Caffeinated Reviewer

The Duke Gets Desperate by Diana Quincy is the first novel in the Sirens In Silk series. Anthony Cary, Duke of Strickland, believes the castle and lands will be restored to him only to discover Raya Darwish has inherited the castle. The tale that unfolds brings a “enemies to lovers” romance with a dash of suspense all set in the English countryside.

Diana Quincy returns with a steamy affair between an Arab-American woman who inherits a run-down castle in the English countryside and the duke who asserts the castle is his, in the first book in a brand-new Victorian historical romance series.

Anthony Cary, Duke of Strickland, inherits his spendthrift father's title and can finally restore the family castle to its former glory. But at the reading of the will, Strick is stunned to learn that his father has secretly disentailed him, leaving the family manor--home to twelve generations of dukes--to Strick's American stepmother. Everyone knows Strick detests the dowager duchess, and when she dies mysteriously, damning rumors start to surface.

When Raya Darwish unexpectedly inherits her glamorous late cousin's castle in the English countryside, she clashes with the charismatic young duke who insists the castle is rightfully his. The estate is practically bankrupt, so she must find a way to work with the duke in order to save both of their futures.

The two cannot stand each other, but mutual disdain soon gives way to desire. When questions arise about how her cousin died, Raya cannot help wondering if Strick's sudden unbridled passion for her is part of a scheme to get his castle back...

I devoured The Duke Gets Desperate in just a few sittings. Quincy has a knack for pulling the reader in with rich characters and settings. I’ve enjoyed previous novels by Diana Quincy and was delighted to slip into this romance.

Raya, an America merchant and her grandmother, arrive to see her Aunt, but instead find out she died mysteriously. Raya inherits the castle that belonged to the Duchess. Strickland the Duke is none too pleased. The castle and surrounding properties have been in the family for twelve generations and are in dire financial straits.

What unfolded was a delicious “enemies to lovers” romance with a suspenseful undertone. Raya has a good head for business and immediately sets out to bring in funds. Of course, all of her ideas go against the “English ways”, and it was interesting seeing these two butt heads. Despite his anger and her frustration, the two have a sizzling chemistry and acts of kindness and joint passions bring the two together.

We have a suspenseful thread woven into the tale as the Duchess died fell from a ruin and town gossip suspects the Duke. It was well done. I loved the twists, Quincy added from the castle to staff. Our hero & heroine felt genuine, and I quickly rooted for them.

The tale wrapped up splendidly and I look forward to the next story set to release in 2024. The Duke Gets Desperate is perfect for fans of Tessa Dare.

Amazon | Audible

About Diana Quincy

Diana Quincy is an award-winning former television journalist who decided she'd rather make up stories where a happy ending is always guaranteed. Fans of Madeline Hunter, Lisa Kleypas and Sabrina Jeffries will love Diana's Regency world of dashing dukes, irresistible rogues and the headstrong, determined women who capture their hearts. New York Times bestselling author Grace Burrowes says SEDUCING CHARLOTTE is "Sweet, steamy, and thoroughly enjoyable...Equal parts action, passion and fun." Growing up as a foreign service brat, Diana lived in many countries and is now settled in Virginia with her husband and two sons. When not bent over her laptop or trying to keep up with laundry, she enjoys reading, spending time with her family and dreams of traveling much more than her current schedule (and budget) allows.

Website | Twitter | Facebook

About Kimberly

Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Related Posts

• By Diana Quincy
• Same Genre