The Duke Who Ravished Me by Diana Quincy is book Four in the Rebellious Brides Series. This is the story of Adam Fairfax, the Duke of Sunderford aka Sinful Sunny and Isabel Finch.
I have read the previous books (and loved them!) but feel this is easily a standalone book.
Adam made a life changing decision when he was around 18 years which turned him into the Sinful Sunny that he is today. Making the decision to never care about anyone and not form attachments due to his abusive upbringing. During one of his adult entertainment parties his butler interrupts him to inform him his has visitor who turn out to be Isabel and with her two little girls Patience and Prudence. Adam learns that he is their new guardian...trying to stick with not wanting to form attachments he tries to be a touch guy but it doesn't take to long before the three have him growing feelings. Sparks fly between Adam and Isabel along with strong words...they were fun to read.
Really enjoyed their story!!

I have to admit when I started this book, I almost deleted it. Adam was such a debauched person, I wasn't sure he could be brought back. I think he fell in love with the twins first, before he fell in love with Isabel. I'm glad I stuck with it! He changed himself and did what I would call growing up! Isabel had such a history, I had ideas about her as I read, but the twist at the end wasn't one I expected! I loved how he calls the girls "brats" affectionately! Thank you for the ARC from Netgalley!

Isabel Finch is a governess with a secret and the determination to care for two twin girls in her care, even if that means having to live with a libertine Duke. The Duke of Sunderford, Adam Fairfax, or Sinful Sunny as he is known by the gossip columnists, does not know what hits him when the girls and the governess move in to his town house. This is a witty, funny book, with the characters working toward a believable romance, while Diana Quincy makes us laugh along the way. The scene where the twins want to see the Duke's "playhouse" is laugh out loud funny. Isabel is a woman who doesn't lie to herself, whether about her feelings for the duke, the girls or her past -- but that doesn't mean she isn't keeping plenty of secrets. The duke, meanwhile, is keeping a big secret from himself. He is tired of being a libertine and is ready for the love of a good woman. But will he figure this out in time? That's what keeps the reader guessing until the end. A really enjoyable romp, with plenty of romance, a slight touch of steaminess and the kind of character development that makes falling in love believable. There is no better husband than a truly reformed rake, but oh, the journey to happiness is a delight. (I received an ARC from NetGalley in return for this honest review. Opinions are mine.)

The rake's rehabilitation!

At the heart of this story are the laws in the 1800's to do with guardianship and the care of children. But that's just the segue into this regency romp that had me laughing ... and gasping!
Adam Fairfax, the Duke of Sunderford (Sinful Sunny to readers of the gossip sheets) is an outrageous, although oft times endearing, rake who has thrown his energies into the most dissipating activities one could imagine. All that comes to a rather screeching halt the night he is made aware of his guardianship of two seven year old girls, and by way of inclusion, their rather formidable governess right in the middle of a very risqué event at his home. The efforts of his butler to inform Sunny of his suddenly changed status from a 'Duke with no ties' to a 'guardian' is vastly amusing.
Of course the governess, Isobel Finch, is a prune of a woman, disapproving and constrained ... order is she?
As Sunny comes to know 'Finch' his misconceptions are dealt a blow, as is his heart.
Our hearts are struck a blow as we see how Sunny embarked upon the path he fully embraced.
This pilgrim's progress, of renowned libertine to man of heart and conscience, is rather delicious and I really enjoyed it.

A NetGalley ARC

I LOVED this book. I cannot say enough good things about it; it wasn't at all what I expected. I love how it wasn't love at first sight for Adam and Isabel. They didn't look at each other and become so captivated that they saw nothing else. They hated each other and it made the slow burn so intense. There are so many elements of this story that are surprising and I never could have figured out any of them. I was hooked from the beginning and just want more. This story is both heart warming and steamy, the perfect combination.

ARC provided by NetGalley.

I immediately fell back into the world of the Rebellious Brides series within the first few pages of The Duke Who Ravished Me. And while I would love nothing more than to talk about this delightful romance for hours I do believe this is a story best experienced firsthand by each reader. To that end I’m going to be very careful about letting any spoilers escape.

Adam is a textbook example of the excessive debauchery of the time period. As the Duke of Sunderford he can get away with anything his heart or body desires… and he does with great enjoyment. There are few, if any, vices that Adam would not partake of in the need to be everything that his father was not. A lifetime of cold parenting, punishments that would bring in social workers today were the norm for him as a child. There are very real reasons why Adam is the man he is today, not excuses but reasons. The absolute last place two seven year old, adorable twin girls should be placed is with Adam. He knows it, the twins’ governess knows it as well… but Adam is now guardian to Patience and Prudence, at least until he can make other arrangements for them and the woman he dislikes on sight.

