It's been a while since I read anything by Jo Beverley and I had forgotten how good she can be. This is a well written romance with interesting characters and although in some respects it could be described as light hearted it would not fall into the category of badly written sex filled fluff that seems to be fairly standard fare at the moment. This is a tale of multiple identies - it is set in Georgian times ( Malloren connection) - and we have an overall Masquerader theme. Thorn Duke of Ilthorne has an illegitimate half brother, who he has set up as Master of the Black Swan, Captain Rose. Thorn and his brother Caleb look remarkably alike and on occasions when Thorn is looking for an escape from his responsibilities, he disguises himself as Captain Rose. As Captain Rose he rescues Bella Barstowe from a nasty end in a Dover waterfront pub after she had been kidnapped. She gives the name Persephone and then runs away with his horse. Bella is persecuted thereafter by her family and only escapes after 4 years of effective imprisonment and impoverishment due to a legacy from a great aunt. She makes her way to London and takes up the identity of Bellona Flint, with a black wig, I'll fitting dresses and wart on the end of her nose. Ms Flint involves herself with Lady Fowler's group of women seeking social reform and women's rights. She is sent in further disguise to an evening function at Ilthorne's home to seek out scandal. She goes as the nymph Kelano and meets a goat herd with whom there is instant attraction. They kiss but she then flees into the night, none the wiser as to his identity. They have a further assignation but she fears to take the matter further as the goat herd's identity remains uncertain and he appears focused on seduction. She then accidentally meets on of her abductors who advises that the whole thing was done at her brother's behest and that he never gave their father the ransom demand. Bella decides to try and revenge herself on her brother and thinks that Captain Rose may be able to help her and so she goes to Dover to seek him - yes - this part is fairly contrived. She initially meets Caleb but he then sends for Thorn who agrees to help ( he recognises her as Kelona) and they go off to her home area to try and expose her brother as a foul hypocrite. The scenes between Thorn and Bella are gentle and mature and the relationship between the two grows in a sensitive and believable manner. Romance blossoms but the two behave responsibly. When Augustus gets him comeuppance , both realise that they need to return to their normal lives and Thorn is uncertain as to whether Bella would accept him as a Duke and also finds it hard to see how he can explain his two identities. Back in London Bella finds herself drawn back into lady Fowler's circle, which is problematic as it has been overtaken by a group of Irish rebels who manage to publish a treasonous paper. The two escape but the other women including warty 'miss Flint' are arrested. The Duke of Ilthorne is sent to investigate and recognises Bella. He helps all the women but during this, Bella finally realises that he is Ilthorne and not Captain Rose and thinks that he is too far above her station. She goes to stay with relatives of Rothgar and is rehabilitated into society. Come Christmas as Malloren, she realises that all that really matters is love and she sends for Thorn. True love conquers all!Sigh!Obviously the story was fairly contrived but it was well written and engaging. I liked both the hero and heroine and all the cases of concealed identity just made me smile. Truly enjoyable. Set in Georgian England, part Jo Beverley's Malloren family, the Duke of Ithorne comes to the rescue of Bella Barstowe. She has been kidnapped for ransome and Ithorne, as Captain Rose, saves her from drunks in a wharf-side tavern. She is rescued from 4 years of her father and then her brother's house isolation when she inherits money and leaves her home.Bella's life is filled with changes and rescues, her own and others.
What do You think about The Secret Duke (2010)?
Auf Jo Beverly ist meist Verlass. Das perfekte Buch für einen trüben Tag auf dem Sofa.
—Beth
Jo Beverley writes such reliable Georgian romps and capers. I love them.
—Prasanna
Too many characters and insane plot lines. Not enough romance.
—Jnivison
