3 "meh" stars

This one really took some time to really get off the ground. I found the plot weak and a little tedious. Love triangles (kind of), weird plot twists and the most damn inner dialogues I've had to deal with in some time. I don't think I need pertinent background information told to me at 92% of the book. I felt like the author reminded the reader constantly why the characters felt and acted the way they did. Like bare bones to the point of annoyance. It was repetitive and more than a little annoying when I just want the actual story to get somewhere. The heroine was hard to like. Everyone was in love with her but I couldn't figure out why. She basically fell into the TSTL category. She was a weak character and some scenes were really hard to believe.

Ok, so this book wasn't for me. I felt it was entertaining, the last 50% but it could have been better.

A dark and gritty tale that starts off with such a harrowing but interesting plot that it keeps you riveted right from the first page. Alex rescues Hestia from Turkish pirates when she was sixteen years old and that has formed an unbreakable bond in between them. Both the lead characters have been through a grueling experience and the author portrays their trials and tribulations beautifully through the story. You empathize with the characters but at the same time admire their bravery and resilience. The romance between the two characters is sizzling but tender at the same time. This is a beautifully written novel and I will highly recommend the read.

* I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review*

This storyline is quite different and I really loved it in the beginning and towards the climax of the story but towards the end I got a little bit board - the whole kidnapping was too predictable. Nevertheless it's a wonderful lovestory by Bronwen - another great book! And I really liked the part on opium and laudanum.

He was broken and had lost his soul. She was everything good. She loved him but he was afraid of the darkness in his soul to get close to her. Browen Evans treated the subject of addiction with her usual understanding of the damage that is done to a person.. The story will hold you enthralled with her handling of these delicate issues. The feelings of the characters and the way they act shows that understanding. This had all the elements necessary to make a great book I could not put this book down once I started it. I was given this book for an honest reveiw.

Addicted to the Duke is an aptly named romance between Alex, the Duke of Bedford and Lady Hestia Cary. Ms Evans was clever in commencing with a foreword regarding opium and also laudanum (a mixture of opium and alcohol) as it gave me an appreciation of the trauma that Alex faced in his past. The novel commences with Alex saving Hestia, from Sultan Murad Bayezid, who had captured and enslaved Alex several years prior. Alex has made the dangerous journey in order to repay Hestia’s father, the Earl of Pembroke, who saved him from Murad.

The novel then continues on four years later to find Hestia calling on Alex again, believing her father to be unaware that her cousin has declared him dead. Alex, having avoided Hestia, on the request of her father, finds that he still is tempted by Hestia. Alex has avoided Hestia, knowing that she believes him to be a hero for saving her. She believes that he is not interested in her, and is determined to change his mind. In asking Alex to find her father, she must also travel with him. What follows is an incredible romance. Knowing the pain that Alex has endured, made him all the more believable and I felt that he was more than worthy of Hestia. In many ways, I found the two characters well suited and brought out the best in each other.
I thoroughly enjoyed the story, the secondary characters and the dramatic pace. I am happy to recommend this book. I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A wonderfully told romantic historical.
Alex Bracken, the Duke of Tavistock was captured, kept as a slave and tortured by a Turkish pirate, Murad Bayezid, leaving him addicted to opium. After his rescue and return to health after his emaciated state, he still dabbled with laudanum to relieve the nightmares, not realizing it was just a different form of opium.
Lord Pembrooke, the man who orchestrated his rescue came to him for help...his daughter was being sold to the same evil man. The moment he saw her...he fell hard and grew close to her on the return voyage to England.
Lady Hestia Cary, Pembrooke's daughter fell for Alex immediately and loved him, even though she did not understand why he did not return her feelings, she had no interest in anyone else.
When Hestia and her Aunt Eliza came to him with the news of Frederick Cary's plot against her, he immediately came to her aid.
This tale contains many twists and turns before you arrive at their happy-ever-after with descriptions that make it easy to see, the ships, the people and the places.

Bronwen is a talented writer, even when a story is beyond believable I continue reading. Our H is a rake with a history of being held captive by a Turk , being a addicted to opium, and forced to do unimaginable things. The h is the daughter of an Earl our H rescued from same Turk 4 years after the earl assisted in the H's escape. Yet her father continues to go to the area, out H continues to use Laudenum and they all head back to the same area. Her to save her father, him to seek revenge. Did I mention her cousin is pursuing them over the seas? He is intent on either killing or marrying her. Of course nothing goes smoothly. There is a lot of passion, but also of lot of ruminating which becomes excessive and annoying, but I continued because I had to get to the HEA.

4.5 stars

This book opens with Alex, the Duke of Bedford rescuing Lady Hestia Cary. Hestia has been captured by pirates and is about to be handed over to Sultan Murad Bayezid - the very man who captured and enslaved Alex years before.

