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.
I should start out by saying that I’ve read a number of books by this author and have liked them all. That said, I have a love/hate feel for this book. It was very well written, emotional, and perfect for the current feel of what really happens to women who are forced to feel powerless. My hate is the premise of it. Due to my own personal experiences, I avoid books that have anything to do with sexual assault. When I saw the #Me Too dedication, I wanted to stop right there as I had a bad feeling. I did continue because I do like the author but I did trudge on.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

A wonderful read with just the right blend of heartache and love. Alexandra has secrets and Piers has his own demons to overcome. The chemistry between these two is great. This is a great read and kept me on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next. I highly recommend this book for fans of Ms Byrne's books. Wonderful HEA!

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

A strong beginning to Byrne’s new series, How to Love a Duke introduces us to trio of dear friends, each of whom has secrets and mysterious beginnings. The story between the two main characters was suspenseful, romantic, and touching. The introduction of intriguing side characters has made me eager for the next book in the series.

I loved it. I loved it. I looooved it. I actually received this as an ARC via NetGalley but enjoyed it so much I purchased a kindle copy.

How to Love a Duke in Ten Days is my first Kerrigan Byrne read and I’m so hooked on her writing style I can’t wait to read more. I really enjoyed her story telling!

Y’all! They are both so full of attributes I love in a romance character. I wanted to devour this book so quickly but I made myself savor it. This book is the first in a trilogy and follows Alexandra and Piers (I love his name!). Alexandra is a strong, smart, sassy heroine and Piers is a strong, scarred, grumpy hero.

Between Piers’ mommy issues and Alexandra’s men issues I wanted to hug them both. There’s nothing I like more than two tortured characters making their way into each other’s hearts.

From the second they met I felt their chemistry and couldn’t wait to see where it went. If these two characters had ended up with other significant others it just wouldn’t have been the same for me. I could see them slowly falling for one another.

Alexandra is hiding something and Piers is distrustful of...everyone, and some twisted part of me was so excited to see all of that play out. Misunderstanding and miscommunication is such catnip for me!

The sex scenes were fantastic. I loved that we got foreplay multiple times before they consummated. Yay slow burn!

I really could ramble all day about this book and this couple and even the secondary characters. I’m really looking forward to more of them in the future.

Trigger warning for rape.

Stunning.

Few books manage to leave me with a dropped jaw and an overwhelming feeling of satisfaction. Rarely can I enjoy eloquent love scenes that leaving me squirming with a shared feeling of rightness. Of love - and lust.

I was totally engrossed in HOW TO LOVE A DUKE IN TEN DAYS by Kerrigan Byrne —so much so that I read it immediately upon receiving a pre-release complimentary copy via NetGalley. I loved it, but actually felt a bit overwhelmed by it. How could I possibly write my honest review? It was going to be so difficult to put into words all I enjoyed about this remarkable book. So, I thought I would wait a while and think about how I could put into words how powerfully the book engaged me. I waited long enough that I then sat down and read the whole book a second time and enjoyed it even more.

Oh, what characters have been created by Ms. Byrne! Alexandra and Piers are like no other I have read of before. Their story is sumptuously told over a period of ten days and the reason for the choice of that period of time is heartbreaking. However, the eloquence of Piers and Alexandra’s interactions is extraordinary. This is a book I will return to again. Even reading it twice was not enough.

I must admit, it's been a minute since I've picked up anything even remotely resembling a historical romance. Visions of swashbuckling heroes, pert young ladies, and stories set in times of yore come to mind. And, yes, there is definitely some of that in this book. But there is also much more. Kerrigan Byrne manages to entertain and titillate, writing within the framework of the genre standard while still managing to create a story, place, and characters that are a breath of fresh air.

I knew that I was going to love the Red Rogues from the moment that I met them. Think Nancy Drew and her gang, but with touches of the lot from Dead Poets' Society. Alexandra, Cecelia, and Francesca are no wilting lilies, but a series of unfortunate events casts a shadow over their young lives that they never quite outrun. In the meantime, though, our intrepid trio know their own minds and are not afraid to forge ahead, living life on their terms.

And, I have to tell you that, as historical romance heroes go, Piers Redmayne, is the deal. He is a man of passion, and his chief one becomes a certain Lady Alexandra Lane. By turn infuriated, intrigued, bewitched, and beleaguered, this Duke never even saw his lady coming. He is the sort of romantic hero that I can totally get behind, and seeing his sense of duty, self, and love get turned on its ear is everything.

This was my first read by Ms. Byrne, but will absolutely not be my last. HOW TO LOVE A DUKE IN TEN DAYS is a must-read for fans of historical romance with a twist. What twist? A woman who knows what she wants, and a man that will help her get it. Make sure this one's on the ol' TBR, and enjoy.

This is a historical romance with a huge dash of mystery and intrigue to keep you guessing! Lady Alexander Lane is also Doctor Lane, an archaeologist and very independent young lady. She can never forget what happened towards the end of her time at boarding school, indeed someone is blackmailing her to prevent them revealing it. The event was hidden by herself and her two best friends, with the help of the gardener. However, her family is in dire financial straits so she can't keep up the payments and is unsure what to do.

When she goes to help one of her friends celebrate her engagement she meets the Terror of Torcliff, initially assuming he works in the stables and not realising he is Piers Gedrick Atherton, the Duke of Redmayne. However, this is an arranged marriage and her friend doesn't have feeling for him and Alexander suggests she marries him instead. This will save her friend and enable Alexander to keep up the payments to her blackmailer. Little did either of them realise just what a life threatening situation they were going into . . . .

This is an action packed story with well developed characters and a moving tale of love. It starts with mischief, rape and murder but ends with love and romance. Most of the action takes place in less than two weeks, but what a perilous fortnight that proves to be! I found it a great read and have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone who enjoys historical romantic suspense.

I requested and was gifted a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest review after choosing to read it.

How to Love a Duke in Ten Days is an excellent story from start to finish – I could not put it down!

We follow the story of Lady Alexandra Lane – who is strong, independent and fearless. She also holds a secret that she fears getting out, although it is a secret that is not her fault and that she should not be ashamed of. It is a secret that has followed her and has negatively affected her relationships and confidence in herself. On top of all of this, she is being blackmailed about this secret! She would do anything to keep this a secret – even marry one of the richest bachelors – who also has quite the reputation of being evil.

Piers is a misunderstood character – where people see a monster, Alexandra sees him for who he truly is. He may be a bit dark and damaged but he is also kind, compassionate and sees Alexandra and loves her for who she is. Their chemistry in this story is incredible and leaves you craving more. They have such an intense spark!

This is a well written, exciting novel that I could not put down. I loved the two main characters – they find forgiveness and healing through their love and this allows them to put their past behind them and move forward. It is also a story of survival – Alexandra may have been a victim and this changed her view and the way she interacts with the world but it also made her a fighter. I loved how she grew and developed throughout the story.

How to Love a Duke in Ten Days is a definite must read novel that you will not be able to put down.

A gritty, sensual, and suspenseful opening book in the Devil You Know series has me absolutely salivating for the next installment. And, kicking myself for not picking up this author’s books earlier. If you are looking for the extraordinary extra spark and haven’t found it yet in your historical romance reads, I challenge you to pick up one of Byrne’s.
Review

The book, and I suspect the series, opens with a dark, heartwrenching prologue scene that becomes a defining moment for three young genteel women in their last year at a French finishing school. Nothing will ever be the same after that night and particularly for Lady Alexandra Lane. When your schoolmaster assaults you and you take his life, you can’t go on unscathed. Her dearest friends, Cecilia and Francesca have their own dark secrets and vow to keep hers. But, someone knows and they have been blackmailing her for years.

