5-STAR REVIEW: DUKE OF ECCESS by Mariah Stone

Seven Dukes of Sin: Book 4
Publication Date: September 23, 2025

Octavius Everard, the wealthy Duke of Eccess, indulges in London’s most decadent offerings to escape the pain that haunts him—especially at Christmas.

The richest food, the best cognac and the most beautiful women make the “happiest” time of the year a little more bearable. The one sin he has sworn to abstain from? Seducing the governess to his three wards. But when Miss Temperance Fields applies for the position, with her tight chignon and no-nonsense brown woolen gown, he’s never been so fascinated. Little does he know she has a scandalous secret…a false identity.

Lady Agatha Temperance Hale is an heiress on the run! Threatened with forced marriage or the asylum, she is at the mercy of her gold-digging stepmother until she comes of age on Christmas Day. Being a governess gives her a place to hide. And Temperance is soon showing the duke the joys of the season and sharing her love of science with his wards.

But she never imagined the pleasures her gorgeous employer could show her. And when the virgin governess becomes a seductress, the Duke of Eccess doesn’t stand a chance of resisting…or guarding his heart.
Their passion is electric.
Their love is forbidden.
But when the truth is revealed, can he forgive the woman he has come to adore more than any indulgence?

Lady Agatha Temperance Hale counts down the days until Christmas, when she will turn 21 and be able to claim her inheritance.

She just has to stay out of her stepmother’s clutches, or she will be forced to marry a brute or thrown into an asylum.

Author Mariah Stone serves up the fourth installment in the Seven Dukes of Sin series with Duke of Eccess . Temperance ends up in his household as governess to his three unruly wards.

Octavius enjoys all sorts of dangerous pursuits, but he must clean up his act to land a coveted board position. Underneath his nonchalant attitude is a festering wound of hurt he tries to mask.

Being attracted to the new governess isn’t exactly appropriate for a man of his stature, but there’s something unusually compelling about the outspoken woman that draws him closer.

Having such an intelligent female lead interested in science provides depth to the story, especially since her analytical approach works well in handling the children.

The connection between Temperance and Octavius is off the charts with plenty of spice. The cameo appearances of his fellow dukes and their families continue to drive interest in the series.

Duke of Eccess features likable characters who must overcome personal obstacles in order to find happiness.

 

When time travel romance writer Mariah Stone isn’t busy writing strong modern women falling back through time into the arms of hot Vikings, Highlanders, and pirates, she chases after her toddler and spends romantic nights on North Sea with her husband. Mariah speaks six languages, loves Outlander, sushi and Thai food, and runs a local writer’s group. Subscribe to Mariah’s newsletter for a free time travel book today!