 stars? I could not get over the drug theme in this book. Im not easily offended and certainly not by a book with a drug addict in it but it seemed like all they did in this book was talk about drug use. I get it affected the main characters but by the end of the book the fact that he was "addicted" was brought up on every page. And if you're going to have a strong main character with this type of character flaw then they need to have more emotional growth than what I felt he had in this book to overcome his addiction.

Overall, this isn't a book I'd recommend however I will probably read another Bronwen Evans book in the future.

FINAL DECISION: A good kickoff to a new series about men who are definitely not your perfect men. Alex is a man struggling with an addiction and the consequences of his capture and imprisonment and his belief that he is not good enough for Hestia. I love damaged heroes and Alex is definitely an imperfect one.

THE STORY: Alexander Sylvester Bracken, Duke of Bedford agrees to help Lady Hestia Cary find her missing father. Alex feels a debt to Hestia's father for helping in Alex's rescue from his captivity with a pirate. When he is forced to take Hestia with him in order to ensure her safety. Four years ago, Hestia was rescued by Alex from the same pirate who had captured Alex years before. At sixteen, Hestia fell in love with Alex and doesn't understand why he has spent years avoiding her. Alex is determined not to taint the sweet Hestia with his tainted presence but their voyage together allows Hestia to batter down the walls that Alex is using to separate them.

OPINION: I greatly appreciate books that stretch the genre -- and this book does. Alex is a hero who struggles with his addiction and there is no easy and simple resolution. He also has done terrible things under the influence of his drug of choice. This book is about how he forgives himself and reaches for happiness rather than dwelling on a past he cannot change.

The story was filled with adventure which I didn't expect. There are multiple levels of villains that Alex and Hestia have to defeat on the way to their happy ending. Some of their challenges are external, some are internal. Some want to threaten their lives and some want to threaten their relationship.

At first, I wasn't sure about the matchup with Hestia because she seemed too sweet and innocent for the damaged Alex...but she has a hidden strength that I didn't expect. Alex doesn't expect it either.

This book pushes the envelope on Alex's addiction because there are no easy answers for him. During this time period, addiction is not understood and is seen as character flaw rather than an illness. My one serious complaint about the book is that I would have liked an explicit update in the epilogue about Alex's addiction since it was such an important part of the story (maybe in the next book in the series).

WORTH MENTIONING: This book deals with the issue of addiction in a time period long before there was an real understanding of addiction.

CONNECTED BOOKS: ADDICTED TO THE DUKE is the first book in the Imperfect Lords series.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in order to provide a review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.

Addictions are something you fight with every single breath in your body. Hestia and Alex have fought their addiction for years. Alex, a former Turkish slave, spent two years in captivity. While there he became addicted to opium. It was the only thing that provided him an escape from the nightmarish reality he lived. After rescuing Hestia, they tried to deny their attraction towards one another. Years passed wth both still fighting their own addictions. Hestia was determined to make Alex hers by any means necessary. A skillful seduction would get everything she desired.

This is an exceptional story. I just loved it!!! Alex and Hestia we're both truly amazing. These two characters were very strong in their own right.

I do not like to give away spoilers, therefore, I will only say Alex is a hero who has had his fair share of extreme struggles and is battling addictions. His story which is revealed page after page makes you fully understand what has gotten him to the point he is at in his life. You weep for this man and end up rooting for his HEA.

Hestia, has loved Alex essentially since they met. Now that she is an adult she needs him. As her understanding of this flawed man is exposed to her...instead of running from him she runs towards him. She is an extremely strong heroine!

The passion of these two sizzles loudly. I love this author's story. It is a keeper for me!!! I look forward to what is next. I received this story as a gift and loved it!

Alexander Sylvester Bracke 4 years ago had a mission to save and rescue 16 year old Lady Hestia Cary. She was kidnapped by the same Turkish pirate Murad, who had previously kidnapped him and held him captive for 2 long years before Hestia’s father, the Earl of Pembroke finally rescued him. Lady Hestia Cary was in love and determined that someday Alex, the Duke of Bedford would be hers. Now a 4 years later we find Alex now the Duke of Bedford avoiding Hestia to keep the vow to her father he sworn to her father to leave her untouched, even though he knows she has feelings for him he feels she is too good for him.
Lady Hestia needs Alex’s help’s her father, the Earl of Pembroke, is missing and is presumed dead with his cousin Fredrick Cary his heir, wanting to take over. Hestia summons Alex, the one man she and her aunt knows is capable of finding her father. Can Alex become the man he wants to be, but his past behind him? Can both Alex and Hestia overcome both psychological and emotional turmoil to rescue the Earl or will they suffer even more. A captivating story with romance, intrigue and adventure as Hestia and Alex race to save the Earl from the Turkish pirates.
I voluntarily read this free ARC copy from Net Galley and this is my honest opinion.

