Did you ever love an author's series so much that you were afraid to start her new one, afraid you'd be disappointed, comparing the two? That's how I was with Kerrigan Byrne's Victorian Rebel series. One of my favorite series. EVER. So I was a little nervous to start How to Love a Duke in Ten Days, her first book in the Devil You Know series. Was I disappointed? HECK, NO! I was totally captivated, and I can't wait to read the next one! (There's a mention of the next couple in the book; it shall be awesome, I'm sure.)

I'm not going into a synopsis of the plot Just read the book's information page at the online retailer of your choice. Instead, let's talk about feelings and characters, okay? This book was both brutal and beautiful. At times I absolutely hated the hero, Piers, the Duke of Redmayne. Other times I just wanted to cuddle with him and sooth his weary soul. He is my favorite type of hero...scarred, brooding and with a troubled past. But he was also one of the biggest alpha males I've come across in a romance novel in quite a while. He was jealous. He could be cruel. But he could also be funny, charming, protective, whimsical and so sweet and caring. Definitely an unusual hero.

Then there's Lady Alexandra, an unusual character in her own right. While in boarding school, she was a member of the Red Rogues with her two best friends. They stole items from the headmaster, would drink and read scandalous novels. When she was horribly brutalized, her friends helped her hide the evidence of the aftermath. Years later, Alexandra had done her best to forget the past and she became a noted archaeologist. However, when she met Piers, her sexual feelings started to bring back memories best forgotten.

The relationship between Piers and Alexander was explosive. Trust me, there was nothing wine and roses about this romance. Lies, secrets and the past battled with tenderness and desire. It was hard to root for them at times. I smiled at some of the internal dialogue of Piers. I cried for Alexandra and Piers and their brutal pasts. And then I bawled, seriously bawled, over their love.

Yes, this book will put you through the ringer. If you're looking for a fluffy romance, this isn't it. However, I cannot recommend this book enough. It's well worth the brutal emotions it will put you through. Ms. Byrne excels at writing dark, alpha male heroes, perhaps better than any other writer of Victorian romance today. Please, do not pass this one up.

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

I received a complimentary copy of this ARC via Netgalley but all opinions provided are my own.

Wow wow wow.

Not the most skillful beginning to a review, but that’s honest to God how I felt when I finished the last line of Kerrigan Byrne’s historical romance How to Love a Duke in Ten Days. Byrne’s books are so immersive, so luxuriously written, that each one feels like an experience, a journey that you’ve taken with the characters from one deep emotion to another.

Her books don’t just toy with darkness. They’re unafraid to tackle the most challenging of topics, and in the case of the opening chapter of How to Love a Duke, it’s Lady Alexandra Lane’s rape by the headmaster at her school when she’s 17. Ten years later, Alexandra is an accomplished Doctor of archaeology who avoids putting herself into one on one situations with men, who has no intentions of marrying ever, and who is struggling with how to figure out the best solution—any solution—to her blackmail problem.

When she sees the possibility of a marriage of convenience to a duke, she takes it, even though Piers Atherton is also known as the Terror of Torcliff and is unabashed about his desire to marry for revenge.

Byrne’s books are swimming in feelings. The passion is at a whole different level on every front—the characters lust and fight and desire powerfully—they want things they shouldn’t and sometimes their best impulses war with their worst. She’s a brilliant writer, crafting a story that’s bold and atmospheric and characters that are forged in the fire of suffering, without everything feeling too dour.

How to Love a Duke has this distinctive style, but it also has a lightness that made it my favorite of her books despite the many passages that are sad, disturbing, and difficult to read. In some of her other work, I’ve sometimes felt like the women were more passive than I would like—I didn’t doubt their strength or their love stories but I had flickers of worry that they were being used too much for redemptive purposes.

But the female friendship in How to Love a Duke is critical to the story itself, and there’s no denying that Alexandra and her friends, the Red Rogues, are brave, intelligent, and resourceful, willing to do nearly anything to fight back against the people who have hurt them and who would continue hurting them. I can’t wait to see where their beautifully fierce friendship goes next (that Epilogue!).