Alexandra got her degree at the Sorbonne and began traveling the world in lieu of marriage and family with a man of rank. Men… she avoids them and covers any remaining charms that her age hasn’t removed so she never has to be touched by one again. But, now she is home after her father declares the family is out of money. And, so is she where her blackmailer is concerned.
But, then an unlikely solution drops in her lap if she can resolve to take it. A marriage of convenience with the Duke of Redmayne could help solve many problems for herself and her friends. If she can just get past those uncomfortable and unwanted flashes of attraction and liking for the man who has no idea about her dark past, but wants to protect and help her.

Piers is not your typical duke. He can’t stand society and all the games they play and he wants even less to be treated like fresh meat on the market because of his title and wealth. He is disfigured and has rough manners so he knows that he has no honest appeal to any of them, either. A marriage of convenience suits him just fine. More than fine if he is honest about the spark between him and Alexandra from their first meeting. His past has left him who he is now, but her strength that was never completely broken by her past pulls them together.

As I said in my intro, this is my first encounter with the author’s work. Whew boy! I was flabbergasted with amazement at the way this story pulled me in and never let me go. I loved the characters even though I got to a point where I wanted to tweak Alexandra for continuing to hide her past from Piers when he had proved himself completely as on her side. Piers was all that a dark, brooding, alpha hero should be, but he also matched well with Alexandra. He respected and was attracted to her intelligence and strength of spirit as much as her looks. The pair of them didn’t shy away from going for what they wanted even if Alexandra had to be treated carefully because of her abuse. It was sizzling once things got rolling.

What came as a delightful surprise was the suspense element. It was strong and welcome. Danger, excitement and lots of intrigue peppered this story. I loved trying to figure out who the blackmailer was and who was trying to kill Alexandra.

I can’t wait to get the rest of the stories in this series and you bet your knee breeches I’ll be headed to check out the author’s backlist when I get the chance. I can highly recommend this one to those who like strong characters, spicy romance, and an addicting plot in their historical romances.

My thanks to St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Somehow I had never read Kerrigan Byrne... I saw How to Love a Duke in Ten Days and I just loved everything about it and wanted to read. OMG have I been missing out! I need to grab everything this author has written!
As soon as I opened the book and started page one I was swept away. Her words held me captive as I read the story of Lady Alexandra Lane.
I loved how Alexandra was portrayed — an amazingly strong woman who is broken and hiding things from her past. To me this is what makes us human. It is life — our struggles, our fears, the cracks in our armor that shape us into strong people. My heart broke for Alexandra's fears, her experiences at the same time that it was healed by how hard she fought for herself. I loved the relationship she forged with the Duke of Redmayne. How they learned to trust each other and move forward. And seriously her friends! I want more!
This was a beautiful story that handled the 'me too' movement with skill and grace. It was a book that both ripped at my heart and gave me hope. It is a book that will stay with me!

Devil You Know #1, The first book by this author I read was the end of the Victorian Rebels series catching that one at the end, and really liking it, I made sure I caught this series at the beginning. From the first page this book pulls you in it emotionally ties you the the three young ladies (at the time) when a traumatic experience binds them together for life. Alexandra, Cecelia, and Francesca bonded in boarding school they were rambunctious girls who formed a group just for them The Red Rogues and gave themselves nicknames and pretended what it would be like if they were men. When they left school they knew each other's darkest secrets, Including the truth about Francesca and her family which she has vowed to find and punish whoever killed them. Fast forward ten years Alex has a doctorate in archeology, Cecilia is a mathematical genius and Francesca has continued her search for her parents killers which may have just lead to the Duke of Redmayne's door.

Piers Atherton, Duke of Redmayne, was a great hunter going off to all sorts of places hunting for the sport of it until a jaguar caught him by surprise and left him with a claw mark on the side of his face; a wound he almost didn't recover from. Upon his return he finds his fiance married his cousin after some time Piers knows he needs to marry to fulfill his duty as duke so he re-establishes an old marriage contract between Francesca's Father and his. But when Francesca's best friends arrive he's completely taken with Alexandra. Alexandra is being blackmailed for what happened at school and her family is going bankrupt when she offers herself up to Piers instead of Francesca in exchange her parents get the bride payment. Piers agrees as long as Francesca does too and the next day they are married and off to spend their honeymoon in Paris at an archaeological dig Pier's cousin setup to to excavate the ruins of what might be an ancestor of the Redmayne line. But things only get more complicated as it becomes clear someone is trying to assassinate either Piers or Alex and when Piers discovers Alex isn't a virgin he thinks the worst of her when his accusations couldn't be further from the truth.

