La Clémence du Duc

Forgotten Castles #2

by Jamie Carie, Carole Charette (Translator)

Désespérée par sa promesse impulsive de marier lord John Lemon, Alexandria Featherstone se met en route vers l’Islande, le cœur lourd, à la recherche de ses parents. Le fait d’avoir aperçu son tuteur, le duc de St. Easton, sur la berge de Dublin, la hante toujours. Partira-t-il à la poursuite d’Alexandria ? La ramènera-t-il à Londres, réprimant sa mission de rescapée ses parents chasseurs de trésor, ou devrait-il user de prudence et choisir la devise des St. Easton, Foy pour Devoir. La devise des Featherstone, Valens et Volens : « Volontaire et Capable » bat dans le cœur d’Alexandria et coule dans ses veines. Elle retrouvera ses parents et leur amour peu importe le prix. Le puissant duc de St. Easton, qui n’est désormais que l’ombre de lui-même, n’avait jamais eu de défi tel que celui auquel il fait face depuis qu’il a entendu le nom de sa pupille. Alexandria Featherstone sera sa raison de vivre ou causera sa perte. Seuls le temps et la volonté de Dieu révéleront jusqu’à quel point cet homme peut souffrir au nom de l’amour.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance, Christian, Historical, Historical Romance, Christian Historical Fiction

408 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published June 4, 2012

About the author

Born and raised in Vincennes, Indiana, Jamie is a preacher’s daughter. Road trips with her dad—to and from Bible studies across Indiana—were filled with talks of things beyond earth’s bounds – creation and the fall, God and Jesus and the rapture, the earthly walk compared to the spiritual walk, and how we are born for more than what we can see or touch. The highlight of those nights was stopping at a truck stop in the middle of the night where her dad spent a little of the offering basket on two slices of pie and a couple of Cokes.

And nothing could stop the writing pouring out of her.

Piles of poems, short stories, skits and song lyrics later, Jamie grew up and married. When her eldest son turned five she decided to try her hand at novels. Eight years and lots of rejection letters later, Snow Angel was published and won ForeWord Magazine’s Romance Book of the Year, a USA Book News “Best Books 2007” Awards winner, and 2008 RITA® Awards Best First Book finalist. In 2010 Wind Dancer was a finalist in the Indiana State Library Best Books of Indiana. It was the beginning of her dream career.

With seven books currently in circulation and her first three book series coming in 2012, Jamie has made an impressive contribution to the inspirational, historical romance genre featuring heroines who are fierce in their beliefs and love. Romantic Times exclaimed, "Carie is a welcome new voice in the inspirational fiction market." And, "Carie writes with her heart on every page of her books." Jamie has a passion for history and believes in the power of love stories. She lives with her husband and three boys in Indianapolis, Indiana.

If she could only say one thing to her readers it would be, “Live the dreams God has destined you for!”

Books:

Snow Angel
The Duchess and the Dragon
Wind Dancer
Love's First Light
Angel's Den
Pirate of my Heart
The Snowflake (a Christmas novella)

Coming in 2012:
The Forgotten Castles Series (A continuous series to be read in order)
The Guardian Duke
The Forgiven Duke
A Duke's Promise

Contacting Jamie:

Jamie's website - http://www.jamiecarie.com
Jamie's blog - http://jamiecarie.com/blog
Jamie's Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/jamie.carie
Jamie's Twitter - https://twitter.com/#!/jamiecarie

Jamie's email: jamie@jamiecarie(dot)com

Reviews

[Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls) · Rating 1 out of 5]

{This is not a clean book! If you’re under 17 please do not read this book, series or this review!}

**THERE ARE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW; I’m not holding back my thoughts or opinions!

About this book:

“Tethered by her impulsive promise to marry Lord John Lemon - the path of least resistance - Alexandria Featherstone sets off toward Iceland in search of her parents with a leaden heart. A glimpse of her guardian, the Duke of St. Easton - the path less traveled by - on Dublin’s shore still haunts her.
Will he come after her? Will he drag her back to London, quelling her mission to rescue her treasure-seeking parents, or might he decide to throw caution to the wind and choose Foy Pour Devoir: “Faith for Duty,” the St. Easton motto. The Featherstone motto Valens et Volens: “Willing and Able,” beats in her heart and thrums through her veins. She will find her parents and find their love, no matter the cost.
The powerful yet wing-clipped Duke of St. Easton has never known the challenge that has become his life since hearing his ward’s name. Alexandria Featherstone will be the life or the death of him. Only time and God’s plan will reveal just how much this man can endure for the prize of love.”


Series: Book #2 in the “Forgotten Castles” series. {Book #3 was awful (not clean) either, book #1 was decent but will lead into sexual content in this book.}


Spiritual Content- Many Prayers; ‘H’s are capital; A Scripture is quoted three times; A couple Scriptures are mentioned; A Hymn is sung and written out; Alexandria has a Faith; Gabriel questions God & wonders where He is (many times); John doesn’t believe in God; A Scripture is quoted in the Dear Reader.
*Note: a “Gad”, a “h*llish”, a “hounds of h*ll”, and a “h*llhole”; saying “Thank God” flippantly; Mentions that S*tan made his home in Iceland after rebelling against God.


Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘hush’, a ‘shut up’, two ‘blasted’ and two ‘stupid’s and three forms of ‘wretch’; Pistols, fighting, swords and knives (semi-detailed); Blood (highest being detailed); Lying; John creates a drink when he’s drunk and has Alexandria drink it—-See Sexual Content.


Sexual Content- GRAPHIC CONTENT- a ‘whore’, a ‘harlot’, Almost kisses (semi-detailed); Not-detailed kisses, 8 Semi-detailed kisses and two detailed kisses; Touches (semi-detailed); John every much wants to make Alexandria his and says so; John sleeps in the same bed as Alexandra, she sneaks out before he wakes up because she knows John will try to take liberties—she sets him straight “we aren’t married yet and we’re not going to act like we are.” “You can’t blame a fiancé for trying.”; And then a few chapter later he’s drunk, gives her something like a date rape drug and focus himself on her, waking up neither of them know if anything happened but the topic of her possibly being pregnant along with that she’s damaged goods, doesn’t know if she’s a virgin or not, the monthly time and what to expect on a wedding night. (It’s revealed much later that she is not pregnant.) Love, falling in love & the emotions. (lots!)

-Alexandria Featherstone
-Gabriel Ravenwood
P.O.V. switches between them.
Set in 1818-1819
320 pages

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- Less Than One Star
New Teens- Less Than One Star
Early High School Teens- Less Than One Star
Older High School Teens- Less Than One Star
My personal Rating- Less Than One Star
I truly would like to rip this book to shreds in this review, but I’ll be somewhat nice. All I’m going to say is: The Mystery and plot really took a backseat to the romance side of things. :(
So, moral of this review: Stay away from this series, it leads to sexual details which you DON’T need in your head.




