For the Duke’s Eyes Only (School for Dukes #2)

I give this novel 3.5 stars. It had the elements of a great story. Wicked banter, a strong and sassy heroine and a brave and tortured hero. The author did a good job in showing us their lasting affection for each other and the build up sexual tension. It had great lines:
“Youre heart-stoppingly beautiful, was what he should have said. Forget-any-other-reason-for-living beautiful.”
The espionage was OK but it helped to finally bring these two together despite their history. The only thing I wasn’t crazy about was the constant reminder that indy was her own woman and couldn’t be controlled by any man. The feminist mantra was too deeply broadcasted. Other than that, entertaining novel.

For the Duke’s Eyes Only is a fun read though I have to put this in the pile of books that is supposed to be a historical but could take place in current times. India, or Indy, is an archeologist while Daniel, Duke of Ravenwood, or Raven, is a spy. They were childhood sweethearts who were torn apart by Raven’s profession. Raven wanted to protect Indy, but she is unaware of his job and thinks he is just a rake.
We meet Indy when she sneaks into a men’s meeting in order to take a peek at the Rosetta Stone which has been loaned to them – I’m not sure exactly why. An artifact is stolen, and Indy and Raven must team up for its recovery. There’s Russians, French mobsters, frauds, and all sorts of feelings scattered on their way. And of course, lots of sex.
I’m sure lots of readers will enjoy this, but I have to admit I struggled with it a bit. Indy is a feminist who can wield a dagger, and Raven is an ‘enlightened male’ with spy gadgets; I prefer my historicals much more accurate to the time period. I also don’t really like a quest where the investigation doesn’t mean much because they stumble across the solution in the end by accident. I’d rather they have to work for their happy ending.

Lady India Rochester doesnt let her noble birth stop her from pursuing her passion for archaeology. Why waste time decorating ballrooms when she can unearth artifacts that prove strong women have been shaping the course of history since the beginning of time? (Yeah, girl.) Brilliant, tenacious, and no slouch in a knife fight, not much can shake Indias unflappable determination and focus. Except, of course, for Daniel, her former best friend and current nemesis.

Said nemesis, Daniel, the Duke of Ravenwood, works hard to convince the world that hes a selfish, adventure-seeking, treasure hunter whos only interested in ancient history for the glory and fortune. Yes, in so doing hes alienated the only woman hes ever cared about. But if India ever knew he truth about what he really does she could be in danger. And Daniel would die first. (Obvs.)

But, wouldnt you know it, circumstances thrust these bitter, bickering rivals together on a mission to retrieve a priceless stolen artifact before theres a bonafide international incident. I wonder what might happen when these two adversaries are stuck with each other for an extended period of time in Paris?*Cue that sexy french music*

As a big ol history nerd, this book had me at feisty, female archaeologist! I dare you not to fall in love with a badass like India Rochester.

This book has adventure and mystery and plenty of sumptuous sexually charged banter. Yum. Personally, I wasnt the biggest fan of some of Daniels choices so I could have used a little more in the way of grovelling from him. I really love me a good man-grovel, what can I say? But this was a great read! And dont forget to also check outWhat a Difference a Duke Makeswhich is the first in theSchool for Dukesseries. I loved it! That one is based onJane Eyresotake my money

‘For the Duke’s Eyes Only’ is the second book in Lenora Bell’s ‘School for Dukes’ series, although more than many series books this story easily stands on its own.

Lady India Rochester, and Daniel Bonds have known one another since they were children, and were, in fact, betrothed to one another by their families. As children both of them loved to romp around their estates searching for buried treasure, and had plans to grow up, and travel the world together working working as archeologists. Then circumstances tear them apart, and Daniel, now the Duke of Ravenwood and Lady India become estranged.

In this story we learn why they are estranged, avoid one another when at all possible, and are always sparing verbally whenever their paths do cross. We also hear Mari Rochester, the Duchess of Banksford, the sister-in-law of Lady India say that she thinks whenever two people are so annoyed with one another there must be more attraction between the people than they are willing to admit.

We find out if the Duchess has the correct idea about Lady India and the Duke of Ravenswood in a series of adventures while they search the city of Paris for a stolen artifact meant for the British Museum. We also find out the secret that has kept the Duke from revealing to Lady India who he really is, and why he has lived his life in the manner that he shows to society.

This book is a fun spy adventure and also a beautiful story of reconciling love, with a lot of nice sizzle. It also has the reader thinking about how young people can be manipulated to make life decisions when they are really too young to understand all of the implications these decisions will have for the future.

Both the characters of Lady India and the Duke of Ravenswood are delightful, as are the supporting characters that fill out the story. This is a wonderful love story.

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