(Imperfect Lords #1)
by Bronwen Evans
Published by Loveswept
June 13th 2017
Alexander Sylvester Bracken, Duke of Bedford, has a mission: sail to the Mediterranean and track down Lady Hestia Cary’s missing father. It is a straightforward task, but for two rather vexing complications. First, the sea holds painful memories; second, for her own safety, Hestia is to accompany him. As Alex battles the demons of his past, he must also resist Hestia’s surprisingly skillful attempts at seduction. After all, Alex has sworn to leave her untouched, and he intends to honor that vow—until he can properly ask the Earl’s blessing.
Ever since His Grace rescued Hestia from the arms of a Turkish pirate six long years ago, her heart has belonged to Alex. So when he agrees to help find her father, Hestia is thrilled. Although Alex tries to hide it, there’s passion in his eyes—and a frisson of desire in the air—whenever they meet. On board ship, miles from home, Alex won’t be able to deny her any longer. But with scoundrels lying in wait, she may not live to tell the tale of her conquest.
ADDICTED TO THE DUKE by Bronwen Evans
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
As any good story that has pirates should be, ADDICTED TO THE DUKE is a wild ride. Bronwyn Evans kept me captivated from the start with this adventurous tale of Dukes and Lords, Pirates and Sultans, danger and deception, and love and honor that starts in London and sails to the Greek Islands. There were many twists and setbacks as the hero and heroine, Alexander Bracken, the Duke of Bedford and Lady Hestia Cary fought for their lives and for their love… repeatedly. Both characters were strong-willed and determined, and not always in agreement. Alex didn’t believe he was capable of love and would never be deserving of Hestia’s love. Hestia knew she could never love another. As in all good romances, love wins in the end and the journey to that end is well worth the read.
~Complimentary copy downloaded from NetGalley.All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
As with the rest of his life, Alex discovered that his willpower was sadly lacking when, just after one in the morning, he found himself in front of Hestia’s cabin door.Torn by indecision, he leaned his forehead on the door and warred with himself.
There was a high probability that he would die in the coming days, so God, and David, could damn his soul to hell, but he wanted one night with Hestia, in his bed, where he was not in dreamland. He wanted a clear head to perfectly remember her touch. Her taste. Her scent. Her loving . . .To remember that for one magical night she was his.
Selfishness, thy name is Alexander.
He quietly slipped inside, closing the door behind him. He leaned back against the hard wood, warmth spreading through his chest because Hestia was standing beside the porthole, her thin linen nightgown completely transparent. It took his breath away.
She turned to him. “Some prayers do get answered. I prayed you’d come.”
He crossed the room in two long strides, his arms reaching for her and pulling her tight against his chest as his lips found the bounty he’d been dying to taste all evening. Her soft lips moved under his, and when they parted to give him entrance, his knees almost buckled.
The kiss was hard, possessive, showing her that she belonged to him. Only him.
Finally she tore her mouth from his.
“You must have known I’d never choose David.”
His heart took flight. “And here I thought you were an intelligent girl.”
“Then why are you here?”
He bent down and tenderly kissed her lips. “I can’t run anymore. I’m so sick of denying my need for you.” He grimaced, not believing how easily he’d folded. The future, and the world beyond finding her father, beyond seeking his vengeance, dissolved, along with his resistance. Years of resistance, wasted years.
To deny his attraction for her had been futile from the start. The power she had over him was frightening. He belonged to this girl, body and soul, and he knew it. He could no longer refute his turbulent need for her.
And thank God, for whatever reasons, regardless of his continued remoteness and cold treatment of her, she’d chosen him. His whole body was trembling, he’d never experienced such driving need, he was only just holding on, one minute more and he’d devour her. He swallowed hard.
“You know I will still go after Murad. This night, and our wedding, will not change that.”
You can read the first chapter on Bronwen’s website.
USA Today Bestselling author, Bronwen Evans (Bron), loves story-telling – gobbling up movies, reading books and attending the theater. Her head is always filled with characters and stories, particularly lovers in angst. Is it any wonder she’s a proud romance writer.
Bronwen attended Victoria University, Wellington, New Zealand earning a bachelor’s degree in Commerce and Administration, majoring in Marketing and Accounting. She was all set on building herself a business career (which she did along the way).
But life never turns out exactly as one thinks. After working for a few years in marketing roles within New Zealand financial institutions, she left for a 6 month overseas experience in London, England. She loved England. She spent several years living in London, using it as a base to be able to work and travel from. She visited all four corners of the world. Her most interesting trips were a camel safari in the Sahara, a trip through Russia, a safari through Africa with her mother, and three months in the Mediterranean.
It was while living and working in London she discovered the offices of Mills & Boon and the germ of an idea to embark on a romance writing career was born.
Almost eight years later, on her return to New Zealand, encouraged by a close friend battling a life-threatening illness, Bronwen finally started down the path to publication by joining RWA, The Beau Monde, RWAustralia and RWNZ.
Bronwen’s first manuscript, INVITATION TO RUIN, was completed late 2009, and was sold to Kensington Publishing early 2010, in a two book deal. Her debut novel, INVITATION TO RUIN, received a 4.5 star rating from RT Book Reviews and was nominated in the RT Reviewer’s Choice Awards – Best First Historical. Invitation to Ruin was also won the RomCon Readers Crown Best Historical 2012.
Bron’s since gone on to win the RomCon Readers Crown three times. Her first book in her Disgraced Lords series hit the USA Today bestsellers list and she has hit it several times since.
She lives in New Zealand in sunny Hawkes Bay with her two Cavoodles named Brandy and Duke.
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