Isabel will do everything that she can to protect, guard and continue to love her charges. That their uncle has seen fit to name Adam as their guardian is a complete unsolvable mystery to her. This man, this house of sin is the last place those precious little girls should be, yet without a choice or the power to change anything Isabel will continue to protect the girls and maybe herself from the worldly charm of one very arrogant and desirable duke.

It would be fair to say that Isabel and Adam detested each other on sight. To be frank, at first there is very little to like about Adam… at all. Oh, yes, he’s a handsome devil but his view on life and the people surrounding him leaves much to be desired. It was charming to watch the twins work their little girl magic on Adam over time. To watch this grumpy man begin to have the ice crack that surrounds him was quite an experience, and his confusion and puzzlement at the changes happening to him were at times quite comical. Slowly, Adam and Isabel begin to change their opinions of each other. So gradually that their growing feelings for each other were completely believable. I liked them together throughout this story, but they did shine once they stopped hating each other.

There are a few twists and turns that make The Duke Who Ravished Me an excellent romance. Perhaps I might have seen them coming, but the lead up to this story’s ending was woven so gently that I did not and the surprise quite caught me off guard. We will lightly meet up with other characters we’ve come to know from this series – enough so that I’m tempted to do a re-read of them all soon. I would highly recommend this story and the entire series to any Regency Romance or Historical Romance reader. Adam and Isabel’s story comes alive and easily wound its way into this reader’s heart. Yes, I will definitely be revisiting this couple again.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

If the title does not capture your interest, reading this marvelous tale will. Diana Quincy takes the story of a rake (yes I mean a major rake!) and a governess and delivers a delightful account, sure to keep you turning the pages!! Adam Fairfax, the Duke of Sunderland is furious when he finds two little girls and their governess on his doorstep and learns he is their guardian! Isabelle Finch, the girl's governess is shocked that Adam (called Sinful Sonny), whose reputation precedes him, could possibly be responsible for the girls. What is difficult is that Adam has a lot of hurt from growing up without any love from his parents and Isabel has her own secrets. But as fate may have brought them to the door, the more they interact with each other their relationship slowly grows. The girls are just delightful and seeing the slow change to Adam is heartwarming. Very entertaining to see the characters develop and the changes that came about. This book is part of a series, but can be read as a standalone. But I intent to go back and read them all!

The Duke Who Ravished Me has the Duke of Sunderford, who is living a truly debauched life style, gaining wards. His elderly uncle had been guardian to twin girls, but felt he could no longer care for them. He sent them and their governess, Isabel Finch, to live with Adam or Sinful Sunny. About middle of the book Sunny explains why he is living life in such a manner.

Although Ms. Quincy writes beautifully, I like my heroes to have decent morals. Yes, Sunny does redeem himself quite well, I just like more decency. I would not have picked him out as the next hero for this series. When Finch takes the girls to visit the elderly uncle following an incident between Sunny and herself, he decides to have another orgy to relieve himself from his boredom and prove he is not controlled by any one else. Of course, that is the night they return.

At the point that Finch wanted to take a bath after viewing the ‘playroom,’ I was thinking the same thing. How could he not be diseased, two at once? Sorry not my choice of hero. Sad, because I really like Ms. Quincy’s writing. I will take your word that the hero left a debauched lifestyle without needing detail. Yes, I realize that this path in the tale brings about the ending, but yuk.

Patience and Prudence are precious little girls who quite entertain. They are perfect foils to their sinful uncle and, delightful little ladies. Loved their energy.

The ending was quite unexpected and one of the best of any romances I have read. A great example of Ms. Quincy’s writing. As I stated, I truly am impressed with the way Ms. Quincy writes, but I would like to see her characters not quite so naughty. I do not mind the sex between out main characters, but not one of the main characters once they meet.

I do not believe in giving back public review; so I will not place on Amazon or Twitter. Thank you for sharing the book in exchange for an honest review.

