The owner of London’s most popular gaming hell, wealthy and powerful Silas Masters, is feared by men and desired by women—except Mercy Kittinger. When the blackguard wins her family home in a game of cards, Mercy steals into Silas’s rooms, intent on destroying the proof. But things don’t go to plan…
She would have her way with him…
Caught in the act, Mercy must be bold to save herself…even if it means seducing the dangerous rogue and then disappearing with the dawn, debt voucher in hand. Safe at home and determined to settle back into her quiet, uneventful life, Mercy burns at the memory of her night spent ravishing the most compelling man she’d ever met. Thank goodness she’ll never see him again!
He didn’t see her coming…
No one trifles with Silas Masters. Even if he could forget the dark-haired seductress who undid him, he can’t allow anyone to steal from him. He will hunt down the sultry woman who haunts his dreams and show her just how sweet payback can be.
Release Date: Feb 22, 2022
Series: Duke Hunt
Book: 2
Heat Level: Hot
Publisher: HarperCollins
Imprint: Avon Books
Price: $5.99
This book was one of those that immediately grabbed me by the end of chapter one. I was all in for this heroine’s adventure to reclaim her home from a rakehell gambling hell owner.
I’m still baffled by how twenty-five percent of this book takes place in one night and that didn’t jar me. I was too infatuated with the chemistry between Silas and Mercy, and that’s good writing. If I can get so looped in that I forget we’re still only at night one five to six chapters in I’m sufficiently hooked.
Hero, Silas, and heroine, Mercy, are then thrust together by the simplest and most consequential thing, the possibility of a child. Not too mention the fact she stole from him, and the fact her brother still has unpaid debt with this man. Too delicious. I was ready for whatever revenge Silas could cook up.
Proceed to fall in love with this closed off hero who lived a childhood of abuse and then danger, skillfully surviving the dark corners of London and amassing a fortune to be envied. Except this is where the story stumbled a bit for me. I felt so disconnected from the Silas in this story. Like I knew everything about him and nothing about him at the same time. In fact, looking back there are only a handful of chapters in the book in his point of view. He’s definitely endearing, and I love watching Mercy act as a force to be reckoned with. I think he’s just bowled over by her.
Mercy reminded me of myself. She’s the responsible one, in charge of caring for her entire family and never once thinking of herself. The risks she takes at the beginning of the book are scary and equally exciting. Easy to get behind a heroine who refuses to let her brother’s mistakes dictate her life and takes a little something for herself in the seduction of Silas.
The story itself was simplistic and yet it worked incredibly well. I also am still hoping Mercy’s brother might be redeemed, but per the end of the story it’s doubtful. He really was absolutely awful and deserved whatever came to him. Bring me the blacksmiths story, I’m ready and I hope Mercy’s sister gets her own book too.
Overall, an easy read. Quick and enjoyable if you’re looking to get lost for a bit. Perfect for those who enjoy Tessa Dare.
~ Landra
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