Romancing the Duke

Starred review from December 16, 2013
Dare’s first Castles Ever After historical provides a unique twist to a fairy tale, complete with an ancient castle, a damsel in distress, and a wounded hero. In 19th-century England, Isolde “Izzy” Goodnight is left penniless when her father, who was a writer, dies. Her one ray of hope is a letter telling her that she has inherited Gostley Castle from her godfather. The castle turns out to be a crumbling structure that already has a resident: Ransom Vane, the Duke of Rothbury. After an accident left him blind, Ransom has secluded himself in the castle, not realizing that his agents sold it to the man who bequeathed it to Izzy. Certain that the truth of the building’s ownership lies in the untouched correspondence on Ransom’s desk, Izzy insists on becoming his secretary. While she is drawn to his masculine beauty, Izzy really falls for Ransom when his kindness belies his rakish behavior. Dare’s lyrical writing and expert, intense character development make this a romance to be savored with the eager expectation of future series installments.

February 15, 2014

With a name like hers, Isolde Ophelia Goodnight should have been headed for romance. Instead, left destitute by the death of her author father, she is heading for a surprise inheritance from her godfather and her last hope--a moldering property in Northumberland, Gostley Castle. But the castle is not empty. An angry--and nearly blind--Ransom William Dacre Vane, Duke of Rothbury, insists that the property is his and Izzy can't stay, setting the scene for a passionate, touching, sometimes hilarious romp that has surprises at every turn. An undaunted heroine who believes in love, a wary hero who doesn't, and a supporting cast like none you've ever seen practically spring from the pages of this refreshing, heartfelt tale and skillfully propel the plot to its breathtaking, satisfying conclusion. VERDICT Humor, whimsy, and joy overflow as a most unlikely pair find their happy ending in this fairy tale-come-to-life, the first of what promises to be another addictive series for Dare (Any Duchess Will Do), who lives in Southern California.

Copyright 2014 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 15, 2014

Isolde (Izzy) Goodnight is a self-proclaimed ugly duckling even though she is beloved as a charming character in her father's famous storybooks. Left destitute after her father's death, Izzy is surprised by her godfather's unexpected bequest of Gostley Castle. Unfortunately, the castle is a wreck inhabited by the rakish Ransom, Duke of Rothbury. Wounded and almost blind, Ransom has secluded himself in the castle and refuses to accept Izzy's claim of ownership. The road to passionately happily-ever-after is never easy, but of course Izzy and Ransom's true love prevails. VERDICT A perfect start to a new series, this spicy Regency lovefest offers an appealing story, witty dialog, and an engagingly quirky cast of characters. (LJ 2/15/14)

Copyright 2014 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.