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The Duke's Sons #2
What the Duke Doesn't Know
A proper English wife, or the freedom of the sea?
Lord James Gresham is the fifth son of the Duke of Langford, a captain in the Royal Navy, and at a loss for what to do next. He's made his fortune; perhaps now he should find a proper wife and set up his nursery. But the sea calls to him, while his search for a wife leaves him uninspired. And then, a dark beauty with a heart for revenge is swept into his life. He can't have both, but he won't give up either
Half-English, half-Polynesian Kawena Benson is out to avenge her father and reclaim a cache of stolen jewels. There's nothing for James to do but protest his innocence and help Kawena search for the jewels, even though it turns his world upside down. Praise for Heir to the Duke :
"Engaging characters, plenty of passion, and a devastating secret in this heartwarming read." - RT Book Reviews , 4 stars
"Fabulous romance with wonderful characters...I couldn't put this book down." - Night Owl Reviews , Reviewer Top Pick
Lord James Gresham is the fifth son of the Duke of Langford, a captain in the Royal Navy, and at a loss for what to do next. He's made his fortune; perhaps now he should find a proper wife and set up his nursery. But the sea calls to him, while his search for a wife leaves him uninspired. And then, a dark beauty with a heart for revenge is swept into his life. He can't have both, but he won't give up either
Half-English, half-Polynesian Kawena Benson is out to avenge her father and reclaim a cache of stolen jewels. There's nothing for James to do but protest his innocence and help Kawena search for the jewels, even though it turns his world upside down. Praise for Heir to the Duke :
"Engaging characters, plenty of passion, and a devastating secret in this heartwarming read." - RT Book Reviews , 4 stars
"Fabulous romance with wonderful characters...I couldn't put this book down." - Night Owl Reviews , Reviewer Top Pick
Kindle Edition
First published September 6, 2016
244 people are currently reading
803 people want to read
About the author
Jane Ashford
49 books399 followersJane Ashford discovered Georgette Heyer in junior high school and was entranced by the glittering world and witty language of Regency England. That delight was part of what led her to study English literature and travel widely in Britain and Europe. She has lived in New York, Boston and LA. Today, she is somewhat nomadic.
Jane has written historical and contemporary romances. Her books have been published in England, Spain, France, Italy, Sweden, Slovakia, Denmark, Russia, and Latvia, Croatia and Slovenia as well as the U.S. She has been nominated for a Career Achievement Award by RT Book Reviews.
Her website is https://www.janeashford.com/ and her Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/JaneAshfordW... If you'd like to subscribe to Jane's monthly newsletter go to www.eepurl.com/cd-O7r and sign up.
Jane has written historical and contemporary romances. Her books have been published in England, Spain, France, Italy, Sweden, Slovakia, Denmark, Russia, and Latvia, Croatia and Slovenia as well as the U.S. She has been nominated for a Career Achievement Award by RT Book Reviews.
Her website is https://www.janeashford.com/ and her Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/JaneAshfordW... If you'd like to subscribe to Jane's monthly newsletter go to www.eepurl.com/cd-O7r and sign up.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
did-not-finish
October 13, 2019DNF 17%
Can't stand the writing or relate to/enjoy the characters
Can't stand the writing or relate to/enjoy the characters
August 25, 2020
3.5 stars
Not as good as book one but still entertaining. Lord James Gresham was a stupid jerk for the middle third, but I was able to forgive him. I did appreciate that he offered marriage after they had sex, even if it was made out of duty and he was relieved she didn't accept. I always hate it when heroes feel honor dictates one action for women in the same social class while women of the lower classes are meant to be used. Kawena was thoughtful and perfect for James. The Gresham family relationship remains a delight.
Not as good as book one but still entertaining. Lord James Gresham was a stupid jerk for the middle third, but I was able to forgive him. I did appreciate that he offered marriage after they had sex, even if it was made out of duty and he was relieved she didn't accept. I always hate it when heroes feel honor dictates one action for women in the same social class while women of the lower classes are meant to be used. Kawena was thoughtful and perfect for James. The Gresham family relationship remains a delight.
