Let Sleeping Dukes Lie (Rules of the Rogue, #2). by Emily Windsor

Series: Rules of the Rogue, #2

Release Date: May 22, 2018

Tracy’s rating: 5 of 5 stars

Alexander Westhide, Duke of Rakecombe and Aideen Quinlan met in the previous book, when Alex saved her from a French kidnapper – they shared a kiss and he walked away.

Now almost a year later, they meet again and the passion is still simmering. Alex does not have time for a relationship, with Napoleon on the loose and possible traitors in the home office, he can’t lose his focus. And even if he could – he won’t. Aileen is a firebrand and not at all suitable for the position of duchess, even if he did want to marry, which he doesn’t!

Aileen cannot forget the priggish duke that saved her, kissed her and then left without a backward glance. He is pompous, arrogant, priggish and not at all her type. But she wouldn’t mind another kiss or two. When he sneaks up on her in the gardens of the ball she is attending, they trade taunts and she leaves.

The next day, she learns her dear friend Cordelia is being blackmailed and hatches a plan. Alex and Aideen meet again at the Gibbon’s ball – in Lady Gibbon’s bedchamber – they are each searching for information and share another kiss while hiding from Lady Gibbon. Alex leaves her again – but has forgotten his cane. Aideen holds it hostage and forces another meeting.

When they are caught in a compromising situation, Alex informs his mother that he came to the musicale to select his wife – Aideen.

They marry, but events in Alex’s past prevent him from letting Aideen get too close – he tries to push her away, but she is no delicate flower and refuses to let him. She loves him and will find a way to win his heart. But when Alex becomes over protective and shuts down, she realizes, he doesn’t need her and decides maybe it is time to go home to Ireland.

Alex will have to have to conquer his demons and make a grand gesture to win back his duchess. But old fears are holding him tight and his hesitation may cost him the love of his life.

This was another fabulous book by Ms. Windsor, the writing is wonderful, the characters entertaining, the love scenes steamy-ish, there is witty banter, incredible secondary characters (his mother and Jack are flat out hilarious), a secondary romance that in no way interferes or detracts from Alex & Aideen, some action, some heartache and finally an absolutely amazing ending complete with an epilogue.

This is the second book in the series and reading them in order would be best, but not necessary to enjoy this story.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me*