What do you think?
Rate this book
Dare to Defy #3
Duke Darcy's Castle
In Syrie James' newest Dare to Defy novel, a devastating duke goes head to head with a determined young woman.
Lance Granville, the Tenth Duke of Darcy, was none too happy to give up his career in the Royal Navy to inherit the family title, complete with an ancient crumbling castle he needs to renovate. When an architect arrives on his doorstep, Darcy is astonished to discover that she's a woman.
Kathryn Atherton has one goal: to become the first woman architect in Britain. Marriage doesn't figure in her plans. Despite the odds, her schooling is behind her. Now she needs experience. When she's sent to a small tidal island in Cornwall to remodel a castle, the last thing Kathryn wants is to be attracted to its roguishly handsome owner.
Kathryn is determined to keep things professional, but the sizzling attraction between her and the duke quickly blazes out of control. When Darcy learns that Kathryn is an heiress whose fortune would save St. Gabriel's Mount, he wages the most important battle of his life: to woo and win the woman who's captured his heart. But duchesses can't be architects. And Kathryn has worked too long and too hard to give up her dreams…
Lance Granville, the Tenth Duke of Darcy, was none too happy to give up his career in the Royal Navy to inherit the family title, complete with an ancient crumbling castle he needs to renovate. When an architect arrives on his doorstep, Darcy is astonished to discover that she's a woman.
Kathryn Atherton has one goal: to become the first woman architect in Britain. Marriage doesn't figure in her plans. Despite the odds, her schooling is behind her. Now she needs experience. When she's sent to a small tidal island in Cornwall to remodel a castle, the last thing Kathryn wants is to be attracted to its roguishly handsome owner.
Kathryn is determined to keep things professional, but the sizzling attraction between her and the duke quickly blazes out of control. When Darcy learns that Kathryn is an heiress whose fortune would save St. Gabriel's Mount, he wages the most important battle of his life: to woo and win the woman who's captured his heart. But duchesses can't be architects. And Kathryn has worked too long and too hard to give up her dreams…
384 pages, ebook
First published February 25, 2020
22 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
About the author
Syrie James
21 books987 followersSyrie James writes about bold, smart women who defy the odds and overcome daunting obstacles to achieve a cherished creative dream, find truth and justice, or help people in need, often finding love along the way. She is the international, USA TODAY, and Amazon bestselling author of many novels of historical fiction, mystery, romance, and YA which have been published in 21 languages.
Syrie's Historical Murder Mystery series, The Audacious Sisterhood of Smoke & Fire, is set in Victorian England and features sister sleuths who will stop at nothing to uncover the truth. The series includes the Amazon bestseller "The Mysteries of Pendowar Hall," "The Secrets of Thorndale Manor" and the upcoming "Danger at Darkmoor Park."
Los Angeles Magazine dubbed Syrie the “queen of nineteenth century re-imaginings.” Her novel “The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen” sold at auction to HarperCollins and became an international bestseller, and was named Best New Fiction by Regency World Magazine. Her passion for love stories and the paranormal led to her critically acclaimed “Dracula, My Love,” “Nocturne,” and the YA series “Forbidden.” Her enduring love of all things English and 19th century led to her Amazon bestselling Dare to Defy Historical Romance series.
Syrie’s books have received starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, hit many Best of the Year lists, been designated as Library Journal Editor’s Picks of the Year, and won numerous awards including the national Audiobook Audie Award for Romance and the Women’s National Book Association Great Group Read (“The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte”), and Barnes and Noble’s Romantic Read of the Week and Bookbub’s Best Snowbound Romance (“Nocturne”).
Syrie is also a WGA member with numerous scripts sold to film and television, and a published playwright, actress, and stage director.
Find Syrie at:
syriejames.com,
Facebook,
Instagram
Syrie's Historical Murder Mystery series, The Audacious Sisterhood of Smoke & Fire, is set in Victorian England and features sister sleuths who will stop at nothing to uncover the truth. The series includes the Amazon bestseller "The Mysteries of Pendowar Hall," "The Secrets of Thorndale Manor" and the upcoming "Danger at Darkmoor Park."
Los Angeles Magazine dubbed Syrie the “queen of nineteenth century re-imaginings.” Her novel “The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen” sold at auction to HarperCollins and became an international bestseller, and was named Best New Fiction by Regency World Magazine. Her passion for love stories and the paranormal led to her critically acclaimed “Dracula, My Love,” “Nocturne,” and the YA series “Forbidden.” Her enduring love of all things English and 19th century led to her Amazon bestselling Dare to Defy Historical Romance series.
Syrie’s books have received starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, hit many Best of the Year lists, been designated as Library Journal Editor’s Picks of the Year, and won numerous awards including the national Audiobook Audie Award for Romance and the Women’s National Book Association Great Group Read (“The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte”), and Barnes and Noble’s Romantic Read of the Week and Bookbub’s Best Snowbound Romance (“Nocturne”).
Syrie is also a WGA member with numerous scripts sold to film and television, and a published playwright, actress, and stage director.
Find Syrie at:
syriejames.com,
Facebook,
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 7, 2020
Crumbling Castles, Career Challenges, and Consummate Chemistry!
For those unfamiliar with the Dare to Defy novels by Syrie James, they are three captivating Victorian-era romances set in England during the late 1880s and early 1890s. Each novel features a different Atherton daughter. The Athertons are a wealthy American family, and it is Mrs. Atherton’s greatest ambition to have her daughters marry British aristocrats with impressive estates. Each daughter has beauty, intelligence, and a unique passion (whether it be teaching, writing, or architecture), and each daughter has their own views on marriage and their mother’s social-climbing.
The third and final installment of the Dare to Defy series begins with the youngest Atherton daughter embarking on her first solo architecture assignment to remodel a duke’s castle on a tidal island in Cornwall. Kathryn Atherton has long given up the idea of pleasing her mother by marrying a titled aristocrat, as it would greatly hinder her ability to have a successful career as a female architect and work on important architecture projects. But Kathryn gets more than she bargains for when she shows up at Saint Gabriel’s Mount…
Lance Granville, the tenth Duke of Darcy (we see what you did there, Syrie James! 😉) just assumed the dukedom two weeks ago and was completely unaware of his brother’s intent to renovate the castle. Awkward! And not only is he saddled with his brother’s unwelcome title, estate, and responsibilities, he is saddled with his crippling debt! Renovating the castle is the last thing he wants to spend his time, energy, and nonexistent resources doing, but Lance finds himself strongly attracted to this tenacious almost-architect and decides to at least allow her to draw up the proposed plans. Little does he know that Kathryn can provide him with so much more than thoughtful and creative renovation plans…
I must begin by saying how much I thoroughly enjoyed this series! Victorian romances aren’t my typical fare, but I will read whatever Syrie James writes! The books in this trilogy not only comprise of admirable and intellectual heroines and dashing and enigmatic heroes, but also a captivating historical backdrop with informative details about women seeking professional occupations and the challenges estate owners face with industrialization and the socio-economic transitions of this era. In each book Syrie James strikes a perfect balance between heart-stopping romantic moments and pertinent historical detail. I enjoyed learning about the history of women in architecture and visualizing all of Kathryn’s brilliant designs.
