Review: Look Out Duke, Here Comes Pippa!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 04 18, 2014
Get ready for Pippa, headstrong, creative, and far too independent and beautiful for the shallow likes of the Ton, in spite of her father’s wealth, because she has “tradesman blood” in her veins. Often painfully snubbed, Pippa has no plans to find a “suitable match” and become the property of some rich buffoon, especially not the arrogant, presumptuous and demanding likes of Lucas Alexander, the Ninth Duke of Arlington. When the duke announces to Pippa that she is to become his wife, she becomes determined to prove him wrong, all while playing the game he has started. Has Lucas put all of his cards on the table, or is the deck one card short of the truth of his proposal? Used to always forging ahead to get what he wants, Pippa shows him a side of her that breaks down his resistance to all matters of the heart when he discovers she is as strong-willed as he.As Pippa’s determination not to be charmed by this man wavers, they both discover a missing link in their lives, but Pippa discovers the lie and realizes even her own father has deceived her, so how does she choose between honor, revenge and her heart? Will she be the one that got away for the duke?How to Lose a Duke in Ten Days by Kate McKinley may not perfectly re-create the dialogue of the era, but she has nailed the attitude and callous nature of the Ton, perfectly. I, for one, felt I was taken back, and was looking at the “real” people of the times. Pippa is most definitely the star, her well-defined personality and her edgy sense of timing and humorous deviousness lends for many delightful moments. Even her vulnerability is endearing, because clearly she hides her fear and insecurity well. The duke, from the start, was a heartless cad, whose greed led him to strike a deal with Pippa’s father, who thankfully never made much of an appearance. His transformation as the tale progressed was apparent as Pippa woke feelings long forgotten in his soul. Of course, we knew how the story would end, we want that ending, it’s the journey that makes the story and this was a great trip, thanks to the guidance of Kate McKinley.I received a copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.