Sandy M’s review of A Duke to Die For (Rogues’ Dynasty, Book 1) by Amelia Grey
Historical Romance published by Sourcebooks Casablanca 7 Apr 09

This is my first Amelia Grey, and for the most part I enjoyed it. There are a couple of little things that didn’t quite work for me, but they also didn’t take away too much from the enjoyment of the story. Overall, it’s a good start to a fun series.

Henrietta has come to Lucien Blakewell because he’s the last name on her list of guardians she’s to have until her 21st birthday. All others before him have perished in one way or another and Henrietta is convinced she’s cursed. So her goal is talk to Lucien into signing over her rights to Henrietta herself so another guardian doesn’t die because of her.

Having to take over the guardianship of a child that had been meant for his father is not something Lucien needs or wants in his life, but it’s duty, so he’ll deal with it. He finds he’ll have to deal with the situation in a slightly different manner than he originally planned when the child he expects is actually 19-year-old Henrietta. Unprepared for a woman in his home, he has instantaneous feelings for her that he knows are not appropriate when it comes to his ward. The way to take care of that is to marry her off as quickly as possible.

Of course, Henrietta is also attracted to Lucien, though she really wants to leave just so she doesn’t put him in danger. While this all worked fairly well, it’s the curse part that didn’t quite fit for me. Granted, when Henrietta was young, she had been told she was cursed in bizarre circumstances, so I can see why she would believe that. But it just didn’t fit with her overall character, who is otherwise a pretty savvy gal for her age and her time.

Also, I felt that Lucien wavered too much between wanting Henrietta out of his home to wanting her there to keep for himself. He backslid, so to speak, just too many times in seducing her and then deciding again she’s better off with someone else. That being said, the sexual tension between them is very well done, as well as the final coming together being full of sensuousness and love.

There are some terrific scenes throughout the book. The one that comes quickly to mind to more than any other is the hot air balloon ride Lucien and Henrietta take. The secondary characters are a varied bunch and also very enjoyable.

In the end, it all worked well enough to give me a nice, solid historical read. I am looking forward to the next two books in the series.

Grade: B

Summary:

After receiving the news that he is now the guardian of Miss Henrietta Tweed, Lucien Trent Blakewell realizes he has two options: take control of her affairs himself or agree to sign over control of Henrietta’s fortune to the lady herself. Lucien refuses to believe Henrietta’s wild claims that she carries a curse that delivered an untimely death to her five previous guardians, but taking on the duties of guardianship would definitely put a dent in Lucien’s busy social calendar. Since Lucien does believe that no woman can manage her own financial affairs, giving Henrietta control of her own money is also out of the question. Which leaves Lucien with only one other solution: find his charge a suitable husband.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series: