Heir to the Duke

November 9, 2015
Ashford (Married to a Perfect Stranger) makes a strong start to her Duke’s Sons Regency series with a story that affirms the value of being yourself and having fun in the process. The ostensibly staid Lady Violet Devere escapes the tyrannical social control of her grandmother by marrying Nathaniel Gresham, Viscount Hightower. She passionately breaks out of her shell and asks her new husband for a season in Brighton, a daring new wardrobe, and the dismissal of the dour servant from her previous home. This delights Nathaniel, who needs to be distracted from the seriousness of keeping his prankster younger brothers in line. Then Violet’s discovery of a family secret threatens to destroy her newfound sparkle and joy. The playful tone is enhanced by delightful period terms, such as tatterdemalion, sprinkled throughout the text. Ashford’s heroes favor flexibility in matters of fashion and bearing, but they stand firmly against moral lapses, keeping the book’s ethics unproblematic. Nathaniel’s likable family makes just enough of an appearance to fuel anticipation of his brothers’ future matches. Agent: Jennifer Weltz, Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency.

December 1, 2015

Acknowledging his duty to marry, Nathaniel Gresham, Viscount Hightower and heir to the Duke of Langford, is happy to be wedding the very suitable Lady Violet Devere. In his opinion, she will do quite well as his future duchess. Violet is happy, too, because she will finally have an establishment of her own and the freedom that comes with marriage. But Violet has no intention of being boring, and so she sets out to give herself a bit more sparkle and flair and ends up igniting Nathaniel's interest as well as intriguing the ton. Then Violet discovers something about her family that just might endanger her newfound happiness. VERDICT Graced with lively wit, excellent period detail, and appealing protagonists, this fetching romp enthusiastically launches Ashford's new series. Ashford (Married to a Perfect Stranger) lives in Boston.

Copyright 2015 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 1, 2015
Some ladies might think getting married means giving up their freedom. But for Violet Devere, marrying Nathaniel Gresham means she will finally be free. As far back as she can remember, Violet's iron-willed grandmother, the dowager Countess of Moreley, has relentlessly regulated every aspect of Violet's life. Once Violet weds Nathaniel, she will finally be out from under her grandmother's rule and able to do exactly what she wants, when she wants. As for Nathaniel, he initially believes that the perfectly polite Violet will make the perfectly placid wife. Immediately after their marriage, however, Nathaniel is amazed to see his utterly suitable new wife begin breaking out of her shell and doing all kinds of things he never would have imagined. Is this a good thing or a bad thing for him? Ashford (Married to a Perfect Stranger, 2015) launches her new series, The Duke's Sons, on a high note with an engaging tale about love and marriage that showcases her usual Georgette Heyeresque flair for characterization and impeccably realized historical setting.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)