Her Night with the Duke (Clandestine Affairs) by Diana Quincy

Title: Her Night with the Duke by Diana Quincy

Classification: Adult Fiction

Genre: Historical Romance

Series: Clandestine Affairs

Format: Paperback : 384 pages

ISBN-10: 0062986791

ISBN-13: 978-0062986795

Publisher: Avon (September 29, 2020)

Author's Website: https://www.dianaquincy.com/

Notes: I received an eARC loan from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Quotes need to be checked against the final version as they are subject to change.

Delilah 'Leela'  Chambers, aka Lady Devon, has been widowed and living abroad for several years. She's on her way home, if you can call it that, to Lambert Hall at the request of her stepdaughter, Tori. When the carriage Leela is traveling in throws a wheel, she searches for shelter and a place to stay until her carriage can be fixed. She finds herself on the steps of Black Swan Inn. This was not part of her plan and when she finds there are no rooms at the Inn, things go from bad to worse as a group of men there decide they'd like to take advantage of the situation. Luckily, someone comes to her rescue...

 

Elliot Townsend, Duke of Huntington, has spent years trying to stay out of trouble and be above reproach, but when he sees men trying to take advantage of a damsel in distress, he can't help but step in... 

Now these two weary travelers find themselves alone in a room with the attraction between them brewing into something undeniable. What could be the harm in one wild reckless night of abandonment?

Well, there's a reason they say no good deed goes unpunished...

"Your Grace... this is my stepmama... Lady Devon." Tori's voice brimmed with buoyant pride as she nervously fumbled through the introduction. "But as you can see...she is hardly ancient. She is more like a sister and one's dearest friend... in a all the world... rolled up into one exceptionally beautiful person."

Elliot stood stock-still, glued to his spot. Escape for either of them was impossible. It was like watching a carriage speeding straight toward he and being unable to leap out of the way. All she (Leela) could do was stand still and brace for disaster.  

Elliot's betrothed is the stepdaughter of the woman he has not been able to get out of his mind...

This is the first book in a brand new series, and the first book Ms.Quincy has written under the Avon label. Excuse me for a moment as I do a little happy dance for I believe I've found another writer to add to my list of favorite authors. *sigh* I will need to search out more of her other books to read. I really enjoyed this one.  

If I had to sum this book up into two words, I would choose devilishly delicious. I absolutely adored this story and the situation that started it all. I was horrified, then mortified, grinning from ear to ear, then shaking my head as I found myself wanting to reason with the main characters, and wishing I could give them advice. The chemistry between Leela and Elliot was so scorchingly hot, I'm surprised my kindle didn't spontaneously combust. This story definitely lived up to the series name of Clandestine Affairs. *grin* 

I couldn't help but give this one 5 out of 5 roses. The characters were multifaceted and relatable. The story kept a pleasant pace, and the plot, in my humble opinion, was fairly genius. There was twist upon twist and turn after turn. Then just when it seemed all happiness was to be lost, the impossible happened--a happy ending. Did I mention I loved this tale?  If you're looking for something to take you away from all the mayhem and chaos the world has been throwing your way, this may be a book for you. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one earned a STEAM rating--too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed. This was a lovely escape from reality that I HIGHLY recommend.