The Highland Duke
by Amy JareckiAmy Jarecki
Paperback(Mass Market Paperback)
RT Reviewers' Choice Award winner
She'll put her life on the line for him . . .
When Akira Ayres finds the brawny Scot with a musket ball in his thigh, the healer has no qualms about doing whatever it takes to save his life. Even if it means fleeing with him across the Highlands to tend to his wounds while English redcoats are closing in. Though Akira is as fierce and brave as any of her clansmen, even she's intimidated by the fearsome, brutally handsome Highlander who refuses to reveal his name.
Yet she can never learn his true identity.
Geordie knows if Akira ever discovers he's the Duke of Gordon, both her life and his will be forfeit in a heartbeat. The only way to keep the lass safe is to ensure she's by his side day and night. But the longer he's with her, the harder it becomes to think of letting her go. Despite all their differences, despite the danger-he will face death itself to make her his . . .
"Readers get all the benefits of a modern road trip (forced proximity, lots and lots of dialogue, and uninterrupted time for the hero and heroine's love to grow) without technology or secondary characters interrupting the main story arc. About halfway through there is a pretty darn huge plot twist, too. This book kept me on my toes and anxious for more." --Book Riot
Lords of the Highlands Series , #1
Award winning and Amazon All-Star author, Amy Jarecki likes to grab life, latch on, and reach for the stars. She's married to a mountain-biking pharmacist and has put four kids through college. She studies karate, ballet, yoga, and often you'll find her hiking Utah's Santa Clara Hills. Reinventing herself a number of times, Amy sang and danced with the Follies, was a ballet dancer, a plant manager, and an accountant for Arnott's Biscuits in Australia. After earning her MBA from Heroit-Watt University in Scotland, she dove into the world of Scottish historical romance and hasn't returned. Become a part of her world and learn more about Amy's books on amyjarecki.com.
Jarecki's first Lords of the Highlands romance takes the reader on a journey to early-18th-century Scotland following the doomed Jacobite revolution. When Geordie, Duke of Gordon, is injured on the battlefield at Hoord Moor, Roma healer Akira Ayres finds him and helps remove a musket ball from his leg. Geordie is being pursued by the English redcoats, who believe that he participated in a battle to usurp the crown. Geordie is intent on returning to his home in the Highlands, from which safe haven he may prove his innocence. Reluctantly, he takes Akira with him so that she can continue her healing efforts and avoid questioning by the redcoats. The more time they spend together, the more their attraction builds. However, Geordie is divorced and cannot remarry. Readers will admire plucky Akira, who, despite her poverty, is fiercely independent and is determined to be no man's mistress. The romance is scintillating and moving, enhanced by fast-paced suspense. Agent: Elaine Spencer, Knight Agency. (Apr.)
"Readers will admire plucky Akira, who, despite her poverty, is fiercely independent and is determined to be no man's mistress. The romance is scintillating and moving, enhanced by fast-paced suspense."—Publishers Weekly
"An action-packed Highland adventure set against the backdrop of the Jacobite rebellion [that] puts readers right into an exciting romance."—RT Book Reviews
"This story was so much more than a romance, it was full of intrigue, excitement and drama. ... a fantastic read that I fully recommend."—Buried Under Romance
"The Highland Duke is a rich, romantic story from start to finish."—Romantic Historical Reviews
The Highland Duke 4.5 out of 5 based on 0 ratings. 23 reviews.
Wow!!!!!! Absolutely loved this book! Great characters and I did not want the story to end. Really well written and I will have to look for other books by this author since this is the first book I have read by her. Wow!,
Akira a gypsy healer is walking the battlefield looking for those to help when she hears a moan in the bush area. She finds an injured Highlander, she turns to call the Government Dragoon's but he stops her. George The Duke of Gordon marched without his colors so the Queen would not know he marched for the true King. He was shot in the upper thigh and when a healer stops to help him. She has to dig the musket out and uses his whiskey flask for cleaning. He then gives her money to buy a horse so he can get out if there. When she returns, Captain Weaver of the Dragoon's hears a noise, Geordie decides he needs to flee with the healer. They then ride across Scotland dodging the Government Dragoon. This is a wonderful read of first love, last love and what the Duke will do to save the woman he fell in love with.
Kind of like a Scottish cinderella story
Loved this story.
