Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Collections
Publication
HarperAudio (2015), Edition: Unabridged Audiobook, Downloadable WMA/MP3 Audiofile, 12 hrs 4 mins
Description
When Rosalind Sharpe gains the attention of the deliciously wicked Duke of Avendale, she's torn between her distracting attraction to the notorious rogue and the knowledge that he, rich as Croesus is the perfect target for a deception that will put her swindling days behind her. However, Avendale is no fool. After he discovers the tantalizing lady packing up to leave London with his coins in tow, he confronts her with a scandalous proposition: she can have all the money she requires...for a week in his bed. Desperate for the funds, Rose agrees, but on one condition: he must never question her motives. Avendale quickly sees beneath her mask and discovers she is more than passion and pleasure she is everything he has ever desired. But claiming her requires he unveil her secrets and lose her forever. Unless he can put his own dark past aside and risk everything for a chance at love.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member Bnickle
Rosalind Sharpe, at first glance, is a scam artist, adept in the art of fleecing men of their coin. Unapologetic and possessing a very clear vision of what she does, she meets her match when she tries to relieve the Duke of Avendale of his coins. Caught with her hand in the cookie jar, he offers
Avendale is a man with his own secrets, and together, they tear down each others walls and face the ongoing issues in their lives and find in each other a solace neither has known for a long time, if ever.
I loved, loved, loved this book. Rosalind’s character is one of the best drawn heroines I have read in a long time. There are layers upon layers to her and she is at the same time fierce and vulnerable. The reason behind her life of thievery is solid and true and her character is resolute about what she feels she must do to protect a beloved family member. Avendale is interesting, and different from a lot of male protagonists drawn today in that he is genuinely kind. It’s a softer edge that doesn’t detract at all from his masculinity; in fact, written as he is, it enhances it.
There is not a wasted moment in plotting; The Duke and the Lady in Red is well paced, the pathway from thief and mark to lovers is believable and lovely and steamy, and heartbreak comes from an unexpected source. All in all this was an original and compelling story, and this book is a shelf-keeper for me. I read an ARC provided by Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
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her an alternative to goal; one week in his company for a large sum of money.Avendale is a man with his own secrets, and together, they tear down each others walls and face the ongoing issues in their lives and find in each other a solace neither has known for a long time, if ever.
I loved, loved, loved this book. Rosalind’s character is one of the best drawn heroines I have read in a long time. There are layers upon layers to her and she is at the same time fierce and vulnerable. The reason behind her life of thievery is solid and true and her character is resolute about what she feels she must do to protect a beloved family member. Avendale is interesting, and different from a lot of male protagonists drawn today in that he is genuinely kind. It’s a softer edge that doesn’t detract at all from his masculinity; in fact, written as he is, it enhances it.
There is not a wasted moment in plotting; The Duke and the Lady in Red is well paced, the pathway from thief and mark to lovers is believable and lovely and steamy, and heartbreak comes from an unexpected source. All in all this was an original and compelling story, and this book is a shelf-keeper for me. I read an ARC provided by Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
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LibraryThing member BrunetteLibrarian
First off, I decided to read this book because the synopsis drew me in so. I adore Lorraine Heath’s writing anyway but somehow I had missed her newest series. I can’t tell you how glad I was to pick this one up, because it led me to two other great historical romances.
Rose is a grifter, always
The book starts off a little differently and it took me a bit to really understand exactly what is happening. Rose is shrouded in mystery and I initially didn’t like her. However, as Heath unveils the motives behind Rose and her illicit dealing with London’s elite, I couldn’t help but be drawn in and find common ground with this misunderstood woman. Avendale is a wonderful hero and you can’t help but find his honesty refreshing and loving.
Heath is a master storyteller and it’s never been more clear than with her newest romance. Starting slow, I was drawn into the story of Rose, Avendale and a tribe of misfits looking to belong. Well written, fast paced, and with a fantastic finish, I immediately began reading the first two in this series. As I said before, reading the previous two in this series is unnecessary but you will absolutely want to when you finish. Another great one, I can’t wait to see what Heath has planned next.
Rose is a grifter, always
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looking for her next mark, constantly moving around the country. Fresh in London, she is quickly approached by the Duke of Avendale. Alone and used to being singled out for his money, Avendale is surprised to find himself drawn to Rose, a woman who doesn’t seem to want anything from him. Rose initially just views the rich Duke as a means to an end but as she grows closer to him and learns more about his life, she begins to want him for more than his fortune. Unfortunately for Rose, she has people depending on her and she must face unimaginable odds to help those she loves the most.The book starts off a little differently and it took me a bit to really understand exactly what is happening. Rose is shrouded in mystery and I initially didn’t like her. However, as Heath unveils the motives behind Rose and her illicit dealing with London’s elite, I couldn’t help but be drawn in and find common ground with this misunderstood woman. Avendale is a wonderful hero and you can’t help but find his honesty refreshing and loving.
