Anna Bobs Her Hair - Silent Reader, Talking Books

Ruined American heiress Edie Jewell flees to England hoping to find a suitable aristocratic husband. She knows exactly what she wants or - to be more precise - what she doesn’t want in a marriage. Edie’s almost out of time. She’s desperate. Returning to New York would be unbearable. Her matchmaker has been unsuccessful. What Edie wants in a husband seems impossible to find. Then, across a crowded ballroom, she sees her way out of hell.

Adventure-seeking Stuart is a duke. He’s penniless too. (It’s kismet!) The Duke of Margrave possesses reckless good looks and charm aplenty. Weighted down by debt and spendthrift relatives - desperately longing to continue his travels in Africa - he responsibly carries out his role as duke. Stuart dutifully attends a ball; unfortunately, it’s a dull event. Until,across a crowded ballroom, he sees the most intriguing girl he’s ever met.

Then, Stuart and Edie marry. They go their separate ways. He goes to Africa. Edie becomes the perfect duchess, lonely and safe. Five years and a lion attack later is where fate reunites them and their love story begins.

If you’ve ever felt that zing, lightning strike, or spark when meeting someone special – if you can remember what the clothes that person wore or the music that was playing in the background or the specific thoughts and feelings they invoked in you - you’ll adore the way this story’s hero engages his heroine. Stuart sees Edie’s beauty. He needs her love. Heshares himself willingly. Don’t assume the title ”How to Lose a Duke in Ten Days” indicates a light romantic historical. Developing a memorable romantic couple is primary. The ‘ten days’ is not the timeframe of the book, so be at ease that nothing is forced in the characters or plot. 

From across a crowded ballroom, Stuart sees Edie and she’s imprinted on his soul. Oh, Stuart! That all men should have a way with words. The fortress around Edie’s heart never stood a chance against him. Stuart is sensitive, but he also possesses a quick wit, keen intellect, strong will, and steadfast heart. Edie’s issues stemming from events of the oft-mentioned 'Saratoga' resolves in a very rewarding manner. Stuart helps her move forward. Edie gets her power back. Vulnerable revelations and sensual imagery mark the beginning of Stuart’s bid to win his wife’s love and respect. Happenstance leads two good people to find something valuable they deeply needed when they were not looking for it. Their meeting of the eyes was definitely a serendipitous moment. 

”How to Lose a Duke in Ten Days” is a poignant historical romance and another beautifully crafted book by Laura Lee Guhrke. It’s a delicious seduction of the senses and an endearing love story. (Keep some tissues handy!) It was such a rewarding read that one can only hope that Ms. Guhrke continues the American Heiress in London series; perhaps, matchmaking other ‘Eton men.’

ARC courtesy of Avon (HarperCollins) via Edelweiss