Publishers Weekly
07/30/2018
A kiss lands lovers-turned-rivals on the same quest to recover a stolen artifact in this flirty, fast-paced historical romantic thriller, the second in Bell’s School for Dukes Regency series (after What a Difference a Duke Makes). Leaving Lady India Rochester was heartbreaking for Daniel, Duke of Ravenwood, but duty to the Crown called. Unbeknownst to her, he became a spy to clear his deceased father’s name. Indy despises the man Daniel seems to have become, but when a piece of the Rosetta Stone is stolen, she sets her animosity aside to assist in recovering the artifact, which is imperative to her next quest. The two spend as much time bickering and “hate-kissing” as they do searching for clues, but their undeniable attraction and emotional connection is too much to ignore. There are plenty of suspects and action-packed moments, but some of the thrills fall short for such a large adventure. Readers will applaud the intelligence and bravery of the duo and anticipate their union. Their verbal sparring is excellent, but the lovemaking often starts abruptly with little transition, and the book’s conclusion doesn’t live up to the intriguing premise. Agent: Alexandra Machinist, ICM. (Sept.)
From the Publisher
RITA-nominated Bell proves she is in fine literary fettle with the latest marvelously creative addition to her School of Dukes series...by serving up another small-scale romantic masterpiece, whose beguiling combination of winsome writing, wicked wit, and steamy sensuality is simply too good to miss.” — Booklist (starred review)
“Bell is loved by her fans for bringing suspense and explicit passion to the pages of her historical romances, and the latest entry in her School for Dukes series fits the bill.” — Kirkus Reviews
“In the first entry in her new School for Dukes series, Bell (Blame It on the Duke, 2017, etc.) reimagines the story of Mary Poppins for the Regency era, with delightful results that go beyond the typical fairy tale [...] A supercalifragilisticexpialidocious start to a new Regency series.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Bell (the Disgraceful Dukes series) makes this her own story, piling on plenty of witty dialogue, unconventional characters, and hints of mystery to leave readers both satisfied and eager for the next in the series.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Booklist (starred review)
RITA-nominated Bell proves she is in fine literary fettle with the latest marvelously creative addition to her School of Dukes series...by serving up another small-scale romantic masterpiece, whose beguiling combination of winsome writing, wicked wit, and steamy sensuality is simply too good to miss.
Kirkus Reviews
2018-09-02
While looking for a priceless antique, they found each other.
As children, Daniel and India were not only bosom friends who shared an obsession with archaeology, but also engaged to be wed someday, until India's cruel father tore them apart. Now, as adults, Daniel has become the Duke of Ravenwood, known as Raven, and India's sworn enemy. Whereas she has continued her studies into antiquity purely for scholarship, she thinks he's become "a rogue known for hunting beautiful women in England, and treasures abroad, amassing both amours and antiquities as nothing more than trophies." In truth, however, Raven is a spy for the British empire who uses his rakish ways as a cover. Despite their mutual distaste, when the Rosetta Stone goes missing just before it's set to go on display at the British Museum, neither can resist the intrigue of trying to retrieve it even though that will mean working together. It isn't long before their long-dormant affections rebuild, but years of distrust—and a very real threat to their lives—may keep them apart after the thrill of the chase is gone. Bell is loved by her fans for bringing suspense and explicit passion to the pages of her historical romances, and the latest entry in her School for Dukes series fits the bill. Details of the archaeological world circa 1830 add grace notes to this well-plotted, charming story, and readers who love a heroine with academic aspirations will identify with India. There's more uncertainty in the recovery of the Stone than in the relationship between India and Raven, but readers will likely be too enthralled by their numerous spicy scenes to notice or care.
An archaeological romance that's more steamy than dusty.
