Duke of My Heart

Starred review from February 8, 2016
Bowen's irresistible Regency is like the most popular debutante at the ball: pretty, witty, mysterious, and full of coquettish allure. From the first line to the happy dénouement, Bowen builds enough romantic heat to melt midwinter snow. A dead man has been found in the bed of the virginal Lady Beatrice Harcourt, and Bea has gone missing, apparently clad only in her chemise! Enter Ivory Moore, whose job is whisking away the sordid remains of what appears to be an evening's debauched revelry and concocting a fiction that will preserve Bea's reputation. Her task requires the cooperation of Bea's errant brother, Capt. Maximus Harcourt. Naturally, he's outraged when Ivory orders him around. Max and Ivory conduct a merry tug of war over who takes the reins of investigating Bea's disappearance while pleasantly losing their battle with mutual attraction. Good reading is assured as Bowen weaves wonderful romantic fiction. Agent: Stefanie Lieberman, Janklow and Nesbit Associates.

Ashford McNab provides a delightful reading of this Regency romance mixed with mystery. Ivory Moore is businesswoman who specializes in fixing the messes of the upper crust. But when she's hired to clean up the scandal of Lady Beatrice Harcourt, she gets more than she bargained for in the form of Lady Bea's older brother, Maximus Harcourt, duke of Alderidge. Ivory's voice sounds clear and calm, while McNab gives Max's voice a deep, harsher quality. As their investigation takes them out of ballrooms and into the streets of London, McNab provides unique voices to messenger boys, sea captains, and even black market dealers that reflect their less polished speech. As the story alternates between mystery and romance, McNab doesn't miss a beat and provides a satisfying reading for those who enjoy romance with a touch of adventure. E.N. © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine