Publishers Weekly
10/17/2016
This droll, delightful Regency-era romance kicks off the Windham Brides, spun off of Burrowes’s Windham Sister series (Lady Eve’s Christmas Portrait, etc.). Hamish MacHugh, a Scotsman who’s just become a duke, feels like a fish out of water in London, and he’s dismayed that the socialites have picked up his wartime nickname, the Duke of Murder. Only bespectacled Miss Megan Windham understands his brand of wit—their banter as she teaches him proper etiquette is great fun—and inspires his lust. The feeling is mutual, but Megan isn’t free to encourage Hamish’s pursuit, as villainous Sir Fletcher Pilkington is using proof of Megan’s youthful indiscretions to blackmail her into matrimony. Burrowes never loses sight of the central couple, even with plenty of meddling added by the strong personalities in Megan’s extended family, which includes a duke and duchess, her parents, and various cousins and siblings. Unfortunately, the book’s light tone often gets lost in the final third, when Sir Fletcher steps up his nefarious efforts. (Dec.)
From the Publisher
"The hero of The Trouble with Dukes reminds me of Mary Balogh's charming men, and the heroine brings to mind Sarah MacLean's intelligent, fiery women... This is a wonderfully funny, moving romance, not to be missed!"—Eloisa James, New York Times bestselling author of My American Duchess
"Sexy heroes, strong heroines, intelligent plots, enchanting love stories...Grace Burrowes's romances have them all."—Mary Balogh, New York Times bestselling author
"The Trouble with Dukes has everything Grace Burrowes's many fans have come to adore: a swoonworthy hero, a strong heroine, humor, and passion. Her characters not only know their own hearts, but share them with fearless joy. Grace Burrowes is a romance treasure."—Tessa Dare, New York Times bestselling author
"Grace Burrowes writes from the heart—with warmth, humor, and a generous dash of sensuality, her stories are unputdownable! If you're not reading Grace Burrowes you're missing the very best in today's Regency Romance!"—Elizabeth Hoyt, New York Times bestselling author
"The Trouble with Dukes is captivating! It has everything I love in a book—a sexy Scotsman, a charming heroine, witty banter, plenty of humor, and lots of heart."—Jennifer Ashley, New York Times bestselling author of The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie
"Exquisite writing, outstanding characters, a gorgeous romance, and a nailbiter of an ending. THE TROUBLE WITH DUKES is the definition of a perfect historical romance!"—Fresh Fiction
"Spot-on sibling and cousinly interactions keep the pace lively and the mood funny and upbeat in this engaging, sensual romance. Gorgeously written and thoroughly delightful, this is a wonderful start to a new (but in some ways, continuing) series."—Library Journal
"Intrigue and suspense keep the pages turning, as does the romance.... Many scenes will delight Burrowes' fans, as the extended Windham family is as nosy, matchmaking, and protective as always. Readers who enjoy Tessa Dare will embrace the realistic problems and humor Burrowes presents throughout this affecting and clever tale."——Booklist
"Burrowes has a knack for giving fresh twists to genre tropes and developing in unexpected and delightful directions."—Publishers Weekly
"Burrowes' savvy knowledge of history, language, clothing and customs, paired with her graceful writing and witty dialogue raise the bar for period romance. The Windham women are a fierce and feisty group, and Megan is an especially appealing character."—BookPage
Library Journal
★ 12/01/2016
Annoyed that he has inherited an English dukedom and feeling like a fish out of water when he brings his two sisters to London, Hamish MacHugh, newly minted Duke of Murdoch and Scottish warrior to the core, is more than ready to head back home. But his sisters deserve a Season, so he'll do his best to oblige. When he rescues Megan Windham's spectacles from disaster in a bookstore, he discovers a reason of his own to remain. Spot-on sibling and cousinly interactions keep the pace lively and the mood funny and upbeat in this engaging, sensual romance. An honorable, rule-flouting hero with a violent military reputation and an intuitive heroine who sees the real man are drawn to each other and foil a cruel, avaricious villain in the process. VERDICT Gorgeously written and thoroughly delightful, this is a wonderful start to a new (but in some ways, continuing) series and a must-buy for most romance collections. Burrowes (Will's True Wish) lives in rural Maryland.