September 9, 2016
2.5 stars
My main takeaway from this book was the refreshingly original heroine. I loved how unaffected Kawena was regarding the rather ridiculous and strict social customs of England because though she was part English, she had grown up far removed from it and was therefore not compelled to follow their rules. In this context, she often reminded me of May Bradford from The Duke Can Go to the Devil by Erin Knightley, which was a very good thing as May is still to this day one of my all time favorite heroines. And by contrast to Kawena’s devil-may-care attitude, James was inadvertently made into the prudish, ‘sensible’ one of the pair. Their dynamic as a couple was nice enough, I really liked how they immediately forged a bond over their love of adventure and life outside of society’s restricting structures. James on his own however made for a rather dull, and at times annoying, hero in my opinion, especially when compared to the more exciting Kawena. Plus it was his own obtuse stupidity that caused the latter part of the book to drag on and on, seemingly forever, as we waited for him to stop being a dunce and realize he loved Kawena. I also didn’t much care for Jane Ashford’s prose. This resulted in the majority of the story flatlining, especially after the jewels mystery was solved and the road trip antics ended, leaving behind only relationship drama and boredom in their wake. But to end this review on a positive note, I must say that the ending was fantastic: .
My main takeaway from this book was the refreshingly original heroine. I loved how unaffected Kawena was regarding the rather ridiculous and strict social customs of England because though she was part English, she had grown up far removed from it and was therefore not compelled to follow their rules. In this context, she often reminded me of May Bradford from The Duke Can Go to the Devil by Erin Knightley, which was a very good thing as May is still to this day one of my all time favorite heroines. And by contrast to Kawena’s devil-may-care attitude, James was inadvertently made into the prudish, ‘sensible’ one of the pair. Their dynamic as a couple was nice enough, I really liked how they immediately forged a bond over their love of adventure and life outside of society’s restricting structures. James on his own however made for a rather dull, and at times annoying, hero in my opinion, especially when compared to the more exciting Kawena. Plus it was his own obtuse stupidity that caused the latter part of the book to drag on and on, seemingly forever, as we waited for him to stop being a dunce and realize he loved Kawena. I also didn’t much care for Jane Ashford’s prose. This resulted in the majority of the story flatlining, especially after the jewels mystery was solved and the road trip antics ended, leaving behind only relationship drama and boredom in their wake. But to end this review on a positive note, I must say that the ending was fantastic: .
May 20, 2020
I’m so sad when a great heroine gets saddled with a shitty hero. Here we have Lord Jerk, Captain of the HMAS Dickhead proceeding to lecture the heroine on the same propriety that he joined the navy to get away from. He treats her so abhorrently in the second act that no amount of grovel would have been sufficient for me.
I’m also surprised this is only number two in the series because there was a lot going on in the background with the other brothers and their matches. I’d be maybe interested in reading about Alan or Robert because they don’t seem like they’re as big of jackasses as their brother was in this book.
I’m also surprised this is only number two in the series because there was a lot going on in the background with the other brothers and their matches. I’d be maybe interested in reading about Alan or Robert because they don’t seem like they’re as big of jackasses as their brother was in this book.
February 1, 2022
I enjoyed this more than the first, maybe because of the quite uncoventional heroine. The book.begins with a boy attacking Lord James yelling "Thief". He turns out to be Kawena, a beautiful girl from Vanuatu, whose English father has died after his jewels were stole. Kawena believes James, the captain of a navy ship stole them. This sets up the plot as they set out to find the jewels.
James is a particularly socially inept man as he has been in the navy for 10 years, since he was 16. He continually says the wrong things and I found him endearing. Kawena is quite the character, and she does something so wonderful which makes the ending of this book a delight.
James is a particularly socially inept man as he has been in the navy for 10 years, since he was 16. He continually says the wrong things and I found him endearing. Kawena is quite the character, and she does something so wonderful which makes the ending of this book a delight.
March 15, 2018
Our hero thinks he must choose between a proper English wife and the freedom of the sea. How about a mostly proper, half-English wife who also wants the freedom of the sea? Works for him -- and it did for me, too. I especially enjoyed the culture clash between the heroine's easy-going Polynesian style and our hero's solidly uptight English expectations. 3.5 stars from me!
March 17, 2025
This was very Bridgerton-esque in that I was SO FRUSTRATED that they wouldn’t just say that they love each other 😂 an enjoyable story, on par with the first one. I really liked the ending, and I didn’t see it coming!
July 31, 2017
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August 28, 2016
What the Duke Doesn't Know is the second book in the 'Duke's Sons' series by Jane Ashford. I haven't read the first book in the series, so can say that this book can be read as a stand alone one.
