First Love Friday: THE DUKE I TEMPTED by Scarlett Peckham
This beautiful book began my love affair with Scarlett Peckham's writing, and years later continues to be a favorite. Peckham’s books consistently give me all the atmospheric, tropetastic goodness I've loved since pulling my first historical romance off my grandmother's bookshelf, but with a willingness to interrogate systemic power imbalances and portray strong, sex-positive, transgressive women in a way that makes her books feel relevant and powerful.
The Duke I Tempted is an erotic historical romance, marriage of convenience story between a sexually submissive duke and an iron-willed alpha heroine. Archer, Duke of Westmead, has spent years restoring a title and estate he never wanted but feels duty-bound to protect. He needs an heir to ensure succession, but thanks to a devastating past, is determined love won't be involved. He wants a wife who'll see it as a simple business arrangement and stay at a comfortable distance, never probing that past or his membership in an illicit private club.
Poppy Cavendish seems the perfect candidate. A business woman herself, she's in a bind of the patriarchy's making and on the cusp of losing her nursery and burgeoning exotic plant trade. To save her business, Poppy undertakes a floral commission for Archer's sister. When their growing intimacy leads to scandal, Archer offers a you-scratch-my-back-I'll-scratch-yours marriage of convenience. In a refreshing turn, Poppy demonstrates her faith in herself and commitment to her goals by declining. She's only too aware that marriage will curtail the independence she's painstakingly cultivated. Ultimately, she agrees to the marriage only when Archer makes it clear he intends a partnership that will put her dreams in reach.
We quickly see the potential for real partnership between Poppy and Archer in EVERY sense, but it's an angst-ridden ride to get there. With each step forward, they take two back. Thanks to the nuance and depth w/ which they're written, it’s not a reach to empathize with the choices that put them in conflict. No matter how egregious or frustrating a misstep, I never stopped caring deeply about both of them. It's a fascinating story, beautifully told.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
CW: sexually harassesment by secondary character, grief, death of child, MC witnessing sexual assault as child
