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The Duke's Bluestocking
Temptation like never before for the fashion-loving bluestocking when she meets an unconventional duke.
Headstrong Grace Bamford is determined to remain unwed and keep her independence. Which means interesting, marriageable men are best avoided. Her classical studies and philanthropy are more important to her than a husband and a lot safer.
Angus Medley's life is turned upside down when he unexpectedly inherits a dukedom. He is wrenched from the career he loves as an Edinburgh advocate to take up responsibility for the Duchy of Evesham and the people relying on it for their livelihoods.
Grace rescues Angus from a knife-wielding attacker outside the London orphanage she helps to run. He dismisses the attack as a failed robbery but Grace suspects foul play. Is someone from Angus's past trying to kill him? Grace offers to help him investigate, concerned for his safety, even though it means spending time with the most attractive man she has ever met.
Marriage is the last thing on Angus's mind as he grapples with his new responsibilities and his hidden enemy, until he falls in love with Grace. Will Grace find the courage to follow her heart?
Georgette Heyer meets Mary Balogh in this romantic adventure.
This is book 4 in my Reluctant Bride series of standalone, Regency romances, linked by character.
Earlier books in this series
A Good match For The Major
The Viscount's Convenient Bride
The Marquess's Christmas Runaway
Headstrong Grace Bamford is determined to remain unwed and keep her independence. Which means interesting, marriageable men are best avoided. Her classical studies and philanthropy are more important to her than a husband and a lot safer.
Angus Medley's life is turned upside down when he unexpectedly inherits a dukedom. He is wrenched from the career he loves as an Edinburgh advocate to take up responsibility for the Duchy of Evesham and the people relying on it for their livelihoods.
Grace rescues Angus from a knife-wielding attacker outside the London orphanage she helps to run. He dismisses the attack as a failed robbery but Grace suspects foul play. Is someone from Angus's past trying to kill him? Grace offers to help him investigate, concerned for his safety, even though it means spending time with the most attractive man she has ever met.
Marriage is the last thing on Angus's mind as he grapples with his new responsibilities and his hidden enemy, until he falls in love with Grace. Will Grace find the courage to follow her heart?
Georgette Heyer meets Mary Balogh in this romantic adventure.
This is book 4 in my Reluctant Bride series of standalone, Regency romances, linked by character.
Earlier books in this series
A Good match For The Major
The Viscount's Convenient Bride
The Marquess's Christmas Runaway
331 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 28, 2022
54 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 13, 2022
Angus Medley, the new Duke of Evesham, never expected to inherit as his father was the youngest son of the previous duke and all his brothers had married and had sons of their own, but in a bizarre twist of fate, they all met with an untimely death, leaving Angus as the duke. He travels to London to take up his duties and set his house to rights. He is staying with Viscount Enstone, who is married to his cousin Kitty, and at Kitty’s suggestion, he goes to the Sunshine Orphanage to hire help for Medley House, but he gets lost and is attacked by footpads. After a scuffle, the thieves limp away and Angus is directed to the orphanage, and is once again attacked – but his time he is saved by a beautiful woman with a gun!
Grace Bamford is sister to Viscount Enstone and a patron of the orphanage, she was shocked to see the duke being charged by a man with a knife and thankfully had a pistol at the ready. She is sure the man was waiting for the duke and considering his family’s unfortunate history of premature death, is certain that someone is out to kill Angus as well. She suggests that she can help him figure out who is out to kill him, but he is not convinced it is necessary, that is until another attempt is made. He agrees to her help but is worried about her reputation. She then suggests they pretend to be courting, which will protect her reputation and protect him from matchmaking mamas. She assures him that she never wants to marry, so he has nothing to worry about. That is until he falls in love with her and needs to find a way to unmask his would-be assassin and convince the intractable Miss Bamford that love is worth the risk to her independence.