This is a great historical romance that touches on a very delicate issue: addiction. The author handled it beautifully and I loved her explanation/understanding of opiate addiction in the beginning. This story is raw and real and deals with heavy emotions. I liked that it wasn't like other fluffy historical romances. There is depth and feeling in the story and characters. You could really feel the pain and torment that Alex felt because of his captivity and addiction. The story was raw and honest but still romantic and sexy. Alex tries to protect Hestia with everything he has and you can't help but fall in love with him as the hero. This story was refreshing and different from anything else I've read. It doesn't come with an easy HEA but it's worth it from beginning to end. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series!

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

Addicted to the Duke
by Bronwen Evans
Rating 5 stars
Heat 4🔥🔥🔥🔥

Alexander Sylvester Bracken the Duke of Bedford is a tortured soul having been a slave to the wicked Turkish Pasha -Sultan Murad- and battling an addiction to opium knows he's not perfect and therefore he can never have the one woman that has touched his broken heart- Lady Hestia Cary. Her father has made that perfectly clear to him. After all he owes it to father he is the one who led his men to save him. In turn Alex saves Hestia when abducted by the same villain he was a slave too on an excavation trip with her father.

Lady Hestia Cary has been in love with Alexander since the day he rescued her, but the man has eluded her for the past six years. No longer the sixteen year old young girl she needs his help......her father is missing presumed dead.
Alex has no choice but to accept knowing that his attraction and desire for Hestia will test his sanity. But will their acceptance for each other's love survive an old evil nemesis?

I thoroughly enjoyed this highly entertaining new story from Bronwen Evans. It's the perfect start to a wonderful series of imperfect heroes with flaws who are strong enough to overcome their vices and stronger women who help heal these wounded men. She did an awesome job in portraying an addicts struggle to overcome an addiction. To overcome such a vice is truly a testament of strength of character and the support of family and loved ones who go far and beyond to be there no matter what. I highly recommend this story once again Bronwen Evans has done a sensational job.
I received this ARC from the publisher and NetGalley for my honest unbiased opinion

Addicted to the Duke by Bronwen Evans was a good read. I like how Bronwen had mixed an historical romance with the serious problem with addiction. The characters were fun, even if Alex was a little too bull-headed for me.

Alex, the Duke of Bedford offered to help Hestia Cary. Hestia’s nearest relative brought back a body and tried to convince her of her father’s death. However, Hestia does not believe Frederick and with the help of Alex leaves to save her father. Her father - who saved Alex from slavery - with a horrid pirate. Hestia’s father always believed that Alex was too imperfect to marry his daughter. Now Hestia and Alex are together on a ship rushing to save her father, so Hestia is safe.

Hestia is one brave woman. She feels the love for Alex will help heal him and you root for her. I did find the book a little repetitive at times, but the end certainly was a winner. Addicted to the Duke by Bronwen Evans was a good read.

I must admit that I was a bit torn when it came to rating this book. my problem was that it is a book that is really well written and is dealing with some rather difficult topics like abuse, rape, and drugs. Not the most romantic stuff, is it? Right, And when people are hurt that way and when they are judged badly for it and when the descriptions are not always easy to read....well, it is not the easiest or most romantic thing to read. Nevertheless, the effect the story and the events described had on me, convinced me that it is not the book's fault that it is too intense and too hard for me, at least sometimes but it is too well written and, well, I guess that explains the four stars, doesn't it?

I had to put the book away for a while when I read it but I can honestly say that it is not just a well-written book with an interesting and gripping story but that I also liked the hero and the heroine a lot. The passion between them is palpable and I must admit that I was furious when Alexander talked to Hestia's father about his feelings for her. Hestia is sweet and determined, brave and loyal and Alexander - honorable, brave and constantly battling his demons. Life hasn't been kind to him and his experiences have left him vulnerable and torn but when Hestia needs him, he faces his worst nightmares again....
A well-written book with characters that are both strong and vulnerable and a gripping story - I liked it.

Alexander must overcome a painful past while helping Hestia find her father. She has loved Alexander for long time and wants a future with him. The medicine of history was helpful at times however this book delves into the lesser known long standing problems with some treatment. This author always delivers an excellent tale of intrigue and love for her characters. Keeps the reader turning pages to the end.

Ebook from Netgalley and publisher with thanks. opinions are entirely my own.

Mystery, suspense, action and romance - this historical had it all! Fantastic writing and a story that sucked me in from the beginning and I couldn't put it down. I have never read a book by this author before but I can't wait to read more! Fantastic!

