Dukes & Diamonds (Lords and Ladies of St James) Paperback – 18 Dec. 2023

Doubling Down on a Duke by Rachel Ann SmithLady Helen Reynolds and Bryce, Duke of Whistlestop had been betrothed at an early age. They are also part of a group of people who protect the Royal Family. I had read a few books in this series so I was familiar with this group and how they worked. Although, Helen and Bryce had been childhood friends for some reason they had stopped speaking to each other. Helen wanted to marry for love , Bryce for duty. However, if only they would talk to each other, they may have a better understanding of how the other feels. There is a problem concerning the Crown to solve and some passion.Dukes, Diamonds and Other Desires by Charlie LaneArcher, Duke of Crestmore and Posy Frampton have known each other for some time. Posy is the daughter of a jeweller but unbeknown to most people she is a skilled jeweller herself. There are also secrets thatPosy has concerning her family that she knows will affect how Archer feels about her. I did enjoy this story, although I wasn’t keen on the way that Posy ran away when things got awkward.The Heiress and the Duke by Rebecca PaulThis concern two people from different places in society. Nellie James runs a gang called the Crimson Roses and Oliver Sinclair has recently become the Duke of Acklery. Oliver had been part of the police investigation service but his accident and inheritance put a stop to his work. Nellie and Oliver need to work together to find the culprit. This was an entertaining read with a surprising ending.Dukes and Diamonds by Lauren SmithThis was the longest story and my favourite. Tabitha had experienced hardship in her life but was determined to help others less well off than herself. Fitzwilliam, Duke of Helston, was immediately attracted to Tabitha, she felt the connection as well. Fitz is thought by some to be arrogant but he too, has a background that has affected him. I enjoyed the way Tabitha was able to make him rethink his actions and to look at things in a different way. There is passion and also heartache. There are some interesting secondary characters in their friends and it seems like they will get their own stories.These are a mix of 4/5 star but all enjoyable reads. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Doubling Down on a Duke by Rachel Ann - A twenty year old betrothal, kidnapping, marriage and a retrieval mission. Shame this was only a novella, felt it needed to be longer to develop the characters, but I did enjoy it.Dukes, Diamonds and Other Desires by Charlie Lane - Posey has always known that her love for a certain Duke could never go anywhere, after all she is a jeweller’s daughter. However finding out what her sister has done means she now risks losing Archer’s friendship too. Will the Duke have something to say when she pulls away from him?The Heiress and the Duke by Rebecca Paula - A new Duke, formerly working for Special Branch, is asked to investigate a con woman but unfortunately he falls for her. A Cockney orphan, who has been masquerading in the ton as an American heiress and a Duke can never be together, or can they? Did find this story a bit confusing, and not sure how Nellie made enough money from her cons to pay £15,000 for a painting (not sure what year this is set in but would be more than £1.2M), own at least one building, have a private fortune and help out the poor, all by the age of 24 and with the money also being shared between the other members, one assumes, of her gang.Dukes and Diamonds by Lauren Smith - Two society ladies recruit pickpocket Tabitha to help them steal jewels, the proceeds of which are given to worthy charities. What will happen when a cold-hearted Duke is the mark but Tabitha falls for him? This was the longest and my favourite in the anthology, despite it being far fetched.I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this story from one of the authors. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

1. DOUBLING DOWN ON A DUKE - by Rachel Ann Smith - 3 STARSI found the story confusing at times. I would go back a few pages to see if I missed something. Especially how they jumped from 3 women being thieves, to they were trying to do something honorable. This is the shortest of the bundle and it needed to be longer.Only kisses, little on romance, HEA, no cheating2. DUKES, DIAMONDS AND OTHER DESIRES - by Charlie Lane - 4 STARSOur H/h have loved each other for awhile, but neither is aware of it. This is about two people belonging to two different worlds. He is a Duke and she is the daughter of a jeweler. Their mothers have been friends for years.Two likable characters who find out their true feelings. No villains, some suspense concerning the h's sister and a mail coach driver.Lovemaking outside of marriage - heat level 4 out of 5.No cheating, HEA, romantic, sweet epilogue 3 years in the future and steam.3. THE HEIRESS AND THE DUKE - by Rebecca Paula -4 STARSNot a virginal h for sure. I did like both MC, and their journey to HEA wasn’t far from smooth.The H came from working class people and he hasn’t been happy he is the Duke now. He was injured and received severe scars in working for the home office. The h has grown up on the streets and is in charge of women thieves. Think of a female Robin Hood,Story does have suspense, surprised ending, crude words used and the Lord’s name several times. Lovemaking out of marriage-heat level 4 out of 5 and described many times.At the end something happens to the H and he grabbed her hand -how was he able to do that since use was unconscious? Epilogues 3 months in the future but nothing was mentioned how they were going to be able to live? What was the outcome for her friends who were thieves with her?No cheating, HEA, some romance and plenty of steam.4. DUKES AND DIAMONDS - by Lauren Smith -5 STARSThis is the longest story in this bundle, and it shows. The characters are written with depth and you truly got to know them.Great main and secondary characters. Romance builds slowly, lovemaking outside of marriage heat level 4+ out of five. Some suggestive talk once. Lords name used in vain several times.Story was suspenseful, great dialogue, some twists and a unique storyline I enjoyed a lot. No cheating and nice set up for the next book in this series by his author, which I will check out. We have a bumpy road to HEA, and steam. Loved the epilogue one year in the future. (ljb)Sent from my iPad

Easy read for 2 of the tales, hard to sync my head with the others. Had to try multiple times to finish.

Four fantastic stories in one collection! I really liked how they all kinda tied together.Doubling Down on a Duke -Bryce & Lady Helen were promised to each other as children. He was all in for her and she was less than pleased. I loved their journey of where they started to where they end up.Dukes, Diamonds & Other Desires -Posey and Archer were so sweet! I loved that he supported Posey no matter what.The Heiress and the Duke -Nellie and Oliver were so fun! My favorite scene in the story without spoiling much is the bathroom scene. That was great!Dukes And Diamonds -This was my top favorite of the four books. Tabitha and Fitz were perfect. Also, I really wanna know what will happen with Hannah and Evan.