Sunday 21 March 2010

The Lost Duke of Wyndham by Julia Quinn

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Another regency romance from Julia Quinn. I find these books a self indulgent Sunday afternoon treat...nothing to take seriously, or to improve your mind, but comfortable easy romantic relaxation!
This one is about Jack Audley, man of mystery - currently an extremely well mannered highwayman who accidently pulls the carriage of the dowager Duchess of Wyndham and becomes embroiled in a family battle over the Dukedom (is that the correct word?!!) Anyway, it's the typical romp of handsome men in breeches, pretty girls with heaving bosoms, confused identities and privileged lives! Grace Eversleigh is a far weaker than usual heroine, who has been well trodden on by the dowager, but still instantly loves Jack. Thomas (the current Duke) has a soft spot for Grace, but again doesn't come across strongly until very close to the end when he finally stands up against his grandmother.
Not one of Julia Quinn's best books, it all feels a bit rushed and cursory.  Jack is likeable, but Grace is far too wet.  Although all Quinn's books have a similar formula (and I can't criticise that - you know what you're buying) this one didn't sparkle as many of her others did.  There's the companion book "Mr Cavendish, I presume" which tells the same story from the other couples pov and I honestly didn't find this story engaging enough to bother with it, which is unusual for me, but I think sums up why it's a 3 star!

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