The Art of Duke Hunting

Author: Sophia Nash
Publisher: HarperCollins/Avon
Pub. Date: March 27, 2012
ISBN-13: 978-0062022332
Pages: 384
Digital Price: $4.99
Print Retail Price: $7.99
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Six Regency heroes — One royal hangover

Last night was a blur.

This morning is a shock.

Tonight will be a secret. . .

The Duke of Norwich has two rules: never marry and never go to sea. So on the morning after the most extravagant royal bachelor party of the century, he is stunned to find himself aboard a storm-tossed ship and locked in the arms of a proper lady.

The Countess of Derby has two rules as well: never give away your heart and never let anyone get in the way of your life’s deepest passions. But Esme cannot resist Roman when all seems lost at sea. Yet when their ship returns to London, everything will be forgotten . . . as long as they can keep their secret from the Prince Regent. For if the future king commands them to marry, all their fondest dreams will be ruined. But where love is concerned, some rules are made to be broken . . .

~*~*~

REVIEW

The Duke of Duck… eh, otherwise known as the Duke of Norwich, Roman Montagu, is not a fan of the boats or the sea. Ending up on a boat, in the middle of a squall, is probably the least likely place he expected to be following a ridiculous, absinthe powered bachelor party. Roman always knew the sea would be his final resting place, and he’s ready to give in until a lady comes to his rescue.

Esme Mannon Morgan March, Countess of Derby is on a mission to pursue her passion in art when she spies the gorgeous Montagu flailing about on the deck of The Drake. Instinct and fate drive her to leave the safety of her cabin to rescue him, although the rescue becomes more than just safety from the storm. Their return to London, on the heels of a paper report that Roman is dead, is supposed to be the last time they will see each other; who knew fate had other plans. When Prinny summons the lovely Countess she certainly doesn’t expect to be tied to the man she’s dreamed about for years nor does she expect that he’ll want anything more from her then what he’s already experienced.

Nash’s second book in the Royal Entourage series is bundle of hilarity and emotions that inspire, and reminded me that love is for everyone. Esme and Roman are enchanting as two extremely independent people, who find themselves suddenly happy with each other’s company in public and private. Each character harbors a myriad of fears. For Esme its fear of spirits, after seeing what non-stop imbibing did to her first husband, and fear of rejection by those she loves. For Roman it’s a fear of the never-ending Norwich curse surrounding ducks, and fear of letting others down emotionally. Both have rules in place to ensure they don’t suffer from their fears, but Roman is determined to not seek happiness whereas Esme is determined to never feel unhappiness again. Alas, the origin of conflict.

I loved Esme! She’s the ultimate nurturer and giver. Constantly seeking to appease others, Esme naturally acts like a chameleon and seeks to mold to the people or surroundings she’s placed in. Throughout the story Esme provides an example of someone who doesn’t have to be demanding or commanding, and I couldn’t help but long for Esme to get everything her heart desired. Similarly her personality affects Roman the same way, sending his usual locked emotions rattling behind his internal walls. Roman doesn’t know what to say or think, in fact he typically doesn’t like women or feelings at all. Those strong emotions he begins to experience, the desire for Esme’s company, are anything but welcome. Roman’s prickly nature and stubborn tendencies just make him fetching. I enjoyed his internal conflict and attempt to convince himself that he doesn’t need anyone, let alone a woman to influence his life.

The story is primarily Esme and Roman, with a few hints about the other Dukes facing Prinny’s wrath. Additionally Esme’s mother and the artist William Topher offer some comedic relief and drive Roman insane. My one caveat is the constant teasing Nash provides through hints of the other Duke’s actions on the night of the bachelor party. It’s insufferable that one must wait months upon months for the next story.

Overall if you like dukes, and yes I mean the arrogant kind—is there any other? Then this book is a good one to read. Caution to those who are looking for a rakehell duke, that one won’t get his story until the next book!

Rating: 4 (Very Good – Highly Recommend)

Heat-Level: 4 (Hot)

Reviewed by Landra

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