Then there’s Piers, who’s entertaining, devoted, and honest with Alexandra, who's occasionally stupid when it comes to matters regarding her, but who isn’t afraid to admit to his mistakes. His weakness for Alexandra, juxtaposed with how terrifying he can be to others, is purely lovely. Their maddening sexual tension kept me engrossed (slooooow burn, anyone?!) and I was so relieved to finish the book in one day so that I wouldn’t be held in suspense any longer.

Finally, the ending is exquisite. There’s no doubting the HEA of this one, folks.

This was a 5 star read for me and I’m so excited about the rest of the series. It’s sure to be luscious and lusciously dark, and by the time of its release I should be emotionally recovered enough to read it 😉.

Content warning:






This book includes a fairly detailed description of Alexandra’s rape and then very frequent flashbacks to the incident, as well as descriptions of Alexandra’s present physical, emotional, and mental response to being touched by men (the Duke in particular).

“I cannot – will not – allow you out of my sight into a world where you might be taken from me.”
‘Shame had been her companion for so long. So very long.’

How to Love a Duke in Ten Days by Kerrigan Byrne ticked every single box on the list of why we have such a deep love for historical romance. Not only was it brilliantly written, it had a dark, broody and mysterious hero and a heroine who encompassed both innocence and a will forged in steel. We love historical romances that showcase a time of traditions and societal rules; that keep to the time within which it is written yet highlights the strength of women in a time where the man is considered the dominant. Yes, we absolutely love the ruthlessness, the mysterious and almost aloof nature of the romantic ‘historical’ man, but what we love even more is the fierceness of the -anything but- demure heroine.

‘If only he could slay her dragons. He’d stand over her like a lupine sentinel, snarling at whoever might approach. He’d sear the secrets from her eyes. Who could want to hurt someone like her? What could she possibly have done to warrant such violence?’

Kerrigan Byrne perfectly laid out this story in such a way that we were gripped from the first page. The character development was on point and the story line one of great tragedy, intrigue and suspense. The romance was divine and the character connection intense. We inhaled every single word and barely came up for air. Lady Alexandra Lane and Piers Gedrick Atherton, the Duke of Redmayne stole our hearts.

‘In his experience, people often reviled what they feared, or vice versa. So, if she wasn’t repulsed by him, why fear him? Had he been mistaken? Had he read admiration where none existed?’

Alexandra is one of three, in a powerful bond established in childhood. Along with her best friends, Francesca and Cecilia, they form the Red Rogues Society and forged a friendship for life, cemented even more so during a horrific experience which marked Alexandra in such a way, it’s followed her into adulthood. Three friends, each one of them unique and individual yet sharing the burden of a secret which can never be told. We absolutely loved these three friends, their friendship had such strength, and their nature was fun, loyal and protective. The power of three has never been more evident.

“We are eternally bound,” she repeated. “By secrets, blood, and pain.”
“And by trust, passion, and revenge,” Francesca added darkly.
“And be friendship, love and…” Cecilia sniffed, pressing on the hands beneath her, as if she could touch the heart below it. “And hope. For without that, what reason do we have to endure?”

When we meet Piers, it’s under a fierce, angsty and blustery setting, the brooding rogue nicknamed the Terror had such an impact on us we knew instantly that we would fall in love with this man. Piers lives under a dark cloud, with a past that’s made him distrustful of everyone and quite the cynic. Bearing both physical and psychological scars, he’s reluctant to let anyone in but knows he must, in order to fulfill his duties and exert revenge on those who’ve wronged him. When Alexandra is placed in his path everything he thought he knew about himself and women is challenged.

‘She wondered if the world would ever recognise that the Terror of Torcliff had never been a terror at all. But a man. A man possessed of so much wit, skill, charm, intellect and humour, he was forever surprising her. Often delighting her. Enchanting her, even.’

