How the Wallflower Wins a Duke by Lucy Morris

💖💖💖💖💖/5

How the Wallflower Wins a Duke by Lucy Morris is a slow burn, friends to lovers, Regency romance that was enjoyable, sweet and fun.  Miss Marina Fletcher, the daughter of a wealthy architect, loves to not only play but compose music. After a humiliating experience during her first season, thanks to a deceitful man, she has decided that marriage is not for her and has instead decided to dedicate her life to her true love. Though she wants a family of her own, she won't give up her hope for a love match. She and her parents arrive at the Duke of Framlingham's home for a house party and audition for an architect to build a new house; along with her father's greatest rival and his family. The tension between the two families is evident from the start.

Brook Wyndham, the Duke of Framlingham, was never supposed to be the duke, mocked by the ton as the Spare Heir Duke, he has been labeled a rake and a reckless gambler, but these attacks to his reputation are lies. Brook joined the army at a young age and served in the wars, never planning on returning to his family. But when tragedy takes not only his father, but also his brother, he steps up to do his duty and lets the ton think the worst of him to spare his mother the humiliation. He would do almost anything for his mother, but he draws the line at marriage. Brook just wants to be free and longs to travel; to find himself, and his mother’s matchmaking attempts are annoying. He is ready to tell her off when he meets Marina. Not classically beautiful, he is intrigued by her and forms a friendship with her. Then he comes up with an idea that will let them both have what they want, they will get engaged and have a long engagement, during which time, he will travel the Continent and she will pursue her musical ambitions without society’s censure.

 

The development of their relationship was interesting. Brook is falling for her but refuses to see it. He is focused on his desire to leave England. Marina's feelings for Brook also grow, but she believes she isn't suitable for him. There are interesting twists involving Marina's brother, her music and insecurities about it, and the ever-obnoxious Moorcroft family, but none diminishes the strengthening attraction between them. Fears and insecurities pull them apart. It takes Brook facing his past before he can look at the future. Brook will have to decide if “finding” himself is worth losing the love of a lifetime.

 

#NetGalley #Harlequin


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