#Review: THE DUKE GETS DESPERATE by Diana Quincy

 

4 of 5 stars

Anthony Cary, the Duke of Strickland, cannot believe that he lost his beloved ancestral castle to an American factory worker. His step-mother had betrayed him and left the castle to a distant cousin in her will. When Raya Darwish had traveled to England with her aunt to finally meet her cousin, but fate had other ideas in mind. This was the last thing Raya wanted. Who would want a musty old run-down castle? She certainly didn't, but strife within her family back in New York means she has no other income. She has no choice but to move into the castle and face the displeasure of the duke.

This was a different story than the usual glittering ballrooms of London, and I applaud Ms. Quincy for her ingenuity. Both Raya and Anthony are like oil and water and constantly bicker throughout the book, although neither can deny their sexual attraction to one another. I loved how each of them learned something from each other--Anthony, to embrace new ways, and Raya to learn to trust a man's word, especially after being betrayed by her brother.

There is a mystery subplot about what happened to some of the relics that had gone missing from the castle. I had a feeling who the culprit was, and it was revealed in a clever way. I look forward to reading more books in this series.

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