MR. CAVENDISH, I PRESUME

By Julia Quinn
AVON Books (2008), 370 pages, $7.99 (paperback)

A few months ago, we read about how a former military officer turned highwayman discovered he was “The Lost Duke of Wyndham.”
Jack, if you remember, robbed his grandmother who recognized him due to his resemblance to his deceased father.
During that story, Thomas – who thought he was the duke – had a peripheral role, as did his beleaguered fiancee, Amelia. Amelia and Thomas had been engaged since childhood, and Thomas had done his best to politely ignore her for years.
It’s like he thought at one point, “he had not treated her badly, but nor had he treated her well.”
Then, just as he began to take notice, he found out about cousin Jack – the real duke.
In “The Lost Duke of Wyndham” we read about Jack’s turmoil and reluctance to become a duke, while he was falling in love with Grace.
In “Mr. Cavendish, I Presume,” we read about the situation from Thomas’ perspective – while he was falling in love with his fiancee, whom he now decides deserves better than a mere mister.
So of course the bulk of the book is spent with Thomas getting used to his new lot in life, and slowly coming to the realization that love conquers all, and that Amelia wants him, not a title.
Julia Quinn is a romance master and like the rest of her books, this one is an outstanding read that will captivate you immediately.



Overall rating: 5 of 5 hearts. It was a lot of fun to read this story, which followed a parallel line to its predecessor, “The Lost Duke of Wyndam.” Interesting to read the same story, told from a different perspective.

Hunk appeal: 10, almost plus. Thomas was perhaps a bit brooding, but who could blame him with his life turned askew and a shrew for a grandmother. He perhaps wasn’t the most gallant and romantic fellow for Amelia initially, but he turned into a stalwart protector and a true love.


Steamy scene grade: XXXX. Worth the wait.

Happily-Ever-After: Very good, with a fun twist at the end. And of course, a very romantic one as well.




Also this week…..


SILVER MASTER

by Jayne Castle (2007 paperback) 4 of 5.

If you like or even tolerate futuristic stories, this is a must read. And with Castle’s new book, “Dark Light” taking readers back to the futuristic Harmony, it’s a good time to revisit with other books.
Unlike past heroes in the series, Davis isn't a ghost hunter. He comes from a family of ghost hunters, but his particular psychic skills make him a better private detective.
Celinda has some special and powerful psychic skills of her own. She doesn't advertise them because they freak out some folks.
They don't bother Davis. And Davis' abilities don't freak out Celinda.
So there you have it -- a perfect love match. Ah, but it's not quite that simple. It never is.
This book has strong characters, sharp dialog sharp and the story is intriguing. It’s a compelling story from one of the genre’s top authors.