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ARC Review: Duke of Madness (Sisterhood of Secrets #1) by Jennifer Monroe
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Series: Sisterhood of Secrets #1
Author: Jennifer Monroe
Published November 4th 2021 by Wolf Publishing
Goodreads Synopsis
In this opposites-attract Regency romance by Jennifer Monroe, a duke who fears he will become mad like his father and a woman afraid of what the future will hold find themselves in a romance born out of madness.
A duke searching for luck.
A woman looking for love.
And a romance of two opposites that definitely attract.
After watching his parents’ marriage collapse, Matthew Colburn, 5th duke of Elmhurst, has outright dismissed the notion of love. After all, if he is destined to become as mad as his father had been why make any prospective bride suffer? Delving into work to avoid the reality of his future, Matthew focuses on an ever-growing empire, all due to the luck he gleans from a family heirloom – a simple gold pocket watch.
Miss Julia Wallace does not believe in luck, nor any other such absurdities. Fate and personal strength drive what happens in life. Unless one considers her father, who is determined to choose her husband whether love is included or not.
When a reclusive man known as the Duke of Madness comes to her school, Julia is immediately taken by his handsomeness. And when she foolishly collides into his broad chest, he does more than take her breath away — until he accuses her of theft.
Matthew is horrified to learn the very trinket that gives him such wonderful good fortune is missing. He has no doubt that the beautiful young woman used her alluring smile to distract him while picking his pocket. With an important upcoming party and his lucky watch missing, Matthew is at a loss as to what to do. The headmistress of the school insists her pupil is no thief, but rather a woman with a great deal of luck in her own right. Julia will accompany him to the party as a replacement for his missing watch — as his new lucky charm.
As the two become better acquainted Julia sees not a duke who is on the verge of madness but rather a man who is lost. And Matthew begins to believe love may have a place in his life after all – though he cannot help but think that it may take more than just luck to bring them together.
Goodreads
Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.
After being accused of thievery, Miss Julia Wallace can't believe that the handsome Duke is blaming her for his own misfortune. Forced to work in close proximity, as a sort of 'good luck charm', Julia soon realises that the one they call the Duke of Madness, Matthew Colburn, is only a man in need of a friend. As they spend more time together, Matthew starts to imagine a life full of love and happiness, and not worry about turning out like his father. But with his uncle's machinations drawing them apart, will Matthew be able to stand up for himself?
I have conflicting feelings about this book. On the one hand, it was an extremely quick read, so that's a plus. On the other, the characters were all a bit meh, and I was rolling my eyes at a lot of it. The book is 288 pages, but not a lot happens. Matthew is 21, and has been duke for a few years, but he is so under his uncle's thumb, it's honestly ridiculous. His uncle Ezra was a right sod, undermining Matthew at every turn, and making him doubt himself. I feel like he didn't get enough of a comeuppance either, which was disappointing. Julia and Matthew were an alright couple, though, and I'm glad it all worked out in the end. I will continue the series, but mainly only to clear my NG shelf, not because I was blown away by this book.
Dates Read:
December 31, 2022
Rating
3 Stars
