Duke of Misfortune (Dukes of Destiny #4) by Whitney Blake. Historical Romance Release & ARC Review.

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Mr. Gordon Judd is a versatile actor with dashing good looks and an impressive range. His career seems promising until, mysteriously, he goes into soldiering. When he returns to London, it's clear he can't resume his old life—a wound to the throat ruined his voice, obliterating his prospects. He tries to eke out a living as a stagehand, but his income dwindles. At a loss, he has little choice but to contact his older brother for help.

Unfortunately, Judd is actually Lord Emilian Valencourt, although he's happier when he isn't. His brother is Lord Thomas Valencourt, the Duke of Welburn. There's an ocean of bad blood and secrets between them.

Thomas dies unexpectedly, and Emilian discovers that inheriting a title won't solve his troubles. The late duke ran their family resources into the ground to fuel his vices, so Emilian's best friend suggests looking for a rich woman to marry. Emilian finds the prospect slightly abhorrent, but it's the best of a bad lot of options.

When he meets Miss Theodora Driffield, an opinionated and adventurous heiress chafing under her mother's expectations, his misgivings intensify. She could be the answer to his problems, but he doesn't want to deceive her. Still, compelled by attraction and desperation, the two begin an unconventional courtship—Theodora gives him a black eye after their first kiss; he proposes marriage after they're spotted in a compromising situation.

They fall in love, but Theodora soon determines part of Emilian's subterfuge: she doesn't know that he trod the boards, but she does learn that he needs her money. True to form, she doesn't react placidly. He's utterly petrified when things begin to unravel between them. With everything to lose, he has to summon the nerve to make things right between them and be true to himself.

If he doesn't, Theodora might just slip through his fingers, adding to a lifetime's worth of losses. 

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Lord Emilian Valencourt grew up as the second son of a Duke.  He was always ignored or belittled . He has a fascination with the theater and an alter ego that he thought was unknown.  When everything is discovered, his father takes extreme actions that will forever ruin his dreams.  

Miss Theodora Driffield is the daughter of a self-made man.  She is nothing like the high born ladies who she must now compete with on the marriage mart.  

Our hero is not the most confident of men and being pushed into something he never expected doesn't help.  

Our heroine is very aware of her worth, both as an heiress and a woman.  She will not be pushed into a marriage, no matter how hard her mother pushes.  

An entertaining story with complicated and lovable characters. It's an unusual tale about very unusual people.  

Very enjoyable.

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Whitney is a bit of a wanderer and something of a bluestocking. She's been telling stories since childhood, when she would rewrite the endings of her favorite books and movies (or add "deleted scenes" to them). When she's not writing or reading, she enjoys cooking, dancing, and going for long walks with no specific destination in mind.

Literary work comes naturally to Whitney, and she's very excited to be pursuing her passion - rich storylines, vibrant characters, and most of all, a happily ever after. Whitney has a doctorate in history, making her something of an expert!

Whitney loves to hear from her readers: whitneyblakeauthor@protonmail.com

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