Say yes to the duke

Could the cure for uncontrollably shy Viola Astley's societal nausea be a quietly charming vicar? That is exactly what Viola believes after meeting David Marlowe, who is serving as the new vicar for her stepfather, the Duke of Lindow. Being around David leaves Viola feeling calm and cosseted, which as far as she is concerned is the closest thing to love that she has ever experienced. Now, just as Viola is ready to commit her romantic future to David, she unexpectedly encounters Devin Lucas Augustus Elstan, Duke of Wynter. Unlike her divine vicar, Devin definitely gives Viola some internal distress, but, much to Viola's surprise, it isn't her stomach that is in turmoil around the devilishly desirable Devin, but rather her heart. RITA Award--winning and best-selling James (Say No to the Duke, 2019) continues her winsomely winning literary streak with another brilliantly conceived and beautifully executed addition in her Wildes of Lindow Castle series. Once again, James expertly calibrates the perfect ratio of exuberant wit to elegant sensuality, and the end result is a romance worth celebrating.

James delivers all the banter and sizzle her fans expect in the nuanced fifth Wildes of Lindow Castle Georgian romance (after Say No to the Duke). Viola Astley, stepdaughter to Hugo Wilde, Duke of Lindow, is painfully shy in company due partly to her insecurity that she will never measure up to her vivacious stepfamily. But her crush on her family's new vicar has her determined to come out of her shell for her first London season. Meanwhile, the reclusive Devin Elstan, Duke of Wynter, feels obligated to find a wife and plans to approach Viola's stepsister at their joint coming out ball. In the standout scene of Viola and Devin's first meeting, Devin retreats from the festivities for the library, where Viola has arranged a clandestine meeting with her vicar. She overhears him insulting her to his uncle, dismissing her as "not a real Wilde." Her indignation frees her from her shyness, allowing her to display a biting wit and surprising backbone when she confronts him, leading Devin to fall hard and fast. The relish taken with their early sparring and scintillating courtship sadly disappears in the inevitable third-act misunderstanding, which is sloppily rendered and unbelievable. Despite the bungled finale, the couple's chemistry is undeniable and James's dialogue is skillful as ever. Series readers will be pleased. Agent: Kim Witherspoon, Inkwell Management. (May)

Considering that wallflower debutante Viola Astley can't attend a ball without wanting to throw up, only a quiet and reserved husband will suit her shy temperament--someone like her parish's new vicar, the serious and handsome Reverend Marlowe. What she doesn't need is a husband like the opinionated Devin Elstan, Duke of Wynter, whom she overhears insulting her in a library. Their families are in favor of the match, however, and Devin begins to regret his initial judgment when he discovers Viola's hidden charms. Even when Viola agrees to marry him, Devin's trust issues cause his jealousy to flare, particularly as Viola and Marlowe work together to stage a production of the story of Noah's Ark to raise money for the parish. Viola, meanwhile, can't understand why her husband doesn't see that she's completely besotted with him. VERDICT Though it takes some time for the story to warm up in the first act, best-selling James (Three Weeks with Lady X) comes through with another heartfelt, sensuous entry in the Wilde family saga (after Say No to the Duke).--Kathryn Howe, Saint John Free P.L., NB