This is the story of the fifth son of the Duke of Langford, Lord James Gresham. He finds himself with time on his hands when his ship is taken out of commission and he, like many other Navy men, are waiting for new postings. He loves the Navy and life at sea, but he also appreciates that the time might be right for him to settle down and find a wife. He jokingly asks his sister-in-law to start introducing him to possible brides for him, proper English ladies of course.
During a visit with his brother and sister-in-law, he has his first introduction to a possible bride. But any interest he might have had in her soon disappears when he meets Kawena Benson. It's not your usual first meeting. Kawena is dressed as a boy and comes hurtling into the garden pointing a pistol at James. She is hell bent on justice from him, although he has no idea what he is supposed to have done. When he sees the 'boy' with the pistol, he tackles him to the ground, which is where he gets his first inkling that Kawena is all woman, not a young boy as he first thought.
When he realises that Kawena is a woman, and pays proper attention to her face, he realises just how beautiful she is and he is instantly captivated. She is the daughter of an English gentleman and his Polynesian wife. Although she has been brought up knowing of English customs, she is very much her mother's daughter and much prefers the ways of her home. She believes in saying what she wants, acting on impulse, and not giving any thought to what people think of her or her actions. She wouldn't have left her home and it's easier way of life at all except for her urgency to find the man who has stolen her inheritance, and to get it back.
It soon becomes apparent to her that James hasn't stolen the bag of jewels that her father kept instead of cash. Jewels that were to be hers after her father passed away. But as they lived on an island that only had ships call into port to trade there, and as James' ship was the only one in port around the time of the theft, Kawena is certain that if not James, then somebody from his ship is the thief. James can't believe any of his men would have stolen anything from the island, in fact none of them were even allowed ashore. But to settle his mind, and to help Kawena, he offers to track down his men and question them about the theft.
Kawena insists on accompanying James on his travels to find them. Since the ship was decommissioned the crew have all gone their separate ways, but luckily they aren't spread too far and wide. During their travels together, James finds out more about Kawena, and the more he finds, the more he likes. He is very attracted to her, and it seems Kawena feels the same way. When things get intimate between the couple, James feels honour bound to do the right thing and proposes to her. The only problem is that Kawena knows that James wants a 'proper' English wife, and she is far from what society calls proper. She doesn't want to be proper either. She just wants to get her jewels back and go home. So to his shock, she turns him down.
Do they discover the jewels, and if they do, what is to become of Kawena and James? Should Kawena prove to James that she can be a 'proper' lady, but if she does, she won't be being herself. As for James, does he even realise that Kawena might have the wrong end of the stick about his expectations. This is surely a case of both of them needing to be open with each other. James doesn't even know what he wants, he knows he wants Kawena, but can he settle down. He longs for the sea, but if he gets another commission it means he will be away from Kawena for years. What is the man to do?
I loved this story, though at times I just wanted to knock James and Kawena's heads together. They were so in lust/love with each other but were too busy doing the right thing, or saying the right thing, to let each other know the true score. I loved their romance, albeit a frustrating one, and I loved the search for the jewels and their subsequent discovery! And I absolutely loved the ending of the book, it was just perfect and definitely counts as a very happy ever after for our couple!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This is the story of the fifth son of the Duke of Langford, Lord James Gresham. He finds himself with time on his hands when his ship is taken out of commission and he, like many other Navy men, are waiting for new postings. He loves the Navy and life at sea, but he also appreciates that the time might be right for him to settle down and find a wife. He jokingly asks his sister-in-law to start introducing him to possible brides for him, proper English ladies of course.
During a visit with his brother and sister-in-law, he has his first introduction to a possible bride. But any interest he might have had in her soon disappears when he meets Kawena Benson. It's not your usual first meeting. Kawena is dressed as a boy and comes hurtling into the garden pointing a pistol at James. She is hell bent on justice from him, although he has no idea what he is supposed to have done. When he sees the 'boy' with the pistol, he tackles him to the ground, which is where he gets his first inkling that Kawena is all woman, not a young boy as he first thought.
When he realises that Kawena is a woman, and pays proper attention to her face, he realises just how beautiful she is and he is instantly captivated. She is the daughter of an English gentleman and his Polynesian wife. Although she has been brought up knowing of English customs, she is very much her mother's daughter and much prefers the ways of her home. She believes in saying what she wants, acting on impulse, and not giving any thought to what people think of her or her actions. She wouldn't have left her home and it's easier way of life at all except for her urgency to find the man who has stolen her inheritance, and to get it back.
