Much Ado about Dukes by Eva Devon
Much Ado about Dukes by Eva Devon, book two in her Never a Wallflower series, is an enjoyable, emotional, and wonderful story of two people, Will and Beatrice, who soon learn that all they once thought and assumed, after great consideration, is not quite what they believed. Never get married, but they do so to protect Beatrice. Never fall in love, but they do, despite promising not to. Influence Parliament to overturn the rules that make women property, with no rights. Hmmm, working on it.
This story follows Lady Beatrice Haven and William Easton, the Duke of
Blackheath as they gather to celebrate an upcoming wedding between Beatrice’s cousin
Will’s brother. Ss happy as Beatrice is for her cousin, she is also frustrated
because she has repeatedly mailed letters to Will and has received no response. Beatrice is intelligent, passionate, and a
bluestocking who doesn’t want to marry and lose her independence. Determined to
fight for the voiceless, her drive to fight for women’s and civil rights is outstanding
and so, so relevant. Sadly, women in today’s world can relate all too well the
frustration and anger Beatrice feels over the limitations placed upon her
because she is a woman. Beatrice is unaware that Will was quite impressed by
her letters and is very intrigued when he meets her. Beatrice soon realizes
there is so much more to the standoffish and unconcerned Duke, and after one
dance, they can no longer deny their chemistry. Meeting at the
theater, watching Much Ado About Nothing, Will and Beatrice realize they have much
in common, and become friends. When Beatrice learns that her uncle lost not
only his fortune, but hers as well, she runs to Will for advice. Will offers a
marriage of convenience and is willing to help fund her causes; believing a partnership will be the perfect
arrangement as they will share a cause and not love.
There are some wonderful and memorable scenes
throughout this story that you do not want to miss. Will giving Beatrice boxing
lessons especially teaching her how to throw a punch. Will’s relationships with
his brothers who he raised for the past decade after their father died young
and their mother left them. Then there’s the inclusion of all the Shakespeare
references. While attempting to keep love out of their relationship, they do
give into their attraction on their wedding night. Will and Beatrice working
side by side for ladies’ rights, in particular when he joined her outside of
Parliament to hand out pamphlets. Then there’s the grand gesture, his speech of
all the things he hated before and then the things he actually loves.
Ms. Devon
wrote an
entertaining and enjoyable story that is not to be missed. She provided a tale
rich with humorous escapades, clever banter, subtle chemistry and
endearing characters giving Will and Beatrice a chance to fight together to
right all the wrongs as they truly fall in love. I highly recommend Much Ado about Dukes to other readers.
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