Really good book, but the timing/pacing was kind of odd.

This book was a toss up between 3 stars and 4. There were certainly elements that made me like the story, but some areas of the story fizzled instead of sparked, quite frankly. For example, the Buckley angle started with great promise in terms of a conflict point, however, it just fell flat in the end. Also, the separation and reunion between Lucy and Harry, as well as between Lucy and her estranged family was just dull. I guess I was looking for a bit more bite.

Despite the aforementioned, I can honestly say that I liked both Lucy and Harry. They were good people with good hearts. They were compassionate and authentic. I loved that they had a heart for each other and for the underdogs. additionally, Lucy's grandmother was a doll.

Rating: 3/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: Adult
Status: Historical Romance
Conflict/Drama: Yes (mild)
Chemistry/Intensity: Yes (mild)
HEA: Yes

I do like a bit of drama and forbidden love. And this is a tale of love between classes.

Lucy is a nobody. She works as a seamstress and is an assistant to a dance instructor. But she is well spoken and clearly educated, enigma there. She takes care of her grandmother and she lives in the worst part of London.

Harry is new at being a Duke. Before he came to the title no one cared for him or spoke to him. Now everyone wants their daughters to marry him and he is sick of it.

They meet but they are of different worlds. But he truly wants her. I was never even worried, sometimes they just want a quick tumble and then they accidentally fall in love. While Harry fell for her fast and always wanted her. Not caring for who she was. Like I said, he was sick of those who only wanted him for his title. Lucy just wanted him since he had not be that honest ;)

But like it would be that easy. As if his mother wants Lucy for him. And Lucy knows she can't be with a duke, and she does not want to be a mistress. She is the one fighting the growing love. All while trying to hold down all her jobs and there is also something sinister going on.

I enjoyed it. It was cute.

I received a arc in exchange for a honest review, thanks to Netgalley and Hatchette Book Group.
Summary
Harry Norcliffe, is recovering from the death of a beloved uncle, and having to take over the title, and all the matchmaking mama's, including his own. Harry is determined to marry for love, and not for position or wealth. Then he meets Lucy, and his world shifts, and he knows he needs to make her his. Lucy, has fallen on hard times. Her parents are dead, and her only living relative, her grandmother, who is blind and needs her. Lucy, works two jobs, trying to support them both, and save money for her own dance studio. She never expected to become friends with a Duke, Harry Norcliffe. At first Harry is intrigued by Lucy, because she doesn't look at him as a Duke, but as a person with intelligence, thoughts and feelings. Until three months ago, he was barely noticed. But now as the Duke, he has responsibilities, but he also feels he has a duty to his heart. Lucy is determined to make her own way, but she can't deny how her resolve weakens when he is near, or how she wishes their worlds weren't opposite from each other. But if they have a chance for a future, Lucy will need to embrace her feelings for Harry and face her past...
The Hero
Harry Norcliffe, never thought that he would be next in line to be the Duke. It is the last thing he would ever desire for his future. His uncle, he loved dearly, and would trade anything to have him alive again. Harry now that he is titled with a dukedom, has doors opened for him that he didn't have before. Harry is a scoundrel, but is a charmer. He loves women, and doesn't hide his interest in Lucy. He could charm the head of a snake if it suited him. But he also is true to himself. He doesn't let what society may say to determine what he wants in his future. What I really admired about this character, was his attitude toward the Ton...I just loved it. He had that devil may care attitude, that was quite refreshing. When he knows that he wants Lucy in his future, he isn't afraid to go after her. He is a bit a a rogue, but is playful, witty, and delectable. Where can I find my own Harry Norcliffe?
The Heroine
Lucy Longmore, is a young woman that is doing everything that she can to make her dreams come true. Her mother taught her how to dance, and Lucy loves it. She loves teaching it and showing the joy of it to others. She lost her mother young, and her father died from drinking, and now it is just her and her grandmother. She is working multiple jobs, and taking care of her grandmother. Lucy is a heroine I adored. I admired her so much, she had so much courage to go after what she wanted in life, and despite how others looked at her, she knew that she could make her dreams come true. She had this inner strength that came out in the story, and I enjoyed seeing her flourish. She is pretty stubborn but has backbone and it was quite fun seeing how she stands up to Harry, and is no door mat. She says things how they really are and damn the consequences.
Plot and Story Line
What A Devilish Duke Desires is the third book in the series, now I am not sure that it is the last book in the series, because it does lead up to other connection, that could make room for other books. I have been amazed with this series, and how much I have fallen for this author. Vicky Dreiling is so talented, and I am in love with her. She has such a perfect way of writing a story that is compelling, and draws you into the story from the beginning. It wasn't any struggle to get into it at all, and I was curious if it would be. I am in love with this story and it made me want to read the first two books again, because it was so fun seeing the previous characters from those books involved in this story. I love the sense of friendship that Harry has with his two friends and their wives. What was a fun aspect, was the dog. Now I am not a dog fan, but I love seeing animals incorporated into romances, and he was cute and playful. The romance between Harry and Lucy, is a bit slow going, but from the beginning you see the chemistry. But I loved the slow and steady development of their love story. The characters in this story are endearing and captivating, and they grab your attention immediately. If you are looking for a good historical romance in the regency era, this is a book for you. You don't have to read the series in order, its pretty easy to catch on to what is going on, but I am pleased that I was able to read it in order. The plot is ongoing, and there are some aspects that will definitely keep you entranced, and there is a bad villain...he adds a certain depth to the story that you wouldn't expect. I loved the level of intensity that picks up, and the humor in this story is witty and dry and it wraps around you like a warm blanket on a cold night.

Cover

This cover is so pretty and even though I am not a huge fan of yellow themed colors...this one really worked for me. It has that sweet yet lightly sensual tone to it, and I love the way they are posed and the hero and heroine in the cover portray how the characters are described in the story fairly well. So no complaints...just pretty and tasteful.
Overall View
What A Devilish Duke Desires is a romantic story that brings the passion of the regency era to life. A book that is full of sensuality, a level of playful interaction, delightful scenes, and characters to endear themselves in your heart. A powerfully written tale that will tie you in knots, and keep you fully invested until the end. SIMPLY WONDERFUL!

Meh. Not my favorite, but out was ok

Really cute and refreshing

I’m not sure how I feel about this one. It’s great and all to see social boundaries broken down, but the romance seemed forced. It didn’t seem like they actually fell in love.