A Most Unusual Duke
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4.3 • 13 Ratings
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- $8.99
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- $8.99
Publisher Description
Bridgerton meets New Moon in this sparkling shapeshifter Regency romance mixed with humor, steamy chemistry, and fantasy.
The Duke said he'd never get married…
The Prince Regent insists his cousin and fellow bear shifter Arthur Humphries, the Duke of Osborn, take a mate to ensure the continuation of their species. After all, Arthur is an Alpha, so he must set a good example. The duke would very much prefer to continue his comfortable bachelor lifestyle, but the Prince Regent is not a bear to be poked.
Beatrice, the widowed Marchioness of Castleton, is in possession of a powerful secret. She knows all about Shifters, her horrible late husband being one of them. At any moment, Beatrice could reveal the secrets of the Prince and those like him—unless the Prince can make sure she marries another Shifter.
A marriage between the Duke of Osborn and Beatrice is far from ideal for either one, but at least they won't fall in love…right?
Witty, fantastical, and entirely unique, A Most Unusual Duke is perfect for readers looking for:
A delicious Regency romp with a paranormal twist
A devilishly handsome Alpha hero
A marriage of convenience
A magical world to sink your teeth into
Praise for Allen's A Wolf in Duke's Clothing:
"Sparkling wit, scrumptious chemistry!"—Grace Burrowes, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author
"A playful mix of humor, fantasy, and Regency romance conventions, this genre-bending novel introduces a well-constructed world filled with distinctive and endearing characters."—Publishers Weekly
"Sparkling dialogue and steamy chemistry…Regency romance meets shape-shifters, to great effect."—Kirkus Reviews
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
The second paranormal Regency in Allen's Shapeshifters of the Beau Monde series (after A Wolf in Duke's Clothing) is just as filled with heat and humor as the first. Arthur Humphries, Duke of Osborn, is a bear shifter without a sleuth. Having witnessed the painful dissolution of his father's sleuth after his parents' deaths, Osborn's made the decision to never again put himself through sleuth politics—or even search for a wife. But the prince regent, Osborn's cousin and fellow shifter, has other ideas. When the prince learns that Beatrice, the frosty human widow of a marquess, knows of the existence of shifters, he deals with her forbidden knowledge by decreeing that she and Osborn must marry. Beatrice is decidedly displeased with the match and has no problem demonstrating her disapproval. But as the pair retire to Osborn's long-empty estate, she takes charge—and slowly captures the attention of both the man and the bear sides of Osborn. Beatrice's icy demeanor hides a fiery temperament, and the strong but vulnerable spitfire of a heroine and broody hero are sure to capture readers' hearts. Allen continues to make this unusual genre mash-up sing.
Customer Reviews
Arthur & Beatrice
***1/2 - Arthur Humphries is the Duke of Osborn and cousin to George the Prince Regent. Arthur is a bear shifter who has sworn never to marry and fall in love. Arthur’s father was challenged by another bear shifter who wanted everything he had. Arthur’s father had to defend his right to lead the Osborn bear clan. Arthur’s father lost and was killed. George has decided that Arthur will marry Beatrice, the Marchioness of Castleton. She is human and is known as Lady Frost. George wants Arthur to take his place as the Alpha of his clan.
Beatrice was married to a nasty wolf shifter who died. Neither Arthur nor Beatrice wants marriage but they are forced into a marriage of convenience by the Prince Regent. Beatrice wants a child and Arthur will do his duty. Her first husband was cruel and unpleasant. They both awkwardly try to live together without offending each other. Arthur must melt the ice of Lady Frost. Arthur shows Beatrice a sweet side that no one has seen before. They both slowly fall in love. Beatrice slowly opens up to Arthur and their love blossoms. Arthur’s inner bear knows Beatrice is meant for him. Arthur fights his inner bear but eventually he realizes Beatrice is his fated mate, his vera amoris. It took a while for Arthur to open up to Beatrice. She did not know what kind of shifter he was for most of the book.
The story started out slow. It took a while for me to care about Arthur and Beatrice. The premise of the book is what first caught my attention. Shifters in London Society sounded intriguing. This is the second book in the series but the first one I have read. I will read the first book about Alfred, Duke of Lowell and Felicity Templeton. They get married at the beginning of the book. They are involved with helping Arthur and Beatrice. We also meet Alwyn Ap Lewin, Duke of Llewelyn, and Tabitha Barrington towards the end of the book. They will be featured in the third book. There were many fascinating and interesting side characters. Overall the book is good. I love the idea of shifters in the Beau Monde. I will read more books in this series. I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving a review.