The Secret Duke (A Mallorean Novel)

I found it got slogged down in the depiction of Bella's association with Lady Fowler and that sad, unloved group of women. Really, Bella is lovely and lively, a March hare indeed, but this group of women who endured so much became, in the telling of Bella's and Thorn's story, very off-putting. I wonder if Ms. Beverley (one of my favorite novelists; I own all of her books and have read them all, some twice)...I wonder if she was distracted in her writing during her move from Victoria to England? I guess in summary, this book was just too long; too much dark, dysphoric mood rising from the Fowler ladies, causing Bella to slug through the mud out of a sense of duty, rather than giving free rein to her optimistic nature. I know some conflict is needed, but she suffered so much under her brother's control. But all ended well, of course, and I believe Bella and Thorn will live happily. Now, please Ms. Beverley, please give us Caleb's story... Your friend, Marilyn

In 1760, Captain Rose looks forward to a hot meal, a warm bed, and rest as the Duke of Ithrone after two days at sea. Instead he checks a commotion at the aptly named Black Rat tavern where he sees two hooligans accosting a lady of quality. He saves Arabella Barstowe from certain rape. She repays him by stealing his horse and fleeing into the night. Over the next few years, Bella survives in London by copying letters for an infamous scandal rag. However, she also learns the truth about who arranged her abduction four years ago. She vows vengeance, but knows only one person who could do this for her. Bella seeks out the pirate she never forgot. For his part, Captain Rose never forgot the lady he rescued. The latest Secret Georgian Rakish romance (see A Lady's Secret and The Secret Wedding) is a fast-paced, action-packed tale starring a courageous female and a resolute hero who uses his half-brother's reputation as Captain Rose when it is convenient to do so. The tale is filled with intrigue as Bella seeks revenge against the person who destroyed her life but instead she finds love as Buccaneer Bella, but her thirst remains powerful. Although the story line slows a bit in the center for fans to catch their breath, The Secret Duke is another superb historical in the Malloren world of Georgian romance Queen Jo Beverly. Harriet Klausner