What I specifically loved about Duke Darcy’s Castle was Kathryn. She was such an admirable, accessible, and well-drawn character – a lovely blend of strength, determination, and charm. I appreciated all Kathyrn’s grit and hard work, and I applauded her sensibly cautious manners and all her actions and decisions when she discovered the cards were stacked against her. #TeamKathryn all the way! In addition, I also loved Lance, he was imminently swoon-worthy… *sigh* Like Kathryn, I don’t think I would have been able to resist! But there were some times where I wished his character was a little more developed; he didn’t feel as dynamic a character as Kathryn. Maybe a little bit more about his past relationships, his familial relationships, or his transition to becoming a duke might have added the needed dimension and depth to his character. Regardless, I was still in love with him…and absolutely adored his actions in the end. (well done, Darcy!)
With Duke Darcy’s Castle, Syrie James concludes her female-empowering Victorian romance trilogy with a romantic adventure full of magnetic attraction and memorable encounters. Through each book it was inspiring to witness these talented and resourceful women follow their aspirations and find deep-abiding love at the same time. I’m sad to see this series end, but I eagerly look forward to what Syrie James writes next!
Note: Recommended for Mature Audiences due to the inclusion of a few intimate scenes and descriptions.
Second Note: This book is stand alone and can be read without reading the prior books in the trilogy, but I still recommend reading Runaway Heiress and Summer of Scandal prior to reading Duke Darcy’s Castle.
Austenesque Reviews
For those unfamiliar with the Dare to Defy novels by Syrie James, they are three captivating Victorian-era romances set in England during the late 1880s and early 1890s. Each novel features a different Atherton daughter. The Athertons are a wealthy American family, and it is Mrs. Atherton’s greatest ambition to have her daughters marry British aristocrats with impressive estates. Each daughter has beauty, intelligence, and a unique passion (whether it be teaching, writing, or architecture), and each daughter has their own views on marriage and their mother’s social-climbing.
The third and final installment of the Dare to Defy series begins with the youngest Atherton daughter embarking on her first solo architecture assignment to remodel a duke’s castle on a tidal island in Cornwall. Kathryn Atherton has long given up the idea of pleasing her mother by marrying a titled aristocrat, as it would greatly hinder her ability to have a successful career as a female architect and work on important architecture projects. But Kathryn gets more than she bargains for when she shows up at Saint Gabriel’s Mount…
Lance Granville, the tenth Duke of Darcy (we see what you did there, Syrie James! 😉) just assumed the dukedom two weeks ago and was completely unaware of his brother’s intent to renovate the castle. Awkward! And not only is he saddled with his brother’s unwelcome title, estate, and responsibilities, he is saddled with his crippling debt! Renovating the castle is the last thing he wants to spend his time, energy, and nonexistent resources doing, but Lance finds himself strongly attracted to this tenacious almost-architect and decides to at least allow her to draw up the proposed plans. Little does he know that Kathryn can provide him with so much more than thoughtful and creative renovation plans…
I must begin by saying how much I thoroughly enjoyed this series! Victorian romances aren’t my typical fare, but I will read whatever Syrie James writes! The books in this trilogy not only comprise of admirable and intellectual heroines and dashing and enigmatic heroes, but also a captivating historical backdrop with informative details about women seeking professional occupations and the challenges estate owners face with industrialization and the socio-economic transitions of this era. In each book Syrie James strikes a perfect balance between heart-stopping romantic moments and pertinent historical detail. I enjoyed learning about the history of women in architecture and visualizing all of Kathryn’s brilliant designs.
What I specifically loved about Duke Darcy’s Castle was Kathryn. She was such an admirable, accessible, and well-drawn character – a lovely blend of strength, determination, and charm. I appreciated all Kathyrn’s grit and hard work, and I applauded her sensibly cautious manners and all her actions and decisions when she discovered the cards were stacked against her. #TeamKathryn all the way! In addition, I also loved Lance, he was imminently swoon-worthy… *sigh* Like Kathryn, I don’t think I would have been able to resist! But there were some times where I wished his character was a little more developed; he didn’t feel as dynamic a character as Kathryn. Maybe a little bit more about his past relationships, his familial relationships, or his transition to becoming a duke might have added the needed dimension and depth to his character. Regardless, I was still in love with him…and absolutely adored his actions in the end. (well done, Darcy!)
With Duke Darcy’s Castle, Syrie James concludes her female-empowering Victorian romance trilogy with a romantic adventure full of magnetic attraction and memorable encounters. Through each book it was inspiring to witness these talented and resourceful women follow their aspirations and find deep-abiding love at the same time. I’m sad to see this series end, but I eagerly look forward to what Syrie James writes next!
Note: Recommended for Mature Audiences due to the inclusion of a few intimate scenes and descriptions.
Second Note: This book is stand alone and can be read without reading the prior books in the trilogy, but I still recommend reading Runaway Heiress and Summer of Scandal prior to reading Duke Darcy’s Castle.
Austenesque Reviews
March 14, 2020
Royal Navy Captain Lance Granville is less than thrilled to find himself claiming the title of 10th Duke of Darcy after his brother's unexpected death. In addition to his grief, he's inherited a mountain of debt and a crumbling castle which his brother was apparently planning updates for. Not only does the renovation, which he can scarcely afford, shock Lance, he is equally dismayed to find that the architect is a woman.
American heiress Kathryn Atherton's top priority is her work and she's determined to become the first female architect in the United Kingdom. The last thing she needs is a completely unprofessional attraction to her new employer. When Lance learns Kathryn is an heiress, he sees the solution to all his problems, but soon his heart is involved and his love for Kathryn becomes top priority. But Kathryn has worked too hard to give up her career, even for love, and she knows duchesses can't be involved in trade. When she learns of the debt against St. Gabriel's Mount, she is convinced Lance only wants to marry her for her money and he'll have a hard time convincing her otherwise.
