Member Reviews
A sad and yet powerful story about overcoming your past and realizing what a beautiful future lies ahead.
I received this book from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
This book was not what I expected from the title, but wow did it hold my attention. Two messed up people (no spoilers allowed) find each other and slowly repair what damage was done to each of them. Great story line and I feel that the heroine was written in a way that showed how women become stronger and not the helpless female we read about. I strongly recommend this book.
NOBODY does historical like Kerrigan Byrne! I was sucked into the story from the very beginning and stayed there the whole time. I am not a fan of the mystery/intrigue but Byrne does it so well I don't even notice. Alexandra was so amazingly strong and admirable. Actually, all 3 of the ladies are amazing. Piers was equally fantastic. I was so invested in this couple, I was mentally castigating Piers for not seeing the signs of what happened to Alexandra sooner. Once he go out of his head, his reaction was fierce and satisfying. SOOOO looking forward to Cecilia and Francesca's books.
First, let me say that these views are solely my own and Kerrigan Byrne was kind enough to allow me to read her book in advance on NetGalley.
I loved this book. Kerrigan has a unique style of writing that is the perfect blend of romance and mystery. I love the story and especially, love the hero.. However, this book isn't just about the hero and heroine. It's about friendship.
Kerrigan also tackles difficult subjects without flinching and for that, she had my five star review!
I loved this book! Kerrigan Byrne writes some of my favorite historical fictions and this one was just added to that list. I cried with Alexandra and I raged with Piers. I was and still am so emotionally attached to these characters. I will not go into what happens because I think it's something you need to read. But it's deep and Byrne does it in a way that makes it feel real and she just wrote this book beautifully. I read it in one sitting. My eyes are killing me but it was all worth it.
I can't wait to read about the other two ladies!!
This is a hauntingly evocative romance that I did not want to end.
Lady Alexandra and, her two best friends, grew up in a school for girls that was run by a vicious headmaster who abused and, molests many of the girls. Lady Alexandra and, her friends find a tunnel and cave that goes from the dormitory to the headmaster's office. They spend as much time as they can, reading, drinking and, dreaming about what their lives will be when they finally get out of this horrid school. Unfortunately, the headmaster finds out what Francesca and her friends have been doing and, decides to punish her in the worst way. Things end in the worst way and, Alexandra and her friends end up killing the headmaster and, burying him on the grounds of the school.
Now, Alexandra has been paying a blackmailer for 10 years and, her family is now destitute. She travels to the upcoming betrothal of one of her friends to Piers, the Lord of Redmayne. Alexandra has never told her friends that she has been blackmailed for 10 years and also, doesn't understand what these strange feelings are that only occur when she is in close proximity of the Earl..
Piers has no interest in his soon to be fiance. He does, however, have extreme interest in her friend, Alexandra and, ends up marrying her.
The road begins with a lot of bumps along the way but, will these two bitter, fearful people ever realize that the feelings they have are not just lust?
Do Not Miss This Book!!!!!
This story had a promising start and I was super intrigued but unfortunately, it's just not holding my interest. It just seems so drawn out. I like the overall storyline so I pushed myself to read a few more hours in hopes it would pick up some but I'm sorry to say it just isn't flowing well for me and I'm DNF'ing.
I greatly appreciate the advanced copy and the opportunity to review early but I think I'm just going to leave it be.
I found myself unable to put this book down. Alex and Piers made the perfect combination. Kerrigan Byrne is fast becoming one of my go to authors. This is a story of overcoming a giant obstacle and what love can heal.
The prologue was jarring and unexpected. The ending was predictable. But I did like the give and take between Alexandra and Piers. Watching their relationship evolve from one of convenience to one of love was interesting and it made for a not so typical romance novel.
Piers Gedrick Atherton, the Duke of Redmayne, is planning revenge against his cousin who wants the dukedom at any cost including killing him. Piers needs to marry and produce heirs so his cousin has no chance to inherit. Enter Lady Alexandra Lane, a brilliant archeologist. Alexandra agrees to marry Piers to save her friend from this unwanted marriage. Alexandra and her 2 friends suffered trauma in their early lives and have stuck together ever since boarding school. Can Piers, a beast of a man, gain the trust of the timid Alexandra and make their marriage work?
While I enjoy Ms. Byrne's books, I almost stopped reading after the prologue where Alexandra's trauma is explained in vivid detail. I understand this incident was shared with Alexandra's friend and the gardener at school, but I didn't care for it at all. The way the back story was revealed throughout the book, I believe was sufficient to understand what had happened. I did like Alexandra, but she became a shell of herself whenever she was around Piers. Some of the descriptions and paragraphs were so long winded I just skipped over them. I hope Ms. Bryne doesn't use this type of trauma too often in this series.
Closer to 3 1/2. I loved the premises for the story. The ending was perfect besides a few sticking points. My problem with the book was I felt it was almost 30% dialogue and 70% musing. There was entirely too much thinking being done and less talking/action taking place for me. The actual story was touching, romantic, and emotional..but I found myself skimming over 1-2 pages to get to the dialogue. Thank you for the advanced copy.
Wow!! This book had me on a roller coaster of emotions. It started with the Prologue – which gave me a pit in my stomach, a feeling of hate, wanting revenge and the love of friends. I love romance books, but this was more then a romance book. Piers was a very understanding, patient and had a protective instincts you have to admire. Alexandra was very strong women who went thru so much in her life. This book will keep you interested the whole time you are reading.