It soon becomes apparent to her that James hasn't stolen the bag of jewels that her father kept instead of cash. Jewels that were to be hers after her father passed away. But as they lived on an island that only had ships call into port to trade there, and as James' ship was the only one in port around the time of the theft, Kawena is certain that if not James, then somebody from his ship is the thief. James can't believe any of his men would have stolen anything from the island, in fact none of them were even allowed ashore. But to settle his mind, and to help Kawena, he offers to track down his men and question them about the theft.
Kawena insists on accompanying James on his travels to find them. Since the ship was decommissioned the crew have all gone their separate ways, but luckily they aren't spread too far and wide. During their travels together, James finds out more about Kawena, and the more he finds, the more he likes. He is very attracted to her, and it seems Kawena feels the same way. When things get intimate between the couple, James feels honour bound to do the right thing and proposes to her. The only problem is that Kawena knows that James wants a 'proper' English wife, and she is far from what society calls proper. She doesn't want to be proper either. She just wants to get her jewels back and go home. So to his shock, she turns him down.
Do they discover the jewels, and if they do, what is to become of Kawena and James? Should Kawena prove to James that she can be a 'proper' lady, but if she does, she won't be being herself. As for James, does he even realise that Kawena might have the wrong end of the stick about his expectations. This is surely a case of both of them needing to be open with each other. James doesn't even know what he wants, he knows he wants Kawena, but can he settle down. He longs for the sea, but if he gets another commission it means he will be away from Kawena for years. What is the man to do?
I loved this story, though at times I just wanted to knock James and Kawena's heads together. They were so in lust/love with each other but were too busy doing the right thing, or saying the right thing, to let each other know the true score. I loved their romance, albeit a frustrating one, and I loved the search for the jewels and their subsequent discovery! And I absolutely loved the ending of the book, it was just perfect and definitely counts as a very happy ever after for our couple!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
September 6, 2016
Kawana is a gem! A great addition to the Duke's sons stories!
At the start of the novel I thought the plot sounded a tad ho hum. I was so wrong! I became once more thoroughly entranced with the doings of the Gresham brothers, sons of the Duke and Duchess of Langford. This time Lord James Gresham (the fifth son) is front and center. Ariel is on hand, as is the Duchess. Indeed many of the family make their presence felt. We move in and out of their stories with hints of what was and what is to come. Tantalizing! But the jewel of the story, the oh so delicious centrepiece, is Kawana Bensen.
James is cooling his feet awaiting a naval appointment. As Captain of a recently decommissioned ship he is looking for something more. The sea is his life, his passion! However, it's peace time and the jostling for appointments is highly political. James wants to make it by himself, not with his father's help. Unfortunately, he's not that good at playing the game.
James, in one of those moments of inanity, thinking he should start his own family, made a throwaway suggestion to Ariel (sister-in-law of reputed match making abilities) that he wouldn't be adverse to a 'proper English' wife.
That was before he met Kawana, or rather before she rather rudely confronted him with a pistol in hand. Kawana is half-English, half-Polynesian. She has pursued James' ship, the Charis, from her home island, convinced that he has stolen her inheritance. She wants revenge and the return of her treasured inheritance.
James pleads innocent and then proceeds to give Kawana his able assistance. As the search and adventure continues James realizes that this unconventional young woman is stealing his heart but how to make her his is a conundrum, particularly as Kawana keeps throwing back in his teeth, his need for a 'proper English' wife. Something she is never going to be.
We are given a wonderful viewpoint of English customs and constrained society through Kawana's eyes. There are gems of her observations and rather forthcoming opinions that cut to the chase, scattered throughout with moments of startling irony.
Meanwhile James keeps wanting to rescue Kawana, but mostly seems to mire himself further into a muddle of his own making. Much to Kawana's chagrin and Jame's confusion.
The by-play between the brothers is what one expects of a group of ragtag boys, albeit the sons of a Duke. They are all so endearing, if at times somewhat snide with each other, and yet supportive. We watch James discover his father more, his realization that his father is somewhat of an enigma, but still his father. I also love James' ready awareness of his mother as a loving force to be reckoned with. His appeal for help to both of them quietly stole the show for me. Wonderful!
Humorous, witty and pointed, I really enjoyed this Duke's son's story.
A NetGalley ARC
At the start of the novel I thought the plot sounded a tad ho hum. I was so wrong! I became once more thoroughly entranced with the doings of the Gresham brothers, sons of the Duke and Duchess of Langford. This time Lord James Gresham (the fifth son) is front and center. Ariel is on hand, as is the Duchess. Indeed many of the family make their presence felt. We move in and out of their stories with hints of what was and what is to come. Tantalizing! But the jewel of the story, the oh so delicious centrepiece, is Kawana Bensen.
