Veena’s review of Every Duke Has His Day by Suzanne Enoch
Historical Romance published by St. Martin’s Books 19 Sep 23
Lancelot and Galahad are not as you might imagine knights of the round table in this new regency romp from Ms. Enoch. It’s a story of a scientist duke and a beautiful sought-after debutante who have nothing in common and might never have met and explored the chemistry between them, except for an accidental exchange of dogs and a kidnapping or two. It’s always fun and entertaining to read a book by Ms. Enoch, and this book is no exception.
The duke seems rather set in his ways and buried in his experiments and not at all interested in finding a wife or enjoying the balls of the season. Bitsy is a beautiful, young lady enjoying the heady joy of being feted and courted in her now second season. While she is surrounded by suitors, her dog, Galahad, however, is a protector who makes his opinion known. Hence, a plot to remove the dog from the scene, swoop in during a weak moment with a ring to wed the fair maiden.
Unfortunately, the plot goes very wrong. A romp in the park and a chance encounter with the duke gets the dogs switched, resulting in the wrong animal being kidnapped. Now the duke and Bitsy, despite their initial hostility, are forced to pool their resources to find Lancelot. Unfortunately, shortly thereafter, instead of recovering Lancelot, Galahad is also kidnapped.
With its touch of suspense and smoldering romance, this story is a fun read.
Grade: B
Summary:
Michael Bromley, Duke of Woriton, has a passion, but it’s not for chasing ladies or gambling till dawn. No, his is the far more dangerous pursuit of the science of chemistry. He may be a tad eccentric, but he can navigate a society ballroom, and manage a polite conversation—if he must. He’s certainly capable of taking care of his aunt’s perfectly behaved poodle, Lancelot, while she’s on holiday.
Elizabeth “Bitsy” Dockering, third daughter of a viscount, is enjoying her second, spectacular Season in London. She is a Diamond of the Season and is adored by all—and especially by her precious black poodle, Galahad. To everyone else, however, Galahad is a demon dog. So much so that Bitsy’s most insistent beau and particular victim of Galahad’s bad manners, has hired a thief to steal the dog, clearing the way for his suit.
But none of them can plan for a chaotic encounter in the park, resulting in lost notes, a soaking in the Serpentine and an accidental dog swap…and Lancelot being kidnapped instead of Galahad! Determined to locate the dog, Michael isn’t thrilled to be saddled with a flighty female insisting on helping—except that Bitsy has a great deal more sense than he expected. And a sharp tongue to match. Still, what’s a scientist to do but continue to pursue an outcome, however unexpected it may be? But chemistry is all about attraction, and this is one formula with some hilariously romantic results.