Based on the synopsis, I thought this book was exactly what I was looking for. However, I found both of the lead characters to be lacking and the plot was just okay. I agree with a previous reviewer in that Akira was wishy washy. I thought that Geordie was possessive and I didn't believe their attraction to each other. If you like your stories to have a virginal female lead that the author keeps telling you is a "strong" woman, yet the male lead considers her to be "innocent" and fragile then you might enjoy this book but I ultimately grew bored and I did not finish it.
TheGrumpyBookReviewer More than 1 year ago
Set against a background of the early 18th-century wars between Scotland and England, The Highland Duke, is the story of George, the Scottish Duke of Gordon, injured in battle, and Akira, the healer who stumbles upon him hiding from the English redcoat dragoons who want him dead. The English support Anne Stuart for the throne, while the Scots support her half-brother, James III, who is exiled in France. The book's cover (another muscle-bound, shirtless man) may lead potential readers to believe the story is fluff -- it is anything but. As Amy Jarecki weaves a tale of the special bond of sensuality and trust that grows between two lovers, she develops strong and complex leading characters. Even the minor characters are life-like personalities, as they both pursue and assist George and Akira in their flight through the Highlands back to the safety of Gordon lands. Alas, George is divorced, and Queen Anne will not allow him to remarry unless he pledges loyalty to her. That will never happen, so George believes they are doomed to be man and mistress, something Akira cannot bear. That problem is solved beautifully -- sorry, no spoiler here. George and Akira stayed with me long after I had closed the book. Then I found myself wondering what happened next. Well, I can hope for a sequel, can't I?
Historical_Romance_Lover More than 1 year ago
I absolutely LOVED Jarecki's Highland Force series. The writing was very strong and the storyline had me reading well past when I should have gone to bed. Unfortunately, I can't say the same for this story. It is almost as if it is someone else's writing, someone that that is not as good a writer... Having said that, I did like the idea of the story. A healer finds a wounded soldier and then they must run or take the chance of being captured. I have to say that I didn't like Akira in the least. I just felt like she was so wishy washy and not a strong female lead. Geordie was just an ok hero. He was nothing to write home about in my book. I really hope that Jarecki's stories improve in the future because after reading her first series, her books were automatic reads for me. Not so much anymore...
Booktalk_with-Eileen More than 1 year ago
From the first sentence, " The dead Highland soldier stared vacantly at the thick low-hanging clouds" the author had already snared me. It's a hook which had me question how can a dead Highlander stare at anything? I find myself on a battlefield, just outside the village Dunkeld. The story is riveting, suspenseful and yet humorous. Geordie crawls into the brush after being wounded. When he meets Akira, he is none other than Geordie, a man wounded in battle, and vulnerable. He shouldn't even have been at the battle and if the Queen Ann were to find out, his head would be rolling. Geordie is a complex man, a man of secrets and secrets they must remain. Every so often his dukeliness comes out. Dukeliness encompasses his pompous, self-absorbed, domineering nobleman traits, which raises Akira's hackles. At one point she is entirely exasperated with him when he doesn't listen to her and demands to do things his way, thereby injuring himself further. "Of all the ungrateful oafs I have ever met, you must be the most boorish. If you dare die in my care, I shall--I shall kill you!" Akira is of gypsy blood and even the poor look down on her and her family. But the family works hard, the mother has done her best taking care of four children. Akira is sweet, innocent and a lovable character, and quite lovely to look at. Geordie has offered her money to aid him. Granted, the money is very important to Akira. She knows her family could live months on that amount. Is it true opposites attract? A duke with all the trappings, a young woman with barely enough to eat and living in dismal conditions. What is the catalyst that brings them together? Captain Roderick Weaver, leader to the Marquis of Atholl's regiment of Government troops is a thorn in the duke's side, and a devilish man. Hatred oozes from his pores. You will love to hate this antagonist. He easily is willing to forfeit anyone's life who may stand in the way of riches. He's a man who uses circumstances to gain more power. I enjoy all the foul language Geordie spouts off and laugh at how Akira gives as good as she gets. I'm afraid to write it in my review for fear Amazon will reject the language. But it is funny to listen to him spout off. She eventually tells him, "If I kent you were going to curse at me like a job from the alehouse, I would have gone home and left you to die!? She rolled to her hip and rubbed her backside." I'm excited about starting this new series with this author. The second in the series will be out this summer, so you don't have long to wait for the sequel. Great entertainment! Oh, by the way, the audiobook is already out on this one. So if you prefer to listen to this new series, you needn't wait!