James is cooling his feet awaiting a naval appointment. As Captain of a recently decommissioned ship he is looking for something more. The sea is his life, his passion! However, it's peace time and the jostling for appointments is highly political. James wants to make it by himself, not with his father's help. Unfortunately, he's not that good at playing the game.
James, in one of those moments of inanity, thinking he should start his own family, made a throwaway suggestion to Ariel (sister-in-law of reputed match making abilities) that he wouldn't be adverse to a 'proper English' wife.
That was before he met Kawana, or rather before she rather rudely confronted him with a pistol in hand. Kawana is half-English, half-Polynesian. She has pursued James' ship, the Charis, from her home island, convinced that he has stolen her inheritance. She wants revenge and the return of her treasured inheritance.
James pleads innocent and then proceeds to give Kawana his able assistance. As the search and adventure continues James realizes that this unconventional young woman is stealing his heart but how to make her his is a conundrum, particularly as Kawana keeps throwing back in his teeth, his need for a 'proper English' wife. Something she is never going to be.
We are given a wonderful viewpoint of English customs and constrained society through Kawana's eyes. There are gems of her observations and rather forthcoming opinions that cut to the chase, scattered throughout with moments of startling irony.
Meanwhile James keeps wanting to rescue Kawana, but mostly seems to mire himself further into a muddle of his own making. Much to Kawana's chagrin and Jame's confusion.
The by-play between the brothers is what one expects of a group of ragtag boys, albeit the sons of a Duke. They are all so endearing, if at times somewhat snide with each other, and yet supportive. We watch James discover his father more, his realization that his father is somewhat of an enigma, but still his father. I also love James' ready awareness of his mother as a loving force to be reckoned with. His appeal for help to both of them quietly stole the show for me. Wonderful!
Humorous, witty and pointed, I really enjoyed this Duke's son's story.
A NetGalley ARC
October 20, 2016
ARC REVIEW
The Duke's Sons book two, What the Duke Doesn't Know. It's a charming book with an okay storyline, James was great, Kawena was a little annoying at first but she was adjusting to English society and she became less annoying as the book went one. I liked that she was Polynesian, usually if the Author is doing a mixed race it Indian or Caribbean, or the author has the heroine American or Australian if they don't want her British. Now I have seen Spanish, French, and Eastern Europe or Russian but still I think this might be my first Polynesian, so it was something different for me and I really liked it. (I love the model on the cover, love her expression.)
Kawena Benson traveled all the way from her little island in the South Pacific to find the man who stole her inheritance. Captain James Gresham and his ship were the only boat docked when Kawena's inheritance disappeared. Her father planned ahead for her future and stock piled jewels and gem stone, he died shortly after discovering them missing. Kawena fearless left home for the first time aboard a friend's ship dressed as a boy and traveled to England. Her initial intention was just to scare the man but when he rushed her the gun accidently went off, thankfully noone was hurt. James was visiting his brother in Oxford wondering what he would do with his life now that his ship has been decommissioned when the beautiful dark haired, dark eyed Kawena attacks him.
James and Kawena set off to find the real culprit but all their leads are dead ends. By a stroke of luck Kawena finds them, I'm not gonna tell you how. But that opens all society doors for her since the jewels are worth a veritable fortune now the "native girl" is the toast of the ton. Kawena wants to show James that she can be "Proper" since he has spent most of the book telling her everything she does isn't proper. Along with a friend and a chaperone Kawena rents a house in Oxford, she also has something big planned something just for James and her. Unfortunately her fortune also bring to light unwanted previously unknown family; her father's brother and his horrid family. But fortunately Kawena has friends in high places and James and his family are there to stand with her against them. If only James can convince Kawena he likes her just as she is and if Kawena will understand that James never wanted her to change.
Overall, the book was entertaining I liked it well enough. The first book Heir to the Duke and the third book Lord Sebastian's Secret run pretty much parallel with this one so there are references what's happening in the previous book and to the next one. I am however really looking forward to Flora and Robert's story.
