Review of His Duchess at Eventide by Wendy LaCapra

His Duchess at Eventide

(A Legend to Love, #11)
(Mythic Dukes #2)
by Wendy LaCapra

Lovers reunited, a dukedom reclaimed—the Regency meets the Odyssey
Lord Cheverley, son of the Duke of Ithwick, never wanted to go to war, but when he eloped against his father’s wishes, the furious Duke forced him to choose—either take a naval commission, or have his marriage annulled. Devastated physically and emotionally by seven years of war, a shipwreck, and six years in the captivity of a brutal pirate, Cheverley returns to England to find that the courts have declared him dead, and his wife is entertaining suitors. Should he demand his rightful place, disrupting his family’s lives, or should he return to sea, seeking vengeance against the pirate? He sets out to find the answer in disguise.

Penelope once believed in love, but then the man who swept her off her feet deserted her, leaving her and her unborn child utterly alone. Now a widow, she will do anything to protect her son, including enlisting the aid of a mysterious sea captain to uncover the true intentions of her devious suitors. When the captain awakens something in Penelope she thought long dead, she begins to suspect he is no stranger. But, as they peel back the layers of a deadly plot, can this broken family heal their wounds in time to save what really matters?

I have an intentional habit of not reading the description of a book before I read it, so I was in for a lovely surprise with His Duchess at Eventide. It is the second book in the series Mythic Dukes but reads well as a standalone. His Duchess at Eventide is a tale that is all things fabulous, mythical and epic.

This is such an emotional book with amazing characters. Lord Cheverley the hero and Penelope the heroine are complex interesting characters that have been through trials over an extended period of time before the book even starts. Cheverley has been lost at sea tortured, imprisoned and unable to return to his wife and son. Penelope has been home dealing with the hostile manipulative relatives of her husband, as well as managing her husbands estate and raising her son without his father.

Once Cheverley returns home in disguise the intrigue begins. Chev isn't sure if and when he should reveal himself to Penelope. He has suffered terribly in both body and mind in the time away from his family. Penelope on the other hand has grown from a young woman into someone who handle just about anything. Penelope is a terrific strong character and how she handles the conflict that she faces is really clever. One of my favorite lines is when she says, "You always told me never to accept a challenge you did not define."

The romance is bittersweet but tender. The attraction between Cheverley and Penelope has not dimmed and how they come together is handled beautifully.

The Odyssey theme is underlying but you don't need to have read the Odyssey to enjoy this book. If I have read the Odyssey it's long forgotten. Who am I kidding, I've never read it! You do get a sense that this story is epic and that the challenges the characters face are part of a bigger picture. The authors notes at the end of the book fill in any gaps for the curious and I really enjoyed reading where Wendy's ideas and research came from.

His Duchess at Eventide is absolutely a terrific read. It reminds me of one of my favorite John William Waterhouse paintings, Miranda -The Tempest. A complex, emotional and romantic read on many levels. This is the first book that I've read by Wendy LaCapra but it definitely won't be the last. I'd love to listen to it in audio, because it so lyrical and Wendy has such a beautiful way with words. I know Chev, Penelope and their romance will have a firm place on my ebook keeper shelf and in my memory. I'm looking forward to back tracking and reading the first book in the Mythic Dukes. If you are a stickler for reading order look for look for Her Duke at Daybreak (Mythic Dukes #1).

5 Stars

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Reviewed by Kixcatmom ,
ARC provided by author/publisher
Image: John William Waterhouse [Public domain]

Historical Romance Author Wendy LaCapra has been reading romance since she sneaked into the
adult section at the library and discovered Victoria Holt & Jane Aiken Hodge.  From that point on, she dreamed of creating fictional worlds with richness, intrigue and passion. Her stories have placed in several contests, including the Romance Writers of America®’s RITA® and Golden Heart®. She lives in NYC with her husband and loves to hear from readers. For new release and sale alerts, sign up at http://bit.ly/GetWendyNews

Read an excerpt of His Duchess at Eventide

Susan's Review of Cindy Kirk's Holly Pointe and Mistletoe

The best gift of all is the one you share with someone else. . .

