No Other Duke Will Do

No Other Duke Will Do is a delightful historical fiction novel, written with elegance and sharp wit. Grace Burrowes has the talent of transporting the reader with ease, into the world of aristocrats. She crafts her characters, dialogue, and scenes, with authentic details and flair. No Other Duke Will Do, takes place at the Haverford Castle in Wales. Julian St. David, the Duke of Haverford, was on the verge of ruin. His father and grandfather had made poor business choices, and their loans weighed heavily on the Duke’s shoulders. Julian’s sister, Lady Glenys, insisted that her idea of hosting a three-week house party was a brilliant one. She needed to find and marry a wealthy titled man. And it was about time for Julian to snag a well-connected Lady, and be about the business of creating an heir. Glenys planned on inviting only the richest and most esteemed titled guests. Although the party would add to Julian’s money worries, Glenys was hoping that the end result would be worth it. Despite the expense of his sister’s scheme, Julian had no intention of seeking a woman to be the next Duchess of Haverford. Besides, who would want a man drowning in debt, titled or not? Lady Elizabeth Windham and her sister Charlotte were quite content with the prospect of becoming spinsters. The two sisters enjoyed their singleness and were in no hurry to shackle themselves to men. Attending, the Haverford Castle’s party was their parent’s idea, not theirs. However, love and romance was in the air, and one of the Windham sisters just might find herself caught in its embrace. And, as with any aristocrat three-week house party, there would be heartbreak, complications, scandalous activities, and, of course, new found love. This is a multilayered novel that has several love stories woven into its tapestry. One of my favorite characters is Griffin, the Duke’s intellectually challenged brother. Griffin is a love. He is innocent, kind, honest, and funny, and he captured my heart. His unique personality is so superbly crafted in this book, that it jumps off the page. I thoroughly enjoyed; No Other Duke Will Do. It’s captivating, heartwarming, and utterly engrossing. Thank you, Grand Central Publishing-Forever and NetGalley, for my advanced review copy.

My favorite trait of author Grace Burrowes is that whether dabbling in suspense, bursting with atomic attraction or stepping into the throws of ecstasy, she never takes herself too seriously. There is just enough of the fantasy to captivate and entertain. No Other Duke Will Do spins a tale of friendship and seduction that starts with a relationship of convenience. Elizabeth and Julian are the stars of a cast of characters that look to charm their way into the heart as easily as they set up residence in the mind.

This book was so enjoyable to read. I loved this book from start to finish!