The Duke's Sons book two, What the Duke Doesn't Know. It's a charming book with an okay storyline, James was great, Kawena was a little annoying at first but she was adjusting to English society and she became less annoying as the book went one. I liked that she was Polynesian, usually if the Author is doing a mixed race it Indian or Caribbean, or the author has the heroine American or Australian if they don't want her British. Now I have seen Spanish, French, and Eastern Europe or Russian but still I think this might be my first Polynesian, so it was something different for me and I really liked it. (I love the model on the cover, love her expression.)
Kawena Benson traveled all the way from her little island in the South Pacific to find the man who stole her inheritance. Captain James Gresham and his ship were the only boat docked when Kawena's inheritance disappeared. Her father planned ahead for her future and stock piled jewels and gem stone, he died shortly after discovering them missing. Kawena fearless left home for the first time aboard a friend's ship dressed as a boy and traveled to England. Her initial intention was just to scare the man but when he rushed her the gun accidently went off, thankfully noone was hurt. James was visiting his brother in Oxford wondering what he would do with his life now that his ship has been decommissioned when the beautiful dark haired, dark eyed Kawena attacks him.
James and Kawena set off to find the real culprit but all their leads are dead ends. By a stroke of luck Kawena finds them, I'm not gonna tell you how. But that opens all society doors for her since the jewels are worth a veritable fortune now the "native girl" is the toast of the ton. Kawena wants to show James that she can be "Proper" since he has spent most of the book telling her everything she does isn't proper. Along with a friend and a chaperone Kawena rents a house in Oxford, she also has something big planned something just for James and her. Unfortunately her fortune also bring to light unwanted previously unknown family; her father's brother and his horrid family. But fortunately Kawena has friends in high places and James and his family are there to stand with her against them. If only James can convince Kawena he likes her just as she is and if Kawena will understand that James never wanted her to change.
Overall, the book was entertaining I liked it well enough. The first book Heir to the Duke and the third book Lord Sebastian's Secret run pretty much parallel with this one so there are references what's happening in the previous book and to the next one. I am however really looking forward to Flora and Robert's story.
September 28, 2016
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
James and Kawena’s romance is fun, adventurous, sexy, touching with an ending that is absolutely perfect for this couple. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t going to be some misunderstandings, mistakes or missteps along the way. But eventually this sea man and his lovely lady will work through it all to find a happy ending that makes absolute sense for them.
Although born of English and Polynesian parents, Kawena has grown up on the island. She certainly has been taught how to be a proper English lady, but she is happier just being herself and rarely pays attention to those rules of etiquette she was once taught. James’ ship docked on her island, and soon after her father’s jewels, the inheritance that was meant for her, were stolen. She assumes that James is the thief and sets out to right the wrong done to her and her family. Only it wasn’t James.
Once he convinces her of his innocence it’s now time to go and talk to the crew members who have scattered after the ship had been decommissioned. Their adventure to find the culprit is both entertaining and dangerous. And if along the way they fall into love, what’s one more risk for this couple.
Like many real life couples, if James and Kawena has actually talked to each other, told their real feelings and opinions instead of trying to say the right thing they would have had lees trouble finding their happiness.
I enjoyed What The Duke Doesn’t Know very much. And it was fun to run into characters already known. Kawena is a refreshing character, a woman who doesn’t give a wit about proper behavior and simply is herself. James is also a bit unconventional, but he keeps putting his foot in his mouth as he tries to say the right thing to get Kawena to stay – he should have just spit it out, but then we wouldn’t be entertained by his fumbling attempts.
If you love Historical or Regency Romance then this is a story and a series that you’ll want to pick up. Funny, charming with characters who will have you shaking your head at their antics and sighing over their love for each other.
*I received an e-ARC of What The Duke Doesn’t Know from the publisher, Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*
James and Kawena’s romance is fun, adventurous, sexy, touching with an ending that is absolutely perfect for this couple. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t going to be some misunderstandings, mistakes or missteps along the way. But eventually this sea man and his lovely lady will work through it all to find a happy ending that makes absolute sense for them.
Although born of English and Polynesian parents, Kawena has grown up on the island. She certainly has been taught how to be a proper English lady, but she is happier just being herself and rarely pays attention to those rules of etiquette she was once taught. James’ ship docked on her island, and soon after her father’s jewels, the inheritance that was meant for her, were stolen. She assumes that James is the thief and sets out to right the wrong done to her and her family. Only it wasn’t James.
Once he convinces her of his innocence it’s now time to go and talk to the crew members who have scattered after the ship had been decommissioned. Their adventure to find the culprit is both entertaining and dangerous. And if along the way they fall into love, what’s one more risk for this couple.
