Romancing the Stacks: For the Duke’s Eyes Only
Welcome to Romancing the Stacks. This is a series of reviews featuring one of my favorite genres: Romance Novels! Nothing is better than curling up with a good romance. This review will explore For the Duke’s Eye Only by Lenora Bell
The title caught my eye, but the summary is what really sold me on this book. A Lady Archaeologist set in the setting of Victorian Times who focuses on the forgotten women of history. Yes, this is my kind of heroine! I am excited about such a new type of heroine since so many are Governess, Teachers, Artist, Authors, or super rich. It is nice to see a new unique twist on the heroine of this era. Just because history says women didn’t do certain jobs at certain times, does not mean it is true. Historically, men have excluded women being noted for their roles. (Just look at Albert Einstein’s first wife, Mileva Marić Einstein, for an example. She assisted him in his research, but he got all the credit.) If you are like me and read a ridiculous amount of romance novels, you know that same old can get boring after a while. This is a simple new twist that has me excited to read this book. The duke, Ravenwood, seems to be the typical rogue that swears to never fall in love. (Yeah buddy, we all know how that is going to end) But there is some mystery and adventure promised in the summary. I love a good romance that throws in some mystery. I am moderately excited for this read, as getting super excited about a book has left me disappointed in the past. (You can see from my other reviews)
Summary:
If adventure has a name…it must be Lady India Rochester. The intrepid archaeologist possesses a sharp blade and an even sharper knack for uncovering history’s forgotten women. Unfortunately, she has one annoying weakness: the dangerously handsome Duke of Ravenwood. Former best friend. Current enemy. And the man who dared to break her heart.
Daniel Bonds, the Duke of Ravenwood, is a thrill-seeking antiquities hunter who only plays by one rule: Never fall in love. He’s in it for the fortune and glory. At least that’s what he wants the world to think. He’s sworn to hide his tangled web of secrets, especially from the one woman he cares about and will protect at any cost.
But when a priceless relic is stolen from the British Museum, the rivals must align forces. Racing to recover the stolen antiquity and avert an international disaster? All in a day’s work. Avoiding their buried feelings? More and more impossible. For love is about to become the greatest treasure of all.
Book Review:
Again. I have done it again. I have picked a book that is not the first in a series, but in my defense this is only the second instead of the third. I am getting better. The first one was available to check out, but it was about a governess and duke falling in love. That romance has not been my cup of tea lately. I enjoyed this book immensely. The summary made the Duke of Ravenwood seem like a boring typical rouge character, but he wasn’t. He and India were childhood sweethearts meant to marry until his father died whilst being accused of being a traitor. Ravenwood staged an incident to purposely break India’s heart as he was becoming a spy to clear his father name, but he never stop loving India. When it comes to childhood romances most of the time it is one sided on the girl’s part. This was two people who loved each other, but were torn apart by circumstances. Ravenwood stupidly thought he had to push India away to protect her. I did understand why Ravenwood did it and it was nice to see that he loved India for her spirit and not just the looks. I loved their rivalry and the rekindling of their love. India was a fun character. She was able to defend herself and made sure Ravenwood saw her as an equal partner. I would have given this book five hearts, but the mystery was just awful. Right when you meet the bad guys you just know that they are the bad guys, but the characters are oblivious. Maybe their love made the blind to the bad guys, but their literal mission was to discover the criminals. The romance was excellent though and made up for the terrible mystery. I just feel like even though I am reading a romance the mystery and adventure in should be equally as good.
School for Duke:
- What a Difference a Duke Makes
- For the Duke’s Eyes Only
- One Fine Duke (Schedule Release in 2019)
Rating:
Out of
