Daring A Duke
Claudia Dain
Berkley, Jul 2010, $7.99
ISBN: 9780425235461
In 1802 American Jane Elliot leaves New York for the London upper crust swinging adventure scene. Her problems are her two sea captain brothers and her aristocratic British cousins are a flock of hawks watching her every move; one day in town and already she feels like a prisoner in a gilded cage. They want her to get married, but Jane came to England for fun not a husband.
She is attracted to the Duke of Edenham and he apparently reciprocates her regard. Courtesan matchmaker Sophia Dalby notices the Yank who is the daughter of a former friend and the Duke seems perfect for each other and obviously wants each other. Yet they dance apart especially after the visitor makes it clear she has no plans to get married while enjoying her first season. Sophia likes the challenge posed by the reluctant American but also stays alert as the Duke of Ruan is sniffing around her.
Though somewhat similar in tone, the latest Courtesan Chronicles (see The Courtesan’s Wager, The Courtesan's Daughter and The Courtesan's Secret) once again, though a secondary player, Dalby steals the show in this well written amusing Regency romance. Fast-paced from the moment a desperate Jane tries to elude her handlers and never slowing down, fans will appreciate the shameless Dalby as she matches the lead couple up while also handling a personal matter.
Harriet Klausner
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