After losing her family, her boyfriend, and her job, Stella is on the verge of being ho-ho-homeless. Out of desperation, she accepts an assignment to write a story on Holly Pointe, Vermont, the tiny town recently crowned the ‘Capital of Christmas Kindness’. If she can prove the town’s holiday spirit is a sham, her Editor promises Stella will start the New Year with a new career.

Rancher Sam Johnson is Holly Pointe’s resident Grinch--at least in the eyes of the tinsel-loving townspeople. It’s not that he doesn’t like the lights and the carols. It’s that they remind him of the brother he lost. Christmas is a time for family, and if Sam can’t have that, then he prefers to spend the holiday alone. But when Stella blows into town on a wild winter wind, the frosty walls around Sam’s heart thaw.

Charmed by Holly Pointe, Stella is torn. She doesn’t want to betray the friends she’s made, but she’s scared to give up the life she knows. And then there’s Sam. She never expected to fall in love with someone so different from her, yet that’s exactly what has happened. While Stella searches for a solution, the real reason for her arrival in Holly Pointe is discovered. Now, it’ll take a true Christmas miracle for Sam and Stella to make this holiday a happy one.

I enjoyed reading Cindy Kirk’s Holly Pointe and Mistletoe. The premise of the story intrigued me. A journalist was sent to Holly Pointe, Vermont during the holidays to write an expose not a flattering piece, on the town. A negative article at Christmas? Despite my initial concerns, the novel’s small town setting and fabulous characters drew me into this holiday read.

Stella Carpenter is running out of options; she’s been unemployed for three months, she has nowhere to live and her boyfriend dumped her. Stella receives an all-expenses paid assignment from her former editor. Her editor doesn’t want a fluff piece-she wants Stella to write an expose about the town that’s been named the Christmas Capital of the United States. Stella grabs the assignment and hopes that it will lead to a full time job.

It took me awhile to warm up to Stella. She skates around the truth, cozies up to the town leaders and secures a job as a social media photographer on her first day in town. I adore Cindy Kirk’s small town slice of life stories and the characters who add color and depth to the story. Through her friendships with Faith, Melinda and Sam, Stella understands that kindness, friendship and trust are part of the fabric of this small town. I loved the scene which takes place at Faith’s gift shop; Stella is asked if being a reporter is much as who she is as much as what she does? This talk about integrity shakes Stella to the core.

With its message of forgiveness and kindness, Holly Pointe and Mistletoe is a fabulous holiday read. The characters are not perfect; instead they are relatable. Their stories are filled with love, compassion and hope. Reading this novel emphasizes the small town values of honesty, community and faith-each character exemplifies these values when they interact with Stella. Her personal and professional decisions drive the story towards its satisfying conclusion.

Grab a cup of tea and your favorite blanket or corgi—and settle in for a fabulous afternoon read. This book is a holiday treasure.

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by the author

Susan's Christmas Past Review of Christmas at Two Love Lane

My review of Christmas at Two Love Lane by Kieran Kramer was first published last year in 2017. I noticed that it is on sale right now. You won't want to miss this one, it’s one of my favorites - I loved Deacon and Macy's story--and the secondary chararcters were awesome..think 4 corgis!

The best gift of all is the one you share with someone else. . .

From the moment he strode through the iron gate and into the offices of Two Love Lane on a crisp December day, it was obvious that Deacon Banks was something different. He wasn’t a Charleston native, not with that adorable Yankee accent. And unlike the usual client at the elegant matchmaking agency, he had no interest in finding a woman to marry—just a few no-strings dates while he was in town.

Macy Frost takes her professional services very seriously—how could she not, when she’s rumored to be a direct descendant of Cupid? Tech entrepreneur Deacon says he’s just trying to make his social-climbing aunt happy by being seen out and about with a few prominent beauties, but Macy insists she can make her client fall in love…for real. And Deacon can’t help but think she might be right. As charming as the palmetto trees and magnificent harbor may be, it’s the beautiful, breath-of-fresh-air Macy who’s become Deacon’s favorite part of the scenery. But can the hopelessly romantic Southern belle stop trying to fix him up and just let Cupid do his work on her own heart?

