Gypsy Legacy: The Duke by Denise Patrick
Samhain Publishing
Historical Romance
Full length, Spicy
Review by Orange Blossom

As children, Brand Waring, heir to the Duke of Warringham, and his brother were kidnapped and sold to a plantation in the West Indies. Now Brand is back to wreak vengeance on those responsible for his brother’s subsequent death. The last thing he wants, or needs, is to be distracted by an instant attraction to a flighty Society belle.

Felicia Collings has found it easy to refuse every marriage proposal, thanks to a ring left to her by her gypsy great-grandmother. Reportedly it will lead her to the man whom she is destined to marry. To her relief, the ring has been blessedly silent on this issue. Until Brand recognizes it, and sparks fly.

In spite of himself, Brand finds himself drawn to the beauty, and to the wounded soul reflected in her eyes. At his gentle hands, Felicia begins to learn what it means to be cherished and loved.

Then the past rears its head to threaten their fragile happiness. As Brand begins to doubt whether vengeance is as sweet as a lifetime with Felicia, he finds himself racing to save them both from not one cold-blooded killer—but two.

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Both the hero and heroine of this story were introduced in book 1 of the series: The Marquis. (Even if you missed the first one, you will be able to follow this story without a problem.) I loved Felicia as a sixteen-year-old minx (as her older brother calls her), but now in the sequel she is a young woman yet as feisty as ever though combined with tad bit of maturity. Brand is, of course, a heroic piece of manhood in a cravat with a harrowing past he needs to set straight. Their story is told in pleasing prose with much passion, adventure and excitement. The love scenes were incredibly passionate without being overdone or cumbersome. The storytelling is so well-done that you can’t help but be wrapped up in the story of these characters until you come to the last page.

Ms. Patrick did a tremendous job in her sequel. The heroes and heroines are so very different; there is no way you would ever confuse one for the other. And honestly, I can’t tell you which ones I like better. They are all so intricate and richly defined. These are stories with depth of both character and plot. I applaud her workmanship as an author of high worth. I can’t think of historical author writing today that I would prefer to read next to Ms. Patrick. I can’t wait for the last book in the trilogy. Make sure to pick up both Book 1 and 2 today!