From Duke till Dawn: The London Underground

This is the first book in Eva Leigh's 'London Underground' series. Ms. Leigh was recommended to me by a friend who also enjoys 'Regency Historical Romance' and I'm glad to now have this author as one to watch for and read. The best aspect of this book for me were the characters and character development. I enjoy watching characters struggle with their inner voices, and unfolding personal understandings - this happens with both the hero, Alexander Lewis, the upstanding and noble, Duke of Greyland, and Cassandra Blair, who has lived as a swindler and confidence game operative. // Alexander is dealing with having the woman he intended to marry elope with another man. He is back taking part in society trying to make the best of this disappointment in his plans (although he wasn't in love with his intended), and the gossip of his jilting making the rounds of society. // Cassandra is back in London working as a hostess at a gaming hell. This business is to be in London for a short time, and Cassandra is looking to take her earnings from this endeavor, and then begin a new life in the north that doesn't involve cheating and lying to people. // Alexander's friends take him to the gaming hell as a diversion from his troubled mind, and he is shocked to discover Cassandra there. He met her a couple of years ago while traveling. She was then calling herself Mrs. Blair, and Alex has never forgotten her and the ease he felt in her company. // Cassandra doesn't want to have interactions with Alex, because she likes him and doesn't want to cheat or lie to him. Alex discovers who she really is, and is hurt and angered. These explanations all happen in the beginning of the book, but it is in the second half of the story where the adventure and self discovery by the characters takes place, and it's wonderful to behold. // This book has terrific characters. As I mentioned the storyline becomes an adventure, but the book was most importantly shaped by the workings of the characters as they come to understand themselves in order to see the possibilities of the future. This made the book both fun and optimistic. I love this story.

Over the past few years, I've become a big fan of Eva Leigh's. Her books are always engaging and heartfelt. I never have to worry about not liking one of her stories, and the same is said for this title. I'm a little behind on reading this book but figured better late than never!The blurb for From Duke Till Dawn was an interesting one that immediately had me hooked. I am usually drawn to the bad boy type of man, but Cassandra and her plights throughout the book gave me a little girl crush. The way she grew up on the streets and what she had to do to make it one day at a time softened my heart towards her. Yes, she did some things that she shouldn't have had to do, but if she had another choice she wouldn't do them. And when a situation was unceremoniously dropped into her lap, she took immediate responsibility to right a wrong that affected a lot of people. She showed real mettle and I loved her character.I don't say this often, but I wasn't head over heels in love with Greyland. Don't get me wrong. I truly enjoyed his character. I loved reading through his change in feelings when it came to Cassandra. I can't put my finger on it though, but something was just slightly off. It didn't deter me from reading through the book in less than twenty-four hours, though.I just downloaded the next in the series, Counting on a Countess, and can't wait to dive in here in a few minutes. Eva Leigh never disappoints!

Eva Leigh has done it again with her new book, "From Duke Till Dawn," giving us a thrilling pace, dimensional characters who are more than attractive. They're fully drawn people and therefore capture us on the deepest level. As a writer Eva is very generous, giving us not only a captivating story and all the beauty and romance we're looking for, but she is also, along the way, delivering history that is packed with the realities of the era. Her research is impeccable, in the broad sweep of the tale, and in the smallest details that help us to SEE and FEEL where we are. And she's generous also with her language and imagery so that gems like: "An air of loneliness hovered over the packed earth and strung between the buildings like a cobweb" show us that we're in the hands of an author of great skill.

Another fun romance but this time the woman’s the criminal and the mans an honor bound duke who has gotten swindled! I loved that twist and Cassandra, but I wish she’d have accepted herself more, who doesn’t love a villain? Alex is the Duke of Greyland in love but doesn’t know how to be loved and the HEA for him is really touching. I love the cover of this novel, and I love the odd adventure and can’t wait to read the rest of the series!

The love story of Alex an Cassandra. Cassandra is not what she seem, is look and act like a lady but she is not. Alex is the Duke of Greyland and he is all a duke should be. Alex meet Cassandra two year ago and stole his heart as we'll as 500£. The meet again in a gambling hell, all he want is her. When her partner run off with all the money own the criminal of London money Cassandra is put in danger. Can the Duke save her and find love or will she be kill? Great love story.

I stopped reading before the half-way point and did not finish. This book had so much potential, but it did not seem to develop deeper than Cassandra having her money stolen and trying to find it (which is what she did to the duke but in a different way). There were some parts that could have been more but were not. That was disappointing.

I had this book on my Kindle just languishing with my other new to me authors, until I saw a deal on Twitter and went to buy it. It was mine already😃. All this said because we purchase these must reads and they get lost behind newer must reads. This book is wonderfully written and absolutely engaging. I loved Alex and Cassandra two wonderfully complex characters.To get me empathizing with a heroine who is unapologetic about her former life of crime takes great writing and Ms Leigh more than delivers. Five stars and two more purchases to complete the series.

I did not want to put this book down once I started it. Alex and Cass’s story consumed me.Picture the scene - I’m sitting in the living room with my mum after dinner, and I’m trying to make a discreet exit stage left...The Mommy: Where are you going? Are you not watching this?Me: Umm, no... I need to find out if the Duke of Greyland succumbs to his passions *smirks*TM: *rolls eyes*Alexander Lewis is all too aware of his responsibilities and what is expected of him as the Duke of Greyland. For a man given to seeing the world in black and white, he’s about to take a journey into London’s dark underbelly. There is only one person who could tempt Alex to follow such a path - the woman who stole his heart two years ago. Only, who is the real Cassandra Blair?There weren’t many avenues available for females back in the early 19th century. Especially those born poor like Cass. What was a little pick-pocketing if it meant putting food in your belly? Graduating to more complex scams, Cass has never had any regrets until Alex. The only man to ever touch the very heart of her...Never imagining their paths would cross again, Cass is left with no option but to turn to Alex for help when she, herself, is betrayed.Rocked by the realisation that Cass is not who he thought, Alex vows to help her - but at a cost.Yet, who will pay the higher price when more than one heart is on the line?Trust me, ladies, your ovaries will thank for you for reading this story *snorts* Alex is one of those characters that appear to be so cool, calm, and collected but you know (just KNOW!) he is molten lava bubbling underneath waiting to erupt *coughs* Holy hotness *wafts hand*“Before you, I slept. Now, because of you, I’m conscious. For the first time in my life, I am fully awake.”Who knew such a London existed? *shrugs* Alex and Cass’s visit to a certain establishment had me all agog *whispers* Well, that’s the polite way of repeating what I said *whistles*Romance, suspense and a will-they-won’t-they storyline will keep you guessing right to the end.So, come on, and explore a London you never knew existed.Kit and Thomas are gonna have their work cut out to pip Alex to the post - that’s all I’m saying...

GoJust discovers this new author, will be reading mote, engaging story, well drawn characters, no silly simpering misses, gritty tale with just the right amount of tasteful love scenes.Looking forward to more .😆

What a beautiful story, I loved the journey Alex and Cassandra had to take. Can't wait to read more by this author.

Thankyou loved it excellent service and condition