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.