I wound up really enjoying this story overall. The pace was a little slow and sometimes I found it wasn't really holding my attention. Lance was utterly clueless but that actually wound up being rather charming, especially seeing him come into his own and gain some confidence in his new position and in embracing his feelings. Kathryn's insistence on work over anything else got a bit annoying after a while, but, fortunately, her sisters were just as annoyed and helped her put things into perspective. All told, I enjoyed this and will read more from this author.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
American heiress Kathryn Atherton's top priority is her work and she's determined to become the first female architect in the United Kingdom. The last thing she needs is a completely unprofessional attraction to her new employer. When Lance learns Kathryn is an heiress, he sees the solution to all his problems, but soon his heart is involved and his love for Kathryn becomes top priority. But Kathryn has worked too hard to give up her career, even for love, and she knows duchesses can't be involved in trade. When she learns of the debt against St. Gabriel's Mount, she is convinced Lance only wants to marry her for her money and he'll have a hard time convincing her otherwise.
I wound up really enjoying this story overall. The pace was a little slow and sometimes I found it wasn't really holding my attention. Lance was utterly clueless but that actually wound up being rather charming, especially seeing him come into his own and gain some confidence in his new position and in embracing his feelings. Kathryn's insistence on work over anything else got a bit annoying after a while, but, fortunately, her sisters were just as annoyed and helped her put things into perspective. All told, I enjoyed this and will read more from this author.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
April 7, 2020
She comes from wealth, but dares to take up a male-dominated career; he inherited a title and a pile of debts. Neither believe in love for themselves. An old castle, a wise grandmother, secrets, and a pair of reluctant lovers made for a sparkling Victorian romance.
Duke Darcy's Castle is book three in the Dare to Defy series of standalone romances about three unconventional American heiresses who find their own way to happily ever after.
Kathryn Atherton has been enamored with architectural design since she was a young girl. It is all she has focused on ever since even to the detriment of a personal life. She is trying to make a go of a career in a man's field and they don't want her there. She decides that it must be a career or a family, but she can't have both no matter how insistent her mother is that she marry into British aristocracy as the wealthy heiress she is. Kathryn wants no complications from her family name or wealth and she wants the career more than anything that is until she sets eyes on the new Duke of Darcy and his Cornish Castle. Lance makes her shiver with attraction and that was before their encounter over the pool table.
Lance Granville would give anything to be back at sea as captain of his own ship, but instead he has inherited after his brother's death. Debt and so many needs in the castle and its village weigh him down and then an intrepid female architect arrives hired by his late brother to redesign the public rooms at the castle. He likes her spirit and her looks. What could be the harm in letting her sketch out plans and be there to brighten his days for a little while before he has to go to London and play the mercenary to find a rich bride to save the family fortune?
Duke Darcy's Castle is an uncomplicated, sensual historical romance. Because of this simple plot, it had a light-weight feel to it. It doesn't delve deep. Her career, his need for money, professional behavior toward client, and a swift attraction.
Oh, but wait, there's more... He keeps his financial status a secret even after he tries for something more with her when he knows she's an heiress and he knows he should tell her the truth. This Sword of Damocles feeling of not knowing when the secret would get out as they got more deeply entangled with each other offered the tension beyond the basic story conflict of how they could be together because she wanted a career and he needed a Duchess.
I did enjoy exploring the series theme in this one with her choice to pursue architectural design and the details about that and her struggle to get accepted. It was also interesting to see how being a second son with a career he enjoyed and then having to give it up for duty to family played in. They developed a friendship and understanding over these things that I thought was wonderful.
The romance was the weakest spot for me. Not because I didn't like them or see them together, but because it led with this swift overwhelming sexual need that kept them preoccupied a great deal and it seemed to hit them out of nowhere at first. They latched eyes on each other at the get go and then were in the throws of passion by that evening. Fortunately, this sizzling attraction was not the only connection and the companionable part kicked in so it was more balanced.
Lance's grandmother was a delightful addition to the story. She was wise and fun and not as oblivious as she appeared. Between her and Kathryn's sisters, they sorted out the pair of struggling lovers.
All in all, it was an easy read spicy historical romance with a likeable pair. I've enjoyed many other books from the author including an earlier one in the series. I can heartily recommend this one to those who enjoy a spicy low-angst easy-going historical romance set in the Victorian era.
My thanks to the author and Austenprose for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Duke Darcy's Castle is book three in the Dare to Defy series of standalone romances about three unconventional American heiresses who find their own way to happily ever after.
Kathryn Atherton has been enamored with architectural design since she was a young girl. It is all she has focused on ever since even to the detriment of a personal life. She is trying to make a go of a career in a man's field and they don't want her there. She decides that it must be a career or a family, but she can't have both no matter how insistent her mother is that she marry into British aristocracy as the wealthy heiress she is. Kathryn wants no complications from her family name or wealth and she wants the career more than anything that is until she sets eyes on the new Duke of Darcy and his Cornish Castle. Lance makes her shiver with attraction and that was before their encounter over the pool table.
Lance Granville would give anything to be back at sea as captain of his own ship, but instead he has inherited after his brother's death. Debt and so many needs in the castle and its village weigh him down and then an intrepid female architect arrives hired by his late brother to redesign the public rooms at the castle. He likes her spirit and her looks. What could be the harm in letting her sketch out plans and be there to brighten his days for a little while before he has to go to London and play the mercenary to find a rich bride to save the family fortune?
Duke Darcy's Castle is an uncomplicated, sensual historical romance. Because of this simple plot, it had a light-weight feel to it. It doesn't delve deep. Her career, his need for money, professional behavior toward client, and a swift attraction.
Oh, but wait, there's more... He keeps his financial status a secret even after he tries for something more with her when he knows she's an heiress and he knows he should tell her the truth. This Sword of Damocles feeling of not knowing when the secret would get out as they got more deeply entangled with each other offered the tension beyond the basic story conflict of how they could be together because she wanted a career and he needed a Duchess.
I did enjoy exploring the series theme in this one with her choice to pursue architectural design and the details about that and her struggle to get accepted. It was also interesting to see how being a second son with a career he enjoyed and then having to give it up for duty to family played in. They developed a friendship and understanding over these things that I thought was wonderful.
The romance was the weakest spot for me. Not because I didn't like them or see them together, but because it led with this swift overwhelming sexual need that kept them preoccupied a great deal and it seemed to hit them out of nowhere at first. They latched eyes on each other at the get go and then were in the throws of passion by that evening. Fortunately, this sizzling attraction was not the only connection and the companionable part kicked in so it was more balanced.
