When I began this book I was extremely hesitant. So, so, so hesitant. Books that use sexual assault as a tragic back story for the heroine are normally an instant do not finish for me. This book though? It was different. The event actually impacted her as more than just a reason to be afraid of men, the trauma felt real and while her healing was over the course of a short number of days due to romance conventions it was shown that this healing was a continuing process and wasn't just done.

Very good Historical romance about Priers and Alexis ,
Good suspense ,mystery, drama ,actions and romance,
really great read.
Voluntarily reviewed.

holy shitballs, batman
TW: assaults, trauma, rape, death

i had no idea what to expect from this book. i would've been fine reading a run-of-the-mill, still very good, historical romance. so i was more than pleasantly surprised by what ended up happening.
there is a rape scene, which was kind of graphic and could be quite triggering for people, but if you skip the prologue or first chapter, it's not touched on in too much detail.
i think other reviews will be able to be more coherent than i could ever be, but there were so many things that made me enjoy this book.
it's short; most of the action takes place within roughly two weeks, but i won't discount the love that the characters grow to have, because it seemed authentic to me, and not sudden. there's a girl group, who stick together through it all, babes!! they bury a body together!!
yes, i did guess the mysterious blackmailer, but i don't think that was supposed to be a big secret, because there was another, underlying mystery that was good, if a bit abrupt.

when this book actually releases (woo, eARC) i'm interested to see what other people's response to the fact that alexandra didn't tell piers about her assault, even after he discovered she wasn't a virgin. there's no time limit on when you can, should, and want to tell someone about your trauma, and it's a fine line to walk when someone has a partner. i've done a lot of research, been through a good amount of therapy, to try to figure out when the "right" time to tell someone about it is. i don't know, i think this resonated a lot with me, because i related to alexandra a lot, which isn't something i tend to do. :)

*this book was provided in exchange for an unpaid review from netgalley.com all thoughts are my own

"Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review."

Loved this book very much. It had just enough sweet, sexy romance and the storyline was great! I highly recommend!

I almost stopped reading 'How To Love A Duke in Ten Days' in the beginning. I thought this would be the first time I would not give feedback on a title. It is stark and and I was put off by the intense sexual descriptions and language. For all that I skipped over, the lyrical writing of Kerrigan Byrne provided a counterbalance. This is a difficult, suspenseful story with complicated yet likeable characters. For good and ill it will stay with me for a long time.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Oh gee I just love the writing of Kerrigan. Byrne and as usual could not stop reading this great new book in a new series. Just loved the way she introduced the next characters in the next book. Excellent.

I loved, loved How to Love a Duke in Ten Days by Kerrigan Byrne, who is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. No, not just favorite historical romance authors, but favorite authors. Full stop.

This is the second book from Kerrigan Byrne in a row that I've loved, and I think it's time to just suck it up and buy her whole backlist. This book was unputdownable.

Sometimes, I think I'm too harsh of a reviewer. I have trouble feeling enthusiastic about mediocre romance, and with over 1500 romances under my belt, I got bored easily. But then a book like How to Love a Duke in Ten Days comes along and knocks my socks off.

I loved almost everything about this story. I loved how it addressed the main character's (Trigger warning) (view spoiler) with sensitivity and understanding. I knew going in that the book would have something to do with sexual assault from the #metoo at the author's dedication section, and I think the author did an excellent job balancing everything.

I also have a HUGE weakness for a scarred male MC, and his gruff, masculine, scarred face was giving me allllll sorts of good vibes.

The book was an excellent blend of female friendship, mystery, sensuality, sensitivity, romance and pain. I practically read it straight through in one sitting. I simply couldn't stop reading.

For those of you who want something compulsively readable, something to shake up your reading slump, look no further. Kerrigan Byrne will wow you with this one.

