Rhys Forester has just inherited a title he didn’t want and isn’t prepared for. He’s even less prepared to find out he now needs an heiress to continue his previous carefree lifestyle. The first heiress he thinks of is Arabella Prescott, his childhood friend. After he destroyed their friendship, Bella never again wanted to see Rhys. When he comes to her for help, she convinces him to fake a betrothal with her so she can remain unmarried and able to work on finishing her book.
When I first began this book and read about the event that broke Rhys and Bella apart, I was very afraid this title was going to devolve into a repetition of Rhys and Bella’s regrets regarding what happened. Thankfully, that’s not at all what transpires and I found the entire novel quite enjoyable to read. There was a mystery Rhys and Bella were attempting to solve for a big part of the novel and while I enjoyed it, I was glad it didn’t overshadow their romance.
I loved that Bella was attempting to have a puzzle book published throughout the story. It’s always nice to have a hero or heroine that actually do something beyond sitting in parlors or attending balls. I really liked Bella as a person, too. She was regarded as an ice queen just because she had rejected multiple proposals due to her desire to fulfill her dream of being published. Rhys fit the typical historical romance rake mold except for his trouble focusing on numbers and reading (I assumed dyslexia). I loved that he had a flaw like that and he wasn’t just another perfect hero. Rhys doesn’t think he’s worthy of Bella but she knows NOTHING COMPARES TO THE DUKE.
This entire series has been great and NOTHING COMPARES TO THE DUKE is certainly a very nice way to cap it all off. I look forward to more from Christy Carlyle!!
Christy Carlyle concludes her Duke’s Den series with this sparkling romance about two reluctant allies intent on following the rules and breaking every single one.
His Only Regret…
Rhys Forester, the new Duke of Claremont, lives his life by four words: Enjoy All, Regret Nothing. He’s devoted to the pleasure of his wild soirees, reckless behavior, and shocking the ton with his interests in trade. The debts that come with his title don’t fit the carefree lifestyle he’s created and when he’s forced to return to his family’s estate, he’s also forced to confront his one and only regret: the beautiful girl he left behind.
May Be Falling in Love…
Arabella Prescott has been the belle of more balls than she cares to remember. After three seasons and five rejected proposals, she’s done with the marriage mart. Bella’s hopes to live a comfortable life, alone, come crashing down when her parents demand she marry. But her salvation may come in the form of the man she hates the most.
Bella has never forgiven Rhys for what he did to her, but desperate times call for fake engagements. With a few dozen rules, their scheme begins, but it’s not long before the former enemies find themselves breaking every single rule, including the most important of them all: don’t fall in love…