Lance's grandmother was a delightful addition to the story. She was wise and fun and not as oblivious as she appeared. Between her and Kathryn's sisters, they sorted out the pair of struggling lovers.
All in all, it was an easy read spicy historical romance with a likeable pair. I've enjoyed many other books from the author including an earlier one in the series. I can heartily recommend this one to those who enjoy a spicy low-angst easy-going historical romance set in the Victorian era.
My thanks to the author and Austenprose for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 23, 2020
St. Gabriel’s Mount, Cornwall - 1894
Miss Kathryn Atherton, age 27, is replacing the ailing George Patterson as the architect who will evaluate the necessary renovations to St. Gabriel’s Mount. It is an enormous castle belonging to Lance Granville, the tenth Duke of Darcy. Kathryn is an heiress from New York but has chosen to become an architect much to the chagrin of her parents. Both of her sisters married titled Englishmen and reside in Cornwall.
Lance has just recently become the new duke after the death of his brother, Haywood, who had hired the architect. Lance had spent the better part of 20 years on the seas and loved that life. Now, he learns that Haywood wanted the architect to make improvements to the castle to pay for his bad investments which has left the coffers nearly empty. Lance needs 68,000 pounds to pay some debts or be faced with selling the castle and holdings.
When Lance meets Kathryn he is surprised to find a woman architect. However, after hearing her ideas on changes, he decides to hire her for three weeks to hear what more she feels needs to be done. in addition, she is a lovely woman and he enjoys her company. But when their first evening spent together results in an alcohol-fueled attraction to one another, she is embarrassed and determined that she will avoid the attractive duke as much as possible during the rest of her stay.
Lance’s grandmother who lives at the castle reminds him that he needs to find a bride and hopefully one with a fortune. He soon learns that Kathryn is an heiress with an enormous dowry and he is determined to ask for her hand. However, his approach turns out to be that she should be honored to be his duchess with nothing said of love. To that, he is soundly turned down. He realizes that she needs to trust that he loves her for herself and not for her money. When she overhears him say that marrying her will take care of his debts, she is shocked as she had no idea he was in debt. Convinced that he is only after her money, she breaks off from him and leaves. But Lance truly loves her. Can he convince her of that?
A good love story that features a very strong and intelligent woman paired with an equally matched man. I admire how Kathryn is very happy with her work and wants to continue with it. I think that Lance should have let her know right away that he was in debt and that he may not be able to afford to institute some of the changes that she sees needs to be made. Nevertheless, this is a very good book and I enjoy this author’s work very much.
Copy provided by Edelweiss in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Miss Kathryn Atherton, age 27, is replacing the ailing George Patterson as the architect who will evaluate the necessary renovations to St. Gabriel’s Mount. It is an enormous castle belonging to Lance Granville, the tenth Duke of Darcy. Kathryn is an heiress from New York but has chosen to become an architect much to the chagrin of her parents. Both of her sisters married titled Englishmen and reside in Cornwall.
Lance has just recently become the new duke after the death of his brother, Haywood, who had hired the architect. Lance had spent the better part of 20 years on the seas and loved that life. Now, he learns that Haywood wanted the architect to make improvements to the castle to pay for his bad investments which has left the coffers nearly empty. Lance needs 68,000 pounds to pay some debts or be faced with selling the castle and holdings.
When Lance meets Kathryn he is surprised to find a woman architect. However, after hearing her ideas on changes, he decides to hire her for three weeks to hear what more she feels needs to be done. in addition, she is a lovely woman and he enjoys her company. But when their first evening spent together results in an alcohol-fueled attraction to one another, she is embarrassed and determined that she will avoid the attractive duke as much as possible during the rest of her stay.
Lance’s grandmother who lives at the castle reminds him that he needs to find a bride and hopefully one with a fortune. He soon learns that Kathryn is an heiress with an enormous dowry and he is determined to ask for her hand. However, his approach turns out to be that she should be honored to be his duchess with nothing said of love. To that, he is soundly turned down. He realizes that she needs to trust that he loves her for herself and not for her money. When she overhears him say that marrying her will take care of his debts, she is shocked as she had no idea he was in debt. Convinced that he is only after her money, she breaks off from him and leaves. But Lance truly loves her. Can he convince her of that?
A good love story that features a very strong and intelligent woman paired with an equally matched man. I admire how Kathryn is very happy with her work and wants to continue with it. I think that Lance should have let her know right away that he was in debt and that he may not be able to afford to institute some of the changes that she sees needs to be made. Nevertheless, this is a very good book and I enjoy this author’s work very much.
Copy provided by Edelweiss in exchange for a fair and honest review.
March 26, 2020
Lance Granville has inherited the title of the Tenth Duke of Darcy and has had to leave the Royal Navy. Lance is in need of a bride. Part of this means that he must renovate his castle. However, the castle is falling apart and needs many changes, so the renovation needed is hardly a simple task. He hires an architect to complete the task, but imagine his shock when the architect is a woman, Kathryn Atherton.
Kathryn has fulfilled her dream of being an architect. She is an American heiress but that really means nothing to her. She is striving to create a career in a man's world. Having finished schooling and seeking a license, she intends on making a name for herself. Her work on her current task in Cornwall might open doors for her.
There is a problem that makes itself apparent from almost the moment she walks into the castle. Sparks fly between her and the Duke. Kathryn struggles to keep things professional. Lance has no intent on letting that happen. In addition to a passion that cannot be denied between them, Lance has a problem. He has a huge debt and marrying for money just might solve his problems. Can the two align their individual goals and keep their hearts intact?
Duke Darcy's Castle is the final book in the Dare to Defy trilogy and it is an enjoyable book, especially when the heart, with explosive passion, is at war with logic and goals. It was wonderful to see how Kathryn and Lance found their way to a happy ever after. I did read the second book in this series, The Summer of Scandal, which I also enjoyed, but each book does fine as a standalone novel. One thing I loved by both books that I have read is that these women are strong, articulate and independent. I love seeing women of that ilk in historical romances.
Many thanks to Avon Impulse and to Edelweiss for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Kathryn has fulfilled her dream of being an architect. She is an American heiress but that really means nothing to her. She is striving to create a career in a man's world. Having finished schooling and seeking a license, she intends on making a name for herself. Her work on her current task in Cornwall might open doors for her.
There is a problem that makes itself apparent from almost the moment she walks into the castle. Sparks fly between her and the Duke. Kathryn struggles to keep things professional. Lance has no intent on letting that happen. In addition to a passion that cannot be denied between them, Lance has a problem. He has a huge debt and marrying for money just might solve his problems. Can the two align their individual goals and keep their hearts intact?