*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*

Impressed, awed, entangled, absorbed, love, all words to describe how I feel about this book. How to Love A Duke In Ten Days is a magnificent historical romance by Kerrigan Byrne. Ms. Byrne has provided readers with a book that will suck them into this story and keep them guessing. This story is well-written and a smooth read. Kudos to Ms. Byrne for the stellar cast of characters she has created, I loved them! Alexandra is raped but kills her attacker. With help from her friends and a servant, they bury him but now she's being blackmailed. Piers is the Duke of Redmayne, scarred and fierce. Piers and Alexandra's story is packed, cover to cover with drama, action, steamy sex, suspense and humor. A solid 6 star read for How To Love A Duke In Ten Days, I can't wait to read more from Kerrigan Byrne. How To Love A Duke In Ten Days is book 1 of the Devil You Know Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Sexy, hot, suspenseful are just a few words that describe this story. The way Kerrigan interwove the love story and criminal story was masterful. A real page turner.

Alexandra and her two friends survived their teen years in school run by a nasty headmaster by depending on each other...keeping each other's secrets...no matter what.
She came to attend Francesca's wedding ten years later, the one Francesca had declared would never be, along with Cecilia.
Then things changed, Alexandra became the bride, and found a happy ever after ending.
That's the quick summary, the tale is full of suspicion, intrigue, blackmail, murder attempts, close friends, a sexy hawt groom, the Duke of Redmayne, the blue stocking bride, and multiple romantic steamy sensual scenes between the newlyweds.
Piers, Duke of Redmayne, is the sweet Alpha male many women dream of. It's a wonderful place to spend some time.
I requested and was granted an ARC from NetGalley for my perusal, and recommend it for those who like their historical romances with intrigue and a bit of heat,

This novel was an enjoyable read, however its beginning is a bit dark. Lady Alexandra Lane and her two best friends all have secrets they have shared with each other. They each have to overcome their own past and even agreed to never marry. Alexandra is being blackmailed and her family has lost much of its fortune. When she first meets Piers Gedrick Atherton, she has no idea he is the Duke of Redmayne. Piers cannot believe a woman stands up to him, considering he has been scarred and dubbed the Terror of Torcliff. Piers is a strong character, protective, and distrustful of women, due to his own past. Both Alexandra and Piers are independent individuals, yet both deeply affected by their pasts. Alexandra proposes marriage, for she needs money and he needs heirs. Both develop feelings for each other, but old fears affect their developing relationship. When several accidents prove to be foul play, Alexandra fears she is the target and Piers believes he is the one being targeted. When they finally realize the love they feel for the other, they will do anything to keep them safe. I am looking forward to the next novel in the series!

What a great book! I’ve never read one of Kerrigan Byrne’s book before but I will now. The moment I started reading “How to Love a Duke in Ten Days “ I became immersed into the characters and story. Alexandra experienced trauma and Piers emotional pain. Both have to learn how to trust and heal while being in danger. I highly recommend this book.

How to Love a Duke in Ten Days ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

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 to one of the empire’s most wealthy eligible bachelors. Even if he does have the reputation of a devil.
LOVE TAKES NO PRISONERS
Piers Gedrick Atherton, the Duke of Redmayne, is seeking revenge 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 proposes marriage, Piers knows that, like him, trouble haunts her footsteps. But her gentleness, sharp wit, independent nature, and incredible beauty awakens every fierce desire within him. He will do whatever it takes to keep her safe in his arms.

Kerrigan Byrne is absolutely one of my favorite historical romance writers. All her books pack a powerful punch, with fully developed characters and plots.

From the gut wrenching prologue to the very last page of the epilogue I was lost to the world of Alexandra and Piers, a steamy version of Beauty and the Beast. Both deeply flawed and hiding secrets.

What a great start to another series of books. This book can be read as a stand alone but I can’t wait to read the others already.

I received this ARC for free in exchange for my honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you NetGalley, Kerrigan Byrne and St. Martins Press

Okay, I’m not sure if I’ve read anything by Kerrigan Byrne in my book library of “to be read” but this was one fantastic story that had my absolute attention from the beginning pages to its ending. This the first in this series of the Devil You Know.

How to Love a Duke in Ten Days started off a bit tragic and was not what I was expecting, however the author’s writing style capture my attention and a little heartbreaking for Lady Alexandria, the heroine of the story. It shows her vulnerability as well as her strength to overcome the affliction that torments her every day. Nonetheless, she survives her circumstances and becomes a woman who has to overcome the demons that tries to conquer her life. She’s not alone with living with secrets…her closest friends Cecilia (Cecil) and Francesca (Franc) have their share of demons too.