CelticDragonBookReviews More than 1 year ago
This is not my first Amy Jarecki novel, nor will it be my last. THE HIGHLAND DUKE is the first in her new series, Lords of the Highlands. And what a start it is! This book pulled me in and kept me captivated until the last page. I didn't want it to end. Seriously. I'm already looking forward to the next book, The Highland Commander. This story centers around 2 people from very different social standings. Akira is a healer of Romany descent that lives in a thatched cottage and Geordie is the Duke of Gordon with plenty of land, properties and money. There's a good flow to the character development not too fast and yet not too slow. The story itself is just fantastic, it keeps you reading page after page. I really didn't have any idea how they were going to solve their "dilemma"! I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone that loves Highlanders, Dukes, or anything historical!! I was given a copy of this book from the publisher via netgalley for my honest unbiased review.
sportochick More than 1 year ago
Kudos to Author Amy Jerecki for writing a riveting historical romance. Her print debut starts out with an outstanding bang. This book is filled with intrigue and is set at a very fast pace. One of the things I really liked about this book is how she describes her scenes throughout the book with mesmerizing detail. For example, in several scenes you can smell the blood and feel the fear of being attacked. Her characters feel very real and for me are believable. Geordie is a heart throb and the two sides of his personality are shown in a manner that leaves no doubt that he wants something better for himself regarding personal relationships and family. Akira is magnificent. Her fearless, caring personality adds the needed spark to an already outstanding read. Her personality teaches the reader the lesson of being kinder, more understanding and how to care more for others. I give this 4.5 STARS for transcending class structures in a meaningful way.
etoile1996 More than 1 year ago
akira ayres is a dedicated healer, even if most her patients are ready to toss her off the british isles due to her gypsy heritage, she has a duty to uphold. after a jacobite uprising, akira is helping the wounded when she comes across an injured jacobite, our titular highland duke, with a musket ball buried in his leg. with the local lord in the redcoat's pockets, helping this man could have devastating consequences for akira and her family, but she does not hesitate. even when he refuses to tell her his name. geordie, the duke of gordon, isn't sharing his identity for akira's own safety. he's worried she'll be in greater danger if she ends up being questioned by the redcoats. and he needs her to stay safe, if only to repay her for her assistance in escaping the battlefield. it would have been disastrous for his family if he had been caught. from the battlefield, geordie and akira travel across scotland to geordie's main seat. and the close quarters they are forced to keep heightens the sexual tension but also allows them to reach an unexpected emotional intimacy. akira is an innocent, but geordie should know better than to trifle with akira's affections. he's been married before, and has endured a humiliating and rare divorce. even if he were interested in remarrying, the petitioning he must do with the church and the royal court would make any approvals a difficult proposition. it would be one thing if he falls in love with a woman who is his social equal and could provide some political capital, but a gypsy with uncertain parentage and no money to her name is not likely to be viewed as a future duchess with any favor. so it seems hopeless, that's a pretty tight corner geordie and akira are in. and the fact that they must navigate these relationship concerns while being chased and captured and released and re-captured by redcoats and their scottish allies make for an action-packed third act. but true love can overcome all things. and the gypsies have their own ways and traditions that might make it possible for geordie and akira to attain their heart's content. sometimes the thorniest problems are solved with the simplest solutions. **the highland duke will publish on march 28 2017. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/grand central publishing (forever) in exchange for my honest review.
Crystal61 More than 1 year ago
This was a page turner. I loved Akira, her good heart and innocence. She also had a lot of spunk. Geordie was so determined and bone-headed, but endearing. As trouble followed and threatened to take everything away from them, their spirits and feelings remained strong and entwined. The pace of this story was fast and you never knew what was coming next. I very highly recommend this story. I received a copy of the story through Netgalley, and this is my unsolicited review.
