Liviania’s review of Mr. Cavendish, I Presume (Two Dukes of Wyndham, Book 2) by Julia Quinn
Historical romance released by Avon 30 Sep 08

The Lost Duke of Wyndham told of a highwayman and a servant falling in love. Julia Quinn appropriately approaches its companion Mr. Cavendish, I Presume in a different manner. It’s a bit more arch, and somehow feels less like a modern romance without truly being old school. While most reviewers seem to prefer whichever of the two they read first, I prefer Mr. Cavendish, I Presume. 

The first reason is the hero. Thomas Cavendish was my favorite in the first and he remains in that place. His responsibility is a good trait, but the Duke takes duty a bit too far and doesn’t know who he truly is. Possibly losing his dukedom to the highwayman who accosts his grandmother and her companion gives him the space he needs to find himself. (Too often he finds himself in his cups.) He acted like a jerk a few times in the first, but this one really fleshes out his motivation. It also shows that he had friends besides Grace.

The second reason to prefer this one is the heroine. In The Lost Duke of Wyndham, Thomas’s erstwhile fiancée Amelia had little color. In this one she’s vibrant, snarky, and clever. She has hobbies. She’s quite angry with Thomas for putting off their marriage for so long and happy that he’s finally getting to know her. Even knowing how the story would turn out I felt for her because she deserved her happy ending.

Of course, many people had a problem with knowing how things would turn out. The two books follow the same plot but one from the point of view of each couple. Quinn recycles some conversations, but I read the two books far enough apart (with enough between) that only two conversations struck me as overly familiar. A lot of it felt like new material to me and I really relished getting to explore Thomas and Amelia’s courtship. (I did remember the Hebrides, which still makes me laugh. Despite being made repeatedly, the joke does not wear out its welcome. Perhaps it is simply because the dowager really does deserve it.)

I first forayed into romance with authors like Julia Quinn. She’s such a wonderful place to start – likeable characters, humor, drama, and a sensible plot. She tells a story and does it well. Mr. Cavendish, I Presume was a perfect novel to accompany the comfort food of Thanksgiving Break. And it’s the comfort of knowing I’ll get a high quality read that will make me continue to pick up Quinn’s work.

Grade: B+

To read more reviews of this and other books in the series, follow the Two Dukes of Wyndham series tag.

Summary:
Amelia Willoughby has been engaged to the Duke of Wyndham for as long as she can remember. Literally. A mere six months old when the contracts were signed, she has spent the rest of her life waiting. And waiting. And waiting…for Thomas Cavendish, the oh-so-lofty duke, to finally get around to marrying her. But as she watches him from afar, she has a sneaking suspicion that he never thinks about her at all…
It’s true. He doesn’t. Thomas rather likes having a fiancée—all the better to keep the husband-hunters at bay—and he does intend to marry her…eventually. But just when he begins to realize that his bride might be something more than convenient, Thomas’s world is rocked by the arrival of his long-lost cousin, who may or may not be the true Duke of Wyndham. And if Thomas is not the duke, then he’s not engaged to Amelia. Which is the cruelest joke of all, because this arrogant and illustrious duke has made the mistake of falling in love…with his own fiancée!

Read an excerpt here.

Other books in the series:

Sandy M reviews The Two Dukes of Wyndham Series by Julia Quinn
Historical romances released by Avon 27 May 08 and Sept 08

There’s been a lot of talk since the release of the second book of this duo, Mr. Cavendish, I Presume, about readers being disappointed it is only a regurgitation of scenes word for word that have already happened in this first book, The Lost Duke of Wyndham. I’ve read some pretty harsh comments from some folks about that fact. While I agree with the sentiment to a point, this second book is still a good story, even while told from another set of characters’ point of view. 

There is literally the exact same characters discussing the exact same issues in the exact same circumstances, but those scenes are interspersed with the hero’s and heroine’s thoughts and actions. That didn’t bother me all that much, mostly because I enjoyed the first book more mainly due to Jack, the hero, and also because that’s where all the action in the the arc of the story was. Ms. Quinn was obviously trying something a little different, and, for the most part, I think she succeeded.

