14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
oft used plot lacking variaion and suspense, July 5, 2006
This review is from: The Duke in Disguise (Mass Market Paperback)
This is the second installment in a trilogy (I think) dealing with three sisters who have to try and make their way in the world after their father's untimely death. I rather enjoyed the first installment in this trilogy, "The Lord Next Door;" and was rather hoping that the same could be said for "The Duke in Disguise." Unfortunately, "The Duke in Disguise" turned out to be a rather bland read, and I really couldn't quite figure out why. The hero and heroine was likable and the storyline held plenty of promise. Unfortunately, the novel lacked suspense and tension, and the book does possess a plot that rather hinges on these two key elements.
When her father's untimely death forced Meriel Shelby to seek gainful employment, she felt lucky to have been successful in securing the position as governess to the young Marquess of Ramsgate. Never mind that the young boy's father is the indolent and rakish Duke of Thanet, whose bad reputation would have put off most women, Meriel is determined to do her best for the young, intelligent six year old boy who has been shamefully neglected by his father. Which is why Meriel is thrown when the careless father suddenly turns up and begins to show unexpected interest in his son. Worse still, there is something different about the duke that catches Meriel interest and makes her consider him with new eyes. Has the duke changed for the better? Or is there something sinister about the duke's sudden change in behaviour? Meriel is determined not to give in to the allure of this new duke and to discover what is at the bottom of this sudden change in behaviour...
I won't be giving anything away in noting that the man that snares Meriel's interest is actually the duke's illegitimate half-brother, Richard O' Neill, who is masquerading as his brother in order to protect the young marquess. It is an oft used plot-line, and unfortunately, Gayle Callen uses it with practically no variation in theme. Richard is the typical hero -- nice, honourable and brave, determined to protect his nephew and save his brother no matter what; while Meriel is the typical heroine, determined to find out what's going on so that she can protect her charge, even if it is against the very man she finds herself unnaturally attracted to. There is very little suspense and practically no tension. Part of the reason for this is that the author adds noting new to this basic recipie; the other problem is that the villain of the piece is easily identified about a third into the book. Nothing to keep you guessing here at all -- unless you count wondering when Meriel will succumb to Richard as being suspenseful. All in all, "The Duke in Disguise" was a well written but rather bland 3 star read. Things do pick up towards the end, but it is rather slow going as Meriel and Richard circle around each other sizing each other up. And given that I had rather enjoyed "The Lord Next Door," it did seem a shame that "The Duke in Disguise" was a bit of a letdown.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
So-so, June 28, 2006
This review is from: The Duke in Disguise (Mass Market Paperback)
Gayle Callen and Julia Quinn released books on the same day. I picked up both of them, and it's clear that this one is better than Quinn's. Unfortunately, it's just an average romance. The theme of one man replacing another's position in the aristocracy and fearing discovery by the heroine is a well-worn plotline. The hero and heroine are likeable and well-drawn, and Callen is a competent writer. However, she can't put a fresh spin on this tired premise. I'm willing to buy her next book, but here's hoping she finds a new direction.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Not Bad..., September 3, 2006
This review is from: The Duke in Disguise (Mass Market Paperback)
This was my first experience with this author. I found this to be an enjoyable read. I would definitely read this author again. If you enjoy Alexander, Laurens, Lindsey, and Woodiwiss you will enjoy this book.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