This is the fourth book in a standalone, character-linked series, so it is not necessary to read the books in order to follow the story. This book is well-written and filled with intrigue, a lot of suspects, interesting secondary characters, a very stubborn heroine, a matchmaking brother, some surprising revelations, a bizarre ending that left me a tad confused, and finally the HEA complete with an epilogue. For me, the book was not a keeper, there were too many characters to keep track of and I never warmed up to the heroine, I found her too self-absorbed and stubborn to be likable. Overall, it was a decent read, but not one I would read again.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*
Grace Bamford is sister to Viscount Enstone and a patron of the orphanage, she was shocked to see the duke being charged by a man with a knife and thankfully had a pistol at the ready. She is sure the man was waiting for the duke and considering his family’s unfortunate history of premature death, is certain that someone is out to kill Angus as well. She suggests that she can help him figure out who is out to kill him, but he is not convinced it is necessary, that is until another attempt is made. He agrees to her help but is worried about her reputation. She then suggests they pretend to be courting, which will protect her reputation and protect him from matchmaking mamas. She assures him that she never wants to marry, so he has nothing to worry about. That is until he falls in love with her and needs to find a way to unmask his would-be assassin and convince the intractable Miss Bamford that love is worth the risk to her independence.
This is the fourth book in a standalone, character-linked series, so it is not necessary to read the books in order to follow the story. This book is well-written and filled with intrigue, a lot of suspects, interesting secondary characters, a very stubborn heroine, a matchmaking brother, some surprising revelations, a bizarre ending that left me a tad confused, and finally the HEA complete with an epilogue. For me, the book was not a keeper, there were too many characters to keep track of and I never warmed up to the heroine, I found her too self-absorbed and stubborn to be likable. Overall, it was a decent read, but not one I would read again.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*
July 5, 2022
I've read and really enjoyed all the other books in this series and I was delighted to hear there was a new one! It didn't disappoint. Another fantastic romance with loads of drama and intrigue in a wonderful regency setting. I'm looking forward to the next one and highly recommend this series to all regency romance fans.
October 2, 2022
Josie Bonham’s The Duke’s Bluestocking is an enjoyable Regency romance sparkling with mystery, emotion and intrigue.
For Grace Bamford, retaining her independence is far more important than making a suitable match. Unlike other ladies of her class, Grace is not the slightest bit interested in finding a husband and she gets plenty of joy and fulfillment from her philanthropy and classical studies. Grace has no interest in matrimony and has made avoiding eligible bachelors her life’s work – until she rescues a duke from a knife-wielding attacker and finds her resolve to remain single wavering…
Angus Medley loves his life in Edinburgh where he works as an advocate. He never imagined finding himself doing something else – until he receives some earth-shattering news: he is the heir to the Duchy of Evesham! Naturally, Angus is completely floored by this revelation, but there are more shocks on the way for him when he finds himself almost killed by an attacker outside a London orphanage. Angus shudders to think what would have happened if it wasn’t for Grace Bamford and although he is keen to forget about the incident and dismisses it as a robbery gone wrong, he soon begins to wonder whether there might have been a more nefarious reason behind this attack!
Grace offers to help him to get to the bottom of this mystery and soon the two of them begin to spend a lot of time together. Angus shares Grace’s feelings towards matrimony, but the more time he spends with her, the more he finds himself unable to stop thinking about her. Can the two of them find out who wants to kill Angus? Will they find the courage to follow their hearts and admit how they really feel about one another? Or are they about to lose the best thing that’s ever happened to them?
Josie Bonham’s The Duke’s Bluestocking is a delightful Regency romance perfect for readers who like their historicals brimming with vivid period details, compelling characters, emotional intensity and a soupcon of danger that keeps them eagerly turning the pages.
