War hero Deckard Payne, Duke of Warburton, made a battlefield promise to become guardian to orphan Analise Crewe. He certainly didn’t agree to marry the girl! But that’s exactly what happens when he’s forced to wed her to save her honor.
The last thing Analise wants is a loveless marriage to a brooding—albeit handsome—duke who lives in a gloomy castle and keeps his doors—and his heart—tightly locked. He’s determined to keep her at arm’s length—but she’s not easily deterred when there’s a tough case to crack.
Warburton never wanted a wife. Especially an inquisitive and far-too-pretty whirlwind who upends his regimented life. Her sunny, winning ways charm everyone she meets and soon she’s unearthing buried secrets, plotting love matches, and shining light into even the darkest of hearts…his own.
Release Date: Apr 7, 2026
Series: The Thunderbolt Club
Book: 2
Heat Level: Sensual
Publisher: HarperCollins
Imprint: Avon
Price: $11.99
Not my favorite Bell historical, but still a decent book.
Wanted to love this one, and while it’s got that signature Bell style of action, romance, and some unexpected twists and turns, I’ll admit that the age-gap element was difficult. Along with the belief that the Dex, our duke, really held a connection with the heroine.
Sure, Ana, Dex’s eighteen-year-old ward, is fierce, stubborn, brave, but she’s also dangerous, with rarely a thought to the consequences of her actions. While the behavior is aligned with her age, I didn’t see those behaviors as endearing as the duke supposedly did. Her hoyden ways and attempts to flaunt society rules were still entertaining.
Additionally, there were elements Dex’s behavior in the bedroom that felt placed without clear mention of his preferred preferences or direction as to why he tended to desire certain actions. If the hints were present, I didn’t get a clear view of them.
Overall, I think Bell had an inspiring idea and a great start, but ultimately, the execution of this one didn’t hold up. The plot threads were disjointed for me. While the story hooked me about a quarter of the way through and I was committed to discovering the end, I found myself without that sweet dopamine hit I’ve come to enjoy when I finish a Bell romance. If you enjoy age gaps and like to see the fish-out-of-water trope in action, then this one might be for you.
~ Landra
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