Romancing the Duke

Starred review from December 16, 2013
Dare’s first Castles Ever After historical provides a unique twist to a fairy tale, complete with an ancient castle, a damsel in distress, and a wounded hero. In 19th-century England, Isolde “Izzy” Goodnight is left penniless when her father, who was a writer, dies. Her one ray of hope is a letter telling her that she has inherited Gostley Castle from her godfather. The castle turns out to be a crumbling structure that already has a resident: Ransom Vane, the Duke of Rothbury. After an accident left him blind, Ransom has secluded himself in the castle, not realizing that his agents sold it to the man who bequeathed it to Izzy. Certain that the truth of the building’s ownership lies in the untouched correspondence on Ransom’s desk, Izzy insists on becoming his secretary. While she is drawn to his masculine beauty, Izzy really falls for Ransom when his kindness belies his rakish behavior. Dare’s lyrical writing and expert, intense character development make this a romance to be savored with the eager expectation of future series installments.

Starred review from January 15, 2014
Izzy Goodnight has long given up on fairy tales, so she is shocked to learn that she has inherited a castle and must figure out what to do with the wounded duke who lives there. As the daughter of a scholar famous for penning a series of tales about knights and maidens, Izzy knows a thing or two about fairy tales. However, she also knows hunger and financial desperation thanks to the same father, who never took the time to ensure she was cared for after his death. In fact, Izzy has spent her life looking after her father and supporting his career, so his betrayal in this manner is even more crushing. Learning she has inherited a castle from one of her father's advisers sends her fleeing to the property, only to find a dilapidated building and the wounded duke who used to own it--and who is quite surprised and angry to learn he no longer does. Since Izzy has no money and the duke needs help, they agree she will stay on and help him get his affairs in order, and he will pay her for her services. Getting to the bottom of the mystery forces them to work closely together, and both are stunned when a strong attraction flares between them. But Izzy is the beloved daughter of a famous author, and her father's adoring public comes calling, causing tension in the household. Add in Izzy's self-consciousness regarding her plain appearance, the continued dispute over the castle and various quirky secondary characters, not to mention a few secrets and dangers along the bumpy path to the couple's happily-ever-after, and you have the recipe for an effervescent, heart-tugging romance. Dare starts her new series with a unique storyline, a sweet, fun nod to literary fandom, and two main characters who are perfect for each other yet never would have met if they weren't each at a nadir in life's journey.

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Starred review from February 15, 2014

With a name like hers, Isolde Ophelia Goodnight should have been headed for romance. Instead, left destitute by the death of her author father, she is heading for a surprise inheritance from her godfather and her last hope--a moldering property in Northumberland, Gostley Castle. But the castle is not empty. An angry--and nearly blind--Ransom William Dacre Vane, Duke of Rothbury, insists that the property is his and Izzy can't stay, setting the scene for a passionate, touching, sometimes hilarious romp that has surprises at every turn. An undaunted heroine who believes in love, a wary hero who doesn't, and a supporting cast like none you've ever seen practically spring from the pages of this refreshing, heartfelt tale and skillfully propel the plot to its breathtaking, satisfying conclusion. VERDICT Humor, whimsy, and joy overflow as a most unlikely pair find their happy ending in this fairy tale-come-to-life, the first of what promises to be another addictive series for Dare (Any Duchess Will Do), who lives in Southern California.

Copyright 2014 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from January 1, 2014
Please let it be money! That is the one thought Isolde Goodnight has when she receives the news that her recently deceased godfather, the Earl of Lynforth, has mentioned her in his will. Izzy desperately hopes that she has inherited at least 200. Even 100 would help because after her father's death, Izzy is nearly penniless and without a home to call her own. Instead, Izzy discovers that she is now the proud owner of Gostley Castle, a rapidly crumbling pile of stones deep in the wilds of Northumberland. Much to Izzy's surprise, she also discovers that the castle comes complete with one unmentioned, additional feature: its previous owner, Ransome William Dacre Vane, the Duke of Rothbury. Splendidly talented Dare (Any Duchess Will Do, 2013) creates cleverly written dialogue, exceptionally appealing characters, and an engaging plot that gives a wink toward Beauty and the Beast and a nod to fandom, all key components in this wickedly funny and soul-satisfyingly romantic novel, the perfect launch to Dare's new Castles Ever After series.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)