Thursday, March 9, 2017

NetGalley REVIEW -Virtual Tour - LAST NIGHT WITH THE DUKE (Rakes of St. James, #1) by Amelia Grey

LAST NIGHT WITH THE DUKE
Rakes of St. James, #1
by Amelia Grey
Publication Date: March 7th 2017
Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks
Genre: Historical Romance
Enthralling and enticing, Grey weaves together the seductive story of a naughty Duke and the enchanting woman he falls for.

From The Book Junkie Reads . . . Last Night with the Duke (Rakes of St. James, #1) . . .

Enthralling? Enticing? Enchanting? Exquisite . . . I loved this book from start to finished. I loved that a duke, Duke of Griffin, would take a fall so great that he could not fathom the results. He just wanted to make sure that his past deeds did not impact the debut season of his sisters. She was way more important than his reputation. He takes matters into his own hands by obtaining her a chaperone for the season. Never knowing that she, Esmeralda, would be the key to changing his world forever.

I found these characters to be enticing, enthralling, and enchanting in various ways and at various times. The exquisiteness of it all coming together and making this historical romance just a bit more enchanting. The banter. The scenery. The characters. The whole of it all bright me to a different level of romantic endeavor.

BLURB
Could finding love be his greatest scandal of all? 

The Duke of Griffin has never lived down his reputation as one of the Rakes of St. James. Now rumors are swirling around London that his twin sisters may bear the brunt of his past follies. Hiring a competent chaperone is the only thing Griffin has on his mind--until he meets the lovely and intriguing Miss Esmeralda Swift. In ways he could never have expected, she arouses more than just his curiosity. 

Esmeralda Swift considered herself too sensible to ever fall for a scoundrel, but that was before she met the irresistibly seductive Duke of Griffin. His employment offer proves too tempting for her to resist. She can’t afford to be distracted by his devilish charms because the stakes are so high for his sisters’ debut Season. . .unless one of London’s most notorious rakes has had a change of heart and is ready to make Esmeralda his bride.

