I received an ARC of this collection through Netgalley and I thoroughly enjoyed it. No Ordinary Duke is the story of Mary Clemmons and Caleb Crawford, the Duke of Camberly (though she doesn’t know that). More Than a Rogue follows Emily Howard (best friend of Mary & Cassandra) and Griffin Crawford, brother of Caleb. Her Seafaring Scoundrel follows Lady Cassandra Moor and Devlin Crawford, third brother of Caleb. Coincidentally, they are triplets, but Caleb is the oldest, and therefore, becomes the Duke upon the death of their oldest brother. It’s unfortunate that George, the eldest brother, died because he seemed very much like the triplets in temperament and personality, although he was willing to put up with their domineering father in ways they were not—certainly due to the fact he was the presumed heir.
It’s not easy for me to remember the names of books or characters, but when I run into a familiar plot, I generally notice very quickly. That’s what happened with Her Seafaring Scoundrel, which is funny because it’s the last in the collection. I originally read this story just over a year ago, which I confirmed by looking for my review on Goodreads. Five stars and a very detailed glowing review made it easy for me to decide it was worth reading again. (I’ve added it to my review here.)
All three stories feature individuals who have no interest in marriage who fall in love despite their intentions. Each story contains a surprise connection between the couples that doesn’t become clear until much later in the plot. Every twist proves that even when we suffer terrible losses, there is something better waiting for us. They also demonstrate how incestuous and insulated the ton could be. It seems everyone knows everyone else in some capacity or another. I loved every one of these stories and characters and highly recommend this collection.
No Ordinary Duke
This story earns five stars. Mary Clemmons & Caleb Crawford, Duke of Camberly are the main characters in this story. However, we also grow to know Emily Howard and Cassandra Moor (Mary’s best friends) and Griffin and Devlin (Caleb’s brothers/triplets). It’s a fun story with an interesting twist, which I don’t want to ruin with a spoiler. As an aside, Mr. Townsbridge and his sister do not come across as likable characters. Sophie Barnes is a skilled writer and I highly recommend this book.
More Than a Rogue
This one also earns five stars. Emily Howard & Griffin Crawford are the main characters in this story, the second in the Crawford collection. We still see glimpses of Cassandra and Mary (Emily’s friends) and Caleb and Devlin (Griffin’s brothers/triplets).
One of the things I loved about the storytelling is how names changed according to POV. When it was Griffin’s POV, he thought of Emily as Miss Howard and when it was Emily’s POV, she thought of Griffin as Lord Griffin. Of course, this changed later when they decided to become married (no, not a spoiler).
Everyone, on occasion, says stupid things. I loved this description of one such faux pas: “...for some unfathomable reason, Griffin’s mouth had detached itself from his brain.”
I really enjoyed this story.
Her Seafaring Scoundrel
This five star review is from a year ago, when I was just learning about Sophie Barnes.
Thanks to Netgalley for another great book. I was unfamiliar with the author, but pleased to discover she competently portrays a depth of emotion not found in all books within this genre. Here, she addresses the issues of grief and guilt and how they can haunt a person (or persons) who stays stuck in the past and fails to face the possibility of a happy future. Cassandra lives in the past, devoted to a fiance who died on the day of their impending wedding, leaving her pregnant with a now-13-year-old “illegitimate” daughter. She lives in a state of perpetual grief, feeling as if she cannot even consider betraying the love she once pledged to Timothy. Devlin lives in a state of perpetual guilt for deaths he feels he caused, though of course, he is not ultimately responsible. As a result, neither feels deserving or capable of loving the other, though for different reasons. As we all know, the heart often has a will of its own and pursues love despite our mental gymnastics to prevent it.
Penelope, Cassandra’s daughter, is exceptionally incisive and mature with observations like this one: “You want to hold on to the past, the present, and the future all at the same time. You want Papa to come back and for no other person to take his place...Except he’s not coming back. Not ever. So it’s time for you to let go and move on or you’ll never be truly happy. And I’d really like for you to be happy, Mama. I want it more than anything else in the world.” Although there aren’t many 13-year-olds with the level of maturity demonstrated by Penelope, there’s no reason not to believe she is exceptional, considering the circumstances of her life and upbringing. Luckily, Cassandra takes her words to heart.
Meanwhile, Devlin is realizing he loves Cassandra and is desperate to win her love. At one point, wracked by his guilt, he “needed at least three glasses of brandy in order to think straight. Or perhaps not to think at all, he decided while trying to figure out what he should do.” The confusion, and sometimes torment, experienced by those in love are on full display, the author describing such emotions in vivid and compassionate detail. It’s difficult not to become ensnared in the passions of the characters. I absolutely loved this book and I’m anxious to read more from this author.