My Dirty Duke: A Victorian Novella

While the story was fine and the writing good, I have to say I was more than a bit creeped out by the fact that the duke with "silver in his hair" would have sex with 1. An eighteen year old 2. Daughter of his "alleged best friend" and 3. Not have the restraint to keep his hands off her. I get his personal history played a part in his reaction but someone needed to be the adult on the room and it should have been the 40+ year old Duke. While choices for women were limited and many young women were married off to doddering old coots this book wasn't written then it was written in the 21st century in the era of (one could only hope) a more enlightened view of the disparity of power here. I get that I sound soapbox-y but an eighteen years old's romantic fantasy is not a solid foundation for a long term relationship. This one was a no go for me despite loving this author. Go for some of her other work. The one about the female architect is excellent.

I have read all of Joanna Shupe’s book and simply adore the way she writes. Her women are all independent thinkers who feel they should have the same opportunities as men whether in business or romance. And the characters of young Lady Violet who grew up with the Duke of Ravensthorpe (Max) in attendance at many family dinners fit the style of the author’s characters perfectly. Without the details that can bog down any good story, My Dirty Duke goes right to the heart of the matter.Violet, some twenty years younger than Max (her father’s friend), has been in love with him since she was a child. Other suitors, and there are many because she is richly endowered, are pale when placed beside the flame that is Max. And when Violet sets her eyes on something she works hard to get it.Seizing an opportunity, Violet begins her seduction of the duke, teasing him as much as he teases her. But Max is aware of what is at stake – Violet’s reputation. He is also aware that he will never marry again, blaming himself for the death of his first wife during childbirth. Besides, his son and heir is almost as old as Violet. But thoughts of the sexy beauty fill his head and he simply must see her again, and again. Of course there’s a happily ever after even though some obstacles must be overcome.As for the ‘dirty’ part, I don’t consider this one in that category at all. Steam, yes. Sexy, yes. And for the characters who live in 1895, perhaps dirty. But what goes on in this book is what happens between many ‘hot’ couples.If you’re looking for a short escape from the hum-drum of life, this novella of around 100 pages, is just right for you. And it’s written by Joanna Shupe so you know it’s got to be good.

ADULT Historical Victorian Erotica🐺🍆⛲ and Romance 💕. Older man, young woman situation.London 1895Alpha male, Max🐺🍆⛲ , the Duke of Ravensthorpe, is a 41 year old widower who is deep in debauchery since his wife's death years ago. He finds solace and satisfaction in the arms of widows and other men's wives.One of his good friends, an earl , who is also a philander, has an 18 year old daughter, Violet💃💋, Max🐺🍆⛲ has always had his eye on but cannot bring himself to pursue. But Violet 💃💋has had her eye on him, too, she wants no other.Secret meetings between the two keep Max sleepless at night 🌙. Violet💃💋, a budding photographer 📷, wants to enshrine Max🐺🍆⛲ on Kodak celluloid film with the new craze in 📷 photography at the end of the 19th century.Even though the book Is a novella, the characters are fully developed and the dialogue between them is realistic, natural, and wonderfully written. Great Book! I Recommend to all lovers of ADULT historical romance.

What's interesting about this story is how determined Violet is. Even though she's young, she's known her heart and mind are wrapped around Max, a friend of her father, and they've been that way since she was young. So this is really a story of her overcoming Max's reservations, not only about her age but about his views on marriage after his disastrous experience in his youth.This book is hyperfocused on these two characters, which is understandable due to the novella format. I would have liked a bit more about how someone like Max's son would react to his father and Violet's relationship, but it is hard to do too much in a story of this length.My Dirty Duke lives up to its name with tons of sensuality packed into a small space. I particularly liked how Violet's passion for photography was made an elemental aspect of this story.If you don't know Shupe's writing, this is a great way to get to know her. It's a fine example of what she can do, this time in short form.

He finally raised his head—only to pin her with a dark stare. “You may come out now, little mouse.”I STILL have a major book hangover from this novella. I've read it twice now, and I AM STILL NOT OVER IT.Violet: A vivacious, 18-year-old heroine who's independent, strong, knows her own mind. Max: The tall, dark, and brooding, Duke of Ravensthorpe. A jaded emotionally guarded 41-year-old silver fox rake who's got a notorious reputation for sin. Violet knows what she wants she wants Max, a man that's known Violet her entire life, is 20+ her senior, and her father's best friend.What do you get with My Dirty Duke? An exciting recipe for a Victorian historical romance novella that's addictive, completely original, and HOT, HOT, HOT! With this novella, I have discovered now some of my favorite HR tropes: significant age gap romance/forbidden love/slightly taboo.Joanna Shupe, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO ME?!

Age doesn't matter when a young lady pursues the man she's always wanted and loved. The Duke is old enough to be her father, but Violet doesn't care. How can he resist the woman he's been looking for and can't stop thinking of? Will Violet break down his defenses?A recommend read definitely rated5 *STARS*Provocative explicit sex. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

LOL. My 2nd book of Joanna Shupe and I love her writing. Her books are not for the faint of heart though. In spite of the large age gap of Max and Violet the story played out well.

I’ve read this book last year when was firstly published in the anthology and loved it. Today I’ve reread it because I needed to remind myself why the Duke was so “dirty”. I rarely read age gap romance but this one was just perfectly done. It had me laughing out loud and also wanting to smack or kiss the duke for his second thoughts about Violet.A must read steamy historical romance that I highly recommend.

Beautifully written, first book I’ve read of Joanna and I love her style, defo will keep reading 🤩 thank you ♥️