His praise pleased her. She smiled and remained quiet. Most of our guests would end up being so flustered bseeing double that they wouldnt try to get their nameright. Thewould jussay my lady. 
Unfortunately, I wasngiven that option.
After youve been around for a few more days, youlbe able to tell them apart no matter how they are dressed.
Italreadgetting easier.
GoodThey malook exactlalikatimesbuthey have different natures. Veras nature is more forceful and cantankerousSarasweeter.
Esmeralda started to say she agreed completely, buthen thought better of it, and simply replied, But both are lovely.
The duke faced her. “Did Miss Fortescue teach you hoto bso diplomatic?
No, she answered with a teasing smirk. Its mnature.
HismilwanaturaahsaidAnd a temperamental nature iis at times.
She frowned. Ill ignore that comment.
BuyoknoittrueIm glayosuggested bringing the girls to the park and so is my aunt. And I see yobrought Josephine and Napoleoalong too.
You dont mind, do you? I supposed I should havcleared it with you first.
I dont mind. I can see you arent neglecting Sara anVeraTheare enjoyinthshow too.
I think so. Vera showed Josephine how to play throanfetch with a stick. Napoleowaalreadquitfamiliar with what to do, so his former owners must have taughhim. And the twins were very accommodating to him oour walk over here. They didnt get upset when Napoleowanted to check out every doorway, hitching post, and tree alonthway.
He chuckled. Living a protected life at Griffin for so manyears, Sara and Vera havhad few occasions to enjoy friendships or relatives their own age. It will be goofor them to have you as their chaperone. Except for memy aunt, and the servants, theyve had only each other to get to know. Its made them close, but it also, regrettablycauses a fierce competitiveness from time to time.
Including the pianoforte and Lord Henry, Esmeraldwanted to say but decided that Griffin didnt need to know abouthe earls son.
Im rather glad they have someone else in the housto interact witnow other thaeacother.
And that will change after they meet young ladies athe various parties.
Which reminds me, he added. I looked into yousuggestion of finding out which young ladies who were part of the wager hadnt married and also had brothersuncles, or fathers.
Whdiyou come up with?” shaskeanxiouslyOnly two names.
But didnt Sir Welby think there were more than twat Whites?
He nodded. He did but admitted he couldnt be sure of anything other than the comments that perhaps the way to get back at me was through my sisters. If you listen carefully enough in a taproom, you can overhear a lot oconversations.
But youre saying we have two young men to watch carefullyright?
Yes. For now, anyway. Sir Charles Redding anMr. Albert Trent are the only gentlemen who have sisterwho received a secreadmirer letter but nevemarried.
Esmeralda repeated the names in her mind. Thewerent on any of Lady Evelyns lists. And they wouldnbe. She wouldnt consider either of them high enough ithe heeto offer for the twins.
Why did Esmeralda keep forgetting all shed been taught when she was living in her uncles home? She kneall about the snobbery of Polite Society. She just hadnbeen a part of it for a long time. And now she was on thother side oit.
I will keep a steady eye on the two should they get neaLadSara or LadVera even for a dance.
The dukes eyes swept up and down her face. Flutterinbegan in Esmeraldas chest. It was madness that when- ever he looked at her with that intimate intensity radiatinfrom him, she wanted him to pull her into his strong armsnestle her to him, and kiss her eager lips. She knew he was attracted to her. He had admitted that. But surely she wamore aware ohis every breatthahe was ohers.
“Did you know that out in the sunlight your eyes losall their brown colorinand are golden?
With that question, Esmeralda felt the atmospherchange. The noise of the crowd faded away, the cool breezstilled, and the sun heated her face. It was as if she anthe dukwere the onltwo peoplithe park.
How could I possibly know that? I have never seen meyes outside a house.
I thought perhaps someone might have told youyouparents, possibly a beau?
Im sure youve had countless ladies tell you that youeyes are abluas a summer sky.
He ignored her comment and said, You skillfully deflected my question, but Im not going to let you get by witthat.
She evaded him again by saying, “Did you ask one? thought you were making a statement.
He gave her an amused smile. Its always a challenge wityou, Esmeralda. I likthat.
She gasped. “Yocant calme bmgiven name.
I can and will when we are alone and no one arounto hear but you. Now, here is a direct question for you, EsmeraldaHavyou ever been kissed?
Her immediate instinct should have been to shy awafrom such intimate conversation once more and insist hcall her Miss Swift at all times. It was on the tip of her tongue to tell him she was outraged hed ask her something so personal, but staring into his striking gaze as ibrushed down her face to her mouth, she knew she didnwanto resishim ithat way or any way.
Maybe she wanted him to call her Esmeralda and to know that her lips had never been touched by anothersMaybe she wantehim to knoshed welcome his kiss.
Still, her practical, survival nature came to her rescue and she resisted what her heart desired and said, Ive nohad time nor opportunity for such things as hugs and kisses.
Twenty-five and never been kissed. His voice was lowand soft. I find that very intriguing.
His hold over her intensified. There was somethinabout his unobtrusive interest in her that stirred her womanly passions to an anticipation she couldnt have knowexisted.
Her throat ached with an increasing need that was always deniedto feel his lips caress hers. Perhaps he founiintriguinshenevebeekissedbushfounidiscouraging that shed never had the opportunity to knowhat ifellikto bkissed. She wanteto know.
Putting all her sensible, inner declarations aside, and willing her voice not to quiver, she asked, Are you offering to changthatYouGrace?

Copyright © 2017 by Amelia Grey and reprinted by permission of St. Martin’s Press.

Author Info
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Amelia Grey read her first romance book when she was thirteen and she's been a devoted reader of love stories ever since. Her awards include the Booksellers Best, Aspen Gold, and the Golden Quill. Writing as Gloria Dale Skinner, she won the coveted Romantic Times Award for Love and Laughter and the prestigious Maggie Award. Her books have sold to many countries in Europe, Indonesia, Turkey, Russia, and most recently to Japan. Several of her books have also been featured in Doubleday and Rhapsody Book Clubs. Amelia is the author of twenty-five books. She's been happily married to her high school sweetheart for over thirty-five years and she lives on the beautiful gulf coast of Northwest Florida. Her first book with St. Martin's was The Duke in My Bed.

PRAISE FOR AMELIA GREY:
“I loved The Duke In My Bed! Great characters! Amelia Grey never fails to entertain. She just keeps getting better and better.” —New York Times bestselling author Kat Martin

"A fun and absorbing read."Kirkus Reviews on Wedding Night with the Earl

“The Duke In My Bed is Amelia Grey at her best: witty, delightful, and sensuous! This story has heart-stealing characters that will stay with you long after the last page.” —Joan Johnston, New York Times bestseller of Montana Bride

“Sweet, gentle...lovely romance.” —RT Book Reviews on The Earl Claims a Bride

“[A] very charming story.” —BookPage on The Earl Claims a Bride

"A touching and emotional love story."RT Book Reviews on Wedding Night with the Earl
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