THE LOST DUKE OF WYNDHAM

Avon Books (2008), 371 pages, $7.99 (paperback)
From the author who gifted readers with the treasured set of Bridgerton stories comes another set of books destined to be cherished.
“The Lost Duke of Wyndham” is the first of a duo of books about two cousins, each who have a claim to that title.
The first book, due out next Tuesday, is about Jack, a former military captain and highwayman who never had a clue that his deceased father was the son, and eventual heir, of a duke.
Jack grew up happily with his maternal family in Ireland, after his father died before his birth, and his mother during. The twists and turns of his life had him eventually playing Robin Hood and robbing carriages in England.
As fate would have it, he ended up near his ancestral home. And, with fate further prodding him along, he robs his grandmother one night.
Despite his mask, his grandmother recognizes the uncanny resemblance to her deceased son. And that’s how Jack was forced to confront his family, and the possibility that he could be a duke.
Which, by the way, he doesn’t want to be.
What he wants to be is Grace’s husband. Grace is the grandmother’s companion, and she’s as instantly smitten with Jack as he is with her. But she knows if he is the real duke, he won’t be able to marry so far beneath his lofty station in life.
Silly girl.
In a refreshing twist for a romance, Jack acknowledges, at least to himself, that he’s in love with Grace early on. He likes teasing her, but he’s never cruel, heartless or nasty to her – not even when he’s “not robbing” her at their initial meeting.
Quinn’s second book of this saga will be about Thomas, the Duke of Wyndham before his cousin appears to put life as he’s always known it in jeopardy. But it won’t be a sequel. The story will be told during the same time frame as “The Lost Duke of Wyndham,” only from Thomas’ and Amelia’s perspective. This book is due out in late September.



Overall rating: 5 of 5 hearts. With wit, engaging characters and touching romance, Quinn once again charms readers with a compelling story destined to become a treasured favorite.


Hunk appeal: 10-plus. Jack is protective of Grace from the start, showing her respect and adoration. His quick wit, flirtatious manner and engaging smile truly charms the ladies – including readers.

Steamy scene grade: XXXX. He definitely adores Grace.

Happily-Ever-After: Good. No surprises, but definitely a sweet proposal from Jack and a nice epilogue that illustrates the couple’s happily-ever-after rather well.


Also this week …

THERE AND NOW, by Linda Lael Miller (1992, paperback) – 4 of 5. One of the “oldies” being re-released by Harlequin’s Silhouette series, this is a time travel story that sends 20th century heroine Elisabeth back 100 years to find her true love. Of course the problem is, her true love thinks she’s an asylum escapee. That doesn’t keep Jonathan from falling in love with her, though. (At one point, Elisabeth asks him why he trusts her with his daughter if he thinks she’s a lunatic, and he replies “Because I think you’re a harmless lunatic.” Words every woman wants to hear from her soul mate, eh?) The ending has a touching, albeit not real surprising, ending and overall, it’s just a pure, easy-to-read and easy-to-enjoy romance.