In Bed with the Duke (Governess Brides Series #8)

In Bed with the Duke

This is my first Christina Dodd book and I really enjoyed it. Emma Chegwidden is the companion to a very demanding, very nasty woman who tosses her out when Emma hands her a damp handkerchief that contains a frog. As Emma makes her way down a darkend mountain road, she encounters the mysterious and dangerous Reaper, a man who rides the countryside by night, hiding his identity behind a mask. The hero in this story, Michael Durant is the long lost heir to the Duke of Nevitt and he comes across at first as a very frightened man. He is being held prisoner by the evil Prince Sandre of Moricadia because the Prince (whose family usurped the throne from the rightful Prince many years ago)thinks Michael knows who the Reaper truly is. The return of the Reaper is one of the signs that the true heir to the throne is alive and will return to reclaim his country. Emma falls in love with the Reaper even though she never sees his face. Michael falls in love with Emma, who even though she starts out as a timid, mouse of a companion turns into a woman of great courage. There is murder and mayhem in this story -- one frightened woman is warned to stay away from high places by a gypsy and eventually meets her end by being tossed off a cliff. The evil Prince gets his comeuppance in a most unusual way. This book made me laugh out loud many times and the romance was great.

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Christina Dodd returns to an historical genre with an adroit blending of funny and suspenseful with the serious theme of the overthrow of a gentle kingdom by a politically powerful and murderous family.

That our heroine EMMA CHEGWIDDEN was sent to the kingdom of Moricadia by the Royal Governesses Agency, the hero is MICHAEL DURANT and other familiar names triggered my memory to look back to 2005's My Fair Temptress where I found them, along with kernels of ideas that formed this book. Moricadia is now ruled by the evil de Guignards: Prince Sandre, brother Rickie and cousin Jean-Pierre. Michael who was believed dead in Temptress has been imprisoned by Sandre in a dungeon for 2 years under suspicion of aiding the rebels, and after having been almost-hanged there many times without revealing anything, he's now under house arrest at night and moves freely among the ton by day. Emma, she of a woefully poor sense of direction, is companion to Lady Lettice who treats her miserably. Michael meets Emily when he guides her return to the ballroom where everyone is betting she won't find her way back. The talk of the evening is all about THE REAPER, a ghostly figure on a white horse revered by the impoverished and superstitious Moricadians. Who is the Reaper? Emily is saved by him, later tends his wounds then rides as the Reaper, and falls in love. Prince Sandre is determined to avenge his brother's hanging death (the Reaper's doing) and marry Emma; Michael is equally determined to prevent this. His indispensable, very injured-by-torture valet RAUL LAWRENCE is perhaps the lost, true King Reynaldo.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

This is an action-packed Victorian Era romance that takes place on the continent

In 1849 in Moricadia Michael Durant seeks revenge so as the missing heir to the Duke of Nevitt, he chooses a different way than the aristocracy would expect to enact his goal of justice. He becomes the grim Reaper riding at night while going after those who caused injustice.

Lady's companion Emma Chegwidden is unfairly fired from her position. She is in deep trouble until the Reaper rescues her. However, though he knows he must walk away from her, Michael cannot as he wants her. However, Michael especially gets involved with Emma when the malevolent Prince Sandre chooses her as his regardless of how she might feel.

This is an action-packed Victorian Era romance that takes place on the continent. The story line is fast-paced throughout as the Reaper brings havoc to the Moricadian aristocracy. Christina Dodd is at her best with this return to the Governess bride saga (See My Fair Temptress, My Favorite Bride and Lost in Your Arms) as no reader will ever think of roast pig the same way.

Harriet Klausner

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

I love it-

To much-

Ok?

How many of these comments were written by PR persons?!?! Your average bookworm does NOT write like that.....

Eh....

Maybe 2 1/2 stars, if I were feeling more generous...

It was okay. Parts I really liked, but throughout a lot of it Emma acted like such a ninny I just wanted to smack her upside the head. The ending was amusing, but not terribly believable. Altogether it was okay, but so far I like Dodd's contemporary stories better than her historicals. This was my first, though, so I'll give another one or two a try before saying for sure.

A Thoroughly Entertaining Book

I really enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the characters as well as the story. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading every one of Christina Dodd's previous "Governess Brides" series books, and this one was just as entertaining as the others. It was full of great romance, some intrigue and a terrific punishment for the villian. Christina Dodd is a very accomplished author. Not only are her historical romance novels great, but her contemporary romance novels are just as entertaining. Even though I don't usually read paranormal romance books, her's are an exception. I am truly looking forward to reading future books by Christina.

In bed with the duke - Christina Dodd

Excellent book. I love Christina Dodd's books. She always has a great and plausible plot and her characters are believable. She has outdone herself with this book. Definitely recommend it.

Great read

Nice to have a fun read with out death.