Josie Bonham has a wonderful gift for writing historical romances and she immerses her readers into the exquisite world she creates the minute they read the first page. The Duke’s Bluestocking is a fun, fast-paced and enchanting Regency romance ideal for curling up with and escaping into.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
For Grace Bamford, retaining her independence is far more important than making a suitable match. Unlike other ladies of her class, Grace is not the slightest bit interested in finding a husband and she gets plenty of joy and fulfillment from her philanthropy and classical studies. Grace has no interest in matrimony and has made avoiding eligible bachelors her life’s work – until she rescues a duke from a knife-wielding attacker and finds her resolve to remain single wavering…
Angus Medley loves his life in Edinburgh where he works as an advocate. He never imagined finding himself doing something else – until he receives some earth-shattering news: he is the heir to the Duchy of Evesham! Naturally, Angus is completely floored by this revelation, but there are more shocks on the way for him when he finds himself almost killed by an attacker outside a London orphanage. Angus shudders to think what would have happened if it wasn’t for Grace Bamford and although he is keen to forget about the incident and dismisses it as a robbery gone wrong, he soon begins to wonder whether there might have been a more nefarious reason behind this attack!
Grace offers to help him to get to the bottom of this mystery and soon the two of them begin to spend a lot of time together. Angus shares Grace’s feelings towards matrimony, but the more time he spends with her, the more he finds himself unable to stop thinking about her. Can the two of them find out who wants to kill Angus? Will they find the courage to follow their hearts and admit how they really feel about one another? Or are they about to lose the best thing that’s ever happened to them?
Josie Bonham’s The Duke’s Bluestocking is a delightful Regency romance perfect for readers who like their historicals brimming with vivid period details, compelling characters, emotional intensity and a soupcon of danger that keeps them eagerly turning the pages.
Josie Bonham has a wonderful gift for writing historical romances and she immerses her readers into the exquisite world she creates the minute they read the first page. The Duke’s Bluestocking is a fun, fast-paced and enchanting Regency romance ideal for curling up with and escaping into.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 22, 2022
Grace Bamford is more than happy to be thought of as a bluestocking – no more pressure to bow to a suitable marriage, able to spend her days helping needy children at the orphanage where she’s a patron find jobs with suitable households, retreating to the library to immerse herself in a historical tome, perhaps even to consider setting up her own household. She’s fiercely independent and likes it that way – perhaps the only down side of being a bluestocking would be not being able to wear the colourful and fashionable gowns she rather enjoys. But she hadn’t bargained on meeting Angus Medley, the new Duke of Evesham – he’s rather out of his depth, never having expected to inherit his title, trying to set up his household and come to terms with his new responsibilities and his place in London society. When he’s attacked in the street while visiting the orphanage, Grace intervenes – using the pistols she carries in her muff (and shouldn’t we all?!) – but it soon becomes clear that he has enemies who mean him harm, and there are a number of possible suspects.
The story becomes a fascinating mystery – one Grace is as keen to solve as he is – but also tracks the progress of their relationship, while he assembles the household he needs to support him in his new role. They agree to a subterfuge – that they will act as a courting couple, which allows them more freedom to be together and free him from the attentions of society mothers seeking a husband for their daughters. But they hadn’t expected to enjoy each others’ company as much as they do – he’s only too aware of Grace’s suitability as a life partner, their hearts begin to beat a little faster when they’re together, and Grace begins to question whether keeping her independence is as attractive a prospect as she once thought it was.
I thoroughly enjoyed the first two books in this lovely series, but I must say I thought this one was even better. The pacing of the story is excellent, as the finger of suspicion moves between a range of suspects intent on ending Angus’ life, with a few episodes of really well-handled drama that made the pages turn considerably faster. The romance is excellent, everything I wanted it to be – great chemistry between Angus and Grace, the attraction between them developing in a way I found really engaging and entirely believable, and it helped that they were both such very likeable characters.