Great Historical Read! Alex was captured and kept a slave by a Turkish pirate and becomes addicted to opium. Alex looking for revenge helps the man who rescued him rescue his daughter, the pirate escapes and Alex knows he isn’t good enough for Hestia. Now, four years later Hestia needs his help to find her father and Hestia plans to join him on the journey. With the sexual mounting can Alex stay away? Plenty of suspense and drama and the chemistry is very steamy. I loved it!

Alexander Sylvester Bracken, Duke of Bedford has never recovered from the horror of his captivity by a Turkish pirate. Lady Hestia Cary lost her heart to Alexander Bracken when he rescued her from the very pirate that almost destroyed him. When dark plotting forces Alexander and Hestia to join forces to find her missing father their confrontation with their past may be the beginning of their future.

Addicted to the Duke by Bronwen Evans introduces her new Imperfect Lords series. Alex was an interesting and complex character sharing with readers a very real inner struggle as he deemed himself as undeserving all the while performing the actions of an honorable man. As readers were made privy to his personal agony and relentless thirst for revenge, that even surpassed his craving for opium, they could understand his war over his desire for Hestia. Hestia's beauty extended way beyond her visage as her acceptance and care of Alex showed her to be a thoughtful and strong heroine. The pages of this work were filled with intrigue, action and suffering as tenderness and love took over to win the day. Bronwen Evans always shares candid snapshots of history as her fiction brings characters that standout even as they conform to the time period they live in.

Addicted to the Duke (Imperfect Lords #1) by Bronwen Evans gets an addictive five star review. Copy graciously provided by netgalley. The start of a new series has Alexander Bracken (look at the cover), Duke of Bedford, trying to locate Lady Hestia's wayward father before she is set to marry a scoundrel. Alexander is honor bound to uphold a promise he made to Lady Hestia's father long ago when he rescued her from Turkish pirates. Along with this promise, Alexander holds a dark secret that he struggles to overcome. It's a well written story with unique characters and situations. I sincerely enjoy Lady Hestia's strong and outspoken character. Her love for Alexander helps him overcome several physical and mental obstacles. If you enjoy reading any books by this author, this one is a must!

I generally enjoy books by Bronwen Evans but this one ultimately fell flat for me. Maybe it’s just me being tired of the male lead battling emotional demons/female lead being innocent and helping him trope, or maybe it was the general execution of the story. Either way, ADDICTED TO THE DUKE had a sweet, cheesy romance and interesting representation of a character who has an addiction to opium, but for some reason I just wasn’t totally onboard with the romance.

Hestia has been in an unrequited romance with Alex, the Duke of Bedford, since he saved her from being sold into slavery four years ago. Unfortunately for her, he spent the next four years as an addict, indulging in alcohol and women. It just so happens that he actually has feelings for her and just decided he wasn’t good enough to act upon those feelings. It takes a journey on a ship for them to actually talk to one another and gain a better understanding of how the other feels. Alex’s pushing from Hestia on the basis that he’s not good enough for her grew extremely tiring throughout the story, and I really thought it could have been cut down if his character progression weren’t so slow. The HEA is there of course, with steamy scenes and nice adventures as well (because, well, pirates!). But I’m more than a bit tired of a hero with dark thoughts being redeemed by a heroine who represents the light in his world. Been here, done that, and with more depth than Alex’s character.

“Their love had the power to heal anything they might face. Together they would protect each other from the evils of the world and ensure no one stopped them living a life full of happiness and joy.”

ADDICTED TO THE DUKE was fun while reading, but doesn’t really offer anything else. I do like the romantic feelings in the characters, but not so much with the way it developed – especially all the pushing done on Alex’s part. His ulterior motives and sad personality was just too greasy to really like him as a male lead to Hestia’s positivity.

