#Review: DUKE MOST WICKED by Lenora Bell

 

 4 of 5 stars

Brandan Delamar, Duke of Westbury, is on the path to total destruction until he's told by his sister's prim and proper music teacher, Viola Beaton, that he's also ruining his sister's lives. Determined to try and mend his wicked and scandalous ways, West finds it's not so easy to turn things around. He's nearly bankrupt with all his drinking and gambling, and he needs to marry an heiress to refill the duke's coffers, except the more time he spends with Viola, he realizes that she is the only woman he wants to marry. Viola Beaton, the daughter of a disgraced composer, has had a tendre for the Duke of Westbury since she met him, but she's not duchess material. She's penniless and has no social connections that West needs. Falling in love with the duke is the last thing she should do, but it's hard to tell her stubborn heart what to do. Can she keep her distance while instructing his sisters in their music lessons or will she throw caution to the wind and succumb to his wicked ways?

This was an enjoyable story. I loved that Viola was an accomplished music composer in her own right even though no one knows that. Everyone believes it's her father's work, but West convinces her she should claim the winning composition as her own. Viola grew from a shy retiring wallflower to a brilliant and confident woman. I loved West's growth throughout the book from only caring about himself to realizing that he dearly loves his sisters and that his growing affection for Viola is something he can't deny any longer. Ms. Bell teases out the details of West's cruel childhood, and there's a much-needed redemption for him regarding his ducal properties. West's sisters are a delightful addition to the story. I look forward to reading the next story in the series.

I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.