The Hero of the story, Piers, the Duke of Redmayne is a bossy internally handsome hero. Although he is not quite handsome on the outside…with scars marking his face, his inner beauty flourishes the brooding austere that has painted him the Terror of Torcliff. He was patience, thoughtful and understanding with Alexandria when she was not forthcoming with what had happened to her as a young girl. Both characters fell in love at first sight. Their love gradually deepened for one another as they uncovered little by little things in their past that would dictate the outcome of their future together.

There are times within the story that your heart goes out to Alexandra, who became a victim of rape by a despicable man who was head of the school and one who took advantage o the young girls under his charge. I loved the friendship and support that the Red Rogues had for one another, especially the love they shared in helping one another out no matter what the circumstance. Piers was the epitome of a gentleman in disguise who really cared about Alexandra’s feelings and he at every chance showed her that intimacy doesn’t have to hurt.

The author has a well-written, wonderful plot and enjoyable characters that make this novel well worth the read. It has its positive sides, as well as negative sides but they are there to make each character a bit stronger and have the ability to overcome the obstacles that are hindering from moving forward with their lives. I truly loved Piers and Alexandra through all the obstacles they had to confront. The story had its share of twists and suspense and I found myself second guessing who the villains were near the end. Oh what a touch of angst, secrets, lies, betrayals and mystery. Although the story touches on sexual abuse against young women, I never felt overwhelmed by that fact and thought the author did a good job with handling that part of the story.

If you’re looking to start a new series, this is one I highly recommend for your historical romance read. The H/h will draw you into their world. You will find your heart tugged and eyes teary from time to time. I loved this story and would love to take a stab at an audiobook version with one of my favorite narrators (i.e., Anne Flosnik, Rosalyn Landor, Braden Wright…just a few). Highly recommend this read.

I thank the author and St. Martins Press for allowing me to receive this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

5-Stars

Review by 2shay……….🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟……….

Every now and again a book comes along that is so good, so relevant to today’s events, that calling it historical is a misnomer. There are events in this book that scream #metoo. It just goes to show that the more things change, the more they stay the same.

Ms. Byrne’s style is reminiscent of the elegant prose of the past, while remaining true to more modern tastes. It’s lovely. From the prolog, we know that Alexandra is brutally raped at boarding school when she was seventeen. By the headmaster. The events that unfolded afterward form an even stronger bond between her and her two best friends, Cecilia and Francesca. They vow to keep this secret forever. Cecilia and Francesca have secrets of their own.

Ten years later, Alexandra is surprised to be invited to a wedding for her friend, Francesca, to the Duke of Redmayne. The girls had sworn not to marry, and were considered “spinsters” and beyond marriageable age. But, life goes on and things change. The biggest change for Alexandra, is her financial situation. Her father’s impending bankruptcy has left her with no means to pay her blackmailer. Now, in retaliation, her blackmailer is trying to kill her.

In my opinion, men…all men…should read this book. Piers Gedrick Atherton, Duke Of Redmayne, agrees to Alexandra’s proposal, because, for him, any wife from a titled family will do…much to Francesca’s relief. He then proceeds to make every possible mistake a man can make with a woman with Alexandra’s past. I cried for her. How he fixes things while dealing with the mystery of the blackmailer leads to the most stunningly seductive sex scenes I’ve ever read. Sensitively and intimately written, brilliant.

If you are sensitive about explicit sex, this may not be the book for you. If so, I’m sorry for you. You’ll miss a great story. Pick up a copy and…

Enjoy!

ARC graciously provided by St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for an honest and voluntary review.

The topic of rape and “overcoming “ it was handled as well as one can in an historical romance. The author genuinely approached it with as much sensitivity as was possible.. My biggest issues are with the ridiculously misogynistic things Piers would say, the overuse of the word turgid and descriptions of the female anatomy as “seams.” Okay, the end scene where they “make love” to encourage labor in the exact way Alexandra was raped really turned my stomach. As did the rushed and cliche cliffhanger that one of the friends was also pregnant and married to the cousin...ooh. Can’t wait to read that. Not. The beginning was promising but it quickly went off the rails and three of the four possible bad guys all meeting their demise together at the end was too silly to be believed. Thanks for the freebie in any case.

I wasn't sure what to think about this book when I read the first chapter, but it's very important to the book. Three young ladies, Alexandra, Cecelia and Francesca become close friends in a private school, but the rape of one of the girls and it's consequences is a secret they all carry for ten years. Francesca has been betrothed to Piers, the Duke of Redmayne for many years, but they don't like each other. Alexander is attracted to Piers and approaches him to marry her instead, but she carries a terrible secret that she's being blackmailed for. With the marriage she can pay the blackmailer, hopefully for the last time. Ten days for their honeymoon will give them both a chance to build trust, but someone wants one of them dead. Greed, jealousy, a terrible secret and misunderstandings come into play to make it difficult to trust each other. Byrne makes it all work to keep you reading faster than you did before. Fantastic read!
A free copy from Netgalley for an honest review.

This is a wonderful beginning to a new series by Kerrigan Byrne named “Devil You Know”. This first story, “How to Love a Duke in Ten Days” was fast paced and filled with heartache, revenge, plots, steamy romantic pages and a well done HEA.
Alexandra Lane, daughter of an Earl, has a school incident days before finishing that will set the course of her life along with her two closest friends that no man is worth the griefs they cause. Her sisters, though not by blood, are her family that will keep the secrets they each share and will protect each other no matter what the cost.
Some years after attending the graduating the Sorbonne in Paris and leaving society behind Alexandra has made a name for herself as a accomplished scholarly archeologist and linguist. She also had been paying a blackmailer who has somehow found her secret and threatened to expose her friends and her but cannot continue to do so as news of her family’s financial decline.
As fortune would have it one of her friends is summonsed by a Duke of the realm to a family arranged marriage. Knowing her friend does not want to get married, Alexandra proposes to the Duke who is the only man she has felt would protect her, that she finds fascinating and at the same time she would be providing for her family.
Piers Gedrick Atherton, Duke of Redmayne, the Terror of Torcliff named so after a hunting accident that left him scarred, only wants revenge against his fickle ex-fiancé who married his cousin who was next in line for his title when they thought he would die of his wounds. He figures no woman would take him and his scars anyway so why not go ahead with the arranged marriage that would accomplish all his goals.
Only Piers comes to realize he is immediately taken with Alexandra the very first time he met her when she jumped into action to save a mother and her children at the train station from a stallion that escaped during its off loading.
And so the story quickens pace with an attempted assassination, only was it to end the Duke, Alexandra or one of her friends. There is a wedding between two strangers within just a short time of meeting each other. More attempts on who knows whose life, blackmailers revealed, and secrets that could not remain secret. All within ten days of Alexandra and Piers meeting and falling in love.
If the other stories in this series is anything like this one, all I can say is I cannot wait for the next offering.

4.5 stars

Alexandra’s emotional perseverance was admirable, but I liked how she was so relatable. Her fears and concerns were valid, while her strengths and individual wins a reason to celebrate!

Piers was a wonderful hero, but again, I loved that he wasn’t perfect. Whether it was inserting his foot in his mouth or sweeping in to save the day-when the ladies were obviously doing quite well without him-Piers was a down to earth kind of guy.

Their romance was a sweeping force of blistering chemistry and may I just say, I thought Byrne’s built up Piers and Alexandra’s steaming tension to epic portions and when the whistle blew......!

Aside from the great romance, there’s also plenty of social issues to delve into. Without going into detail of what’s between the pages, I’ll just say for everything Alexandra experienced regarding one specific matter, I found myself flipping the same coin and putting Piers in the same position. Which then lead to a rousing discussion with a friend regarding social norms and society’s perception of men and women in the same situation happens=great food for thought.

For all the issues they both suffered and/or struggled with, Piers and Alexandra’s story turned out to be an amazingly romantic read! I loved so much about the book and really enjoyed how Byrne’s tackled sensitive subjects. Not so much in your face, but not swept quietly under the rug either. With a great balance of dark and light, beautiful writing, tongue in cheek humor, a steamy, healing romance, and wonderful friendships, I think Byrne’s new series is off to a very strong start!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book I received from St. Martins and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is a wonderful mix of romance and suspense. Loved the larger than life, brooding hero facing an intelligent and capable heroine. The story was everything I wanted: romance, deep friendships, suspense, great dialogue and a perfect conclusion!