Oh, Lorraine Heath. I don't think it's possible for her to write a book I don't love immediately. The Duchess Hunt, the second in the Once Upon a Dukedom series, is no exception to that.
Hugh, the Duke of Kingsland, is in need of an heir, but has no wish to waste time trying to find a bride. He's placed an advertisement for a duchess, and set his faithful secretary, Penelope, to work to sort through the candidates and choose him a wife. The most important talent she must possess: to be quiet. Kingsland is devoted to investing and making money, and as a genius has little time for conversation. Penelope Pettypeace, his secretary, sets out to do the job the very best she can - the only problem is that she is in love with the duke!
This book is wonderful. The mutual pining between Hugh and Penelope, the attraction they both try in vain to fight, all of it is perfect. The plot moves pretty slowly until the second half, but the characters are developed so wonderfully that it hardly matters.
As always, Heath tackles subjects with aplomb that in the hands of other authors might have fallen flat. The way she deals with female agency and female sexuality in this book is spot-on. Penelope is strong and fearless, while still being feminine and vulnerable.
Overall this is a wonderful book and I'm only sorry I have to wait to read the next one!
Note: I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinions.
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