Review| A Duke, the Lady, and a Baby, Vanessa Riley

Review| A Duke, the Lady, and a Baby, Vanessa RileyA Duke, the Lady, and a Baby by Vanessa Riley
Series: Rogues and Remarkable Women 1
on June 30, 2020
Genres: Historical Romance
Pages: 320
Source: Netgalley
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Find the Author: Website, Twitter, Goodreads

Created by a shrewd countess, The Widow’s Grace is a secret society with a mission: to help ill-treated widows regain their status, their families, and even find true love again—or perhaps for the very first time . . .

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?

The culture… I love the mentions of Demerara, coconut bread and West Indian magic. How she drops bits of how the ton perceives Patience and how her husband hide her away is interwoven throughout the story realistically. I got what Riley was putting down.

The point of view was super confusing in the beginning but please stay with it. I truly think it is worth holding on and I plan on reading more books in the series. I can already see the potential set up for two heroines and that is not including the head of the widows herself.

I was here for this story. I know this was a historical romance but it read more like a light mystery for me and that might be why I enjoyed it so much. The hero Busick Strathmore, Duke of Repington was a likable guy, intelligent, confident, a realistic man with faults. I was extremely happy he lacked the me see Jane, me take Jane mentality that can plague some historicals, alpha heroes period.

Although Repington was likable this is a book you read for the heroine. She was different. I never once thought a mother would not do that for her child. She put on pants, did what she needed to do. She had her faults and let grief and fear drive her to do some things! But okay, that is what you are supposed to do.

I will be trying to make the coconut bread recipe she included in the book. No promises on my success. Patty La belle does not live here.

Riley has a historical fiction book Island Queen expected to release Summer 2021

ISLAND QUEEN is a historical fiction novel based on the compelling life of Dorothy “Doll” Kirwan Thomas who rose from slavery to become the wealthiest woman landowner in the early 1800’s Caribbean. A mistress to royalty, the future King William IV of England, Dorothy advocated for women’s rights and successfully appealed the unfair taxation of free persons of color on the Island of Demerara.

About Vanessa Riley

Vanessa Riley writes Regency Romances and Historical Fiction of dazzling multi-culture communities with powerful persons of color. Vanessa writes for historical romance readers who admire and acquire books that showcase women who find joy in sweeping kisses and strong sisterhoods. Even in the darkness, she promises to give you laughs and to show you how light always prevails and how love always, always wins.

2 thoughts on “Review| A Duke, the Lady, and a Baby, Vanessa Riley

  1. Jen

    OH! This sounds good. I hadn’t heard of it until I saw your Insta photo and now today I’ve seen it recommended in three places. Yea!

    1. Marcia

      I hope people give it a chance. The pov was a hang up in the beginning but any book that can make me tear up is a keeper. Lol

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