Kieran Kramer is one of my go to authors. I adore her books because she excels at creating slice-of-life novels. Ms Kramer creates characters that resonate with the reader and she crafts emotional, heartfelt storylines which draw the reader into the story. In Christmas at Two Love Lane, Ms. Kramer pairs Deacon Banks, a savvy New York City businessman with Macy Frost, a charming Charleston, South Carolina socialite and matchmaker.

I adored the premise of this holiday themed romance. Deacon is spending the month of December in Charleston visiting with his newly retired aunt. Fran Banks is a famous talk show host who has relocated to Charleston with her houseman George and four corgis. Deacon knows his aunt is a force to be reckoned with but, wants to please her because Fran raised him after his parents died. Fran’s fondest desire? She’d love Deacon to marry, preferably a southern girl, so she can be part of the Charleston society. Deacon’s gift to Fran for Christmas? A series of dates arranged by Macy’s matchmaking business.

Deacon Banks epitomizes my image of a New York business man; he’s determined, resourceful and goes after what he wants. He doesn’t believe in love and doesn’t understand Macy’s calling as a matchmaker. I enjoyed the back and forth banter between Macy and Deacon; their conversations were heartfelt, funny and honest and their chemistry sizzled from the first page of the book. The romance between the couple is well paced. Deacon was attracted to Macy and with each one of his dates it was apparent that he was falling for her. The author does a fabulous job integrating the cast of secondary characters into the story. Loved George’s relationships with Fran and Deacon; their conversations were spot on and added spice to the novel. Deacon makes a strategic error in his pursuit of Macy. Can she forgive him when she uncovers the truth?

Christmas at Two Love Lane is a delightful read! The charming, larger than life characters, the witty dialogue, the southern setting add to this sweet perfectly paced romance. I can’t wait for the next story in the series.

Thank you Kieran from the Rose-Haven corgis for the shout out! You captured the corgi spirit and fondness for snacks perfectly!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by St Martin's Press

(This interview was from 2017)

When do the holidays official start for you?
Thanksgiving Day, as soon as I turn on the TV to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade! Can’t miss the Rockettes segment, ever!

What’s your favorite thing about the holidays?
Inhaling the delicious scent of the Christmas tree, seeing the twinkling lights, hanging out with the family and our friends.
Are there any holiday traditions you do every year without fail?
I always make frosted sugar cookies, and I always try to watch as many Christmas movies as I can. I also try to go to the Holiday Boat Parade in Charleston harbor!

What’s your favorite holiday movie?
It’s a Wonderful Life; I never get tired of it!

Do you have a favorite holiday book?
Definitely How the Grinch Stole Christmas….

What’s your all-time favorite holiday song?
Away in the Manger sung by Julie Andrews–the UK version of the melody

What’s your favorite activity during fall or winter?
baking bread, using my crockpot, reading cozy books, buying myself winter clothes, going to parties, eating holiday cookies

What’s your favorite gift you’ve ever received or given?
My favorite gift is having my family all together in one place. Nothing matters more. Sometimes we can’t all be together, so I cherish the Christmases that we can celebrate under one roof.

Do you have any items on your wish list this year?
Yes, having my own little family together again–the last two years some of us have been overseas. But if I have to mention something from the store, I’d love to have some canvases and paint and painting lessons!

Any resolutions or goals for next year?
Yes, to slow down and get centered, to really look around each day and marvel at this beautiful world filled with people who all want to love and be loved. I refuse to let the haters in. Oh, and I have to keep dancing to my Alexa, haha!!

USA Today bestselling author Kieran Kramer writes fun romance novels for St. Martin's Press. SECOND CHANCE AT TWO LOVE LANE is on sale August 28, 2018! A former journalist and English teacher, Kieran's also a game show veteran, karaoke enthusiast, and general adventurer. She lives where she grew up-in the Lowcountry of South Carolina-with her family. Find her on Instagram (her favorite place to hang out), as well as on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and at https://kierankramer.com.

Watch Christmas at Two Love Lane's  video here;         https://animoto.com/play/HexKofxdqY0QFECWuXSe8A