In The Captain’s Bluestocking Mistress (The Dukes of War Book 2), by Erica Ridley, we discover Capt. Xavier Grey who is the object of desire for Jane Downing. Jane has been in love with Xavier for years but unable to tell anyone or do anything about it, until now. As the story progresses, we discover that Jane is more interested in the world of her stories as they are less complicated than finding a spouse. It’s this inability to truly connect with men that finds her still without a husband. Will she ever find someone who can appreciate her and accept her for who she is, rather than focus on how she might improve or benefit someone’s status by marriage. If she’s to wind up living as a spinster, than shouldn’t she have one grand liason and adventure?
A secret mission that involves seducing the elusive and honorable Captain Xavier Grey is absolutely sinful and out of character for Jane, can she do it? There is only one catch, she must not get caught. No decent and respectable woman would ever travel without a chaperone and with very little time to carry this off, her choice for a companion winds up being her brother’s crazy cat. This cat is absolutely essential to the story providing us with memorable and humorous scenes!
Unfortunately, Jane’s plan doesn’t include a blinding snowstorm or a very surprised and displeased Captain Grey. When she shows up unexpectedly, Xavier is confused and conflicted. Sure, he’s attracted to her but he can’t act on it for reasons he won’t disclose. Now he must ensure her innocence is intact and keep his distance.
As they spend more time together, the chemistry intensifies while the banter is both humorous and decadent. Furthermore, being a pawn in Jane’s games isn’t of interest to him and his rejection pushes Jane towards even more mischief. What will it take for him to notice her, to see beyond what everyone else does?
After all, Jane has put Xavier on a pedestal as an honorable soldier, what will they do when they discover the truth about each other? Will it be enough or will they succumb to what’s expected of them by society? Will they give in to their feelings? This story has everything you’d expect from an historical romance and much, much more! If you’ve never read any of Erica’s books you will be satisfied to hear that this book can be read without reading the first two books in the series. That’s how I dove into this series by reading this book first! Nothing seemed unexplained or disconnected. In fact, after I devoured it, I wanted more!
While I received this ARC for a fair and honest review, I would buy this for myself or as a gift. On Amazon today, you’ll find the price is absolutely perfect! The Viscount’s Christmas Temptation (The Dukes of War Book 0) is FREE, The Earl’s Defiant Wallflower (The Dukes of War Book 1) is $0.99, AND You can pre-order The Captain’s Bluestocking Mistress (The Dukes of War Book 2) for just $0 .99 cents (releases tomorrow!!!)
Finally, I must thank the Romance Writers of America for their Premiere Collection. I discovered Erica while reading the collection and I now have every Dukes of War books in my e-reader. Waiting till June for Book 3 will be difficult! Erica Ridley is a master at weaving a regency England story filled with rich and detailed characters, soldiers who have returned from war each and the woman who desire them. What a perfect way to enjoy a snowy afternoon!
BIO:
Erica Ridley learned to read when she was three, which was about the same time she decided to be a writer when she grew up.
Now, Erica is a USA Today best-selling author of historical romance novels. Her latest series, The Dukes of War, features roguish peers and dashing war heroes who return from battle only to be thrust into the splendor and madness of Regency England.
When not reading or writing romances, Erica can be found riding camels in Africa, ziplining through rainforests in Costa Rica, or getting hopelessly lost in the middle of Budapest.
