Member Reviews
Fraser MacGregor never expected to be the thirteenth Duke Molineux, but seizes the opportunity to use the title to further his whisky business. He leaves his Highland home and heads for London & on entering his townhouse he’s accosted by a feisty lass, who smashes a vase over his head. Delilah Hart should be relishing her first London season. But she’d rather be a writer than a bland society wife. Her secret occupation of writing anonymous, inflammatory articles about the notorious Molineux family, is the first step to realizing her dream of having her poems published. when the new duke makes her an offer she can’t refuse—to learn about her cause for social justice in exchange for five lessons in the art of pleasure—she begins to question her beliefs and desires.
This is the first book I’ve read by the author & thoroughly enjoyed it. It was well written & the pace was good all the way through. The characters had depth & I really liked all bar two. Oh Fraser a brawny Scot who was so honourable & caring, he even kept his word when things were difficult for him. I really liked Lilah but keeping secrets is never going to end well. I loved the chemistry between the pair & also their verbal bantering. I look forward to the other four siblings having their HEAs, Dex’s was vaguely referred to , just enough to whet my appetite. My only quibble was that two horrible characters walked away scot free (pardon the pun) I would have loved for them to have had their comeuppance
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Delilah Hart is determined not to marry someone titled just to please her brother. Delilah’s desire is to publish her poetry and essays and also confronting articles about the infamous Molineux family. However, when she meets the newest Molineux duke, Fraser MacGregor, she finds herself confused by her instant attraction to him. Having recently come into the title, Fraser is also attracted to Lila. He is also striving to make a success of his family's whiskey making business. Their relationship faces many challenges, with many twists to their romance.
The romance was entertaining, with two very strong characters who are determined to make their own way in life. The secondary characters also add to this story, adding depth and possibilities for future novels. Overall, this was an enjoyable story and makes for a great start to a new series.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I couldn't get into this book. The character motivations didn't make sense to me. Fraser inherits a dukedom, yet doesn't take possession of his properties or take his place in the House of Lords for four years (even though he's eager for a particular law to pass). Lilah assumes he's an intruder when he finally goes to his home, knocks him over the head, then makes no effort to defend herself against him once he regains consciousness. He thinks her attack against him is hilarious and kisses her. She thinks he's vile for abandoning his responsibilities yet eagerly accepts his kiss.
Why? Why does any of this happen?
This seems to be a plot-driven book that doesn't spend much time on characterization or emotion.
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
That said, this is supposed to be the first book in a series. I felt like I was dropped in the middle of the second act of a play without any playbill. This is the first book that I have read by the author. I thought it would be fine since this is the first in the series. This book read like it was the continuation of another series, one that I didn't read. It was very hard to keep up with the characters and figure out who they were.
From the first two chapters, I was put off by Delilah's gratuitous aggressiveness and propensity to lash out, and Fraser's blatant sexual overtures bordering on boorishness. I could not get into the story, nor connect with the characters. I do not mind arrogant heroes and churlish heroines, however, in this instance the combination was a disaster and sometimes quite painful to read.
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2/5 ~
#fridayinaprilbookreviews.
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I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Dahlia Farthingale is in possession of the wonderful “The Book of Love.” Knowing that this has helped many people, she is confident that it will work for her. The sooner the better. However, she did not believe that her elegant lord would go astray and be caught in a humiliating position with another women. Especially, in the middle of a ball, in front of her with his pants down to his ankles. That hurt her to the core and now she believed no one would want her. But this gave Captain Ronan Brayden, youngest son of the wild Brayden Brothers, time to try to win her heart. It will take time and Ronan has agreed to read the book with her. I love this series, the characters, and the wonderful plots that each adventure has. Thanks for writing this series.
Historical romance with handsome hero and headstrong,beautiful heroine with modern views. Interesting characters and a more unusual storyline.
Simply delightful! I liked Fraser from the get go. A wee bit arrogant, but a good guy. Delilah, for being such a smart girl, wasn't! I kept thinking she'd realize shecwas harming Fraser's life with her publications. I'm not her biggest fan. It was great that they found their HEA, but the ending left me dissatisfied. Too many loose ends.
t's not often that I find difficulty with a book as I am always mindful of the fact that an author's heart and soul has gone into the writing of it. However, there were a number of issues that bothered me about this novel, namely the high level of aggression on the part of Delilah Hart, the crudity of the Duke of Molineux, and the underlying deception on which the plot was based. I was left feeling uncomfortable on all counts. I am glad that I kept on reading as the last third of the novel spoke of changed characters and the emergence of love, closing on a good note. Whilst Delilah herself is an unreasonable character, her brother Dexter is unfathomable. Fraser is irrepressible and what you see is what you get. I would like to have seen Sir Thomas get his just desserts, but sometimes life isn't fair. I received a copy of this book as a gift through NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Fraser MacGregor, thirteenth Duke Molineux takes advantage of his status to further his Scottish whiskey business. Once he returns home he finds a young woman trespassing on his property, he’s intrigued by her tenacity and outrage of his neglect. Delilah Hart’s brother is after her to make a match and marry a gentleman with a title, but she’s not relishing her first London season or the marriage mart all she wants to do is write. She encounters Fraser and realizes there’s more to him than at first glance. They strike a bargain as he realizes she has little pleasure in her life, she’s too serious and instructs her on pleasures of life. Once Frasier learns her secret and they're lives are destroyed. I have voluntarily read and reviewed the excellent book.
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
Nothing better to start your day than with a good cup of coffee and a book, with a big, braw, lusty, Scottish Duke.
Fraser is the Duke and he’s got it all, he handsome, own business, Scottish Castle, he’s got a way with words that will melt your Kindle, and the goods to follow it up to.
Delilah is a strong willed woman, he brothers a Banker, she has a good head on her shoulders, she’s independent and knows what she wants out of life, she also is about to fall for the one man that she should keep far away from, Fraser.
I really enjoyed this book, such a lot going on and it keeps your attention very well.
I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series, if it’s like Emily’s others it promises to be brilliant.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
Oh dear. This was dreadful. Attempting to be some sort of Outlander fan fiction sent this book straight into the garbage. Delilah was clearly a Regency era version of Claire (independence, women’s rights, etc) and the author wasn’t even creative with the male name of Fraser. I can’t keep from rolling my eyes even as I write this! Outlander isn’t really that good to begin with so trying to do a twist on it is beneath this author.
I was provided with an ARC of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
What an incredible way the author was able to weave historical facts in with her storyline that gave such a remarkable read!
Delilah wanted to be a writer under her own name, but yet she had womanly desires that she never fully understood until she met Fraser MacGregor! Fraser knew that he wanted the lass, but he wasn’t sure if wedding her or just bedding her was what he wanted!
The two of them are about to begin a journey that will have them discovering more than what they ever anticipated and the author does it in such a remarkable way you need to turn the page to find out!
Thank you to the authors and publishers who work diligently for us the readers.
I received an advanced copy from NetGalley and these are my willingly given thoughts and opinions.
Will she open her eyes in time ...
This is my first read by the author and while I thought at first the hero a bit too much of everything, lusty, ornery, haughty.
He is in fact so much more than first his appearance and words say about him.
He might be recklessly forthright, but he is a kind and generous soul, he is no liar and so honorable that even betrayed and short of funds, he feels honor bond to fulfill a promise done.
And it is true how looks can be deceiving. At the beginning I liked Delilah until she presented herself as a doormat and a ninny, not understanding the significance of what she let do. She believes she is her own right but does not even fight for her prose, letting others rewrite it to their personal gain.
Worse, she discredits all aristocratie because she hold a grudge against some but a few is not all.
Sure a woman has not the same power and freedom (which at this time were equal to zero), but she should have owned her ideas and fought for them if she believed they were used the wrong way. Plus by hiding her deeds, it was a disaster in waiting. I was wondering when the second shoe would drop.
And while I was not fond of the heroine, it is her coming of age tale, she learns from her mistakes, and find out the right path is not always the easy one.
I am now very curious about her siblings from her two opposite brothers, the sister that fights for her like a lioness and the absent one.
4 stars
I was granted a copy by the publisher Dragonblade Publishing, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
Fraser MacGregor, Duke of Molineux unexpectedly inherited the title. Unfortunately, said title has passed through some very disreputable hands and is thoroughly disgraced. Fraser didn't really want the title but maybe it can be used to help his business interests. Our hero is a typical brash and bold Highlander who gives no quarter to dishonesty.
Miss Delilah Hart is an intelligent and independent young woman who is not frightened of airing her views on equality. Although her brother is a very wealthy Banker the upper crust in London society still look down on them, unless they are looking for a loan. Our heroine is a frustrated poet who wants her poems printed. Her other writings may have unexpected consequences.
This story is lots of fun with some naughty but very lovable characters. There is a lot of heat simmering under the surface but it's not explicit in language. I very much look forward to reading the next book in the series which I expect to be about Dexter and his lady.
I loved it.
“I’m not jesting, sir. You’re now the thirteenth Duke Molineux.” Fraser is not too happy to hear these words so he ignores them and his commitments as a new duke. A few years later, we meet Delilah feeding birds in the run down home of Molineux when Fraser surprises her upon his arrival in town. Fraser is so sure of himself, arrogant and Delilah is a feisty woman who wants nothing to do with the ton or marriage. This vivid cast of characters brings an exciting story to life.
Lilah is a very strong woman, she has known poverty and now that she has money, all she wants is to write and publish her poems and her a women’s shelter. What she did not know she wanted was pleasure. And that is where Fraser comes in. Lilah was a satisfying character to read, she actually goes after her writing career and succeeds even if it is not the way she wants. She is constantly defying her brother to prioritize what she wants but she can be a bit naïve, she believes something and that is the right thing, no discussion. When Fraser enters her life, she realizes that life can be more.
Fraser is a Highlander that has inherited a dukedom, and now is The Duke of Molineux. With the title, he plans to make his whiskey business a success. He believes he has everything he needs, but in the first encounter with Lilah, he realizes he now wants her. Fraser was a delight to read, he is very true (I don’t know if that makes sense to you). He lives his life, takes care of his mom, has the occasional mistress, and doesn’t care for the aristocrats. He loves being a Highlander and that is what he will always be.
The relationship was great, it was not fast passed, and you could see their trust and relationship building during the book. Also loved that the end was not rushed, and the conflict was meaningful and not only miscommunication. The only reason this romance is not getting 5 stars is because there was a little too much info-dumping about politics and the whiskey business, but it is totally necessary for the story.
Looking forward to reading the next one in the series!!!
This is my fair and honest review, voluntarily given and in my own words, for this ARC. Delightfully different and very well written. Great storyline and characters and just different enough to entice.
A devilish Duke and a headstrong lady what more could you ask for, how about five lessons in pleasure and one lesson in love!
This regency romance was engaging from start to finish. Fraser and Lilah had great chemistry and there was lots of passion, pleasure and drama in between.
A great happily ever after. I have not read any of Emily Royal's books before so I'm fairly certain this won't be my last. :)
this was my first historical romance novel that I have ever read and I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed it. This was an easy and fun read from start to finish. Never once did I find myself bored while reading. The main characters Delilah Hart who is and Independent young woman that believes in equality and with dreams of being a poet and Fraser Mcgregor who inherits the title of Duke of Molineux and is hoping to expand his whisky business. From the moment they meet there is immediate attraction and together they embark on a journey with some twist and turns and plenty of pleasure between them. I’m definitely looking forward to reading the next book in this series, I would also would recommend this book to others.