Beauty And The Duke [Mass Market Paperback]

Melody Thomas's latest novel Beauty and the Duke might have been better titled Beauty and the Dragon. Not that the Duke is a dragon but it would incorporate a little more of the heroine's personality and interests. This novel is an entertaining read mostly because the leads are intriguing and there's enough of a mystery to keep the reader interested in the story without it overshadowing the romance.

Heroine Christine Sommers is a paleontologist. She is a matter-of-fact miss, a woman of science and she has it in her head that she will map out her well ordered life logically. However her plans fly out the window when she sees her first and only lover, Erik Boughton, Duke of Sedgwick. He has been widowed for seven years and a cloud has followed him ever since; his wife disappeared mysteriously. The two are reunited at a gala celebrating the book Christine's father published about the connection between dinosaurs and birds (it's like an early Jurassic Park Thesis).

Christine is still attracted to Erik, and why not? He has a mysterious air about him and he is quite, quite passionate. When he offers Christine an opportunity to make a landmark dinosaur discovery she is more than willing to jump at the chance. There's a catch though, the fossils are on his ducal estate in Scotland and he needs her help in solving the disappearance of his wife. For Christine, this golden opportunity is just too good to pass up, even if it means spending time with Erik.

At first the protagonists of this story harbor no idealist romantic notions toward each other. Yes, they are physically attracted to each other and Erik admires Christine's intelligence and determination but they both believe their relationship is much more of a business endeavor. This changes as they rediscover each other all over again.

Erik's life is complicated. He has a younger sister who has nightmares, a daughter who is almost ghost like and a mother who is not very motherly. His relationship with Christine is fresh, exciting and passionate.

Christine is smart, considerate and she is very, very loyal, this is probably one of her best traits. She is a shrewd negotiator and a good friend. Her emotions were easier to decipher than Erik's and her character was better developed too.

Together these two discover fossils, unearth mysteries and reawaken love. There are plenty of eccentric relatives, angry in-laws and villains too. Maybe a little too many extra characters; I had trouble keeping all of them straight. Finally there is a little touch of magic. Overall a good read.

Christine Sommers is a peer in the burgeoning field of paleontology. She had a plan for her life that involved a voyage to a dig that would make her name in her field and a marriage to a friend in the field. When both hopes are dashed, Christine doesn't know what to make of it. When she puts on a "magical" silver ring and is told she will get what her heart desires within 5 minutes, she doesn't believe it...until someone knocks on her door.

That someone is Duke of Sedgwick, Erik Boughton, and he comes bearing fossils that indicate Christine's theories about a mysterious creature might right. But is Erik or the chance to make her name what her heart desires?

Erik came to Christine despite a history with her due to her knowledge in the field of paleontology. Not only does he have mysterious animal bones to find out about, but the bones of his missing wife might also be turning up. Erik makes Christine a deal - marry him and bear him an heir, and she has complete access to his home and lands to find her mysterious beast. But is it just a partnership or is it more?

I was completely entranced at the idea of a female paleontologist as a protagonist in romance novel, especially a historical one. Not as thrilled with the more mystical aspects of the book, but the love story and the characters held my attention when it might otherwise have wandered. Christine and Erik's love is sweet, and while I would have preferred more of the backstory up front, their marriage is entertaining and fun to read. Definitely a good read. Beauty and the Duke held my attention until the end.

Niki Lee
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

Although I did not love it, this was truly a treasure to read. There were some things unanswered, yes, but by the time you realize it you don't particularly mind. I'll admit there were times where I was skimming, because Melody Thomas just has a tendency to go into too much detail about something you don't even know. The mystery was intriguing, although the way it was written, at a few points, was a little uninteresting. All in all, this is still a nice book.

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