Duke Darcy's Castle is the final book in the Dare to Defy trilogy and it is an enjoyable book, especially when the heart, with explosive passion, is at war with logic and goals. It was wonderful to see how Kathryn and Lance found their way to a happy ever after. I did read the second book in this series, The Summer of Scandal, which I also enjoyed, but each book does fine as a standalone novel. One thing I loved by both books that I have read is that these women are strong, articulate and independent. I love seeing women of that ilk in historical romances.
Many thanks to Avon Impulse and to Edelweiss for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
February 18, 2020
3.5 Stars
Lance Granville, the Tenth Duke of Darcy, was none too happy to give up his career in the Royal Navy to inherit the family title, complete with an ancient castle he needs to renovate. When an architect arrives on his doorstep, Darcy is astonished to discover that she’s a woman.
Kathryn Atherton has one goal: to become the first woman architect in Britain. Marriage doesn’t figure in her plans. Despite the odds, her schooling is behind her. Now she needs experience. Kathryn is determined to keep things professional, but the sizzling attraction between her and the duke quickly blazes out of control. When Darcy learns that Kathryn is an heiress whose fortune would save St. Gabriel’s Mount, he wages the most important battle of his life: to woo and win the woman who’s captured his heart. But duchesses can’t be architects. And Kathryn has worked too long and too hard to give up her dreams.
This is the first book I’ve read by the author & found it to be well written but I did find the pace did lag at times & overall the pace was slow & I found my attention wandering & I must admit I did skim through some pages waiting for something to happen. I liked both Lance & Kathryn but didn’t love them. I found Lance to be a bit naive & Kathryn’s determination to work as an architect as annoying but luckily her sisters too helped her see the light. I wish Lance had been the Duke of anywhere but Darcy because I couldn't distance him from the far more famous other Darcy & I did try!
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Lance Granville, the Tenth Duke of Darcy, was none too happy to give up his career in the Royal Navy to inherit the family title, complete with an ancient castle he needs to renovate. When an architect arrives on his doorstep, Darcy is astonished to discover that she’s a woman.
Kathryn Atherton has one goal: to become the first woman architect in Britain. Marriage doesn’t figure in her plans. Despite the odds, her schooling is behind her. Now she needs experience. Kathryn is determined to keep things professional, but the sizzling attraction between her and the duke quickly blazes out of control. When Darcy learns that Kathryn is an heiress whose fortune would save St. Gabriel’s Mount, he wages the most important battle of his life: to woo and win the woman who’s captured his heart. But duchesses can’t be architects. And Kathryn has worked too long and too hard to give up her dreams.
This is the first book I’ve read by the author & found it to be well written but I did find the pace did lag at times & overall the pace was slow & I found my attention wandering & I must admit I did skim through some pages waiting for something to happen. I liked both Lance & Kathryn but didn’t love them. I found Lance to be a bit naive & Kathryn’s determination to work as an architect as annoying but luckily her sisters too helped her see the light. I wish Lance had been the Duke of anywhere but Darcy because I couldn't distance him from the far more famous other Darcy & I did try!
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
February 24, 2020
I really liked this synopsis and the idea of finding a new-to-me author and I’m wondering if 3 stars is too high.
I liked Kathryn and Lance well enough. They’re both smart and charming people. Together they have great conversation and instant attraction. There are a few other characters, but it’s mostly just Kathryn and Lance.
Plot wise, it was okay. The scenes did get repetitive, as did the inner monologues of both characters. The story progresses with several interrupted intimate scenes...and that’s all. There isn’t any tension or real build up. Even the forced time span didn’t feel like it added anything.
Overall, it was the characters who kept me reading as I did want to read their HEA.
**Huge thanks to Avon for providing the arc free of charge**
I liked Kathryn and Lance well enough. They’re both smart and charming people. Together they have great conversation and instant attraction. There are a few other characters, but it’s mostly just Kathryn and Lance.
Plot wise, it was okay. The scenes did get repetitive, as did the inner monologues of both characters. The story progresses with several interrupted intimate scenes...and that’s all. There isn’t any tension or real build up. Even the forced time span didn’t feel like it added anything.
Overall, it was the characters who kept me reading as I did want to read their HEA.
**Huge thanks to Avon for providing the arc free of charge**
April 28, 2020
3.5 stars
I have recently had a lot of luck with historical/Regency romances and when this book came along I was excited to see if my luck would hold!
Admittedly though, this cover didn’t speak to me in any way. In fact it was a little confusing. The pose is a little awkward and a pose of that nature is usually reserved for more saucy romances but in this one, the characters are fully clothed and it made me think more clean romance.
But either way, I thought the summary sounded fun and I especially liked the crumbling castle element so I was excited to check it out and see if it was something that I could fall in love with!
While this book might have appeared to be more of a sweet romance, there was plenty of chemistry and heat between Lance and Kathryn to keep me satisfied with the story and invested in their romance. In my opinion the intimate bits had a more moderate heat than I expected based on the cover, which just goes to show that you can’t indeed judge a book by its cover.
The characters were slightly less developed than I anticipated but I still found Kathryn fun and charming while Lance was sexy and attractive. Though I will say that the inner dialogue from the characters was a little redundant and at times the pace of the story was a little slow, but overall I enjoyed this book and found what I was looking for—a Victorian romance to get lost in for a few days. One thing that I especially loved about this book was that Kathryn wanted to be an architect. I thought it was an interesting way to bring the two characters together and I thought it provided a new approach to the ‘meet cute’ of traditional historical romances.
This book is part of a series, but it easily read as a standalone novel. I picked it up no problem. I know that other reviewers pointed out that the first book in the series in the best, and I would like to go back and read that one as I did enjoy this one quite a bit.
See my full review here
I have recently had a lot of luck with historical/Regency romances and when this book came along I was excited to see if my luck would hold!
Admittedly though, this cover didn’t speak to me in any way. In fact it was a little confusing. The pose is a little awkward and a pose of that nature is usually reserved for more saucy romances but in this one, the characters are fully clothed and it made me think more clean romance.
But either way, I thought the summary sounded fun and I especially liked the crumbling castle element so I was excited to check it out and see if it was something that I could fall in love with!
While this book might have appeared to be more of a sweet romance, there was plenty of chemistry and heat between Lance and Kathryn to keep me satisfied with the story and invested in their romance. In my opinion the intimate bits had a more moderate heat than I expected based on the cover, which just goes to show that you can’t indeed judge a book by its cover.