BookReview4you More than 1 year ago
The Highland Duke 'The Highland Duke' by Amy Jarecki is book One in the "Lords of the Highlands" series. This is this the story of Akira and Gordon 'Geordie'. Geordie is a Duke who is in danger and has been shot. When Akira finds him he talks her into helping him and then offers to pay her if she can get him a horse. Geordie needs to get away as fast as he can. Akira is a gypsy healer of sorts who finds Geordie and tries to help him. When they are discovered by Redcoats they take off together. Geordie knows that Akira saved his life and he needs to keep her safe. Akira is just a commoner along with her family. Their family is nothing in the eyes of her village, but she tries her best to help them and others. Geordie being a Duke knows that anything that comes of Akira and his attraction couldn't lead to marriage due to her being a commoner. But with lines like this: (Akira)'Stop' she said with a gasp, her fists showing up between them. 'Why is it I have so much difficulty resisting you?' (Geordie) 'Believe me, lass I am the one who has been rendered utterly powerless' Akira was a strong women who knew her place, had pride and held her virtue as her only great possession. Geordie had allot to over come from his past but he was a strong hero. I truly enjoyed watching these two grow and overcome so much. I even loved the secondary characters so much that I hope to see more of them! "My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily
FaeScot More than 1 year ago
I was so excited to be granted access to NetGalley for this book. Amy asked her publisher to let me review it! *throws confetti* I am a huge fan of Amy and am delighted she's making it "to the big time". Akira Ayres is a gypsy healer who supports her mother and 3 sisters by healing those she encounters. Her compassion takes her out to the battlefield to see who she can help. She encounters "Geordie", the Duke of Gordon in disguise injured after aiding his cousin in a battle against Queen Anne, half sister to the true King James exiled in France. He'll be hanged if he's caught as they lost the battle. Akira carves the musket ball from his thigh and she finds herself unable to leave the badly injured man when he's being collected for the injured wagon. And so the adventure begins. George keeps his identity hidden to protect both of them as they work to get him home to safety. She's a poor, despised gypsy and he's a lofty duke. It is a love story for the ages. Akira must learn to trust and Geordie must learn to love unconditionally and without rich arrogance. I loved their adventurous journey to get to true love. I was most pleased with the author's note at the end explaining the history and people, as well as the liberties she took with them.
MyBookAddictionandMore More than 1 year ago
The Highland Duke (Lords of the Highlands) by Amy Jarecki is another one of those WOW, moments in reading an intense, dramatic and heart pounding Scottish Romance. Akira Ayres, is a healer, who finds a brawn Highlander wounded on the field of a battle with the English red coats, with a musket ball in his thigh. What's she to do, leave him for the English to slaunder or help him to safety. Decision made, she must save him, or at least get him to safety, the sexy, brawn highlander, even at danger to herself and her beloved family. Geordie, aka, Duke of Gordon, knows both himself and Akira, his little angel, are in grave danger. He cannot reveael his true identity, do they must flee quickly or both risk dying. They must make it to friendly territory, high in the Highlands with a determined Captain on their heels. If he catches them, Geordie will forfeit his clan, be named a traitor, and forfeit his land and his life. Akira, will forfeit her life and possibly the life of her mother as well as her siblings. Can they save each other? Or lose all to an overzealous Captain, one who seeks wealth and property above all else? Well written with well-developed characters and an intriguing storyline. I found, once again, Ms. Jarecki, has written a story filled with intrigue, danger, passion, secrets, suspense, mystery, a bit of deception, and romance. Whew, I absolutely loved "The Highland Duke" from the first page to the last. I was glued and drawn to Geordie and Akira's story. They are brawn, strong, intriguing, feisty, brave, which makes for some exciting reading, as each try to save the other, on their quest to a HEA. Once again Amy Jarecki did not disappoint me, instead she kept me up all night reading. I had to finish "The Highland Duke", which I read in one setting. I wish to thank, Ms. Jarecki for her historical details, her vivid descriptions of both Scotland and her charactizations. She brings Scotland to life on each page of her amazing and thrilling Scottish Romance. A must read for fans of Scottish Romance, Medieval Romance, HighlandRomance, brawn Highlanders and brave, feisty lasses, you don't want to miss, "The Highland Duke". I absolutely and unequivocally loved this story! Bravo, Ms. Jarecki! ! I can hardly wait for the next installment. I received a complimentary copy. Rating: 4.5 Heat rating: Mild Reviewed by: AprilR
