The Legendary Duke (Put Up Your Dukes Book 2)
For a Knight to win the Princess, he first must slay his dragons…
A tragic event in his youth led Gavin Knight’s mother to whisk him to Rome, where he lived a simple but secluded life—until, on her deathbed, she revealed who he truly was: the Duke of Cortleon.
Now twenty-nine, Gavin has returned to England, determined to learn what happened all those years ago. Despite charming his fellow lords and ladies alike, the new Duke disregards any notion of nuptials, as his honor first demands resolution--and retribution.
Then he meets Lady Elinor Greene.
For seven years, renowned beauty Elinor has refused all proposals, fearing marriage would curb her freedom. But when her family falls on hard times, Nelle must sacrifice herself to save them by marrying a man of means. A wealthy widower seems the logical choice, a passionless union perfect. Until she meets the Duke of Cortleon, and learns one Knight can be legendary.
Soon Gavin and Elinor must each decide which quest is worth more: that for honor, or that for love...
Loosely based on the Arthurian legend Gawain and the Green Knight, The Legendary Duke provides adventure, mystery, desire, and betrayal in this satisfying blend of Regency historical romance with a hint of medieval flavor ... and Arthurian Easter eggs pop up throughout!
Semi Finalist
Plot/Idea: 10 out of 10
Originality: 10 out of 10
Prose: 10 out of 10
Character/Execution: 8 out of 10
Overall: 9.50 out of 10
Assessment:
Plot: The revenge quest of Gavin Knight is the driving force behind this skillfully plotted romance. The novel is full of tension and drama that will keep readers turning pages until the very end.
Prose: Locke uses a contemporary style with an Austenian flair, and she varies both the tone and vocabulary perfectly, depending on the point of view of each character.
Character Development: While Locke's characters are compelling, they're rendered fairly two-dimensionally. Also, they experience little change in their personalities; rather, they find the right place for themselves as they are by the end of the story.
Originality: Savvy readers will note the inspiration of this story from the Arthurian tale of Gawain and the Green Knight. Locke also draws on other literary influences, including Dumas and Austen, to create something wholly new from familiar forms.
Blurb: Locke seamlessly blends hints from classics like The Count of Monte Cristo, Pride and Prejudice, and Arthurian legend into an utterly enjoyable Regency romance.
Date Submitted: August 26, 2018
Reviews
Locke follows her nearly flawless series opener with a too-clever-by-half fusion of Regency romance and Arthurian legend, specifically the story of Gawain and the Green Knight. After growing up in Italy, Gavin Knight returns to England to claim his inheritance as Duke of Cortleon. He’s a formidable fighter and determined to personally avenge the murder of his father. Marriage is the last thing on his mind. In a diverting contrivance, his plan for revenge begins to waver when he lays eyes on Lady Elinor “Nelle” Greene. It’s a venial departure from the legend, but it works. Due to her family’s diminished circumstances, headstrong, independent Nelle must marry for money. Feeling like a sacrificial lamb, she agrees to wed a much older man. Then she meets Gavin, and both must choose between duty and love. Forgiving the 21st-century dialogue may be a challenge for purists, but the story is genuine romance. (BookLife)
