The Barbarian Book

London dressmarker Caroline Dutton was shocked when the Duke of Ryland, Drayton MacKenzie, walks into her shop and tells her he is going to change her world. Drayton's inheritance depends on him tracking down the previous Duke's three illegitimate daughters, making ladies out of them, and then marrying them off. But he has his work cut out for him. Caroline is beautiful and independent, not afraid to stand up to the Duke. Her half-sisters, Simone and Fiona, are even bigger challenges for him. Drayton's attraction to Caroline is another problem. One night of passion leads to him proposing. But Caroline knows that both she and Drayton must marry for money to keep the estate solvent. Now if she can just convince her heart of that fact.

I've read a handful of Leslie LaFoy's books and find they are always entertaining with a unique twist. In this book, Caroline is no simpering virgin. She knows if her late night visits to Drayton's bed became public knowledge, she would be ruined. Drayton tries to play the stuffy Duke, but deep down he is just a nice guy who is trying to help all of the people the previous Duke wronged.

There were a few things that took me out of this story. The talk about liberals and conservatives in parliament reminded me of the evening news. Also a lot of the dialogue seemed too modern for a historical romance. But the funny scenes made this book shine. Caroline being taught to speak like a lady by the imperial Lady Aubrey was amusing, and Simone's unfiltered mouth was hilarious. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. My rating: 4 Stars.