All the characters had their own individuality and exuded a power from their life experiences, bringing great heartbreak, strength as well as vulnerability to a story where lives are entwined stemming from a shared moment in time where actions changed not only three women’s path but a brute of a duke too. If you love historical romance as much as we do or would like to dip your toes into this wonderful genre then this is the perfect place to start! A compelling story of intense sadness, secrets, murder, suspense and of course an enticing love story. How to Love a Duke in Ten Days stole our hearts and whilst it’s a standalone in a series we cannot wait for the next Red Rogue Society sister to tell her story!

He could break her.
He could protect her.
She feared him.
She needed him.
She wanted…this.

I love this author and gobble up anything she writes the minute it comes out. This feels like a very promising start to a new series - love the idea of a rebellious group of teenage girls who grow up and are fiercely committed to one another (you usually only see these sort of blood ties between men in HRs, not women). The start of the novel was quite dark and a little hard to get through, but it was essential to understanding the heroine's story and the obstacles she and later the hero have to overcome. The villain felt a little obvious - having hand-delivered blackmail notes in two countries really should have narrowed down the field of suspects for her! - but it didn't detract too much from the real story, which is Alexandra and Piers learning to trust and love each other. He had a lot to figure out, and it was a lovely and emotional story. I'm really looking forward to reading the other girls' stories!

My thanks to the publisher for providing an ARC via netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

A fantastic historical romance by Ms. Bryne. Good story elements and super romance. I loved it and will recommend.

I really like these characters. They are so flawed and so perfect for each other. When Alexandra was 17, she was in a situation that scarred her. Ten years later, she is still trying to overcome her past. When her friend invites her to a party for her friend's engagement, she knows she has to go. Alexandra is surprised because she and her two friends swore to never marry. But, upon meeting Piers, Alexandra knows her friend can't be the one to marry him. Things that are happening are all her fault and she will be the one to marry him. Even if he is a great hulk of a man and she is a bit frightened of him. Piers has known betrayal his whole life and if Alexandra wants to marry him for his money, that's okay with him. But, within ten days, through many dangers, they know that they belong to each other. They both have trust issues and are not sure if they will ever be able to have a normal life, but they will try.

I believe that HOW TO LOVE A DUKE IN 10 DAYS is going to be one of the 10 best books I’ve read in 2019! It was truly a different and original storyline that is unique and fresh and to my mind extremely good. Famous and brilliant, Lady Alexandra Lane, knows how to look out for herself, traveling the world over as a famed archeologist. Nobody but her two closest friends know of the terror that haunts her, and yet, they do NOT know of the blackmailer who has been plaguing her for the last 7 years. What she needs is a wealthy husband!

Traveling to meet up with her two best friends, Lady Cecilia and Lady Francesca (who is about to be married to a man she hates) Alexandra meets up with a dashing man whom she assumes is the stable master after he claims a runaway stallion who Alexa had caught after he broke away from his handler. The man was striking and it was very unusual for Alexa to ever be attracted to a male but there was something about him….

Piers Atherton, the Duke of Redmayne is seeking revenge and his first step is to secure a bride. Winning a ladies hand however, is not easy when that man comes with a reputation as the Terror of Torcliff. When Alexandra enters his life his whole resolve changed, when she proposes marriage, he knows that she possesses dark secrets and like him, haunts her being. Yet, her gentleness, sharp wit, independent nature, and incredible beauty awakens passion and desire within him. Feelings he’s never experienced before.

*** The question is who is trying to kill him, or could it be who is trying to kill her? After a few close calls, one can’t quite figure it out! So many questions as to what is really going on, while passions are simmering and trust is fragile with so many secrets still to be told. Who is the villain and who is the victim? Can two hearts trust the other before betrayal tears them apart? The suspense, sensualness, and romance was divine! Highly recommended!

Marilyn Rondeau

I have read one Kerrigan Byrne book by now and loved it but this was the first time I actually got her ARC. I was so excited when I got it!

The prologue of this book contains some heavy stuff (spoiler on my Goodreads) which made me pause reading for a couple days because it was so well written, so emotional I just needed some time for myself. So beware, this may be something you don’t like in your books but I promise you that’s the only time you’ll see this in this book.

