A Duke Changes Everything
The Duke's Den
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4.2 • 135 Ratings
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- $6.99
Publisher Description
In the first novel in Christy Carlyle’s sizzling Duke’s Den series, three men, intent on making a fortune, discover irresistible opportunities . . .
Nicholas Lyon gambled his way into a fortune and ownership of the most opulent, notorious gentlemen’s club in England. But when Nick’s cruel brother dies, he inherits a title he never wanted. The sooner Nick is rid of the estate that has always haunted him, the sooner he can return to the life he’s built in London. But there’s one obstacle—the exquisite Thomasina Thorne.
When the new heir to the Tremayne dukedom suddenly appears in Mina Thorne’s life, she’s flustered. Not only is he breathtakingly handsome, but he’s also determined to take away her home and position as steward of the Enderley estate. If Mina learns what makes the enigmatic duke tick, perhaps she can change his mind—as long as she doesn’t get too close to him.
With each day Nick spends with Mina, his resolve weakens as their colliding wills lead to explosive desire. Could she be the one woman who can help him finally bury the ghosts of his past?
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Carlyle's first Duke's Den novel is a seductive mid-19th-century romance that crosses classes and other boundaries with aplomb. Mina Thorne has been acting as the steward at Enderley Castle since the death of her father, the former steward. When Nick Lyon, the disfigured owner of a London gambling club, unexpectedly becomes Duke of Tremayne after his older brother dies, Nick returns to Enderley, his inheritance and the childhood home where he was abused by his father. Nick's arrival at Enderley is fraught with painful memories of physical and emotional trauma. These tragic recollections are tempered by his attraction to Mina; most people are put off by his facial scars and cool demeanor, but Mina sees the good in him. Though the attraction between Nick and Mina builds, he sticks to his plan to lease Enderley and return to London. Carlyle (the Romancing the Rules series) shows how Mina's tender heart and Nick's admiration for her talents lead them into a solid, real-feeling romance based on genuine affinity. Fans of historical romance will adore these characters and eagerly anticipate the next installment in the series.
Customer Reviews
A Duke Changes Everything
Excellent story and characters! Looking forward to the series!
Tedious, at best
I found this book to be rather uninteresting and flat. The male lead had a wretched childhood and that comes through somewhat but he just seems weak and boring after all he's been through. The female lead could be fantastic but her character hasn't been developed well and while we are told she is strong-willed, her actions don't reflect it. They're both just blah. I couldn't make myself care about these characters.
I started skipping paragraphs and pages about half-way through. I was bored. At no point was it even slightly riveting. And to be honest, I didn't finish it. Didn't even read the epilogue, if there was one.