What the Duke Desires

Simon was a dutiful son; and, as heir to the late Roger Crathorne, the revered Duke of Billingham, Simon reluctantly accepted his ducal obligations and allowed his mother to arrange a country house party for the sole purpose of finding him a wife. As Simon stood outside his estate and personally greeted each marriage-minded miss, he was beginning to despair that the party would be all for naught for he hadn't felt a special connection to any of them. That is, however, until Lillian Mayhew stepped from her friend's carriage. Simon immediately felt a jolt of electricity when their gloved fingers touched; which, of course, ricocheted down to his groin. LOL At that point, the other duchess wannabes should have climbed back in their carriages and headed for home...Simon Crathorne, the new Duke of Billingham, had found what he was looking for. Little did he know, however, that he was interested in the one woman that was all wrong for him. Lillian was indeed in attendance with a single-minded purpose, but it wasn't to woo Simon...it was to destroy him.<br><br>What seemed like a simple, light-hearted story at first was not the way of it at all. I was expecting a story line much like Julie Anne Long's <i>Like No Other Lover</i> - an amusing country house party with a "forbidden love" premise - the hero &amp; heroine overcoming their difference in station and ultimately reaching their HEA. While this book did have the same premise, surprisingly, it wasn't the central focus of the story.<br><br>The first third of the book established the relationship between Simon and Lillian. Although we learn a little about Simon, it is basically told through Lillian's POV. We know exactly why she is in attendance and what she is determined to do...no matter what she is feeling for the Duke. They do have good chemistry and are both likable characters; and, when Lillian gives up her virginity rather easily, it's believable. After all, she <i>is</i> 27 years old and all but firmly on the shelf. She isn't ruining herself for a future prospective husband...Simon is attractive as hell and he desires her above the rest, so why not?<br><br>The second third of the book is where the reader is thrown a curveball. I've read a million books with tortured heroes, but the events that lead to their despair have happened in their past and they come to the table as such. However, in WTDD, we watch an affable, good-natured Simon - due to circumstances beyond his control - transform into the most agonized, tortured hero ever! My heart went out to this poor guy! As the black void of despair is about to swallow him whole, Lillian - at one time so hell-bent on his destruction - becomes Simon's champion.<br><br>The final third of the book is all about redemption - for both Simon and Lillian. Lies and deceit are unmasked and laid bare...revealing truths that just might be too much for Simon and Lillian to overcome in their quest for a HEA.<br><br>I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I've read two others by Jenna (as Jenna) and it's obvious that with each book she is expanding on her capabilities and truly coming into her own as an excellent historical romance author (not to mention her alter ego who is kicking up all sorts of dust in her own right)! If you're in the mood for a truly satisfying novel, complete with good characters, a great story and even greater sex (:D), What the Duke Desires would be a good choice.<br><br><span>[image error]</span> Simon<br><br><br><br>

Simon Crathorne, the new Duke of Billingham, must now turn his attention to the duty of finding a suitable wife and continuing his illustrious family name. However, the only woman who stirs even a shred of interest at his country house party is perhaps the most inappropriate of all.<br /><br />Lillian Mayhew hopes to ruin Simon’s family by revealing secrets about Simon’s father that will ruin the family’s prestigious reputation and salvage some of her own family’s tarnished honor. But when she meets and comes to know Simon, Lillian begins to question her motives. Soon the man she once wanted to ruin is the object of her desires. The two fall into a passion-filled affair, but with so many secrets around them, Simon may yet find himself betrayed and ruined.<br /><br />I don’t typically care for the revenge trope, but this was a fairly different spin on it that I haven’t read before. Lillian started off being very unlikable for me, radiating poisonous rage all the time, but she displayed a lot of character development as she came to know Simon and adjust her thinking. Once she realized that Simon had also been deceived by his father, and she was able to see him for the good man he was, it was nice to see his genuine sweetness and kindness change her heart and weed out the hate that had consumed her. I was never really sure why exactly Simon found Lillian to be so remarkable, especially the meaner she was to him the more he seemed to like her (I never like that trope), so I was glad to see him being a good influence on her. It was actually quite lovely to see this development come full circle in that Lillian was also able to be there for Simon when he needed someone to support and love him. I’ve been working on some older backlist books that I have in my physical collection, though I listened to this one on audio, and I liked that it is a bit of an older publication and that it feels grittier than some of the more modern historical romances. I’m intrigued by the set up here and I think I’ll continue this series, especially since I think I may have some of the other books in my collection as well. <br /><br />Blog link: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspot.com/2022/07/what-duke-desires-by-jenna-petersen.html">https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...</a>

