3.5 stars

I thought this might be getting away from all the duke books I’ve been reading, but surprise—secret duke! Well, not a secret for long. This was the first time I read a book by this author, and I liked it quite a bit. Gabriel and Fiona had the kind of straightforward relationship I appreciate in a romance, and I liked the mutual respect that grew between them as they became allies.
I wasn’t a huge fan of the brogue being written out in the dialogue with the Highlanders, and I have no idea if it’s accurately portrayed, but I’m not sure what the alternative would be—maybe a periodic sentence here and there reminding the reader that they’re speaking in a thick accent? I don’t know. Of course, my main point of reference for this setting is the Outlander books, and I can’t remember how Gabaldon did it, and why it didn’t bother me when I read those books. It was distracting at first, but I mostly got used to it, and if I continue with this series—and I would like to read Marjorie’s book—I know there will be more of the same. Maybe doing it on audio would be better, especially with a good reader.
I’m not sure I was wholly convinced by the shift in loyalties that happened over the course of a couple of weeks, but I think the author made a decent case for Gabriel proving himself. The solution was a little tidy, but I don’t know how it could have been realistically developed within one book. There’s something to be said for a story being wrapped up in fewer than 400 pages, and I did think that last scene was very sweet. Judging by the description of the next book, there’s still some fallout ahead.
I got a glimpse of Enoch’s sense of humor in this one, particularly the sarcasm about the number of servants Fiona hired for the castle. I’d love to see more of it, and from some of the titles of her other books, I expect she can be quite funny when she wants to be. I’ll be reading more for sure.
One last thing: that cover. It bothers me so much! Gabriel looks so desperate, and he never came across that way in the book. And there’s something just kind of, I don’t know, obsequious in the posture of the man on the cover. It bothers me every time I look at it. And I don’t think Fiona was ever in a dress like that either. I know authors often have little say in the matter, so I’m not sure who to put on my enemy list for it, but know this, person who designed this cover: you are on my list. ( )

... don't underestimate the hero

1821. Major Gabriel Forrester, soldier and hero of battles against Napoleon, suddenly finds himself banished to England by a sympathetic Wellington. Why? Because he's apparently the next in line to a title that encompasses many responsibilities as Gabriel, the new Duke of Lattimer is finding out. That dukedom has Gabriel taking point and forging into the Scottish Highlands to seek answers to issues. When Gabriel's highlander steward deigns not to answer his solicitors' questions, it's time for the 'major' to take charge.
Amongst his first acquaintances is Fiona Blackstock, an intriguing puzzle, and if that's not enough, the curse and history of his Scottish lands is reaching out from the past into the present. Part of the Maxwell clan became tenants and holders on the Lattimer property back in the past, and highlanders don't forget the wrongs around properties that the English crown parcelled out in previous times.
Fiona does all she can to have the Duke quit and return to his English concerns, but she's reckoned without Gabriel's determination, skills and ability to get alongside people. Gabriel is no softly bred lord. Neither did she foresee the attraction that burgeons between them.
A dilemma for more than one concerned party. Can the hero of battles on the continent win the battles his highland property will disclose?
A fascinating clash of wills add spice to this story.

A NetGalley ARC ( )

Hmmm…after reading some of the reviews mentioning that the heroine of this book might have lived by modern rather than historical morals I did some research and found that premarital relations were not unheard of in the highlands in the 1800’s. So, with that in mind…

The prologue to the book was intense and made me feel as if I was with Gabriel on the battlefield. He was a warrior and leader of men expecting to end his life as a soldier. Suddenly apprised of the fact that a distant uncle died leaving him Duke of Lattimer saw his life change rather suddenly. Off he went to England with his aide-de-camp to assess what being a duke entailed, find out the state of his properties and visit his sister. Having determined that his two properties in England were fine but that there were issues with his holding in Scotland he headed there to find out what was what.

Fiona Blackstock has been in charge of the Lattimer property since her brother disappeared and though she has done her best there have been problems. Having the new duke show up is not what she had hoped for and her goal is to get him to leave as quickly as possible…at least at first. She cares for the people and the land and wants only the best for them. Over time she begins to question her allegiance to the Duke of Dunncraigh over that to the people she is responsible for. Add into the mix her increasing respect for Gabriel and their physical interest in one another and it becomes an interesting situation.

This was an entertaining book and if you can set aside the idea that a woman must be a virgin when she marries, a duke must marry someone of his own station and a few other things then this will definitely be a fun book for you to read.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the copy of this ARC in exchange for my honest review. ( )

I enjoyed this book by Ms. Enoch, she's one of my favourite Historical authors, she never fails to entertain, and this one is no exception.

Major Gabriel Forrester has become a legend in his regiment, from his many victories he earned the nickname of the Beast of Bussaco and he's thought to be invincible by his fellow soldiers...something he knows very well he's not. After another gruesome battle he receives notice that a distant relative has passed on, a Duke no less, and Gabriel is now the Duke of Lattimer. He's not to pleased with the event at all but is told he has no choice so he decides to visit Lattimer Castle in Scotland, after several letters had been ignored by their steward, he'd received a threatening reply... and there he meets Fiona Blackstock. She is not happy to see the Duke, Fiona had been running the estate for several years now, and she doesn't want any interference from some "English" lord.
But the attraction they feel for each other can't denied, but still with Fiona's stubbornness and Gabriel finding it hard to life out of the army, their relationship doesn't come easy, but their bantering in fun to be hold, and trust between slowly begins to grow when they work together to solve the curse that has plagued the castle.
Great characters and plot. Fiona was a strong woman to work that estate, she was great. Gabriel really didn't want the dukedom but he knew his duty, I liked him.
I'm looking forward to the next book from this series. 5/5 ( )