The Dreadful Duke

Bad Heir Day Tales #1

by Grace Burrowes

He’d rather carry hod in hell…

Finn Cathcart, a successful sculptor, is having a fine time on the Continent cavorting with alabaster nymphs and marble goddesses (so to speak), when he’s informed that a ducal title awaits him back in England. The same family who disowned Finn’s father now needs an heir to prevent all their wealth from falling into the Crown’s greedy hands.

...She’d rather he did too.

Wilhelmina Cathcart is the widow of the previous ducal heir, and she has no patience with fledgling peers who come grumbling to their honors. Mina has a daughter to raise, meddling family to manage, and no time to explain Mayfair society to a stubborn, backward, contrary duke… even if he is charming and a good listener. Mina and Finn are on the point of admitting a powerful attraction when an enemy close at hand threatens to ruin their hopes for a happily ever after. They will have to work together, and put aside both well earned pride and treasured prejudices, if their shared dream is to bloom into a shared future.

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Regency, Fiction, Adult Fiction

308 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 26, 2024

About the author

Grace Burrowes started writing as an antidote to empty nest and soon found it an antidote to life in general. She is the sixth out of seven children, raised in the rural surrounds of central Pennsylvania. Early in life she spent a lot of time reading romance novels and practicing the piano. Her first career was as a technical writer and editor in the Washington, DC, area, a busy job that nonetheless left enough time to read a lot of romance novels.

It also left enough time to grab a law degree through an evening program, produce Beloved Offspring (only one, but she is a lion), and eventually move to the lovely Maryland countryside.

While reading yet still more romance novels, Grace opened her own law practice, acquired a master's degree in Conflict Transformation (she had a teenage daughter by then) and started thinking about writing.... romance novels. This aim was realized when Beloved Offspring struck out into the Big World a few years ago. ("Mom, why doesn't anybody tell you being a grown-up is hard?")

Grace eventually got up the courage to start pitching her manuscripts to agents and editors. The query letter that resulted in "the call" started out: "I am the buffoon in the bar at the RWA retreat who could not keep her heroines straight, could not look you in the eye, and could not stop blushing--and if that doesn't narrow down the possibilities, your job is even harder than I thought." (The dear lady bought the book anyway.)

To contact Grace, email her at graceburrowes@yahoo.com.

Reviews

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded up because the villain is so slick and slimy

Finn Cathcart is making a name for himself and a fair amount of money as a renowned sculptor when he’s located bouncing around Europe and informed he’s the new Duke of Huntleigh. Since Finn hates the Cathcart family for ostracizing his father for marrying his mother, forcing their little family into poverty and eventually landing an orphaned Finn on the street at eight years old, he’s not happy to be the ducal head of the family.

“I have no use for the aristocracy, the monarchy, the penny press, or the preachers. Parasites the lot of them, exceeded by only Parliament for uselessness. Give me a block of high-quality Carrara and I’m a happy man. A crumbling stone wall has more of my respect than your rubbishing dukes. That wall held up through ages of hard winters and broiling summers, and fights every season for its dignity.

He’d like to ignore the whole business, but among the womenfolk dependent on the duchy is a 6-year-old girl, who is grieving the losses of her father and her great-uncle. If there’s one thing Finn understands it’s a child who isn’t thriving, so he checks on her and finds that her sad, frightened, but quite lovely mother, Wilhelmina, isn’t thriving either.

Finn is lovely, Wilhelmina is lovely, the words they speak to each other are lovely, but I’m a little fuzzy about how and when they went from caring for Emily to courting. It seemed apropos of nothing in particular. Apart from that, the plot was interesting, the villain was horrible, and, for once, gets more than a slap on the wrist.

Nothing exceptional, but I liked it quite a bit

[Izzie (on pause) McFussy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The usual. As the first book in a new series, I had hoped Burrowes would infuse it with new energy. Alas, it is her same Merry Olde—veddy veddy civilized MCs, low key instalove that nearly wheezes, and an obsession with undoing buttons. The story didn’t kick in until 80% which saved it from sinking below 3 stars.

[Keri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! This was as if The Heir and The Captive had a book baby and this was the result. We even get a glimpse of Westmoreland and a note to our hero from His Grace! This has the sweetness of The Heir and the dark undertones of The Captive. Fin and Willie made a great couple and I read the book in one sitting.

[eyes.2c · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely Burrowes love story with a reluctant heir who wanted to continue his life of sculpting. However he couldn’t leave a child unsupported, and when he meets her mother, well!
Lots of mystery and conniving surround the tale.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5⭐️

Grace Burrowes is one of those writers that you recognize from her first paragraph in a book. She has a distinct style, unique humor and simply just a way with words. I’ve been a fan for many years.

This is the beginning of a new series called The Bad Heir Day Tales (gotta love that title!). It finds Finn Cathcart, a successful sculptor, being reluctantly led to the title of duke following the death of his cousin. As he tries to curb his animosity toward the family who treated his parents so shabbily, he is shown the “Duke” ropes by Wilhelmina, the widow of his late cousin. As the two are drawn together, they gain support and confidence from each other as they struggle against controlling family members.

Both mains are wonderful here, Finn as a warm-hearted “fixer” and Willie as a woman coming into her own after having been dictated to and striven to keep the peace her entire married life. Burrowes is also a master at introducing and developing her supporting cast, here most notably Emily, Willie’s young daughter and Pritchard, Finn’s man-of-all-trades.

A wonderful start to a new series…one I’m looking forward to keeping up with.

My sincere thanks to the author for providing the free early arc of The Dreadful Duke. The opinions are strictly my own.

[Karen A. Wyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm bouncing happily on my toes to see a new series from Grace Burrowes, and I thoroughly enjoyed this first installment. I love reading about artist characters and about (non-obnoxious) kids, and this book has both. As usual, there's a complication and some suspense, but not too much or for too long. That suits me, as I have a limited tolerance for being dangled over cliffs.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

First - I LOVE everything Grace Burrowes writes so I’m not very objective and thank you for the E-ARC of this book.

I really enjoyed this first in the series Bad Heir Tales. I’m already searching for more information on the second book.

This novel reminds me of the Windham Series. It’s a romance novel first that includes intrigue. Her past 2 series - phenomenal- were mysteries that built on 1 character. I found Burrowe’s novels with the Windham series (and there is a guest appearance!)

Her writing is methodical as she slowly unwraps the story for you.

This is a great tale of a widow who decided to take back control of her life and a new Duke who wanted nothing to do with the title.

[Frances · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was bored.

[Olga Godim · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars
I like this author's shorter mysteries (e.g. Lord Julian Mysteries series) much more than her longer romances. This novel just demonstrated my point. It was so slow, I wanted to scream. Only the interesting hero and heroine saved the book from being a total flop, but even then, why did Burrowes give the POV space/time to so many other characters? She should've stayed in the protagonists' head all the time. As it was, with so many different points of view, the story seemed diluted, its focus off-kilter.

[Mary23nm · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 star

[Ann E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vintage Grace Burrowes. Really good characterizations -the good guys are really good and the MIL is detestable. As always, a happy ending.

[Marti · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dreadful Duke by Grace Burrowes is not really about a dreadful man or even a dreadful duke. The book starts out with us meeting Finn Cathcart, a sculpture and artist who due to circumstances beyond his control becomes the next duke. And he thinks it is dreadful. His relatives who want him to become a duke for only their selfish reasons think he is dreadful too. But he is not.

Finn Cathcart is suddenly a duke, by a family that didn’t want him when he was young and left him to make do on his own. So now they need him (all the other male heirs are dead) and he really does not want to play. However, he meets the widow and her child and things turn around for Finn because of her guidance. Mina takes time to help the duke. As things move forward, they begin to regard each other in a totally new way. It is then that trouble appears.

The Dreadful Duke by Grace Burrowes is an historical novel with a bit of twist and loads of fun characters. I really enjoyed reading the novel. The book is designed to be the first in a new series called, The Bad Heir Day Tales. As always I will look forward to the next book in the series. The Dreadful Duke by Grace Burrowes was a fun read.

[BJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greedy MIL bullies widowed h who is trying to protect her sweet little girl. H is a reluctant duke who dislikes society but is madly in love with the h. Together they must beat evil MIL. Loved it.

[Barbara Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barbara’s rating: 4.3 out of 5 Stars
Series: Bad Heir Day Tales #1
Publication Date: 4/26/24
Period: Regency London
Number of Pages: 308

This was a delightful first book in a new series by this author. Finn Cathcart is an amazingly talented sculptor, who has made a name (and fortune) for himself on the continent and in England. He’s also handsome, self-confident, and self-reliant – and has no use whatsoever for anyone in the aristocracy – except to take their money, of course. He loathes anything to do with the Huntley dukedom and would love to see it revert to the crown and cease to exist. No skin off his teeth. Except, he isn’t a bad heir and can change his mind when a small, helpless, young child (Emily) is adversely affected. It seems that the ‘finder’ they have sent to find Finn finally learns that weakness and uses it to get him to accept the honors.

Finn is Finn and doesn’t intend to be anyone or anything else. The current duchess, his Aunt Edwardia, can fall into a hole and never find her way out as far as he is concerned. She is to blame for the death of his baby sister, his mother, and him finding himself on the streets at the age of 8, totally alone to fend for himself. He cannot allow the dukedom to cause hurt to another small child.

Breaking all rules of protocol and manners, Finn arrives at the home of Wilhelmina (Willie/Mina) to introduce himself to the widow of his cousin. His cousin was the heir until he did stupid things and got himself killed. Mina was to be the next duchess, but now – what will happen to her? What will happen to Emily?

Finn and Mina are attracted to each other from the first. I loved how very honest and straightforward they were with each other. No prevarications – no “He/She won’t love me anymore if they learn xxxxx”. Nope, it was so wonderfully refreshing to see such honesty and straightforward love for each other. Even when the always-required third-act “event” happened, there was no doubt. No thinking ill of the other. Each had absolute confidence in the other. Gosh, I loved that part!

As with most of this author’s books, we get cameo appearances of characters from other series. In this case, it was Westhaven, Anselm, and the wine merchant – Fournier. We even got an honorable mention for The Duke of Moreland. Yep – love all of those visits. I thoroughly enjoyed Emily who was NOT the normally required brattish child. She was lovely and sweet-natured and very insecure because she had lost her father and her doting uncle all within a very short period. Finn picked up on that and carved her some lovely playmates – Draco the dragon and the Ursulas (Major and Minor) who are bears and are featured throughout the book.

I can recommend this book if you love a wonderful, love story with strong characters who know their minds. I would love to have a peek at Finn and Mina ten or fifteen years down the road because I absolutely know he will be a formidable duke and their love story will be held up to all on the marriage mart as an example of how things should be. Happy Reading!

[DD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful start to this new series 'The Bad Heir Day', great pun too.

A talented and renowned sculptor, Finn Cathcart is called back to England by the news he's become the latest Duke of Huntleigh. A role he really isn't interested in as the family abandoned his father, the third son, and provided no help when his mother was ill. But he's tempted with the knowledge of Emily, daughter to the last heir, his cousin William.
Breaking with manners Finn decides to meet Emily and her widowed mother Wilhelmina - Mina or Willie, and takes for Emily hand carved bears - the Ursulas and Draco a dragon. Mina encouraged Finn to meet his Aunts Edwardia the widow of the last duke, and Vanessa Mina's mother in law. But something is very wrong in the family, and both believe it's coming from Edwardia the duchess.

My only teeny-tiny niggle is of Finns mother came from a wealthy Catholic family, why were his parents so destitute? My only conclusion, although it's not said, is that her family disowned her when she converted before her marriage. (At This time being Catholic was deemed undesirable especially if you were nobility, Finns father was thrown out of the family for his marriage. Even now royalty can't marry a Catholic unless the concert first).

This is Grace Burrowes back at her very best, the main characters are wonderfully drawn and very believable, I love how Finn retains his character when having life turned upside down and Mina grows in confidence throughout the book. The secondary characters Pritchard, Finns major-domo and St Didier are more than they seem, and I hope to see more of them.

I love how characters from other series appear in this book, Moreland, Westhaven and Anselm, and the wine merchants Fournier. Always good to meet characters we know. But what made this special was Charles the spaniel being so spanielish (I recognise so much from my spaniels), and Draco and the Ursulas, who charm through the book.

This could easily become a favourite book, it grabbed me from the first page and held right to the last.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m generally a huge fan of this author, but this book just never left the starting gate for me.

Furious at finding himself unexpectedly a duke, renown sculptor Finn Cathcart reluctantly agrees to take up his role as head of the Cathcart family in order to protect little Emily, the daughter of his deceased cousin. When he meets Wilhelmina Cathcart, Emily’s mother, Finn is surprised at his reaction: she’s smart, resourceful, and devoted to her daughter. As their friendship ripens into a blazing mutual attraction, both Finn and ‘Willie’ must learn to set aside old assumptions and feelings. However, when Willie and Emily are forced to flee London to escape a scheming relation, Finn is committed to ensuring their safety, regardless of the cost.

There’s nothing really wrong with either Finn or Willie. He makes for a fine Hero, doing/saying all the right things. He loves Emily and respects Willie. Willie is a great heroine: a protective and loving mother who’s finally being allowed to grasp the reins to her own life.

But…somehow the plot seemed flat. The villain(ess) never seemed like that much of a threat. Even Finn and Willie’s sexy times seemed rather lukewarm.

But…it’s definitely better than ‘just OK,’ so three stars.

[Rebekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

TLDR: this book was a pleasant surprise, and if you’d like a cosy regency romance, give it a read!

This book was a pleasant surprise. I was drawn to the covers (of this and its sequel) on the “newly added” section of Libby, which I found pleasantly macabre. The dark colors and flowers made me wonder if they were vampire novels. The leading ladies (of this and its sequel) happened to share the names of characters I’d just been discussing. Between the lovely covers and the name coincidence, I decided my reading of these was meant to be and put both books on hold.

This is in fact not a vampire book, but a regency romance, and very well done! The characters are alive with interesting quirks. The story is very character-driven, but stakes are thrown in towards the end. Something about that felt clunky to me, but I like the novel overall, all the same.

The verbiage in this book was delightful, but made me glad I had a digital copy, so I could look up definitions. In contrast, I think a physical (owned) copy would have been lovely, as this book almost calls to be annotated.

A pleasant experience! I’m excited for the second book, which is still on hold, and for the third, which has yet to be released.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Orphaned as a small boy, after losing his young sister, Finn Cathcart pulled himself up with grueling work, raw talent and pure grit to become a wealthy, successful and sought after sculptor and artist. His peaceful world is turned upside down when he is informed that he has inherited a dukedom from distant relatives who virtually ignored his suffering as a child. He resists as long as he can, but when he is informed that an innocent young cousin and her mother will suffer if he doesn’t take up the reins of the title, he caves. Wilhelmina Cathcart will do anything to protect her young daughter Emily, even if it means shepherding the new Duke through society. As Finn and Willie spend more and more time together, their attraction grows, but other players are determined to dash their dreams for a future together. Ms. Burrowes has a writing style that is elegant, yet accessible, with beautifully constructed sentences and period appropriate morals and language. The Dreadful Duke is a wonderful start to a new series and I highly recommend it! This book was provided by the author without any requirement for a review, positive or otherwise. All opinions are 100% my own.

[Judy W · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been awhile since I've read a historical that I felt was fresh and interesting. I used to LOVE them. This was quite short but surprisingly satisfying. I've liked and disliked this author before so I had no expectations going in. Finn Cathcart is a reluctant Duke. He despises that side of his family when they turned his back on him as a boy. He suffered from that decision but managed to carve out a successful career and a little happiness when he's tracked down about his inheritance. It seems the other male heirs have died off without proper offspring and the title is about to be escheated to the crown. Finn just wants to be left alone to sculpt and create art. To save the dependents of the estate he agrees to assume the title. Wilhelmina and her daughter are two of those dependents when it's her husband (and heir apparent) who dies. A huge financial chunk of the estate went to Wilhelmina's daughter Emily) which makes her a hot commodity. This story was intriguing and packed enough emotion to make a satisfying read. Especially at only 300 pages or so. Burrowes for the win!

[A.M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

You are a self made man, after being orphaned at a very young age and finding a way to survive in the world; you prosper and make a name for yourself as a sculptor to society, and then this uppity Frenchman rings your doorbell and tells you, you are a Duke.

It is the LAST thing you want to take on, but there are issues - all female - who depend on the Dukedom continuing for both income and housing. Duh, if there was a male left; HE’D be the bloody duke.

The library has this author as an auto buy, and I reserve them and wait - not patiently, but I just forget about them, until the wonder of digital borrowing pings the next one into my account.