Another good read from Christina

I don't read very much romance, but I love the humor that Dodd uses in every book, no matter which genre she's writing in. In Bed With the Duke was really hot, and I loved the heroine's pluckiness. Dodd is amazing at creating a world filled with characters you really relate to and cheer for.

Romantic Tale of Intrigue, Danger, Mayhem, Thrilling Adventure and Rousing Passion!

Her latest novel, IN BED WITH THE DUKE, marks the marvelously talented Christina Dodd's return to historical romance after a lengthy four year absence... But shout~hurrah!~because she's back with a vengeance. Ms. Dodd deftly delivers her starved historical romance fans a remarkable tale filled with intrigue, danger, mayhem, thrilling adventure and rousing passion; leaving those ardent readers of the genre clamoring for more.

Michael Durant, heir to the English Duke of Nevitt, has been missing for some time. He's being held captive as a political prisoner under suspicion of traitorous activity, in the country of Moricadia by its fanatical Prince. Michael worries his family may think he's dead, but dares not let them know he's a prisoner until he's finished what he's sworn to do.

Currently, he's under house arrest in the custody of the Prince's cousins, the kindly Lord and Lady Fanchere, and is quite comfortable. He's allowed to attend fine balls and social gatherings, and take tea with society ladies where he flirts outrageously, and with well-practiced insouciance, pretends to be a coward uninterested in taking part in any insurrections against the despised prince.

Miss Emma Chegwidden's a young woman with no family, who was sent by The Distinguished Academy of Governesses to work as lady's companion for the wealthy, though bad-tempered, Lady Lettice. Now, after a lifetime spent being a vicar's good, virtuous and accommodating daughter, and a meek and downtrodden paid companion, the normally reserved Emma is suddenly thrust into the middle of a grand, dangerous scheme to overthrow an oppressive dictator. She quickly realizes helping the Reaper is her chance for adventure, excitement and passion... and more importantly, her chance at a life of happiness and glorious love.

I waited a long time for this story and I thoroughly enjoyed reading Michael and Emma's utterly enthralling, exhilarating tale of swashbuckling escapades and thrilling romance. Their action-packed storyline deals with themes of treachery, deception, betrayal and murder associated with political intrigue, and there are some heartrending moments. There's an interesting cast of secondary characters too, and Prince Sandre and his cohort Jean-Pierre are the type of consummate, cold-hearted villains you will love to hate; and you'll cheer for their downfall.

I loved the main characters and felt they were very well developed; coming complete with a multitude of realistic strengths and flaws, plus some personal demons to overcome--which is just how I like them. I thought Michael was stalwart, intelligent, caring and courageous; everything a dashing hero needs to be. Plus he's quite masterful between the sheets to boot. Moreover, his avant-garde use of an `occasional table' would cause any decorator to blush... though I'd say he certainly has great style. ;)

One of the things I liked about Emma was her willingness to put aside her fears and step up to the plate when her help was needed. I find it acceptable to have women seem a little weak or frightened or dependent upon others at the beginning of a story, but I want them to grow some backbone as the story progresses, and Emma did just that.

In 2010 Ms. Dodd celebrates her 20th anniv. as a published romance author. As a long time reader, I'd like to raise a glass in her honor and make a hopeful toast~ To 20 more yrs of passionate, romantic tales of LOVE from the inimitable Christina Dodd! Cheers!

In Bed with the Duke is HOT!

Ok - I will admit that this was my very FIRST Historical Romance book that I have ever read. And to be honest - I wasn't sure what to expect! But I kept my mind open and began to read. WOW was the first thing that came to mind! I fell in love with all the vibrant characters of this book and I truly felt transported back into time! I didn't expect that at all. Christina Dodd has such a wonderful way of making you feel like you are part of the story and actually there with the characters.

I found Emma to be feisty and fabulous! This book is filled with intrigue, mystery, love and lust! It was a glorious ride and I would recommend this book to everyone.

Thank you Christina for giving me a chance to preview your book! You have no idea how much I appreciate it and have looked forward to it. It has been a WONDEROUS gift!

IN BED WITH THE DUKE back copy

In the sensuous and compelling world of Christina Dodd's brand-new historical (book 8 in the Governess Brides series), no one is exactly what he or she seems . . .
 
Demure lady's companion Emma Chegwidden never defies society's rules. Until the night she runs straight into the arms of the mysterious and menacing Reaper . . . a man who rides the night-shadowed countryside and conceals his identity behind a mask. His goal is justice . . . or is it vengeance? Only one thing is certain: nothing will stop him from his dark purpose.
 
Michael Durant, long-lost heir to the duke of Nevitt, has a score to settle. Cynical, dangerous and ruthless, Michael is the last man on earth that sensible Emma should defy. But some challenges are too tempting to resist . . . and some passions too fierce to ignore. Soon Michael discovers in Emma the woman he has always longed for . . . a woman whose beauty and courage reach through to his tortured soul . . . and he will defy anything, even fate itself, to claim her . . .

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