Up 'Til Dawn Book Blog: Review & Tour: A Duke Changes Everything by Christy Carlyle

Title: A Duke Changes Everything
Series: The Duke’s Den #1
Author: Christy Carlyle
Genre: Victorian Romance
Release Date: November 27, 2018
Length: 384 Pages
Format: Digital/Paperback

In the first novel in Christy Carlyle’s sizzling Duke’s Den series, three men, intent on making a fortune, discover irresistible opportunities . . .

Nicholas Lyon gambled his way into a fortune and ownership of the most opulent, notorious gentlemen’s club in England. But when Nick’s cruel brother dies, he inherits a title he never wanted. The sooner Nick is rid of the estate that has always haunted him, the sooner he can return to the life he’s built in London. But there’s one obstacle—the exquisite Thomasina Thorne.

When the new heir to the Tremayne dukedom suddenly appears in Mina Thorne’s life, she’s flustered. Not only is he breathtakingly handsome, but he’s also determined to take away her home and position as steward of the Enderley estate. If Mina learns what makes the enigmatic duke tick, perhaps she can change his mind—as long as she doesn’t get too close to him.

With each day Nick spends with Mina, his resolve weakens as their colliding wills lead to explosive desire. Could she be the one woman who can help him finally bury the ghosts of his past?

“Your sleep was troubled?” she asked softly.

“It always is.”

“I heard you call out. I thought you said my name.” Mina swallowed hard after the admission. She’d probably misheard him, but some rationale felt necessary to explain her presence in his room.

“Did I? Perhaps you’re haunting me in my sleep.” He did that thing with his thumb again, a seductive slide against her skin. His touch rippled out to spark goose bumps along her arm and heat between her thighs.

“You don’t remember your dreams?” she asked, her voice trembling like her insides.

“I try not to.”

“What troubles you?”

“Everything.” He let out a low chuckle, like the rusty creak of a door hinge. Lowering his chin, he assessed her. “Especially you.”

“I never intended to.” She pulled her hand from the duke’s, ignoring the shiver that spiked up her spine from the friction of his skin sliding against hers. “I’ll leave you so that you can get back to sleep.”

“Mina, wait.” He reached out, caught the edge of her arm, and a few strands of unpinned hair tangled between his fingers. “There’s something I must say before you go.”

She moved closer. He was utter temptation, all blazing heat and forest scents, and she felt an odd comfort being near him. She knew she should be scandalized. To be alone with him, a duke of the realm. A gambling club owner. Especially while he wore nothing but trousers and a half-buttoned shirt.

Fueled by Pacific Northwest coffee and inspired by multiple viewings of every British costume drama she can get her hands on, USA Today bestselling author Christy Carlyle writes sensual historical romance set in the Victorian era. She loves heroes who struggle against all odds and heroines who are ahead of their time. A former teacher with a degree in history, she finds there's nothing better than being able to combine her love of the past with a die-hard belief in happy endings.

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**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book.**

This was a great weekend read!

When Nick is forced to take on the dukedom he never wanted, the last thing he expected to find was a woman in charge of the estate. Not just any woman--one that doesn't run away screaming from the sight of him. And she might be tempting enough to make him want to give up his gaming hell, the only thing of importance in his life, to spend his days in the country instead. She's ruining his plans, but he's finding it hard to care anymore.

Historical romances are sort of unique in that a lot of stories sound similar to one another if you read their blurbs. I mean, there are only so many ways that a duke can come into power. A popular plot theme is when the casted out second son suddenly receives a title on the death of his older brother. That's the way this story begins. And you may think you've read that plot somewhere before. Because you have. But that doesn't mean this isn't a worthwhile book.

For me, the key to a good story is not necessarily originality. I do tend to dislike seeing the exact same 'formula' used, mostly in contemporary romance. However, I've read a lot of books that follow the same story progression as all of the others and yet still touch me on an emotional level. Even if I've seen this plot theme before, I crave likable characters I can connect with and a way of storytelling that pulls me in. This story has both of those, in spades.

The couple were interesting, separately and together. Nick's history was tragic and I could understand why his temperament would be soured after that. And while he was a brute in many ways, I appreciate the fact that he didn't run over the heroine or mistreat her just to show how tough he was. His demons made me sympathize with him and not loathe him for being a grump. I think that's the best way to write a 'bad boy' character. No wonder he was irresistible to Mina. He was to me too.

As for the story, it flows really well and there wasn't a single boring moment, even when the couple were doing mundane things. I read the whole book in a single evening. It was easy to dive into the story and root for these two lonely people to come together. The ending was wrapped up nicely, yet I still could have read another five chapters of this couple doing practically anything.

In closing...

Another 5-star read from Ms. Carlyle!