*BFCG does NOT recommend this book. Just don’t even bother with it.

[Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...) · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the second book in a series where the story is spread out over all three books, with the first two books ending on a cliffhanger. I'm not a fan of that format, and even though I liked the first book, my patience and interest began to wane by the end of this book. The setting in Iceland brought fresh life to the travels of Alex as she follows the clues of her parents' mysterious whereabouts. Her thoughts and choices seemed out of character as she compromises her reputation and safety by pretending to be the wife of her relatively new friend John. The overall tone of the book is darker as there is more violence, trials, and difficult consequences, especially for Gabriel. The politics of the countries vying for the manuscript are also explored more, and the ramifications of Alex's choices grow more complex.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Forgiven Duke was a good continuation to the Forgotten Castles series, although I didn't love it as much as I did book one. While I still loved the characters, the story was just a tad bit difficult for me to follow, but it could have just been because of my mood when I was reading the book.

I did like the action and how you didn't really know what was happening next. I did not like a certain character and found him very despicable at times. If you read the book, you'll know for sure who I'm talking about.

All in all, I enjoyed this read and look forward to finishing the series soon.

*I received a complimentary eBook copy via NetGalley for my honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

The adventure continues. The pace does not let up at all, but even here the story does not end.
I really hated the whole John Lemon thing. Especially how it ended! He felt like a slimy, unnecessary part. He wasn't even a convincing villain. I'd have given the book five stars if he hadn't been a part of it. Especially when he had such a good uncle. There's some pretty mature subject matter here too, with possible rape, a lot of violence, and a graphically described death.
I really liked how much the duke matures in this, though. His trails seem to be making quite the man of him.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jamie Carie has done it again! She has produced quite a masterpiece in The Forgiven Duke, the second installment in her “Forgotten Castles” series. I was so impressed by the first book in the series, The Guardian Duke, that I was a little worried the sequel might disappoint. Although the two books are different in some ways, they are both just as good and equally deserving of the five stars I have given them.

In the first book, The Guardian Duke, Gabriel, the Duke of St. Easton, has been trying to catch his ward, Alexandria Featherstone, in a chase across England and Ireland, but to no avail. Alexandria (Alex) has been trying to locate her parents who are high-profile treasure hunters. At the end, Alex is sailing off on a ship to Iceland as the Duke is on shore watching her leave. They lock eyes for an intense moment over the distance that separates them—and speak to each other in the way only soul mates can. Gabriel has just decided that if he reaches Alex in time, he will abandon the Regent’s wishes to bring Alex back to England and help her in her quest to find her parents. He will choose faith over duty (his family motto is “Faith for Duty”). He knows he loves her and will do whatever it takes.

The Forgiven Duke begins where The Guardian Duke leaves off. The year is 1818. Alex is now aboard the ship with her fiancé, John Lemon. Alex realizes she may have made a mistake in trying to escape her guardian, and prays that he will come. She needs him. Alex feels her life has gotten off track. John seems too eager to marry her. She wonders what his real motivations are. In the midst of all this, Alex must be on constant alert for the dangerous men who have been following her since the beginning of her search for her parents. She must also consider if she can trust those who are supposedly her allies.

The Duke follows Alex to Iceland, the last place where “the manuscript” was heard to be. This is what Alex’s parents are searching for. Gabriel travels to the Black Castles of Iceland, huge black pillars from volcanic lava that look like castles. This path is fraught with dangers. Gabriel is deterred again and again. Will he ever make it to Alex in time? Why is the manuscript so valuable?

Alex and Gabriel do finally meet, and the meeting is so tender and worth the wait! Then a tragedy occurs. Will Alex and the Duke let the tragedy separate them just when they were finally brought together?

I adored this book. It was different from its predecessor in many ways, as I stated before, because it seemed to have a more intense feel to it. The Guardian Duke was a more light-hearted romp, with fun, lovable characters. The Forgiven Duke deals with much weightier subjects. The scenery here, instead of being the verdant Ireland, is the dark, dangerous paths of Iceland.

As I state in my previous review of The Guardian Duke, both are written to have an air of poetry about them. Jamie Carie writes in a way that is lyrical and mesmerizing. The Forgiven Duke uses amazing and wonderfully descriptive language. The land of Iceland feels almost otherworldly. She describes a beautiful land with fire, ice, snow, crevasses, boiling mud pits, volcanoes, and mists.

It was inspiring to watch the journey of faith that Gabriel and Alex’s characters take. Gabriel prays a lot more in this book. He used to love listening to music, but now he uses music to worship God. God fills the hole in him that music used to fill. While reading I began examining myself for different areas where I might be going to things other than God to satisfy my needs. It is a good reality check for all of us. The Duke must come to the end of himself and ask for God’s will in everything. That is a hard place to be, but a good one, because that is really when God can start to use us.

Alex realizes she is trying to control things by attempting to find her parents her own way and not submitting to the Duke. She now comprehends how much havoc and suffering this has caused to others. I can relate to Alex as I constantly have to give up my own issues of control to God.

I love the storyline of this series because it is fresh, exiting and will whisk you off to new places!
I give this book five stars out of five. It is a clean read. It is Christian fiction.

I want to thank NetGalley, Jamie Carie and the B&H Publishing Group for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.

[Vera Godley · Rating 3 out of 5]

About the Book: Tethered by her impulsive promise to marry Lord John Lemon - the path of least resistance - Alexandria Featherstone sets off toward Iceland in search of her parents with a leaden heart. A glimpse of her guardian, the Duke of St. Easton - the path less traveled by - on Dublin’s shore still haunts her.

Will he come after her? Will he drag her back to London, quelling her mission to rescue her treasure-seeking parents, or might he decide to throw caution to the wind and choose Foy Pour Devoir: “Faith for Duty,” the St. Easton motto. The Featherstone motto Valens et Volens: “Willing and Able,” beats in her heart and thrums through her veins. She will find her parents and find their love, no matter the cost.

The powerful yet wing-clipped Duke of St. Easton has never known the challenge that has become his life since hearing his ward’s name. Alexandria Featherstone will be the life or the death of him. Only time and God’s plan will reveal just how much this man can endure for the prize of love.



My Take: Not being familiar with the story line or the characters prior to the beginning of this book, I found it slow to get into. Eventually it all came together. Alexandria is a feisty young lady, especially for the timeline in which she lived.

I found the story to be a bit unbelievable but a pretty good read. I did find the Duke and Alexandria to be characters that I would like to know a bit more about. So I look forward to the next book in the Forgotten Castle series to perhaps get to see what they are up to next. In the book.....

Mystery - in search of Alexandria's parents who were searching for what (?) mysterious object/s
Adventure - high seas drama, kidnapping, sword fights,
Romance - who will ultimately win the hand of the lovely Alexandria?

Warning: There are allusions to sex, but no actual sex scenes. Places in the story are swash buckling action scenes and some violence and torture scenes. These are minor and I recommend only for junior or senior high students and adults read.

