Book Review: The Duke’s Temptation by Addie Jo Ryleigh

Review:

An alluring time-taker, and I happily gave every second.

I admired Elizabeth and her ambition. She wanted Gabe and she set out to get him, all the while holding on to her pride and lady-like demeanor. Her loyalty was just as steady as her determination, and she had a heart of gold.

Gabe never stood a chance against Elizabeth’s charm. Not that breaking him was hard; he was already broken. He longed for her just as much as she longed for him, and the foreplay was oh so seductive.

I loved little Phoebe and it was truly a treat to watch her claim her rightful spot in her father’s heart. She also took up space in Elizabeth’s and Aunt Millie’s hearts as well. I like how Ryleigh developed the relationship between Gabe and Phoebe. She addressed the situation in a realistic manner, having Gabe’s behavior towards his daughter to improve as he learned how to be a father, instead of immediately portraying him as father-of-the-year. His behavior towards both Phoebe and Elizabeth, changed as he developed emotionally. I enjoyed the journey.

And what can I say about Aunt Millie. What a refreshing character. She had her limits, but how far they stretched. I absolutely loved her.

Something went off for me at the end. I didn’t dislike the end, but I wasn’t as pleased with it as I was the rest of the story.

Nonetheless, I really enjoyed the story, and I recommend it to romance lovers – and anyone else who’d like to take a read.

Rating system: Cups of coffee – the less the better

0: You won’t need any coffee to stay up for this one. It’s intriguing enough all on its own.
1: You’ll stay up late, but not all night. Brew one cup.
2: You’ll read as long as you’re not tired. If you are, two cups should do the trick.
3: I hope you got plenty of rest; you’ll need it, or at least 3 cups.
4: If the cable goes out, read the book. It’s better than nothing, I guess. Oh, don’t forget your brew!
5: Find anything else to do- it doesn’t matter what it is. Don’t waste your coffee. Too much caffeine is bad for you.

My rating: 1 cup of coffee

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Excerpt:

The next morning Gabe found himself sitting at his cluttered desk once more.

But today was different. Today he couldn’t find his focus. Today visions distracted him.

Visions of a sweet, delectable, half-dressed woman perched on the very desk that now

held a layer of books, ledgers, and papers.

A grin arched his upper lip when he recalled the uproar the mess he and Elizabeth had

left in the study had caused. Thinking the intruder had returned and rifled through the desk,

Wilkes had awakened Gabe in a very controlled Wilkes-like state of distress. Gabe had had a

devil of a time trying to explain how everything from the desk had come to be on the floor.

It amazed him that he’d kept the satisfied smirk off his face, knowing the real reason his

study had been left in shambles. Either way, Wilkes must be losing his touch if he’d believed

Gabe’s lack of organizational skills had resulted in piles of documents tipping over and sliding to

the floor. It had sounded like pure rubbish. Thankfully, being the Duke of Wesbrook had

benefits.

Not being questioned happened to be one of them.

Uncomfortable with someone other than himself or Phillip going through the papers,

Gabe had rolled from bed, dressed, and retreated to the study before others caught sight of the

After righting the papers, the hour was still early. Gabe had started going through the

remaining reports. However, at his current rate, he’d never be done.

It was all Elizabeth’s fault.

Maybe not exactly her fault. His distraction was no one’s blame but his own, but like

most things in his life, she was intricately attached to it.

Weary with staring at numbers and seeing nothing but gibberish, he shoved the ledger

away. Yesterday might have been an aberration. Maybe he didn’t have what it took to be a

responsible landowner.

Perhaps he should stay with what he knew . . . gambling, drinking, and pleasuring

women.

Strike that, pleasuring a woman. One very singular woman.

But after telling her he couldn’t marry her, he’d be surprised if she ever allowed him to

touch her again.

Except this was Elizabeth and when she loved something, she let nothing stand in her

way. Something he was only now beginning to understand.

Nevertheless, for her own sake, he would do what was necessary to keep his lustful

intent away from her. The last thing he needed was for her to become with child.