To protect the dukedom from an incompetent and greedy cousin, Daniel Hayle, Duke of Carlisle, has promised to find a bride in London this season. But the idea of facing ballrooms and card parties is as intimidating as any battlefield in France, including the fight at Waterloo that left him terribly scarred. Perhaps a month on the Isle of Synne can provide him with the practice necessary to find a wife who can tolerate him enough to give him an heir.
Margery Kitteridge has been mourning her husband for four years, and while she's not ready to consider marriage again, she does miss intimacy with a partner. When Daniel asks for help navigating Synne's social scene, and they accidentally kiss, she realizes he's the perfect person with whom to have an affair. As they begin to confide in one another, Daniel discovers that he's unexpectedly connected to Margery's late husband, and she will have to decide if she can let her old love go for the promise of a new one.
Margery Kitteridge’s world is turned upside down when she receives a blackmail letter. The note implies that her late husband was a coward during the Battle of Waterloo and the sender demands 100 pounds to keep quiet. Even though her father disowned her when she married, Margery never regretted her decision to wed Aaron Kittredge. After Aaron’s death, she joined her grandmother, Lady Tesh’s household as her companion.
Daniel Hayle, the Duke of Carlisle and his mother arrive at Lady Tesh’s home for a visit. Daniel is a war hero and has the scars—both physical and emotional-to prove it. Although Daniel does not express himself well and panics in social situations, he is able to talk to Margery. The Duke agrees to pay Margery 100 pounds to assist him in finding a bride. I felt for Daniel when he narrowly missed stepping on a chicken, is introduced to a young lady who is enamored of insects and suffered through an assembly dance. He was not comfortable in social situations but, he put himself out there and accepted Margery’s assistance. Loved the candid and at times, emotional conversations that Daniel and Margery share and the attraction that develops between the couple.
Cristina Britton does a fabulous job developing the secondary characters in this novel. Daniel’s cousin, Gregory appears to be everything the Duke is not. He is charming, well dressed gentleman. Loved how Gregory’s true nature was revealed during the novel. Loved the unique characters who make up the community of Synne—each one adds to the feel and the storyline. The author’s descriptive writing style lends itself perfectly when she describes Daniel’s memories of the Battle of Waterloo. I could smell the smoke, sense the fear within the troops and visualize the battles. These words allow the reader to understand what Aaron and Daniel and the other soldiers faced during each skirmish and understand why Margery could be a target for blackmail.
Daniel and Margery’s journey is romantic, emotional and tugs at your heartstrings. The chemistry between the couple simmered and sizzled throughout the first part of the book. Loved that Margery felt jealous every time she introduced Daniel to a prospective bride. Margery’s conflicted feelings for Daniel and her late husband and Daniel’s struggle to come to terms with the aftermath of the war drew me into the story. I loved how the couple gave each other strength and confidence to heal and move forward.
Christina Britton’s A Duke Worth Fighting For has all of the story elements that I adore! If you are looking for a novel filled with engaging characters, heartfelt romance and a dash of intrigue than this is the perfect book for you!
Reviewed by Susan Gorman
ARC provided by the publisher