Of Interest: In the book, Alexandria rides an Islandic Horse which is a special breed of horse and that at the time of the story was only to be found in Iceland. I decided to do a little online research and found this picture. The horse is smaller, has a different gait, and has a heavy mane and tale plus a double winter coat.

About the Author: Jamie Carie's Snow Angel was published and won the ForeWord magazine Romance Book of the Year winner, was a National “Best Books 2007” Awards winner, and a 2008 RITA Awards® Best First Book finalist. It was the beginning of her dream career. If she could only say one thing to her readers it would be, “Live the dreams God has destined you for!”

GIVEAWAY: The publisher and Propeller are graciously providing a copy as a giveaway here at Chat With Vera. Simple entries - no big hoops to jump through. Be sure you leave an email for me to use to contact the winner.

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[Abbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

.

Book two starts off right where book one stopped. Alex is on a ship with her fiancé John and the Duke just misses catching up with her. While Alex heads to Iceland in search of her parents with John the Duke plays detective to figure out where she is heading. Just as he is about to head to Iceland to find her he is detained and sent back to England where he must answer as to why he does not have Alex yet. Just as he sorts things out he is kidnapped and taken to Spain. Finally after that ordeal he heads to Iceland to finally find Alex and bring her home.

While all that is going on Alex is searching Iceland with John for her parents. She finds just enough clues to keep going. While she is searching she also starts to evaluate her feeling for John and wonders if she can actually marry John when her heart is secretly falling for the Duke. The climate of this book comes to a head in Iceland and I will let you read this book for yourself to see how it all turns out!

Book one left us with a cliff hanger and I was excited to read book two to see how things worked out would Alex and the Duke finally meet? This book did not disappoint. I was swept away into this adventure from page one!

What I liked: This book was interesting all the way though. Right from page one the story line grabbed my interest and before I knew it I was turning the last page. I admit to being a little worried that having three books covering the same story line might seem like over kill I was pleasantly surprised to find that was not the case. The story line continues to evolve in book two. In book one we got to know the characters and why Alex went after her parents. In this book we are still searching for them but the added story line has to do with what her parents where searching for. Really a whole new story starts to immerge with in the original and its so well written it flows together smoothly.

What I did not like: I admit the fact that the Duke is still deaf and how it fits(or is going to fit) into the storyline is kind of a mystery to me. Maybe book 3 is going to develop on this a little more.

Over all I really liked this book. I have found that when it comes to series that the middle book can be a stepping stone where you just want to get through it to the final book. Not with this one though. The added storyline about what Alex’s parents are searching for made it really good yet kept the over all suspense of Alex and the Duke finally meeting. Now I am very excited to see where the third book goes and how the storyline is going to come together and finish.

http://abbiesreadingcorner.com/2012/0...

[Christie Hagerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only is this historical romance, but this is a tale of unraveling mysteries. Even though The Forgiven Duke is the second book of a series, I was able to glean most of what happened and catch on quickly to the plot. A young lady placed under the guardianship of a rich, handsome duke refuses to believe that her parents are dead and runs away from his protective custody. Her vow to do whatever it takes to find her missing parents leads her into danger, bad decisions, and ugly consequences. Can she learn to trust God and His timing rather than taking matters into her own hands? Will the secrets she and the duke accumulate along the way keep them from the future they could have together?

The duke is a powerful man used to breezing through life on his terms. Now that he's deaf, he must learn to adjust to a life he can't totally control. He must overcome his handicap and find the runaway he's fallen in love with and sworn to protect. He grows in his relationship with God through the hardships he endures to complete the mandates of the king and of his heart. The imagery of this man reaching out to God without being able to hear is beautiful.

Throughout the story, the characters are faced with choices that demonstrate the level of trust they have in God. As they lean on Him, He comes to the rescue in His time, in His way. I liked that their mistakes were portrayed realistically, however, in that the characteers still had to face the consequences to their decisions.

This book strayed a little from your average Christian romance in going past the typical chivalry, social parties, and mild heroic rescues. We see a bit of that, but there are also murders, torture, battles, and--oops, I almost spoiled it for you! You'll have to see for yourself what else happens.

The ending gave enough resolution to satisfy some major questions but enough loose ends to leave room for the third book in the series, due out in September of 2012.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the netGalley.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so happy to finally have the chance to read the second book in the Forgotten Castles Series by Jamie Carie. I knew The Forgiven Duke would end with some sort of cliffhanger just like the first book in the series and wanted the next book to be ready and waiting for when I came to the point of wanting (and needing) more.

I was not disappointed with this second book following Lady Alexandria Featherstone and her mysterious guardian, Duke of St. Easton—whom she’s only met once at a masquerade, although she’s formed a close relationship with him though their letters to one another. There are so many ups and downs in the overall plot of this series; I’d categorize the books as romantic adventure if there was such a genre. I still loved all of the characters from the first book and liked seeing the separate stories as St. Easton and Alex both suffered through many trials and tribulations until their story-lines are eventually melded into one.

Even though St. Easton and Alex only finally meet near the middle of this second book in the series, the reader is well aware of everything going on between them. And there are so many other well-developed characters scattered throughout the plot that whatever the situation and whatever the setting, it is interesting to read about.

This “middle” book ended perfectly, setting the reader up with everything they could want in an ending, while also setting up a whole new adventure (and problems) for the final installment, A Duke’s Promise.

I haven’t begun the last book of the series, but I truly cannot wait to get into it. I received a complimentary imperfect (meaning it hasn’t quite been through the complete editing process yet) eBook version of this book by the publisher (for NetGalley) in order to give a review containing my honest feelings for the book. I give Jamie Carie’s The Forgiven Duke 5 stars.

If you haven’t read The Guardian Duke yet, I also gave it 5 stars, and I wholeheartedly recommend reading it. The Forgiven Duke will be released July 1st and A Duke’s Promise will be coming out sometime this fall.

[Julie Graves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beginning where The Guardian Duke left off The Forgiven Duke begins with Alexandria sailing for Iceland with her now fiance' John. Alexandria is still following the trail of her parents. She is convinced that they are still alive and in need of her help.

Gabriel watched her sail away just moments too late to catch her. He is devastated to have missed her and is determined to get the next ship to Iceland to follow her. The crown regent has other ideas for him though and has soldiers bring Gabriel back to England. It is revealed to him what treasure the Featherstones are after. It is now a race to see which country can find the missing manuscript first. Gabriel is kidnapped by the same Spaniards that are after Alexandria. He is forced into service for them in order to save Alexandria.

Alex is having second thoughts about marrying John. She knows that she is in love with Gabriel. Unfortunately John has fallen in love with Alex, plus he needs her money to get himself out of debt. Determined to keep her for himself John resorts to underhanded deeds that compromise Alex's innocence.

Once Alex is returned to England and under Gabriel's guardianship she finds herself confused. Why won't Gabriel talk with her? Why does he avoid her at all costs. Gabriel too is frustrated. He fears that if he reveals his affliction to her that she will never be able to care for him.

