Okay, I love Bridgerton but I’ve found my new favourite book series!
The Duke Gets Desperate by Diana Quincy turned out to be a delightful surprise, defying my expectations in the best possible way! While the beginning was a bit rocky for me, my feelings quickly changed as the story progressed. The chemistry between Raya and Anthony was undeniable, and I found myself fully invested in their journey.
What I particularly loved was how Anthony, the hero, falls first — and not in an instalove way! At the start, they can barely stand each other, but as the story unfolds, his feelings for Raya grow deeper, and he falls fast and hard.
This book has a feisty, sexy energy that makes it a must-read for fans of historical romance. Raya is an incredibly strong, smart, and independent woman, and it was so satisfying to watch her challenge the outdated views of women in society, especially those pushed by her aunt, who serves as her chaperone. Initially, I was frustrated by the barrage of unlikable characters around her, particularly her aunt’s outdated beliefs.
But Raya’s determination to run the family’s castle and prove her worth to those around her made it easy to root for her. Despite being surrounded by naysayers, including Anthony, she knows what it takes to make the castle thrive.
Anthony, on the other hand, is a man driven by his love for archaeology and his duty to his family’s home, Castle Tremayne. He’s furious that the castle was taken from him twice, and even more upset when he learns that it has been bequeathed to Raya, an Arab-American woman he feels is ill-equipped to manage such an estate. This sets the stage for their hate-to-love romance, and I have to admit, I wasn’t sure how these two would end up together — but oh, was I wrong! Their intense arguments and fiery chemistry only added to the tension, and their undeniable attraction quickly leads to some incredibly steamy moments. Anthony’s passion, combined with his surprising tenderness, created a romance that kept me turning the pages.
The Duke Gets Desperate is my first book by Diana Quincy, and it definitely won’t be my last. I’m already excited to dive into more of her work! If you’re a fan of historical romance with a healthy dose of passion and emotional depth, this one is for you.
Our Next Months Read
Raeve, an assassin for the rebellion, is captured by the Guild of Nobles after a rival bounty hunter destroys her world. Kaan Vaegor, a dragon rider who has taken the head of a king, is lured into the capital’s prison by a clue. The two characters find themselves seeking truths that threaten to unravel everything they knew about their world and each other.
