The Lost Duke of Wyndham (Two Dukes of Wyndham, Book 1) Reviews

• How Did This Get Published?!?!?

  
  By ACLZYGKXQD15K on 2008-06-06
  Oh, yeah, because Quinn's name is on it. I forgot. Because it's really that bad. It's so bad you begin to wonder if a writer like Quinn wrote it, or she had it ghost-written by a 15 year old. So, here's my frank and honest review, even though I know I'm going to get a score "unhelpful" checks from all Quinn fans. (Honestly, I am a Quinn fan, as well. That's why I'm so frustrated and angry right now.)
  
  I'm going to say this upfront: I cannot abide "love at first smell/touch/sight" books. So, in my case, there was definitely a bias against the primary romance. But I could have even overlooked that if Quinn had displayed her talent for creating complex characters and situations that are real conflicts.
  
  However, Quinn fails to do this. For a woman who has written over a dozen books, this read like it was her first attempt at a novel. The main characters were barely sketched, she makes the rookie mistake of "telling" rather than "showing", and I found the entire main conflict of the novel (the very premise) to be rather absurd and made each of the primary characters guilty of the "To Stupid to Live syndrome".
  
  ~ Spoilers In Review ~
  
  First of all, the very fact that Grace falls in lust with a highway man & thinks there's absolutely nothing wrong with it really made me question her judgment. It was marvelous for her that the guy ended up being a Duke... but, good God, what was she thinking to start out with? And speaking of him being a highwayman. Apparently, that wasn't a big deal... but, yet, he had a problem with giving up that lifestyle to become a Duke.
  
  Secondly, I guess Jack was charming? Because Quinn told us that every other paragraph or so (either Jack was thinking it, telling people he was, or Grace was thinking it, or other characters were calling him that....). Frankly, though, he never made one comment or did anything that was remotely charming. He was, in fact, rather annoying. There he was, a thief, and he was about to strip a very decent man of his title and whole identity. And all he could do was joke and make cracks towards everyone & we're supposed to cheer for him (and the romance) because he keeps glancing over at Grace because he just knows that she'll get the humor if no one else does. And Grace, like a good little heroine, is the only one who is able to "get" him - rather than thinking he's a jerk, like Amelia (rightfully so) does.
  
  Third, I hated, hated, hated that the only parts that were remotely interesting were the Thomas/Amelia parts. Quinn tried to keep the focus on Grace/Jack in this novel and so she formatted it so that Thomas/Amelia are very secondary characters - so secondary, in fact, that we're not even allowed to hear Amelia explain a scene between her and Thomas at a pivotal moment in the novel. Instead of having Amelia tell Grace what happened (in a rather more interesting novel/story taking place off stage) we are instead treated to the self-absorbed musings of Grace, who is completely tuning out Amelia while the girl is trying to talk to Grace about her own issues. Yeah, I think we all want a friend like Grace. Even if I wasn't pre-disposed to dislike Grace for falling in love with a highwayman at first sight, this made me just want to throttle her. I was yelling at the book, "Dear God, listen to the woman! She has a more interesting story to tell, anyway!" But, unfortunately, Quinn would prefer that we wait until October (or is November) to get to know the better characters.
  
  Fourth, the "climax" is absurd and it takes way too long to get there. OK, yeah, he's the Duke. Well, that was obvious from the beginning because he's (1) older than Thomas and (2) clearly, he wasn't lying about being legitimate. So why take about 200 pages to get that point? We spend much of the novel talking about him possibly being the Duke. (Boring, repetitive, conversations) and then it takes about 20 pages to resolve the issue post "revelation". Most of which is in epilogue form and, quite neatly and stupidly, addresses every concern that Grace/Jack had for about 200 pages. Well, that's just great. I would rather have seen him deal with being the Duke at about page 50, and read 150 pages of him learning how to be one, while wooing Grace at the same time. Rather than having it backward: 200 pages with him talking about potentially being the Duke & then told that it all worked at the end.
  
