How to Seduce a Duke

Once I began reading this book I could NOT put it down. The premise of the book is very interesting and pulled me in right away. I loved the relationship between the sisters, very real. While reading this book I never got bored or restless. Everything written in this book was compelling and made me want to read on. I'm definitely going to read the next two books in the series!

This is the first in Kathryn Caskie's wonderful new series. If you loved her award-winning "Rules of Engagement" you'll love this one too! Why is the notorious Duke of Blackstone ruining Mary's well-laid plans to marry his brother, the handsome Viscount Wetherly? Every time she turns a corner, he is there-tantalizing her, teasing her . . . and the more she tries to ignore him, the more insistent he becomes. Mary knows she must make an advantageous marriage, but surely Blackstone is the wrong man for her. Isn't he? Blackstone is not about to let his brother become bewitched by some wily blueblood pretender . . . even one as deliciously tempting as Mary. But until she came along, no woman has ever resisted his smooth, well-practiced seductions. Could it be that he's actually fallen in love with this infuriating chit?

I admit it. I am an enthusiastic fan of Kathryn Caskie, and How to Seduce a Duke reinforces my admiration for her work. Kathryn has a unique gift for character that always entices me to follow wherever they lead, and that gift does not disappoint in the story of Mary and Rogan. It seems Mary and her two sisters are determined to find proper husbands befitting their royal, albeit secret, bloodline. Ms. Caskie has turned the first story into pure gold with Mary's indomitable, yet sensible, personality and the Duke's arrogant attempts to thwart her every effort to snare his brother into the marriage trap. However, both characters are far too intent on their opposing goals to realize that Fate has intervened. Kathryn really knows how to make me smile, and even laugh, as she puts Mary and Rogan through their paces. I also love Kathryn's reverence for historical accuracy, being a bit of a history buff myself, but she excels in her storytelling. I found the flaws and emotional stumbling blocks running through her main characters made them real and deepened my enjoyment of How to Seduce a Duke. They also kept me in sympathy with Mary and Rogan's struggle to heal the broken pieces of themselves and admit their love for one another. Yet, the magic within Ms. Caskie's writing lies in her ability to wrap the reality of their story into such a witty and entertaining package, while remaining true to their Regency environment. It's her gift and one of the many reasons I am one of her biggest fan.

Kathryn Caskie hits another home run with this first book in her new Royle sisters trilogy. Mary and Blackstone are both wonderful, intriguing characters whose story drew me right in. The banter between them is priceless. I can't wait for the next book. And I can't wait to find out if these ladies are really princesses!

After the death of their 'father', the Royle sisters travel from Cornwall to London to try and unravel the mystery of their births and find husbands. Mystery and intrigue surround the sisters as their father's friends help in their quest to prove the possibility of the their royal blue-blood lineage, as well as find only the best in the peerage for husbands. Mary, the eldest and most sensible, has set her cap on a Viscount, Lord Wetherly, but not if his brother the Duke can help it. Rogan, Duke of Blackstone (aka The Black Duke and known rake) can spot a guinnea-grabber anywhere and he's not letting his brother fall into Miss Mary Royle's trap, even if she is beautiful and infuriatingly tempting. So, he'll just have to woo her away from his brother. But Mary's onto the Duke's game and so begins a game a wits of who can outmaneuver whom. A really enjoyed this book simply because the plot was so unique. The bit about the girls beginning of royal blood is a bit far-fetched, but very interesting in plot nonetheless. The biggest surprise is the romance -a hate-turns-to-love type. There are so many twists and turns in this book. And the ending is fantastic too! I can't wait for the next book! Recommended.