3.5*
Bronwen evans
I have loved all of Bronwen Evans books that I've read and this one was good but I think I missed some of the connection between the characters. I would say this is a dark historical romance, second chance at love and addiction. Alexander Sylvester Bracken, the Duke of Bedford was held captive for two years beaten, tortured and controlled by opium. Nearly dead when rescued Alex survived by sheer will and the dream of revenge. Asked to rescue the daughter of his savor Alex is given the chance at revenge. Lady Hestia Cary was taken by the same man that kidnap Alex. Alex rescues Hestia but her captor escaped leaving Alex empty handed except for the beautiful Hestia who soon brings light into his tortured mind. Hestia's father swears Alex away from his daughter reminding him of his addiction and the damage to his soul and that he's no longer worthy of Hestia. Four years he's pushed Hestia away and avoided her at all cost, now he's been summoned to her house and asked to find her father. Which puts Alex right where he'd planned to be, on his way to revenge. Only his time he'll also have Hestia to protect from a merciless cousin and Alex himself. Hestia sees Alex as an honorable and good man and has loved him since the long boat ride home after her rescue. Hestia sees this as her chance to show Alex that shes the woman for him and Alex is out to show her just how wrong she is. If only the mind knew what the heart knows and wants.
The beginning of this book sucked me right in with its drama but then it lost me until midway through the book. When Ms. Evans gets to the meat of the story the excitement renters the book and I was hooked again. I'm very much looking forward to the next book in the series.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review. For me, Addicted to the Duke was a 3 1/2 star title that left me wanting just a little bit more from the story. Addicted to the Duke features Alexander, the Duke of Bedford and Lady Hestia. Alex spent several years in captivity under Murad, a vicious Turkish Pirate prior to the start of the story. Forced to become an opium addicted and commit acts he would never otherwise entertain, Alex is driven by his need for revenge. He finds himself on Mykonos with an opportunity but instead rescues Hestia from Murad. Four years later, Hestia is forced to call upon Alex for help when her cousin tries to usurp her father's title and fortune by passing off a dead body as her father until he can find and murder him. Hestia has spent the past 4 years confused by Alex's behavior upon their arrival in England after her rescue and sees Alex's agreement to help her journey to Greece to warn her father as her opportunity to convince Alex that they belong together. The journey to Greece takes up much of the story and slowly the extent of Alex's time as a captive are revealed to both the reader and eventually Hestia. I appreciated that Ms. Evans decided to explore attitudes towards addictions during this period and the lack of understanding on how to treat addiction but I just felt like there could have been a little more to that aspect of the story. Hestia is very likable, but can be a little naive about assuming love will be enough to help Alex. Once she determines to understand his experience more, I liked her more. Alex's insistence that he isn't good enough for Hestia makes sense in light of attitudes of the period and later interactions with other characters. Overall, once I got past the first few chapters, I found this book a good read.

'Addicted to the Duke" by Bronwen Evans is the First book in the New Series "Imperfect Lords". This is the story of Alexander Sylvester Bracken, Duke of Bedford and Lady Hestia Cary.
Hestia was kidnapped with she was 16 years of age and was going to be raped and taking as a slave if not for Alex. The man that was going to hurt Hestia was once a friend of sorts...the man got Alex hooded on drugs and went along with allot of what that man used to do. But no more and he is now there to save Hestia. About 4 years later we find Alex is now the Duke of Bedford and tries to avoid Hestia. Alex knows that Hestia has feelings for him but feels she is to good for him. So he has been pulling away from her until he is called to her house. There he learns her father is possibly dead and that Hestia and her Aunt want his help finding her father. Hestia explains that her father's heir is saying that her father is dead and he is now taking over. In addition with her father's death she inherits money from her mother's estate. Which has put her in danger of being forced to marry or killed. Alex has agreed to go look for her father and she is planning to go with him.
It was hard for me to put this book down. I wanted to see how their story would play out.
This was another great story by Ms. Evans.
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
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I always enjoy the is authors books! ...great couple, and loved the adventure. That said...I think there was a lot going on, and in the end some things felt glossed or rushed and repetitive at times. I will say I think addiction is a serious issue and this novel brings awareness.

When I saw this book’s theme, I thought it might be interesting to see how the author would deal with the addiction to opium and laudanum a few centuries ago. And I must say it was well presented, in the majority of times.

Alex Bracken was captured by a Turkish pirate and was held hostage for two years. He made him an opium addict. When Alex finally escaped, he obviously had a very hard struggle to give up opium and that continued daily. But, what Alex could get rid of was the nightmares, and so he started taking the occasional drop of laudanum to help him sleep, which could create a new addiction (even though at the time laudanum wasn’t seen as an addictive substance).

Alex escaped with Hestia’s father help, and so he owed him his life. When he came to him to ask for help to retrieve his daughter that had been captured by the same pirate that had held him hostage, Alex doesn’t hesitate and rescues her. At the time, Hestia was around 15 years old and developed a crush, seeing Alex only as her hero. Alex starts to like her, but her father doesn’t approve of their union.

A few years later, Hestia asks for Alex’s help to uncover the truth about her father’s supposed death, and both of them returned to the Greek islands where they had been held hostages to see if her father is still alive and get him back to England. During this voyage, Hestia realizes that Alex isn’t just the hero she envisioned, but also a very troubled man who is haunted by his problems every day. But that doesn’t keep her away – on the contrary. However, despite these complements, neither Hestia nor Alex were characters I particularly liked. Hestia was a bit annoying and Alex…well, I don’t know. I was being constantly reminded of the opium’s effects and after a few chapters I knew by heart what the author was going to say (again) about them. Obviously that it is a constant hard struggle, but the story could demonstrate that without it just being shown with inner dialogues.

Hestia’s father is a selfish man who doesn’t pay attention to his daughter, leaving her alone with her aunt for months and months while he goes to Greek islands. Also, he doesn’t treat Alex the best way, although he claims to see him as a son.

It was a different book from what I’m used to, but I don’t think it actually worked for me.