The Forgiven Duke takes us on a fast-paced treasure hunt, full of adventure and romance. There were a few things that had me cringing but will probably not bother most people. I can't wait for the last book in the series A Duke's Promise. Just like in The Guardian Duke, The Forgiven Duke has a terrific cliff-hanger that had me screaming for the next one NOW!

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Forgiven Duke was a very enjoyable story. When I began reading this book, I soon realized that it was book two in a series. I generally try to start from the beginning when I read a series, but occasionally end up in a situation where I have not read a previous book. The author did a good job of catching me up and I followed along just fine in this story.

I really felt invested in these characters. Both Alexandria and Gabriel made decisions based on trying to control their situations. This is a very common, human thing to try to do. Much of the book follows Alexandria and the journey she goes on after making a decision based on fear, rather than trusting and waiting for God’s guidance in her life. Her dealings with Lord John, as a result of her impetuous decision, add great tension to Alexandria’s situation. Gabriel also seems inclined to try to control things. I gather that in the first book he did this even more. But, the need to try to take charge of a situation still guides many of his decisions. I felt for him and the challenges he faced.

Both characters grow a lot in this story. I felt for both of them in the trials they faced and was amazed at all they both had to go through. The middle of the story did drag a bit for me, but after a short while the pace picked up again. The end of the book is not a cliff hanger, but it does leave a few things open that will need to be resolved in book three. I am looking forward to reading it, too.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from B&H Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.

You can read this review on my blog at:
http://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.co...

[Brandi (Rambles of a SAHM) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Guardian Duke left us with a nail bitter of an ending, but thankfully The Forgiven Duke picks up the story exactly where it left off. You will be able to give a brief sigh of relief but then the chase begins again.


This series is one, in my opinion, that needs to be read in order. I just don’t think that you would enjoy The Forgiven Duke, nearly as much if you read it as a stand-alone. I think there would just be too many nuances in the story that you would miss.


I loved all the globe-trotting in this installment. The descriptions of Iceland make me want to go there for a visit. (In warm weather, of course!) Jamie Carie has created characters that live and breathe in your imagination. There are some, like Alexandria, Gabriel and Montague that you are going to fall in love with. There are others that you are going to be leery about and look for their hidden motives at all times. One of my favorite aspects of the novels is the way that Ms. Carie has shown her characters reliance and need for God’s guidance and strength. In the opposite way she has also done a marvelous job of describing how others reject that same guidance.


While I am enjoying this series, it does have a tendency to just go on and on to me. I love all the letters exchanged but during all the pursuit I keep thinking “just get together already”. There is one last installment in this series. It is called A Duke’s Promise and is scheduled to be released in September. Will I be reading it? You bet!

[Cecilia Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the end of The Guardian Duke, Alex is on the ship on the way to Iceland with her now fiancee, John. Thing is, she isn't sure if she did the right thing getting engaged to John, because her mind is still centered on the Duke of Easton, Gabriel. At the end of the first book, Gabriel watches as the ship sails away with the woman he has grown to care for. Yeah, that cliffhanger made me want to tear at my hair. But it was a good cliffhanger that made me look forward to this book even more.

Now Alex has arrived in Iceland with her Fiancee, and is off again in search of her parents. As she continues with her search the danger seems to swim around her. On the other side Gabriel who was arrested for disobeying the King's orders in the beginning of this book, is now free and doing investigation of his own, fighting the fact that he is deaf, and worried about Alex, in between he receives letter from her which gives them hope.

Oh my gosh - I can't say how addictive this series is becoming. I love Alex: she is impulsive, brave but I guess that comes from her thinking with her heart more than her mind. She'd do anything to find her parents.

This is a 5 star for me, and I'm holding the third book series in my nads - or kindle. And I promise you it's still as fantastic as the first two.

[G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alexandria Featherstone’s parents have spent their lives chasing mysteries, now they have disappeared. Alexandria is determined to find them. In this second part of the story, Alexandria agrees to marry Lord John Lemon since he agreed to go with her and help her on her quest. Just before the ship takes off for Iceland, Alexandria catches a glimpse of her guardian on the shore. Since the King sent her guardian to bring her home, she doesn’t want to connect with him, but they have been exchanging letters and he holds her heart. Now, her guardian, the Duke of St. Easton, and men from Spain and France all want to find her so that they can track her parents or keep her from tracking her parents. Alexandria races across the beautiful vistas of Iceland as she tries to beat the others and find her parents.

I enjoyed this story because it is more than a romance with lots of history as well as interesting descriptions of interesting people and places. More than once, I looked up pictures on the Internet to see if it could possibly be as beautiful as described. Now, I can’t wait to visit Iceland. This is a fun enjoyable read, recommended for readers of romance with mystery and travel.

Received Galley from NetGalley.com

[Lindsey · Rating 2 out of 5]

My full review on the Forgotten Castles Trilogy can be found on my blog:
Novel Tease Reviews

I read this because the first novel, , left me wondering how the plot would play out. I found it a little disappointing compared with the first. The characters weren't as lovable and the story wasn't quite as intriguing. It was "okay" - I read it because I wanted to know more about the hero and heroine. This is one of those series that requires you to read them all to find any sense of closure.

[Maureen · Rating 3 out of 5]

* John seemed to be just playing her to get her money. as he was in debt she had was an heiress
* I worried about alex parents as they hadn't written to her. not that they were that great in the first book.
* i was so scared when she was going to tell him that she wouldn't marry him. i was right!
* why did she care that he died? i didn't! he drugged her and raped her!

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally, by the end they get together! Geesh, I was going mad waiting for Gabriel to become humble and Alex to well... just move on and do what she should!

[Jenny · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like Jamie Carie's books. I was so disappointed with this book. I'm not sure I even want to read the third book.

[Aimee · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was good. I liked it. Christian Fiction.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put the book down...lots of action, romance (clean), and excitement! A great continuation of the first book.

[Hannah Beth (Hannah's Book Cafe) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this sequel quite a bit more than the first book in the series. The hardships and trials that both of the main characters go through to try and find Alex's parents made the story. That being said, I still don't get the romance. It seems so good when they're longing to be together, but then when they finally are, I just truly am not feeling it. I don't seem to get the chemistry the author was going for.

Also, one thing that actually did disturb me was when John drugged Alex so he could try and sleep with her(which we still don't know if he did). Alex gets very upset and shoves him around (as she should), and his excuses are, "I drank too much" and "I just love you so much". Then when he sobers up, he takes her and locks her in a room so she can't get away from him. Gabriel comes to rescue her and he shoots John(good riddance I say). And the disturbing part is when Alex starts to wonder if she might be carrying John's child, she almost wishes that she is because of how his life ended. GIRL!! The guy would have raped you in order for that to happen! And she blames herself for his death and keeps saying how good of a man she still thinks he is. NO. Nope. Absolutely not. Please, get some therapy (did that exist in Regency England?).

