Love Letters from a Duke by Elizabeth Boyle

Entertaining Regency Romp

4 stars

Felicity Langley has always dreamed of marrying a duke – and now she’s managed to get herself very nearly betrothed to the very respectable, very lofty Duke of Hollindrake. But first she has to meet him. What Felicity doesn’t realise is that she has actually met the man she intends to marry – he’s the altogether too handsome, too virile and too rakish man that she has just mistaken for her new footman.

Thatcher was never meant to inherit the dukedom and the first thing he intends after returning from the continent is to tell this presumptuous, title-hungry young chit that he has absolutely no intention of honouring this supposed betrothal. But he’s quickly charmed by her determination, passion and spirit.

She would marry him in a heartbeat should he tell her of his true identity but Thatcher wants to know whether she would marry him without the title. So he begins his ruse, determined to show this unconventional woman that life as a duchess can’t compare with a life of passion and love.

This book is technically the second book in Elizabeth Boyle’s Bachelor Chronicles series (after This Rake of Mine) but characters from numerous other of the author’s books also appear. Despite this, the book stands entirely alone so even if you haven’t read any other books by Elizabeth Boyle, then this book will still make sense!

The story of deception isn’t particularly new but it’s a plot that I very much enjoy and it was written well enough to be fresh, exciting and interesting. You want to keep reading to find out what’s going to happen and the plot is constantly entertaining and amusing.

It took me a while to get to like Felicity but this actually worked well as it helped you understand Thatcher’s own feelings towards her as he too discovered her true character. She’s feisty, determined and makes you want to root for her. Thatcher was a strapping, delightful hero despite the fact that he never once truly behaved like a footman – especially around Felicity! The book isn’t particularly sensual but the pair had some sweet chemistry and good banter throughout.

While also setting up the next two books in the series, this book is, itself, a fine, well-written and entertaining Regency romp. If you’re looking for something fun to take your mind off things for a while then you can’t go wrong with this one. 4 stars.