Duchess of Sin
Daughters of Erin Trilogy, Book 2

By Laurel McKee

       As a secret adventurer, respected Lady Anna Blacknall dons a mask and sexy red dress borrowed from her friend then ventures into the scandalous Olympian Club. Anna has no idea just how adventurous (and scandalous) her life will become after this little outing. While at the Club, she runs into a man from her past, Conlan McTeer, Duke of Adair, the only man who has ever tempted her.

She’s a proper Englishwoman and he’s a rebellious Irish freedom fighter, despite his lofty title and status. Her mother and two sisters hope to see her married to Conlan’s far more appropriate English cousin, Grant Dunmore, yet Anna can’t seem to keep her thoughts away from Conlan. (The Daughters of Erin Trilogy involves Anna and her two sisters finding their mates). Even though her feelings for Conlan seem to be reciprocated, there’s a huge problem lying in their path to happiness: Every time Anna and Conlan get together, someone tries to kill him. So the question remains: Can a society lady toughen up enough to wed a rogue, and can a spy/fighter/warrior soften up enough to wed a society lady?

In Laurel McKee’s second novel, she includes detailed historical information about the Irish and English controversies of the time. As these causes are what bring the lovers together and keep them apart, it’s essential that some details explain their importance to the story. The balance between history and romance in this historical romance, however, seems tipped a wee bit too far on the historical side, which occasionally slows down the sexual tension right when the reader needs it most. Duchess of Sin provides an enjoyable read full of intrigue, particularly for history buffs.