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I am Lover of romance, who indulges in the romantic adventures of literature

My name is Renee, and I am the host of this site. I am a 34 year old woman, on the prowl for her mate, searching out the best of books, exploring the wilds of the imagination and delving into the heart of a beautiful love story.

 

Book Review-The English Duke by Karen Ranney

by | Aug 16, 2017 | Book Reviews | 23 comments

Book Review-The English Duke by Karen Ranney

Book Review-The English Duke by Karen RanneyThe English Duke by Karen Ranney
Also in this series: The Scottish Duke, The Texan Duke
Series: Duke Trilogy #2
Published by Avon on March 28th 2017
Genres: Historical Romance, Regency Era
Pages: 374
Format: Paperback
Source: Library
ISBN: 0062466895
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four-stars

In the second in New York Times Bestselling Author Karen Ranney’s scintillating series, society’s most coveted duke finds the one thing wealth and position cannot buyβ€”the perfect partner…

For years, Martha York has been fascinated by a man she’s never metβ€”Jordan Hamilton, the new Duke of Roth and protΓ©gΓ© to her inventor father. Could the elusive gentleman possibly live up to his brilliant letters? When Martha travels to his estate to carry out her father’s last bequest, she discovers that the answer is a resounding yes, for the duke’s scientific mind belies a deep sensuality…

Jordan was determined to complete his prototype alone, but it’s impossible to resist the alluring young woman who shows up at his door. Working together, they grow ever closer, until a case of mistaken identity leaves him bound to another. A woman’s heart may be more complex than the most intricate invention, but Jordan must find a way to win Martha’s, or lose the only woman who can truly satisfy him…

The English Duke, is the second book in the Duke Trilogy. After reading book one and LOVING it, I had some high expectations for this one, and I am gratified to say that I truly enjoyed this one quite a bit. It definitely can be read as a stand alone, I am not sure how the trilogy is connected. So they are easy to read on their own.

In The English Duke we have a story that brings together two great minds. Our heroine, Martha York, has been working with her father on a certain invention, which could aid their country in the long run. But then her father passes away, and desired that all his research and items go to his one friend and colleague….The Duke of Roth. A man who has been ignoring her letters, so trying to fulfill her father’s dying wish, she gathers everything together including her grandmother and her sister and head to his estate. Their welcome is less than warm and she realizes that Jordan is not what she expected and she makes it clear to him his rudeness and soon Jordan and Martha end up working together and developing an affection for each other only there is a plan to seperate them.

I have so much love for this book, and it just hit the right spot for me. Many of the players in the story I truly had a good time with except for two. Martha’s sister Josephine and Jordan’s close friend Reese. Josephine has had everything handed to her, been the “special” child, and is too spoiled for her own good. When they arrive at the Duke of Roth’s home, Josephine makes it her mission to win the favor of Jordan. But Jordan, is drawn to Martha and not just for her looks. He appreciates her mind and her kind heart. What was most wonderful about their romance, was how comfortable they get along with each other. They both have intellectual minds and they are able to connect in this way first, but we see how content they are in each other’s presence. Now I will admit I did NOT like Jordan at first. I thought he was rude and selfish. But then we learn of his leg injury, where he has pushed himself hard to make sure no one sees him as lame. We see that he uses certain defensive mechanisms. But once you learn his reasons, you start to soften toward him. Now Martha was a heroine I truly loved. I could see so much of myself in her. She isn’t full speed ahead, she is more calm and relaxed. She is very patient and smart. Especially in seeing how she deals with her sister, who is completely horrid to her. I love that she is still such a wonderful human being, and hasn’t let how others have treated her to effect how she treats them.

The only thing I couldn’t figure out happened toward the end, so I don’t want to spoil anything for those that haven’t read this one yet. But I couldn’t figure out why Jordan and Martha didn’t speak up earlier but no worries because these two find their happy ending in the best way and this book left me happy and content!!

 

About Karen Ranney

I’m a writer who’s been privileged to have attained the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller Lists.

