Yours Truly, The Duke (Say I Do, 1)
The Duke of Wyatthaven urgently needs a bride if he is to avoid losing a sizeable inheritance from his grandmother. Fredericka Hale needs a husband to avoid losing custody of her sister’s three children to her cousin. Surely a sensible agreement can be reached? Well, so one would think, but the path to true love is never smooth, particularly when the needs of children must be taken into account.
The marriage-of-convenience trope in Regency romances, though familiar, is always intriguing. Since it is based upon practical considerations rather than an emotional attraction, it explores an alternative path to happiness within marriage. Since Fredericka and Wyatt do share a physical attraction, prospects look hopeful, but if they are to succeed, they and the children need to learn some lessons about themselves and others. The latter have been affected by the untimely death of their parents, while the attitudes of the former have been shaped by their own childhood experiences.
Although characterization is often idealized and the tone drifts towards the didactic, the insights into the damage caused by negative experiences and the soul-searching required to overcome them are thoughtful. Recommended.