Requested and received an ARC from NetGalley

2.5-3

This is my first Diana Quincy book but I am a sucker for a good historical romance so I took a chance when I read the description. I probably should have set it aside when I read the first couple of pages knowing right then I would have a problem. I have three major pet peeves when it comes to romance....1.love triangles, 2. cheating and 3. the hero or heroine having sexual contact on page with someone who they are not going to end up with. It started out rough but the more internal monologues the Duke had, or his continued bad behavior and all I could think was this guy has "the pox". I was so skeeved out thinking he was going to infect poor Isabel with the pox I never did enjoy any of their sexy times. Throughout most of the book I kept hoping she'd see the light and run off with the doctor. By the time the Duke started to reform his rakish ways I was already done with him. Prudie and Patience were cute and helped with some comic relief but I never could keep straight which one was which.
Although the book left me wanting and kinda feeling like I should take another shower, I will give kudos for the ending. I did not see that coming (which is why I gave it a star range).

Adam, the Duke of Sunderford, has a nickname - “Sinful Sunny.” It is well earned; he regularly holds small orgies in a private playroom, or goes to pleasure clubs, regularly tupping doxies and having affairs. He’s not exactly the first person one would think of as an appropriate guardian for two seven year old girls, and yet, that’s exactly what happens. Adam’s Uncle Abel sends Patience and Prudence, as well as their governess, Isabel Finch, to Adam’s estate to be his wards. Isabel is put off and appalled by Adam’s behavior, and the parties he hosts — she couldn’t think of a less appropriate guardian, one that would take care of the girls as well as give them the right introduction to society that would secure their futures. Adam makes no secret that he doesn’t want the girls there, and Isabel quite agrees — Adam is not suitable. However, the more time Adam spends around the girls, the more he realizes that he can be better, and the more time he spends around Isabel, the more he realizes that he’s drawn to her in a way he’s never been drawn to another woman. As for Isabel, she finds that she can’t resist the Duke, but does she have the courage to embrace what she feels?

The Duke Who Ravished Me was a really fun book, with some angst but also a happy ending, which is such a must for me when it comes to romance books. A couple years ago I decided that I was much happier reading books where the characters ended up in a better place — I don’t like cliffhangers, or unhappy endings, or where characters die and are miserable. There’s so much of that in the real world, I don’t see why I have to make myself read it as well. TDWRM was such a fun book, one that’s definitely sexy at times as well as showing a great deal of heart. Seeing the characters grow closer, and develop their relationships as well as improve themselves was incredible. The romance was delectable, and seeing Adam/Sunny and Isabel see beyond their initial judgments of each other, to how wonderful the other person was, was so sweet and heartwarming. I love the interactions with Prudence and Patience — they’re such cute, fun kids, I almost wish I could meet them myself. Quincy did an amazing job with Sunny; he was rather dislikable to me in the beginning, and I admit that I worried this book wouldn’t pay off for me because I didn’t want Isabel to end up with him at all, because he didn’t deserve her or the children. However, Sunny thoroughly redeemed himself, and it really did make me so happy and hopeful because the children and Isabel made him want to be better, and he realized that he wanted to be better, not just for them, but for himself.

This book is also the fourth in a series, and I admit I haven’t read the others in the series, but as a reader I never felt like I understood less for not having done so. Although The Duke Who Ravished Me was my first Diana Quincy book, I can tell it won’t be the last. Her writing is engrossing, her plot well thought out, the happily ever after perfectly executed, and her characters compelling and easy to be interested in and even to love.

4.5 stars Excellent regency/historical romance. The Duke is known for his decadence and his peers know if him as Sinful Sunny. Suddenky, his life and household changes due to gain 6yr old little girls and their plain nanny Ms. Abigail Finch. Abigail and Sunny have their differences due to the children and the impact they've had on the Dukes partying. Over time things change but suddenly there is a threat to what both Sunny and Abby want. It's an exciting and enjoyable story that includes the lifestyles of the landed vengeful that of the working class. I received a complementary copy via Net Galley and chose to write a review. I look forward to reading future books by Ms. Quincy.

First book I have read of this author and I am happy to say that I have a new author to love! This book can be read as a standalone but I definitely want to go back to the beginning of this series and read them all. I really enjoyed reading this book. I very much loved the characters. The ending blew me out of the water.

The Duke Who Ravished Me is the 4th book in Diana Quincy’s Rebellious Brides series. It can be read as a stand alone,
I have read the previous books from the very talented Diana Quincy, and I enjoyed them very much. Adam Fairfax is one very virile man with a very debauched appetite, so when his life is literally turned inside out when he becomes guardian to his cousins twin little girls and their prim and proper governess Miss Finch. He will do everything possible to have his old life back! One sassy governess and two little girls have this bad boy duke singing a different tune! Diana Quincy has added a few twists and turns that will keep you avidly reading till the very last page of this very steamy read!