I really like Jenna Petersen's style of writing and I think this is her best book yet. Great characters, complex emotional development and a few surprises along the way together with a romantic and sexy love story. I read romance to make me happy and Petersen always rings my bell without ever being sappy or shallow. This is the best romance I've read this year. I can't wait for the next book in this trilogy.

Now, this is more like it. This is my second book by this author and i like this a lot better than the first one i read entitled "Everything Forbidden." Maybe because that book had more erotic scenes in it than this one. I actually like this book better because i found it sweet and innocent with just a hint of revenge on the sides. :)<br /><br />I adored the hero <b>Simon Crathorne</b> particularly because he was very honest about his feelings for Lillian. When he realized his unexplainable attraction to her, he tried to pursue her to see if there's something "more" than mere attraction between them and if something lasting can bloom from it. Unlike other men who hold powerful titles especially that of a duke, Simon didn't deny his feelings towards Lillian despite her obvious unsuitability as his bride. He didn't really give a fig about her past or of the scandal surrounding her family. He pursued her only for who she was and of the feelings that was purely between the two of them, not of the external conceptions and disapprovals surrounding their growing relationship. I also admired his desire to make things right and of how he was strong enough to endure the blows he received when he found out the truth about his esteemed father. Of course, he couldn't have done it without the comfort and support of our dear Lillian.<br /><br />What i like about <b>Lillian Mayhew</b> is her strength and bravery. Enduring a past like hers must have been really devastating. But instead of being overcome with sadness and defeat, she used her past circumstances to strengthen and motivate herself in pursuing her goal. Sure, i was mildly annoyed at her need of revenge directed at innocent Simon but i deeply understood her reasons for doing so. She was only trying to honor her father's dying wish and i admire her for that. I guess, I would have done the same if i were in her shoes. But i'm really glad that she was able to come to terms with her hatred and revenge at the end. It was because of Simon's sweetness and honesty that melted her revenge driven heart. I also admire how she was very sensitive to Simon's feelings and how she exhibited such strong support for him when he finally uncovered his past. She didn't shun him because of it but all the more came to care for him. And i do love her for that. I'm glad she is who she is because Simon would't have made it without her strength of heart and support. So despite her unsuitable background, i am compelled to say that she is indeed perfect for Simon.<br /><br />In sum, this is another good read. It makes one feel better after reading it. My favorite part of the book was when Lillian was finally learning to let go of her hatred and need of revenge and was deeply coming to love and care for Simon. That was so moving. Yes, its one of the typical stories out there but i enjoyed it nevertheless. Also this book reminded me of another book entitled Lady Sophia's Lover by Lisa Kleypas, they have similar points but i still love that book better than this one though. Still i enjoyed this one well enough and found it worthy of another read through. Will definitely read it some time in the future. Thanks to the author for delivering us this book. :)

