I read this for the spinster angst, but while it does play very well to some of my favorite tropes, it manages to be interesting and engaging as well! I loved the hero and heroine, and their journey. Good stuff!!! (3.5 stars) ( )

Lady Saves The Duke is the newest offering from Annabelle Anders, available February 6, 2019. Ms. Anders handles what could be a touchy subject matter with dignity and consideration. Some characters you root for to find love and passion, others you root for a small bit of happiness. Lady Saves The Duke had me rooting for a sliver of happiness for everyone and crying a little bit over the turns life can take.

Miss Abigail Wright is a 27 year old ruined spinster. Her scheming mother finagles Abby and cousin Penelope an invitation to a country house party. The Earl has three single sons, one a viscount! It's too good an opportunity to pass up and Abby's mother still wants marriage for her, ruined or not. Abby is a lovely character in many ways but my favorite is that she's not a skinny-ninny. Girls got curves and stretch marks. Well hello, reality.

Alex Cross, Duke of Monfort is attending the party in order to look over the Earl's modern improvements to his estate. He's certainly not interested in a group of foolish young ladies. Alex is a widower nicknamed the Duke of Ice. He's closed off, very duke-ish and likes it that way. He's stuck with Miss Wright for an afternoon boat ride thanks to the maneuvers of the Earl's daughter. Things get awkward and he leaves the party early. Unfortunately he's "ruined" Abby again! They were seen, gossiped about, and she's now a double ruin-ee. Although he doesn't truly understand why, he proposes to Abby to save her reputation and anyway, he needs an heir.

It's interesting to witness their journey to a happy ending. They are strangers, drawn to each other but scared of being hurt again. There are secrets and situations to overcome, of course, but along the way they have fun. Both learn to laugh again. Don't miss the wedding, it's a hoot! The epilogue is sweet and I teared up. The Lady Saves The Duke could also be the Duke Saves The Lady. Might I suggest cousin Penelope have a HEA of her own? Happy reading.

#AnnabelleAnders #LadySavesTheDuke #TheWildRosePress ( )