Overall, the rest of story I enjoyed. Just not the ending I guess.

[Anncleire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ho richiesto “The forgiven duke” appena ho saputo che lo aveva messo a disposizione Netgalley, ho adorato il primo volume, “The guardian duke” (uscito per B&H Fiction il 1° febbraio) e non vedevo l’ora di leggere il seguito e Jamie Carie ha svolto un ottimo lavoro facendomi appassionare anche a questa storia.

Il racconto ricomincia lì dove si era interrotto con Lady Alexandria Featherstone che sta partendo per Iceland con Lord John Lemon e Gabriel Ravenwood Duke of St. Easton che la osserva dal molo irlandese con il dolore nel cuore. Mentre Alex continua la ricerca dei genitori trovando nuovi amici e cercando di evitare le incessanti pressioni di John per sposarla, Gabriel viene imprigionato e farà di tutto per liberarsi e raggiungere la sua amata. Pregando e innamorandosi sempre di più Gabriel e Alex riusciranno finalmente ad incontrarsi ma a quale prezzo? Riusciranno a stare insieme perdonando tutti i loro errori? E Alex riuscirà a ritrovare i suoi genitori?

Prima di iniziare a parlare del libro, vorrei fare i miei complimenti alla Carie che è davvero straordinaria, è riuscita a creare un libro pieno di avventura, mistero, colpi di scena e immagini romantiche e meravigliose. Ho adorato ogni singola pagina e il meraviglioso Gabriel che con i suoi straordinari occhi verdi, i capelli scuri e il fisico mozzafiato riempie le pagine e le rende irrinunciabili. Ma non è solo il suo essere handsome che lo trasforma in uno di quei personaggi indimenticabili, ma anche il suo carattere forte, indipendente che fa di tutto per cercare di superare il suo handicap fisico, che lo rende incapace di udire alcun suono. Ma le sue conoscenze, la sua memoria e il suo spirito di adattamento lo rendono la persona giusta per sopravvivere nella società inglese del 1819, dove le apparenze contano molto più della sostanza, dove i balli e le conversazioni sono all’ordine del giorno e dove immancabilmente le udienze con i reggenti sono inevitabili.
Ma ciò che mi ha davvero colpito è la crescita del Duca. Se in “The guardian duke” lottava contro l’avversità che lo aveva colpito non riuscendola minimamente ad accettare, in questo volume Gabriel ha una nuova consapevolezza e con la fede che deriva anche dal suo stemma riesce ad andare avanti accogliendo la sua sordità come una nuova sfida. Awesome! E come lotta, combatte, viene imprigionato, soffre il mal di mare ma non si arrende con sempre davanti l’immagine dolcissima di Alex e il pensiero di John Lemon lo tormenta incessantemente anche perché ormai lui è cosciente di provare sentimenti forti per Alex.
Anche Alex è molto cambiata dal libro precedente, ha perso un po’ di quel brio che l’aveva caratterizzata, ma soprattutto l’impulsività. Non può più permettersi di essere la ragazzina sconsiderata e ingenua, anche perché non c’è più Montague a difenderla, ma solo John che non è il santerellino che credevo, e che anzi nasconde diversi altarini nell’armadio. Ma d’altronde ce lo potevamo anche immaginare. Le decisioni prese d’impulso non sono sempre le più giuste, ma d’altronde Alex ha solo un obiettivo in mente: trovare i suoi genitori, tutto il resto è secondario. Non così secondario però…e infatti Gabriel, il suo guardian duke, ha un ruolo primario soprattutto in termini anche qui di fede e quindi di speranza. E Alex riesce ad accogliere in pieno anche il suo ruolo di protetta del Duca e ad assumersi le sue responsabilità. Quando resta a corto di indizi, accetta di tirarsi indietro e risulta sempre più colpita dai meravigliosi occhi verdi di Gabriel.
Il mio mito rimane assolutamente Meade, il segretario personale di Gabriel, che in questo volume ha un ruolo più marginale, perché il duca affronta molte sfide da solo, ma che quando appare fa sempre la differenza. Irrinunciabile.

Il particolare da ricordare? I colori. Ora detto così non ha senso ma vi dico solo che è molto importante per capire Gabriel, la sua condizione e il suo modo per affrontarla. Un particolare molto bello del libro, un intuizione molto azzeccata della Carie.

“The forgiven duke” ha tutto quello che serve per entrare nel cuore dei lettori. Romance, avventura, mistero e viaggi. I paesaggi della Iceland sono descritti in modo straordinario e immergono completamente nel regno del gelo e del ghiaccio, i tratti tipici del luogo emergono continuamente dandoci la sensazione di essere in un regno incantato. Anche la Londra mondana di inizio Ottocento è molto curata e ben descritta e la caratterizzazione della sordità di Gabriel è riuscita benissimo. I punti di vista alternati, con la narrazione in terza persona rendono la lettura avvincente e mai noiosa aumentando la suspense a dismisura.
Consiglio la lettura sia a chi ama il genere storico, a chi vuol leggere una bella romance, agli appassionati di indagini e misteri (iniziamo a vedere a cosa serve il manoscritto) sia a chi non può fare a meno di un super hot man nella storia. La Carie ce la mette tutta per accontentare i lettori.

Il libro in uscita nei primi giorni di luglio 2012 sarà sicuramente un successo o per lo meno lo auguro alla Carie, così come spero il primo volume. Io aspetto con ancora più ansia il terzo volume di questa serie il cui titolo provvisorio dovrebbe essere “A Duke’s promise” la cui uscita è prevista per settembre 2012, a quanto ho letto, forse. Non sarà mai troppo presto.
Buona lettura guys.

Io intanto ringrazio immensamente Netgalley e B&H Publishing Group per avermi concesso l’onore di leggere questo libro in anteprima in cambio della mia opinione.

[Penny Wilder · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review and more are also available at: http://www.pennyreadsromance.com/

Penny's Rating: C

Let me preface this review by saying, I am not religious. If I were, I probably really would have enjoyed Jamie Carie's new novel The Forgiven Duke a good deal more. The main characters are very, very Christian, and while that is probably accurate in a historical context, it really got in the way of the story for me.

The Forgiven Duke is a good yarn, even when you spend half of the time you are reading irritated at one character or another for being naive, stubborn, innocent, or just plain stupid. Alexandra Featherstone has run away from her appointed legal guardian, the handsome duke of St. Easton in order to search for her parents. She is certain are still alive and in trouble somewhere, not dead like everyone thinks. Against her better judgement, in order to follow her parents trail to Iceland, she has promised herself in marriage to one Lord John Lemon. John and Alex journey to Iceland, and frequently masquerade as a married couple so that no one will question their traveling together. Though Alex has made a promise to John, Alex knows that the feelings she has for her guardian are not those of a child for a parent. As a reader, I was easily engaged in Alex's journey and found her intelligence and enthusiasm endearing. The affection between St. Easton and Alexandra is obvious from their first distant glimpse of each other, and it is clear that they love each other, in spite of the "ridiculous circumstances" that keep them apart for almost the whole book.