In fact, all the characterisation in the book is excellent, whether major or minor characters – although Angus and Grace always draw the eye, I particularly enjoyed the development of some of the characters from the servant classes. If you have read any of the other books, you’ll notice that there are a few recurring characters – a nice treat for those of us who recognise them, but nothing that would make this book in any way unreadable as a standalone. And I thought the whole Regency setting – the manners and social conventions, the limitations for the female characters, the circles the Duke moved in – was exceptionally well done. The whole story is nicely balanced too – it’s a particularly well-wrought romance, but the whole mystery element has a very satisfying degree of complication and a wholly unexpected outcome.
The writing is excellent, the storytelling compelling – I know I’ve mentioned several times before that the author’s obvious enjoyment in telling her stories becomes quite infectious. When I read that she’d found this book more of a challenge to write than her others, I’ll admit I was just a little concerned – but it most certainly doesn’t show, and this is another book of which she should be justifiably proud. A really lovely read, and highly recommended by me.
The story becomes a fascinating mystery – one Grace is as keen to solve as he is – but also tracks the progress of their relationship, while he assembles the household he needs to support him in his new role. They agree to a subterfuge – that they will act as a courting couple, which allows them more freedom to be together and free him from the attentions of society mothers seeking a husband for their daughters. But they hadn’t expected to enjoy each others’ company as much as they do – he’s only too aware of Grace’s suitability as a life partner, their hearts begin to beat a little faster when they’re together, and Grace begins to question whether keeping her independence is as attractive a prospect as she once thought it was.
I thoroughly enjoyed the first two books in this lovely series, but I must say I thought this one was even better. The pacing of the story is excellent, as the finger of suspicion moves between a range of suspects intent on ending Angus’ life, with a few episodes of really well-handled drama that made the pages turn considerably faster. The romance is excellent, everything I wanted it to be – great chemistry between Angus and Grace, the attraction between them developing in a way I found really engaging and entirely believable, and it helped that they were both such very likeable characters.
In fact, all the characterisation in the book is excellent, whether major or minor characters – although Angus and Grace always draw the eye, I particularly enjoyed the development of some of the characters from the servant classes. If you have read any of the other books, you’ll notice that there are a few recurring characters – a nice treat for those of us who recognise them, but nothing that would make this book in any way unreadable as a standalone. And I thought the whole Regency setting – the manners and social conventions, the limitations for the female characters, the circles the Duke moved in – was exceptionally well done. The whole story is nicely balanced too – it’s a particularly well-wrought romance, but the whole mystery element has a very satisfying degree of complication and a wholly unexpected outcome.
The writing is excellent, the storytelling compelling – I know I’ve mentioned several times before that the author’s obvious enjoyment in telling her stories becomes quite infectious. When I read that she’d found this book more of a challenge to write than her others, I’ll admit I was just a little concerned – but it most certainly doesn’t show, and this is another book of which she should be justifiably proud. A really lovely read, and highly recommended by me.
June 30, 2022
I was so excited when Josie Bonham contacted me and offered a copy of The Dukes Bluestocking in return for my honest review. Having read the first three books in the reluctant bride’s series, I could not wait to get stuck in, a little nervous to see if it lived up to the previous books.
Well, I was not disappointed, this is a well written regency period romance, I fell in love with the new Duke, loved that I already knew some of the characters, it felt like I had an advantage of knowing some of them already and this filled me with anticipation as to what was in store for them. It was great to have the addition of some new characters and was disappointed when ever I had to stop reading and return to normal life! Picking up children from school really does hinder when you’re engrossed.
This book could be read and enjoyed as a stand - alone novel, and would be loved by any romance reader but, as I have said previously, if you read the others in the series, you would have a better knowledge and understanding of some of the characters which, would only enhance your enjoyment of each book.
This book had everything you needed, strong minded women, the touch of danger amidst the backdrop of two people falling in love, the duke struggling with his new life and the will they won’t they manage to get together. What more can you want!
It was a thoroughly enjoyable read, that had me on the edge of my seat. The Dukes Bluestocking is the type of book that you’re itching to read and get finished so you know what happens but, as you’re reading you see the pages thinning out and you know you’re coming to the end, and that makes you a little sad to be leaving the loveable characters behind.