Overall, the intrigue and the romance together make this book just so good! Piers is so aggravating at times so oblivious to what's right in front of him. Alex is so strong but yet vulnerable at the same time. I loved these two and the mystery of the blackmail and the assassination attempts really keeps you hooked. I love the epilogue and tease about Cecelia can't wait for the next book.

Kerrigan Byrne kicks off her fantastic new series, The Devil You Know, with an action-packed, evocative, sensuous and captivating tale of passion, danger and seduction that will hold readers in thrall from beginning to end: How To Love A Duke in Ten Days.

The shadows of the past continue to haunt and torment Lady Alexandra Lane. As a young girl at boarding school, she had found herself in an impossible situation where she had been forced to commit an act that has had serious repercussions over the years and left her constantly looking over her shoulder. Unfortunately for Alexandra, it is not just her demons which she has to contend with, but a blackmailer intent on doing whatever it takes to keep reminding her of past sins. Alexandra has managed to keep the blackmailer quiet by paying his exorbitant demands, but with the family fortunes no longer as plentiful as they once were, she finds herself wondering about what she might do now that she cannot continue to pay her oppressor. However, little does Alexandra realize that a wedding at Castle Redmayne is going to end up turning her entire world upside down…

Revenge is uppermost on Piers, the Duke of Redmayne’s mind. The Terror of Torcliff as he is known has a fearsome reputation, but the only way he can wreak vengeance upon those who had wronged him is by marrying. But finding a bride when half the Ton is absolutely petrified of you is easier said than done! It looks like Piers’ plan has hit a rough patch before it’s even got off the ground, however, just when all seems lost, Lady Alexandra Lane walks into his life like a bolt of lightning, ensuring that Piers’ plan might have some legs after all. However, what he hadn’t counted on was on the incendiary attraction that sizzles between him and his soon to be bride.

United by a darkness that still haunts their every move and by an inconvenient desire that simply cannot be denied, Piers and Alexandra soon realize that there is nothing remotely convenient about their attraction to one another. Having spent most of their lives hiding behind the walls they had erected around their hearts, will Piers and Alexandra find the courage to take a leap of faith and grasp this unexpected chance at happiness? Or will they continue to be held hostage by the past?

How To Love A Duke in Ten Days is an intense and emotional historical romance that draws readers in with a shocking beginning and keeps them engrossed and on the edge of their seats as they find themselves completely and utterly swept up in this sizzling tale of danger, deception and desire.

Kerrigan Byrne writes outstanding historical romances that never fail to take readers away and she has hit it out of the ballpark again with How To Love A Duke in Ten Days. Giles and Alexandra’s love story is tempestuous, passionate and absorbing and will keep readers burning the midnight oil desperate to find out what happens next.

A first class historical romance from a terrific storyteller, How To Love a Duke in Ten Days is another triumph by Kerrigan Byrne.

This story was beautiful and heart-breaking at the same time. Alexandra was such an amazing character that had went through so much in her life and I was inspired by her inner strength that had kept her going. I loved her relationship with Piers and he was such a perfect partner for her after everything they have both been through. I enjoyed this story and I’m looking forward to her friends getting their own happy endings.

I enjoyed reading Lily and Nash’s story in How to Love a Duke in Ten Days by Kerrigan Bryne, book one in her Devil You Know series. As I started reading I wasn’t sure what I had got myself into. It was disturbing and terrifying and I will warn those who are sensitive to traumatic subjects that it will be difficult for you. However, continuing to read is definitely worthwhile as it is an amazing story with all the feels.

