Customer Reviews

The Black Duke's Prize

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The very beautiful and very feisty Katherine Ralston was banished to London from her home Crestly Park by her very obnoxious uncle. She was afraid that he would sell off her heritage while he disposed of her in London.

Her godparents were delighted to take her under their wing and introduced her to all the right people of the ton - including the notorious "Black Duke of Sommesby", Nicholas Varon, who she insulted on the very first night she met him. HE was surprised to say the least that this petite slip of a girl did not seem impressed with him, nor was she frightened of him either.

Kate's godfather, Neville requested that Nicholas because of his connections, attempt to buy Crestly on the quiet so that when the rightful heir was able to inherit it, in two years time, it wouldn't have been sold off to a stranger. Of course, what Neville failed to let Nicholas know was that Kate was the rightful heir, an omission that caused all sorts of problems. Alas, after many mishaps and misunderstandings - true love will prevail!

This was a darling story. One to enjoy over and over and well worth the effort of locating a copy!

This is out of print as a hardcopy book, so if you're interested in reading Enoch's very first published novel, don't pass up this e-book at only $2.99. The out-of-print 1995 book new costs almost $170.00 and used ones start at $16.00 so this is quite the bargain.

The story itself is kind of cute but Enoch has definitely improved as a writer over the years. I mostly enjoyed this as a curiosity. Authors' first books sometimes are great works of art but sometimes they're just practice. This one shows she had some polishing to do but it's entertaining.

Enoch's characters even in recent HRs behave and speak out of period, but I've learned to read them for the romance and interaction of H and h, not for any historical aspect to them. Heroine Kate Ralston and hero Nicholas Varon, Duke of Sommesby, of this book do not spark in their interactions as much as, for example, the H and h of London's Perfect Scoundrel (Lessons in Love, Book 2) but it was still fun to read Enoch's first published romance.

One of the best things about ebooks and the Kindle is getting to read old romances that we enjoyed years ago. That's certainly true with The Black Duke's Prize. I think this was Suzanne Enoch's first novel, and I remember loving the story and the heroine (Katherine Ralston). Well, I just read this wonderful story again, and I don't think it has aged a bit.

This is a sweet story about an innocent but feisty young lady, an unscrupulous uncle and a notorious (but handsome) Duke.

Katherine, a country miss, is forced to endure a Season in London by her Uncle, who she's convinced is going to destroy something beloved to her (buy the book to find out what!) while she's gone. The Duke, much admired by the ladies but determined to change his ways, naturally comes to the rescue.

I highly recommend this book!

I first read "The Black Duke's Prize," many, many years ago when I first became a fan of S.E. and when I first became interested in romance novels. I remember vague things about the book but I remember really liking it so when I found out a kindle version was available and at a decent price, I jumped at the chance to read it again. Sadly, perhaps I shouldnt had revisted the book... Kate was so annoying and stubborn and did so many stupid things and made dumb assumptions that I really cant see why Nick fell for her. She truly didnt deserve him and i didnt understand why everyone liked her so much over the Duke! The book does have its moments though and had me laughing out loud, sighing and smiling and there are good secondary characters here to read about - especially Thomas. Overall, if you are a S.E. fan and havent read this, you should read it but if you arent familiar with her works, dont start with this one...

I have read this book many times and still enjoy it. I have read all Enoch's books and this is one of her best. I have read all of Garwoods historical romance books and I am glad I discovered this author as well. You will enjoy this book!

I just love an author who can come up with witty conversations, funny rejoinders and a heroine that isn't a simpering or stupid woman. Loved the story, great read!

I first read "The Black Duke's Prize," many, many years ago when I first became a fan of S.E. and when I first became interested in romance novels. I remember vague things about the book but I remember really liking it, even though I promply sold it after reading it so when I found out a kindle version was available and at a decent price, I jumped at the chance to read it again. Sadly, perhaps I shouldnt had revisted the book... Kate was so annoying and stubborn and did so many stupid things and made dumb assumptions that I really cant see why Nick fell for her. She truly didnt deserve him and i didnt understand why everyone liked her so much over the Duke! The book does have its moments though and had me laughing out loud, sighing and smiling and there are good secondary characters here to read about - especially Thomas. Overall, if you are a S.E. fan and havent read this, you should read it(but the kindle version since it's affordable) but if you arent familiar with her works, I recommend you dont start with this one...

Katherine Ralston has been sent to London by her uncle who is also her guardian. With both parents dead he now has charge of her home, she herself cannot inherit it for two years, her uncle's intentions are not at all trustworthy as Katherine strongly suspects he will try to sell her property out from under her. Arriving in London she is to stay with her godparents Lord and Lady Clarey. They are surprised to see her but make her welcome. During her time in London she meets Nicholas Varon Duke of Sommesby, also known as the Black Duke. Nicholas and Katherine's paths cross quite a few times, he is fascinated by her as she does not try to ingratiate herself to him as all other women do. In fact she behaves in quite the opposite manor,insulting him at every opportunity.
This is an historical romance from this author originally published in 1995 now being made available on Kindle. Katherine the heroine being so feisty is compared quite a lot to Kate in the Taming of the Shrew by the hero. The Balck Duke has a very dubious reputation especially with women, but will he turn out to be Katherine's white Knight.
I did enjoy this book, it has some funny moments as well as dramatic, the characters are fairly well developed, the storyline is quite good as well. There are no loves scenes in this book, but that did not detract from my enjoyment of it. Although this is an older story from this author, I have never read anything by her before, so I have no way to judge if this offering is better or worse than her more recent novels. But this was a very pleasurable read.