Susan's Review of The Trouble with Dukes by Grace Burrowes

Hamish MacHugh is not amused. A Scotsman, he has inherited an English dukedom and is now the Duke of Murdoch. His family is thrilled to be in London while he is planning to retreat to Scotland as soon as possible. Hamish was a strong, confident soldier but, he's not comfortable in London society, he views the soirees and balls as skirmishes and battles. Hamish needs to figure out how to appease his sisters and brother, who are enjoying the shopping and social events, and learn how to navigate London social scene without being ambushed.

Hamish and Megan Windham’s first meeting is exquisitely written. In the first few pages of The Trouble With Dukes, the author does a fabulous job introducing Hamish and Megan and Ms. Burrowes carefully crafts  the connection that Sir Fletcher Pilkington has to both of them. The plot threads between these three characters connect and cross over as the well-paced, compelling romance unfolds. Through the characters of Hamish and Sir Fletcher, Ms. Burrowes subtly explores the life and death experiences of haunted soldiers, returning warriors adapting to a changing world and the ways that a man’s true personality emerges in times of stress or in battle.

I loved the dancing scenes when a frowning Hamish twirled Megan around forgetting to smile or to talk with her. It took him awhile to figure out that Megan enjoyed dancing and dancing with him! The romance that develops between the fierce Scottish warrior and the intelligent, charming Windham cousin is endearing and very, very passionate. Hamish and Megan recognized each other’s strengths and weaknesses and support each other. They saw the best in each other!

The Windham cousins are featured in the novel as well. I loved reading about the Duke of Mooreland again (Percy is one of my favorite GB characters) and enjoyed his matchmaking. Loved that Hamish had nicknames for all of the Windham relations – it added a lot of fun to the story. Ms. Burrowes has created a fabulous villain and connects this person to several of the characters in the book who have no idea of his true character. The novel’s conclusion was deftly written and holds several surprises for the reader. The author stays true to her characters and that makes for a satisfying read!

 
Reviewed By Susan Gorman
Book provided by the author 

Edited by Brian McGee (member of Celeste's pack)
Photo of Celeste by Susan Gorman
Celeste's stocking by Ann Marie Brock click on the link to see more of Ann Marie's creations!