Thank you, Josie Bonham for allowing me to read and review your wonderful book. I’m already looking forward to the next in the series.
To see the full review or my reviews of the other books in the reluctant bride series please go to
https://goodbookscometothosewhoread.b...
Well, I was not disappointed, this is a well written regency period romance, I fell in love with the new Duke, loved that I already knew some of the characters, it felt like I had an advantage of knowing some of them already and this filled me with anticipation as to what was in store for them. It was great to have the addition of some new characters and was disappointed when ever I had to stop reading and return to normal life! Picking up children from school really does hinder when you’re engrossed.
This book could be read and enjoyed as a stand - alone novel, and would be loved by any romance reader but, as I have said previously, if you read the others in the series, you would have a better knowledge and understanding of some of the characters which, would only enhance your enjoyment of each book.
This book had everything you needed, strong minded women, the touch of danger amidst the backdrop of two people falling in love, the duke struggling with his new life and the will they won’t they manage to get together. What more can you want!
It was a thoroughly enjoyable read, that had me on the edge of my seat. The Dukes Bluestocking is the type of book that you’re itching to read and get finished so you know what happens but, as you’re reading you see the pages thinning out and you know you’re coming to the end, and that makes you a little sad to be leaving the loveable characters behind.
Thank you, Josie Bonham for allowing me to read and review your wonderful book. I’m already looking forward to the next in the series.
To see the full review or my reviews of the other books in the reluctant bride series please go to
https://goodbookscometothosewhoread.b...
August 1, 2022
I enjoyed a lot of this book, especially Grace, whose independence is matched only by her love of fashion and her heart for others, particularly the orphans she is trying to place in employment. Her family's matchmaking efforts are frustratingly condescending, and much like Grace, I found her attraction to Angus a tad annoying because it meant giving in. For his part, Angus is rather a good fellow and a worthy suitor for Grace, if only their entire circle of acquaintances weren't pushing them together! By the end of the book however I was certain they belonged together but Grace like myself needed easing into the idea.
Beyond the matchmaking, Angus haws recently inherited a dukedom from the family who shunned his mother but have a fatal string of bad luck in recent years. He is settling in and setting up his household when it becomes apparent someone is trying to kill him. It's going to take him, Grace, and many of his new employees (especially my favourite plucky orphan Sam) to solve this mystery and keep Angus from joining his recently departed relatives.
Now there's so many characters, particularly Angus' new servants, that's it hard to keep them all straight, but the plot is fast enough to just sit back and enjoy the ride. This is a fabulous romance with an intriguing plot and two engaging leads, I just found it a good time.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via Rachel's Random Resources; all opinions are my own. For more reviews, check out my blog!
Beyond the matchmaking, Angus haws recently inherited a dukedom from the family who shunned his mother but have a fatal string of bad luck in recent years. He is settling in and setting up his household when it becomes apparent someone is trying to kill him. It's going to take him, Grace, and many of his new employees (especially my favourite plucky orphan Sam) to solve this mystery and keep Angus from joining his recently departed relatives.
Now there's so many characters, particularly Angus' new servants, that's it hard to keep them all straight, but the plot is fast enough to just sit back and enjoy the ride. This is a fabulous romance with an intriguing plot and two engaging leads, I just found it a good time.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via Rachel's Random Resources; all opinions are my own. For more reviews, check out my blog!
