Review: The Dangerous Duke

The Dangerous Duke by Christine Wells

This is a new author for me and I believe Christine Wells' second book. The plot is a bit confusing to explain, so I'll just sum up. An arsonist has burned the home of the new Duke of Lyle, killing his relatives. He is determined to find the arsonist and uses all his skills as an agent for the Home Office to find them. He jails the vicar, who is hiding information about the arsonists, and kidnaps the vicar's older sister, widow Kate Fairchild, to persuade the vicar to reveal the perpetrators. Of course the Duke falls for Kate.

This was a solid 'B' read. My biggest criticism of the book is the plot is too convoluted. There are many elements and none of the subplots are fully developed. Without giving too much away, there is a love triangle, of sorts, a secondary romance, betrayal, a murder attempt, and a second kidnapping. The story is just too busy and results in a lack of focus.

The books biggest strength is the characters and their relationship. The hero and heroine are very likable. Kate is a frustrated widow, who longs for love. Lyle, the new duke, realizes the good qualities in Kate and easily decides to settle down. The author very nicely handles the tension in their relationship. Lyle deceives Kate before he begins their relationship. He knows what he's done is wrong and worries about her reaction. When she finally finds out he apologizes most sincerely. She's upset but doesn't do anything stupid (like run away and put herself in danger) and then she forgives him. The author never took the easy way out but allowed the characters to act like real people.

I think this author has a lot of potential. Overall, a good read.

Grade: B