About the Book:
Title: The Duke’s Dark Secret
Author: Courtney McCaskill
Series: The Astley Chronicles
Page Length: 340
Publication Date: Nov. 9, 2023
Publisher: Hazel Grove Books
Synopsis: Secrets, Lies, and a Lock Ever since her father’s unexpected death, Cecilia Chenoweth has felt like the heroine of a bad Gothic novel. In addition to leaving her alone and destitute, her father made a deathbed confession that it was no mere fever that took her mother’s life some twenty years ago. Then he pressed a sinister key into her hands, bidding her to go forth and uncover the truth. If only she knew where to find the lock that will open to the mysterious key…
Cold, Bold, and Dangerous to Know There is one man who recognizes the black key bearing the emblem of a Marcus Latimer, the newly minted Duke of Trevissick. Now that his abusive father is rotting in hell where he belongs, Marcus is eager for his life to stop resembling a bad Gothic novel. No one would ever have thought to pair the dangerously handsome duke with the meek little rector’s daughter. But as he helps Cecilia on her quest, Marcus discovers a well of passion hiding behind her sloe eyes that may just be a match for his own.
Two Hearts on a Perilous Path But Cecilia’s search for the truth about her mother’s death unearths dark secrets from Marcus’s past, secrets that will destroy the new life he has built for his beloved sister and condemn one of the few people he cares about to death. What will he do when he is forced to choose between loyalty… and love?
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My Review:
The Duke’s Dark Secret takes the spot for my favorite historical romance of November! I started reading Courtney McCaskill’s historical romances last year and became an instant fan. I think this is my favorite in the series, though I feel like I say that after reading every book. lol It’s so hard not to fall in love with these dynamic characters and the enchanting romance. Plus, the mystery is so intriguing!
Marcus and Ceci both have compelling stories. Ceci, left penniless when her father died, teaches piano while trying to solve the mystery behind her mother’s death, which occurred when she was a child. Marcus, recently obtaining the title of Duke, works hard to atone for his deceased father’s terrible misdeeds while trying to ensure his younger sister has a successful introduction into society. They are amazing characters, and I love how layered they are. Neither are what they appear to be, and I always adore a rake who’s actually an honorable, just man. And Ceci seems so shy, but she’s also really passionate and funny. Both have a quick wit, and their banter, as well as their interactions with the other characters, bring such life to their characters.
Of course, my favorite part of the story is the romance. No surprise there! The chemistry between Ceci and Marcus is electric. It’s romantic, sweet, and steamy – the perfect combination. I love how enraptured Marcus is when Ceci plays piano, and some of the things he says to her made my heart melt. The secondary characters captivated me, too, especially the fiery Aunt Griselda, Marcus’s loyal butler Ellery, and Marcus’s lovely sister Diana. I adored them all and am hoping we’ll see them in future books.
The story has a bit of intrigue, and there are some darker themes addressed, especially in regard to the actions of Marcus’s father and the murder of Ceci’s mother. It definitely sheds light on the inequities between men and women as well as the rich and the poor at this time.
I really enjoyed this read and think it’s a fantastic addition to The Astley Chronicles series. And though it’s part of a series, it can easily be read as a standalone. That being said, for those who read the previous books, there are several characters from the previous books in this one. I always love seeing beloved characters and what they’re up to. And that ending! OH. MY. WORD! I was so hoping that this pair would find each other, and now I desperately need the next book!
Rating:
Favorite Parts:
- The romance.
- The mystery.
- The secondary characters.
Favorite Lines:
What a dismal failure you are at being unexceptional.
“We shall have to go by our characters’ names for the evening.”
Ceci cleared her throat nervously. “I’m not sure I’ll remember to answer to Cleopatra.”
“Good.” The duke ran his thumb across the palm of her hand. “Because I prefer to address you as ‘Goddess.'”
This series sounds so good. Definitely want to give it a try. Great review!!
It’s so good, Ali! Each book gets better and better.