Unsolicited Duke Pic by Nico Rosso Published by Amazon Digital on August 5, 2019
Genres: Historical, Romance
Pages: 131
Format: eBook
Source: Purchased
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Falsely slandered by an aristocrat, painter Sofia Brito has no choice but to take the next commission that walks in her door. The last thing she expects is the Duke of Lighthorn requesting a portrait of his very private part. And she definitely doesn’t expect that despite this lewd commission, the complexity of the man on the other side of her canvas makes her want to discover even more than what he’s exposing.
Thomas Halsey, The Duke of Lighthorn has been cornered. Deliberately losing a bet brings him to Sofia’s studio, wrapping her up in the ridiculous game. While his good deed is being punished, he is drawn deeply into the keen gaze of the artist. But does she see him only as an anatomical study? Or is their attraction strong enough to break through the boundaries of society that separate them?
This novella was so fun to read.
Sofia was in tough spot. An artist who has recently seen her name and professional reputation dragged through the mud, Sofia is stuck. She doesn’t know how she’s going to pay her bills or survive without any commissions. Enter Thomas, the Duke of Lighthorn. He lost a bet and needs someone to paint a picture of his dick to hang in his home. Sofia refuses the commission at first, assuming Thomas is cut from the same cloth as the man who had her blackballed. But his reassurances that this isn’t just a hamfisted way to hit on her, plus the commission he’s offering, which will set her up for years, convince her to accept the assignment.
The romance between Sofia and Thomas develops quickly, but that doesn’t mean it’s not well done. Every step the two take, both toward each other, and away from each other, then back toward each other, makes sense and fits with what we know of their character. This being a novella doesn’t mean that any of this is rushed through or lacking in development. The sex is hot and plentiful, just how I like it.
I went with four stars instead of five because of the ending. I appreciated the gesture Thomas made to Sofia, but I just couldn’t suspend my disbelief quite enough to be convinced that the entire situation would have gone the way that it did. The entire incident would probably have ended with Sofia in jail, and Thomas at the very least completely shunned from every member of society. To say nothing of the professional ruination of the gallery owner that would have followed.
But those are minor nit-picks in what was otherwise a really fun read. Perfect for curling up on the sofa with a blanket and a glass of wine and a free hour or so.
About Nico Rosso
Nico Rosso was a writer in search of a genre until his wife, Zoë Archer (AKA Eva Leigh) brought romance into his life in more ways than one. He’s created sci-fi and post-apocalyptic romance worlds, as well as working with his wife on the steampunk Ether Chronicles series. His paranormal Demon Rock series brought you satyr rock stars and the Muses who feed them. With the romantic suspense Black Ops: Automatik series, he takes you into the deep dark world of secret operations designed to protect the innocent.
When he isn’t writing, Nico works in the shop creating furniture and hammering on other projects for the house he shares with Zoë and their two cats in the central coast area of California.
