The Lost Duke of Wyndham

Honestly, it's more like a 4.5 star book than a full 5 stars- but there doesn't seem to be half-star grades here. I don't know where to begin or what exactly to focus on when reviewing this book. I just want to say that it seems like JQ's finally brought something fresh with likable and sensible characters- unlike her last few books. This book borders the love-at-first-sight type of romance. I'm usually not fond of them but for some reason, it didn't bother me in this novel- maybe now that I'm older and have seen some people be attracted to each other and fall in love quickly and successfully, I'm more amenable to the idea. I liked how Grace and Jack were attracted to each other, but then slowly fell in love with each other. I liked how there wasn't any prodding on either side to make them realize they're in love. I also enjoyed Quinn's wry and honest commentary on manners, social interaction, and human behavior- those fleeting thoughts one has, but never really thought to voice aloud or put to paper. It doesn't come off as sounding too showy-instead, it is weaved in a way that conveys very real nuances to the characterization of the characters and situations. If I didn't have such an aversion to making marks in my books, I would have underlined many lines in which I had mentally exclaimed "that's exactly what I think!" or "I totally understand because I had been in a similar situation when..." or "I've met someone like that". When I think of JQ's books, even if the plot and events might be farfetched sometimes, at least this aspect of her work is very real. Her voice is on the same wavelength of my mental voice whenever I observe social situations around me. Some of the other things I liked also included Jack's portrayal (I admit I'm a bit like him and know people who are like him too), how Jack's problems were dealt with (no overdramatization or instant miracles there), an awareness of social propriety, the depiction of the title as a huge responsibility (been reading too much about leisurely lords and dukes), and the layered depiction of the Duchess of Wyndham as a very mean, horrible lady (with a black heart) who does have a hidden depths and principles (as opposed to the many old ladies get typecasted in romances nowadays). I guess, in the end, what I'm trying to say is that what made this book so great wasn't just a few big ideas/aspects that made a big splash in my mind (honestly, the plot summary didn't sound too intriguing), but it was all the small things the JQ added to the novel and the characters' voices that made this book great. I can't wait to get my hands on the companion book to this!

Ahhh, Julia Quinn. She never fails to make me smile, page after glorious page. The Lost Duke of Wyndham is Quinn's first novel in a new series about the Cavendish family. In this particular novel, Jack Audley is believe to be the long lost son of a prior Wyndham duke. It's a bit of a prodigal son tale, if you will. Jack was raised in Ireland by his aunt and uncle and carries a bit of a haunted past himself. The dowager Duchess of Wyndham, August Cavendish, is convinced that Jack is her favorite son's heir--even when no one else wants to believe it, including Jack. The dowager is the devil incarnate...or at least, everyone seems to think she is. But she may have more layers than meets the eye at first glance. Grace Eversleigh is the dowager's lovely, witty, and underestimated companion. How she puts up with the dowager's tantrums and tangents is anyone's guess. But she feels beholden to the dowager and has nowhere else to go, so she remains at Belgrave, the Cavendish family home. It's clear from the beginning that Grace and Jack have a connection. And despite their best intentions, they can't seem to stay away from each other. In the search for Jack's true identity, they fall in love. A bit of a love triangle is created since--by all indications--Thomas Cavendish, the current Duke of Wyndham, seems to fancy Grace at least a little. Even worse, Thomas is betrothed to Amelia Willoughby, Grace's childhood friend. It's a tangled web that does eventually sort itself out by the end of the novel. Ever since I discovered Quinn's novels several years ago, I haven't failed to read them as they're released. During this particular story, I found myself smiling and laughing out loud at Jack's outrageous and charming sense of humor. Quinn has a witty repertoire she manages to keep up throughout the entire book. Actually, most of her novels carry this same vibe, which is why I like them so much. I can always count on a lighthearted, comfortable read. She obviously heavily researches the novels before she writes them as I found myself looking up references to Boucher and Watteau.

I just finished reading some of poor reviews and I am not sure I read the same book. This novels was great, Jack was very charming and when he fell in love it was hard (he left you with a smile!). Grace had such loyality and I wanted everything to work out for these characters. Grace and Jack's story had humor,romance and some great supporting characters. If you love this genre and want a enjoyable escape for a afternoon - pick-up this book. I am looking forward to her next novel; Mr. Cavendish, I Presume (Two Dukes of Wyndham, Book 2) due out September 30, 2008 Amelia & Thomas' story! On her website she reports a another new book due out July 2009 - I can't wait!!!!!

...I LOVED this book. I see that it is receiving alot of low reviews, but I loved every moment of this book. It was FUNNY, romantic and even the sub-plot (Is Jack the lost duke?) kept me entertained. I suppose the hero, Jack, is EXTREMELY charming, humorous, and maybe a little too sure of his own charm...but he expressed hints of vulnerability that showed his depth. I adored him. The heroine, Grace, is a bit timid, but I liked her. I could understand why she was hesitant to step up and defend herself at times. I loved her dialogue with Jack though and her obvious infatuation with him. I also loved her reactions to his off the wall comments, which he has plenty of! I suppose if I had to use one word to describe this story it is: sweet. I know...what an icky word - but there you go. It was sweet. Warning: I just finished reading a VERY BAD book before I purchased JQ's Lost Duke, so maybe my standards were not that high - so don't take my word alone. Definitely read the other reviews. BUT...the Lost Duke was like a breath of fresh air for me. Yes, it is a love at first sight book. Personally, I adore love-at-first sight books. The Lost Duke of Wyndham made me laugh and sigh. It was just what I needed. When I finished this book, I was still laughing and sighing. I would also like to point out that I rarely give a book 5 stars. I gave this book 5 stars because I personally enjoyed the story, it really brightened my day, and it kept me laughing well after I sat the book down. I only give books 5 stars if i can see myself re-reading it many times in the future - and I definitely will be visiting this story again!

An absolutely fantastic historical romance! Julia Quinn was already one of my top three favorite historical romance authors, but I think this is her best book yet- or at least my new favorite. I won't go over the plot, I will say that the book takes place between a grand English home, on the road and in Ireland. Jack, our hero, is wonderful and is given a personality with many layers. I've been suffering rake-with-women-issues fatigue, and Jack's charm paired with his respect of our heroine, Grace, was refreshing. He has been through a tragedy but it does not make him dark or hateful. I loved the way the romance developed- the protagonists are so fun to read about that it was a pleasure "watching" them fall in love. They sparred, and humor figures into their relationship quite a bit. This is not a book you should get expecting lots of steamy sex scenes, in fact it's very light in that area. We also have strong supporting characters- I wanted to smack the dowager (Grace's employer) through the whole book, Quinn was VERY deft at writing her as a frustrating old rich witch! There are two other characters who were set up in this book that will appear in the sequel (advertised in the back of the book) which is due in October. I already can't wait to read it- fans of Quinn who were disappointed by "The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever" and "On the Way To the Wedding" should be happy to hear that Quinn is back at the top of her game. I highly recommend this book- I couldn't put it down, devoured it and was sad to see it end. This is definitely a keeper. Also, keep your eye out for "truthiness"!