JeneratedReviews More than 1 year ago
Secretly fighting for the Jacobite cause the situation looks dire for the Duke of Gordon when he finds himself the recipient of a musket ball in his leg compliments of the Redcoats. Akira Ayres', a Gypsy healer, kindness and skill vie with her beauty as she labors to treat the wounded at the Battle of Hoord Moor, both Jacobite and Redcoat alike. When circumstances join these two together danger surrounds them and love awaits them. Amy Jarecki takes the past and gives it an emotional charge as she fluidly joins history with her vibrant imagination accompanied by her dazzling writing in The Highland Duke. This author challenges her characters to be their best as she plots adventures full of feats of courage as they encounter high-risk adventure that threatens their bodies and souls. While both Akira and Geordie were attracted to each other physically the momentum of this couple's relationship was sustained by the genuine admiration and respect that grew between them for who they were as people. Nothing says romance more than characters that fall in love based on the beauty of their hearts. As with all her work this story was meticulously crafted around events both real and created by this writer who always puts a vast amount of research into her historicals. Ms. Jarecki's distinctive writing style carries through in the debut book of her Lords of the Highlands series bringing to her audience a marvelous reading experience they will not soon forget! *I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*
DFoster More than 1 year ago
Akira Ayres lives in a time and place where her native Scotsman and the English who rule are in constant battle. A fact brought close to home with the recent uprising. An uprising that has Akira searching the battleground for any wounded she can help. What she doesn't anticipate is a race across the Highlands with a handsome wounded Scot. As she works to heal him she finds she must protect her heart; especially when she finds out who her patient really is. Georgie, Duke of Gordon, knows if he stays wounded on the battlefield he's as good as dead. His chance to escape appears in the form of a beautiful healer. Keeping his true identity a secret is for her safety though he has to admit that being treated as someone other than a Duke is refreshing. The more time he spends with his beautiful healer the more he realizes he will do anything to protect her and keep her by his side. Will Geordie's past and Akira's heritage stand in the way of happily ever after? Adventure, danger, misunderstandings and haunted pasts all rolled into a delicious tale for my first full length story by the talented Amy Jarecki. It will definitely not be my last!
PegGlover More than 1 year ago
The Highland Duke is a delightful, well-written and compelling historical fiction romance. The Duke of Gordon rode, incognito, against the Queen. He knew that if he was recognized in battle that he would not only stand trial as a traitor; but his lands would be forfeited as well. The Duke, however, did not plan on getting shot. He hid behind a bush with a musket ball in his thigh, moaning in agony, until Akira Ayres, a beautiful Gypsy healer found him. The two didn't escape the battlefield unseen, however, and although Captain Roderick Weaver, couldn't identify, at first, who they were, he and his men galloped after them. The Captain was determined to show the Jacobites exactly what would happen to a man if he dared to take up arms against the Queen. When the Captain came across the Duke of Gordon's silver flask, he almost salivated with anticipation. The Captain knew that when he delivered the traitorous Duke to the Queen, he would become a rich man. The Captain could practically taste the sweet bounty of the Duke's lands. The Duke had his hands full with Akira, his feisty Gypsy healer. Although he couldn't make Akira his wife, he also didn't want to let her go. Akira's mother, however, had other plans for the Duke. And she had no qualms about letting him know precisely what they were. I was completely captivated by the storyline, the characters and the humorous banter between the Duke and his Gypsy healer, Akira. Thank you, Forever-Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley, for my advanced review copy.
