Face/Off: Dukes vs Pirates

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Dukes vs Pirates

Today on Under the Covers we are confronting that ever present conflict: Dukes vs Pirates. It’s a question that’s always churning in the back of our minds, what do we prefer? Would we like to be swept off our feet by a rich, charming and handsome aristocrat who comes with a grand house in London and a palatial estate in the country? Or would we trade it all in for life on the high seas with darkly handsome and wicked pirate, who would wine and dine us with a menu of cheap rum and exciting hi-jinks? How’s a body to choose? I certainly have trouble, some days luxuriating with my dashing duke on silky sheets being fed grapes sounds like heaven, other days I want to be captured by my swashbuckling and dangerously gorgeous pirate.

But, to help order my thoughts and perhaps finally make a choice I’ve split it down into three categories so that I can make a more in depth and informed decision regarding Dukes vs Pirates. I’m breaking it down to:

• Fighting Prowess – Who would win a fight (over me!)?
• Lifestyle – Who would keep me in the lifestyle to which I accustomed?
• Physical Characteristics – Who has the best…form?

As a Ladies, we have our honour to consider as such, we need to ensure that our hero has the ability to defend said honour. As this is the case, in the decision between Dukes and Pirates careful consideration needs to be given to their fighting prowess, how good they are with some fisticuffs, a pistol and maybe even a sword. In this category I figured that the pirates would win hands down, however, I underestimated the skills of a duke.

First, their is Temple, known as the “Killer Duke”  from Sarah Macleans No Good Duke Goes Unpunished, big, brawny and handy with his massive fists, he would give a hardened pirate pause for thought. Or maybe not. Not if you’re Fain Hauk from Sherrilyn Kenyon’s Born of Betrayal an instalment in her League series. Hauk is big and bad with a pair of fangs, that’s right not only is he a space pirate, he’s a space vampire as well. I think even Temple would have a bit of trouble with him! Then again, perhaps Gran Duke Alexander from The Mad, Bad Duke by Jennifer Ashley could have a go, he’s got a bit of the beast in him as well.

Of course, it’s much more bad ass when the a Lady can defend herself against all these ruffians…

Dukes and Pirates most likely to win in a duel:

A girl’s lifestyle is important and if she’s going to live some in a place and time that has either no indoor plumbing or it has only just been invented, then I think she deserves certain compensations. Like the ability to drape oneself in diamonds, or have the finest silk stockings. Or, have a big old chest filled with some pirate booty. In this category, I think that Dukes have the edge. Lets take Hart Mackenzie, Duke of Kilmorgan from Jennifer Ashley’s The Duke’s Perfect Wife. He’s dripping in wealth (and sexiness) and not only can he provide his Lady with silk sheets, he knows exactly what to do with his Lady on those silk sheets. Then again, if you’re a Duke, why not be a Pirate as well?  Like James the Duke of Ashbrook from Eloisa James’ The Ugly Duchess. You get the best of both worlds, the dangerous excitement of a Pirate and the financial security of a fabulously wealthy Duke.

Dukes and Pirates most likely to keep me in danger and diamonds:

Whether you’re stuck on the high seas or relaxing in your chaise lounge at the country estate, a Lady likes a nice manly form to gaze upon. We want our eyes to linger on his fine assets and to make every Lady and maybe a few Gentleman to turn green with envy once they realise he is ours.

One Pirate guaranteed to get people sighing with longing is James Mallory from Gentle Rogue by Johanna Lindsay. This charismatic and dashing pirate is bound to get a bodies heart pounding. Then again  Lisa Kleypas’ hero from Devil in Winter, Sebastian St Vincent, future Duke of Kingston ,has a wicked charm and golden good looks that has turned many a Lady’s head.

Dukes and Pirates most likely to make me anticipate the wedding night:

It’s a hard decision, but after my analysis I have decided that I am ready and waiting for my handsome, rich and brawny Duke to pick me up on his white horse. Together we’ll gallop off into the sunset on our way to his luxurious abode to live happily ever after in affluent bliss. It seemed like the wise choice to make after having reviewed all my reading, the Dukes of historical romance are rich, handsome and possess a wicked charm and a dangerous edge that I can’t seem to resist.

Then again, maybe I just haven’t met the right Pirate. Because I definitely love the idea of a dashing rogue who goes on adventures on the high seas, with his loyal (and uncommonly hygienic) crew. It sounds like it could be a lot of fun. So, if anyone has any Pirates they think I should read please let me know your recommendations.

Here are a few more Pirates and Duke that I adore, but couldn’t quite fit into my categories above!

What’s your verdict? Dukes or Pirates?

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Suzanne

Blogger/Reviewer at Under the Covers Book Blog

Gosh, we all seem to be admitting our ages…and I hate that I am at the point in life when admitting my age is a “thing”…whodda thunk it? I was kind of hoping I would remain 21 forever. However, I have moved out of that New Adult stage of my life and am now strictly in the Contemporary Romance age zone of 28. I would prefer to be in an Urban Fantasy arena, but I don’t think I own enough black leather. However, I could probably squeeze into some PNR, I am fully prepared to give a horn job to my favourite demon, or suck on my sexy vamps…fangs and I am definitely up for some heavy petting with some fine looking shifters. Than again their’s always Sci Fi…I am fully prepared to do the right thing and help some poor alien race with more 6 packs than a supermarket repopulate their planet. Not that I am loose woman or anything.

Annnnnd I will stop myself there, before I start waxing lyrical about my love of historical romance and fantasy as well; no one needs to know about my elf fantasies. As you can tell, I adore and day dream about most romance genres, and my three big loves are 1) reading about romance 2) writing about romance and 3) talking about romance with my gals. Which, is why I love Under the Covers so much, I get all my bookish needs satisfied and don’t get judged when I talk about my favourite characters like they are real people. Which they are right?

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