MISS PRIM AND THE DUKE OF WYLDE is the thirteenth book in Stephanie Laurens’ Cynsters Next Generation historical romance series. I usually love Stephanie Laurens’ heroes, but I was a little skeptical when Drago seemed like a bit of a flake. At the opening of the book, he resigned himself to marrying somebody socially appropriate for the usual reasons, then proceeds to get sloshed. IT’s when he’s “asleep at the wheel” that Meg stumbles across him. Being a practical and resourceful woman, and after finding out where to deposit him, she endeavors to do so. Because of Meg’s good intentions, they are found in a compromising position and an engagement of convenience is born.
I thoroughly enjoy the “fake engagement” trope. Thankfully, after he sobers up, my opinion of Drago improves just as Meg’s does. The only ones who know the engagement is fake, are Drago’s three close friends. For the most part they are supportive although taken by surprise. As they attend various society outings, they get to know each other better and the attraction blossoms. As the relationship becomes more real to Meg and Drago, and more permanent to observers, several incidents occur which could cause Meg harm. Now there’s a mystery to bind this couple together. In other books by Stephanie Laurens, figuring out the motive often leads to the identity of the bad guy. In MISS PRIM AND THE DUKE OF WYLDE, it seems obvious that the motive must have to do with Drago being the Duke of Wylde and somebody scheming to get what he has – whether through marriage or some other means. Meg and Drago have great chemistry and make a good team. Stephanie Laurens manages to balance the mystery and the romance well. Although I had my eye on one suspect early on, the motive eluded me until the very end, and there are plenty of thrills along the journey taken by the main characters.
MISS PRIM AND THE DUKE OF WYLDE is a mix of classic historical romance elements, great storytelling, and engaging mystery. The well-written dialogue and multifaceted characters are what sets this book apart from other stories with similar themes. I look forward to reading Stephanie Laurens’ next historical romance.
#1 New York Times bestselling author Stephanie
Laurens explores what happens when Fate tosses two people
who had no intention of marrying each other into the
hothouse of a noble betrothal under the avid eyes of the
ton. A gentleman seeking a suitable wife is forced by Fate
and unhelpful circumstance to become engaged to a lady who
had no idea that in selflessly assisting him she was
auditioning for that part.
In the leadup to her tenth Season, Meg Cynster-known to
the ton's eligible bachelors as Miss Prim-takes to the
country to ponder the question: If not marriage, then what?
She has yet to find an answer when she comes upon a
supremely elegant curricle, drawn by a pair of high-spirited
horses presided over by an unconscious gentleman. Others
present know where he's staying, but can't manage the
horses. With no real choice, Meg accepts the responsibility
and drives the gentleman home. Unfortunately, he's too
inebriated to just leave, so she rouses him enough to help
him inside.
But then others arrive, and Meg learns the gentleman is
none other than Drago Helmsford, the notorious Duke of
Wylde-and in order to protect her reputation, she and Drago
are forced to declare that they are engaged.
Although a shocking surprise for everyone, by all
measures, the match is highly desirable. Meg and Drago have
no option but to allow the engagement to stand until the end
of the Season, when they can quietly call it off.
Consequently, they have to keep the fact that their
engagement is a sham an absolute secret from everyone,
including all members of their families.
Through the ensuing whirl of the Season, with all eyes
focused avidly on them, they duly pretend to be an affianced
couple-roles that, to their surprise, come to them
remarkably easily. With every member of their families and
all the powerful in society being unrelentingly encouraging,
both Meg and Drago, with eyes wide open, start to consider
the possibility that marrying the other might just be the
answer they'd each been seeking when they'd first met.
Then accidents start happening and quickly escalate to
attacks, and it becomes clear that someone is intent on
preventing Meg from marrying Drago. Why is unclear, but with
the threat hanging over them, the Cynsters and Helmsfords
rally around to ensure Meg makes it to the altar. But even
after the wedding, when Drago and Meg retreat to his estate,
the attacks continue until, with their hearts and future on
the line, Drago and Meg risk all in a gamble to expose the
faceless villain and bring the ever-present danger to an
end.
A classic historical romance laced with intrigue set
in the ton's ballrooms and drawing rooms and in the green
depths of the English countryside.
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