The Other Duke, by Jess Michaels, is a charming and steamy story that will surprise you from the first page until the last. Serafina McPhee should be a happy bride-to-be preparing to marry the Duke of Hartholm. Unfortunately, Serafina is dreading her upcoming wedding and when her father informs her that her betrothed, the Duke, has been killed in an accident, she is instead overcome with relief. While her father vents his his frustration and concern, she is secretly jumping for joy. Now she won’t have to marry the old Duke after all.
However, she’s completely stunned when her father insists that the contract must still be honored. A wedding will still occur and she must marry the Duke. Poor Serafina is still morning her fiancé when she is handed off to his successor, the new Duke of Hartholm. Raphael Flynn.
Unfortunately, Serafina’s father has his own agenda and her opinion doesn’t matter. Trust is non-existent and her best interests are neglected. The original contract states that she must marry the Duke of Hartholm, it’s just a technicality as to whether it’s the old Duke or the new one. When Serafina briefly meets Raphael she has a passing moment of wonder that she might just actually be ok. He’s definitely a step up from the previous Duke and so perhaps this man might be bearable. Once again, there’s a wedding to prepare for and plans to be made.
While Serafina would prefer to be released from her obligation to marry, something about Rafe intrigues her. Rafe isn’t exactly thrilled either to have inherited a title of Duke and a fiancé either. Both Rafe and Serfina are conflicted, what will they do?
A few unexplained accidents, two hearts torn in different directions, secrets and a family contract that is still binding, make this a challenging union. Both families need this union but for different reasons. Will their reputations catch up with them or will it destroy a blessed union?
All Rafe wants is to show her something she’s never had, will she allow him that? With a little charm to sweeten their negotiations, will they both get what they want? Rafe makes a promise to Serafina but she questions whether he will honor it. What will they do when they discover their true feelings? Perhaps what they are looking for is the one thing that may already exist?
Bravo Jess, this story was easy to read, chock-full of sweet surprises and a perfect amount of sizzle. A great first book that’s a sexy and sassy quick read. I could not put this book down! Lucky for us that Book two will be here soon!
This Spicy read is just enough sizzle to make you tingle and for mature audience, 18+
BIO:
Jess Michaels began writing full-time in 1999 after being encouraged by her husband to follow her dream. In 2003, she sold her first novella, an erotic historical romance about an Egyptian tomb and a very sexy curse. Since then she has published nearly 50 novels and novellas under three different pen names with several major publishers, small presses and via self-publishing. Her erotic historical romances have been national bestsellers and won awards from booksellers and readers.
She and her awesome husband live in Tucson where she enjoys playing video games, exploring the beautiful desert, reading and spending petting her two old lady cats.