Although I've primarily written historical romance, I've also written contemporary romantic suspense, a murder mystery, and I'm having a wonderful time writing about a vampire who is being challenged by her new state of being. (The Montgomery Chronicles: The Fertile Vampire and The Reluctant Goddess coming March 12, 2015.)

I believe in the power of the individual, the magnificence of the human spirit, and always looking for the positive in any situation. I write about people who have been challenged by life itself but who win in the end.

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23 Comments

  1. Kristin

    The characters sound wonderful. I love it when my first impression of a character is wrong. I feel like I would love Jordan in this story.
    Kristin @ Book Sniffers Anonymous

    Reply
    • Lover Of Romance

      They are pretty fantastic in this one. And I do love seeing a character being redeemed, its the best!!

      Reply
  2. Aila

    Aww I’m glad you ended up enjoying this one! I absolutely love the sound of this synopsis – any scientific hero or heroine in romance novels always get me interested. The romance just sounds really sweet and lovely, even with the stuff near the end. I definitely need to check this series out!

    – Aila @ One Way Or An Author

    Reply
    • Lover Of Romance

      I really did Aila. And yes scientific heroes and heroines are amazing, and not done enough in my opinion.

      Reply
  3. Rowena

    I haven’t read anything by Karen Ranney but this one sounds like a good one. I love when the heroine shows up on the heroes door and demands to be heard or seen and then sparks fly. πŸ™‚ This one is going on my wishlist for sure. Thanks for the review, Renee!

    Reply
    • Lover Of Romance

      Oh Rowena I think you would really enjoy her. I have been reading her for many years, and there is definite sparks here.

      Reply
  4. Blodeuedd

    He is just so there and she is just so behind

    Reply
  5. Angie Elle

    So glad to see you enjoyed this one. This is another author I’ve ‘been meaning to try.’ LOL

    Reply
    • Lover Of Romance

      Oh I know all about those “meaning to try” authors hehe but you should look into Karen Ranney. I have been having fun with her books for many years.

      Reply
  6. LilyElement

    I’m liking the cover on this one πŸ˜€ Glad you enjoyed!

    Reply
    • Lover Of Romance

      I am liking the cover too…its a bit different than what you normally see Avon do with their covers.

      Reply
  7. Carole's Random Life

    I am glad to see you liked this one. I saw that it is currently on sale for $1.99 and was thinking about it. I may have to grab it.

    Reply
    • Lover Of Romance

      Oh you should grab it up Carole!! Definitely worth the buy.

      Reply
  8. Sophia Rose

    Neat how you learned to like him after all. Love that they are both inventors.

    Reply
    • Lover Of Romance

      I liked that they were both inventors together.

      Reply
  9. Alyssa Susanna

    I’ve always seen this author’s books around but I’ve never tried one! The covers look so stuffy, hehe. I feel like I would be as annoyed as Jordan if a bunch of people just randomly showed up at my house though. o_o I love intelligent heroes though. Science-y ones are so fun, and fairly rare in HR!

    I’m glad you enjoyed this book, Renee! Have a lovely weekend. =)

    Alyssa @ The Eater of Books!

    Reply
  10. Vellum Voyages

    I love brainy heroines!!! So attractive! πŸ™‚

    Reply
  11. Lampshade Reader~Aleen

    I’ve been meaning to read this author. I love the premise of the story. Glad you enjoyed it, great review. πŸ™‚

    Reply
  12. Geybie's Book Blog

    You are the one I’ll ask for help when I need historical romance recommendations. This sounds SO good. Glad that your enjoyed it. Love your review! ?❀️

    Reply
  13. Melliane

    despite the questions toward the end it sounds like a good one. I didn’t know about the author not the book!

    Reply
  14. Michele H

    I’ve read book one in the series and really enjoyed it so I’m happy to hear you liked this one as well. I’ll definitely be checking it out! It appears to have all the elements I love in Historicals. πŸ™‚

    Reply

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