Fast forward four years - Alex is a recovering opium addict who uses alcohol and sex to quiet his demons. He has been summoned by Hestia on a matter of urgency and as much as he wants to refuse her, he can't. Hestia is not for him and as much as he wishes that wasn't the case, he knows that he will never be worthy of her. For the past few years, Alex has avoided Hestia, he knows she has feelings for him, but believes that it is just hero worship and she will eventually move on. Hestia has loved Alex for years, but has come to accept that he is not interested in her. But right now Alex is the only person she can turn to. Her cousin Fredrick is claiming that her father the Earl of Pembroke is dead and that he is the new earl. Hestia knows that her father is not dead but will soon be if she cannot reach him before Fredrick. Alex is the only man familiar enough with both her father and Mediterranean to save him.

When Alex first hears the problem, he feels bound to help, her father is the man that saved him from Murad all those years ago. But when he realizes that he will have to take Hestia with him, he is not sure he can withstand the temptation.

The story that follows is intense, there is action, adventure, steamy love scenes, betrayals, a hero with demons to fight, great secondary characters, pirates and finally a very hard earned HEA.

I thought this book was great, it is a very emotional book and treads more on the dark side than the usual historical romance. I would never consider Alex a lovable hero, he is too fierce and damaged to be lovable, but he is unforgettable, intense, dark and delicious! Hestia is a wonderful heroine, brave, loyal, loving and can hold her own. She is the light to his dark.

I would happily recommend this book and am looking forward to the next installment!

The only thing better than getting in on the start of a new series is when that series is by one of your favorite authors. Bronwen Evans’ Addicted to the Duke is an exciting, titillating, action filled introduction to her Imperfect Lord series.

Alexander Bracken, Duke of Bedford hid behind his physical image of a handsome, honorable, and wealthy duke, but it was all lies. No one knew his dark depths or sinister vices. At 20, he’d enlisted to fight the Turks, thinking sailing the high seas would be an adventure. It had been an adventure, but one that left him with nightmares and cost him more than any man should have to pay. He’d been captured by Sultan Murad Bayezid, a cruel and sadistic man. For 2 years, he’d been held captive. At first in chains and then by keeping him enthralled with opium. Alex still tried to repress the disgusting, degrading memories of what he’d done for the drug. Now, years later, Alex only had 2 vices in life, opium and women. The latter he could control. When the darkness came, laudanum was the only thing to keep the nightmares at bay. Though Alex no longer craved opium, he knew he’d pick it back up if given the chance.
Lady Hestia Cary was a constant reminder to Alex of the darkest days of his life. Hestia was the daughter of the Earl of Pembroke, a man who spent his days gallivanting around the Mediterranean engrossed in history. He was also the man who helped Alex escape his hellish captivity. When Lady Hestia was abducted by Murad, Alex rescued her. He owed her father and he couldn’t bear to see Murad destroy the girl.
Even 4 years after her rescue, Hestia was in love with Alex. It wasn’t just that he’d saved her. He was brave, selfless, kind, patient, and tender. He had captured her heart. He was the only man for her. Alex was aware of Hestia’s infatuation. That’s why he went out of his way to avoid her. Her adoration unsettled him. He didn’t deserve it. She was the most caring, capable, deliciously beautiful and intelligent woman he had ever met, and he burned for her. But Hestia would be disgusted to see him for who he really was- a man so flawed, it was surprising he could function. Lady Hestia was perfect and Alex was imperfect.
When Hestia’s father is missing, her life is in peril, and she turns to Alex for help. Alex will once again sail the seas to search for Hestia’s father. And, for her safety, Hestia will accompany him. Alex would rescue Hestia’s father and then send them both back home. Alex didn’t plan to return. This voyage was about revenge. Alex couldn’t let his desire for Hestia cloud his mind. He had a score to settle with Murad. Maybe then he could let go of the darkness, rid himself of his nightmares, and get on with his life.
Hestia knew it wasn’t fair to ask Alex to return to a part of the world that held such painful memories for him but he was the only man she trusted. They shared a bond but she had no idea how he felt. This journey would give them the chance to strip away the masks and learn the truth about each other. She would use this trip to prove to Alex she was the perfect woman for him.
What a great start to what looks to be an enthralling series. This story is jam packed with action, adventure, and romance. Hestia and Alex were two very intriguing characters. Both had been changed by their captivity. Both were still haunted. But Alex, having been held captive longer, held on to his bad memories where Hestia was ready to make new ones. She longed for a loving family. Someone who cared about her, wanted to see her, include her, be with her. But Alex thought he was beyond redemption. He needed someone like Hestia to show him his true self. But did his need for revenge mean more to him than her? Could he live for the future with Hestia instead of holding on to the past? It may be too late to decide when both are faced with danger from more than one threat. So hunker down, strap in, and hold on. It’s going to be one wild ride!

This book is was very entertaining and you feel like you're with the characters when reading.

Sometimes in life, we make decisions that have a profound effect on our lives. The Duke, made such a decision. This is a dark look at life, with love as the redemption that turns dark, dreary clouds, though to a sunny bright day. I recommend! Thanks!

catolintallahassee

3.5 Rating

This had great potentially for a five star rating, but some of the scenes and dialogue I had issues with. Characters of the hero and heroine were lacking somewhat, underdeveloped in some instances.