  Lastly, why was Grace turning him down. To paraphrase Elizabeth Bennett: He's a gentleman, she's a gentleman's daughter, so - in that - they are equal. She, however, thinks that she's not good enough for the guy because *gasp* he's a Duke. Well, sheesh, he was also thief. Did you think of that, Grace? That he used to rob people and would have continued doing so, if the Duchess didn't kidnap him???? But, I guess, being in love with a man who has no morals is okay. It's the whole being in love with a man who has a title that screwed up. But, it's all okay in the end because Amelia (again, the girl I really wanted to read about) points out that it'll be about 2 weeks of gossip & then folks will move on. And, of course, brainless Grace goes, "Oh yeah... I guess I'll be a Duchess then. If you twist my arm and all that." No, seriously, here's a woman who has been virtually a slave to the Dowager Duchess for about 5 years. Plus, she's all alone in the world and has no money to her name. And, she's lonely and unhappy. So along comes this guy who is madly in love with her, great looking, the sex is good and - oh, well, look at that - he's also about to become one of the richest and most powerful men in England. And so what is our girl to do? Clearly, she has to reject his marriage proposal. Because, yeah, she's that bright.
  
  ~ End Spoilers ~
  
  Anyway, I could go on about this... how the book is poorly written. (Way.too.many.short.sentences.) I could write even more about how superficially the two main characters are written and how it reads like every generic (and poorly written) romance novel I've ever read. But I think you get the picture.
  
  Bottom Line: Don't go by the brand name. Go buy a different book by a new author. Because Quinn has clearly forgotten how to write and is coasting on her name. It's like Eloisa James all over again!!!
  
  

• Too charming

  
  By A2NICGGIGIFU22 on 2008-05-30
  Highwayman Jack Audley chooses the wrong carriage to rob one faithful night. The occupant is the dowager duchess of Wyndham and quickly she comes to the conclusion that Jack is her grandson. Jack looks (even masked), acts and sounds so much like her beloved dead son that Jack simply must be his son. And once she has him in her clutches the dowager will do everything in her power to prove that Jack is the legitimate Duke of Wyndham. Grace, a long suffering companion of five years, is shocked by the turn of events. And even more so when she realizes that the more time she spends with the charming rogue the more she's falling in love with him. Even if he seems a bit smitten with her -Dukes, if he proves to be, do not marry lowly companions.
  
  A mixed review. Although I liked The Lost Duke of Wyndham in general, I found it to be an average book. Jack is a very lovable hero but perhaps too charming for me. I really enjoyed his quick wit and his delightful verbal sparing -up to a point. It got to be a bit too much by the middle of the book. Just went over the top IMHO. It seemed (to me anyway) that Jack was rarely serious perhaps when he should have been. I can take a joke as well as anyone, and I did find his antics very amusing most of the time -but still....I don't know perhaps I was looking for some strong emotions from a character who is light-hearted/carefree to the core.
  
  And Grace seemed to be a bit underdeveloped as a character. I still don't really know who she is. I felt like I was missing a puzzle piece in her makeup while reading the book. A totally unremarkable heroine. Not unlikeable, mind you, but just....there.
  
  So while the book is entertaining while reading it, I didn't find anything particularly exciting about it. The ending was extremely predictable as well. I was also disappointed by the lack of sexual tension and love scenes -there didn't seem to be enough sparks between these two. I felt like a great scene began and then just fizzled out in the end. Not very satisfying. But the one bright light in the book is the secondary characters, especially the stiff and proper Thomas (the Duke). He did capture my interest and I will be getting his book Mr. Cavendish, I Presume (Two Dukes of Wyndham, Book 2). .
  
  In comparison to Quinn's other books, Jack is most similar I think to Colin of the Bridgerton series. So if anyone loved that book (Romancing Mister Bridgerton (Bridgerton Series, Book 4)) they may like this one. Of all of Quinn's books my favorite will remain When He Was Wicked (Bridgerton Family Series). I prefer broodier and more emotional hero's. But if you like charming hero's then you might want to check this one out.
  
  

• Quinn is back at the top of her game!

  
  By A2VQVI5X3VTDT3 on 2008-05-27
  An absolutely fantastic historical romance! Julia Quinn was already one of my top three favorite historical romance authors, but I think this is her best book yet- or at least my new favorite. I won't go over the plot, I will say that the book takes place between a grand English home, on the road and in Ireland. Jack, our hero, is wonderful and is given a personality with many layers. I've been suffering rake-with-women-issues fatigue, and Jack's charm paired with his respect of our heroine, Grace, was refreshing. He has been through a tragedy but it does not make him dark or hateful.
  
