Review: The Duke's Holiday
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 21, 2014
I was reluctant to buy this book; an OCD Duke, who is known by Monk,( on occasion by his friends); sounds like a T.V. series that revolved around an OCD guy, also called Monk. But am I glad I picked it up; the book is hilarious. Lord Cyril Monk, Duke of Montford, who insists on being called Montford because he hates all of his other names. A Duke who has OCD, faints at the sight of blood, upchucks every time he has to ride in a carriage, has no sense of direction and who meets Astrid Honeywell. How to describe Astrid; fiery, independent, no respecter of titles, wealth, an excellent estate manager, holding back some of the money that is supposed to be sent to the Duke-just to mention a few things. Montford sent  his employee, Stevenage, an equally OCD person, to investigate who is in charge of Rylestone Hall after he learns of the death of Astrid's father( a year after the man's passing). Rylestone Hall is property of the Dukes even though the Honeywells have been in possession many years. When Stevenage stops responding to the Duke's inquiries after sending one letter to the Duke, the Duke is forced to travel to Rylestone Hall. The place itself, not to mention Astrid, her slightly demented grandmother , her not too bright cousin Wesley, Petunia the pig and the rest of the group nearly drive Montford insane. It's the worse place a guy like Montford can be. Amidst all the craziness, an attraction between Montford and Astrid occurs, even though each one sets the other's teeth on edge continually. The book is highly entertaining, madcap humor, passion-I was sorry to see it end. I definitely recommend the book.