The characters were slightly less developed than I anticipated but I still found Kathryn fun and charming while Lance was sexy and attractive. Though I will say that the inner dialogue from the characters was a little redundant and at times the pace of the story was a little slow, but overall I enjoyed this book and found what I was looking for—a Victorian romance to get lost in for a few days. One thing that I especially loved about this book was that Kathryn wanted to be an architect. I thought it was an interesting way to bring the two characters together and I thought it provided a new approach to the ‘meet cute’ of traditional historical romances.
This book is part of a series, but it easily read as a standalone novel. I picked it up no problem. I know that other reviewers pointed out that the first book in the series in the best, and I would like to go back and read that one as I did enjoy this one quite a bit.
See my full review here
February 27, 2020
I received an ARC of this book to read through Edelweiss+ in exchange for a fair review. Duke Darcy’s Castle is the third book in the Dare To Defy series by Syrie James. It can be read as a standalone. This was my first book by the author, and I did not find that I felt I was missing out on something by not having read the previous books. Lance Granville had to give up his career in the Royal Navy when his older brother died, and he is now the 10th Duke of Darcy, a title he never expected to inherit. The Dukedom is in severe financial trouble, and he has concluded that he will have to marry wealth to retain and repair St. Gabriels Mount the family castle. When heiress Kathryn Atherton’s employer breaks his leg, he sends her in his stead to plan and oversee renovations at the castle commissioned by the previous duke. Kathryn wants to be an architect and has completed her schooling, but the university has refused to give her a degree because they don’t offer degrees to women. She hopes that by completing this job, she will be able to get her license and be able to practice architecture. When Kathryn arrives at the castle unexpectedly Lance tries to turn her away knowing that he has no funds to pay for renovations but she convinces him of her talent and he decides that it can’t hurt and if worse comes to worse her sketches and plans could improve the sale price of the castle. I think I was in to cynical a mood when I read this story because I never quite believed that he would love her just as well if she was poor. Medium Steam. Publishing Date February 25, 2020 #Edelweiss+ #DukeDarcysCastle #SyrieJames #AvonBooks #HarperCollinsCanada #HistoricalRomance #Bookstagram
April 13, 2020
I personally love titles with a play on classics, such as Pride and Prejudice, so while some people gripe, I enjoy the title of Duke Darcy's Castle.
This book is stand alone and can be read without reading the prior books in the trilogy but I do believe it would have added to my experience if I had read both Runaway Heiress and Summer of Scandal prior to reading Duke Darcy’s Castle. I will definitely be looking to purchase them both shortly to complete the Dare to Defy series.
Syrie James is a new for me author and I enjoyed her style of writing for both the character of Kathryn and Lance. Kathryn is a woman with work ethic, determination and smarts who I deeply connect with understanding the issues within working in male dominated fields.
This was a sweet, light hearted read mixed with interesting historical factoids and some steamy romance.
Thank you to Edelweiss and Avon Romance for providing an ARC in order to review xoxo
This book is stand alone and can be read without reading the prior books in the trilogy but I do believe it would have added to my experience if I had read both Runaway Heiress and Summer of Scandal prior to reading Duke Darcy’s Castle. I will definitely be looking to purchase them both shortly to complete the Dare to Defy series.
Syrie James is a new for me author and I enjoyed her style of writing for both the character of Kathryn and Lance. Kathryn is a woman with work ethic, determination and smarts who I deeply connect with understanding the issues within working in male dominated fields.
This was a sweet, light hearted read mixed with interesting historical factoids and some steamy romance.
Thank you to Edelweiss and Avon Romance for providing an ARC in order to review xoxo
February 26, 2020
This is a very sweet romance between an architect and a brand-new duke (he used to be in the Navy). (And book 3 in a series - I haven't read the previous two but I got the drift easily enough)
Medium-steamy, with a lot of good, feminist sentiment about working women and women's roles (I did love his Grandmother quite a lot). The plot trips along very neatly - with a couple of fun interludes where the couple gets to interact with each other - and ties up nicely, but the tension between hero and heroine didn't quite pay off to my satisfaction. It felt unbalanced in a way - he had to prove he wasn't a twerp or out for her money (which, lets be honest, would this love story have happened had he not learned she was worth seven figures?) while she had to figure out that adding a ranking title to her fortune would unlock many doors for her.
Medium-steamy, with a lot of good, feminist sentiment about working women and women's roles (I did love his Grandmother quite a lot). The plot trips along very neatly - with a couple of fun interludes where the couple gets to interact with each other - and ties up nicely, but the tension between hero and heroine didn't quite pay off to my satisfaction. It felt unbalanced in a way - he had to prove he wasn't a twerp or out for her money (which, lets be honest, would this love story have happened had he not learned she was worth seven figures?) while she had to figure out that adding a ranking title to her fortune would unlock many doors for her.
March 27, 2020
Times are tense in the outside world, but Duke Darcy’s Castle was the perfect book to curl up to with a cup of hot cocoa and be carried away by the story.
Kathryn Atherton wants to be the first woman architect in Victorian era England. She has completed the work to earn the degree, but it was not granted. She has also taken the exam to become a licensed Architect, but she is awaiting the results. Her firm has sent her to St. Gabriel’s Mount to work on renovations to the castle. St. Gabriel’s Mount is a castle located on an island off of Cornwall that is only assessible by land during low tide. When she arrives, she is surprised to learn that the man who hired her has passed away and his brother, Lance Granville, has recently returned from the navy to become the 10th Duke of Darcy. Kathryn strives to complete her job as a professional, but she can not deny her attraction to Lance. Will she choose her career or love?
Lance loved being the Captain of his own ship in the Navy and never thought he would take his brother’s place as the Duke of Darcy. He is stunned to learn that the estate is mortgaged to the hilt and he is about to lose it. He is also stunned to learn that his brother hired an architect and that the architect is a woman. What was his brother thinking with their lack of money? Lance decides to continue the project and finds that he loves Kathryn’s ideas and also finds himself very much attracted to her. When he learns that Kathryn is an heiress and her fortune could save his estate, what will he do?
I greatly enjoyed this novel. It was a perfect escapism read. I loved Kathryn and Lance as characters. I was particularly taken with Kathryn’s struggle to be a licensed architect. It infuriated me when her accomplishments were not taken seriously as a female architect and she was barred from receiving her degree and licensure. I really enjoyed the note at the end of the novel that described the real historical struggles of female architects as they tried to be taken as serious professionals in the world. As a female engineer, I really related to this storyline, although I was a hundred years later. I loved that Lance respected Kathryn as a professional besides also being attracted to her as a woman.
This novel does have steamy scenes. It is the third novel in the Dare to Defy series. I’ve read the previous two novels, but this one can stand alone.
