Adult Reader's Advisory: "Romancing The Duke" by Tessa Dare

Romancing the Duke
By Tessa Dare
Series: Castles Ever After #1

Synopsis: Izzy Goodnight, the penniless spinster daughter of a late author, receives a mouldering castle as a bequest from her godfather. The problem is, the tormented but handsome Ransom, Duke of Rothbury, still lives there, and he doesn't want to give up his home. The stubborn pair battle over the castle they both believe is theirs, unwilling to admit that love is beginning to take hold of their hearts.

Romance Elements: 

Pacing: "Romancing the Duke" is a quick read, and the book feels fast-paced. It could be read in an afternoon, or easily read in small pieces over a longer period of time without losing the plot.

Frame & Setting: This is a historical romance in the Regency era, but while it features some of the issues of the nobility, Izzy and Ransom are mostly alone and far from the ballrooms and parties of the ton. "Romancing the Duke" takes on a fairy-tale feel, both because of the castle setting and because of the background of Izzy's father's fairy tale-like stories.

Story Line: The relationship between Izzy and Ransom are at the core of the story, although their struggle to figure out who legally owns the castle is both interesting and adds tension to the proceedings. More tension between the pair, however, come from Ransom's emotional and physical state and Izzy's attempts to help him - no small feat, considering the trauma he's been through.

Characterization: Izzy is caring, extremely smart and very determined to make her way in the world. However, she has also given up on finding love, even if she believes that it exists. Ransom is a former rake who has recently been injured and humiliated, making him depressed and distant as he sits in his crumbling castle. Both characters must learn and grow from each other, and they both make each other better, happier people.

Tone & Mood: "Romancing the Duke" is a romantic comedy, with several laugh-out-loud parts and some particularly quirky side characters. However, there are darker moments as well, and both Izzy and Ransom have difficult, tragic backstories that keep the book from feeling too fluffy. The sex scenes are descriptive, but come fairly late in the book, after they have made an emotional connection, if not a declaration of love. There is, naturally, a happy ending.

Style & Language: "Romancing the Duke" is descriptive, especially of emotions. The style draws the reader into the story and helps them get emotionally invested. The characters have strong, unique voices and feel realistic. The prose is light and easy to read.

Read-Alikes: In addition to continuing the Castles Ever After series with "Say Yes to the Marquess," readers may also enjoy these historical romances with strong, smart heroines and tormented heroes from the nobility:

• "The Duke and I" (The Bridgertons Series #1) by Julia Quinn.
• "Wicked Intentions" (Maiden Lane Series #1) by Elizabeth Hoyt.
• "Married by Morning" (Hathaways Series #4) by Lisa Kleypas.
• "The Truth about Lord Stoneville" (Hellions of Halstead Hall Series #1) by Sabrina Jeffries. 
• "Dangerous in Diamonds" (Rarest Blooms #4) by Madeline Hunter.

Jenny's Take: "Romancing the Duke" is a delightful example of the Regency romance style. It's light and fun to read, with a perfect amount of humor mixed with some deeper drama. Izzy is a wonderful heroine, because she's smart and a little quirky. Ransom is a perfect hero; I love a hero with some kind of secret or problem that torments him, and the way that a great heroine can help a hero get over his issues and thrive, while also becoming a better person herself. I also loved the comedic touches, like the cosplaying fan club of Izzy's father's books. "Romancing the Duke" has all the things that makes me love the romance genre - good characters, a sense of humor, drama, love, and a happy ending!