Wish Upon a Duke

Interesting plot but I was distracted by poor editing. There were times I thought I had kissed a page or two because of references that were inconsistent … also the mystery was teased but never developed and spoiler alert I think the author dropped the ball going with opium over slavery

Not only was it a silly, shallow story with poor editing, but the bizarre and avoidable mistakes showed a carelessness on the author’s part. Did she even read it after tossing it off?
The young earl would not be called “master Vincent” by his governess, but would be addressed using his title. His tutor is referred to as a male who would teach him to hunt and fish (didn’t tutors teach only academics?), then we read that “Miss Augusta Smythe will tutor him in French and history. His nanny will see that he learns to read and write correctly.” Tutors were male, and a governess would generally cover those subjects and others, plus the traditional feminine arts of the time, such as music and embroidery. A nanny was not part of an aristocratic British household; there would be a nursemaid for a very young child and then A (as in single) governess would be hired to instruct. A nursemaid (nanny in this book) was never expected to teach. Getting it right is not my job as reader It’s the author’s. And she doesn’t.
Other examples of the author’s carelessness:
“My modiste will come from London to fit you.” This is stated twice at the beginning. A few pages later she was going to a local modiste, although a few pages after that the local modiste is not considered good enough and it must be the London modiste, then the protagonist is wearing a dress made by the local modiste, then finally they went to London to see the modiste. Remember the London one who was being sent for st the beginning of the book! Not a big point, but is it so hard to keep straight? I did. The author couldn’t be bothered.
The author gets a crucial name wrong at a pivotal point toward the end, using the name of the long dead husband rather than then living cousin. Again, how hard is it to get right?
That’s on top of a stupid story with incomprehensible relationships; why would an unmarried aristocrat accept responsibility for the young son of a deceased friend he hadn’t seen in over a decade and take over management of the estate at the request of the dowager duchess he and his late friend, her son, heartily disliked? The romance is also a mystery.
Why would the evil mother-in-law agree to move out, and then apparently become a devoted granny? Hints, but no resolution, about what happened to the husband, who, although dead, went from having been a devoted and loving husband and father to being a scoundrel who was rarely home and not very paternal, and from having left a fortune to having been bankrupt.
And what happened with the protagonist’s devoted parents in America? And her wealth? Why didn’t she ever get in touch with the solicitors in London her father had retained on her behalf? Why turn everything over to a complete stranger - and why would he take it on?
Don’t waste your time unless you’re intrigued - as I was - about the number of mistakes, inconsistencies and absurdities that could be packed into one short book.

Savannah loses her husband, and now, her young son is an earl. She takes a journey to England, where she faces many challenges. She has a cantankerous mother-in-law, and she must navigate a society that does not approve of her. Savannah might find strife in England, but she also finds love. Gabriel is helping Savannah to prepare her son to become an earl. Neither she, nor her duke plan to marry. Does love change their minds? As they navigate their feelings, there are rumors that Savannah’s husband is alive, but the biggest challenge is yet to come. Danger stalks the new earl, and Savannah and Gabriel must do all they can to save him. If you like historical romance, you might enjoy this story. I liked that Savannah stood up for herself in a strange land.

American born and bred, Savannah Dawson made the choice to relocate to England after her 7-year-old son, Vincent, was declared the Earl of Dorset. Admitting she knew little about Society and their rules, she was hopeful the Dowager Countess would be of help. Fortunately, Gabriel, The Duke of Clevedon, accepted the responsibility to manage the estate for young Vincent until he came of age. It also meant settling his late father’s business activities. And out of everything, the ledgers and reports troubled Gabriel the most.

From the beginning Gabriel and Savannah are immediately drawn to the other. Although secretly looking, Gabriel has no wish to marry anytime soon and neither does Savannah. I loved the premise but had a difficult time loving the courtship of Savannah and Gabriel. At that same time it was very easy to despise the Dowager Countess although I didn’t understand why she was so terribly mean and hateful toward Savannah.

This said, I must admit the last half of the book is what peaked my interest. It is here that answered many of my questions and alleviated concerns. Which makes me believe that the reader dropped in too early in the tale. Regardless, I wholeheartedly congratulate Salisbury in creating a wonderfully wicked match.

I received this book as an advance review copy free. I have read and reviewed this book voluntarily.

Wish Upon a Duke is a wonderful historical romance. I loved Savannah's heart and determination. She isn't easily intimidated by anyone, and I absolutely loved that. Gabriel definitely wasn't the English lord I was expecting, he was much better! He enjoys Savannah's refusal to conform to high society's expectations, and the two of them make an adorable couple. Of course when things are coming up roses there are bound to be a few thorns. You'll be captivated watching Savannah and Gabriel navigate a veritable minefield as they get to know each other. Between the move to England, past debts, and rumors there's plenty to keep you turning pages. You'll have to read to find out if either get their happy ending...