FORTUNE FAVORS THE DUKE

The brother and the fiancee of a deceased duke seek solace in each other and unexpectedly find love.

When his brother tragically dies in a fire shortly before getting married, Quinton Errington must step into his role as the Duke of Wesley. Quin preferred his job as a professor at Cambridge, but familial duty comes first. Lady Catherine Greatheart grieves for her departed betrothed, but she’s experienced the loss of loved ones before. Both her parents died when she was young, leaving Catherine to live with her beloved grandmother. When Quin and Catherine run across each other by chance in Hyde Park one day, they find comfort together because of their shared experience. They easily become friends, particularly when Catherine’s grandmother becomes ill and Catherine could use extra support. Their friendship develops into more, but the rules of society place barriers in their path. Kicking off a new series, this sweet story has short chapters of alternating perspectives and a sometimes-meandering plot. Tragedy brings the leads together, but the book’s focus on resilience and hope makes it uplifting overall. Catherine’s keen intellect and Quin’s noble heart make them winsome characters, and their banter is amusing. There are several lovable (and a few villainous) side characters as well as enticing glimpses of those sure to get their own stories in future installments. The historical setting is rich, and the conflicts are driven by the way of life specific to the time period, particularly in regard to lack of women’s rights and courtship customs.

A heartfelt and hopeful read.