The Lost Duke of Wyndham (The Two Dukes of Wyndham, Book 1)
Released 27 May 08

As much as I liked Thomas, the current Duke in this first book, I liked Jack Audley the would-be duke, because he’s witty and rakish, which, of course, he has to be considering he’s a highwayman.  But he also gives his ill-gotten gains to the poor, keeping just enough for himself to get by on, so you know early on he’s not really a bad sort and has a wicked sense of humor.

Thomas is the usual straight-laced nobleman, respectable and responsible, which I usually like in a hero, but up against Jack, Thomas just didn’t stand a chance in my eyes.  Jack is just as dumbstruck as Lady Cavendish when it comes out that he is her grandson, although they show it in two absolutely different ways.  He wants nothing to do with the old woman, expect maybe her companion, Grace Eversleigh, and the Dowager Duchess wants nothing but Jack installed as Duke and will do anything and use anyone to get her way.  Jack goes kicking and screaming along for the nightmarish ride with only Grace to keep him sane.

The one thing that is needed in the whole farce is proof of Jack’s legitimacy, so at the Duchess’ insistence the lot of them, including Thomas’ fiance Amelia and her father, board an Ireland-bound ship to scour clergy records for the ironclad trap that will change both Jack’s and Thomas’ lives forever.  Even though we know Jack hasn’t told all concerning his upbringing, we see his reluctance and his nervousness at returning home the closer he gets to his homeland.  Of course, all is finally revealed there, all his secrets as well as the truth surrounding his birth, and his resulting emotions is what also caused me to love Jack’s character.  We’re also thrown an unexpected problem concerning Jack and it’s interesting how it all plays out.

I also really enjoyed Grace.  She’s an orphan of country-bred parents, was thrown out of her home by an evil and nasty cousin, which is how she came to be the companion of the Dowager.  She at least has a roof over her head, a slight income, and friends to enjoy in the very limited free time she gets from her duties to the woman, and, despite all that, she’s the only one who tolerates the old bat, as her grandsons call her.

This lady is a doozy.  Both Thomas and Jack stand up to her as much as possible, don’t let her get away with all of her antics, and now both look after Grace when the Duchess gets a little too mean.  But Grace always keeps her cool and does her job with an understated elegance and dignity.  She has a way of understanding everyone’s feelings and does her best to do right by them but never loses her integrity in the process.

I think Jack and Grace made a perfect fit for one another, and I knew I was right when I read the epilogue.  They complement each other in a way that keeps them strong and happy.  By the end of the book, we know that Thomas is in for the fight of his life and can only hope he opens his eyes sooner rather than later for the answer that will get him through his living nightmare.  I also loved the humor, of course, typical Quinn, inserted in all the right moments.

Grade: A-

Read Lawson’s and Devon’s reviews.

Summary:

Will the real Duke of Wyndham please stand up?

Jack Audley has been a highwayman. A soldier. And he has always been a rogue. What he is not, and never wanted to be, is a peer of the realm, responsible for an ancient heritage and the livelihood of hundreds. But when he is recognized as the long-lost son of the House of Wyndham, his carefree life is over. And if his birth proves to be legitimate, then he will find himself with the one title he never wanted: Duke of Wyndham.

Grace Eversleigh has spent the last five years toiling as the companion to the dowager Duchess of Wyndham. It is a thankless job, with very little break from the routine… until Jack Audley lands in her life, all rakish smiles and debonair charm. He is not a man who takes no for an answer, and when she is in his arms, she’s not a woman who wants to say no. But if he is the true duke, then he is the one man she can never have…

Read an excerpt.

Mr. Cavendish, I Presume (The Two Dukes of Wyndham, Book 2 )
Released 30 Sep 08

Ah, Thomas.  He’s destined to be overlooked by a lot of readers.  That’s unfortunate.  He’s not nearly as rakish as Jack and is honest to a fault, which could make him boring, but I think he holds his own, considering what he’s put through with the appearance of his heretofore unknown cousin, who could take everything last thing from Thomas, including his identity, who he is, that which makes him him.  He learns a couple of lessons, though, once he’s just Mr. Cavendish.

We know from Lost Duke that Thomas has never really paid much attention to Amelia, really seen her in all the years and times they’ve been around each other.  Then finally when she decides to grow somewhat of a backbone, Thomas does sit up and really takes a look at his betrothed.  Thank goodness on both counts.  If Amelia hadn’t awakened as early as she did and decided to not let people, especially Thomas, trod all over her without regard for her wants and feelings, this would have been a very long story to get through.