  I loved the way the romance developed- the protagonists are so fun to read about that it was a pleasure "watching" them fall in love. They sparred, and humor figures into their relationship quite a bit. This is not a book you should get expecting lots of steamy sex scenes, in fact it's very light in that area. We also have strong supporting characters- I wanted to smack the dowager (Grace's employer) through the whole book, Quinn was VERY deft at writing her as a frustrating old rich witch! There are two other characters who were set up in this book that will appear in the sequel (advertised in the back of the book) which is due in October.
  
  I already can't wait to read it- fans of Quinn who were disappointed by "The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever" and "On the Way To the Wedding" should be happy to hear that Quinn is back at the top of her game. I highly recommend this book- I couldn't put it down, devoured it and was sad to see it end. This is definitely a keeper. Also, keep your eye out for "truthiness"!
  
  

• The Quinn is dead -- long live the "Quinn" (whoever she may be)

  
  By A264UDLWWRJ7X4 on 2008-06-04
  Poor Julia Quinn is over. She has reached that point in her career where an editor is afraid to edit her. Can you imagine the editor who would say to her: "'The Lost Duke' isn't quite up to your usual standards, JQ -- could you do another rewrite and fix a few problems -- like maybe show us why Jack is supposedly so funny and charming, and give Grace a personality, please?" And then Julia thinks: "Why should I do that -- the book will be a best seller no matter what I put in it, so why go to all that trouble -- just publish the damned thing and give me my check."
  
  And so her books become like this one -- trite, underwritten, and boring, boring, boring.
  
  Actually, this phenomenon is not unusual. It happens to many of the best romance writers. A really sad example is Johanna Lindsey. Her books from the last seven years without her name on them couldn't get into a critique group, much less published. I blame her editors. Once a romance writer's "name" is made and people buy her books on her name alone, then the writer and her editor can get lazy very quickly. That is what has happened to Julia Quinn now.
  
  And really, so what if loyal Quinn fans finally get it after a few duds and stop buying her books? She's made her money. Avon has made theirs, and there are always hundreds of hungry romance writers who are turning out good books and just salivating in line to step into Quinn's shoes. It's only the readers who get shafted in this deal.
  
  Do yourself a favor -- DON'T BUY THIS BOOK. Borrow it from the library or from a friend. Or get it for a buck from a used book store -- believe me, there will be plenty of copies there in the next few weeks. This book is no keeper. I borrowed my copy from my sister, and now will give it to the local library.
  
  We romance lovers can only pray that a new "Quinn" is soon crowned -- and that Lisa Kleypas, who has always been able to write circles around Quinn even when Quinn was in peak form, keeps turning out quality stuff.
  
  

• Unimaginative, unfinished, unreadable and an unsolved puzzle

  
  By A3ALZZUXVW7838 on 2008-06-02
  Unlike other JQ readers, I loved The Diary of Miranda Cheever, yet, still anticipated this new Romance from Julia Quinn, as this was truly the first "real" novel since the uneven, yet successful Bridgerton Series.
  
  Miranda was originally written in the past and she pulled it out after she realized this book, The Lost Duke of Wyndham, would need to have a sequel. Thus my expectatations were doubled. So good that it needs TWO books to tell the compelling story? Wow! I could not wait!!
  
  I was sadly disappointed.
  
  Although I usually devour a Romance in a few days, and a Julia Quinn Novel in a matter of hours....I found myself finding dragging through this novel as one would read the NY Court Rules or other such droll prose.
  
  The premise is that an Irish Highwayman is in fact the Duke of Wyndham. If Jack is truly the Duke, the lives of four other people are charged forever.
  
  Jack is too good looking and way too charming to capture my heart-not that there is anything wrong with too good looking and too charming..but he doesn't seem to have much more to recommend himself. Due to a "tragedy" he has gone into the rather unsavory business of being a highwayman.
  
