Anthony Cary, Duke of Strickland, inherits his spendthrift father’s title and can finally restore the family castle to its former glory. But at the reading of the will, Strick is stunned to learn that his father has secretly disentailed him, leaving the family manor—home to twelve generations of dukes—to Strick’s American stepmother. Everyone knows Strick detests the dowager duchess, and when she dies mysteriously, damning rumors start to surface.
When Raya Darwish unexpectedly inherits her glamorous late cousin’s castle in the English countryside, she clashes with the charismatic young duke who insists the castle is rightfully his. The estate is practically bankrupt, so she must find a way to work with the duke in order to save both of their futures.
The two cannot stand each other, but mutual disdain soon gives way to desire. When questions arise about how her cousin died, Raya cannot help wondering if Strick’s sudden unbridled passion for her is part of a scheme to get his castle back...
I am a huge Diana Quincy fan and have enjoyed every book I have read. The Duke Gets Desperate has quickly become a favorite read of 2023 for me. You can’t help but fall for Anthony Cary, Duke of Strickland. A duke in love with his lands, tenants and with his beloved castle. There is just one problem - the castle isn’t really his. Upon his death, his father gave it to his American wife. Adding insult to injury his step mother left it to another American cousin. Sorely lacking in funds, he is desperate to set things to rights. Once this American interloper arrives, he will move heaven and earth to gain back the castle.
While Anthony does expect to meet another brash American heiress, he is stunned to face a formidable foe. Raya Darwish is a beautiful Arab-American woman who does not understand why her cousin would have left her a run down and crumbling castle. What could she have been thinking? Having helped run her family’s business in Boston, Raya begins to see how she can make the castle into a showpiece that she can turn around, sell and leave England. Not on Anthony’s watch! They clash over each proposal, both passionate about their goals. That passion and their conflicts are what drive this romance forward. Yet all around them are mysteries surrounding her cousin’s death and the theft of ancient artifacts found on the grounds. Delicious intrigue, indeed.
I highly recommend this five star read. Diana Quincy writes beautiful dialog and wonderful imagery. I enjoy her books from a historical perspective as I learn about the lives and history of Arabians during Victorian times both in America and England. So run, don't walk to your nearest bookstore or let your fingers do the waking and order your copy today! Enjoy!
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PJ, here. I hope you enjoyed Santa's review of Diana Quincy's The Duke Gets Desperate. If I hadn't already read it, I'd be hightailing it to my favorite book buying site to download a copy. Like Santa, I adored Anthony and Raya. I'm already excited to discover what book two in this new series will bring.
Have you read Diana Quincy yet?
Do you enjoy multi-cultural historical romances?
What do you think of romances set during Victorian times rather than the Regency?
One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, September 27 will receive a print copy of The Duke Gets Desperate.
*U.S. only
*Must be 18
I've not read her but my favorite trope is enemies to lovers. I am happy with any historical timeframe and also with multi-cultural romances.
ReplyDeleteIt's one of my favorite troupes, too! This book is a gem!
DeleteThis story sounds captivating and unique. I enjoy Victorian era romances as they are always enjoyable and special. I haven't read Diana Quincy but this story interests me greatly. Multi-cultural romances add another dimension to the story which is fascinating.
ReplyDeleteShe is fast becoming one of my favorite authors!
DeleteI've read one of her books before - the viscount made me do it - and I enjoyed it. I love the blurb on this one. Nothing like an American against an English
ReplyDeleteAgreed!
DeleteFor me well written characters overshadows anything else in a story. I have genres I don't really like because of the people I was meeting in that genre. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteThe characters in this book are marvelous!
DeleteI love multicultural romances--and I can't wait to add this one to my TBR pile! (I have not read Quincy yet.) I love Victorian as well as Regency--and I *love* Georgian set romances too. Nowadays I'm in the midst of a series that's mainly turn of the century and/or 1920-post-WWI/suffragette era, so I like a nice range of time periods. The multicultural aspects available are very nice though and add a lot of interest!
ReplyDeleteSorry, this is me...I forgot to change the nickname before posting!
DeleteI love all time eras. I'd love to see more medieval stories. I have yet to tackle Edwardian to WWII yet but you never know!
DeleteI LOVE Diane Quincy's books!! I also love multicultural books especially when they are reflection of reality .... OK, I prefer the lack of reality where all the nobility are young and handsome because I'm reading a romance novel. ;-) I do love that not all authors write Regency. Victorian times had so many advances that changed up life and makes for great reading.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, this book sounds wonderful! And no, sadly, I don't think I've read Diana Quincy yet, but it sounds like I ought to! Victorian times are interesting, and multicultural stories provide a much needed whiff of fresh air. I'd love to win a copy of the book, but I want the dress from the cover as well!:)
ReplyDeleteDiana Quincy is a new to me author. I've not read many romances set in Victorian times. I do have some nonfiction books written during that time period dealing with life and societal expectations and rules. They make for interesting reading. I have always been interested in other cultures and what happens when there is a blending or conflict. Society's reaction to someone who doesn't fit their mould is always interesting and tells much about the society as a whole and the individuals involved. This should be an interesting read.
ReplyDeleteGreat review! I’m really looking forward to this one — I love multi-cultural historical romances. I haven’t read anything by Diana Quincy yet but I’ll definitely be picking this one up!
ReplyDeleteI love multi-cultural romance and enjoy both time periods
ReplyDelete