As I picked up THE HEART OF A DUKE by Victoria Morgan to do a giveaway, I read the back cover blurb and I have to say I was intrigued. Identicals twins. Mistaken identity. A stolen kiss. A touch of mystery. If I may say so myself, these are all the ingredients of a delicious read.

However today, you can comment to win a print copy of your own. 

Click cover to access buy links and link to author’s website.

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heartofadukeFrom the author of For the Love of a Solder comes a rapturous new novel of unspoken secrets, and true love…

Lady Julia Chandler fears she will be walking down the aisle with a silver-tipped cane if she waits for the Duke of Bedford to seal their engagement. Seeking to quicken his pace, she decides to find her duke, kiss him senseless, and post the wedding banns. It is a good plan, until she mistakes her fiance’s long-absent twin for her duke.

Ten years ago, Lord Daniel Bryant sailed to America to find his fortune and flee his cruel brother who inherited the family title. A cryptic note draws him back to England: Come home and claim your destiny. Before seeking anything, Daniel must first determine who set the fire that nearly took his life and precipitated his flight abroad. Now with the taste of Lady Julia warm on his lips, the stakes are raised higher than before as he seeks to claim both his destiny and the lady of his heart.

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**US residents only

Review

Morgan’s sophomore release is a heartfelt tale with some suspense packed in… I loved it.

Reminiscent of Caroline Linden’s style for blending love and suspense, Morgan successfully reeled me in with her plucky, animal-rescuing, courageous heroine Julia. Not to mention a hero who’s identical to his villainous brother. *Evil Laugh* Yes too many opportunities for mayhem and conflict—I couldn’t put it down.

From the character perspective, Daniel and Julia are a delight. Both are driven by their own sense of duty and honor, though Daniel is easily lured away by Julia’s beguiling looks and her kisses. Determined to keep her from making the mistake of a lifetime, Daniel will do about anything to stop Julia’s wedding to his brother. I loved Daniel’s unconventional ways, things he picked up in heathen America no doubt. He’s not afraid to take risks, not afraid to fight, and not afraid to confront his feelings. He and Julia both grow a ton over the course of the story and the relationship seemed natural due to their previous friendship, and the newfound attraction.

As a storyteller Morgan did an amazing job keeping me guessing. I’ll admit I figured out the ending to the plot early on, but there’s a bit of bobbing and weaving that made me wonder if I was wrong. I also started to doubt that the truth would be revealed by the end of the tale. Normally those doubts would’ve made me dislike the story. Much to my surprise I became comfortable with the idea the story wouldn’t end the way I imagined it as long as Daniel and Julia got their HEA.

The brother, Edmund, is a marvelous villain with all the wonderful evil plots, plans, and deeds to make me love to hate him. There’s also a nice set up for some additional books involving Daniel’s friends, Robbie and Brett. I only hope Morgan won’t make me suffer too long.

This is an easy, delightful read that reminded me of how powerful love can be. It can make you forgive, make you forget, and make you realize what’s more important in life.

For readers who enjoy Caroline Linden and Jennifer McQuiston

Reviewed by Landra

Rating: 4 Stars (Very Good)
Heat Level: Hot

 

4 Starshistoricals
By Berkley, Giveaways, Reviews34 Comments on Review & Giveaway: The Heart of a Duke by Victoria Morgan

34 Replies to “Review & Giveaway: The Heart of a Duke by Victoria Morgan”

  2. This looks really good and this author will be a new read for me. I love finding new authors to add to my list.

  3. This does sound so soooooo soooo good…
    Looks like a winner!

    I have been finding so many great reads this year…looking so forward to 2014

    Thanks for the heads up on this one….

  5. the way you did the book cove look great the color is top that would be great read i be home for holdiay by my slef and could use soemthing to keepme occupied

  6. I am very intrigued! Love, mystery, mistaken identity…It has everything for the enjoyable read! Thank you for the giveaway!

  11. I’ve not read her before but this is the kind of read that I enjoy the most. Thanks for the chance.

  12. I would most definitely love to win and read a copy of this novel. Would be delighted to share my review on our blog, bookworm2bookworm. Fingers crossed!

  16. This sounds like a lovely read. The cover is absolutely scrumptious. Thank you for the chance to win. 🙂

  19. Oh wow, The Heart of a Duke sounds fantastic, love the identical twins and mistaken identity premise. 😀

  24. This sounds like an awesome book! I’d love to be entered to win one. Thanks for the chance.

  28. I am so pleased that you liked my book! Thank you for your kind words and the comparison to Caroline Linden’s works. That made my day as I am a big fan of hers. I love her stuff! 🙂 Happy holidays!

  31. I LOVE HISTORICAL ROMANCE! Ahhh, that felt good. I’ve never read anything by Victoria Morgan. I’d really like to win. Thanks.

  34. Thank you for the review. It sounds like the story has all the elements that make for a satisfying read. I like the stories I read to have a bit of suspense and an good villain makes a book all the better. I will be looking for this one.

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