  Granted, we read he is a sort of Regency Robin Hood, but there is nothing in his book that really explains why he would do this or the people he really "helped" out. One does not become a Robin Hood unless there is a motivating reason--and nothing in his past--in this book reveals this.
  
  This just feels very...unnatural.
  
  Jack lacks substance. And frankly, talking about him being charming is totally different than BEING charming. He did not charm me into falling for him. And we know that JQ can pull off charming--Colin Bridgerton is Charming! Yet, our heroine is charmed. Then again, judging Grace's pathetic existence, it was not going to take a lot to sweep her off of her feet in the first place.
  
  As for Grace. Poor poor pitiful Grace. She is the poor but beautiful and ridiculously patient woman who has to live with her lot. Her fate is to sacrifice her heart for some pretty unbearable people. She suffers in silence. (unlike me, who cannot bear to continue to be silent about reading about her, thus typing this rather loud review.) It is hard to have sympathy or relate to a woman like this. Yes, her lot is horrible. But must we be so bored by this? Yes, everyone pities her.
  
  But does Julia not know, Pity is not an aphrodisiac???
  
  True to Grace's purgatory, we are stuck in a Herculian type of task of reading a book that should eventually have some action. But no. Instead,
  this a book of dialog and thoughts. Not a heck of a lot of movement. He says, she says. Then the waves of thoughts: he is instantly in love with her and she "feels" him, even after being robbed at gunpoint--Feels romantically towards him. He has a troubled past. She had parents who always dreamed of traveling but never did. She likes a room in the house. When he goes there, he thinks of her there. We are not even tempted to hope that they meet because there is so little chemistry between them.
  
  So Essentially, Blah blah blah. Super dull.
  
  And then her harsh reality of working for the Dowager is repeated over and over again.
  
  Enter the infamous dowager. I know she was realistically written. She is as haughty as they come...and I know Jane Austin had characters like this in her novels, but she was way too prominent in this novel.
  
  She is cruel. She is heartless. She isn't just heartless, she is very tedious. And You just didn't want to read anymore. Grace's existance is painfully boring. And reading about it is far worse.
  
  
  And then we encounter Thomas and Ameilia. The present Duke, Thomas weaves in and out, mysteriously changing and morphing to the end.
  
  Out of no where he does some strange things such as look slovenly and once he even kisses Grace (where Julia, thankfully does not give us the melodrama of Jack secretly witnessing this..there is one meager plus) but I felt like we were missing a BIG chunk of the story. And why the mystery about her friendship with Thomas? She mentions him all of the time...and as we KNOW Jack is the hero..SO WHY HAVE ANY MYSTERY??? I just feel like JQ just was too lazy to let us know what this relationship was like--or the editors too greedy in wanting us to purchase Mr. Cavedish to get this story.
  
  And Amelia, the future Duchess, is really rather non-descript then all of a sudden, she stands up to her father remarkably well out of nowhere. Again..because we are missing essential elements of this story.
  
  
  I suspect that once Mr. Cavandish arrives at the bookstores, we will have the whole story. But what irks me is that this is really half of a book. And a boring half at that. What should be a romp of heady emotions--who is Duke? Can he be Duke? What about the current Duke? And who will marry whom?????!!!is basicly milque toast. Boring and without any substance.
  
  And as someone else here has written, why wasn't there an editor who stopped her from writing one and potentially two, bad books, when this could have been a winner as one novel. ???
  
  I was at the used book store and already found several copies...so it is not just me-although I have to wonder if her friends and editors are writing the "Quinn Is Back on her Game" reviews? ???
  
  
• Unfortunately Disappointing
  By A1TRPKDQWEP23V on 2008-05-31
  I pre-ordered this book because I have enjoyed Julia Quinn's previous works very much (not only the Bridgerton series, but her other titles as well). I was therefore surprised to find myself through the first one hundred pages of this book and realizing that I really wasn't very interested in what was happening. The reader is constantly being told how funny and charming the hero, Jack is. The problem is, having the heroine, Grace, choke back laughter at everything he says doesn't make him funny. It comes across as a cue from the author saying, "Jack is being outrageous and funny here" and I found myself thinking, "No, he's really not." I found both Grace and Jack to be rather flat and bland, which surprised me to no end. I could overlook the amazing coincidences and overreaching situations that brought the character's lives together if they weren't so ...well...dull. In past Quinn novels, no matter how outlandish the situations were, the reader really didn't care because the characters were lively, sarcastic, witty, and not only fun, but funny as well. With "Lost Duke", it was as though Ms. Quinn was trying so hard to not make Grace a clone of Daphne, Penelope, Kate, or any of her other heroines that she didn't really give Grace a definable personality of her own (ditto for Jack).
  
