Reviewed for queuemyreview.com; book release Dec08

I’d never thought much about feminism and journalism until I read “Never Dare a Duke” by Gayle Callen. The heroine in her book dreams of ‘making a difference with words’ by openly becoming a journalist. Just another thing to enjoy about romance novels…I always learn something I never knew and then go looking for more information. What I learned is that mid-19th century women reporters were rare as hen’s teeth! And that made me appreciate this story’s hero even more.

Abigail is desperate to save her family and prove her worth as a journalist. She’s been secretly writing articles for her father’s paper for a while now under an assumed name. When the editor lets her know that her father’s paper is in trouble, she decides to find ‘the story’ that will save her father’s paper; and what sells better than scandal? With the help of a friend, she decides to ferret out the hidden scandal of the Duke of Madingly—who is admired for his good works and good ton. What Abigail never counted on was developing feelings for the Duke. Who will she save, her family or her love?

Christopher has learned to leash his desires and practice moderation in all things. Since the life-changing disaster of his youth, he has managed to mold himself into a paragon of dukedom and now it’s time to continue the journey and take a suitable wife. His mother’s house party should have been the perfect setting to spend time with his ’possibles’. So why can’t he keep his mind (not to mention his hands) off the mysterious, untrustworthy, and totally unsuitable Abigail?

“Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive.” Sir Walter Scott’s famous line kept running through my mind as I read this book. Even with the best of intentions, thoughtless actions always hurt. I was inclined to dislike Abigail because of her lack of concern for the consequences of her actions. But then I shook my head and realized…this is a light-hearted historical romance, and Abigail is younger and more innocent at twenty-five than most 15 year olds today! And sure enough, Callen did a good job of having Abigail gradually realize what her snooping could do…and who it could hurt.

I appreciated the fact that Gayle Callen didn’t try to turn this plot into a moral tale as it would have been so easy to do. Instead she added a bit of humor and romance to turn what could have been a harsh blow into a delightful read. My only reservation is the light treatment of the thoughtlessness and consequences…which I just said I enjoyed! Maybe it was that dichotomy that was part of the tale’s attraction for me. Whatever it was, I did enjoy “Never Dare a Duke”, even if it won’t stay on my keeper shelf. ( )