Want a NOOK? Explore Now
What woman would refuse a Duke’s kiss?
Running from a dark secret past, Isabella Masters craves peace and stability, a life far from the prying eyes of society.
She does not dream of landing a lord.
But in the arms of a stranger with magnificent eyes, she loses herself in one breath-stealing kiss— only to discover she has been misled by a reluctant Duke.
Angered but enthralled, she dares not submit . . . though her passionate heart begs her to. He cannot wed her . . . but he must not lose her.
Only one possibility remains— one too scandalous to consider . . . yet too tempting to resist.
I believe this is the third novel in a series. I have not read the first two; however, that is not necessary as "What a Duke Wants" does well as a stand alone book. Lavinia Kent does nothing extraordinary with this novel. In fact, she conforms to all the prescribed Historical Romance dos, don'ts, and clichés. In short: (this is a review, not a book synopsis) Runaway Isabella Masters, currently known as Isabella Smith and employed as a nursemaid, finds herself "moved" to the stables by some haughty Duke's employee, where she is trying to lull her wailing charge to sleep. It is there, in the stables, while muttering to herself about "covering cocks" that Isabella encounters Mark Smythe, the Duke of Strattington, who, as the book excerpt suggests, does not reveal his true identity. Thus, the not-so-Cinderella story begins. Even though Lavinia Kent tried an engaging, comical opening to this novel, - the double entendre of the above mentioned "covered cocks" - she failed to capture my attention, as there was nothing original in that beginning; the small misunderstanding on Mark's part (about whose cock should be covered) was well anticipated and, therefore, neither humorous nor winning. And that is pretty much how the rest of the novel progresses, with attempts at originality that fail because of their predictability. Isabella Smith, or Masters, or whatever is running from her past, from deeds done that hold dire consequences. She guards her secret to the end, unable to trust. How many such Historical Romance damsels in distress have we, the readers, met? Mark Smythe is learning to be a Duke because he never expected to inherit the title, being a first cousin; and he only feels "himself" while in the presence of Isabella, necessitating his "false identity" - how many "Marks" can we recall? Even the sexual tension in this book is predictable - with Mark being beautiful, and Isabella unbelievable. All the formulaic, run-of-the-mill "How to Write a Romance Novel" gibberish. Then there are the actual sex scenes, glazed over yes, but annoying as well. I think one scene was actually ten pages long (I am exaggerating, but bear with me; I have a point). When Isabella and Mark finally get down to business, they, all of a sudden, stop and have a lengthy discussion about naughty books Isabella has read and THEN resume- REALLY, hmm . I don't see myself saying right in the middle of the action, "stop honey, I want to discuss this picture I saw wherever, it didn't reveal that move!!!" Come on! I know that Kent's attempting to illustrate Isabella's naïveté; however, reading about positions or how large a man's size is in comparison to statutes or pictures grows tiresome, and yes, predictable. However, all this criticism aside, this novel does possess redeeming qualities, which make it a 3 ½ star read. Isabella is more mature than her 21 years. Her despondency, while Mark's mistress, is well portrayed and can be felt. The fact that she resolved her "past" issues on her own, in an adult fashion was very appealing to me. Mark also conquers his internal struggle - figuring out how to be a Duke, realizing his mistakes, realizing how he's hurt Isabella, how he's functioning solely to please society's expectations of his new station. And, there is dialogue that is witty, painful, and joyful as well. Basically, this is not a bad book; it is just nothing special. Originally on romancecritic
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.After having read the previous book with Peter and Violet I was looking forward to Isabella's story. What a let down. The story was childish and anyone who thinks Isabella was able to live on her own for the last three years is dreaming. Mark was a disappointing hero who never did anything....and I mean he did nothing. Ms Kent can certainly write a better story, I know I have read them.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.In 1821 England, the Duke of Strattington's man Divers tosses Miss Isabella Masters and her baby Joseph out of his house because the infant makes too much noise crying, which will disturb the lord. Outside in the dark she meets a man who originally thought she was a doxy until he sees the baby. Once they clear that up she says she Isabella Smith taking Master Joseph to his father in London; he says he is Mark Smythe, who hides from her that he may be the Duke she just scorned.
They hit it off, but she dreams of marrying him while he dreams of not marrying her or anyone. As they kiss, they land in a compromising position. Mark proposes, but Bella wants Strattington so she decides to run away again. However, Mark realizes he wants Bella as his wife whether he is a duke or a commoner.
This is an entertaining Regency romance with a bit of a mystery and suspense enhancing the story line. Sub-genre readers will enjoy the changing relationship between Smith and Smythe while wondering along with the lead male how Bella became Master Joseph's escort.
Harriet Klausner
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted June 5, 2012
No text was provided for this review.
Anonymous
Posted January 8, 2013
No text was provided for this review.
Anonymous
Posted February 2, 2013
No text was provided for this review.
Anonymous
Posted October 4, 2011
No text was provided for this review.
Anonymous
Posted December 4, 2011
No text was provided for this review.
Anonymous
Posted March 20, 2013
No text was provided for this review.
Anonymous
Posted December 11, 2011
No text was provided for this review.
Anonymous
Posted December 15, 2011
No text was provided for this review.
Overview
What woman would refuse a Duke’s kiss?
Running from a dark secret past, Isabella Masters craves peace and stability, a life far from the prying eyes of society.
She does not dream of landing a lord.
But in the arms of a stranger with magnificent eyes, she loses herself in one breath-stealing kiss— only to discover she has been misled by a ...