Spoiler Alert: Please note, this next segment contains a few spoilers. You have been forewarned.

Below are some of the aforementioned "ridiculous circumstances":

Ridiculous Circumstance #1: Alexandra assumes her guardian will obey the prince regent and drag Alexandra back to England, forcing her to have a season, get married, and give up the search for her parents. That is why she runs away. Actually, St Easton is more than happy to help Alexandra and disobey his orders. So there was in fact, no actual reason for her to run away in the first place.
Ridiculous Circumstance #2: St. Easton is hindered in his pursuit of Alexandra by British soldiers, who basically kidnap him, make him a prisoner on their ship, and bring him back to England to meet with his Royal Highness himself.
Ridiculous Circumstance #3: St Easton is hindered in his pursuit again, when he is kidnapped (for real) from the streets of London, made prisoner on a ship again, and brought to Spain, where he is tortured for information about the archeological discovery that Alexandra's parents were pursuing for when they disappeared.
Ridiculous Circumstance #4: John Lemon is a horses ass. He reveals himself as an ass many, many times, but Alexandra in her naivete, gives him the benefit of the doubt again and again. For someone who appears to be extremely smart, Alex is really dumb when it comes to knowing who to trust.
Ridiculous Circumstance #5: Neither Alex nor St. Easton follow their hearts. For people who exhibit such tremendous faith in God, neither of them has any faith in their own ability or judgement, or even listens to their own instincts. It's really annoying, and it causes them nothing but heartache, over and over again throughout the book.

Really. St. Easton is kidnapped twice? Why draw the line there? Shouldn't he have been sold into slavery too? Maybe in the next book he can be kidnapped by cultists and brainwashed to forget Alexandra. Being kidnapped twice, is just beyond absurd. St. Easton spends a lot of time is this book being seasick and miserable, and then when he finally gets to be with Alexandra, he avoids her like the plague. Are you kidding me? You get kidnapped twice, and tortured, all because of this girl who you love, and now you're not even going to talk to her? Grrrr.

Alex is no better at honesty than St. Easton. She never talks to him about anything that happened with Lord Lemon, and she really really should. A lie of omission is still a lie. Because of this, readers are left with some major cliffhangers at the end of the book. When the book ends, Alex still hasn't told St. Easton about John's trickery and betrayal. So, grrrrrrrrr to her too. Plus, Alex's parents are still missing, and still in very grave danger, and every government in the world wants to get their hands on their alleged discovery.

I would also like to note, I do think it's possible to have common sense and have faith in God. In Carie's world however, for most of the book, they appear to be mutually exclusive. I think this is perhaps why their faith irritates me. It's not their faith in God per se, so much as their utter rejection of their own conscience and instincts. Here's my problem with this. If you believe in God, God gave you instincts and a conscience right? So why don't you listen to them? Of course if you don't believe in God (like me), you rely on yourself, (not a higher power), so maybe I place more importance on common sense and conscience? I don't know. There are instances in the book where both Alex and St. Easton realize that in ignoring their own instincts that they are in fact not listening to God, so maybe that is part Carie's message.

I am, in spite of my irritations with the book, curious to find out what happens to Alex and St. Easton as they embark on their next journey to pursue her parents. I for one will be keeping an eye out for book 3.

[Angels · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Forgiven Duke: A Forgotten Castles Novel (Forgotten Castles #2)

Reviewed by: Angels
Format:Kindle
Pages: 320
Published: B and H Books
Source:Net Gallery ARC
Genre: , Romance,Christian Romance
Buy:Amazon Uk/Amazon US

http://angelswithattitudebookreviews-...

5 STAR READ



Description


Tethered by her impulsive promise to marry Lord John Lemon - the path of least resistance - Alexandria Featherstone sets off toward Iceland in search of her parents with a leaden heart. A glimpse of her guardian, the Duke of St. Easton - the path less traveled by - on Dublin’s shore still haunts her.

Will he come after her? Will he drag her back to London, quelling her mission to rescue her treasure-seeking parents, or might he decide to throw caution to the wind and choose Foy Pour Devoir: “Faith for Duty,” the St. Easton motto. The Featherstone motto Valens et Volens: “Willing and Able,” beats in her heart and thrums through her veins. She will find her parents and find their love, no matter the cost.

The powerful yet wing-clipped Duke of St. Easton has never known the challenge that has become his life since hearing his ward’s name. Alexandria Featherstone will be the life or the death of him. Only time and God’s plan will reveal just how much this man can endure for the prize of love.


My Thoughts and Review

I really enjoyed this story ! This has been such a great series.I have read all Jamie Carie Books and have loved them all ! And thanks to Netgalley and Band H Books for allowing me to review this book for them.Jamie is a superb author !If you have not read any books of hers before be sure to add her to your must read pile ! Angels Den was one of my favorites by her.

This has between a great series to read.This is the second installment in its series.I really love Jamie Caries style of writing. She just draws you in from the very beginning of her stories that keeps you so engrossed you won't be able to put your book down.

This plot was so engaging! I just love reading about treasure hunters.You go on there journey with them to unlock the mystery by finding clues that lead them to what they are looking for making you feel your right along with them on there journey.. And as always most journeys are fraught with danger and romance.Making your heart pound with anticipation!


Alex Featherstone is one of my favorite characters. She is so full of life and loyalty.And has a bit of feisty-ness to her ! She has such and big heart always willing to step in to help those in trouble.She is a bit of an adventurous and has a knack for finding things.She has a bit of her parents blood in her.Meaning a penchant for adventure.

Alex journey's to Iceland with her pretend fiancée John to find clues to her missing parents whereabouts.Alex is determined to find her parents at any cost. The crown believes them dead and has appointed the Duke of St. Easton to be her Guardian.Alex has no intention of been a ward of anyone ! Her parents are not dead and she will prove it.

What I loved most about this story and the beginning of this series is that Miss Carie has woven a tale and love and romance through written letters between Alex and Gabriel the Duke of St. Easton.There writing to one another has caused a closeness between the couple but also has them falling in love with one another and they haven't even met yet. Very clever.

The Duke not only does he have to worry about Alex and deal with his hearing problems now these are not his only problem anymore, the Spanish Throne are after him and even his own British soldiers.The Duke will go to lengths to find Alex at this point not because her wants to do his duty to the crown but for personal reasons of his own to find the women he loves and bring her home safely. Gabriel though in this adventure has been to hell and back as he is kidnapped and tortured in prison by the Spanish trying to get him to divulge Alex's whereabouts!He simply amazed me as you would not expect that from a Duke but, not only that for someone you barely know.

The descriptions of Iceland and Dublin were simple amazing.I loved reading the descriptions of Iceland and its natural beauty. The ships, Spanish and British Soldiers, the Icelandic, the tourist spots, they were all well-researched.As a reader you could almost imagine yourself there.

