The Duke of Distraction

The Duke of Distraction

by Darcy Burke

3 out of 5

Synopsis
After witnessing how love embittered his uncle and broke his father, Felix Havers, Earl of Ware vows never to love. He conceals his emotions behind a wall of wit and charm, and is celebrated as the master of entertainments—parties, picnics, races. When his best friend’s wallflower sister needs to find a husband, he promises to make her the toast of London... without losing his heart.

Miss Sarah Colton has given up on the pursuit of marriage. When her parents learn she intends to open a millinery shop, they give her an ultimatum: choose a husband or they’ll do it for her. She accepts Felix’s help, never imagining their scheme will ignite a mutual attraction neither of them dare indulge. But when tragedy strikes, can they heal each other or will the demons of Felix’s past consume them both?



Review
Sarah is determined to live an independent life, and let social expectations be damned. But when everything comes crashing down around her, she realises the only bright point left, is life-long friend Felix.

I received a free copy from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
This is the twelfth book in the Untouchables series, but it can be read as a stand-alone (with the minor exception of the epilogue).

Sarah is an independent young woman, who doesn't want to marry out of obligation to family and society. If she finds love, that is a different matter; but as that has not happened yet, she is preparing for spinsterhood. Instead of sitting as a burden on her parents and brother, Sarah is determined to turn her passion for hat design into a profitable business.

Felix is her brother's best friend, and has known Sarah for most of their lives. He has always treated her as a little sister; and he takes it upon himself to try and find Sarah a man that she can fall in love with. As Felix is at the helm of many social engagements, it shouldn't be hard to round up some suitable bachelors for her... but after a simple mistake in mystery kissing game, Felix can't help but feel that no other man will be good enough for Sarah. It's only a pity that he has sworn off marriage.

This book started off as a bit of light-hearted fun, as we follow the races that Felix has arranged for the gentry; and the party designed to give Sarah more interactions with suitable bachelors.
Things quickly take a serious turn, when tragedy strikes Sarah's family; and soon Felix is the only bright point on the horizon. It was endearing to see how Felix makes it his duty to support his two closest friends, doing whatever it takes to make their grief easier. He becomes a pillar of support for Sarah and her brother, and wants nothing in return.

I really liked Sarah for the most part. She has her own opinions, and isn't afraid to follow her desires. She recognises the constraints of society, and doesn't want to upset people, but she knows that isn't the life for her. I loved her passion for building her own business; and I loved when she decided to break convention and embrace her desires. She has already resigned herself to spinsterhood, why shouldn't she enjoy passion, at least once?

The not-so-good
I wasn't a fan of the writing - it's good, but I felt the tone wasn't right for the period. It felt too modern, and too American.
On the back of that, I thought that society (and Felix in particular) came across as very flippant. I liked Felix, I just never saw him as a 19th century Duke.

There is little plot beyond the getting together of Sarah and Felix. There is a theme of grief and loss, which is very well done.
There is also a stab at something under-handed, in that Felix's odious uncle wants him to remain unmarried, so the title can go to Felix's cousin. It's not a spoiler, it wasn't subtle.

I think the thing that put me off most was the ending. Felix doesn't want to marry (as someone who is totally opposed to marriage myself, I can sympathise with him), and he has pretty good reasons why. He also doesn't like to celebrate his birthday - again, very good reason.

Despite all the time and emotional energy Felix has freely given to them, in the last few chapters, Sarah and her brother bully Felix into getting married and having a birthday party.
It was like, Sarah finally found out about Felix's background, and finally understood him; which gave her the right to ignore everything he wanted.
After starting as such a strong character, she lost a million points.

Overall, it's good for a light read, but I won't be continuing with the series.

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