BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE DUKE is book 3 in the
Season for
Scandal series by Kelly Bowen. Bowen is
a relative newcomer to the romance scene and has been a
delight from her first release in 2014. Don't let the
frightfully twee title fool you (and why won't publishers
cut it out with the too-precious-for-words ridiculousness of
titles?!), this book is not uncomfortably cute. It's a
delectable historical romance and a great deal of fun.
Angelique Archer is quietly discovered counting cards at
the vingt-et-un table at Lavoie's, where she has been
relieving boozy gentlemen of the burdens of their pocketbook
contents. Gambling hall owner Alexander Lavoie offers her a
job working his tables, seeing in her a cardsharp who could
make him a good deal of money. Although Angelique wants to
say no, her straightened circumstances force her to take
Alex up on his offer. Alex is a reputed assassin and spy,
who tries his best to keep his hands off the delectable
Angelique.
What I appreciate most about Angelique is that she's
very smart. She's a mathematical genius, and I love that
Alex loves Angelique's brains as well as her beauty.
Angelique is very devoted to her family as well- too
devoted, if you ask me- given her wastrel eldest brother.
Her determination to keep her family afloat, both
financially and by reputation in the ton, is admirable.
Alex is a lovely man, and I totally rooted for the two of
them to end up together, even as they try to resist one another.
There's an underlying mystery to enliven the story even
more, and which also allows Alex to shine while using his
connections, his bravery, and his assassin skill set. There
is also plenty of humor, and a sizzling sexuality that
makes the pages practically smoke. Season for Scandal
includes characters from the previous two books, but
newcomers to the series will not be at all lost to start
with book three. Bowen's BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE DUKE is a
thoroughly diverting tale of intrigue and romance with
clever characters and a satisfying Happily Ever After.
He should have thrown her out. But when club owner Alexander
Lavoie catches a mysterious blonde counting cards at his
vingt-et-un table, he's more intrigued than angry. He has to
see more of this beauty-in his club, in his office, in his
bed. But first he'll have to devise a proposition she can't
turn down.
Gossip said he was an assassin. Common sense told her to
stay away. But Angelique Archer was desperate, and Lavoie's
club offered a surefire way to make quick money-until she
got caught. Instead of throwing her out though, the devil
offers her a deal: come work for him. Refusing him means
facing starvation, but with a man so sinfully handsome and
fiercely protective, keeping things professional might prove
impossible . .
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