Gypsy Duke - A Review

About the book:
Publisher - Felicia Mires, April 2013
Author - Felicia Mires
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Summary:
In the midst of the Napoleonic wars, another battle rages. The Duke of Somerset is soon to die, but he's not about to give up control of his family. He changes his will, forcing his son and heir John to remain under the authority of a man dissipated by alcohol and perversion, Lord Bartholomew, the Duke's brother.

When Bartholomew makes threats against the young woman John is supposed to marry and then challenges the betrothal, John take steps to protect Kitty. He forbids her from visiting the estate without her mother or father in attendance. He then assures her father, Earl Raeburn, that he intends to marry Kitty in three years, when he reaches his majority and takes control of the estate.

Uncle Bartholomew responds to this interference more violently than John anticipated. After two attacks against John's life, his mother decides it's no longer for safe for John to live on the estate. In the dead of night, they visit the gypsies, who have come to help with the harvest. After offering them a healthy bribe, they agree to flee the area, sheltering John in their caravan.

John hopes the letter he's left Kitty will sufficiently explain the situation, but it doesn't come close to meeting her romantic requirements of a love letter.

The three years pass much too slowly. John doesn't belong with the gypsies, and they never let him forget it. He misses his mother and Kitty, the only two people who ever showed him acceptance or affection.

He's finally ready to return to his estates, when he receives a visit from someone high in his majesty's government. The whole world is at war with Napoleon, but someone from the gypsy caravan is supposedly offering vital information to the enemy. If John wishes to save the gypsies, he'll have to prove their innocence. This means acting as a spy for the British government, something no gentleman duke would consider. When he doesn't return at the appointed time, it could also mean the end of his betrothal to Kitty.

John is almost ready to reveal the guilty parties, when he receives word that Kitty has decided to launch a Season in London. With his bride available on the Marriage Mart, John is convinced he can no longer wait to return to acceptable society. At the first big costume party, John attends dressed as a gypsy and falls instantly in love with his own fiancee. Knowing Kitty's desire for all things romantic, he begins a careful onslaught of her heart. Capturing her attention is easy, following through with the wooing whilst managing a career as a spy is not. If John isn't careful, he could lose a lot more than his estates. He could lose Kitty and his life.

Being a Gypsy Duke isn't easy with the threat of treason hanging over your head.

This Christian Regency is an adventure of approximately 336 print pages.

My Thoughts:
Every once in a while, I will stumble across a book that surprises me. It surprises me in one of two ways - 1. I either have no expectations and it is delightful or 2. I have high expectations and it crashes. This book falls into the first category. I'd been contacted by the author several months ago with a request to review her book. I'd agreed and it sat unread on my kindle until I was looking for something new to read.

I was very impressed with the style of writing. It was very easy to read and drew me into the story. The characters were also engaging. I found that Katherine was not only beautiful on the outside, but on the inside as well. I loved how she lived her faith. For John, he was a bit complicated. He didn't see the reason for having a faith, but he still respected those who did. But I loved watching him grow from the arrogant young man he was at the beginning to the man he became by the end.

I received the Kindle version of this book for free from the author for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of historical fiction, swashbuckling heroes, romance

Rating - 4 stars - very much a solid 4 star rating. I look forward to more by this author.