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All of London society is agog to know what has sent the infamous Duke of Ravensfield into sudden isolation at his country estate. Wagers are made and schemes are hatched, but all to no avail. Meanwhile, Lynnette Overton is appalled to realize someone dangerous is out to filch a page of cryptic symbols in her possession that may or may not prove her deceased mother Madeline was not the thief who stole the famous Wonderlee diamond.
Eager to leave London and the danger shadowing her, Lynnette takes up a challenge to inveigle her way into Ravensfield’s estate with every intention of remaining safely in hiding there. This she does most dramatically, in the famous gothic-romance-novel style of her favorite author Mrs.Mordefi.
Attraction between Ravensfield and Lynnette is instantaneous and undeniable. Terrified of his own growing feelings, struggling against his own rakish tendencies to seduce the lovely Lynnette and all the while trying to conceal a deep dark secret of his own, Ravensfield isn’t the best of hosts. But Lynnette’s having the time of her life trying to make the sardonic Duke fall in love with her and nothing he can say or do will change her feelings. What will become of this most unlikely duo?
Readers can’t help but fall in love with Connie Lane’s delightful historical romance tale wherein commences a most engaging war of wits and wiles, of love and secrets. Lane not only pokes fun at the popularity and influence of the gothic novels of that era on susceptible woman… and men, in some instances, but gives the readers the time of their lives by incorporating a tongue-in-cheek version of the same atmosphere in this book as well. Suspense and danger arise from Lynnette’s quest to prove her maligned mother’s innocence and the mystery, while thin, does create some apt moments of tension. But there is also romance a-plenty and in a delightful twist it’s the heroine Lynnette who romantically pursues the secretive but arrogant hero Ravensfield. Comedy and mirth are intermingled with romance and suspense as the frustrated Duke attempts to scare off his tempting but unwanted visitor and fails hilariously again and again. Lynnette is not only determined but also resourceful and much influenced by her favorite author Mrs.Mordefi and in her attempts to model herself after the intrepid characters in the Mordefi books, has escapades and incidents that keep the readers entertained to the utmost. Not much can be said about Ravensfield without giving away the story’s secrets but suffice to say, he is a suitably tortured hero whose arrogance and brusqueness conceal his pain and hurt. Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable and light-hearted story with a mildly suspenseful plot and some very engaging characters make “The Duke’s Scandalous Secret” well worth reading.
Reviewed by Rashmi Srinivas
for The Road to Romance
November 10, 2004
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