**Disclaimer: I was given a free e-ARC in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley.**
Title A Duke, the Lady, and a Baby
Author Vanessa Riley
Description from Amazon
When headstrong West Indian heiress Patience Jordan questioned her English husband’s mysterious suicide, she lost everything: her newborn son, Lionel, her fortune—and her freedom. Falsely imprisoned, she risks her life to be near her child—until The Widow’s Grace gets her hired as her own son’s nanny. But working for his unsuspecting new guardian, Busick Strathmore, Duke of Repington, has perils of its own. Especially when Patience discovers his military strictness belies an ex-rake of unswerving honor—and unexpected passion . . .
A wounded military hero, Busick is determined to resolve his dead cousin’s dangerous financial dealings for Lionel’s sake. But his investigation is a minor skirmish compared to dealing with the forthright, courageous, and alluring Patience. Somehow, she’s breaking his rules, and sweeping past his defenses. Soon, between formidable enemies and obstacles, they form a fragile trust—but will it be enough to save the future they long to dare together?
Release Date June 30, 2020
Initial Thoughts
This book sounded like so much fun. I love recency historical fiction and there isn’t a ton of that in the romance category that’s not gushing with graphic romance (if you know what I mean). I liked that this seemed like a good murder mystery mixed with a sweet romance story.
Some Things I Liked
- Patience Jordan as a West Indian heiress. I loved that. Her character was super unique and the problems she faced were some that I hadn’t really seen explored in recency novels before.
- The Duke with a handicap. I really loved the Duke’s struggle with his leg. He didn’t want anyone to know about it or think less of him but I loved seeing the way Patience didn’t think that at all and how she encouraged him not to be afraid because he was still the strong leader his men needed him to be.
- Lionel in the bread basket. I totally had Baby Yoda in the floating bassinet vibes from the scenes where they carried the baby around in a bread basket and I loved that.
- Jemina. I really hope one of the sequels is about her story. She seems fascinating. I loved her no-nonsense, voice of reason ways and I hope we get to see more of her.
Series Value
I love the idea of sequels for this book. I can’t wait to see what else The Widow’s Grace ladies get up to in the next installment.
Final Thoughts
I really loved this book. I thought the characters were dynamic and interesting and they had tons of sequel potential. I loved the setting as well – not enough books are set during the lesser known wars of the 1800s. I would absolutely continue with this series.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Recommendations for Further Reading
- Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore – if you liked the setting and the idea of a league of exciting women taking back what’s theirs, definitely try this series.
- A Brazen Curiosity by Lynn Messina – if you liked the themes of a lady who will stop at nothing for justice, the time period, and a duke trying to get her attention, try this series.
Books Over Everything 