Book Review #bookreview #historicalromance #netgalley #dukegonerogue #avonbooks #happilyeveravon #readavon #christycarlyle
Duke Gone Rogue is a fun and softly sweet romance story between a Duke and a working class heroine. Christy Carlyle gently weaves together this fast paced romance with low angst, delightful characters, a charming setting, and a sweet chemistry between the hero and heroine in the late Victorian era (1890s). Carlyle's writing is engaging, quickly drawing the reader in and it is well paced as this soft romance unfolds between two people who are at a sort of cross roads in their lives.
Will, the hero, is a duke who has the reputation of as a grumpy stick in the mud, after a failed engagement his sisters encourage him to take a vacation at a rundown estate in Cornwall to hopefully reinvigorate him. Madeline is a hard worker, she run's her families flower business, she is a founding member of the Royal Visit Committee and she is involved in many groups around town. Madeline knows that anything she puts her mind to, she can accomplish. Madeline and Will are constantly put in each other's paths when Madeline is tasked with encouraging the Duke to renovate his estate in time for Princess Beatrice's visit. During this time Will and Madeline allow their attraction to grow as Maddie helps him to explore Cornwall and learn to open himself up.
This romance story is gently explored in a vacation setting in the Cornwall area. I love that this novels action plays out in the everyday operations of this small town as they prep for a new hotel opening and an annual flower show that will be judged by Princess Beatrice. Because this novel is built around a small town we are introduced to various people in the town, that are delightful and unique in their own way. I also found the late Victorian date of this novel to be nicely refreshing and explores some of the new innovations in technology in a nice and subtle way. Carlyle does a lovely job of balancing the romantic relationship between Will and Madeline while still keeping their daily lives and the town every present in the action of the story. Watching their initial attraction flourish and grow as they are draw to each other and spend time together is really lovely. Will and Madeline have a sweet chemistry that is grow from mutual attraction and respect for the other. Will and Madeline learn to work together, explore their attraction while both being cautious and aware of what they imagine the other's hopes and dreams for the future are. Will and Maddie are so sweet together and supportive of each other. I really enjoyed how they both were able to help the other take a look at where they currently where in their lives and question where they want to be. Their relationship is sweetly sensual, and while not closed door, the steam level is definitely on the moderate side of steamy.
I would definitely recommend this lovely, low angst romance. The charming setting, the intriguing side characters, a strong and independent heroine and a hero who blooms with the love he has for his heroine is such a delightful mix for a wonderful historical romance.
Thank you to Avon Romance and NetGalley for an eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.