Duke Darcy's Castle is the third book in the series Dare to Defy by Syrie James, but it is a story you can read and enjoy independently from the previous instalments.
It's been my happy place for a few days, a pleasant reading reminding me of a splendid tour in Cornwall a few years ago. The action takes place, in fact, in a remote, enchanting tidal island inspired to real Mount St. Michael, St. Gabriel's Mount.
The novel is set in the late Victorian Age and it has all the elements an engaging historical romance can offer: a captivating hero, a brilliant heroine, a steaming love story.
Kathryn Atherton arrives at St Gabriel's Mount unexpected - well, they weren't expecting a lady - and with one purpose in mind: to be appreciated as an architect by the Tenth Duke of Darcy, Lance Granville, whose ancient castle needs renovation and refurbishment. Her professional success, in a world exclusively inhabited by male architects, is very difficult to achieve, but that is just what Kathryn wants to pursue and she will not let any distraction or obstacle to lead her astray.
Lance Granville has just left his own career in the Royal Navy to inherit the family title and become the Tenth Duke of Darcy, something he has never wished for himself. When a very attractive woman architect appears in his residence, he just can't believe his eyes.
Kathryn and Lance will hit it off immediately and the attraction between them will not make things easy for either of them.
This is the premise to a delightful love story that will keep you intrigued and excited till the last page.