Lady Alexandra Lane’s horrible experience happens in boarding school in the very first chapter. It is a secret she has been carrying for the past ten years, along with her two best friends, bound together forever by shared secrets. However, someone knows and they are blackmailing Alexandra. Since she no longer has the money to pay the secret will soon come to light because. These three girls formed a tight friendship, the Red Rogues, a sisterhood that is eternally bound by their secrets.

Piers Gedrick Atherton, The Duke of Redmayne, called the Terror of Torcliff, is in need of a wife. In order for him to get the revenge he wants, he needs to marry and produce an heir. Pier is everything you want in an alpha male, a brooding brute with scars yet a soft heart with that sweet side. Francesca, one of Alexandra’s partners in crime, was betrothed to him when they were children. Since Piers did not care who he married and Francesca did not want to marry, Alexandra decides this might be the answer to her prayers.

Both Piers and Alexandra have skeletons in their closet and are unable to trust easily. Each needs to figure out how to make this marriage of convenience work and maybe become a love match. It also appears someone is trying to kill Alexandra or Piers. As it is unclear which one is in more danger it might be smart for them to stick together, at least until they can figure this out.

Ms. Byrne provides amazing stories with at least one main characters having been through something horrific and heartbreaking. She provided a marriage of convenience tale that was the perfect balance of sweet, sexy, and suspenseful giving Alexandra and Piers a chance for happiness, love and a future together. I definitely recommend How to Love a Duke in Ten Days to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

This book was fantastic, with depth of emotion, an absorbing storyline and the ups and downs of a fast paced love story. From the very beginning, the characters captured my heart.

A large part of the reason why I enjoyed this book so much was because of the hero: Piers, the Duke of Redmayne. He is such an interesting, mysterious, seductive character. I loved him from the moment he stepped on the page. There’s just something about him that lures you in, he is a beautiful, complicated hero. He might appear cold, brooding and unfeeling, but it not so, he really is a sweetheart, protective and tender. Regardless of the unusual circumstances, he soon finds himself intrigued with the heroine, Lady Alexandra Lane.

Alexandra is the daughter of an impoverished earl. She has created the Red Rogues Society, with her two best friends, Francesca and Cecily. They met in a Swiss private school and were determined to learn all the things not allowed women. They have vowed to remain spinsters and are very close.  I loved Alexandra’s determination to remain true to her heart and ideals, despite a traumatic experience. She is a doctor in history, smart and well-traveled. Yet, she has spent a decade doing her best to avoid men. She feels that loneliness is safer than love. Her smile is a mask to hide her deepest fears and pain from the world. I loved the strength that she showed throughout this book. But Piers is the kind of man who could steal from her what she has fought to regain: her dignity and her sanity.

Alexandra and Piers strike a deal : a marriage of convenience. It was is a bit of a stretch, but somehow I did not mind. Their relationship felt right and it felt meant to be. Watching them grow closer was very gratifying. Their bond was emotional, sensual, spiritual and intellectual.

The major plot twist concerns who Alexandra’s enemy really is, culminating in a compelling and dark tale that kept me riveted to the pages.

I adore Kerrigan Byrne’s writing style, her prose is elegant and vivid. Her novels are always extremely tightly plotted. There is also something about the tone of her books that I find irresistible, a combination of darkness and lightness. I look forward to reading more books by this talented author. 4.5 Stars

I could have almost loved How to Love a Duke in Ten Days. All the pieces were there for a great historical romance. Unfortunately the biggest part of this story was something I was not looking for in a romance.

Before I say anything else, I want to make it clear that this book should have a very clear trigger warning for rape. Not only does the actual act appear early on in the book (and no, I'm not considering that a spoiler) but it is a strong theme throughout as one of the characters copes with the trauma many years later.

It's also why I didn't enjoy this book as much as I might have. I read romances to escape and while some readers might enjoy a story so centered on such an element, I am not one of them. Though I will say that I think Byrne took extra care with how she portrayed both the initial scene and the effects it had on Alexandra after the fact. It was thoughtful and well done, in my opinion at least.

