Duke of Manhattan (The Royals Book 2)

It was light, sexy not too intense and dramatic read (just the way I like it).Ryder was the most loving, adorable and caring person. Although a womanizer he got in the role of fiancee easily.<B><i>"I followed her line of sight to find Ryder heading across the office, grinning at me. “I brought lunch,” he said as he reached my office and held up a brown paper bag.      I rolled my lips together, trying to stop myself from smilingScarlett was smart, independent and at the same time who loved to be taken care of. She didn't make a fuss about all the Ryder's sweet gestures. And that's something I really admired. She had some insecurities which might have made me frustrated a teeny tiny bit but then again who doesn't. All the secondary characters were lovely, especially Ryder's grandfather. The only thing I didn't like  was that there chemistry at the starting made me feel nothing. It was plain for me. But there time after they left for England is my favorite. <book quote>"Your arse looks fantastic,” he whispered into my ear. "</book quote>

I wouldn't pick this book to read again as the characters are cliche. There were no exiting moments n the plots are just too predictable.But On a lazy day if you have nothing do ,then indulge reading this one.

Duke of Manhattan is my favourite book in the series. I absolutely loved it. Louise Bay has written some deliciously sexy alphas in the past, but damn, I think she simply outdid herself with the awesomeness that was Duke of Manhattan .Ryder stole my heart!Scarlett King's divorce has really made her question everything- her life, her job and more. She put all her energy and time into the company she has created with her friend “Cecily Fragrance”. She needs to find money to keep her business afloat and is desperate to find the right investor who will accept her terms.Ryder is a hot, sexy business man who is at the head of the Westbury Group. His life in Manhattan is perfect for him- a booming business, freedom of doing as he pleased and sleeping with women with no strings attached.“I could never be faithful to one woman. There were too many beautiful girls in the world. I preferred the ones I didn’t know. It was less complicated.”However in England, his fate is different. As the heir of the Woolton estate, he needs to be married before his grand-father dies if he wants to become the next Duke of Fairfax.What’s the solution? To offer a business arrangement to Scarlett king that she can refuse… to marry him for her business in return.“Marriage is always a deal. He has something you want, you have something he wants.”They are from worlds apart, maybe not a perfect match for each other, but you know the saying, opposites attract each other...“I’d won the fake-wife lottery.”This book was simply beautiful from cover to cover with endearing moments and surprises… I loved, loved this book. It had everything that I love in a book. Can't recommend it enough!!

I am struggling with composure. I have loved every single one of Louise Bay’s standalones. King of Wall Street was incredible. Prince of Park Avenue was exceptional. Duke of Manhattan is, quite simply, phenomenal. I swear she should just call this the Royally Hammered series. Yeeeeeesh, Max, Sam and now Ryder are just too hot. Is there such a thing as too hot? I never even considered that possibility until these three guys – actually, until Ryder really, because well he’s just insanely smoking, scorching, searing hot. Jesus, I’m pretty certain there’s a puddle at my feet. Don’t judge until you’ve acquainted yourself with him… and his talents… that thumb… that tongue… FMever-lovingL…Right, with that out of the way (barely), let me just start with the plot— I’m going to be honest and just say that what sold me on this book was the previous standalones (I really think that this is a series of standalones, but hey ho— whatever!) and obviously, the fact that I have devoured and adored every. single. one. of Louise Bay’s previous books. So the plot, I was curious as to how the blurb would play out in a somewhat original way. What a silly thing to even concern myself with, obviously Ms. Bay had that covered. She managed to captured the best parts of The Bachelor, The Prince and Me, Pretty Woman and The Wedding Date in one enthralling and sweltering plot. Obviously, the British element only made it even more appealing to me… really brought it all home. But the thing that made this story brilliant was how well it was developed. The pacing was spot on, bang on the money, and the way in which the story and character development were interwoven and led the pace was just cunning on Bay’s part. What I mean by that is that although Ryder and Scarlett move quite fast, their journey to knowing each other and developing feelings is deliciously paced. It’s not an AHA! I love you moment, rather it’s something that is slowly unravelled and the more they get to now each other emotionally and physically the more tangled they become in their feelings for one another. It’s actually what makes this story so special and alluring— getting to know both of the characters at the same pace as they are getting to know each other really built an emotional tie to them. Obviously, it’s not all smooth cruising because it wouldn’t be a Louise Bay masterpiece without the angst that is brought in by the storm that blows everything apart.I don’t know if you can tell, but I just loved Duke of Manhattan. Not just because of the plot, but the characters were flawlessly developed. I’m not sure whether this was intentional, or not, but the way in which Ryder uses the American version of words in very British contexts and vice versa really gave him the right amount of stiff upper lip and the American buoyancy that really should clash, but in his case made him jaw dropping, drool worthy. He has this dominance that not only arouses you, but also gives him this edge that you wouldn’t expect from a love ’em and leave ’em type. Especially because there isn’t some over the top completely Effed-up reason for it, it’s just who he is – he’s an aristocrat by blood and in business – a successful mogul, and he can do what he wants – when he wants. See what I mean? Every aspect, every facet is there to build him into nothing short of a book god! And, that’s all before he gets down to his birthday suit and shows his moves. After that, you’re just goo. A puddle. Gone.I was so very excited for this book. The moment I was given the option of reviewing it I didn’t hesitate or think twice. Boy am I glad that I did, the months, weeks, and days of build up and anticipation were so very worth it. I’m really struggling to let go of Ryder and Scarlett. I just want more and more of their chemistry, banter, affection, passion… intensity… I need more of them in my life. I really could not get enough. This book made me laugh, cry, swoon… VERY wet…And, on that note, off I go. There’s a puddle that needs mopping up…

This is by far one of the best books of the series. Louise Bay has out done herself again with a story of hot passion and two people falling head over heels in love with each other. Ryder is a guy that all the girls love, but he is not interested in having a relationship with anyone, but that all changes the minute he meets Scarlett King who knocks him off his feet. It starts out as a deal between two people on business, but as they get to know each other and the chemistry hots up, things get complicated and they end up falling head over heels in love. But neither of them realize this until the deal is over and then it takes a letter from Ryder's grandfather that makes Ryder realize that Scarlett is the one he wants and he does everything in his power to get her back and when they see each other a few days later they well just say they fall into each other's arms and never let go ever again. This has everything in it and more, Hot sexy romance and chemistry that will make you go week at the knees.

An enjoyable enough read that starts off quite nicely but then takes a bit of a detour. As a couple they worked but wasn’t sure where it was going at times and the cousin and wife were made a lot of but ended up being a damp squid. Was an okay read.

Louise Bay does it again! From start to finish I was hooked. Hence why I read it in less that 24 hours! The story is believable and well paced, and the characters entertaining and well formed. You will want to laugh, cry and scream at them. I did! I just LOVE Louise's writing style. It's real. It draws you in and absorbs you into this wonderful Manhattan world and pulls at your heart. I've read nearly all of Louise's books and I'm not stopping any time soon. This book is a stand alone but a few characters from Park Avenue Prince and King of Wall Street appear and just add to the magic. If you haven't read those, I couldn't recommend them enough!I received an ARC for this book, and wrote this review freely but still bought the book because I absolutely loved it!!