Review: Duke Gone Rogue

Duke Gone Rogue by Christy Carlyle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Victorian romance that is more than a bodice ripper. The Duke has recently assumed the title and has set himself the task of redeeming the family name. His father was dissolute and his many infidelities led to his wife's death, his many betrayals and shady dealings have tarnished the name. By investigating these things and trying to make restitution and apologies, Will has caused many of his father's friends to fear being exposed as complicit. This causes strain in society that leads Will's sisters to urge him to take a vacation at their Cornish holdings and leave them free of his reputation as a dour boor.

Maddie is the only child of parents who established a nursery in Cornwall that she has inherited. She is, as she describes herself, a spinster. But as such she is a businesswoman in a village in which she has grown up. While London society would impose a great deal of rules on her life, she has an independence that she treasures. She does not need to worry a great deal about reputation and, while the business is stressful and not totally her life's ambition, she is content and a successful member of the community in which she serves in many capacities.

They meet fleetlingly in London but though they were attracted to each other, she has returned to Haven Cove and not thought over-much about him. When he finds himself in his father's manor where much of his debauched affairs took place, he is not prepared to meet this woman once more
But meet they do and find themselves caught up in preparations for the impending visit of Victoria's daughter to Haven Cove. Unfortunately, they have very different viewpoints on how much Will needs to be involved in those preparations.

The development of their friendship and the soul searching each does to determine what the future holds for them, individually and together, is an easy and enjoyable read.

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