Review: The Devilish Duke by Maddison Michaels

Print Length: 450 pages

Publisher: Entangled Publishing (February 26, 2018)

From Goodreads.com: Devlin Markham, the notorious “Devil Duke” of Huntington, needs a woman. And not just any woman. If he can’t woo one of the most eccentric bluestockings of the Ton within the month, he can kiss his hard-earned fortune good-bye. But he’s always thought love a wasted emotion and marriage an inconvenience at best. And oddly enough, Lady Sophie Wolcott seems unmoved by his charm…

When Sophie learns her beloved orphanage is in imminent danger, she will do anything to save it. Even marry a ruthless rake who takes what he wants in business and pleasure. A man who’s everything she’s always feared most—but whom she reluctantly begins yearning for.

Then Sophie becomes the target of a killer lurking from the dark shadows of Devlin’s past. And they find not only their lives in jeopardy but their very hearts.

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My Rating: 4 stars out of 5

I find it hard to believe that this is a debut novel. The characters were well developed, the plot intriguing, and the dialogue witty. In short - this novel was everything I love about historical romances.

Sophie was a unique blend of a woman who knows her own mind, who isn't afraid to assert herself when she feels it is warranted, but who above all, cares for others more than herself. She displays this in her work with the orphanage (after all, there are not many women who would have made a deal with the devil so to speak in order to not only provide for orphans, but to also help train them to take positions themselves later on). Devlin himself was all that a Duke should be in my opinion - arrogant but with a vulnerable side. Haunted, but looking for redemption (even if he's too pig headed to see it right away). 

When you add in the aspect of the killer - man did this book keep me guessing. There were a few times when I thought for sure I knew exactly how that angle was going to play out, only to be surprised again and again. 

I would definitely recommend this novel to those who enjoy a well written historical novel with a bit of mystery thrown in. I would definitely read more from this author! 

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

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                              The Devilish Duke is available from Amazon.com