Romancing the Duke: Castles Ever After

by Tessa Dare Narrated by Carmen Rose

Overview

As the daughter of a famed author, Isolde Ophelia Goodnight grew up on tales of brave knights and fair maidens. She never doubted romance would be in her future, too. The storybooks offered endless possibilities.

And as she grew older, Izzy crossed them off. One by one by one.

Ugly duckling turned swan?¿

Abducted by handsome highwayman?¿

Rescued from drudgery by charming prince?

No, no, and . . . Heh.

Now Izzy's given up yearning for romance. She'll settle for a roof over her head. What fairy tales are left over for an impoverished twenty-six year-old woman who's never even been kissed?

This one.

Editorial Reviews

Publishers Weekly

★ 12/16/2013
Dare’s first Castles Ever After historical provides a unique twist to a fairy tale, complete with an ancient castle, a damsel in distress, and a wounded hero. In 19th-century England, Isolde “Izzy” Goodnight is left penniless when her father, who was a writer, dies. Her one ray of hope is a letter telling her that she has inherited Gostley Castle from her godfather. The castle turns out to be a crumbling structure that already has a resident: Ransom Vane, the Duke of Rothbury. After an accident left him blind, Ransom has secluded himself in the castle, not realizing that his agents sold it to the man who bequeathed it to Izzy. Certain that the truth of the building’s ownership lies in the untouched correspondence on Ransom’s desk, Izzy insists on becoming his secretary. While she is drawn to his masculine beauty, Izzy really falls for Ransom when his kindness belies his rakish behavior. Dare’s lyrical writing and expert, intense character development make this a romance to be savored with the eager expectation of future series installments. (Feb.)

Fresh Fiction

Tessa Dare’s first instalment in the new Castles Ever After series, ROMANCING THE DUKE will have readers clearing their keeper shelf just to make room for this little gem! Jam- packed with hilarious banter, Dare’s trademark humor is showcased in its full glory.

Booklist (starred review)

Splendidly talented Dare creates cleverly written dialogue, exceptionally appealing characters, and an engaging plot that gives a wink toward Beauty and the Beast and a nod to fandom, all key components in this wickedly funny and soul-satisfyingly romantic novel, the perfect launch to Dare’s new Castles Ever After series.

Smexy Books

This book is already in my top books for 2014. This new series of Tessa Dare’s is off to an amazing start!

Smart Bitches Trashy Books

I think this is a truly unique historical that will appeal to readers who aren’t often historical fans.

Kirkus Reviews

★ 2014-01-09
Izzy Goodnight has long given up on fairy tales, so she is shocked to learn that she has inherited a castle and must figure out what to do with the wounded duke who lives there. As the daughter of a scholar famous for penning a series of tales about knights and maidens, Izzy knows a thing or two about fairy tales. However, she also knows hunger and financial desperation thanks to the same father, who never took the time to ensure she was cared for after his death. In fact, Izzy has spent her life looking after her father and supporting his career, so his betrayal in this manner is even more crushing. Learning she has inherited a castle from one of her father's advisers sends her fleeing to the property, only to find a dilapidated building and the wounded duke who used to own it—and who is quite surprised and angry to learn he no longer does. Since Izzy has no money and the duke needs help, they agree she will stay on and help him get his affairs in order, and he will pay her for her services. Getting to the bottom of the mystery forces them to work closely together, and both are stunned when a strong attraction flares between them. But Izzy is the beloved daughter of a famous author, and her father's adoring public comes calling, causing tension in the household. Add in Izzy's self-consciousness regarding her plain appearance, the continued dispute over the castle and various quirky secondary characters, not to mention a few secrets and dangers along the bumpy path to the couple's happily-ever-after, and you have the recipe for an effervescent, heart-tugging romance. Dare starts her new series with a unique storyline, a sweet, fun nod to literary fandom, and two main characters who are perfect for each other yet never would have met if they weren't each at a nadir in life's journey.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940170237838
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	01/28/2014
Series:	Castles Ever After Series , #1
Edition description:	Unabridged

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