A Curious Duke and a Woman with a Secret

Samuel is looking for a spy giving information to the French. However, when he set eyes on Lucy, she becomes a distraction. Lucy does her best to deter him from pursuing her, but the duke is most insistent. The two get caught in a scandal that gets them to the altar. However, Lucy has a terrifying, scandalous secret, with blackmailers dogging her every step. What is this secret, and what happens when Samuel discovers the horrifying truth? This is an entertaining story. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to lovers of historical romance.

twisting, interesting, captivating, all those things a hr must have, it has a quick pace so it has you entertained, i liked it a lot, and i want to read more from Emily.

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher. This in no way impacted on my view.

Known bachelor Samuel Dellamore, Duke of Chantmarle, is in Scotland on a secret mission. To the ton it looks as if he is on the hunt for a wife, but in reality he wants to discover who the traitor spreading secrets to the French is. So meeting the beautiful Miss Lucy Finch, who cares nothing about his title, and is doing everything she can to keep him away from her, is new for Samuel. Lucy is being blackmailed, and the people who are threatening her are dangerous - especially to a duke. But Samuel is not about to give up, not when he's found someone who he thinks he could love.

I definitely preferred this one over the previous book. Both of the main characters were fantastic in their own right, but together they were unstoppable. Lucy was unlucky enough to find herself the victim of blackmail, and being forced to courier secrets for their silence. She knows it's wrong, but no one is there to protect her, and she won't risk others being harmed in the process. So she has to be grumpy to force Samuel away, and in doing so, piques his interest even more. He was the sunshine to her grumpiness, and he wanted to help her, no matter what. I did hate how Lucy lied to him, but understood why she did it. They made the perfect partnership, and I was so happy with how their romance turned out.

Such a great book!

The Duke of Chantmarle is looking for a bride... Actually, that's what he needs everyone to think in Scotland. What is he really doing? He is helping the Crown to find the person leaking information to the French Army. He has always been a curious person, which helped a lot with this ''job'', but this time it wasn't helping at all. If only Miss Lucy Finch could help him understand why she puts herself in danger with those crooks, he would feel at ease... or would he not?

Miss Lucy Finch is being blackmailed to do something dreadful, that is possibly helping the French to win the war. But she can't help it. She has to buy the letter that will set her and her dead brother free once and for all. It would be even more difficult if the damn Duke of Chantmarle keeps appearing of nowhere intending to know more about her business... her very dangerous business.

Will they find the strenght to trust in each other? Read this book and find out!

The Dukes in Danger series continues with this eighth installment. Samual, Duke of Chantmarle, is looking for a wife. Or that's at least what he wants the ton to believe in order to keep his real reason, searching for the traitor who is giving up secrets to the French, under wraps. Samuel is always in control and most of the time gets what he wants. But meeting Lucy seems to throw him off his game a bit and he becomes distracted from his mission. With her troubles, Lucy simply can't have the attention of the duke. But Samuel's curiosity gets the better of him and when he tries to help her, his efforts land him in a scandalous situation with Lucy, forcing them to enter in a marriage of convenience.
The series continues to be entertaining and engaging and I look forward to each installment that brings to life romance, intrigue, and passion. This book was no different. As with all of Ms Murdoch's stories, I was pulled in from the very start and remained captivated till the end. She did a good job of creating intrigue and interest with the characters and I enjoyed following their story. Another noteworthy addition to the series!
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing and am voluntarily leaving my review.

Samuel Dellamore, Duke of Chantmarle, is spying on behalf of the Crown. Someone in Scotland is a traitor and giving information to the French. Samuel plays the game in Scotland of being an idiot to collect information and the pretense of looking for a bride. Miss Lucy (Lulu) Finch actually turns him into one, an idiot I mean, whenever they meet. His natural curiosity is beneficial to his spying, but leads him down an unexpected path with Lucy. Never let it be said she didn't warn him off, but the man is just too curious. I couldn't help but adore Samuel! Some naked skin, passionate kisses and a lot left up to your imagination.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

Curiosity Killed the Duke is eighth book in the Dukes in Danger series.

