Lily Dalton’s Never Desire a Duke already has rave reviews three days after release. Personally, I think this Regency Romance is a serious book wrapped in festive paper with just enough mush for the holiday season. You will find out more when you read this book review.
There was a handsome Duke. And a pretty lady. They met. They fell in love. They lived in their own private heaven for a while. Until it turned into hell. Sophia, Duchess of Claxton, loses her soon to be born child when she learns about her husband’s prior lover. Devastated by this loss, she is shocked when the Duke turns away instead of consoling her. Vane is actually grief stricken himself but is unable to express himself. A few years pass and the couple is estranged. Until a brief encounter brings it all back.
Sophia flees to her husband’s old estate, and he follows her there. They are snowed in and are reluctantly forced to communicate with each other. They get to meet the villagers, and learn of their plight. Sophia learns of the Duke’s childhood. An unexpected treasure hunt brings the estranged couple closer, and also brings up a lot of questions. Will Vane and Sophia be able to move ahead? Will Vane be able to handle a past he knew nothing about?
Lily Dalton writes a poignant book but adds enough confetti in the form of supporting characters, and funny anecdotes to keep it light. Such as Sophia asking Vane to make a list of all his previous affairs – a bit too modern, don’t you think? All the characters have depth, even the supposedly promiscuous lady who carries a torch for the Duke. The winter wonderland atmosphere will prematurely have us hankering for a snowy landscape. Christmas is in the air, and everyone is getting ready for it.
Overall, Never Desire a Duke is an interesting, not too frivolous read for the holiday season.
You can order it here