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley to read in exchange for a fair review. All opinions are my own

The Duke Who Ravished Me (Rebellious Brides, #4) by Diana Quincy is a historical romance that can be read as a stand alone. This is a wonderful story that is uniquely well written. With a genre full of rakes an rogues, this story is a definite stand out, having a great plot and memorable characters. Thank you Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group-Loveswept for providing a copy to review. I highly recommend this book especially if you've read any of the others in the Rebellious Brides Series.

If you’ve read the previous books in Diana Quincy’s Rebellious Brides series, you’re familiar with Adam Fairfax, Duke of Sunderford, or Sinful Sunny, as he is known in the society columns. An unapologetic libertine who revels in hosting orgies in his palatial town house, he can’t understand what’s come over the friends who used to join him in his unbridled, indulgent lifestyle. It’s bad enough they had to go and get married, but the shocker is that they are actually faithful to their wives! Adam doesn’t realize it, but his sinful style is about to come crashing to a halt as well.

His buzzkill arrives in the form of adorable seven-year-old twin girls. Children of a deceased cousin, they were staying with Adam’s uncle until his uncle’s deteriorating health forced him to name Adam their new guardian. And as if they didn’t cramp his style enough, they come complete with a prim and proper nanny determined to keep his lifestyle from their impressionable eyes and ears. Easier said than done at first.

The girls are Isabel Finch’s sole purpose in life. A widowed orphan, she has no other family, and scoring the post as the girls’ governess has been a godsend for her. Even at an isolated country estate, Sinful Sunny’s reputation preceded him. Appalled at his behavior and disappointed in his desire to find a new guardian for the girls, she is also extremely dismayed to find herself attracted to the rake. But the more she comes to learn of his loveless upbringing and the walls he has encased around his heart, the more she understands what drives his choices. And the more the girls worm their way into his affections, and Adam curtails his nighttime romps, the more she finds herself wishing they were a real family.

Once the girls have settled in and Adam has resigned himself to his fate as their guardian, he finds it surprisingly easy to forego his amorous pursuits. Meaningless encounters no longer hold much appeal for him, but suddenly baiting the uptight Ms. Finch into losing her temper or letting her hair down does. When one kiss ignites a desire in him he can’t ignore, he makes it his mission to show Isabel how much fun they can have together. But Isabel will not settle for being a notch on his bedpost, and Adam is convinced he can never give her the fidelity she needs. After a series of misunderstandings comes between them, Sinful Sunny’s well-publicized past rears its ugly head and threatens to tear apart their family for good, and Isabel will have to disclose her own painful secrets to save them.

I have mixed feelings about this book. While I am normally wary of children in romance, often finding them to be annoying, I actually liked them here. They add genuine humor and really keep Adam on his toes. And I actually really liked Adam. I just wanted to weep for the little boy who was denied the affection he so desperately craved. And despite his reputation and seemingly careless attitude, he proves the nobility of his true character in deeds. However, for the first half of the book, he says some awfully disparaging things about Isabel’s appearance that are really harsh and had me wondering if my faith in him doing the right thing was misplaced. So I found myself being torn at times on what I thought of him. I had no such issues with Isabel, but her road to happily ever after included one of my pet peeves when it comes to romances featuring widows or widowers. It’s not necessary to discount the love one had for one’s deceased spouse, especially by saying, “I never felt this way about my first husband. Even though I truly mourned him, because I never felt this way with him, I must not have loved him as much as I thought I did.” I find that off-putting. While it may be more difficult to craft a romance after the death of a beloved spouse, it is certainly plausible and I think makes the second chance at love much sweeter and more realistic.

After loving Spy Fall, the first book in this series, I have eagerly devoured the others, but none of them have lived up to the first book, for various reasons. What I have noticed is that Ms. Quincy excels at creating compelling characters and writing sparkling dialogue and witty banter. But her endings are so rushed. That lessens their satisfaction, and the ending of this book is no different. And I really would have liked an epilogue. Adam was such a libertine, so convinced that he could never be faithful to one woman, that I would have liked to see with my own eyes that he was in fact capable of it after the first blush of love wore off. However, despite my quibbles, I still found it an enjoyable read with some laugh-out-loud moments and steamy sexual tension and a rather nicely done evolution of the hero’s character.

The Duke Who Ravished Me by Diana Quincy was an historical romance novel. It looked like it was following traditional line. Duke becomes a guardian to two young twins. Governess is a bit of termingine. However, there were some twists to the story that I didn't see coming, but certainly added to the plot line!