FromTheSouth More than 1 year ago
Amy Jarecki sure knows how to pull you right into the thick of things, my fellow Scottish romance book-loving friends, and she keeps you there until the very last page. It's one of the many reasons she's one of my favorite "go to authors" when I'm in the mood to lose myself in a great Scottish historical romance. With just the right amount of historical facts to fill us in yet not bog us down, we soon learn the reason why Duke George Gordon was almost a goner, folks. If not for fate and possibly some highland faerie magic, Akira, the gutsy raven haired gypsy blooded heroine, might never have stumbled across his nearly fatally injured body on the battlefield. Lucky for him she used her healer skills to save his life and ultimately stole his heart. Raised, groomed, and handed the reins to become a duke, Geordie soon learns his privileged life has been deprived of the one priceless thing he needs most, true unconditional love from a selfless, fearless, loyal woman, who cares nothing about prestigious titles. With big secrets, long passionate kisses, and flirty back and forth banter as they try to dodge the evil villain pursuing them, these two dance around each other until their attraction can no longer be denied. I must say I was quite proud of Akira for holding out as long as she did and her determination in not letting any man use her just as a mistress, where she could easily be discarded when the thrill was gone. Equally impressive was Geordie wanting to hand her the world and his steely resolve in not letting her go. Well, that is after he got over the crazy notion he'd ever be able to see her walk away and return to her family. When his love is put to the test, Geordie goes all out to get and keep his girl, folks. More than one man found out the hard way he'll duke it out with anyone who threatens his lady love. Using a rather unique strategy, he gets some unexpected help in arranging their unconventional HEA. Here's to hoping my review has been helpful in some way in determining if this book is a good fit for you. While I've got your attention, I'd like to also suggest you check out Ms. Jarecki's Highland Force and Highland Dynasty series, as well. I think you'll be verra, verra glad you did. Title: The Highland Duke, Series: Lords of the HIghlands (Book 1), Author: Amy Jarecki, Pages: 384, 3/28/17, stand-alone but part of a series, heroine is a healer with gypsy heritage, some violence, attempted rape scenes, no cheating, no love triangle, no OM drama, brief ex-wife drama, hero has children, HEA. Book 1 - The Highland Duke (Akira & Geordie), Pages: 384, 3/28/17 Book 2 - The Highland Commander (Magdalen & Aiden), Pages: 384, 6/27/17 (This review is based on an advanced reader copy distributed via the author in exchange for an unbiased, fair opinion. No compensation was provided to this reviewer, nor is there any affiliation between the reviewer and author/publisher.)
MoniqueD More than 1 year ago
Akira Ayres is of Romany ancestry and a healer. She is roaming the site of the Battle of Hoord Moor to see if anyone requires her help, when she hears moans. A Highlander has been shot in the thigh; Akira has never removed a musket ball, but the braw stranger insists, and she agrees in exchange for some much-needed money, which she sorely needs to support her lame mother and her sisters. The mysterious stranger is George Gordon, the duke of Gordon – Geordie to his friends. Geordie refuses to support the English, and he must not tell Akira his name for her protection, in case she were questioned. Not only must Akira tend to Geordie's injury, but they must also flee the redcoats, and amidst the danger, Geordie and Akira slowly begin to fall in love, a love that seems doomed from the start: Geordie is divorced, he is a duke, and Akira is but a penniless Gypsy… Sometimes an author makes it very difficult to write a review for a book as wonderful as THE HIGHLAND DUKE. Akira and Geordie are both such engaging characters, so different, and yet so perfect for each other. There is a lot of action, danger and betrayal in THE HIGHLAND DUKE; the story is superbly constructed, and the dialogues are spectacularly and believably simple, witty and intelligent. I appreciate how Ms. Jarecki inserts just enough Scotticisms to convey the brogue, the lilt of the language, which keeps the dialogues light but still keeps it sounding authentic. I admire Amy Jarecki's subtle hand in handling every facet of this book: the author did extensive research without bogging down the narrative, the descriptions are crisp, the characters well defined, and I just loved pertinent little details, such as the use of rags to curl hair. The twist in the romance is one I had never seen before, and I thought it was extremely clever, because I feared things would not unfold as I wished for Geordie and Akira. THE HIGHLAND DUKE is one of the loveliest romances I have read recently, and I felt it was the meeting of kindred souls. I will be waiting for the next book with bated breath because it will be explosive! I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Brigittehf More than 1 year ago
Fascinating and entertaining "The Highland Duke" is a 17th century historical fiction based on some real characters. It was the time of the uprising of the Jacobites during Queen Anne's reign. It's the story of the Duke and the Gypsy Rose. Geordie is the Duke of Gordon. He is non too happy about the rejection of the Scottish Parliament's proposed Act of Security. It's difficult for him to take sides as this can be looked upon as treason. Akira is a healer from a very poor background. She takes care of her mother and her siblings. It's a hard life but it hasn't tainted her character. She takes pride in helping others for very little in return. Her family is frowned upon because of their ancestry. Geordie is caught in a crossfire during an uproar and being injured he has to stay hidden. He can't afford to get caught and connected to this war. Whilst Akira is going around, helping the injured, she stumbles upon him. As a healer, she cannot turn her back on him. She is aware that he might be from an affluent family but Geordie doesn't reveal his full identity. Doing so might put his life and hers in danger. Besides, he doesn't know if she can be trusted but has to rely on her due to the severity of the injury. Akira starts to help him, when they are discovered and have to go on the run. Even when the going gets tough, she doesn't turn her back on him. The pursuers are intent on catching them because they have something to gain if Geordie is identified. Having to face numerous dangerous situations together, they start to care for each other. Then the fondness starts to turn into something more. It's fast paced, very well portrayed and extremely addictive. As soon as they think that they are home free, something more dangerous crops up. The interactions between Geordie and Akira are fascinating. This story has danger, violence, deceit, betrayal, loyalty and unconditional love together with fun and laughter. The enemy doesn't care about the population as long as they retain their lives of luxury whilst thriving to amass more riches! This is the second book that I have read by this author and I like her writing style. Even when the situations are dire, there is sharp wit and humour. The characters are credible and interesting. It's very romantic and ends beautifully. I was kindly issued with an eARC from the publisher via NetGalley and the views expressed are my personal opinion.
Guitarmomma19 More than 1 year ago
Akira and Geordie are the epitome of opposites attract. He's a Duke and she a commoner, he's a rake and she's an innocent. And I loved every minute of them. From their first meeting they were surrounded by danger and it doesn't stop until the last pages. I could feel the danger and fear, the despair and passion. The depth of characters and scenery are impeccable. Great start to this series! Akira is a gypsy healer. Looked down upon by almost everyone she does her best to help others and change their perception of her and her family. But when she finds this braw highlander with a musket ball in his thigh she knows she must do whatever she can to help. And when the redcoats come she must follow him or be captured. Geordie or the Duke of Gordon doesn't know what he would have done without her. He would be dead or as good as if she hasn't shown up. And now they must race back home to safety. But he can't let her know his true identity. As the dangers along the way mount, their affections grow but he knows he would never be allowed to marry a commoner. And she deserves more than just being his mistress. Is their no way to overcome their obstacles and be together?? And when the redcoats catch up and accuse him of treason what will he do to keep her safe?? And will she even be able to forgive him for hiding his identity and lying to her?
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Forbidden to the Duke
Enjoy this reader-favorite romance!The expectations of a duke:1. Marry well. 2. Produce male heirs.For Rhys ...
Enjoy this reader-favorite romance!The expectations of a duke:1. Marry well. 2. Produce male heirs.For Rhys Rolleston, Duke of Harling, however, it's not so black-and-white when he catches Bellona Cherroll trespassing on his land. He's captivated by her striking beauty, but ...
Forgotten Sins (Sin Brothers Series #1)
From the New York Times bestselling author of the Dark Protectors series comes a sexy ...
From the New York Times bestselling author of the Dark Protectors series comes a sexy romantic suspense full of twists and reversals (Publishers Weekly) that will keep readers' hearts pounding until the very last page. His Secrets Can Destroy HerFrom ...
A jet crash handed Avery Daniels a golden opportunity. Mistaken for Carole Rutledge, the badly ...
A jet crash handed Avery Daniels a golden opportunity. Mistaken for Carole Rutledge, the badly injured Avery has found that plastic surgery has given her Carole's face, the famous senatorial candidate for a husband, and a powerful Texas dynasty for ...
Not the Duke's Darling: Includes a bonus novella
From the New York Times bestselling author of the Maiden Lane series comes the first ...
From the New York Times bestselling author of the Maiden Lane series comes the first book in a new series that marries her irresistibly witty writing style with an intrigue-steeped plot,(Booklist) perfect for fans of Tessa Dare and Eloisa James. ...
Slow Heat in Heaven
A woman returns home to deal with a family crisis, only to discover the situation ...
A woman returns home to deal with a family crisis, only to discover the situation is far worse than she realized. Grappling with hidden secrets, forbidden passions, and a business in peril, she must confront her past to bring peace ...
Sundays at Tiffany's
The successful but lonely daughter of a powerful New York theater icon falls for her ...
The successful but lonely daughter of a powerful New York theater icon falls for her imaginary friend in this touching love story. Jane Margaux is a lonely little girl. Her mother, a powerful Broadway producer, makes time for her only ...