And though Thomas finally looks at Amelia as a woman, that’s when all the dust is kicked up with Jack’s arrival and the dukedom is in question.  He feels if he has to give up his title, he also has to give Amelia up since she is to be given to the Duke of Wyndham, even though his feelings are certainly turning the corner where she’s concerned.  But if he weren’t so upstanding, he wouldn’t be Thomas, the Duke.  He has to learn to be Thomas, the man, and with Amelia he can do that, even though he doesn’t realize it.

Since there’s comparisons between Thomas and Jack, there have to be comparisons between Amelia and Grace.  Although Amelia does gradually become her own woman, it’s too little too late.  She’s always taken the dressing down she gets from the Duchess, always lets her father decide what’s best for her, and lets Thomas ignore her for far too long.  Of course, she’s been a pawn since her birth, so she does act according to her destiny.  She finally gets thrown for a loop with the two-Duke business, which is what she needs to start steering her own destiny.

Grace, on the other hand, received her eye-opening life experience much earlier and has had longer to deal with it, so she just has that extra strength and grace that Amelia is just discovering.  But Amelia eventually comes into her own just in time to get what she really wants, despite her father, the Duchess, and even Thomas himself.

As far as Quinn using the same dialogue for the same scenes in this book, I didn’t find it that disconcerting.  As long as she gave me extra thoughts and actions of Thomas and Amelia in those few places, I found that cast just a little different light on those scenes just from the change in point of view.  Granted, maybe the fact that I knew what was coming helped; I wasn’t tossed into it blind, thinking I was getting a totally new book when in actuality it’s only a partial new book.

Okay, spending good money for a partial new book isn’t the best of circumstances, but, again, I give Quinn kudos for trying it, despite the grumblings about it all.  It still works for what it is.  One comment I read that sticks out for me is that Thomas’ feelings weren’t delved into enough after he’s lost all, but I felt we got that all along.  We knew how he was feeling the moment everything comes to light when Jack first arrives in his life, and we get even more in this book.  His excessive drinking comes to mind, along with his erroneous thoughts that he can no longer have Amelia and other small details.  Even his reaction when the truth is confirmed, “I am Mr. Cavendish,” tells us a lot, especially when he has difficulty saying it.

So, as usual, I enjoyed both stories.  I preferred Lost Duke, as I said, but Mr. Cavendish deserves its due for what it turned out to be.  It started out as a one-sided love story that grew into a full-fledged one, albeit a little later than we’d normally like to see, but a nice one nonetheless.  I like that Ms. Quinn tried to step outside the box and give us something different and hope she continues to look at her craft in such different ways in the future.

Grade: B-

Read Lawson’s review here.

Summary:

There went the bride…

Amelia Willoughby has been engaged to the Duke of Wyndham for as long as she can remember. Literally. A mere six months old when the contracts were signed, she has spent the rest of her life waiting. And waiting. And waiting…for Thomas Cavendish, the oh-so-lofty duke, to finally get around to marrying her. But as she watches him from afar, she has a sneaking suspicion that he never thinks about her at all…

It’s true. He doesn’t. Thomas rather likes having a fiancée—all the better to keep the husband-hunters at bay—and he does intend to marry her…eventually. But just when he begins to realize that his bride might be something more than convenient, Thomas’s world is rocked by the arrival of his long-lost cousin, who may or may not be the true Duke of Wyndham. And if Thomas is not the duke, then he’s not engaged to Amelia. Which is the cruelest joke of all, because this arrogant and illustrious duke has made the mistake of falling in love…with his own fiancée!

Read an excerpt.

Lawson’s review of Mr. Cavendish, I Presume (Two Dukes of Wyndham, Book 2) by Julia Quinn
Historical romance released by Avon 26 Sept 08

The second book in the Two Dukes of Wyndham series, which follows The Lost Duke of Wyndham, picks up where the last one left off. Or maybe it should be, it picks up what Lost Duke left out. I’ve got to say the cover on Mr. Cavendish is interesting. Is it supposed to inspire the feeling of a sort of gothic style? Or is it just supposed to be the opposite of the lighter Lost Duke cover? It is a bit more striking, at least to me though. But on to the story.

