Sins of a Wicked Duke

Author(s): Sophie Jordan
Publisher: Avon
Date : 2009

Okay, I admit I'm a huge fan of historical romance in general and Sophie Jordon in particular. Once again, she's written a wonderful, original story I couldn't put down.

The beautiful Fallon O'Rouke has been in service since leaving school. Unfortunately, she's finding it impossible to keep both a position and her virtue in a world where men of privilege expect more than housekeeping from comely servants. After fleeing the insistent son of her latest employer, Fallon decides to apply for her next position disguised as a young man, only to find herself in the employ of the Duke of Damon, the most notorious rake in London.

Dominic Hale has come by his reputation honestly, flaunting his libertine behavior most outrageously. Lately, however, he's become restless until even alcohol and women in copious quantities and combinations no longer distract him. His thoughts keep drifting to a lovely red-h aired woman he'd met briefly one evening. Now his new valet's obvious disapproval is ruining the little pleasure Dominic still takes in his vices.

Being Dominic's valet gives Fallon the chance to see behind the duke's public mask . As her attraction to him grows, poor Dominic is puzzled that he cares what the naive young man thinks of him. He never suspects the valet is really the red-haired beauty he can't forget. Then one night in the dark, a case of mistaken identity changes everything for both of them.

One of the things I love about Sophie Jordan's's books, is her heroines are as charming and flawed as her heroes. Fallon is smart and feisty but she carries around a grudge that taints her view of the world in general, and male aristocrats in particular. Determined to earn her independence, she sees betrayal where there is only benign neglect and as a result becomes her own worst enemy.

Dominic, unlike most heroes labeled wicked, truly is unrepentant and determined to live down to the worse of his shocking reputation. Still, he has his own eccentric code of honor that makes one cheer him on and fall under his spell. And of course he's VERY hot.

As in all Ms. Jordan's books, "Sins of a Wicked Duke" is a rich, original story that goes beyond the ballrooms of the ton. Fallon is a servant who must work to survive. Dominic is a duke with past that tortures his present. Their story is compelling, romantic, sexy and ultimately heart-warming. I love everything Ms. Jordan writes and this is another not-to-be-missed historical romance!

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