But what follows is a beautiful story between two wounded souls.

Alexandra is quirky in her own way, extremely smart (I truly enjoyed when they tested how smart each other is) but haunted by the past and therefore very careful with her interactions with other people.

As for Piers, I have read many, many historical romances but I have never met such a thoughtful, caring, kind person as he is. There are a lot of adjectives that could describe him and yet, it wouldn’t do his character justice. He’s scarred on the outside (just what I like in my HRs 😉 ) but unbelievably nice even though he’s the Terror of Torcliff. I’m so glad Alexandra looked beyond the surface and found how big his heart truly is.

The only minuses I found in this book are a few grammatical errors (dots missing at the end of the sentences, and she’s called Ariande) but since there’s a little less than seven days till the release, I’m sure this will be fixed. I also found that this book was for me maybe a little too long? Like so much happened in this book that just…wow.

Kerrigan Byrne writes to feed your soul, it’s like this book was exactly what I needed yet didn’t know I want. I have never encountered in books a marriage that will have to go through so much obstacles, a journey filled with love, laughs, passion, fear, sorrow and everything in between.

Guys, you need to read this book, period.

4.5 stars.

Lady Alexandra Lane leads an interesting but solitary life, except for her career and relationship with her two best friends from her school days. She’s scholarly and learned but is emotionally scarred and burdened by a ten-year old event that only a few know about. However, one of them is her anonymous blackmailer who has drained her financially. Piers Atherton, the Duke of Redmayne, is hosting a weekend celebration at his estate to announce his betrothed, yet to be named but rumored to be one of Alexandra’s best friends who’s a reluctant bride. He has strong motives to marry but not necessarily to a specific woman. Circumstances change where Piers and Alexandra might alter the original plan.

I’ve wanted to read this author for a very long time, have even collected a lot of her books; so, when this opportunity presented itself, I was more than thrilled. There was something about the synopsis that hinted at more and my instincts paid off. This was a meaty story centered around two very appealing characters, and I don’t necessarily mean physically. Alexandra was shaped by what happened years ago, created so many layers it made her fascinating. Piers is physically imposing with an even larger personality and demons. The conflicts and challenges were immense and the intrigue even grander. I also loved Alexandra’s two friends who are vital to the story.

I loved everything about this story...the characters, mysteries, subterfuge, romance and the stunning prologue that sets the stage for everything that comes after. Alexandra and Piers are well crafted, so much that you eventually know what they will and won’t do. No predictable paths here except where it’s natural for the two of them. There’s quite a bit going on but I appreciated that I got to discover it all by reading the book and won’t deprive anyone of that pleasure. Just know that you’ll be swept up and captivated by it all.

This is the second series I've read by Kerrigan Byrne and I think I need to go and find all her other books. I loved the start of this series! Can't wait for the next one, which is hinted to be Cecelia's. Piers and Alexandra are an awesome fit and once they both realize it, it's so much better!

This review is based on an ARC from NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher. All opinions are my own.

The Red Rogues- three friends who all have red hair and their own secrets along with a secret that they share. A secret that can take them to the gallows. A secret that has haunted them for ten years- especially Alexandra, or as she is now known, Dr. Alexandra Lane, a woman who has given her life to archeology and traveled all over the world. A horrific incident from when she has only 17 has left her broken and unable to trust men or live her life to the fullest. Now with the loss of her family’s fortune, she finds herself at an even worse situation when she is unable to pay the blackmailer who has been haunting her, threatening to expose her secret. Her saviour comes in the most unexpected way, when a man who is known as the “Terror of Torcliff” proves to be the balm to her soul and the answer to all her prayers.

Piers Gedrick Atherton, the Duke of Redmayne is about to announce his marriage in a masked ball. After a hunting accident left him disfigured and reputed to be damned, he is now known as the Terror of Torcliff and a beast. His only wish is to marry and prove to the world and his ex-fiancé that he is very much alive and powerful. He is also in need to produce heirs to make sure that his cousin doesn’t inherit his dukedom. But when a fearless beauty throws herself in front of his untamed stallion, he finds that he is unable to get her out of his mind.

There really aren’t enough words to describe the pleasure of reading Kerrigan Byrne’s books and this one is just as decadent as the rest. The story, the characters, the dialogue, the chemistry, the writing, the love scenes; she is a master in her craft and an absolute pleasure to read. I’m guessing by the ending of this book that Cecelia’s story will be next. I also have an idea who the hero will be, but I will keep that to myself ;) Can’t wait for the next book of this breathtaking series!

4.5 Stars
These men are dark, bold, and brave. And there is only one woman who can bring them to their knees...
Famed and brilliant, Lady Alexandra Lane has always known how to look out for to herself. But nobody would ever expect that she has darkness in her past one that she pays a blackmailer to keep buried. Now, with her family nearing bankruptcy, Alexandra strikes upon a solution: Get married.
Piers Gedrick Atherton, the Duke of Redmayne, is seeking revenge against a woman who jilted him and the first step is securing a bride. Winning a lady’s hand is not so easy, however, for a man known as the Terror of Torcliff. Then, Alexandra enters his life like a bolt of lightning when she subdues a runaway horse. When she proposes marriage, Piers knows that, like him, trouble haunts her footsteps.
I was drawn into the book from the first page which described Alex’s horrifying experience, it then moved forward a decade to Piers & Alex meeting on a railway station, a stallion was spooked by a storm & Alex saved people from being trampled. There was an immediate spark of attraction which was a first for Alex & she mistakenly thinks Piers is the stable master for the Duke When Piers was described he’s scarred & at this point I thought oh no not another beauty & the beast story as this trope is my least favourite. However the more I read the more I was engrossed as this story was so much more than a scarred hero & beautiful heroine in fact the reverse was true. I loved Piers he was so gentle & understanding with Alex even when he doubted her reasons for marrying him. Alex was a strong woman who had tried to block out her past by excelling in her work. As well as a lovely romance there was the mystery as to who the blackmailer was & also who was trying to murder one of the ‘red manes’. I look forward to the rest of the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

I was so ready for a new series from Kerrigan Byrne and HOW TO LOVE A DUKE IN TEN DAYS, took me on a delightful, fun journey. It had intrigue, suspense, a marriage of convenience and a real connection. I was worried about the title in terms of insta-love and while it was fast moving in that way, it didn’t feel instantaneous.

This story opens with a rather difficult scene, there may be triggers for some in this book. It was a opener that drew you in by the heart strings and it made me immediately invested in the protagonist, Alexandra. She took her vulnerability and forged herself into a strong woman, an academic, no less.

I love a beastly rogue of a character and Piers (the Duke) was rough corners and couldn’t care less about convention or appearances. His meeting with Alexandra on the platform was all growls and harsh man but he had a more refined side to him. That said, the man on the platform felt to be truth of him.

“How did she prefer him? The hunter, predatory and insolent? Or the duke, charismatic, sleek and cunning?”

Secrets are the name of the game between Piers and Alexandra, sometimes secrets between characters infuriate me but with this story, it worked. There was a mutual respect between them, equality was a given and I loved watching their friendship evolve around the other elements of their relationship. I loved that Alexandra constantly surprised Piers.

“Could she be real? Did he hold in his arms the rarest of creatures? A woman of substance. Of integrity?…One who thrived on intellect and honor and genuine interaction rather than the empty endorsements of her peers?”

After launching with enthusiasm into this book, I did find it took a while to really get into it, but by 30% in, I was truly invested. I’m looking forward to more from this series and possibly from Alexandra’s two friends.

Thank you to St Martins Press for the early copy of this book.

5 Stars!

This was an absolute stellar beginning to the Devil You Know historical romance series by Kerrigan Byrne. I've read all the books from her Victorian Rebels Series and enjoyed every single one. Within that series, I have a favorite, but this book just gave it some serious competition.