This story was a real page turner from beginning to end. Tons of mystery and danger. There was tons of fighting scene's and chaos going on.If I was on need of a Champion I would have been looking for someone like Gabriel. He simply amazed me at the lengths he would go to find his true love and to recuse her from those who would want to hurt her. At some point in the story though I wanted to give Gabriel a kick in the pants for his foolishness once he finally does meet his lady love in person!

One of my favorite series and can't wait to read the conclusion to the series the Dukes Promise.I would recommended this read to all whether your a teenager or adult.It was a fabulous read!

[Abigail Harris]

We'll see what happens with this review soon.

[Avry15 · Rating 5 out of 5]

originally appeared on: Bookshelf Confessions

First of all, thanks so much to Ms. Carie for giving me this advanced reader’s copy. I was really excited when I saw that my mailbox comes with the address from the author.. Thanks so much>>:D

Cover: Hmmph,.. I wish I could really see the face of the duke and his infamous panther-like green eyes. Anyway, it was still wonderful. A wardrobe change with Alexandria..:D

The Forgiven Duke is the second installment in the Forgetten Castle Series. I have actually read the first one, The Guardian Duke. I really loved the first book and clearly I was not disappointed with this one.

It’s not hard to delve into the story again, I still remember the charming and high-spirited Alex and the Duke who was falling in love with her through letters. Like the first one, Alex and Gabriel are not together yet for almost ¾ of the book. We’re given an account in each of their adventures. Alex goes to find her parents, and the duke, well, Alex and his hearing are not his only problem anymore, the Spanish Throne was after him and even his own British soldiers.

It is still an amazing thing how Ms. Carie can weaved a wonderful love story without really letting the characters meet, instead through their thoughts and feelings the readers got to know them and partake in the budding romance.

The historical information was still tantamount. I loved reading the descriptions of Iceland and its natural beauty. The ships, Spanish and British Soldiers, the Icelandic, the tourist spots, they were all well-researched. I could clearly picture them in my mind.>:D

Also, there are a lot of passages from the bible, which the characters get their strength from. Some were even sang by the duke! It all made me realize that even how worse you’re going through at this moment, God would definitely lift you up when the time comes. And that you cannot direct your life, you have to follow God, cause in the end, you will still ask Him to guide you, and besides, following yourself leads to no good!

A real-page turner, I read the book in one-sitting and have to sleep at 2:30 in the morning! Although the end wasn’t as intense like the first one which is a certified cliff-hanger, the author leaves with an assurance that the next book would be even better. (There was a dialogue from the third book). The second book leaves off, with the reader wanting to know what would happen to Alex and the Duke’s relationship. Would he find out what Alex was scared off? And would he accept her? Would they find what they’re looking for? Together?

The romance, funny scenes, faith, and the greater conspiracy behind Alex’ missing parents was all in here. The detective part though is not that really complicated, but you’ll find yourself enjoying the book all the way. I love this book so much, because actually there was a lot of action, soldiers fighting, lives lost, and love and beliefs being fought for!

My second regency era Novel and definitely I will still read the last in the Forgotten Castle Series, “The Duke’s Promise” which will be released September. And, oh, by the way, “The Forgiven Duke” would be released this July 1. I realized that all the titles have the word “Duke” on it, I was joking with my sister last night that we could call it “The Forgotten Duke Series” .. lol

Great work Ms. Carie! Another Christian/Historical Romance…. Very Highly Recommended !!!

Do you want to read my review of The Guardian Duke. Just click and tell me what you think on both books.:D

[Burgandy Ice · Rating 4 out of 5]

*sigh*

This book is even better than The Guardian Duke.

There is all the adventure of traveling fearlessly through Iceland on horseback, being kidnapped and incarcerated by the Spanish Inquisition with all the political pomp and circumstance of the early 1800’s. I love the royal fight over the missing manuscript coated thickly with pretentious good manners. I love how Gabriel knows the game and plays along, biding his time for his own ends. And I love how Alex manages obliviously on her goodwill.

There are too many gorgeous outfits. There's the fur-lined robes and coats for traveling through the cold, dark winter of the far north. Alex’s wardrobe in London is so beautiful, so fun. The setting is all very intricate including the horrible ships and the seasickness that Gabriel survives by chewing on ginger root.

The author continues flitting through danger and adventure and love like a butterfly, barely dippin’ our delicate toes in grit. Serious subjects, even, are mentioned and endured, tears shed, and then life flits onward with so much hope and forgiveness that I shake my head and laugh.

Not that I didn’t cry. Last night caught me under my covers reading by low Nook light tears dampening my pillow and making my eyes all puffy this morning. The romantic tension between the characters… between Alex and John and then Alex and Gabriel (in something that could never be called a Love Triangle) is absolutely exquisite. It is butterfly-innocent and so well developed that I didn’t doubt the motives or actions of any of the players. I especially appreciated how Alex’s choices led to costly consequences. Just because she is innocent and well-meaning, doesn’t mean she has a get-out-of-jail free card.

Alex grows into a woman. I am watching with great concern on the sidelines because she is so alone. Her innocence has endeared her to everyone around her, but it’s also a volcano brewing, ready to cause all kinds of irreparable damage.

Gabriel changes, too. He grows more accustomed to his “affliction” and is a better person for it, by a lot. Then he suffers more, too… first with his circumstances and then with his own soul. I could have throttled him for being so stubborn. Alex, however, appreciates the same characteristic in him. He still reminds me of Mr. Rochester… like maybe years after the ending of Jane Eyre when the two figured out how to work together and took on challenges together, or something. Does Alex remind me of Jane?! Yes… and no. The two would agree on their morals, at least.

There is a lot of praying and Scripture in this book, more than in the first. I loved it. The prayers are so close to what I would say. The questions they ask God are so perfect, down to “Why?!”

I was pulled out of the book when Gabriel repeated a verse to himself in the King James – not that it wasn’t appropriate, but it was hard to pronounce all the “Th’s” even in my head. Lol. There were some phrases that pulled me out, too, as in “the ton”. It's correct for the time period, but uncomfortable to read very often.

As for the pace, it started slowly for me, as the two were drawn apart impossibly far and then further, yet. The adventures just hopped from one to another in a happy, endless sort of way that made me feel sleepy. Lol. That was before the tension kicked in and I couldn’t put it down!

My Rating: 4 - Good book!! I cannot wait to read the third in this trilogy coming out in the fall. I am completely absorbed in Gabriel & Alex's life!!

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

Suggested for ages 18 and up.

I have a mixture of thoughts on this second book in the Forgotten Castles Series.

Despite my qualms from the first book, I moved on to this one, hoping that things would get better. In some ways, it exceeded my expectations and in other ways, it was much, much worse than I expected.

What I loved...

Gabriel - Once again, the duke was my favorite character. Despite the fact that he was now deaf, he still refused to give up searching for Alexandria. He went through a lot of trials in this book and through it all, he came out an even better hero.

