Title: Duke of Luhst (Seven Dukes of Sin #2)
Author: Mariah Stone
Published: January 7, 2025
Source: KU
Type: e-copy
Blurb:
Nothing could change him for the better. Save, perhaps, her.
Seductive as a deadly sin, Lucien Wrenn, the Duke of Luhst, can tempt any lady into his bed. But his best friend’s little sister—bluestocking scientist Lady Chasity Perrin—is forbidden fruit. And he’s spent a lifetime aching to take a bite.
Chastity has always loved Lucien but the thoughtful boy she cherished grew into a careless rogue. Content with her lot as a spinster, she fights to advance her medical research in a world that denies women’s place in science.
They can never be together until they clash in a heated argument and make a scandalous wager… During a month-long house party, both must do the impossible: sinful Lucien must remain celibate and wallflower Chastity must secure a marriage proposal. When every eligible bachelor begins to compete for made-over Chastity, Lucien burns to claim her as his own.
As summer storm traps them, no vow of friendship can hold him back from breaking every rule to possess her. As they grow closer — body and soul — his touch unravels her and she begins to crave something very dangerous: him. For the first time, someone sees straight to his wounded soul, and makes him want to be worthy of the only woman he loved his whole life.
But when Chastity’s older brother learns his sister has been compromised, all hell breaks loose.
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I have discovered a treasure! This book made my day! I could not put it down! What attracted me, besides the story and the fact that it’s a Regency Romance, was the writing. It was so expressive, so full of emotions. Allow me to start at the beginning.
Summary
“Duke of Luhst” is book 2 in the Seven Dukes of Sin series by author Mariah Stone. Every book will follow one duke possessed by one of the seven sins. The series started with the Duke of Rath (wrath) and the protagonist of book 2 is Lucien, the Duke of Luhst. He lives a life of debauchery, indulging in women willing to offer themselves to him. His charm hides his inability to form lasting connections with a woman and fears that were seeded in childhood. The only constants in his live have been his best friend Dorian and his sister Chastity. She hides her femininity behind her intelligence, with her only purpose being advancing her medical studies and practice.
The two make a bet aimed to push each out of their comfort zone. Lucien will have to stay away from sexual activities for a month, while Chastity must secure a marriage proposal from Lord Wardbury, a doctor at St. Thomas Hospital. During a month, they will learn more about each other and themselves, uncovering feelings that should have remained buried.
“Why are you hiding behind these clothes?” he asked.
She stepped away from him, making him drop the edge of her dress.
“Because a woman is not just her clothes and her hair,” she hissed. “A woman is foremost a brain!” “Can’t a woman be both?”
Characters
Lucien Wrenn is a notorious rake, with nothing else to consume his time, while Chastity Perrin is determined to leave her mark in a man-dominated world. Where he is without concern, her sole purpose is to support the progress of medicine and offer healthcare to the less fortunate. Both have in common their closed feelings. Lucien believes he is cursed, while Chastity wants to be appreciated for her mind.
There connection happened in childhood and their feelings have grown in time. But Chastity needs commitment and he can offer her anything but that. By the end of the story, Chastity and Lucien will undergo a process of metamorphosis. Where hers is beautiful and slow, his will be painful and fast.
“What are you talking about/ You’ve always been my star. Brilliant. Bright. Born to shine.”
The support characters have a detrimental influence over the story. Dorian, Chastity’s brother, will have an instrumental role in deciding or, better yet, accepting his sister’s desires. His sin is visible in book 2, although tempered by the love for his wife. The Duke of Pryde is the wise one of the group, but let’s not forget all the other attendees to the month at the Pryde estate. Everyone has a role to play and a contribution to our main characters’ development.
Themes
The author calls the attention over how women were treated in those times. Their clothes, jewels and interest in men’s actions prevailed over their intelligence. With her character, Mariah Stone sends a clear message: people should pay attention to the full picture. Chastity looks for a higher purpose, not just becoming the object of a man’s attention.
“Have you ever heard the expression ‘assume the manner until you possess the virtue’?”
Brotherhood beyond blood is also front and center. Lucien betrays the code he shares with the other dukes and a bigger threat looms over the group. Only together they can face it.
Writing
I loved the story and characters, but what amazed me most of all was the author’s ability to bring forth the emotions and unique identity of each character. Even the tone of voice in certain situations was well expressed. There were scenes in which she did not openly write that a character was annoyed or ironic, yet it shined thorough. I am in awe of her qualities as a writer!
Lucien’s fist clenched. If Lady Chastity didn’t mind… He minded the switch very much!
Reflections
From beginning to end, this was a very interesting story, with little action left to chance. The author took her time with the ending, she did not rush the action and let each character face their decisions and the consequences of their actions. The only thing I would have wanted was to see how Chastity her medical practice and how involved in, maybe, business Lucien became. Toward the end, the story was focused on love and the consumption of their marriage. Still, we have a few more books to read from the series.
You can spend your life trying to become worthy of her. She wants you too, does she not?
Cover Review: Oh, that dress! I love the dress! The simplicity of the lady on the cover is suitable for Chastity, but maybe a jewel would have worked. The stars in the background are from the ballroom scene. I love it!
Conclusion
I’ve discovered another amazing author and series! To conclude my review, I enjoyed “Duke of Luhst” more than I thought I would. I’ve learned a bit of communication technique as well and it has added to my reading experience. Mariah Stone has created a magnificent story and her other titles sound amazing as well. I am determined to read at least one or two every month until I finish her backlist.
Let me know in the comments below if you have read any book written by Mariah Stone and I hope my review convinced you to give “Duke of Luhst” a try.
Until next time, happy reading!
About The Author
When time travel romance writer Mariah Stone isn’t busy writing strong modern women falling back through time into the arms of hot Vikings, Highlanders, and pirates, she chases after her toddler and spends romantic nights on North Sea with her husband. Mariah speaks six languages, loves Outlander, sushi and Thai food, and runs a local writer’s group. Subscribe to Mariah’s newsletter for a free time travel book today!
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