Series: Wedded by Scandal, Book 1
Publisher: Entangled: Scandalous
Genre: Historical Romance
ISBN: 9781633756533
Release Date: May 30, 2016
Source: Publisher
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N
Stacy Reid Reading Order
England, 1817.
Miss Adeline Hays is out of options. Determined to escape marriage to a repugnant earl, Adeline plans to deliberately allow herself to be caught in a compromising position at a house party with the much kinder man she’d hoped to marry. Instead, Adeline accidentally enters the wrong chamber and tumbles into the bed of the mad duke.
Edmond Rochester, the duke of Wolverton, is seeking a wife to care for his two daughters. A young lady of sensibilities, accomplishment, and most importantly, one who he is not attracted to—a complete opposite of the bewitching beauty who traps him into marriage. But despite the lust he feels for his new duchess, Edmond is resolved to never allow them intimacy, refusing to ever again suffer the tormenting loss of a loved one.
When Adeline’s father and stepmother put her in an awful situation by promising her to an abusive earl, she has two choices: submit to her family’s wishes or take a chance and secure her future with a man she actually likes. Though she’s nervous, Adel chooses the second option, taking the risk of ruining her reputation. Only instead of entering the bedroom of the man she wishes to marry, Adel accidentally winds up in the bedroom – then in the bed – of the “mad” duke of Wolverton. Scandal erupts, but to Adel’s shock, rather than leaving Adel to face the wolves of society, the duke offers to marry her.
Edmond Rochester loved deeply once, and when his wife and son died, it killed part of him. He needs a wife to be mother to his two daughters, but he’ll never allow himself to become close to his new wife. In spite of the fact that he’s attracted to her, Edmond offers for Adel. What he doesn’t count on is Adel not accepting that their marriage will never be a close one. Edmond never wants to experience the trauma of losing a loved one again, but even he can see that he’s very much in danger of falling for his wife…
Accidentally Compromising the Duke absolutely fantastic! I made the mistake of starting Adel and Edmond’s story on my lunch hour, then found myself counting the hours until I could get home and finish the story – it’s just that addictive. Stacy Reid definitely has a new fan in me, thanks to this passionate, engaging tale.
Adel is a heroine I immediately loved. She takes a major risk trying to save herself in the only way she can (given the time period) from what would certainly be an abusive marriage. When things go awry and she finds herself married to a stranger, Adel doesn’t fall to pieces. Instead, she tries to make the best of the situation and find happiness with her new husband. And Edmond could use a dose of happiness. He’s a good man with a lot of love to give, but his wife’s death marked him and he’s closed himself off from the world. Adel brings him back to life almost without him realizing it. Her generous heart and passionate nature come to the forefront once they’re wed and Edmond can’t help but be drawn to her.
More often than not, in historical romances where there’s a forced marriage one or both protagonists are angry, resentful, and/or jealous, and (if not handled well) it drags the story down. I was so grateful that this wasn’t the case for Adel and Edmond. Instead of false drama, we get to see two strangers getting to know and falling in love with one another. The sexual tension in Accidentally Compromising the Duke is exquisite and Ms. Reid definitely can turn up the heat. Adel and Edmond are truly a perfect match in every respect. That doesn’t mean that the road to happily ever after is an easy one. Edmond carries a heavy weight that is slowly crushing him, and he’s not one to let go of his demons easily. It’s a good thing Adel is a strong heroine, and I was cheering her on as she worked to tear down Edmond’s walls.
Accidentally Compromising the Duke is simply a joy to read from beginning to end. Ms. Reid’s writing is compelling, her characters endearing, and the romance is emotional, sweet, and sensual. If Edmond and Adel’s story is anything to go by, then the Wedded by Scandal series is one to watch. I cannot wait to see where Ms. Reid takes readers next!
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
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