Pocket, Jan 2004, 6.99
ISBN: 0743463862
During the Napoleonic Wars, Gwen marries Lord Milburn the person she has been betrothed to since her birth. After the ceremony, she asks him what name she should use and he replies Harry. She is shocked to learn she married Lord Cambourne, Milburn's brother.
Gwen wants to know why Harry agreed to this ploy, but his response leaves her in further doubt as he tells her to talk to her bossy mother. When she learns that her parents blackmailed Harry into marriage since Milburn had not returned home, Gwen is despondent. However, as the scenario becomes even weirder with the return of Milburn and the brothers swapping identities, she realizes that Harry could not be made to do anything he would not want to. Could he love her as she loves him?
THE ACCIDENTAL DUCHESS is a strange but entertaining Regency romance that will remind readers of the Importance of Being Ernest or perhaps As You Like It, but obviously in a different setting. The story line can become confusing as to which brother is which, but fans will appreciate the errors as they will be as bewildered as the heroine is and enjoy every moment of it. Jessica Benson provides a fun historical though concentrate or you will root for the wrong brother to kiss Gwen.
Harriet Klausner
This report prepared by Harriet Klausner
