A Duke in Shining Armor – Loretta Chase Free Audiobook

Written by Loretta Chase
Read by Kate Reading
Format: MP3
Bitrate: 64 Kbps
Unabridged

Difficult (Disreputable) Dukes, book 1
Publisher: HarperAudio
Release date: November 28, 2017
Duration: 11:12:57

Not all dukes are created equal. Most are upstanding members of Society. And then there’s the trio known as Their Dis-Graces.

After bookish spinster Lady Olympia Hightower saves the Duke of Ashmont’s life, he winds up offering for her, a windfall for her impoverished but aristocratic family. The ton is flabbergasted. Her family’s ecstatic.

However, on the day of the wedding she overimbibes on brandy and gets cold feet. “I thought I was ready to make the sacrifice–though I know most people would say it’s preposterous to refer to becoming a duchess as a sacrifice,” she says.

And Olympia? She’s climbing out of a window, bent on a getaway.

Olympia’s flight sends best man the Duke of Ripley in pursuit, since Ashmont is too drunk to chase his bolting bride. At first Ripley simply wants to get her back without ruining her reputation, but things get confusing when he winds up aiding and abetting her escape, without understanding why. Then, after she’s stood up to bullies, re-energized his grieving aunt, and shared a few breathtaking kisses with him, they realize they belong together. Unfortunately, since society frowns on bride-stealing, Ripley has to figure out how to marry the girl, assuage the ton, and save his cherished friendship. So why does Olympia have to make it so deliciously difficult for him?

Author Chase is a grande dame of historical romance, and her latest displays the clever plotting and brilliant dialogue for which she’s known but is marred slightly by the main characters’ lurching indecision. Launching a new series revolving around three notorious libertines known as “Their Dis-Graces” is a perfect playground for this stellar writer whose spirited heroines tame rakes as well as anyone in the business. Chase brings a fun blend of quirkiness and wit to a sexy love story that’s both charmingly romantic and laugh-out-loud funny. VERDICT Another riveting read from the unparalleled Chase

Narrator Kate Reading’s command of this sexy story instantly grips the listener. Her precision and tempo during the repartee between the characters make the listener eager for the next sentence. Ripley’s fight to keep the runaway bride, Olympia, at arm’s length and her shock at his interest are enchanting. Reading provides a thrilling enactment of the climactic altercation between Ripley and Ashmont. Here’s hoping she narrates the next book in the series. S.H. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award � AudioFile 2017