Like many real life couples, if James and Kawena has actually talked to each other, told their real feelings and opinions instead of trying to say the right thing they would have had lees trouble finding their happiness.
I enjoyed What The Duke Doesn’t Know very much. And it was fun to run into characters already known. Kawena is a refreshing character, a woman who doesn’t give a wit about proper behavior and simply is herself. James is also a bit unconventional, but he keeps putting his foot in his mouth as he tries to say the right thing to get Kawena to stay – he should have just spit it out, but then we wouldn’t be entertained by his fumbling attempts.
If you love Historical or Regency Romance then this is a story and a series that you’ll want to pick up. Funny, charming with characters who will have you shaking your head at their antics and sighing over their love for each other.
*I received an e-ARC of What The Duke Doesn’t Know from the publisher, Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*
June 11, 2019
This was pretty good. At least 3.5 stars. A little slow in parts so I had a hard time staying in it, until maybe a quarter way through. However I loved Kawena and James and their love story was sweet. Finally, finally a regency romance without a virgin! I do get so tired of reading romances with that focus. Kawena is an island girl, literally. Born and raised on a remote island in the south seas where the women own the property and are allowed to go for what they want. She's strong and very independent. She travels halfway around the world to find her father's treasure; jewels she is sure James stole from him on his last voyage. After being convinced that he didn't steal the jewels, they set out to find them together. During their time together she decides she very much wants to kiss James, so she does that and other things. Wanting to do right by her he offers to marry her but she turns him down. She doesn't care what society thinks about her because when she finds her treasure she's going back home.
What I didn't like - James was so stupid at times. Here he was a captain of his own ship in the royal Navy and he couldn't even say the right things to Kawena. I understood him giving orders since that was part of his character as a captain. He was used to ordering people to do things. But when it came to trying to romance Kawena, he fumbled and stumbled worse than a teenage geek. His angst was a bit over the top IMHO. Otherwise he was awesome.
What I didn't like - James was so stupid at times. Here he was a captain of his own ship in the royal Navy and he couldn't even say the right things to Kawena. I understood him giving orders since that was part of his character as a captain. He was used to ordering people to do things. But when it came to trying to romance Kawena, he fumbled and stumbled worse than a teenage geek. His angst was a bit over the top IMHO. Otherwise he was awesome.
August 29, 2016
This is the second book in the author's Duke's Sons series. I read the first book before this one, but even while reading this book, I was certain it was a later book in the series because of the many mentions of the other brothers and their romances during the course of both books.
This is a slightly different romance because the heroine is not fully English and grew up in the South Pacific so there are cultural differences. This series is fun to read and not too steamy -- there is more romance than sex in the books.
This is a slightly different romance because the heroine is not fully English and grew up in the South Pacific so there are cultural differences. This series is fun to read and not too steamy -- there is more romance than sex in the books.
January 6, 2018
To be honest I read only about 25 pages until I knew that I couldn't make myself finish this story. In fact, I am giving up the whole series. Too many books, too little time.
October 16, 2020
This novel in the Duke's Sons featured the fifth son of the Duke of Langford. Royal Navy Captain James Gresham has come home after his ship has been retired. He is a bit lost. He thinks he should settle down with a proper wife and establish a home. At the same time he misses the adventures that the sea afforded him.
He meets Kawena Benson when she accosts him at a event at his brother's home in Oxford. She accuses him of stealing her fortune in precious gems that were her dead father's inheritance for her. She is half English and half Polynesian and is full of spunk.
Lord James realizes he is going to have to throw propriety to the wind and find the gems for her. They head off to Southhampton and then London, trying to locate them. They end up being found by her in a statue at his family home; the statue was a gift sent to his mother.
The fun really begins then when she comes into a fortune and she decides what to do. James becomes caught in a dilemma. He is used to "proper behavior" and Kawena is sick of it.
What delicious fun! And so much fun to meet his parents, the duke and dutchess.
I enjoyed it!
He meets Kawena Benson when she accosts him at a event at his brother's home in Oxford. She accuses him of stealing her fortune in precious gems that were her dead father's inheritance for her. She is half English and half Polynesian and is full of spunk.
Lord James realizes he is going to have to throw propriety to the wind and find the gems for her. They head off to Southhampton and then London, trying to locate them. They end up being found by her in a statue at his family home; the statue was a gift sent to his mother.
The fun really begins then when she comes into a fortune and she decides what to do. James becomes caught in a dilemma. He is used to "proper behavior" and Kawena is sick of it.
