Review: Two Dukes are Better Than One Lorna James

Print Length: 143 pages

Publisher: Riverdale Avenue Books (October 27, 2017)

From Goodreads.com: On the surface, Cromwell Stone and Huxley Brigmore loathed each other. From their school days at Eaton to their ascension as peers of the realm, the two dukes could be counted on to be on opposite sides of an argument. However, only a trusted few knew that the passion they shared was deeper and more forbidden than whose horse would win at Newmarket. Not only did they go through women like they changed their cravats, they did it together. 

Lady Sophia Hodges’ obsession with tarot cards and the spirit world would have labeled her as odd, if not for the fact the Queen shares her interest. While searching for a connection with her dead mother, she narrowly avoids a scandal with Cromwell Stone. She blames that erotic manuscript she's been reading in secret for giving her such unnatural curiosities. When Sophia is powerless to stop her father from gambling away their livelihood, and even less able to stop him from arranging a marriage to Stone, she consults her tea leaves and sees a future rife with passion and other confusing portents. 

Little did her father know, she secretly loved another duke. Huxley Brigmore never even looked her way, but she had fallen for him ever since he chased off a gang of ruffians who had been about to accost her. Now, she was going to marry his arch enemy, Stone, and be hated by default.

Only it doesn't work out quite that way as it seems both men are intent on pursuing her and fulfilling every naughty fantasy a well-bred virgin shouldn't even be having. When the tarot leads the three of them to try to solve a mystery surrounding Huxley's family, they face peril and forbidden passion in an attempt to find the perfect future.

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My Rating: 3 stars out of 5

This was a decent book to pass the time with. The story is smooth flowing, there are moments of witty dialogue and I enjoyed the way both Dukes encouraged Sophia to explore her sexuality with them separately before engaging her together. 

I will say there was an element of the paranormal woven throughout this story as well that may turn off readers who aren't into that sort of thing, but on the whole I felt it added to the story rather than distract from it. I also enjoyed the way nothing was "wasted" in this story - meaning every character mentioned was mentioned for a reason. 

My one complaint is that I wish it had been longer, and had addressed one glaring question - what does the future hold for these relationships? Obviously her husband is going to want an heir and a spare to secure the line, so where does that leave the other partner? Does he find someone else to share? Does their relationship continue after she conceives? Does she ever conceive or is she unable to? These were the questions I most wanted answers to (but that's just me). 

On the whole I do believe this story may appeal to those who enjoy the more erotic historical novels. 

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

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                 Two Dukes are Better Than One is available from Amazon.com