We open in the prologue in the Greek isle with the hero, Alex rescuing Lady Hestia from being sold into slavery by a Turkish Sultan. His nemesis, Sultan Murad of Turkey had captured Alex years back. Murad kept Alex as a slave, had horrible things done to him and got him addicted to opium (he used opium to control Alex). But Alex was back to rescue Hestia and as a favor to her father. Alex rescues Hestia just in time but during the opening scene you are aware of the torment that Alex experiences in facing Murad again.

Fast forward four years and we are given a glimpse of what Alex life has been like back in London. He's still fighting his demons and one of his vises are women, that help him forget. He still struggles with the cravings of opium but seems to keep it at bay. Hestia is a woman who's lives with her aunt because her father travels and collects artifacts. Hestia is hurts that her father is never home and chooses his artifacts over her. But she has Alex, Alex who she's loved from the moment he rescued her. He became her friend at the time of the rescue and for a couple months after. But then something happened and all of a sudden he changed, pulled away and distanced himself. She saw him occasionally but when she did he was distant and guarded. Hestia was aware through friends and gossip about his lifestyle and women. But she still had hope that he would come to realize that she loved him and would love her in return.

Then something happens that changes the course of their relationship. Hestia has a distant relative, Fredrick Cary that say's her father is dead, but she and her aunt don't believe him. Both of them think that he's trying to take over her father's title and monies and her father is out there in the Greek isle somewhere in danger (Cary will try to have him killed in the mean time). They ask Alex for help and come up with a plan to find and rescue her father. Of course Alex and Hestia will travel together to find her father on his ship. Alex can only protect Hestia if she's with him as they fear Fredrick will either try to marry Hestia or have her killed for her fortune (Cary they learn only receives the title and the money goes to Hestia or whoever she marries)

The voyage on the ship is the major part of the story. And during this time we learn more about Alex's struggles and demons, and also what happened during his captivity. Hestia works on learning more about Alex and what demons he's fighting. She's hoping to have him open up and possibly desire her as a woman and not some young girl. During their voyage they are dealing with Fredrick in pursuit and also Murad (who is the real reason Alex agreed to take the trip, to kill him and seek revenge). Alex and Hestia work through their misconception of each other and what each wants for themselves and their future together. We have a conclusion to her father, Murad and Fredrick.

I found the premise of the story to be good but the execution to be average. Pacing was good but did find that a couple of the scenes were confusing and felt lost (going from one scene then it would jump to another scene and you felt like you missed something). The main characters I struggled with. Alex is tormented and you just feel for him, but after a while the- I'm not good enough, I'm damaged goods, I'm evil became too much for me. His pushing away of Hestia also became tiring after two thirds into the book. Hestia had moments of being strong and sweet but then at other times she seemed childish/immature with her inner dialogue/actions- why doesn't he see me as a desirable woman, does he like me or not, can I attract/seduce him? I also had a real problem with Alex and supposedly having these feeling for Hestia for four years but yet boy was he ever a manwhore (yes he had opium issues and things happened when he was with Murad, but still). For me it just seemed off and I found it didn't work for me in their love story. Also found some of the scenes/dialogue a bit over the top cheezy as well.

I've read other books by this author and enjoyed them. This book again had potential but some areas had issues that took away from a four or five star rating.

I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review. I loved this book. The love story between Alex and Hestia is well written and keeps your attention. Also the storyline of their previous and later capture by the Turk pirate Murad adds great drama to this book. I have read several of Evans historical romance novels and they have all been wonderful books. I would highly recommend this one. I hope Stephen will be featured in his own story.

This novel was a very good read. I have read several of Ms. Evan's novels and she has continued writing great novels. This novel was a little different that your typical regeneracy novels, since it addresses addiction, which is a very common problem, but was not really addressed during this time period. People used opiates without understanding the addicting effects it causes. This story also contains romance, action, and adventure.
Alexander Sylvester Bracken, Duke of Bedford, was captured by Murad, a Turkish "sultan", who got Alex dependent on opium. He escaped and had severe withdrawal. Two years after his escape, he rescues Lady Hestia Cary from Murad. Her father has saved his wife. Hestia fell in love with him then,
Four years later, Hestia asks for Alex's help to find her father. Her cousin has claimed that her father is dead and he is the new earl. Alex knows the only was to protect Hestia is to take her with him. As they travel, they relive the memories they had from years past. Alex has become a rake, but he is using women as a coping mechanism from his addition, but cares deeply for Hestia, even if he does not quite realize it yet. Hestia wants to be with Alex, but he does not want to marry, since he does not feel worthy of Hestia and he wants revenge on Murad. Alex will protect Hestia and Hestia realizes the only man she loves in Alex and could not give her heart to another. She wants to marry for love, after seeing the non-loving relationship her parents has and a father that prefers to spend more time traveling than being with his daughter. Both Hestia and Alex have faced society's scorn, but still remain very strong people. Will Alex's quest for vengeance prevent his from loving Hestia and moving forward from the past? Can Hestia accept Alex's past and still love him or will she force herself to move on without him? Will Murad seek his revenge on Alex and Hestia for escaping his clutches? Read and find out!!