This book is about the Duke of Chantmarle, Samuel, and Lucy Finch, Lulu. These two people couldn't be more different. Because of this they are drawn to each other. Lucy is not from a titled family time in her life and has had to find a way to survive sometimes doing things she regrets. Now she is being blackmailed to pass letters in secret. Samuel has friends, wealth, and interests that are the norm for him. But he is working undercover trying to locate a spy passing secrets in Scotland. Samuel also pretends that he is looking for a bride as a cover. He plays the fool to keep people from looking in his direction.

When the Duke overhears a conversation, he becomes curious when Lucy tries to speak to the men. He attempts to rescue Lucy as he believes she doesn't have any idea that these men are unsavory.

Samuel’s natural curiosity is awakened as he follows and runs into Lucy everywhere. She distracts him from his true purpose Scotland. Lucy is frustrated by the Duke, as he is getting in her way to extricate herself from being blackmailed. But, when Lucy's secret is revealed will it destroy their new romance.

This is a fun love story. These characters are very different that they usual characters we read about. Lucy is very strong due to her experiences which makes her very interesting. Samuel is multifaceted with his ability to pretend to be oblivious to most things around him.

Samuel, the Duke of Chantmarle, heads to Scotland to figure out who is passing information to the French. What he didn't expect was falling for a woman who was being blackmailed.

I liked Lucy (Lulu's) character the most since she really wasn't fawning over Samuel. She just really wanted to improve her situation by her own doing. I struggled with Samuel's character though since he was almost too pushy and needy. I mean who wants to appear dumb, anyway?

The romance felt rushed a bit and maybe not enough conflict to make it more juicy.

I enjoyed the book, but it felt a bit lacking in parts compared to other books in the series. I'm hoping that the next book in the series pulls on my emotions more.

Thanks to Dragonblade and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.

Emily E.K. Murdoch has a massive back catalogue of historical romances, so while I have barely made a dent in her writings everything I have read of hers so far I have enjoyed. Curiosity Killed the Duke, Samuel and Lucy's story, is no exception. The hero, Samuel, is not your ordinary member of the peerage–he's a spy for the crown, tracking down a leak in information in Scotland while putting forth the cover story that he is on the hunt for a wife to explain his presence across the border. During this mission, he becomes infatuated with Lucy Finch, a woman of common birth who is being blackmailed and harassed by a group of shady characters. While Lucy initially pushes him away because she doesn't want him to get caught up in her problems, her resolve doesn't last long.

Overall, this was a fun and quick read. I did not expect a wildly complex storyline or characters going in, just a likeable couple to root for, and that is what I got. Samuel's character reminded me quite a bit of the hero in Sherry Thomas' His At Night (a favourite of mine) - two very intelligent men who downplay their wits to hide that they're Agents of the Crown and pass under the radar of other spy networks. This was a fluffier and less angsty approach to that premise.

What I enjoyed:
The initial meeting between Samuel and Lucy and the subsequent flirtatious scenes of their courtship had me smiling like an idiot. Samuel is very much head over heels from the start and it was so very endearing. I just love it when the hero falls harder and faster than the heroine. At one point he tells her "I just want to know you", and it was swoon-worthy. His absolute sincerity when talking with Lucy was especially impactful as it's established early on that he is fake with most people.
The intrigue with Lucy was well-handled. We don't find out until later in the story why and how she is being blackmailed, just that she is in deep with some very bad people. I liked the ongoing mystery of her circumstances and how it related to the information leak that Samuel was investigating.
The role reversal of the typical guarded, negative hero who is doing his best to push away the sunny heroine. Instead, Samuel is willing to fight for Lucy from the start of their courtship despite the differences in their ranks and circumstances, while she is the one pushing him away despite the undeniable attraction between them. It made for a refreshing dynamic.

What prevented me from rating it higher (massive spoilers ahead):
While I loved the set-up/courtship part of this novel, I felt like everything that came after the wedding day was too rushed. Not enough time was spent on Samuel's discovery of Lucy's secret - I wouldn't have liked a long drawn-out argument or split between them, but I felt the resolution was glossed over far too quickly and conveniently. Especially as so much time was spent anxiously awaiting the inevitable "shoe to drop".
On a similar note, a misunderstanding leads to Samuel believing Lucy was a courtesan to support herself, and Lucy does not correct him because she does not want to reveal her real secret of being a traitor. This leads to them going into their wedding night with Samuel believing Lucy is experienced sexually when she is very much a virgin. Aside from a few anxious internal thoughts from Lucy, this barely affects how their wedding night plays out even though there wasn't nearly enough foreplay or restraint that would have made the experience a pleasant one for Lucy. I expected a moment of realization from Samuel and an aftermath, either through a confrontation or conversation. The lack of realism kind of ruined their first time for me, which I had been looking forward to since their first meeting.

Thank you to the author, Dragonblade Publishing, and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

Secrets, blackmail & a heady dose of endearing curiosity!

Fascination born of deep curiosity, sparks a heady attraction, that draws Samuel, so delightfully and magnetically, across the class divide into Lucy's orbit. Challenging him to do what he does best - as an agent for the Crown - and not stop until he's rooted out all her tantalising secrets or she at least acknowledges the mutual interest that flies between them as he lures her into his aristocratic world.
Producing an engaging 'cat and mouse' pursuit of serendipitous encounters that crackles with chemistry sparkling banter and develops into a fun persistence of intimacy seeking attention, that sees Lulu (Lucy) warring with her need to push away, as much as pull close, the charming Duke. Made all the more enjoyable as no matter how hard she tries to the contrary, finds him so quickly slipping under her radar and into her heart, as they so joyously keep clashing in a battle of wills vs wit.
Taking the tale down a tangent I wasn't expecting, focusing upon flourishing a lighthearted romance that shifts into flirty steamy intimacy, fueled by an enjoyable grumpy-sunshine dynamic, that reflects this need to protect each other and explore the connection so obviously simmering between them.
That makes for a great encircling 'will they, won't they' conflict that sees Lucy distracting the traitor seeking mission Samuel was brought to Edinburgh to uncover. Trading it so sweetly for an absorbing desire to unpick the puzzling layers to the woman who is fast becoming all he can think about.
An extremely fun addition to an addictive series, that keeps drawing me back for more! That's linked by a connected world of brief ducal associations, yet can so easily be read as standalones. A quick, fun, entangling read!

I have read all Emily EK Murdoch's "Dukes in Danger" series (not necessary to understand/enjoy this particular book), and this one is my favorite so far. I liked the tie-in with the title, I liked the character development and the chemistry between Samuel and Lucy, and I always love a good marriage of convenience. I did think the resolution was a little too easy, but I still really like the book overall.

Solid 4 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a complimentary ARC of this book. The opinions herein are my own.

Samuel Dellamore, Duke of Chantmarle has gone to Edinburgh to supposedly find a wife. However, he is really there to find the spy sending information to the French. Samuel presents himself as an idiot, always acting the fool, while he is in reality extremely intelligent. His behavior allows him to do his real job.
Miss Lucy Finch is being blackmailed and forced to pass notes to protect her dead brother's reputation.
Samuel and Lucy have an instant connection, Samuel acting on it first. Lucy is very reluctant as she knows she is from the lower-class. This story shows the discepancies and differences between upper and lower-class society.
I really enjoyed this story.
I received an ARC from DragonBlade Publishing and NetGalley, and this is my own opinion.

If you loved the passion, intrigue, and all things Scottish from Outlander - you love Curiosity Killed the Duke!

I read this in exactly 3 hours because I couldn't put it down and just needed some Regency-era spice! I love a feisty heroine who makes a man work for it!!

**Thank you to Dragonblade Publishing & NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR 🖤

Ìn this historical romance our hero has spent so much time convincing society he is one type of man, that now he is starting to believe it himself. That gets worse when he is suddenly diverted.
Our heroine has been caught up in something she cannot escape from, and has nobody to turn to who can help.
Secrets and lies abound in this story, along with a very witty dialogue. There is a hint of danger and a naughty scandal.
Very good fun.

Members of Society in Edinburgh think Samuel Dellamore, Duke of Chantmarle, is in Scotland to find a bride. He is not. They also believe he isn’t very intelligent. He is. He is on a mission to find traitor. Miss Lucy Finch is desperately trying to pay off the two fiends who are blackmailing her. When Samuel sees her talking to the two men at the assembly hall, he attempts to rescue her. She tries to warn him off, telling him she is dangerous to be around. Curiously, Samuel begins to see her almost every where he goes. She continues to try to warn him off. Shortly, they strike up a friendship. When they are caught kissing at Lady Romeril’s ball, they marry, a little reluctantly. Things start off well, but soon secrets are revealed and Samuel finds his traitor. Is there any way to repair the damage? Can these two find their happily ever after? This is an enjoyable story with interesting characters and good doses of humor and drama. I love the ending, which is a happy one with several very nice surprises.
I received an ARC of this story from the publisher via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

Samuel and Lucy come together, in this 8th book of the series, as a combustible pair from different worlds. Lots of fun reading this with steam, spying, secrets, He falls first and she is determined to keep him at arms length. Samuel's natural curiosity causes him to dig deeply into areas that can lead to humor or strife and Lucy has secrets that she doesn't want reviled. The characters are great with Lucy being the grumpy cut off one and Samuel being the charming light that draws her into his orbit. Wonderously crafted, a page turner of a story. Dive into and enjoy the ride.

Samuel Dellamore, Duke of Chantmarle, is on a mission Samuel has turned up in Edinburgh and convinced Society that he’s on the hunt for a wife. But his actual mission is to scour the city to discover the traitor spilling secrets to the French. Samuel’s natural curiosity, good looks, and title have always been enough to get him what he wants but a chance encounter with a Miss Lucy Finch shows him that she may be the exception to that rule. This mysterious woman quickly becomes a baffling and intriguing distraction from his real purpose in Scotland. The last thing Lucy needs is the attention of a duke while she’s trying desperately to pay off her ruthless blackmailers. However the duke’s curiosity and the growing attraction between them lands them both in a scandalous situation which only a marriage of convenience can set right.
The eighth book in this entertaining series, I really liked both Samuel & Lucy he’s the curious charmer used to getting his own way, she’s from a lowly background & wishes to keep him at arms length for his own safety. I really liked that Samuel is sunshine & Lucy grumpy a nice change from the norm. A delightful read which whilst on the whole was light hearted there were some darker moments.
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

This was an entertaining cat-and-mouse, spy-forgets-his-mission, grumpy (she) / sunshine (he), he-falls-first-and-fast-while-she-tries-to-shake-him romance! The built-up of tension between the MCs is especially nice in this book - the 8th in the series, and just as fun and fast-paced with some really nice steam as all the others!

For once it’s the lady keeping our duke at arm’s length - mind you, it’s for his own safety, or so she believes - and he’s gotten so good at pretending to be dumb, he’s starting to wonder if he actually is. In truth he’s confident and cheeky, and really rather clever. She has had to fend for herself for a while now, and she’s just wary - why-ever would a duke be interested in her? Could he know her secret?
A string of chance encounters draws Samuel & Lucy closer and closer. Her resistance starts to crumble and his curiosity gets the better of him, landing them a very public scandal with only one outcome : a marriage of convenience with benefits. But, her secret is still out there…

A tender warm-hearted read!

Samuel had gone to Edinburgh to find a spy and what he found was the love of his life.

Lulu was being blackmailed and doing what she could to survive when she met Samuel, before she knew it a scandal had occurred between them and they were married.

Could two people hiding secret, find the truth in each other and could they both survive the truth of what Lucy had been doing?

I loved the connection between the both of them when they met and how the story enfolded quite beautifully.
Not as steamy as some of Ms Murdoch’s books but still a lovely read with a great storyline!

I voluntarily read and reviewed this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Secrets, Scandals, Attraction"
This story drops us right into mischief and mayhem. Samuel is looking for a traitor and Lucy is facing blackmail.
Samuel and Lucy take us on a topsy-turvey budding romance where we follow them through much danger, desirous attraction, secrets, lies, blackmail, and so much more.
This a good story where these characters show us how differently people in upper and lower-class society are treated.
This was not my favorite book in this amazing series, but it is still a good romance story with a very nice ending for all.