What delicious fun! And so much fun to meet his parents, the duke and dutchess.
I enjoyed it!
dnf
June 3, 2019DNF: 15%? honestly don't remember
the premise was passably interesting but executed very poorly. a lot of telling rather than showing & everything felt rushed. especially when it came to the romance if you call it that. apparently what development they did get was done off page & referenced periodically to make up for the amount of time they didn't spend together on page. guess what, it didn't? it made the romance flat & uninteresting. when they randomly decided to have sex i felt nothing. i did enjoy kawena & her attitude to the bizarre rules of british society. it's just a shame the other characters & plot lacked so much in comparison.
the premise was passably interesting but executed very poorly. a lot of telling rather than showing & everything felt rushed. especially when it came to the romance if you call it that. apparently what development they did get was done off page & referenced periodically to make up for the amount of time they didn't spend together on page. guess what, it didn't? it made the romance flat & uninteresting. when they randomly decided to have sex i felt nothing. i did enjoy kawena & her attitude to the bizarre rules of british society. it's just a shame the other characters & plot lacked so much in comparison.
March 21, 2017
3.5 Stars. Historical romance, 2nd book in this series about the many (6) sons of a Duke, and their struggles to find love. This book features James, a naval officer, whose command has been decommissioned, and he is a bit adrift (no pun intended). He meets Kawena, arrived in England from Polynesia, trying to retrieve her father's fortune. It's a quick read, with some "fish out of water" type situations.
May 11, 2017
Endearing and a bit amusing in parts
A very unique heroine with a novel perspective on society and the English language. Very entertaining to read about her trying to assimilate into a totally alien lifestyle. Lord James is so adorable trying his best to be correct and bumbling his way through his romance. I like the way the author weaves stories of the other brothers throughout, without the need to have read any of the other stories.
A very unique heroine with a novel perspective on society and the English language. Very entertaining to read about her trying to assimilate into a totally alien lifestyle. Lord James is so adorable trying his best to be correct and bumbling his way through his romance. I like the way the author weaves stories of the other brothers throughout, without the need to have read any of the other stories.
March 17, 2019
Decent entry in the series. I do wish I'd read this one before the one I picked up - it gives the backstory about Lord Robert and Flora Jennings, the main characters from book #4. It was interesting to read through this second book and see how they really began; I definitely missed something by reading the series out of order.
February 1, 2018
Oh my God! Kawena is absolutely amazing! She points out the pointless rules of society in such an unoffensive way. I also love the continuous attention the Duke and Duchess pay to their sons love interests. #Lifegoals
February 23, 2019
Made it to page 75. There is zero set up to this story - it feels like there should have been back story before but there is zero. The main heroine is intriguing- but the plot is completely lack luster and I just can’t keep going. My first ever DNF of a romance novel!!
February 8, 2020
Ok, better than the usual
Believable and likable characters. Some events were not entirely believable, too coincidental. No gratuitous sex. It is an integral part of the main misunderstanding.
Believable and likable characters. Some events were not entirely believable, too coincidental. No gratuitous sex. It is an integral part of the main misunderstanding.
June 4, 2022
The 2nd in the Duke's Sons series, James is a sea captain who meets Kawena, an island lady, under strange circumstances in England. They fall in love, but misunderstandings keep them apart for a time. Well-written and entertaining Regency romance.
May 15, 2023
This book was so boring. No action at all and took all of my energy to even finish it. The characters held no depth or interest at all. I can’t even be sure I’ll finish the series after finishing this. I feel very unsatisfied.
December 26, 2023
Second in the series, this time with a few more interactions with the rest of the family. Some romance, a bit of sex, societal improprieties and a woman who knows her own mind, a fun, simple romance, reasonably written with fairly interesting characters. Suitable for adults due to the sex content.
August 14, 2025
Lord james is a captain in the royal navy. He's accused of murder and theft by Kawena come to find out, he does have the jewels her father stashed inside a statue. But along the way they fall in love and Kawena buys James decommissioned ship so they can sail and raise their family aboard.
September 6, 2017
Nice historical story
I enjoyed this story. Kawena and James were interesting characters. I loved the ending and hope they appear in one of the other books in the series.
I enjoyed this story. Kawena and James were interesting characters. I loved the ending and hope they appear in one of the other books in the series.
November 16, 2017
Good but not great. But, it does keep me wanting to read the stories of the other brothers.
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