Heath is a master storyteller and it’s never been more clear than with her newest romance. Starting slow, I was drawn into the story of Rose, Avendale and a tribe of misfits looking to belong. Well written, fast paced, and with a fantastic finish, I immediately began reading the first two in this series. As I said before, reading the previous two in this series is unnecessary but you will absolutely want to when you finish. Another great one, I can’t wait to see what Heath has planned next.
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LibraryThing member thehistorychic
Listened for Fun /Read for Review (Audible /Avon)
Overall Rating : 4.50
Story Rating :4.50
Character Rating : 4.50
Audio Rating : 4.50 (Not part of the overall rating)
First thought when finished: The mystery in The Duke and the Lady in Red by Lorraine Heath was compelling and the damn end made me
Quick Thoughts: This was one of those stories that I would only trust in a few authors hands. The leading lady was not typical, especially for a historical. In the wrong hands she would have been down right unlikable or at least not a woman you would root for an HEA. Instead you not only love Rosalind but end up wanting to make sure that Avendale is worthy of HER! Avendale is swoon-worthy so don't get me wrong. He is every thing I want in a Historical Leading Man (yes I have different expectations depending on the type of leading man and period). In the end though it was his connection with Rosalind that makes him super worthy. Don't you love with the love story makes you go SWOOOOOOOOOOON? The mystery of why Rosalind is the way she is was the most compelling part of this story for me. It is worth reading and having that "oh my" moment without spoiling. It was compelling and felt authentic to the time.
Audio Thoughts:
Narrated By Helen Lloyd, James Adams / Length: 12 hrs and 4 mins
Helen and James are a perfect example of how two narrators can work for an audiobook. They were both outstanding and balanced each other well. The pacing was steady, equal emotional output, and their voices fit these characters. I highly recommend this on audio!
Part of my Read It, Rate It, File It, DONE! Reviews
Overall Rating : 4.50
Story Rating :4.50
Character Rating : 4.50
Audio Rating : 4.50 (Not part of the overall rating)
First thought when finished: The mystery in The Duke and the Lady in Red by Lorraine Heath was compelling and the damn end made me
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cry.Quick Thoughts: This was one of those stories that I would only trust in a few authors hands. The leading lady was not typical, especially for a historical. In the wrong hands she would have been down right unlikable or at least not a woman you would root for an HEA. Instead you not only love Rosalind but end up wanting to make sure that Avendale is worthy of HER! Avendale is swoon-worthy so don't get me wrong. He is every thing I want in a Historical Leading Man (yes I have different expectations depending on the type of leading man and period). In the end though it was his connection with Rosalind that makes him super worthy. Don't you love with the love story makes you go SWOOOOOOOOOOON? The mystery of why Rosalind is the way she is was the most compelling part of this story for me. It is worth reading and having that "oh my" moment without spoiling. It was compelling and felt authentic to the time.
Audio Thoughts:
Narrated By Helen Lloyd, James Adams / Length: 12 hrs and 4 mins
Helen and James are a perfect example of how two narrators can work for an audiobook. They were both outstanding and balanced each other well. The pacing was steady, equal emotional output, and their voices fit these characters. I highly recommend this on audio!
Part of my Read It, Rate It, File It, DONE! Reviews
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LibraryThing member reesa00
I wanted to love this book. After reading of the Duke of Avendale's story in the original series, I was expecting a lot but this just didn't deliver. He deserved a better heroine and a happier ending.
LibraryThing member WhiskeyintheJar
3.75 stars
I missed the chase between the leads coming together a little bit but the beginning was a deliciously decadent read followed by a later half of a wallop of emotions.
The love, whether it was between our heroine and her brother or the hero, was so powerful and deeply conveyed; it was
He loved her. It was an emotion he’d never thought to experience, and sometimes he wished he didn’t because it brought with it as much pain as it did joy. He hurt when she hurt. When sorrow visited her, it visited him. But when she smiled, it was as though that smile encompassed his entire body, his entire being. He would do whatever was required to return the smiles to her—even if it meant taking her to a boring ball.
and
He had to let her go, give up his own hopes, plans, dreams in order to ensure her happiness. He understood it fully now, the sacrifice, the pain of setting aside everything one wanted in order to ensure that someone else realized his or her dreams. It was odd that in the ache of loss there was also some joy in knowing that she would be happy.
Everyone needs an Avendale in their lives; the way he loves Rose will knock your socks off and swell your heart.
If you couldn't tell, I loved the emotion written into the later part of the story but overall, I can't help feeling there was something missing, even if I can't quite pinpoint it. This is definitely worth a read, I just probably won't find myself revisiting it.
I missed the chase between the leads coming together a little bit but the beginning was a deliciously decadent read followed by a later half of a wallop of emotions.
The love, whether it was between our heroine and her brother or the hero, was so powerful and deeply conveyed; it was
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amazingly rich and personal to read.He loved her. It was an emotion he’d never thought to experience, and sometimes he wished he didn’t because it brought with it as much pain as it did joy. He hurt when she hurt. When sorrow visited her, it visited him. But when she smiled, it was as though that smile encompassed his entire body, his entire being. He would do whatever was required to return the smiles to her—even if it meant taking her to a boring ball.
and
He had to let her go, give up his own hopes, plans, dreams in order to ensure her happiness. He understood it fully now, the sacrifice, the pain of setting aside everything one wanted in order to ensure that someone else realized his or her dreams. It was odd that in the ache of loss there was also some joy in knowing that she would be happy.
Everyone needs an Avendale in their lives; the way he loves Rose will knock your socks off and swell your heart.
If you couldn't tell, I loved the emotion written into the later part of the story but overall, I can't help feeling there was something missing, even if I can't quite pinpoint it. This is definitely worth a read, I just probably won't find myself revisiting it.
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LibraryThing member SharonMariaBidwell
Not the usual book I read, I picked this up on a friend’s recommendation and found myself pleasantly surprised. I can see some readers might complain about certain aspects, but this is historical romance for a modern audience so political correctness or errors of the era (and I’m not attesting
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whether there are any) will be toyed with for entertainment, much as the protagonists Rosalind and Avendale toy with each other. Their misconceptions and mutual attractions are well-played, but it was the perhaps unlikely but heartwarming way in which the story treats Harry that provided the greatest emotional impact. Alas, there’s no way to explain why without spoilers. Show Less
LibraryThing member Lauren2013
The Duke and the Lady in Red
4.5 Stars
Desperate times call for desperate measures, and Rosalind Sharpe will do anything in her power to protect those she cares for even if it means targeting the notorious and ruthless Duke of Avendale. But when Avendale discovers Rose's deception, he demands
It isn't often that a book makes me cry, but this story had me breaking out the Kleenex.
Rose and Avendale have excellent chemistry and the keeping secrets trope is, thankfully, disposed of quickly and with little to no unnecessary angst.
While the romance is engaging, it is Rose's other secret that is the true highlight of the book.
Heath's portrayal of Rose's profoundly disabled brother, Harry, is simply heartwrenching. The pain and suffering he endures in unfathomable, yet he remains a truly good and self-less person. Rose's love and loyalty for her damaged sibling and her willingness to sacrifice everything for him make her an incredible heroine. Likewise, Harry brings out the best in Avendale as well, and it is wonderful to see their male bonding and camaraderie flourish.
Despite the above, the story does have one or two issues. To begin with, it takes time for the plot points to develop and this makes the pacing slower at the start. Nevertheless, once the secrets begin unraveling, the book becomes a page-turner. In addition, Avendale's behavior in the first few chapters leaves much to be desired, and some readers may be put off by his less than savory actions. That said, I recommend persevering as the rest of the romance and the story is well worth it.
All in all, a wonderful book, and I also loved the Joseph Merrick reference (thank you Wikipedia).
4.5 Stars
Desperate times call for desperate measures, and Rosalind Sharpe will do anything in her power to protect those she cares for even if it means targeting the notorious and ruthless Duke of Avendale. But when Avendale discovers Rose's deception, he demands
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recompense of a most scandalous sort - a week in his bed. Can Rose and her duke put aside their suspicions and mistrust to find happiness together?It isn't often that a book makes me cry, but this story had me breaking out the Kleenex.
Rose and Avendale have excellent chemistry and the keeping secrets trope is, thankfully, disposed of quickly and with little to no unnecessary angst.
While the romance is engaging, it is Rose's other secret that is the true highlight of the book.
Despite the above, the story does have one or two issues. To begin with, it takes time for the plot points to develop and this makes the pacing slower at the start. Nevertheless, once the secrets begin unraveling, the book becomes a page-turner. In addition, Avendale's behavior in the first few chapters leaves much to be desired, and some readers may be put off by his less than savory actions. That said, I recommend persevering as the rest of the romance and the story is well worth it.
All in all, a wonderful book, and I also loved the Joseph Merrick reference (thank you Wikipedia).
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Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2015-04-28
ISBN
0062404660 / 9780062404664