I received a copy of this book from NetGalley to read in exchange for a fair review. The Madam Catches Her Duke is the 3rd book in Christina McKnight’s Craven House Series. I had not read the first two before reading this one but think perhaps it would be best to read them in order and not start in the middle as I did. Marce Davenport’s life changed dramatically when as a small child her father died and her half brother the heir tossed Marce’s mother a second wife, Marce, and her younger brother out on the street with only a pittance as her father had not made proper allowance for them in his will. In order to survive her mother Sasha Davenport opened a bordello and became the mistress of several different men including the Duke of Harwich our hero’s father. When Rowan Delconti the new Duke of Harwich discovers in the prologue that he now owns Craven House he storms over there bent on tossing Sasha Davenport out as he blames her for ruining his parents marriage and breaking his mother’s heart. Instead he discovers that Sasha is dead and Marce is now in charge of Craven House as well as trying to raise multiple siblings. He proposes that Marce pretend to be his wife so that his dying mother will not worry about him being alone in exchange for being allowed to live in Craven House. This story starts 8 years from that event when Marce having done with raising her siblings has decided to end the deception after one last visit with the Duchess. Let’s just say Rowan is in for a rude awakening. Steam Level Mild. Publishing Date January 4, 2018 #TheMadameCatchesHerDuke #NetGalley

Loved this story! Well written with engaging characters and a plot that flows seamlessly and effortlessly. The characters are simply great with their own quirks, that leaves readers amazed and thrilled. Another must read by Christina McKnight!

4.5 Stars

THERE’S A FINE LINE BETWEEN LOVE AND HATE.

Marce Davenport hasn’t had it easy, thrown from her home and stripped of her place in society at a young age, she is proud of what she’s accomplished with her family and the notoriously scandalous Craven House. Except it’s all built on a lie. When an arrogant man, Rowan Delconti, the Duke of Harwich strode into her home 8 years ago, offering her a way to keep the brothel open, she agreed to his game of deception. Now her siblings are grown & have found their happiness, Marce can finally live the life she’s always wanted: one that embraces the truth.
Rowan Delconti, the Duke of Harwich, has been angry for so long: at his father, at Sasha Davenport, the woman who broke apart his parents’ marriage, and at the children who won is father’s love. He’s determined his mother won’t be unhappy again even if it means pretending to be married to Marce, so that his mother will think he’s found love in his life.
I’d been waiting for Marce’s story as I’d been intrigued as to why she disappeared for a while. Another well written page turning book, the characters are well developed. I’ve always liked Marce & this didn’t change in fact as more about her past was revealed the more I liked her. Rowan was a strong character & I didn’t warm to him to begin with but again as more was revealed about his early years the more I liked him. The character I loved was Lenore who was delightful & so warm hearted. This is the third book in the series but could very easily stand alone. I hope the two remaining siblings also have their stories

My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

This novel was a delightful read. I enjoyed the plot and the characters. There was much tension, resentment, and anger between the two main characters, each carrying their own burdens, yet not understanding the other's ones burdens. This builds over eight years until finally one of them breaks.
Madame Marce Davenport runs Craven House, formally a brothel turned safe haven for women. She has her own past and it shaped her into the woman she is. She carries herself with grace, but is firm when handling her siblings. She has a good heart, but since Craven House no longer belongs to her, she plans to end her association with Rowan Delconti, the Duke of Harwich. Rowan blackmailed Marce into being his fake wife, believing his mother was dying. This lasted for eight years. Rowan is angry at his deceased father, who had an affair with Marce's mother. Since he cannot condemn her, he forces Marce into this charade. Rowan sees things as black and white, nothing in between. He does not know much about Marce, but both are attracted to the other. When Marce decides to end the charade, Rowan tries to find ways to keep her with him. She is a constant in his life and does not quite understand why. However, he does say some cruel things to Marce, which hurt her deeply. When he learns the truth, he wondering if he truly is that blackhearted. Rowan tries to reconcile with Marce. She is angry with him, but is more forgiving. Still, there are things is the past that both need to know and tell the other as well as a surprising twist to it. Both believed they were wrong for each other, but the passion that they create shows how right they are for each other.

I am giving a fair and honest review in exchange for this ARC. 8 years pretending to be married and yet nothing even remotely sparks between them? At first I thought "well this is a bit far fetched as an idea". However, as the story progressed more and more came out and we realise what brought these two people to this point. Ultimately can they turn this pretence into more? You will need to read for yourself to discover the whole story.