The Duke's Refuge

The Leeward Islands Series, Book 1

By: Lorri Dudley

Narrated by: Lily English

When love comes in a tempest, who knew it would wear pink?

Georgia Lennox has traded in her boyish ways for pink gowns and a coy smile to capture the eye of the Earl of Claremont. However, on the day she's convinced the earl will propose, Georgia is shipped off to the Leeward Islands to care for her ailing father. But when she arrives on Nevis, the last thing she expects is to learn that her abrupt departure was not at her father's bidding but that of the infuriating, yet captivating, island schoolmaster. And now her plans may well be shipwrecked.

Harrison Wells is haunted by the memories of his deceased wife and hunted by the women who aspire to be the next Duchess of Linton. Desiring anonymity, he finds sanctuary in the Leeward island of Nevis. He's willing to sacrifice his ducal title for a schoolmaster's life and the solace the island provides. That is, until unrest finds its way to Nevis in a storm of pink chiffon—Miss Georgia Lennox.

©2023 Lorri Dudley (P)2024 Wild Heart Books

Unique Regency Romance

Overall, I enjoyed this book; the story is unique for a Regency romance and I found that refreshing. The difficulties in both Harrison’s and Georgia’s pasts add depth that is often missing (in my opinion) from the enemies-to-lovers trope and I appreciate how their characters developed. I will say that, even as someone who reads a lot of Christian authors, I found the book to be a little heavy-handed at times.

Unfortunately, the narration isn’t great. Lily English has a very pleasant voice but there is a strange lack of emotion in places where there should be great emotion. And she doesn’t seem to understand the need for a pause in between scenes or, sometimes, even in between lines which made the pacing feel off-center at times. Regardless, I do recommend the book as the story is enjoyable.