Adam Fairfax is a reprobate. He is the Duke of Sunderford and living a life of excess, when Isabel Finch and her two little girls came to his house to live. Neither of them enjoy the other and seem to be constantly at odds. To make it more interesting, they seems to have chemistry between them. The twin girls slowly worm their way into Sunderford’s life. He finds himself falling for them and changing his lifestyle slowly. The Isabel Finch, the governess was still a bit mysterious as some information begins to emerge, but there is still some surprises to come.

The characters of Isabel and Sunny (the Duke’s nickname) were fun. The story has some interesting twists that kept you reading! The Duke Who Ravished Me by Diana Quincy was a fun read.

This is the first book I've read of Diana's and I have to say I really disliked Sunny for quite awhile in this book, even though she let us in on the horrible childhood he had, he still acted like a petulant child. She did convince me that he could be a good man for Isabel and the twins by the end and I'm very glad I didn't give up on him or the book. The twins were the best part of the book. I absolutely loved them.his is the first book I've read of Diana's and I have to say I really disliked Sunny for quite awhile in this book, even though she let us in on the horrible childhood he had, he still acted like a petulant child. She did convince me that he could be a good man for Isabel and the twins by the end and I'm very glad I didn't give up on him or the book. The twins were the best part of the book. I absolutely loved them.

Damn, what a fun book! When you start reading the story and the "Hero" is an unlikable, dissolute, dissipated duke who is in the midst of an orgy, you really don't know what you're getting into. When the "heroine", who is a humorless, judgemental and harpy of a governess with two precocious wards appears, you think this book can't possibly be entertaining. You would be wrong.

One thing I really liked about this book is that there wasn't insta-love. There wasn't even insta-like! It took time to build believable relationships. Also, Sunny showed signs of his disgraceful lifestyle. Usually our heroes are physically perfect, no matter how debauched. Not here. One of his wards even pointed out he was getting a paunch.

The more these characters spent together, the more their lives changed for the better. Sunny and Isabel got close...VERY close. (And it was hot!). When poop hit the fan and everything seemed to be falling apart, I was heartbroken. There was a big reveal I did NOT see coming! That usually doesn't happen. This truly ended up being a sweet, hot and very endearing story.

"The Duke Who Ravished Me" by Diana Quincy
I loved this story!! I think you will also. I was filled with hope and fear, laughter and some tears and happiness, too. The two little girls are just to love and cherish. They will worm their way into your heart This story is a page-turner. I was gifted an ARC to read and review.. and I can honestly say.. "I think you will be glad you read this story." Happy Reading !!

Such a delightfully different story! It is well written, the characters make you care for them and the story is different and interesting. It isn’t an exciting, full of action kind of story, but one that develops carefully over time. While this book is part of a series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone.

Adam Fairfax, the Duke of Sunderford, was raised in a cold and uncaring home. His father preached duty to country and title and honor above all – too bad he didn’t live that way. Adam was always a dutiful son until, at age eighteen, he witnessed something unbearable. Sinful Sunny was born shortly after that. Debauchery was his middle name. If you think you’ve read about some debauched characters in other books, you’ll find those were just child’s play compared to Sunny. He was determined he would never be anything like his father. He also had no feelings for any other human being on earth – he was incapable of love and softer feelings. So, imagine his absolute shock when, during one of his debauched parties in his playroom, his butler interrupts to say he has visitors. It turns out, he now has two young wards and a governess to contend with and he has no intention of keeping them around.

Isabel Finch, the governess to the two young Fairfax girls, loves them deeply. She’ll fight like a tigress to keep them safe and in a secure home – and Sinful Sunny’s home is neither safe nor secure. She dislikes him from the moment she meets him, but there is nothing she can do because she is the employee and he is the guardian. However, she doesn’t let that keep her quiet about his lifestyle and its possible exposure to his young wards.

It was fun to read the verbal battles between these two spirited people and to see them, over time, begin to care for each other. I was so glad that it didn’t happen immediately – but developed steadily. The lust was there, but the genuine caring took longer. It wasn’t surprising that she recognized it first because she had loved before. For him, it was a total shock. After all, he wasn’t capable of that emotion.

The twins, Patience, and Prudence are delightful, joyful, inquisitive and loving. They are also insecure because as Prudence says – “no one ever keeps us”.

While this book isn’t filled with excitement or angst, I certainly didn’t miss them. I enjoyed the story and I hope you will as well.

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“I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher.”