A Duke Too Far

January 20, 2020
An impoverished duke becomes enamored of one of his sister’s friends in the charming fourth installment to Ashford’s Regency-set Way to a Lord’s Heart series (after How to Cross a Marquess). Shortly before Ada Grandison’s school friend Delia Rathbone died in an accident, she told Ada that she had uncovered a secret that “would change everything” for the struggling Rathbone family. Ada believes that a note she found in Delia’s room after her death holds clues to the secret and is determined to visit Alberdene, the Rathbone family home, to uncover the secret. Together with three school friends and her Aunt Julia, Ada travels to Alberdene, where she meets Delia’s brother, Peter Rathbone, Duke of Compton. Peter and Ada work together to uncover Delia’s secret, searching for clues throughout Alberdene, which is in disrepair as a consequence of Peter’s reduced circumstances. Though the couple are instantly drawn to one another, Peter believes that their relationship cannot evolve past a few stolen kisses because he has nothing to offer her. Ashford draws in readers with complex characters, subtle romance, and all the sparkling wit and flirtatious banter of a Georgette Heyer novel. Series fans will be delighted. Agent: Jennifer Weltz, Jean V. Naggar Literary.

February 15, 2020
A hunt for treasure--and treasures of the heart. Peter Rathbone, the Duke of Compton, isn't ever expecting visitors--his estate is so impoverished that he keeps a tennis racquet at the dinner table to fend off attacks from bats. Suddenly, however, he becomes the host to two parties: the Earl of Macklin, whom he hasn't seen in six months, and a group of young women (plus chaperone, naturally) who went to school with his late sister, Delia. Led by Miss Ada Grandison, Sarah and Charlotte and Harriet are all eager to help the duke uncover a secret that Delia told Ada about just before her accidental death. Though the house is in disrepair, they all settle in, with chaperone Aunt Julia taking the opportunity to teach them how to run a household. Ada keeps looking for chances to be alone with the duke, to discuss Delia's secret, and their private encounters spark a mutual interest. But Peter, for his part, won't act on his feelings, having nothing to offer her, and Ada grows frustrated. After they all discover that Delia's secret is a potential treasure trove hidden on the estate, the girls race to solve the puzzle Delia left behind and find the fortune. Peter's not sure anything will come of it--but the chemistry between Ada and him continues, treasure or not. In the fourth volume of her The Way to a Lord's Heart series (How To Cross a Marquess, 2019), Ashford continues her explorations of a world outside, but not apart from, London society. With a light mystery and evocative detail, she sketches a gentler side of Regency life, away from the haut ton. Although the budding romance between Ada and Peter is sweet and compelling, it's the friendship between Ada and her three girlfriends that really sets the book apart. All of the dialogue, but especially theirs, is fast-paced and charming, adding a welcome richness to the story. The appearance of Lord Macklin might seem odd to readers who are new to the series, but the book can be read on its own, and fans of the series are sure to enjoy the latest entry. An effervescent Regency romantic mystery brings a decrepit estate to life.

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March 1, 2020

Peter Rathbone, Duke of Compton, may be titled, but his estate is falling to pieces around him. Grieving the recent death of his sister, Delia, Peter is shocked when a carriage full of her school friends arrive at his far-removed property. Among them is Ada Grandison, who is haunted by the memory of a perplexing message Delia left about a family treasure. Ada is convinced that if she and her friends can decipher the code in Delia's note, she'll overcome the strange feelings. Replenishing the family coffers would certainly allow Peter to fix his untidy affairs and become worthy of the alluring Ada, but putting hope in a legend that may or may not be true won't be easy for the practical duke. Ada, her friends, and even the Earl of Macklin will have to work hard to convince Peter to learn to trust more and to see that the riches worth seeking are something far greater than gold. VERDICT Ashford continues this sweet Regency series (after How To Cross a Marquess) with a irresistible love story featuring a fearless heroine and a reluctant hero who find the answers they're searching for in each other, aided by an entertaining ensemble of secondary characters. Series fans will gravitate toward this title, but new readers should start with the first book, Brave New Earl.--Kellie Tilton, Univ. of Cincinnati Blue Ash

Copyright 2020 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 1, 2020
Six months after her friend Delia Rathbone died, Ada Grandison is still plagued by nightmares and bouts of sleepwalking. Ada is convinced the only way she can begin to recover is by delivering to Delia's brother, Peter, duke of Compton, a mysterious note Delia left behind that hints at the whereabouts of a family treasure. As an impoverished duke with a crumbling estate to maintain, a grief-stricken Peter could certainly use a financial windfall, but he has always discounted the rumors of a secret family treasure.The arrival of Ada at the Rathbone family estate, however, infuses Peter with something he hasn't felt in a very long time?hope. With the latest superbly executed addition to the Way to a Lord's Heart series, Ashford (A Lord Apart, 2019) delivers a daringly different kind of Regency historical deftly composed of a charmingly rendered romance, a cast of imperfectly perfect characters, an exciting treasure hunt, a generous dollop of dry wit, and a thoughtful exploration of grief as well as the essential roles family and friendship play in life.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)