I wasn't too sure about this book when I started it. Lillian Mayhew is visiting the new Duke of Billingham, Simon Crathorne, with her friend Lady Gabriela. Lillian is there with the sole purpose of extracting revenge against Simon but her hatred is really directed to his late father. The previous duke had done a horrible act against Lillians mother which caused her to commit suicide. As she heard her dying fathers wish to seek revenge, though this was said to her brother, not her, Lillian sets out to diminish the late dukes perfect, honored reputation any way she can. But as she arrives and is greeted by the most handsome man, she is thrown for a loop when he introduces himself as Simon.<br /><br />As the sparks fly between Simon and Lillian, and everyone from Simons mother to best friend, Rhys, tell him that this is a match that can never happen (the scandal of the suicide, she has no money!), Lillian keeps feeling drawn to him and him to her. The real turning point, for me, to make this book a good read was when Simons discovers the secrets of his late father. They are some major secrets that have been hidden his entire life. They transform this dashing man into a devastated, humble man and made me really love him. Throughout all this, Lillian is by his side but still never revealing her secret. When she finally, finally, reveals her true reason for being there, Simon is heartbroken but chooses to stay with her. Lillian flees back home for a bit until we get the happily ever after.<br /><br />Even though the first half or so was just ok, the second half was excellent. It has heartbreak, sorrow, love, joy. It will make you tear up, smile, and want to smack Lillian. The epilogue leads right up to the next story, The Unclaimed Duchess (Billingham Bastards, #2) and I have started it already as I was so intrigued to continue with this story and see all the fall outs waiting to happen. I hope there is more to come in this series. 4 stars

What The Duke Desires was a toss up between 4 and 5 stars. The reason I went with 4 stars was because I probably would never read it again even though I loved it.<br />The story was really good, I liked the characters and almost to the middle of the book the heat started and stay hot for the rest of the book. All and all a very good read.

DNF<br /><br />One of the dumbest, most historically inaccurate novels I’ve ever come across.<br /><br />The plot is nothing new. Character wants revenge against the other’s family for wronging their family. But this, this was something that should never be done. The heroine wants to ruin the hero’s deceased father’s name because he raped her mom, causing her mom to commit suicide, which was a shameful sin back then. The hero’s dad raped her mom…Is that really the kind of connection you want the characters to have? <br /><br />Her friend Gabby was invited to his summer party, and invited the heroine, which I thought was for a night. You know, like most parties are…Except this one went on indefinitely. How long were all these guests staying at his home, all summer?? That’s accurate…<br /><br />As soon as they got to his home, the historical inaccuracy began. They get out of the carriage and Simon, a duke, is there to greet them. At their carriage. A duke. Coming outside to greet his guests. At their carriage. A duke. I could keep going on like this.<br /><br />Gabby’ Saint introduces Lillian as Miss Lillian Mayhew. She would be Miss Mayhew. And he introduces himself as Simon Crathorne. He gives his first name. I was shaking my head. They did not use their Christian names like this.<br /><br />Lillian was planning to search the house for evidence of his father’s sin. Like he would leave a piece of paper lying around that said “I raped Mrs. Mayhew on this date.” What did she expect to find? And the utter absurdity of this woman roaming around a house full of guests and servants and the family trying to find proof of his crime…wtf.<br /><br />The worst by far was when Lillian claimed she had a headache to get out of going outside with the group. She planned to stay inside and snoop. As she opened her door, Simon was on the other side about to knock to inquire about her health. He didn’t feel right going out when one of his guests was ill. A duke is going to stay inside and leave all of his other guests because one person he just met has a headache. That would so happen! And dukes definitely went to the rooms of lone women to check in on them themselves! A servant would never have done that. That’s not what servants were for. That’s so accurate! Wow, it’s just bringing the 1800s to life! <br /><br />Lillian did have a strong line, asking if he was going to sit downstairs while she stayed there and rested, and said she was sure that would make the pain go away. That was funny. But not enough to keep reading this stupid book.

Not my favorite Jenna Petersen book (and I've liked some of her others quite a lot). I think it has to do with the subject matter, it is quite heavy so as a read it's emotionally draining instead of being refreshing. (And as I read for the emotional satisfaction…)

Just discovered this author and really like her style. Am going to find her other books and read them!

fabulous historical romance!