Favorite Quotes:
“To succeed in my profession, I will need to work twice as hard as any man.”
Overall, Duke Darcy’s Castle was a perfect escapism historical romance novel and I was especially intrigued by the heroine’s journey as a female architect.
Book Source: Review Copy as part of the Blog Tour put together by Laurel Ann Nattress of Austenprose
This review was first posted on my blog at: https://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2020...
Kathryn Atherton wants to be the first woman architect in Victorian era England. She has completed the work to earn the degree, but it was not granted. She has also taken the exam to become a licensed Architect, but she is awaiting the results. Her firm has sent her to St. Gabriel’s Mount to work on renovations to the castle. St. Gabriel’s Mount is a castle located on an island off of Cornwall that is only assessible by land during low tide. When she arrives, she is surprised to learn that the man who hired her has passed away and his brother, Lance Granville, has recently returned from the navy to become the 10th Duke of Darcy. Kathryn strives to complete her job as a professional, but she can not deny her attraction to Lance. Will she choose her career or love?
Lance loved being the Captain of his own ship in the Navy and never thought he would take his brother’s place as the Duke of Darcy. He is stunned to learn that the estate is mortgaged to the hilt and he is about to lose it. He is also stunned to learn that his brother hired an architect and that the architect is a woman. What was his brother thinking with their lack of money? Lance decides to continue the project and finds that he loves Kathryn’s ideas and also finds himself very much attracted to her. When he learns that Kathryn is an heiress and her fortune could save his estate, what will he do?
I greatly enjoyed this novel. It was a perfect escapism read. I loved Kathryn and Lance as characters. I was particularly taken with Kathryn’s struggle to be a licensed architect. It infuriated me when her accomplishments were not taken seriously as a female architect and she was barred from receiving her degree and licensure. I really enjoyed the note at the end of the novel that described the real historical struggles of female architects as they tried to be taken as serious professionals in the world. As a female engineer, I really related to this storyline, although I was a hundred years later. I loved that Lance respected Kathryn as a professional besides also being attracted to her as a woman.
This novel does have steamy scenes. It is the third novel in the Dare to Defy series. I’ve read the previous two novels, but this one can stand alone.
Favorite Quotes:
“To succeed in my profession, I will need to work twice as hard as any man.”
Overall, Duke Darcy’s Castle was a perfect escapism historical romance novel and I was especially intrigued by the heroine’s journey as a female architect.
Book Source: Review Copy as part of the Blog Tour put together by Laurel Ann Nattress of Austenprose
This review was first posted on my blog at: https://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2020...
April 17, 2020
Every so often I go on a historical romance binge. It's like a switch flips inside me and I toss every contemporary, paranormal, sci-fi, and dark romance aside and read my way through my entire stack of historical romances where they words like flower and member and the men are sexist until their Modern Woman comes onto the scene and flips their world upside down.
Syrie James' Dare to Defy series features a runaway heiress desperate to escape her mother's clutches, an heiress desperate to fulfill her dream of becoming an published author, and an heiress ready to toss away her fortune if it means she can become an female architect in a man's world. Duke Darcy's Castle is Kathryn's, the architect's story, and it is a fascinating tale of the length's in which a woman has to go in order to make a name for herself in a world where no one believes a woman is capable of more than running a household.
I absolutely loved learned about the world of architecture during the 1800s. James did a great job of slipping fun facts in among the romance and drama to really bring Kathryn's career to life. I could have read a book entirely based on her experience as a female architect because the skill and knowledge required for a job like that in that time period is quite exceptional, and judging from the novel there were actually a few female architect's in the day. Kathryn refused to let societal expectations lay out her future for her and wanted more out of her life than being a kept woman, Duchess or not.
Lance wasn't the forward-thinking man a romance heroine would dream of at the start of this romance novel--except for the whole Duke thing, of course--but over the course of the novel he truly evolved from clueless to thoughtful, from calculating to lovesick, until he was the sort of man worthy of such a strong woman as Kathryn. Watching him slowly change his point of view, and scramble to keep up with his ever-changing opinion of Kathryn and her dreams, was exceptionally entertaining. In the end, he was the sort of man you'd want on your side against the patriarchy.
This is a really wonderful series for those romance readers who want their historical heroines to be bold feminists who aren't afraid to be themselves in a time where breaking outside the mold was the worst thing a woman could do. James' writing is spectacular, her imagery is beautiful, and characters leap off the page in a way that makes you wish they were real so you could ask them all the questions their stories generated. And this cover is just so freaking amazing, how can you resist?!
Syrie James' Dare to Defy series features a runaway heiress desperate to escape her mother's clutches, an heiress desperate to fulfill her dream of becoming an published author, and an heiress ready to toss away her fortune if it means she can become an female architect in a man's world. Duke Darcy's Castle is Kathryn's, the architect's story, and it is a fascinating tale of the length's in which a woman has to go in order to make a name for herself in a world where no one believes a woman is capable of more than running a household.
I absolutely loved learned about the world of architecture during the 1800s. James did a great job of slipping fun facts in among the romance and drama to really bring Kathryn's career to life. I could have read a book entirely based on her experience as a female architect because the skill and knowledge required for a job like that in that time period is quite exceptional, and judging from the novel there were actually a few female architect's in the day. Kathryn refused to let societal expectations lay out her future for her and wanted more out of her life than being a kept woman, Duchess or not.
Lance wasn't the forward-thinking man a romance heroine would dream of at the start of this romance novel--except for the whole Duke thing, of course--but over the course of the novel he truly evolved from clueless to thoughtful, from calculating to lovesick, until he was the sort of man worthy of such a strong woman as Kathryn. Watching him slowly change his point of view, and scramble to keep up with his ever-changing opinion of Kathryn and her dreams, was exceptionally entertaining. In the end, he was the sort of man you'd want on your side against the patriarchy.
This is a really wonderful series for those romance readers who want their historical heroines to be bold feminists who aren't afraid to be themselves in a time where breaking outside the mold was the worst thing a woman could do. James' writing is spectacular, her imagery is beautiful, and characters leap off the page in a way that makes you wish they were real so you could ask them all the questions their stories generated. And this cover is just so freaking amazing, how can you resist?!
March 9, 2020
Duke Darcy's Castle is the third book in the Dare to Defy series about three heiress sister who find love with British dukes. This is Kathryn and Lance's story. Even though it is the third book it definitely can be read as a stand alone book. Kathryn is determined to prove that she can be a woman and an architect in a profession filled only by men. Lance's castle remodel is her chance to do just that.
