Review: AN ARROGANT DUKE vs A GUTSY AMERICAN! A GREAT CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE WITH A HISTORICAL FLAIR
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 06 30, 2014
Sexy dukes aplenty, in this charming contemporary (historical) romance. A strong-willed and stubborn American girl flies to England to DUKE it out with her old cheapskate trustee, who is actually a sexy and yummy Duke of Devonwood.Miranda Foxglove has always felt like the add on of her family. Her stepmother, Sharmie, and her twin daughters are all family she has, after her Father's death. Her dad has Alzheimer's and it took 6 long years of expensive medical care, but Sharmie was always at his side or raising her daughters. Some folks think Mrs. Sharmie Foxglove was flighty and was only something pretty to look at, but she is a fierce mother cub, when she needed to be. After the idiot attorney, Daniel Hascombe, tells them that all their money is tied up in a trust, Miranda will do anything to get the money for Sharmie wedding to Pookie (yes, that is his name). If she and Sharmie have to do to England to do it and smooch up a old crusty duke to do it, she has her passport.Devon Percy Arlington, the 9th Duke of Devonwood, has one word that rules is life, CONTROL! He has been in charge of the title, properties, a ditsy stepmother, Duchess Charlotte, a energizer bunny sister, Sarah, a lazy and bored brother, Jack, a terrible teenager brother, Godfrey, and last but not least, precocious, insightful and "to grown up for her age" Daisy. Devon uses absolutely control, so he can protect, shelter and raise everyone in his world. The only ones who want nothing from him are his loyal dogs. He is sick of having to be everything to everyone and wants NO more dependents in his life.When Miranda storms (yes, she threw open the door and strutted in) into the old crusty Duke's office, she is greeted to a yummy godlike vision of "DO ME" man. When Devon looks up from his desk of responsibilities, he sees a sexy and gorgeous siren walking towards him and thinks, "Yeah, I want!" Miranda has to rethink her plans for wooing the money from an old Duke, but can she actually sex the money out of Mr. Hotness? One thing is for sure, it will be a lot of fun trying . Devon isn't surprised that he has gained more dependents and will get her out of his hair, very quickly or nail her up against the nearest wall.Miranda, with help from Sharmie, is asked to stay until dinner in the Palace they call home and begins her plan of being in Devon's face until he releases the money. The whole clan likes having her around for fun and she uses them to stay longer. Sarah loves fashion and even has a old nursery/designer studio and Miranda shows her the hats she makes. They begin pairing them together and plan to show them off. Devon fights a good fight, but a naked Miranda in his pool tips his scales and clothes fly. Like any good historical novel, there is a gorgeous garden party to show off their dresses and hats, and also a upcoming ball with a silent action for their creations. Miranda keeps having "Thump & Dump" sex with Devon and when she meets his fiancée, it's time to GO! Will Devon ever loosen his control for her love? Can Miranda show him that she will share and carry all his responsibilities with him? Will the "fiancée" meet with a bad fashion accident? Can an gutsy, smart, witty and "took no crap" American become the next Duchess of Devonwood?This was such a great book that seems like a great historical romance that grew up to adulthood. Ms. Carson blends such elements from a great historical romance and updates them to 2014 and it WORKS! Her cast of Devonwood clan was amazing. Each member of the family had a mini story of themselves inside this romance. I felt for Devon having to be EVERYTHING to EVERYONE! My daughter is like that and it's beautiful and sad thing to watch. He just need a perfect SOMEONE for himself. Miranda reminds me of a Jersey (without the accent) girl, who will slam you with all the things you are doing wrong. Miranda just wanted SOMEONE to love her, as herself. These 2 characters were screaming, "PICK ME" thru the whole rollercoaster ride love story. Ms. Carson had many "PULL THE FIRE ALARM" scenes and I had to steal her "Thump & Dump" saying in the review. She must have a quirky, kooky and slightly sleazy mind, because that is what she created in this hilarious, one of a kind, EVERYONE'S business is hanging out and steamy love story. I would recommend this book to readers who love historical with a twist. Ms. Carson gets my top score of 5 fingers up and 10 toes. I can't wait to read the next one.NetGalley ARC given for my honest review.