Mr. Cavendish, of course, the same story from Lost Duke, but this time from Amelia and Thomas’ point of view. For a quick recap, the Dowager Duchess of Wyndham thinks she recognizes her long lost grandson when her coach is beset by a highwayman. Her grandson, Thomas, is the current Duke and engaged to marry Amelia, the second daughter to the Earl of Crowland. The highwayman, Jack Audley, is brought into the duke’s home and takes an interest in the dowager’s companion, Grace Eversleigh.

The question then comes, who is the real Duke of Wyndham. Due to some succession issues, the characters head to Ireland to investigate and prove whether Jack is the true Duke and the legitimacy of his claim. Along the way, secrets come out and Grace and Jack have a very sweet story. And the Dowager Duchess is rather mean to people who don’t do what she wants.

As told from Thomas and Amelia’s point of view, there are a few different scenes, and some of the mysterious things from the first book about the two are revealed. They have some good scenes together, and I liked the dynamic between Thomas and Amelia. From their first scene, there’s a sizzle between the two when Amelia decides to act as her own person, rather than as the Duke’s intended.

When Thomas starts seeing her as Amelia instead of just an obligation to be fulfilled, things definitely heat up. All while he could loose everything that he’s ever known. Both Thomas and Amelia have to figure out who they are, instead of who they were supposed to be. It’s refreshing to see so much growth in a story, by both characters. The epilogue, however, makes things a bit clichéd.

What really is the drawback to the story is the charming scenes between Thomas and Amelia are cut short. Since the events of the book happen at the same time as Lost Duke, it rehashes the storyline and some things that happened in the first book. In fact, it seemed as though I was reading the same book over again, except for the few scenes that weren’t included because they were from the different points of view.

Quinn’s humor, as always comes through, and I liked Thomas and Amelia much more than Jack and Grace, but with the repetitions of the last book and the less time spent with scenes between Thomas and Amelia made this probably one of the weakest Quinn books I’ve read. The idea of having two books that deal with the same time and different characters is an interesting one, but this second book just didn’t work that well for me.

Grade: C

To read reviews and other information about this and other books in the series, follow the Two Dukes of Wyndham series tag.

Amelia Willoughby has been engaged to the Duke of Wyndham for as long as she can remember. Literally. A mere six months old when the contracts were signed, she has spent the rest of her life waiting. And waiting. And waiting . . . for Thomas Cavendish, the oh-so-lofty duke, to finally get around to marrying her. But as she watches him from afar, she has a sneaking suspicion that he never thinks about her at all . . .

It’s true. He doesn’t. Thomas rather likes having a fiancée—all the better to keep the husband-hunters at bay—and he does intend to marry her . . . eventually. But just when he begins to realize that his bride might be something more than convenient, Thomas’s world is rocked by the arrival of his long-lost cousin, who may or may not be the true Duke of Wyndham. And if Thomas is not the duke, then he’s not engaged to Amelia. Which is the cruelest joke of all, because this arrogant and illustrious duke has made the mistake of falling in love . . . with his own fiancée!

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Liviania’s review of The Lost Duke of Wyndham (Two Dukes of Wyndham, Book 1) by Julia Quinn
Historical romance released by Avon 27 May 08

Julia Quinn writes fluff. Pure, unapologetic fluff. I love her for it. Her novels go down easy and leave me with a smile on my face. Some days I don’t need an issue, intrigue, or other complication to my romance. I just need a sweet, simple relationship between two sympathetic characters. The Quinns I have read deliver this fix.

Companion Grace Eversleigh and her employer, the dowager Augusta Cavendish, are robbed by a highwayman one night. But the dowager recognizes this highwayman’s features and the highwayman recognizes her ring. Since she believes him to be the son of her favorite son, the dowager kidnaps Jack Audley when he shows no signs of coming to her. If she has correctly determined Audley’s identity and his parents were married, he will be the Duke of Wyndham rather than her grandson Thomas Cavendish.

Actually, one of The Lost Duke of Wyndham‘s flaws is that it could use a bit more weight when addressing Audley’s decision to make his living as a highwayman. He dismisses it so quickly as more of a game than dangerous as illegal that he comes off more like a sociopath than Robin Hood. Yes, it would be yes fluffy if Audley admitted he was morally ambiguous; however, it doesn’t make him seem more like a romantic hero when he dismisses any implication of wrongdoing.