Kerrigan Byrne writes so well I felt like I was in the story feeling all the emotions of each character.
This is the first book I have read by Kerrigan Byrne, and now she will always be on my to be read list.
I can not wait for the next book.
I received a free copy from Netgalley for a honest review.
“If there is a battle to fight, a villain to face, I beg you to allow me the honor. Because the cruelest thing you could do, is sentence me to a world without you in it.”
Haunted by an unspeakable crime and bonded with secrets they vow to take to their graves, Lady Alexandra Lane and her two dearest friends make a pact to never allow a man power over them. Years pass, and Alexandra is shocked to receive a notice that she has been invited to a wedding…as well as a cry for help.
Piers Gedrick Atherton, Duke of Redmayne and known as the Terror of Torcliff, has been tasked with procuring a bride. So no one is more shocked than he when Lady Alexandra offers herself to him.
What starts off as a wedding for vengeance turns into an epic adventure filled with secrets from the past, blackmail, murder, and perhaps, dare we say, love? Can Alexandra find it in herself to trust a man again? Will Piers forget the wrongs of his own past to allow his tortured soul to love and be loved? Ten days can feel like an eternity…depending on one’s perspective.
I am beyond in love with this book!!!! Kerrigan Byrne has written an amazing story of how two broken people find a way to heal each other...even when some scars can't be seen. How to Love a Duke in Ten Days is a beautifully written historical romance that was impossible to put down and left this reader with a book hangover for days! Did not want it to end! 5+ Stars!! Highly recommend!
This book surprised me. The story has a dramatic start to introduce the female characters and show us a little bit about their past. Alexandra and her friends (Francesca and Ceceilia) are strong female characters that needed to make difficult decisions at a very young age, with bonds stronger than a friendship, they formed some sort of family in the middle of the adversity and those bonds in some way explain a lot what happens next in the story.
The preliminary chapter has a scene pretty disturbing and I understand if some readers avoid it, but I think it's important to discuss such situations, even if in a romance book, and how a character overcome that kind of experience.
Now let's talk about the male character in this book. His name is Piers but he's known as the Terror of Torcliff. He has this particular look that usually inspires fear in the people but in Alexandra it causes curiosity. They first encounter is like faith playing its part, and when they see each other again you know you'll have a great time reading their story.
I loved this book, I enjoyed every single twist and turn, I loved to be surprised with the story and can't wait to see what's next in this series.
I have voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this title given to me via NetGalley. How To Love A Duke in Ten Days is the first book in new Devil You Know series and I loved getting to meet Lady Alexandra Lane and Piers Gedrick Atherton. This book was just so easy to get lost in and I felt so much for these characters. I had so much fun learning more about each character and all they had gone through. I can’t wait to see what’s next for this author.
ARC received for review
Great love story with an imperfect hero and heroine. Now is the bad guy after her, her friends or him, or all of the above. Her friends were great and I can't wait to read their HEAs. Perfect epilogue for this couple.
There are numerous things about this book I love! The Red Rogues, the Terror of Torcliff and Dr. Alexandra Lane are just a few!
This book hooked me from the prologue. It wasn’t an easy prologue to read, but it definitely stays with you throughout the book and after. Kerrigan has an amazing way with words and did a great job writing difficult subject matter.
Alexandra and Piers have a remarkable relationship. I love everything about the way they meet and their interactions afterwards. They are perfectly suited for each other.
I just finished the book and I already miss the characters and want to go back and read it all again ❤️ I can’t wait to see what the Red Rogues get up to next!!
I wasn't sure what to expect when I saw the dedication (which I don't always read). But this book is unlike any of it's genre that I've ever read - and I've read hundreds of titles in this historical romance genre.
Even now, more than a week after I finished reading, I'm still struggling to come up with the words to describe the one-two punch that was this book. It will take your breath away: things will not happen along typical lines, these are not your typical characters or stories. Alexandra and Piers: I wish more authors wrote people like this with all their complexity, both good and bad.
It's not very often that a book takes my breath away and leaves me thinking about it for weeks afterward. But this one did.
Congratulations Kerrigan Byrne, you've knocked me out of my romance complacency. And I humbly thank you.
I'll be recommending this author (and in particular this book) to friends.
And I'll be on the lookout for more work by Kerrigan Byrne.
Despite the “typical” title, this is so not the usual historical romance story. Rather, this is a mystery/adventure tale of betrayal, massacre, and attempted murder. The sexual assault that results in the death of the assailant is the motivation for much of the violence, but the greediness of the duke’s heir-presumptive is another factor. The unresolved massacre story line and a teaser in the epilogue suggest that this is the first book of a proposed trilogy. The two main characters, the duke and Alexandra, are well-drawn and their developing relationship despite the darkness in both of their backgrounds is totally believable. Minor characters are less well portrayed and their motivations seem simplistic and not very realistic considering the consequences they instigate. Still, this is an engrossing novel that is well worth considering.
This story starts out very darkly and the next few chapters are murky and fraught with danger, intrigue and possible betrayal. Having said that, the story grips you and without realizing it you are so caught up with the romance and the intrigue that you really can’t put it down. The romantic aspect of this story is beautiful, the blossoming and healing that takes place was so very sweet. Conversely there is a fair amount of violence and some highly unsavory characters that are woven in the story, but all in all I really enjoyed this book!