Fenna Edgewood

THE REVIEW
This was a wonderful continuation of Wren and Briar’s story! The storylines run along side each other as Edmund, the Duke of Dareford, Briar’s brother and Laurel Spencer, Wren’s half sister search for the missing couple. Laurel has had a crush on the Duke for sometime but she knows that’s all it can be. Laurel is a fascinating character and I truly loved getting to know her. We learned more about the Spencer family and their time before working at the Dareford home. Laurel was a nearly famous singer at a club in London. While working there, she befriended the owners sister. Unfortunately, the woman died during childbirth and Laurel agreed to care for the child and take her to Dareford’s with her. Little Cassie knows her uncle lives in London and often will sneak away to visit him so she has become quite accustomed to the underbelly of London. When Dareford meets Cassie, who is dressed as a little boy, she agrees to assist him with his search for his sister in exchange for some special outings…ices at Gunther’s for example!

All of this gets more complicated as Laurel is asked to sing again and her friends brother declares his love for her. She agrees to one night as she feels obliged to help boost the clubs business. But, this adventure is opening Dare’s eyes to see Laurel for the first time and their connection develops into something more than housekeeper-Duke.

I am loving this series! The plot was so interesting and twists kept me on my toes! Laurel and Dare were perfect for each other and I’m so glad he didn’t play the whole ‘different classes’ card to strongly. The little ward Cassie added such a great dynamic to the story and was really the key that brought the story together. Now I need to wait until March to read Leigh and Marigold’s story!

TROPES
Historical Romance, Regency Era, Gaming Hell, East End London, Gamma Hero, Orphan Hero, Titled Hero, Independent Heroine, Musician Heroine, Orphan Heroine, Performer Heroine, Single Mother Heroine, Virgin Heroine, Working Heroine, Class Difference, Unexpected Virgin, Workplace Romance, Forced Proximity, Mystery Romance, Five Star, Two Flame… (more)

Kiss Me, My Duke by Fenna Edgewood
The Blakely Manor #2

Charming story of a Duke and is housekeeper finding they have the potential for more than being employer and employee once they truly see one another in a new light.

What I liked:
* Laurel: housekeeper for Blakely Manor, hard worker, loving, has a beautiful voice, bright, not easily taken in, stands up for herself and others
* Dare: Duke, oldest brother, feels responsible for his siblings after losing his parents, a bit stuffy but eventually charmed me,
* The slow growing romance between Dare and Laurel
* The search for Dare’s sister Briar who was kidnapped with Laurel’s brother, Wren
* Cassie: the baby raised by Laurel and her family, mother died in childbirth, enjoyed finding out who her father was
* Meeting Marigold, the last Spencer sibling, and probably going to be in the next book with the Leigh, the younger brother of Dare
* The supporting secondary characters
* The plot, writing, setting and conclusion
* All of it really except…

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Not knowing for sure what happened to Dare’s parents

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely

Thank you to NetGalley and Wolf Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars… (more)