I cannot hold Audley too much against Quinn because I loved the other characters so much. Grace does nothing to break out of a typical romantic heroine mold, but she is neither a martyr, silly, nor stupid and I wanted her to get a happy ending. She does deserve one for dealing with the dowager, who is now one of my favorite characters ever. She’s a crotchety old woman, too set in her ways to change, but with enough life in her to fiestily battle anyone who opposes her will. I know at least one of my relatives after whom she could be modeled. The dowager is not likeable, but she is sympathetic. (The Outer Hebrides. Hee.)

She fights the most with her other grandson, Thomas Cavendish. Might I say I cannot wait to read the story through his point of view in Mr. Cavendish, I Presume? Straight-laced Thomas begins to let loose and forget about appearances once the bonds of duty loosen. Audley may hate him at first, but Grace’s POV helps show what a truly nice guy he is. Many scenes in the novel hint at his own adventures that Audley and Grace remain unaware of and I am fond of his projected love interest Amelia. They act awkward with each other in front of other people, which is quite cute to me.

I enjoyed The Lost Duke of Wyndham thoroughly. It is a great novel to relax with after a hard day. (Especially if the hard day was caused by a specific person. You can imagine them instead of the dowager every time the Outer Hebrides are mentioned.)

Grade: B-

Jack Audley has been a highwayman.

A soldier. And he has always been a rogue. What he is not, and never wanted to be, is a peer of the realm, responsible for an ancient heritage and the livelihood of hundreds. But when he is recognized as the long-lost son of the House of Wyndham, his carefree life is over. And if his birth proves to be legitimate, then he will find himself with the one title he never wanted: Duke of Wyndham.

Grace Eversleigh has spent the last five years toiling as the companion to the dowager Duchess of Wyndham. It is a thankless job, with very little break from the routine . . . until Jack Audley lands in her life, all rakish smiles and debonair charm. He is not a man who takes no for an answer, and when she is in his arms, she’s not a woman who wants to say no. But if he is the true duke, then he is the one man she can never have . . .

Read all TGTBTU reviews and posts for The Lost Duke of Wyndham.

Devon’s review of The Lost Duke of Wyndham (Two Dukes of Wyndham, Book 1) by Julia Quinn
Historical Romance published by Avon 27 May 08

Julia Quinn is unusual in that she excels at writing nice people, and more importantly, making them interesting. Her heroines are women of the times. They don’t wear breeches, want to have adventures, or become lady novelists. They are practical, dutiful daughters who’d love to find happiness in marriage and children. Yet, Quinn always manages to imbue them with intelligence, strength of character and a sense of humor.

The Lost Duke of Wyndham’s Grace Eversleigh is such a heroine. The impoverished orphan of a country gentleman, she suffers numerous daily indignities as the companion to the hard-ass Dowager Duchess of Wyndham. She enjoys whatever tiny rebellions she can, and tries to keep her sense of humor hidden. But when an attempted robbery results in the Dowager claiming the highwayman as her long lost grandson, will Grace be able to keep her feelings for the dashing fellow hidden?

Even the most roguish of Quinn heroes can’t hide their inner decency. The possible true Duke of Wyndham, Jack Audley, is like the nicest highwayman that ever lived. He only steals from rich people, and gives much of his spoils to the poor. Jack is so charming and witty, so bright and affable, I couldn’t believe he had ever been a criminal. I completely put it out of my head.

Words like nice, pleasant, witty and charming are an apt description for The Lost Duke of Wyndham in general. I enjoyed it, it kept my interest, and I found the romance to be sweet and sexy, but I found it a bit lightweight. I fear I’ll forget the details really quick. To be honest, I found Grace and Jack’s relationships with the Dowager and Thomas (the other possible Duke) more interesting. The Dowager is a tough old bitch, and Thomas, who has been “The Duke of Wyndham” for a long time, is controlled, sarcastic and a bit mysterious. They provided a contrast to the charming and nice Jack and Grace, and provided much of the funny and the pathos.

