October 3, 2012
The first words out of my mouth must be - don't give up on The Way to a Duke's Heart! Yes, it starts off slowly and I confess that I almost gave up on it. However, I'm glad I kept on reading, because the payoff was delightful!
This is a very satisfying conclusion to The Truth About the Duke series and we finally get to learn what that truth is.
The Way to a Duke's Heart is the last in the deLacey brother trilogy, the eldest rapscallion, Charles. Charles is teamed up with Tessa, a very different type of heroine. And, let me say this about Tessa - when I started to read Tessa's character, I was concerned that I wasn't going to be particularly fond of her. She was cold, remote and prickly. A lot of times she was prickly for no particular reason that I could see. However, somewhere along the way I found that I had softened toward her, dare I say even grown fond of her.
Charles, on the other hand, I liked from the very beginning. Even though he was painted as being a bad boy, a bit of a rake, he had a gentle soul that was considerably bruised from his past.
When these two finally get together, they make quite a charming couple. They both have issues and secrets - but they turn to each other, confide and against all normal Romanceland patterns they do not have any big misunderstandings. And, much to my surprise, there was only a small token "I'm not good enough," but that was over quickly.
But, it wasn't only the romance in this story that's entertaining... no siree. The solution to the mystery surrounding the deLacey's birth had a bit of a nice twist to it which I found very interesting. And, let me say something about loose ends: I am usually of the opinion that loose ends need to be tied. However, there is a major loose end in this book that is left dangling. I'm not going to spoil it but here's a hint - it involves Charles and his past and something he doesn't know. I was actually pleased that Ms. Linden didn't resolve it, because just as in real life, not everything is tied up in a nice neat bundle.
There was also a lovely, poignant moment when Charles realizes that he is/was as much to blame for what happened to him as his father was. But, it is too late for him to make any atonement because his father is dead.
So, I do recommend this story, even with the slow start. In the end it is quite magical.
This is a very satisfying conclusion to The Truth About the Duke series and we finally get to learn what that truth is.
The Way to a Duke's Heart is the last in the deLacey brother trilogy, the eldest rapscallion, Charles. Charles is teamed up with Tessa, a very different type of heroine. And, let me say this about Tessa - when I started to read Tessa's character, I was concerned that I wasn't going to be particularly fond of her. She was cold, remote and prickly. A lot of times she was prickly for no particular reason that I could see. However, somewhere along the way I found that I had softened toward her, dare I say even grown fond of her.
Charles, on the other hand, I liked from the very beginning. Even though he was painted as being a bad boy, a bit of a rake, he had a gentle soul that was considerably bruised from his past.
When these two finally get together, they make quite a charming couple. They both have issues and secrets - but they turn to each other, confide and against all normal Romanceland patterns they do not have any big misunderstandings. And, much to my surprise, there was only a small token "I'm not good enough," but that was over quickly.
But, it wasn't only the romance in this story that's entertaining... no siree. The solution to the mystery surrounding the deLacey's birth had a bit of a nice twist to it which I found very interesting. And, let me say something about loose ends: I am usually of the opinion that loose ends need to be tied. However, there is a major loose end in this book that is left dangling. I'm not going to spoil it but here's a hint - it involves Charles and his past and something he doesn't know. I was actually pleased that Ms. Linden didn't resolve it, because just as in real life, not everything is tied up in a nice neat bundle.
There was also a lovely, poignant moment when Charles realizes that he is/was as much to blame for what happened to him as his father was. But, it is too late for him to make any atonement because his father is dead.
So, I do recommend this story, even with the slow start. In the end it is quite magical.
Time/Place: Regency England
Sensuality: Hot!!
3 comments:
I really enjoyed this one too. Tessa had to grow on me and like you was concerned at first, but it all worked out. :)
Tracy, Glad you enjoyed it. Have you read the latest Sherry Thomas? I've started it and I'm getting nervous. I see you're giving books away over at your site...Tracys Place.
I thoroughly enjoyed the resolution to the legitimacy question. It was refreshing to have Charles accept responsibility for his mistakes and their consequences.
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