I want to start off by thanking Mariah Stone for reaching out to me on Instagram to ask if I would be interested in reading and reviewing her upcoming regency romance novel, All Duke and Bothered; the first in her series called Dukes and Secrets, and releasing on all retailers, except for the ‘Zon, July 20th. Amazon and KU it will release July 25th. According to her website, there will be a total of 4 books in this series, and I can’t wait!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
This was my first time reading a Mariah Stone novel, and it won’t be my last. Her backlist comprises of 25 books:
a 13 book Scottish historical time travel romance series (Called by a Highlander)
a 3 book paranormal romance series (Fated)
a 6 book Viking time travel romance series (Called by a Viking)
a 2 book time travel romance series (Called by a Pirate)
a Christmas regency romance standalone (Her Christmas Prince.)
To find out more about Mariah, check out her website: https://mariahstone.com/
ABOUT THE BOOK:
BLURB:
Brooding Duke. Notorious rake. Driven by grief. Forcing his enemy’s daughter into marriage for revenge. About to lose his heart.
Vengeance. Preston Seaton, the Duke of Grandhampton will bring down the man who killed his brother through any means necessary. So when Lord Neville Beckett auctions off his daughter’s hand in marriage to pay his debts, Preston makes a bid Beckett can’t refuse—evidence of murder.
Dreaming of a career as an artist, Penelope welcomes her future as a spinster. So when her father accepts the proposal of a man who despises her, she longs to flee. But she cannot abandon her poor, old father to his destruction. Moving into the powerful duke’s huge mansion, she wonders if she will ever escape this cold, dark prison.
Convinced Penelope played his brother for a fool and got him killed, Preston has no intention of losing his heart. But the sunny artist is soon filling his home with light and joy. Could a forced marriage forged from hatred ever lead to true happiness? And can Preston forgive himself for desiring the only woman his brother ever loved?
TROPES:
Marriage of Convenience
Beauty and the Beast vibes
Duke out for Revenge
Virgin Heroine Auctioned
Hate to Love
Grumpy / sunshine
MY REVIEW:
DISCLAIMER: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story! Penelope and Preston are two of my favorite characters, ever!
Penelope because she never gives up on her dreams, no matter how many obstacles are put in her path; she never gives up on her father, even though he makes it very trying for her; and she never gives up on Preston, even though he’s a stubborn mule. and has a misguided notion that revenge will make things all things right.
Preston because behind his grumpy exterior, there’s a man hurting, and Penelope’s presence in his life begins to melt that exterior, and heal the broken pieces he keeps hidden. Will it be enough though for Preston to choose love over his need for revenge?
I also liked that this story had a lot of Beauty and the Beast similarities. (Beauty and the Beast is probably one of my favorite fairy tales!) For example, Belle and Penelope both did what they wanted without caring what other people thought; Belle and Penelope both advocated for their father when the Beast/Preston wanted to ruin them. there are other similarities, but they’re spoilerish and best enjoyed discovered on your own.
Thank you Mariah Stone for the advance copy!