about a rogue lib e desperately seeking duke caroline linden

I loved the first book, but the second and third book have not been total winners for me.

Anyways, this series has been uneven for me. I have always appreciated how she can include interesting historical context in a story that moves and appeals emotionally. Incidentally, Linden has written a series that surrounds a ducal lineage before with a different scenario so it seems to be a topic of interest to her, and the research and historical context shows.

Since all close kin to the Duke have perished, the search has been on to find the next-in-line throughout this series. This was the third novel in Linden's Desperately Seeking Duke series, concerning the laws of inheritance for a Carlyle Dukedom. It's not really a criticism to say that you wanted more story, which I did, but I don't really mean it as a compliment either. I guess that happens when a book is overly ambitious, which I think this book was. It’s a rare occurrence where I am entirely satisfied with the romance and main characters but not satisfied with the story/conclusion. Not telling her, though, means he must break her heart-and his own. But he has promises-and secrets-to keep, and telling Philippa would resurrect a devastating family scandal. It’s true Will is falling for everything about Carlyle…including the duchess’s beautiful ward. She determines to teach him how to love Carlyle as she does, only to find herself reluctantly charmed by the rogue. It’s all she can do to prevent the horrified duchess from sacking him on sight. Philippa is shocked by the handsome, scandalously bold new steward.

Impulsively he takes a job managing the Carlyle estate-for the money, he tells his incredulous brother, and only for a year. William Montclair is in London to expand his family’s trading firm, with little progress. The duchess is eager to see her wed, but Philippa hesitates to leave the only home she knows. Raised in the splendor of Carlyle Castle by her doting guardian, the Duchess of Carlyle, Philippa Kirkpatrick is one of the greatest heiresses in England. The third book in the clever, sexy Desperately Seeking Duke series from USA Today bestselling and RITA Award–winning author Caroline Linden.

About a rogue lib e desperately seeking duke caroline linden