When one is determined to never get married…

Synopsis

Temptation like never before for the fashion-loving bluestocking when she meets an unconventional duke.

Headstrong Grace Bamford is determined to remain unwed and keep her independence. Which means interesting, marriageable men are best avoided. Her classical studies and philanthropy are more important to her than a husband and a lot safer.

Angus Medley’s life is turned upside down when he unexpectedly inherits a dukedom. He is wrenched from the career he loves as an Edinburgh advocate to take up responsibility for the Duchy of Evesham and the people relying on it for their livelihoods.

Grace rescues Angus from a knife-wielding attacker outside the London orphanage she helps to run. He dismisses the attack as a failed robbery but Grace suspects foul play. Is someone from Angus’s past trying to kill him? Grace offers to help him investigate, concerned for his safety, even though it means spending time with the most attractive man she has ever met.

Marriage is the last thing on Angus’s mind as he grapples with his new responsibilities and his hidden enemy, until he falls in love with Grace. Will Grace find the courage to follow her heart?

Georgette Heyer meets Mary Balogh in this romantic adventure.

My review

Grace Bramford is determined to never get married, as she wants to keep her independence and surely doesn’t need a husband to tell her what to do or not to do.
She enjoys doing what she pleases, like taking care of the orphanage and her classical studies.
When she saves Angus Medley from an attacker, Angus may think it was just a robbery going wrong. But him becoming the Duke Of Evesham may make him a target for other purposes.
Investigating the matter together, means that Grace start to fall for Angus, but she is not prepared to give up her independence. Especially with her own brother trying to play matchmaker between them. And Angus himself is for sure not looking for someone to marry.
But with lives at stakes, how long will it take for Grace and Angus to admit their feelings? 

I surely can enjoy reading a Regency romance, even if the outcome isn’t that big of a surprise. And with this author, I know there is more than just swooning looks, hidden/ forbidden kisses and damsels in distress. 

I loved Grace’s resolution to never get married, especially when you take in account how marriages were in that era.
Grace is an independent woman, but not only that. She is smart, capable and fearless. I for sure never heard of a woman carrying a weapon around!
It’s not easy being a woman back then, but Grace won’t let her being a woman let her hold back.
She knows what she is worth and what she can do, and she won’t back down. 

But beside this fierceness, she also has a gentle, sweet nature. She is truly invested in the orphanage, and helps out every way that she can. But she also makes sure that when someone wants to employ one of the orphans, the orphans go to a good place. 

Angus was quickly winning me over. He isn’t accustomed with the society rules as he now is a Duke. But even in his elevated status, he just remains the man he was before. He treats people equally, he doesn’t care if you’re an orphan, in the working class, or a Duke. He looks at the character of people.
However, being a typical man, he doesn’t know how to express his feelings correctly, and while he says things with the right intention, they come out in the wrong way, making it funnily frustrating! 

It was fun to see also some old friends again, and how they accept Angus between them. But also seeing how they are offering their help in discovering who Angus’ enemies are and why. Again proof that me liking them was the right thing to do! 

Grace and Angus together, you know that feelings will grow, but also knowing the characters, they will hang on to their beliefs. And even if it made me frustrated at moments, because we know the potential, it shows us that the main characters aren’t quick in dismissing their thoughts and actually overthink everything. 

This was a captivating, intriguing story, making me see enemies everywhere, and having me watch our main characters their backs too.
But there were also many moments filled with loyalty (Sam is surely one of the characters that will steal your heart), tender moments between our main characters and moments that made me grasp a little bit for air. 

It is in this book perfectly clear to never underestimate the force of a woman, but as headstrong as the main characters can be, also never underestimate the force of love. And the right person will understand your views on several matters, and will accept them and will never try to change you.