The Mystery - It was great getting more clues about the Featherstone's disappearance and the treasure they had been hired to locate.

The Spanish - having the Spanish armada and government thrown into the mix even more than last time was wonderful. It added so much more suspense to the story.

The Secret Room - How can you not love a good secret room in a Castle?!


What I hated...

What I hated can be summed up in two words - John Lemon. The creep that Alexandria engaged herself to in the first book was even more of a creep in this one. He was even more of a slime-ball than what I had already been expecting. For anyone who is sensitive to stuff like this in books, like me, John drugged Alexandria one night when he was drunk. The next morning, she wakes up to find him unclothed in bed next to her. I was disgusted an appalled. Both by the characters actions and by the fact that such a scene was in the book at all. So basically, Alexandria spends the duration of the book unsure if John actually took advantage of her or not and if she might be pregnant with his child.

The other thing I hated was that Alexandria doesn't tell the duke about this incident before he marries her. I hate when characters aren't honest with one another before they say their "I Do's" in books. For starters, you are beginning your marriage with lies. Secondly, You aren't giving the future spouse the opportunity to accept you wholly and completely before you get married. Which means, the entire wedding day, instead of being overjoyed that you have been blessed to marry someone who accepts you just as you are, the characters spend it in fearful wait until they finally tell their spouse the truth and hope that they don't feel too betrayed. It isn't a really good foundation to begin a marriage on.

I found it a bit infuriating because, it just stood as a testimony that Alex still isn't fully trusting her life to God. And even worse, she didn't trust the duke enough to tell him either. She once again, chose to do things her way.

While I did begin to like Alex more in this book, she still hasn't won me over. I will say that I was happy to see that she figured out John Lemon was a creep long before I expected her to. I fully anticipated reading the last chapter and seeing Alexandria have an "ahha!" moment. But she began having misgivings about her decision after only a few chapters in. However, now that John Lemon was taken out of the picture in this book, I fully plan on reading the next book to see what happens both with the mystery and with her and the duke.

Overall, I was surprised and also disappointed with the way the story went in this book. Parts of it I really enjoyed but parts of it were just awful. I gave it two stars because, in the end, it ended up being one of those books that makes you feel more worldly and filthy after reading it instead of feeling the power of God's grace and love despite the characters mistakes.

[Sharon Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

The historical romance and suspense novel The Forgiven Duke by Jamie Carie is the sequel to The Guardian Duke. It is set for release on July 1 2012. In The Guardian Duke, Alexandria Featherstone began her quest for her parents, a pair of treasure hunters that are confirmed to be missing and assumed dead. The Duke of St. Easton has been assigned the task to be her guardian, but Alex is determined to find her parents. Events led her to agree to marry Lord John Lemon, the path of least resistance, in order to stay on the hunt. As The Forgiven Duke begins, Alex and john are off the sea, leaving the frustrated duke behind on Dublin's shore. She wants him to come after them, but still fears the consequences if he does. John and Alex set out across Iceland, following the clues left by Alex's parents with the Duke does his best to follow them, though beset by the Prince Regent, Spanish soldiers that want what Alex's parents are searching for, sea sickness, and his own loss of hearing. meanwhile, Alex comes to love the residents of Iceland and find her parent's trail. She also discovers the truth in her own heart, and the hidden depths of John's. It is only in time and looking to God’s plan that will see Alex through to find love and safety.

When I requested The Forgiven Duke from NetGalley I was not aware that it was a sequel. So, I started this novel a little lost, but enough background was given to get me on track. I think it was handled so that it would not bore the readers of the first book, but since I did not read it I can not say that with certainty. There are strong christian aspects, suspense, and mystery. I really enjoyed the chasing down of clues, and the interesting characters and intrigue that pop up through the story. The characters were deep and well-defined, with consistent motives and actions.

Alex is a religious character, trying to follow in God's path, feeling lost and uncertain when she fails to do so. It is in those moments that things go wrong for her. John does not seem to have any religious convictions, and is unhampered for doing anything that does not suit his larger purpose. The duke seems to be struggling between the two. He faces many conflicts and obstacles in his search for Alex. The duke and Alex spend much time pondering the fate and motives of the other, but not in a way that becomes annoying. Although, for some the religious moments will cross the annoying line, and as far as I am concerned John's actions well surpassed that line.

I recommend The Forgiven Duke to readers that enjoyed The Guardian Duke. Readers that enjoy mysteries and suspense that involve chasing down clues in search of people or objects will also enjoy this story. Readers that enjoy well researched and written Regency era historical novels will also like this book. However, I feel that I would have enjoyed The Forgiven Duke much more if I had read The Guardian Duke. So, if you like mysteries, Regency era historicals, and religious fiction I recommend starting at the beginning, and then following up with the third book in the series, A Duke's Promise, when it is released in September of 2012.

[Shanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

A few weeks ago I reviewed the first book in this series, The Guardian Duke. The Forgiven Duke picks up right where the first book leaves off in the story.

Alexandria is determined to find her parents by any means necessary, or so she thinks. It isn’t long before she begins to doubt whether she can go through with marrying John Lemon, not when the memory of the look in the Duke’s eyes as she sailed away keeps coming back to haunt her. Then she finds John going through her letters and reading personal information about her wealth. She gets upset with John but he manages to convince her he was just curious about her relationship with the Duke.

This is where I had an issue. In the first book, John is the one that takes Alexandria to the bank to get a credit against her fortune in the name of the Duke so she can continue on her quest. She clearly states that the Duke is in charge of her large fortune and estate, so John must already be aware of it. Unless he thinks she was making it up just to get credit in the Duke’s name, but John never mentions that he doubts it or doesn’t believe her completely. I may be misunderstanding something here, but I even went back to the first book and reread the scene. I don’t know if it was fixed before final printing though, as I have an uncorrected galley.

The adventure picks up when the Duke wants to buy a boat and hire a crew to follow Alexandria to Iceland but is kidnapped instead. As she and her group travel through the towns and landscape of Iceland, the clues Alexandria finds give her hope that she is getting closer to finding her parents. The reader is introduced to more interesting side characters. There is an incident when Alexandria first reaches Iceland that sets up for something later in the book, but to me it felt contrived. Alexandria gets her first real break from a very interesting character on the island.

For those of you who are wondering if the Duke and Alexandria actually come face to face in this book, I can assure you they do. It isn’t until 70% of the way through the book, but they do meet in a romantic and dramatic rescue, followed by something drastic that changes everything. With all of the action and suspense that builds up to the Duke and Alexandria finding each other, the remainder of the book is considerably less intense. The author still manages to end the book in a way that makes the reader want to pick up the next book immediately.

The third book, A Duke’s Promise, was released in early September and concludes the series. If you are one who likes historical romantic adventure stories, then you will most likely enjoy this series by author Jamie Carie.

Review originally published on www.ldswbr.com here:
http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/wo...