Review of I've Got My Duke To Keep Me Warm -- Kelly Bowen

"I have to assume , Gisele, that what you did--what you do--is to atone for something in your past. Something terrible. What did you do in London, Gisele?"
"I got married." she said savagely, suddenly furious he had forced her into this before she was ready.
A charged silence filled the space between them.
Jamie sat back down with a thump. "You're married?" It came out as an accusation.
"Not anymore."
'You're a widow?" His tone softened slightly.
'No. I'm..."  She trailed off, searching for the right words.
'Divorced?" he was incredulous now.
"No."
"Then what?" He demanded. "What the hell are you?"

 Gisele looked directly into his eyes." Dead," she whispered. "I'm dead." 

I've Got My Duke To Keep Me Warm is the first book in author Kelly Bowen's Lords of Worth series. The book is a fast -paced historical filled with suspense and intrigue. The 400-page novel held my interest and kept me on the edge of my chair as the story unfolded. 

Ms. Bowen has created many memorable characters in this novel. The characters of Gisele and Jamie are multi-faceted and their stories touched my heart. The secondary characters are well-developed and play important roles in the story. Gisele's friend Sebastian, who was her husbands servant, plays a pivotal role in the story. He is Gisele's confidante, Jamie's valet and is instrumental in the storyline's resolution. Eleanor, the Duchess of Worth is a wonderful character. She adds a lot of humor with her love of poultry  and her conversations with her son. She may appear to be an aging Duchess but in truth she plays an important role in Gisele's life. The author has also created a truely evil villain, Adam Levire, the Marquess of Valence. His menacing presence is felt throughout the entire novel. 

The storyline touches upon both main character's demons, domestic abuse and the after effects of wartime battle, in a credible manner. 

Four years ago, Gisele had faked her death in a boat explosion which was witnessed by hundreds of people to escape her husband's physical abuse. Gisele has learned that her husband is going to re-marry and does not want his new wife to suffer as she did. Gisele and her friend Sebastian hire former soldier, Jamie Montcrief to assist them in their plan to interrupt the Marquess' marriage. The tension increases as the three characters travel towards London. Will someone recognize them at a local tavern? On the road? On the streets of London?

There were several interesting subplots which added to the storyline. Jamie is befriended by both the Duchess of Worth's son and the future Marchioness of Valence's brother. Both of these characters were well written and added depth and credibility to the story.  I enjoyed the level of suspense in the novel. Throughout the story, I kept wondering if Gisele and Jamie would be caught--would they be discovered? Could they pull off such a dangerous plan and expose Valence before he harms anyone else? I enjoyed this engaging, suspenseful novel and found the ending very rewarding.

Congratulations to Kelly Bowen for an excellent debut novel! Am looking forward to A Good Rogue is Hard to Find which is the next book in the the Lords of Worth series!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman *******************************************************************

Susan Gorman's review of I've Got My Duke To Keep Me Warm was published on Freshfiction.com on Sunday, January 4, 2015. Please click here to read the review.