Beyond that, the book was an alright read for me. The first 6% of the story is all prologue which seemed excessive to me. I like a well-placed prologue but it was far too long here. The romance happens over the course of 10 days, which you may have guessed from the title, and the extent to which they love each other is very rushed even with danger at their backs driving the tension higher.

I liked Alexandra and the fact that she was a doctor (and happy to remind people of that fact) who loved going to archaeological dig sites even on holiday. While I couldn't connect to her when her past came back to haunt her, I enjoyed her spunk the rest of the book. Piers was a great counterpart both intellectually and emotionally, and I appreciated his handling of their intimate scenes as well as when it came to protecting her from harm. They were well suited and has enough chemistry to keep me reading to the end.

But ultimately this book just wasn't a good fit for me. I think it was well written and would still recommend it (keeping the trigger warnings in mind), though, so if it sounds interesting I would say it's worth giving a go.

Very good Regency romantic suspense. Lady Alexandra has a darkness in her past that has caused her and her friends to never want to marry. She’s been an independent woman but scandal is coming and there’s only one solution, marriage. Piers may be a wealthy Duke but he also suffers from a dark past. He needs a bride soon to enact his revenge and meets Alexandra. There are secrets and danger coming but who will survive. I received a complementary copy via Net Galley and chose to write a review for this new series. I look forward to reading future books by Ms. Byrne.

How To Love A Duke in Ten Days by Kerrigan Byrne was a great book to read. I fell in love with Piers from the moment he was introduced in this story and I felt for Alexandra-Alexander from the very beginning of the chapter. The characters were each fleshed out and had their own backstory as well as their own issues. The plot was a bit slower than I thought was necessary but it remained intriguing throughout until the last page. I did guess who the culprit was but, I didn't guess it all which was delightful and mind-boggling! Great suspenseful, historical romance novel in which I recommend every lover of romance to read. Can't wait for Cecilia's-Cecil story next, Ramsey seems very intriguing!

I was captivated (and that is the only word that fits) with HOW TO LOVE A DUKE IN TEN DAYS. This adventure is going on my personal Top Ten Best Books of 2019 – and yet, I feel that I can’t talk too freely about the plot for there is a dark trigger in this story (although that is revealed very, very early in the story), and much of what happens between Alexandra and Piers is affected by that trigger. Since I try very hard to not do spoilers, this may prove a challenging review that needs to also convey to you just how amazingly beautiful Piers and Alexandra are as a couple, and the tight friendship between Alexandra, Francesca, and Cecelia (The Red Rogues).

Actually, everything you really need to know before picking up this book (aside from the trigger) is clearly in the Cover Description. The rest is my reaction to the events that all of these characters go through before Alexandra and Piers find a happy ever after future. I love a strong female friendship circle in stories, there is nothing quite like the understanding between true friends (male or female) and that closeness shows so clearly in this story.

There are parts of this story that are difficult emotionally to read. Still, having said that, I would not miss the chance to experience this couple’s love story or the healing that they brought to each other by the story’s ending. And we have a bit of a tease to lead us into the next story due out in 2020.

I was easily drawn into this world, into the main character’s lives and what they’ve been through before their first meeting. There is darkness and lightheartedness, terror and joy, friendship and revenge, steamy moments and tender ones as well, and finding that love that is exactly what is needed to heal and move on to a good life in HOW TO LOVE A DUKE IN TEN DAYS. I would highly recommend this first story in the Devil You Know series without hesitation, and I’m anxious to get my hands on the next one.

*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.*

Gah, how I love historical romances, nothing like stepping back in time and going on an unforgettable adventure.

This is my first book by Kerrigan Byrne and it definitely won't be my last. I was hooked right from the beginning. Such a beautiful, emotional story, with amazing characters that will get those fires burning.
Such fantastic start to what is going to be an amazing series, I cannot wait for the next instalment.