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A review by aoifesbookshelf
A Duke in Disguise by Aydra Richards
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I was ready to give this 5 starts until Alex’s cover was revealed, causing him to fight with Theo and miss their wedding . 4 stars seems fair because I was loving the book until that point.
Alex Dryden, Duke of Davenport, is not a very good Duke. In fact, he doesn’t really do any of the things required of him and leaves his estates in the hands of his capable land agents. His Surrey estate is managed by one Mr. Joseph Jennings.
Theodosoa (Theo) Vance is the only daughter of a blind tenant farmer. She writes a scathing letter to Alex demanding to know why their rents are being raised. Disturbed by this letter and Grey’s revelation that Jennings was once suspected of fraud, Alex decides to head to Surrey in disguise to uncover what is really happening at his estate. He pretends to be the Duke’s distant cousin who has been sent to inquire about the current state of affairs.
What Alex finds is Surrey isn't good - many families are on the brink of losing everything, including the Vance’s, and some have even cut their losses and left already. Alex throws himself into this new world for him and slowly gains the respect of the local community. He’s a bit hopeless at first but he does genuinely mean well and wants to be useful. Theo’s father Tom is the first to realize that Alex isn’t who he says he is. Theo feels a bit silly for not realizing it sooner and also begrudgingly starts to change her opinion on him. Prior to Alex’s arrival, Theo hated the idea of him and everything he stood for. Now that Alex is here in her home and trying to help, she struggles with trusting him and feels slightly guilting for judging him so harshly. The pair start to work together both on and off the farm as they try to understand where all the money is going and navigate a relationship
I have to say I liked that Theo and the others knew about Alex pretty early on. His disguise/alias was not particularly well thought out and it would have been more surprising if no one figured it out. I thought the arrival of John, Violet, Serena and Grey was a nice touch and helped us get the band back together. It was funny (and sweet) that they asked everyone to keep pretending they didn’t know who Alex was. Violet and Theo’s friendship in particular was great and I like how she tried to help Theo come to terms with what a marriage to Alex would entail. He’s obviously very wealthy and in a position of power but she’s so used to her small town life that the prospective change is overwhelming.
However, Alex’s reaction to the reveal was so much more intense that I could have imagined. I can, to a certain point, understand why he felt this way but I thought the reaction was over the top and he did not grovel enough. Honestly if I was Theo I’m not sure I would have taken him back or at least I would have waited longer. I do think Alex himself needed to accept some of the responsibility because it was quite frankly ridiculous of him to propose to Theo without telling her who he really was !!!!!!!
The epilogue was a perfect ending of the series. Christine and Tom being grandparents to all the children was very sweet. The only question I have left at the end of the series was did John inherit the Earldom or not!?
Alex Dryden, Duke of Davenport, is not a very good Duke. In fact, he doesn’t really do any of the things required of him and leaves his estates in the hands of his capable land agents. His Surrey estate is managed by one Mr. Joseph Jennings.
Theodosoa (Theo) Vance is the only daughter of a blind tenant farmer. She writes a scathing letter to Alex demanding to know why their rents are being raised. Disturbed by this letter and Grey’s revelation that Jennings was once suspected of fraud, Alex decides to head to Surrey in disguise to uncover what is really happening at his estate. He pretends to be the Duke’s distant cousin who has been sent to inquire about the current state of affairs.
What Alex finds is Surrey isn't good - many families are on the brink of losing everything, including the Vance’s, and some have even cut their losses and left already. Alex throws himself into this new world for him and slowly gains the respect of the local community. He’s a bit hopeless at first but he does genuinely mean well and wants to be useful.
However, Alex’s reaction to the reveal was so much more intense that I could have imagined. I can, to a certain point, understand why he felt this way but I thought the reaction was over the top and he did not grovel enough. Honestly if I was Theo I’m not sure I would have taken him back or at least I would have waited longer. I do think Alex himself needed to accept some of the responsibility because it was quite frankly ridiculous of him to propose to Theo without telling her who he really was !!!!!!!
The epilogue was a perfect ending of the series.