The Devilish Duke by Maddison Michaels

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Lady Sophie Wolcott is known as an eccentric bluestocking in Victorian England. She has been in love with her best friend’s brother since childhood determined to spy on him, she climbs a tree only to witness him propose to another woman. Before she can escape to nurse her wounded heart a couple with amorous intentions arrive. Sophie falls from the tree to land at the feet of the Devil Duke himself.

A year passes and the Devil Duke, Devlin Markham, returns to London. Queen Victoria refuses to agree to his business plan unless he marries an acceptable woman. The only woman he can see himself with is the spunky woman who fell out of a tree. Determined to marry her, he will do whatever it takes.

Lady Sophie is passionate about the orphanage her mother supported. When the orphanage is threatened she agrees to a marriage of convenience with the Devil Duke. Unbeknownst to them both, danger is lurking with a murderer intent on Lady Sophie.

I really enjoyed this book. The relationships are well-drawn, and the dialogue is witty. I particularly enjoyed the verbal sparring between Sophie and Devlin. The mystery kept me guessing and I was surprised to learn who the murder it was. The story is well crafted and intriguing with heated romantic interludes.