July 19, 2022
This was my first book by Josie Bonham and I liked it quite a lot. Her characters are really unconventional and I particularly liked Grace, who’s very independent and sure of herself… Until she falls in love! Love is surely unsettling for her, as it is for Angus, who has just had his life upended by an unexpected inheritance and then… an unexpected love! Furthermore, it was quite interesting to see how much work is involved in organizing a ducal household, even if I would have trimmed this part a bit. The mystery surrounding the attempted murder of Angus was well crafted and it surely made the plot even more interesting. Finally, this is a very low steam book, but I liked all the same, even if usually it’s not my cup of tea.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 25, 2022
Thank you so much Josie Bonham and Rachel’s random resources for gifting me a digital copy of ‘The Duke’s bluestocking’ in exchange for an honest review. I found this book so immersive; from the first page I was in regency London following Angus weaves his way through the back streets finding trouble from the get go and the incredibly strong pistol wielding Grace coming to his rescue. I adored the setting and the outfits as well as the mystery of who was trying to kill Angus and meeting a whole social circle at the centre of the Ton. I really enjoyed this book and it was lovely being back in regency London after missing Bridgerton the last few months this was a lovely read that kept me intrigued to the end.
August 15, 2022
Great characters and compe!ling storyline
This fourth book in the reluctant brides series is just as brilliant as the three previous titles. Great story lines and terrific characters with humour, intelligence and courage. Can't wait for the next one.
This fourth book in the reluctant brides series is just as brilliant as the three previous titles. Great story lines and terrific characters with humour, intelligence and courage. Can't wait for the next one.
September 18, 2022
The Duke’s Bluestocking
This is the fourth book of this series and like the other three it was a lovely story I thoroughly enjoyed it lots of intrigue and mystery and a lovely romance well recommend.
This is the fourth book of this series and like the other three it was a lovely story I thoroughly enjoyed it lots of intrigue and mystery and a lovely romance well recommend.
July 22, 2023
The Duke's Bluestocking is the first book in the Reluctant Brides series that I have read and I thoroughly enjoyed it! I always love a hea and Grace and Angus are perfect for one another.
There were a few grammatical errors but they did not affect the overall feel of the book.
There were a few grammatical errors but they did not affect the overall feel of the book.
July 26, 2022
.5
My review of The Duke's Bluestocking can be found on my blog...
https://quirkybookreads.wordpress.com...
My review of The Duke's Bluestocking can be found on my blog...
https://quirkybookreads.wordpress.com...
September 13, 2022
Good read
I love these 4 books in the series. Romance and intrigue and some insight to life in those times for both rich and poor.
I love these 4 books in the series. Romance and intrigue and some insight to life in those times for both rich and poor.
October 25, 2022
Enjoyed the whole series look forward to reading this author again. Light weight easy reading historical romance perfect for reading on holiday.
March 21, 2023
Excellent.
Book four of Reluctant Brides was a good read, I was kept actively interested in the mystery of who was trying to kill Angus.
A good read.
Book four of Reluctant Brides was a good read, I was kept actively interested in the mystery of who was trying to kill Angus.
A good read.
September 22, 2025
This was a really great book. I like how two unlikely people got together and found love. It was a clean book without graphic elements.
September 2, 2022
When one is determined to never get married…
Grace Bramford is determined to never get married, as she wants to keep her independence and surely doesn’t need a husband to tell her what to do or not to do. She enjoys doing what she pleases, like taking care of the orphanage and her classical studies. When she saves Angus Medley from an attacker, Angus may think it was just a robbery going wrong. But him becoming the Duke Of Evesham may make him a target for other purposes. Investigating the matter together, means that Grace start to fall for Angus, but she is not prepared to give up her independence. Especially with her own brother trying to play matchmaker between them. And Angus himself is for sure not looking for someone to marry. But with lives at stakes, how long will it take for Grace and Angus to admit their feelings?
I surely can enjoy reading a Regency romance, even if the outcome isn’t that big of a surprise. And with this author, I know there is more than just swooning looks, hidden/ forbidden kisses and damsels in distress.
I loved Grace’s resolution to never get married, especially when you take in account how marriages were in that era. Grace is an independent woman, but not only that. She is smart, capable and fearless. I for sure never heard of a woman carrying a weapon around! It’s not easy being a woman back then, but Grace won’t let her being a woman let her hold back. She knows what she is worth and what she can do, and she won’t back down.
