The Return of the Duke

Coming with the times Heath introduces a woman with independence, intelligence and sexual experience. I love a female lead story but this story of romance is of equal partnership. A gray change to the traditional storyline. V. L. L. Book lover

After waiting for this book, I was very disappointed at the lack of sophistication in its entirety. This was so unlike the author’s usual writing it could have been written by someone else. It was slow, there was little involvement with other characters other than the hero and heroine and too much explanation of their past lives that was superfluous. The love scenes lacked emotion and was therefore “just sex”. I couldn’t bring myself to finish reading the book even though I wanted to know how the story ended.

The initial connection between the main characters is cringey! However, the truth brings relief to the sloppy situation then you will not be able to put “The Return of the Duke” by Lorraine Health down! Mr. Marcus Stanwick was stripped of his dukedom before he inherited the position. He visits the Ice Princess, Ms. Esme Lancaster, seeking information that may lead him to the mastermind who aided in his family’s downfall. The twists in this book are great! Esme is not who she seems. You will continue to question who can be trusted throughout the book, keeping you in suspense. I enjoyed that more secrets are revealed after the threat is captured. I love that this book has dangerous characters and situations, and going into dangerous areas. This book is historical romance, but action-packed too. Esme and Marcus gets physically hurt and it leads to a favorite trope, close proximity. I love that a VIP played a role in the story because there are hilarious moments during the dangerous situation. I love Esme and Marcus’s connection and how much they want the best for one another. I love that they had a break from each other which they both knew would happen because it allows for another grand gesture. If you enjoy close proximity, difference social class relationships, fake relationships, mystery, and redemption stories, I recommend this book! Thank you to Net Galley, Avon, and Harper Voyager US for the ARC in exchange for a honest review.

The first half was a fun tease, lots of intrigue and plot. The second half still had some of that, though the characters became a bit silly and mellow.

After tragedy hits Marcus’s family he goes in search to find out why and who. After he finds out Esme is not who he thought she was, they partner together to find out the mystery. As they search they find out how great real love can be.