Jack and Grace also have their private woes, which were a bit meh. Jack’s reasons for not wanting to return to Ireland and Grace’s belief that she couldn’t marry Jack were total historical romance clichés. I was like, get over it already. There was a twist late in the story concerning Jack which was a real surprise, but wrapped up so neatly and quickly, I found it odd.

All in all The Lost Duke of Wyndham was a fun read with a number of laugh out loud moments. It may not be one of Quinn’s most memorable, but it’s a pleasant way to while away a spring afternoon. And I am really looking forward to Thomas’ story, due in the fall.

Grade: B-

     From the back cover:

     Will the Real Duke of Wyndham Please Stand Up?

     Jack Audley has been a highwayman.  A soldier. And he has always been a rogue. What he is not, and never wanted to be, is a peer of the realm, responsible for an ancient heritage and the livelihood of hundreds. But when he is recognized as the long-lost son of the House of Wyndham, his carefree life is over. And if his birth proves to be legitimate, then he will find himself with the one title he never wanted: Duke of Wyndham.

     Grace Eversleigh has spent the last five years toiling as the companion to the dowager Duchess of Wyndham. It is a thankless job, with very little break from the routine… until Jack Audley lands in her life, all rakish smiles and debonair charm. He is not a man who takes no for an answer, and when she is in his arms, she’s not a woman who wants to say no. But if he is the true duke, then he is the one man she can never have…

     Read an excerpt here.

Lawson’s review of The Lost Duke of Wyndham (Two Dukes of Wyndham, Book 1) by Julia Quinn
Historical romance released by Avon 27 May 2008

This books starts the tales of the disputed Dukedom of Wyndham. The next in the series will come out in October and it’s called Mr. Cavendish, I Presume. I’ve always had a small fascination with Quinn’s titles, they tend to play on some different things and it’s rather fun. The first character we meet though is not one of the proposed Dukes, but rather the Dowager Duchess and her companion, Grace Eversleigh. And what a very non-Quinn character the Dowager is.

I say that for one reason only: usually embittered characters with no positive views of life are the villain of the piece in a Quinn novel. The Dowager is not really a villain, but just a woman who life handed a rough hand and as such she’s become kind of a viper. The fact that Grace puts up with her for so long with good humor and loyalty shows the best parts of her character. Grace has also had a difficult life, but with the Dowager’s meager largesse, she’s been saved from ruin and is rather comfortable, if not well cared for.

This is all thrown in upheaval when the Dowager and Grace are set upon by highwaymen on the way home from an assembly. The Dowager recognizes the highwayman as her possible grandson and, as it comes out later when he comes to the castle, the true heir to the Dukedom. Jack Audley is rather shocked by this information and then spends the rest of the book trying to get out of what could be a colossal mistake.

Jack, you see, has a secret he hides rather well. To give it away would be the height of spoiling things and what good hero doesn’t have some sort of secret he needs to overcome? Other than that, he’s a charming rogue, with an easy smile and a sharp wit that could melt a girls heart. Which he does very easily to Grace. Though she feels loyal to the Dowager and by extension her grandson Thomas, the current Duke, to see her fall for Jack is rather sweet.

By the end of the story, the reader knows who the true Duke is, but the story continues in the next book. Throughout there’s Quinn’s trademark humor and dialogue, but it seems a little hollow. At least until Jack comes clean with his secret and it helps to round his character. Will the Dowager seem less of a dragon in that one? Will the other contender for the Dukedom have a satisfying end to his life? It’s said it’s told concurrently, so we shall see the other side of the story.

Grade: B

     Summary:

Jack Audley has been a highwayman.

A soldier. And he has always been a rogue. What he is not, and never wanted to be, is a peer of the realm, responsible for an ancient heritage and the livelihood of hundreds. But when he is recognized as the long-lost son of the House of Wyndham, his carefree life is over. And if his birth proves to be legitimate, then he will find himself with the one title he never wanted: Duke of Wyndham.

Grace Eversleigh has spent the last five years toiling as the companion to the dowager Duchess of Wyndham. It is a thankless job, with very little break from the routine . . . until Jack Audley lands in her life, all rakish smiles and debonair charm. He is not a man who takes no for an answer, and when she is in his arms, she’s not a woman who wants to say no. But if he is the true duke, then he is the one man she can never have . . .

     Read an excerpt.