The series thread is the frenchman whose job it is to track down heirs to stop King George getting his grabby hands on valuable estates that revert to the crown with no male heir.

4 stars

[penelopewanders]

For some reason I had never read anything by this author, but I think it was in one of the several groups I follow that someone was praising a book by Burrowes and I figured it was time to check her out.
This is the story of an unwilling duke, dragged back into the fold to prevent the crown from taking back the title and especially, the entailed property and other assets. A talented sculptor, the hero is not keen to change his life, but proves to be a truly good person.
A very good read, I will look forward to discovering more books by this author.

(Silly aside, for some reason I always thought this author was the co-author of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, which was in fact written by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows, not Grace Burrowes).

[Madhellena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author and I lover her writing style. For some reason, it's exactly how I picture the British talking during that time period and she's the first one I encountered that used it. I have read other historicals written by British authors but they use a lot of the current style of prose.
I also loved that the relationship between the hero and heroine made sense - it annoys me greatly when some guy falls for a girl just because she's pretty. These two actually interacted enough to develop feelings for each other.
Excellent book, I will try some other to see if it's a fluke or not.

[California Grammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grace Burrowes has done it again! I was entranced by the first paragraph and so delighted to meet St. Didier again. Loving art and knowing artists also drew me in. Many new characters, but a few oldies but goodies made me immediately feel at home.
This was a family in controlled turmoil. A lovely little girl frequently in the middle and a talented "Dreadful" duke to the rescue with dragons and bears (wooden lest you be alarmed). And all of this against his will. It is so grand to have such a winner at the start of a series. I can't wait for the next one! I received an eARC of this book, but that did not influence my review.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

First in a new series and I really liked this new path. Finlay is the new Duke, who was tracked down by St. Didier, who is a known "finder of lost heirs". Finn is a sculptor by trade and does not want to be a Duke. St Didier plays on his sympathies by introducing Emily, the daughter of the late heir and who was married to Wilhelmina. As Finn becomes more entrenched into his ducal role, he and Wilhelmina spend a lot of time together. Of course, nothing goes smoothly but it was a good read. The next book will be about Finn's majordomo, Pritchard, who is likely a noble and I wound not be surprised if St Didier ends up in a book, too.

[Nadine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read, love story between adults and without silly misunderstandings. Even so I generally dislike the rags to riches trope and simply don't understand why every heroes needs severe hardship and hard bodily labour in his youth - might be an American thing - I liked the coming home aspect of the story and the evil relatives standing in the way of true love. I also enjoyed Mina's daughter and her pets a lot. Will make a good reread.

[Eloisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding.

I read and reread many of this authors books. They never fail to delight me. This new story about a reluctant Duke, difficult family, relationships, twisty, plot involving forgery, and as always a very satisfying ending. Plus, I can hardly wait to read about Lucian’s story, I love how her books always interconnect.

[Anne-Mammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new series from Grace Burrowes is always worthy of note and I was really looking forward to this one. It did not disappoint. I was particularly glad to find she had returned to her usual easy flowing style and not continued with the clipped, allusive version of the Lord Julian's mysteries. The story took a while to develop and at first I thought it would centre around St Didier, the inheritor detective, but no, the reluctant duke and his love soon became centre stage. I loved the way Finn interacts with Emily the heroin's daughter and the way, his little sculptures come to life to help her face her everyday problems.
Looking forward to reading the story of the mysterious butler Lucian Pritchard next. This sort of book is the reason why Grace Burrowes who counts as one of my favourite authors. Thank you!

[Janice Slay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just see Grace Burrowes name on a book and I know it’s a winner! She is always a pleaser. This is another great book. The hero is a “winner” and the heroine is “perfect”! There are some troubles along the way and one or two people in the way to make trouble. But all will be well. There’s just enough trouble to be interesting. I love her books!

[DENISE I. · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Enjoyable Read

I enjoyed the love journey of two people victimized by a system that they were able to overcome through love, common sense and mental stability. The nemesis was so self privileged that I wanted a tougher fate for her but it was justified and satisfying for her station.

[Jo Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Series Begins

This new series tells the story of a reluctant Duke, Finn Cathcart, who is being forced to take up his duties to the family, including the widow and child the previous heir. Once he meets Wilhelmina and young Emily he can't help stepping up. Interesting characters are introduced and I look forward to the next book.