Series:
Lyon's Den (Book 91)
Short on temper. Long on pride. True to his word.
Lady Theodora Duncan, daughter and only child of Lord
Macdonald Duncan, reluctantly embarks on a London season in hopes of making a
suitable match. She had always thought she would marry Lord Alexander Dutton,
12th Earl Marksman. After all, they had been raised together in her father's
house since Duncan became Marksman's guardian when his lordship was but twelve.
Her father's estate marches along with Marksman's, and they had shared multiple
words of devotion, as well as stolen moments and heated kisses. Yet…
Lord Alexander Dutton always planned to marry Lady
Theodora Duncan, but not until he finds his family. His father, long before
Robert Dutton became the heir to the Marksman's peerage, had sold Alexander's
mother and younger sister to the captain of a sailing ship. Alexander has
searched for them for some ten years, spending thousands of the Marksman
fortune in his desire to reclaim them. He cannot think truly to know happiness
until he can share his title and his wealth with them. Assuredly, Theodora understands
why he has not made an offer of marriage. Yet, if she does, then why does he
constantly find her on the arm of a Sardinian count? He never expected
Theodora's abandonment, but Alexander is finally so close to knowing his real
family again.
Must he risk one dream to know another?
Good book with an intriguing mystery. This is the second
book in a series within a series, the first being Lyon in the Way. This series
is about the five adopted sons of Lord Duncan, each rescued from dire
circumstances by Lord Duncan. Each has grown into adulthood and assumed their
titles. They are also agents for the Crown, following in Lord Duncan's
footsteps. This book focuses on Lord Alexander, Earl Marksman, and Lady
Theodora, Lord Duncan's daughter.
Alex and Dora have been friends ever since Lord Duncan
adopted him. That friendship grew into more as they got older, and they have
often spoken of marriage. But Alex made a promise to his dying father - he
would find his mother and sister and bring them home. The story of why they are
missing was heartbreaking. Alex won't rest or allow himself to marry until he
finds them. This leaves Dora in limbo - no formal engagement, and a man whose
devotion seems to be wavering. Frustrated, she talks her father into allowing
her a London season so she can find a suitable match. Alex's jealousy stirs
when another man attracts her attention, and he worries he could lose her. But
can he give up his search to keep the woman he loves?
Complicating matters, Lord Duncan and the others search
for someone who is passing forged banknotes. The ring is extensive, and they
are determined to shut it down. Their focus on a single suspect reveals a twist
that leaves Alex torn between duty and obsession. The suspense of this mission
kept me intrigued to the end, and I enjoyed the resolution.
Mrs. Dove-Lyon has a minimal role in this book. Duncan
and Alex recruit her assistance as she has also been a victim of the forger. At
the same time, Dora asks for help finding a suitable husband. My favorite scene
with Mrs. Dove-Lyon is when she reads Duncan and Alex the riot act over how
they treat Dora. I loved the effect it had on both men, but especially on Alex.
I thought he redeemed himself quite nicely.
The mystery of the forged banknotes was solved by the end
of the book. The reader also learns a little more about who shot Lord Duncan at
the beginning of the first book, and that he has no intention of giving up his
plans. There are three more brothers, so I expect to learn a little more with
each one until the end.
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