⭐⭐⭐⭐ Was I hooked by that book? Yes, some parts more than others. A loose retelling of Little Red Riding Hood brings together the darling of the ton and a self-made man.

Susannah Fletcher has everything a young lady could want – wealth, the attentions of a well-to-do duke, and a reputation as spotless as an angel’s petticoats. Yet, she would throw it all away for one opportunity to perform her music on stage, scandalous as that may be. Which is precisely when the rich and menacing “Wolf of Mayfair” makes her an offer she couldn’t possibly refuse… Born on the streets of London, Rafe Winters knows only ruthless ambition. But he’s missing one – respectability. It’s within reach, if he can draw the polished aristocrats to his establishment with a classically trained musician, and just a soupçon of mystery – like the flame-haired Susannah. Of course, he’ll have to make it worth her while. After all, he’s not a complete beast. Now Susannah performs in a red cloak as the enigmatic “Red Duchess,” and all of London is entranced, along with Rafe. He promised her he’d do everything to protect her reputation on stage. But off-stage, the wolf is waiting for Susannah to stray from the path and into his arms. No matter the risk…

MY THOUGHTS

The premise of this book caught my eye and I stayed for the interesting characters and the steady, well-flowing plot. I liked Susannah and Rafe for their drive and ambition. But as a couple, while I’m happy they found a way to be together, I didn’t really look forward to their interactions with anticipation.

I found the story just fine until the moment when Susannah told the Duke of Huntington the truth. And then that man showed that he was absolutely the best man in this entire story. I sincerely hope he gets a fabulous happy-ever-after. So, this moment and the marriage proposal made this story for me.

My favourite character has to be the Duke of Ashworth. He provided most of the lighter moments in the book. I’m definitely going back to read his story.

I can recommend this if you like steamy historical romance. Although this book is part of a series, it stands well on its own.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Were you hooked by that book? Let me know in the comments below.

Genre: Historical Romance
Published: September 18, 2023
Sensuality Rating: Warm
Series: Debutantes of London
Tropes: Opposites Attract, Forbidden Romance, Rebellious Heroine