But beside this fierceness, she also has a gentle, sweet nature. She is truly invested in the orphanage, and helps out every way that she can. But she also makes sure that when someone wants to employ one of the orphans, the orphans go to a good place.
Angus was quickly winning me over. He isn’t accustomed with the society rules as he now is a Duke. But even in his elevated status, he just remains the man he was before. He treats people equally, he doesn’t care if you’re an orphan, in the working class, or a Duke. He looks at the character of people. However, being a typical man, he doesn’t know how to express his feelings correctly, and while he says things with the right intention, they come out in the wrong way, making it funnily frustrating!
It was fun to see also some old friends again, and how they accept Angus between them. But also seeing how they are offering their help in discovering who Angus’ enemies are and why. Again proof that me liking them was the right thing to do!
Grace and Angus together, you know that feelings will grow, but also knowing the characters, they will hang on to their beliefs. And even if it made me frustrated at moments, because we know the potential, it shows us that the main characters aren’t quick in dismissing their thoughts and actually overthink everything.
This was a captivating, intriguing story, making me see enemies everywhere, and having me watch our main characters their backs too. But there were also many moments filled with loyalty (Sam is surely one of the characters that will steal your heart), tender moments between our main characters and moments that made me grasp a little bit for air.
It is in this book perfectly clear to never underestimate the force of a woman, but as headstrong as the main characters can be, also never underestimate the force of love. And the right person will understand your views on several matters, and will accept them and will never try to change you.
Grace Bramford is determined to never get married, as she wants to keep her independence and surely doesn’t need a husband to tell her what to do or not to do. She enjoys doing what she pleases, like taking care of the orphanage and her classical studies. When she saves Angus Medley from an attacker, Angus may think it was just a robbery going wrong. But him becoming the Duke Of Evesham may make him a target for other purposes. Investigating the matter together, means that Grace start to fall for Angus, but she is not prepared to give up her independence. Especially with her own brother trying to play matchmaker between them. And Angus himself is for sure not looking for someone to marry. But with lives at stakes, how long will it take for Grace and Angus to admit their feelings?
I surely can enjoy reading a Regency romance, even if the outcome isn’t that big of a surprise. And with this author, I know there is more than just swooning looks, hidden/ forbidden kisses and damsels in distress.
I loved Grace’s resolution to never get married, especially when you take in account how marriages were in that era. Grace is an independent woman, but not only that. She is smart, capable and fearless. I for sure never heard of a woman carrying a weapon around! It’s not easy being a woman back then, but Grace won’t let her being a woman let her hold back. She knows what she is worth and what she can do, and she won’t back down.
But beside this fierceness, she also has a gentle, sweet nature. She is truly invested in the orphanage, and helps out every way that she can. But she also makes sure that when someone wants to employ one of the orphans, the orphans go to a good place.
Angus was quickly winning me over. He isn’t accustomed with the society rules as he now is a Duke. But even in his elevated status, he just remains the man he was before. He treats people equally, he doesn’t care if you’re an orphan, in the working class, or a Duke. He looks at the character of people. However, being a typical man, he doesn’t know how to express his feelings correctly, and while he says things with the right intention, they come out in the wrong way, making it funnily frustrating!
It was fun to see also some old friends again, and how they accept Angus between them. But also seeing how they are offering their help in discovering who Angus’ enemies are and why. Again proof that me liking them was the right thing to do!
Grace and Angus together, you know that feelings will grow, but also knowing the characters, they will hang on to their beliefs. And even if it made me frustrated at moments, because we know the potential, it shows us that the main characters aren’t quick in dismissing their thoughts and actually overthink everything.
This was a captivating, intriguing story, making me see enemies everywhere, and having me watch our main characters their backs too. But there were also many moments filled with loyalty (Sam is surely one of the characters that will steal your heart), tender moments between our main characters and moments that made me grasp a little bit for air.
