#Review: DUKE GONE ROGUE by Christy Carlyle

 

 

3.5 stars

Madeline Ravenwood and Will Hart, Duke of Ashmore, meet when Will takes a holiday to one of his estates in Haven Cove. Will is not well-liked by his peers because of his efforts to uncover all of his father's misdeeds. His sister Cora convinces him that a holiday was in his best interest and Will agrees. Little did he realize that Madeline was the same woman he met in London months ago when she witnesses his former fiance breaking their engagement. Madeline is attracted to the duke and though her life is devoted to duty to keep her family's nursery afloat and thriving, she takes time out of her busy schedule to spend time with Will. Can these two find common ground or will their fledgling love fizzle out?

This was an enjoyable story without a lot of conflict except for the H and h own doubts about being together. While a lot of time is spent on Madeline's nursery, only a few sentences are devoted to Will's quest to clear his family's name. I would have liked more backstory on this point as it was hard to feel the censure Society held him in without any examples besides the one of his ex-fiance's uncle. The romance between Will and Madeline is a slow-burn and when they finally succumb to their passion, it is not described in graphic detail. The story is a bit slow in parts, but if any couple deserves a HEA, it's these two. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.