Much Ado About Dukes

TITLE: Much Ado About Dukes

SERIES: Never a Wallflower #2

AUTHOR: Eva Devon

RATING: 

STEAM: 

THE SYNOPSIS
As far as William Easton―the Duke of Blackheath―is concerned, love can go to the devil. Why would a man need passion when he has wealth, a stately home, and work to occupy his mind? But no one warned the duke that a fiery and frustratingly strong-willed activist like Lady Beatrice Haven can also be a stunning, dark-haired siren who tempts a man’s mind, body, and soul.

Lady Beatrice is determined to never marry. Ever. She would much rather fight for the rights of women and provoke the darkly handsome Duke of Blackheath, even if he does claim to be forward-thinking. After all, dukes―even gorgeous ones―are the enemy. So why does she feel such enjoyment from their heated exchanges?

But everything changes when Beatrice finds herself suddenly without fortune, a husband, or even a home. Now her future depends on the very man who sets her blood boiling. Because in order to protect his esteemed rival, the Duke of Blackheath has asked for Beatrice’s hand, inviting his once-enemy into his home...and his bed.

THE HEROINE

Beatrice's parents had a loving marriage, but unfortunately died when she was a young girl leaving her to her Uncle and cousin, whom she adores. She is strong activist for women's rights, especially when it comes to marriage and being a husband's property. She has no desire to be trapped in a marriage, except  on the rare chance that she finds a love like the one her parents shared. She has felt quite alone in her passions, although supported by her Uncle and cousin, so when she meets William and is ready to fight him for his backing, she is shocked to find they share many of the same ideas and morals. Beatrice made me nervous at first; I was really worried she would be one who would fight William and resist his help cause he is a Duke and a man, so he couldn't possibly understand.  I appreciated that she was able to have her strong opinions and still be open the possibility of William's help and possibly being more to her. 

THE HERO

William's mother left her husband and three boys in the middle of the night when he was a small child. She was in love with someone else and, he believes, chose that man over him. Ever since then, he has stepped up to care for his brothers, be the man his father coldly formed him to be and believed that 'love' ruins peoples ability to reason and behave properly. He vows NEVER to succumb to such feelings. But then he starts receiving letters from Beatrice and he is completely in awe of her even before they meet in a crowded ballroom. They form a friendship of sorts and offers to help her with her causes because he admires and sees the brilliant woman she is.  At least that's what he tells himself. I really adored William; his awe and adoration for Beatrice was incredible and he truly was her biggest advocate and fan. He could have very easily dismissed her, but he sought to understand her point of view and conceded when he was in the wrong. That takes a big man!

THE PLOT

Oh, how I loved this book! I was so worried reading the first couple of chapters that it was going to be drowned down with political talk. Nothing against it as I know the lack of rights women had at that time, but I was afraid the romance would be soured by it.  Boy was I wrong! Ms. Devon walked a fine line between the two characters and their stubbornness both politically and romantically. And it was so much fun! The side characters, William's brothers and Beatrice's sisters, were delightful and I am hoping they all get books as well!

STAND OUT MOMENT

When, just the day after their marriage, William comes out of the parliament building to see Beatrice yelling her views and passing out pamphlets! I was so worried her was going to lose his mind...and he was. But then he stopped and reasoned with himself that this was what he admired about her and even joined her group of friends!

TROPES

Historical Romance, Regency Romance, Beta/Cinnamon Roll Hero, Politician Hero, Pugilist/Fighter Hero, Titled Hero, Bluestocking Heroine, Activist Heroine, Hoyden Heroine, Independent Heroine, Virgin Heroine, Friends to Lovers, Marriage of Convenience/Arranged Marriage, Loss of Nobility/Riches to Rags, Five Star, Three Flame

HistoricalRomance, Regencyera, Beta/CinnamonrollHero, PoliticianHero, Puglist/FighterHero, TitledHero, BluestockingHeroine, ActivistHeroine, HoydenHeroine, IndependentHeroine, VirginHeroine, FriendstoLovers, MarriageofConvenience/ArrangedMarriage, LossofNobility/RichestoRags, fivestar, threeflame