It is in this book perfectly clear to never underestimate the force of a woman, but as headstrong as the main characters can be, also never underestimate the force of love. And the right person will understand your views on several matters, and will accept them and will never try to change you.
August 28, 2022
The Duke’s Bluestocking by Josie Bonham is the fourth book in the Reluctant Brides series, but is a standalone, so if, like me, this is the only book in the series that you read, there is no detriment. Having said that, I think I will be going back to read the other books in the series.
I must start with the definition of what a bluestocking is. In an era when young ladies were expected to be accomplished in things like embroidery and art, a bluestocking was a woman who was an intellectual. It was considered a derogatory term because men generally did not want the women in their lives to be their intellectual equal.
In this story, Grace was proud to be a bluestocking, and was intent on remaining single and living independently. Angus had never expected to become the Duke of Evesham. He was the son of the youngest son of the previous Duke and had been working in Edinburgh as an advocate. A number of potentially suspicious deaths occurred until Angus inherited the Dukedom. When Angus is attacked twice on a walk through a less than salubrious area of London, and with the second attack which appears to be an attempt to kill him, Grace fortuitously intervenes. Having been thrust together, they set out to solve the mystery of who is trying to kill Angus, and why.
I loved the interactions between Grace and Angus, and I particularly liked the way in which marriage was not what either of them were looking for, and in spite of themselves, their connection was magnetic, and they both knew that they had found the perfect person for them. It was refreshing that Angus, coming from a background in law and with women in his family being business-minded, did not feel threatened by Grace and her intellect, and had no intention of stifling her much-wanted independence.
I found the household staff and how they were hired for a Duke sorting out his properties really interesting, and loved that the people chosen were all tenacious characters who had been taught within the orphanage, in order to grow up and have skills to make them employable.
The character of Sam really stood out in the story, and he really was the perfect ‘tiger’!
The mystery surrounding who was trying to kill Angus was so fascinating, with a few red herrings and some misdirection that kept me guessing all the way through the book.
The Duke’s Bluestocking is the perfect romance of intellectual equals, with a fascinating mystery interwoven through the story so skilfully. I can highly recommend this wonderful book.
I must start with the definition of what a bluestocking is. In an era when young ladies were expected to be accomplished in things like embroidery and art, a bluestocking was a woman who was an intellectual. It was considered a derogatory term because men generally did not want the women in their lives to be their intellectual equal.
In this story, Grace was proud to be a bluestocking, and was intent on remaining single and living independently. Angus had never expected to become the Duke of Evesham. He was the son of the youngest son of the previous Duke and had been working in Edinburgh as an advocate. A number of potentially suspicious deaths occurred until Angus inherited the Dukedom. When Angus is attacked twice on a walk through a less than salubrious area of London, and with the second attack which appears to be an attempt to kill him, Grace fortuitously intervenes. Having been thrust together, they set out to solve the mystery of who is trying to kill Angus, and why.
I loved the interactions between Grace and Angus, and I particularly liked the way in which marriage was not what either of them were looking for, and in spite of themselves, their connection was magnetic, and they both knew that they had found the perfect person for them. It was refreshing that Angus, coming from a background in law and with women in his family being business-minded, did not feel threatened by Grace and her intellect, and had no intention of stifling her much-wanted independence.
I found the household staff and how they were hired for a Duke sorting out his properties really interesting, and loved that the people chosen were all tenacious characters who had been taught within the orphanage, in order to grow up and have skills to make them employable.
The character of Sam really stood out in the story, and he really was the perfect ‘tiger’!
The mystery surrounding who was trying to kill Angus was so fascinating, with a few red herrings and some misdirection that kept me guessing all the way through the book.
The Duke’s Bluestocking is the perfect romance of intellectual equals, with a fascinating mystery interwoven through the story so skilfully. I can highly recommend this wonderful book.
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