Their first encounter was exciting! Lady Daniella ("Danny") Deime and Percival ("Percy”) Jackaby Cole are attracted to each other from the beginning and Danny has a fascination with all things "dark". She asks and receives a kiss from Percy before he leaves the party, that leaves a lasting impression on Danny who, even though she has received multiple proposals over the years, has yet to make that same connection.

Several years later, Percy, Danny's neighbour is back as the new Duke of Grandfellow. When Danny realises this, she proceeds to seduce him. Percy does not need too much convincing but gives in to the passion that sparks between them.

Percy's old life as a spy comes back to bit him, and he has no choice but to involve Danny in his investigation.

All in a very witty, exciting and delightful story that I thoroughly enjoyed. I received an ARC from the publishers and NetGalley and submit my honest review voluntarily.

Was a very good story. Well written. Only thing that bothered me was some repetitiveness that was annoying. Really like that there was no “break up” and big romantic gesture.

"A Dark Duchess" is an enjoyable and readable historical romance with a touch of mystery. I don't think one needs to have read the other books in the series to enjoy this one, but I do think it could help the reader understand more of the backstory for the mystery. I had read the other two books and I was still a bit confused as to why Percy needed to hide from the Home Office. Anyway. Danny and Percy are a fun couple, with Percy very much saying and doing different things as the couple's relationship develops. The mystery does feel a bit underdeveloped but the ultimate conclusion is satisfying. The spice is lovely, and Danny is an entertaining FMC. I also liked that her father supported her in her take on suitors.

4 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and Dragonblade for a complimentary copy of this book. These opinions are my own.

An engaging, amusing and different take on the nuances of the ton in regency times. Enjoyable at every chapter, we follow clever FMC as she navigates the perils of the female in challenging times. Thoroughly enjoyable at every chapter.

4 1/2*STARS*
Lady Daniella (Danny) Bromley's confrontation with Percy at a ball three years ago, leaves a lasting impression. Percival Jackaby Cole is the new Duke of Grandfellow and who should live next door to Fellow Hall, but the Earl of Bromley. The young lady he never forgot is now too close for comfort. Danny has her mind set on seduction and it doesn't take much for Percy to give in. Even though he left his life as a spy behind, an old friend turned enemy may not be dead and a danger to Danny. A letter and a meeting connected to his past life, will set events into motion that will be the opportunity to end the threat. A passionate couple with explicit sexual encounters. Slightly erotic.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

Enjoyable Historical Romance with Treachery and Intrigue

Both Daniella and Percy had secrets. Their attraction was epic, but danger was knocking at the door. Percy’s secrets were especially dangerous since he worked as a spy. Someone was gunning for him, but did he know the culprit? Percy wanted to protect Daniella from his dark past, but she was no shrinking violet. She would not let him leave her behind. Could Daniella and Percy survive his dangerous secrets to tell the tale? I enjoyed this story and would recommend it to those who like historical romance with mystery and intrigue.

This historical romance is part of a series ,but easily read on its own. You will meet characters from the previous books but not enough to spoil them for you if you haven't read them yet.
Our hero has had a violent past that affects him still. Our heroine also has faced violence that has left its mark on her personality. They will both have to face up to those memories and embrace the strength that they have now.
It is a very steamy storyline. Our heroine has desires that are somewhat unusual. A very interesting read.
Good fun.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and JM Diedrich for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for A Dark Duchess coming out July 23, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I read the first book in this series and somehow missed the second book. But this was a really fun book! I thought Percy and Danny worked well together. I loved their personalities and the action. They both had some interesting backstory. I would definitely read more books by this author!

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romance novels!

I found this romance witty and exciting with secrets that were only revealed later in the book. Lady Daniella first encountered Percy Cole when he was on a mission, and the few minutes she spent with him put an indelible mark on her. When, a few years later, she discovers that Percy is her new neighbor and has inherited the Dukedom of a lovely old man who was the family’s close friend, she is shocked but rallies quickly enough, especially once she realizes that their initial attraction has not diminished one bit. Thinking to hide from his past behind his new title, Percy is angered and horrified when he is summonsed to resume his activities for the Crown, but years of experience have taught him never to take anything at face value. A game of cat and mouse ensues as Percy has to determine who his true enemy is. He also concludes that there is no way he can leave Daniella out of his planning, little knowing that she is making her own plans. I received a copy of this book as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

When the past reaches out to enter your life, there's only one thing to do.... Greet it with open arms. So when Percy and Daniella come face to face after three years, they do just that, open their arms and greet each other in what will become an erotic, adventure filled, steamy, banter filled story. Characters from the series other stories are carefully woven into the story bringing us current on their own adventures and developments. Even paced story with secrets, hidden pasta and more. Not a story to miss out on.

Percy Cole’ inherits a dukedom but plans to hide from his former employer at the Home Office and the people who’d happily kill him to keep their secrets buried. But the fearless Lady Daniella who’s re-entered his life and recklessly deemed them “friends” refuses to leave him to the shadows, earning Percy’s hard-won loyalty and not-so-obvious affection. However they both have secrets
The third book in the series & it could easily be read on its own even though past characters do make appearances. A well written entertaining romance, which I enjoyed. I liked both Percy & Daniella & enjoyed their journey to a HEA.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

Third book in a series that both fascinates and adds some horrific moments.
Percy unexpectedly comes into a Dukedom despite his poor and difficult upbringing.
Once he encounters Daniella at a ball, he cannot forget her.
Danny also remains devoted to the memory of the man and his kisses.
They have a tumultuous and spicy relationship that is often influenced by outsiders.
A little danger, lots of action, and fine character development that easily inserts characters from the first two books.
Epilogue a plus.