For the most part, I enjoyed the romance between Lance and Kathryn. I liked each character well enough and thought they had great chemistry. I also enjoyed the enthusiasm that Kathryn had about buildings and design. The tidbits about architecture were interesting and added to greatly to the story. The characters were interesting. I enjoyed Lance's attempts to get to know Kathryn better and get her to fall for him. Lance's grandmother was probably my favorite character out of them all. She was hilarious.
I had a few things that I didn't love about the book. I felt like I was hit over the head with the fact that Kathryn and Lance were attracted to each other. The internal conversations that they had with themselves all seemed to center around that attraction. It got old really fast. I also wasn't a fan of the "insta-love" or should I say lust. I mean they were together maybe a few hours and then they almost have sex on a pool table. That was a bit off putting. There was one part of the story that I found unnecessary and seemed to be put into the story for "representation" sake. Not that I had an issue with the content of that part of the story. I just felt like it was out of place and not needed as it didn't make any sense to the story. It seemed like it was just there to have the characters have a conversation about how forward thinking they are about how love is love.
If you are a fan of romances with forward thinking heroines and hero Dukes who will do anything to get the girl, then I do recommend this one.
For the most part, I enjoyed the romance between Lance and Kathryn. I liked each character well enough and thought they had great chemistry. I also enjoyed the enthusiasm that Kathryn had about buildings and design. The tidbits about architecture were interesting and added to greatly to the story. The characters were interesting. I enjoyed Lance's attempts to get to know Kathryn better and get her to fall for him. Lance's grandmother was probably my favorite character out of them all. She was hilarious.
I had a few things that I didn't love about the book. I felt like I was hit over the head with the fact that Kathryn and Lance were attracted to each other. The internal conversations that they had with themselves all seemed to center around that attraction. It got old really fast. I also wasn't a fan of the "insta-love" or should I say lust. I mean they were together maybe a few hours and then they almost have sex on a pool table. That was a bit off putting. There was one part of the story that I found unnecessary and seemed to be put into the story for "representation" sake. Not that I had an issue with the content of that part of the story. I just felt like it was out of place and not needed as it didn't make any sense to the story. It seemed like it was just there to have the characters have a conversation about how forward thinking they are about how love is love.
If you are a fan of romances with forward thinking heroines and hero Dukes who will do anything to get the girl, then I do recommend this one.
March 8, 2020
Duke Darcy's Castle by Syrie James is book Three in the A Dare to Defy Series. This is the story of Kathryn Atherton and Lance Granville, the Tenth Duke of Darcy. I have read the previous books but feel you can make this a standalone book if you wish to do so. Kathryn goal is to be the first women architect in Britain now that her schooling is over. Kathryn has set to remodel a crumbling castle but when she arrives she meets Lance. Kathryn is immediately attracted to him but she can't be distracted by that when her goal could be put in jeopardy. Lance has inherited the family title along with debit and a falling castle which none of it he really wanted. But what takes him more by surprise is Kathryn who shows up to work on his new home. The attraction is fast and he can't seem to stop his feelings...then he learns there is more to her than what she shows.
Enjoyed their story.
Enjoyed their story.
April 18, 2020
Oh this was fun. After reading the first two Atherton sisters' stories, I knew what I was getting in to, and this was everything I expected - with, perhaps, even a dash more. Lance is such a magnificent former Naval Captain, with endearingly misguided flaws, I loved watching the sparks fly between he and Kathryn. On her part, Kathryn - like her sisters - is not your typical American heiress looking for a noble husband. She's got a career in mind, and is hellbent on succeeding as the first female in a man's world. But she's also very much aware of the sparks ... what's a girl to do?
This was so much fun, I have loved this series. And I particularly liked the timing of this reading to my nonfiction account of the Cartier family, because of the overlapping time period and subjects. A perfect read for a pandemic ... a very welcome escape from current reality.
This was so much fun, I have loved this series. And I particularly liked the timing of this reading to my nonfiction account of the Cartier family, because of the overlapping time period and subjects. A perfect read for a pandemic ... a very welcome escape from current reality.
July 11, 2025
I found this to be a fun, easy read. Some of the attitudes seemed a bit progressive but that was sort of the point of the novel (and presumably the trilogy). Her fighting for recognition in her career didn't bother me in the least, but I felt some of the attitudes and openness about their desire for each other and sex before marriage seemed a bit out of character for the time. Despite that though, I thought the characters were well developed and I enjoyed the storyline. I found this at a library book sale so I haven't read the first two in the series (or indeed any other Syrie James' books) but I'm sure I would find them enjoyable as well. This book features Kathryn, an American heiress, and the first two books are her sisters, all of them with heroes who are British noblemen. Definitely worth a read for fans of historic romance.
February 28, 2020
I have been waiting for this book forever. I really liked the first. The second was ok. This one should be classified as erotica. It is truly a modern novel acting like 2020 in the year 1800 something. As such it rings false constantly. Beyond that our leads relationship is flat. And I found a lot of it annoying beyond the eye rolling instalove crap which prevented any relationship between the leads from actually developing. I didn’t feel like this book fit with the other two in the series and I am suffering a profound disappointment.
September 7, 2020
The last Atherton daughter Kathryn has finished her degree in Architecture and is anxious to prove herself.
Lance Granville, has inherited as the tenth duke of Darcy, a crumbling castle that needs to be restored. Hiring the services on an architect, he is very surprised when it is a woman and an American at that!
The author does a great job of the historical detail and building the characters..
Lance Granville, has inherited as the tenth duke of Darcy, a crumbling castle that needs to be restored. Hiring the services on an architect, he is very surprised when it is a woman and an American at that!
The author does a great job of the historical detail and building the characters..
March 5, 2020
In broad strokes, this is a good romance novel. James understands romance conventions and goes through the motions. However, there was a strange lack of depth in terms of emotion, characterization, and chemistry. Duke Darcy's Castle is well-written story with none of the humanity that makes romance novels so appealing.
February 27, 2020
Please see my review on Austenprose.com:
https://austenprose.com/2020/02/24/du...
https://austenprose.com/2020/02/24/du...
Read
February 27, 2020Review to come on March 13th.
March 4, 2020
A great story. Slightly predictable, but with a few surprises.
April 5, 2020
A plucky and determined heroine, a sea captain turned impoverished royalty, architecture, and an adorable grandmother make this a fun read. It’s somewhere between 3 and 3.5 stars for me.
Read
April 7, 2020DNF
April 24, 2020
Firs time reading this author. I was ver happy. This was really good, start to finish, like a simmering, steaming pot of hot water.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews