4 Wine Glass #Review of A Duke Changes Everything by Christy Carlyle

Title: A Duke Changes Everything
Series: Duke's Den #1
Author: Christy Carlyle
Format: ebook, 384 pages
Publication: November 27th 2018 by Avon
ISBN: 0062853961
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Source: Publisher / Edelweiss
Reviewer: Crystal
Rating: 4 out of 5 Wine Glasses

In the first novel in Christy Carlyle’s sizzling Duke’s Den series, three men, intent on making a fortune, discover irresistible opportunities . . .

Nicholas Lyon gambled his way into a fortune and ownership of the most opulent, notorious gentlemen’s club in England. But when Nick’s cruel brother dies, he inherits a title he never wanted. The sooner Nick is rid of the estate that has always haunted him, the sooner he can return to the life he’s built in London. But there’s one obstacle—the exquisite Thomasina Thorne.

When the new heir to the Tremayne dukedom suddenly appears in Mina Thorne’s life, she’s flustered. Not only is he breathtakingly handsome, but he’s also determined to take away her home and position as steward of the Enderley estate. If Mina learns what makes the enigmatic duke tick, perhaps she can change his mind—as long as she doesn’t get too close to him.

With each day Nick spends with Mina, his resolve weakens as their colliding wills lead to explosive desire. Could she be the one woman who can help him finally bury the ghosts of his past?

Crystal's Thoughts:
A Duke Changes Everything is a dark and seductive historical romance that I delighted in!

The Enderley estate is all Mina Thorne has ever known. Her father was steward to the previous two duke's, and after his passing Mina loyally took over his duties. When a new duke inherits the title and estate though,  none of Enderley's staff know what's in store for them. Will this duke be as wicked as the last two, or will he be the one to finally turn the estate around?
Nicholas Lyon wants nothing to do with the title or lands that he has inherited. Especially the Enderley estate, his childhood prison. When he arrives on the estate though he finds not only the long-buried ghosts of his past, but a beautiful steward that refuses to allow him to disregard her home.
As Mina strives to endear Enderley to Nick, while keeping her heart close Nick battles the demons of his past for the only woman who has been able to shine light upon his darkness. Can a selfless spinster and a scarred rogue find a happily ever after in a place that haunts them both?

The cover of A Duke Changes Everything perfectly captures this decadent regency romance. Both bold and shadowed, it is a dark tale of an abused boy who rises above his past and prospers, but who's ghosts of the past still haunt him in everything he does. Nick is a smart, sexy, and stubborn hero who definitely deserved a happy ending. I think Mina was a perfect match for him, with her loyalty and kindness her light balanced his darkness perfectly. I really loved watching this pair go from a wary business relationship, to friendship, and later lovers. It was a nice turn of events for romances, that these characters never fought their attraction to one another. Their romance flowed so well.

The story has many twists to keep readers engaged, from the slight to monumental. My favorite part of the tale was seeing each of these characters grow into exceptional human beings. Mina brings out an inner goodness in Nick that he had no idea he possessed. He see's himself as the monster his father always called him and Mina shows him that he is not. There were several secondary characters; some I adored, some I loathed, and some simple entertained. There are absolutely more intriguing tales to come from a few of them in Duke's Den.

Bottom line is, I was swept away by the heart-stopping passion and riveting tension in A Duke Changes Everything. The writing was engaging, the characters captivating, and the world well-defined. I'm looking forward to more from this new series, and new-to-me author!