Early Review of A Duke in Shining Armor (Difficult Dukes #1) by Loretta Chase

Title: A Duke in Shining Armor: Difficult Dukes
Classification: Adult Fiction
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Difficult Dukes
Format: Hardcover; 320 pages
Publisher: Avon (November 28, 2017)
ISBN-10: 0062697358
ISBN-13: 978-0062697356
Author's Website: http://www.lorettachase.com/
Notes: I received an eARC loan in exchange for an honest review.


For seven years, Lady Olympia Hightower had been voted the Most Boring Girl of the Season. In the seven years that she'd been in the marriage mart, she'd received no offers, at least not the kind a respectable young Lady of high breeding would accept. So when a seemingly random act of kindness on Lady Olympia's part toward the Duke of Ashmont, a handsome young man, resulted in him asking for her hand, she'd accepted without batting an eye. Now, on her wedding day after imbibing in a glass or two, possibly three of tea, she was no longer so sure of her decision.

Things could have gone much differently if her aunt hadn't spiked the tea for it inspired her to bolt. Things could have ended much differently if a certain someone had gone in search of Olympia instead of sending his best man in his stead. It's those split second decisions that we make in life that can change everything and in this case it does. The question is for better or worse?

This was an extremely charming, highly entertaining, delightfully funny, and adorably romantic read. Lady Olympia Hightower is overcome with an extreme case of wedding jitters. She knows the handsome Duke of Ashmont is a wonderful catch despite his being one of the three Dukes nicknamed the Dis-Graces, but all her doubts and fears start to surface tenfold. As she gets ready to stand up before God and all their friends and family to wed him, she feels the weight of what she is about to do and finds she just can't. So she makes a run for it.

The Duke of Ashmont plays such a small part in this one. He reminded me a lot of the brother in the movie "While You Were Sleeping"--the one who didn't get the girl. He's kind of clueless, easily manipulated, and is looking to marry Lady Olympia for all the wrong reasons--mainly because his uncle has tricked him into it. While I might have felt bad for this young man, it was fairly obvious that he and Lady Olympia knew next to nothing about each other and would never suit.

Hugh Philemon Ancaster, seventh Duke of Ripley, is the Duke of Ashmont's best friend/best man and the one he sends to find out what is taking Olympia so long. While chasing after the bride is above and beyond what is expected of a best man, he does so hoping to talk some sense into her. While trying to keep her out of trouble and get her to somewhere safe, a funny thing starts to happen--he starts to fall for the bespectacled young woman. His inner struggle to be good despite the attraction is what makes this story so good. I absolutely loved it.

I couldn't help but give this book 5 out of 5 roses. A sweet, sexy, and fun romance which features a hilariously funny comedy of errors. This one had me shaking my head, laughing myself silly, and smiling like the cat who ate the canary. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one earned a STEAM--too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed. This is definitely one for my keeper shelf.