How to Love a Duke in Ten Days was an emotionally charged novel on so many levels. After the shocking and gut-wrenching prologue (definite triggers,) the numerous and varied emotions I felt continued to war with each other after every other chapter. One moment, I would be devastated and the next I couldn't wipe the grin off my face. That grin was a direct result of the major swooning going on and some fabulous banter. A somewhat broken and occasionally insecure alpha-hero paired with an equally broken, but independent heroine created quite the combustible couple.

Aside from the prologue and epilogue, the story spanned 10 days. There are times when an insta-love romance works for me and most times when they don't. For me this story was an example of when it works. Those ten days between Piers and Alexandra were full of interactions and events that managed to convince me of their accelerated feelings for each other. Also, I was completely enamored with this couple and suspending belief was not at all difficult.

While I have been continually impressed with this author's writing, there were moments in this particular story that I was mesmerized with the descriptive writing. The visualizations she evoked were so fascinatingly real that I found myself re-reading passages in awe. For me, this book is some of Byrne's finest writing and I'm already anxious for Cecelia and Francesca's stories. They can't arrive soon enough.

Kerrigan has done it again! I love her stories! This book has lived up to the same high standards.
Alexandra and Piers have great chemistry. I was caught up in the story from the very first page. The characters and they individual traumas and histories seemed realistically written. KB is always on my priority list of book buys.

I went into this book very excited to read what Miss Byrne had in store for this new series but I was not expecting that opening scene. That was brutal and I don't wish that upon anybody. She handled the sensitive subject of rape and it's far-reaching effects very well. Piers was very much an alpha male and most of the time he does come across as an asshole but he loves his lady.

I did not expect the blackmailer to be who it was but then low and behold there is a twist at the end with that. I'm very excited to read the second book in the series when it's released.

“I cannot – will not – allow you out of my sight into a world where you might be taken from me.”
‘Shame had been her companion for so long. So very long.’

How to Love a Duke in Ten Days by Kerrigan Byrne ticked every single box on the list of why we have such a deep love for historical romance. Not only was it brilliantly written, it had a dark, broody and mysterious hero and a heroine who encompassed both innocence and a will forged in steel. We love historical romances that showcase a time of traditions and societal rules; that keep to the time within which it is written yet highlights the strength of women in a time where the man is considered the dominant. Yes, we absolutely love the ruthlessness, the mysterious and almost aloof nature of the romantic ‘historical’ man, but what we love even more is the fierceness of the -anything but- demure heroine.

‘If only he could slay her dragons. He’d stand over her like a lupine sentinel, snarling at whoever might approach. He’d sear the secrets from her eyes. Who could want to hurt someone like her? What could she possibly have done to warrant such violence?’

Kerrigan Byrne perfectly laid out this story in such a way that we were gripped from the first page. The character development was on point and the story line one of great tragedy, intrigue and suspense. The romance was divine and the character connection intense. We inhaled every single word and barely came up for air. Lady Alexandra Lane and Piers Gedrick Atherton, the Duke of Redmayne stole our hearts.

‘In his experience, people often reviled what they feared, or vice versa. So, if she wasn’t repulsed by him, why fear him? Had he been mistaken? Had he read admiration where none existed?’

Alexandra is one of three, in a powerful bond established in childhood. Along with her best friends, Francesca and Cecilia, they form the Red Rogues Society and forged a friendship for life, cemented even more so during a horrific experience which marked Alexandra in such a way, it’s followed her into adulthood. Three friends, each one of them unique and individual yet sharing the burden of a secret which can never be told. We absolutely loved these three friends, their friendship had such strength, and their nature was fun, loyal and protective. The power of three has never been more evident.

“We are eternally bound,” she repeated. “By secrets, blood, and pain.”
“And by trust, passion, and revenge,” Francesca added darkly.
“And be friendship, love and…” Cecilia sniffed, pressing on the hands beneath her, as if she could touch the heart below it. “And hope. For without that, what reason do we have to endure?”

