Review for Christina Britton's WHAT'S A DUKE GOT TO DO WITH IT

 WHAT’S A DUKE GOT TO DO WITH IT

Historical Romance

AUTHOR:
Christina Britton

RELEASE DATE:
July 11, 2023

PUBLISHER:
Forever (Grand Central Publishing)

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781538710425

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
christinabritton.com

 

Miss Katrina Denby is a companion for the testy and forthright dowager Viscountess Tesh. She finds herself the victim of yet another scandal when the bounder responsible for her ruination dies beneath her window. Katrina hopes to find a spouse willing to overlook her tattered reputation and lack of dowry. Sebastian’s arrival on the Isle of Synne throws her search into jeopardy. He is the only man she has ever loved, but he is also off limits to her. Will Katrina find a way to gain back her respectability? Can she resist Sebastian enough to safeguard both of their futures?

 

Sebastian Thorne, the Duke of Ramsleigh, has been righting the many wrongs his late father committed. He needs to marry a rich heiress to save his dukedom and its people. When Sebastian finds the ideal candidate, he first needs to accomplish one task for her father. He finds himself babysitting the woman’s brother on the Isle of Synne. However, Sebastian never expected to see Katrina again… Or have his old feelings for her resurface. Will Sebastian forsake his dukedom for Katrina? Or will he have to give her up for good?

 

Katrina and Sebastian have so much in common. I like how both are the unfortunate victims of scandals through no fault of their own. I empathize with Katrina. She received an unfair hand. I hate that Katrina had to carry the full brunt of society’s censor while the one responsible did not face as many recriminations. It really impacts the bias that women had to face in that era. What I admire the most about Katrina is her willingness to protect her friends. She did not want the Oddments or her employer to feel the negative backlash of their association with her.

 

I could not help but fall in love with Sebastian. He is such a sweetheart. I love the sacrifices that Sebastian is willing to make for the people who depend on him. He refuses to allow his pride to keep him from doing what needs to be done. Sebastian plans to selflessly forsake his own happiness to save his tenants and sisters. What I adore the most about Sebastian is his refusal to allow Katrina to downcast herself. He knows she does not deserve their peers and her brother’s mistreatment or recrimination.

 

WHAT’S A DUKE GOT TO DO WITH IT is the second book in Christina Britton’s historical romance series, SYNNEFUL SPINSTERS, a spin-off from her THE ISLE OF SYNNE series. The story can easily standalone. There is no on-going plot that spills over into this story. I love that the couple from the first book, SOME DUKES HAVE ALL THE LUCK, make an appearance or two. I cannot wait for the rest of the Oddments to find their matches!

 

I am usually not a fan of second-chance trope, but I like how the author approached this one. Sebastian and Katrina’s separation was through no fault of their own but unforeseen circumstances.  It brings me to mind the adage: meeting the right person at the wrong time.