When we meet Piers, it’s under a fierce, angsty and blustery setting, the brooding rogue nicknamed the Terror had such an impact on us we knew instantly that we would fall in love with this man. Piers lives under a dark cloud, with a past that’s made him distrustful of everyone and quite the cynic. Bearing both physical and psychological scars, he’s reluctant to let anyone in but knows he must, in order to fulfill his duties and exert revenge on those who’ve wronged him. When Alexandra is placed in his path everything he thought he knew about himself and women is challenged.

‘She wondered if the world would ever recognise that the Terror of Torcliff had never been a terror at all. But a man. A man possessed of so much wit, skill, charm, intellect and humour, he was forever surprising her. Often delighting her. Enchanting her, even.’

All the characters had their own individuality and exuded a power from their life experiences, bringing great heartbreak, strength as well as vulnerability to a story where lives are entwined stemming from a shared moment in time where actions changed not only three women’s path but a brute of a duke too. If you love historical romance as much as we do or would like to dip your toes into this wonderful genre then this is the perfect place to start! A compelling story of intense sadness, secrets, murder, suspense and of course an enticing love story. How to Love a Duke in Ten Days stole our hearts and whilst it’s a standalone in a series we cannot wait for the next Red Rogue Society sister to tell her story!

He could break her.
He could protect her.
She feared him.
She needed him.
She wanted…this.

***4 Stars***

I have been a fan of Kerrigan Byrne from her first book. She is an outstanding storyteller and her novels contain deep and dark emotional themes. This novel continues to exemplify her writing skill and her ability to evoke an emotional response.

Lady Alexandra Lane has a dark secret that not only leaves emotional scars but has also caused her fear of revelation throughout the years. Only a few know her secrets, namely her two best friends, and they are all bound by their loyalty and love for each other. Now Alexandra is afraid of the consequences of her secret being revealed by a blackmailer. Her character is noted to be strong, intelligent, independent and serious.

Piers Atherton, the Duke of Redmayne, bears both emotional and physical scars. He is bent on revenge after being ditched by his fiancée. He is immediately drawn to the uniqueness of Alexandra. His character is of a hunter/outdoorsman, open, funny and a rescuer/protector.

The story is fast paced and I read it in one sitting. I love how much time the couple spends together, getting to know one another. There is not a significant secondary story which lends to more time with the couple. Excellent dialogue with some laugh out loud moments with Piers dry humor. Overall a good read and a highly recommend.

Stories you can sink your teeth into – Kerrigan Byrne’s books are so wonderfully written that every time you say “just one more chapter”. Is Piers the beast in this story or is Alexandra’s demons? The gentleness and patience of Piers is so exceedingly sexy. I am blown away every time I read one of Ms. Bryne’s stories. They are compassionate and insightful. I could gush over and over. But please give these stories a try – you will not regret it especially if you are like me and like angst.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

On August 27th Kerrigan Byrne brings us the first in a new series. We start the Devil You Know series with How To Love A Duke In 10 Days. Ms Byrne is out of the gate with a tough subject...rape. Actually, it's more about the aftereffects of the rape. The first of our three boarding school friends is Lady Alexandra Lane. When the unthinkable happens her friends stand beside her, help her (that's an understatement), and keep her (and their) secrets. A lifelong close friendship like this is rare and lovely. She meets the Duke of Redmayne in an original way. While departing a train, the Dukes horse is spooked & runs amuck. Alex bravely stops the horse but it knocked out, leaving the Duke to take her home with him. During an adventure piers Atherton was clawed by a big cat. He's scarred, lucky to be alive, and not in a good mood. These two wounded souls help each other finally move forward. They're good for each other. I'm not sure anyone else could have reached Alex, Piers being a kindred spirit of sorts. By the time their happily ever after came around I was relieved. I got invested in the characters and wanted them to have a good ending, or beginning. I'm now on pins and needles, I have to wait until Spring 2020 for the next installment. If All Scot And Bothered is who I think it is...I'm soooo there. Bring it on. Happy reading.

#Netgalley #KerriganByrne #HowToLoveADukeIn10Days #DevilYouKnow #StMartin'sPress #Romance