  And the duchess didn't help. I get that her character was supposed to be the epitome of demanding and self-centered, but to me, she was just hateful. Some of her conclusions and opinions made little or no sense (ie: "You just robbed me at masked gunpoint, but I know by the shape of your chin, and the sound of your voice that you must be my long lost grandson I didn't even know existed.") Her ridiculous opinions and over blown behavior was a lazy way to progress the plot.
  
  I finished the book. The actions of some of the characters were a little too far over the top and contrived for me (again, this would have made no difference to me if the characters hadn't been so flat). The finale was incredibly cutesy and sugary sweet. I can't say that this book made me decide never to read Julia Quinn again. I will soldier on and read Thomas and Amelia's story. Past secondary characters of Quinn's have been interesting enough that the reader wanted to know what happened to them (Colin and Penelope, anyone?), but I would be lying if I didn't admit that I have the tiniest bit of doubt about this continuing story. Frankly, Thomas was one of the most interesting things about "The Lost Duke of Wyndham" which is a little disturbing since he is not the main character. I didn't, however, find Amelia all that compelling. I am hopeful that it works out.
  
  Overall, I'd say I am still a Julia Quinn fan. I just found this title disappointing.
  
  
• Next time, Ms. Quinn, please show, don't tell.
  By A6AWKQ30V71J3 on 2008-06-06
  Other reviewers have done an excellent job picking over the details of the plot, whether things were or were not surprising. I will attempt to write this without any spoilers for those of you trying to decide whether to purchase this book, and let me start by saying that if you are a Julia Quinn fan in general, you may very well find yourself disappointed.
  
  Why? Because in so many of her other books Ms. Quinn does a wonderful job creating a character that we happen to know if charming because he simply IS that way. In this book, if you were to look only at sentences that are either uttered by our protagonist, Jack, or which describe his actions, I'm afraid you'll find very few examples of anything that truly IS charming. Oh, to be sure, some of Ms. Quinn's previous characters (such as my ABSOLUTE favorite, Colin Bridgerton, in book 4 of the Bridgerton series), are repeatedly described as being charming, but they also ACT the part. You can see why everyone says that about them. In addition, Jack lacks the depth of character that suggests he can be self-deprecating--a key ingredient, I think, to a good hero of a romance novel.
  
  Then there is the issue of his "brooding". Or lack there-of. I think in general Ms. Quinn tends to create male characters who spend too much time brooding over some miserable point in their past (or expected future--like Anthony Bridgerton). But that's acceptable, because it really shapes the characters and their actions. In this case, it's like a separate and unrelated story line that never impacts Jack's interest in Grace or any potential relationship between them.
  
  Grace is, well, nothing really. She may very well be the most personality-less (sorry) character of Ms. Quinn's novels to date.
  
  As for the dowager Duchess, I longed for greater depth to her personality, though I will say no more here, lest I spoil something in the novel.
  
  Finally, not to be crass, but I enjoy a good sex scene in a romance novel--and I'll happily substitute lots of good sexual tension. This novel lacked both.
  
  I wanted to at least like this book. I have liked every one of Ms. Quinn's novels, though of all of them, I enjoyed On the Way to the Wedding, the last of the Bridgerton novels, the least, I think; I DID like the Miranda Cheever book). But on just about every count the book disappointed me greatly.
  
  Several other reviewers mentioned that it was still an enjoyable read, and I suppose I agree--I would certainly give it 2 stars for being mildly entertaining (though I've never been able to put a Julia Quinn novel down in the middle so easily).
  
  I give the book 3 stars because I have great hope for the second book in the series, as Thomas IS a very interesting character (a secondary character in this book who is, I believe, the protagonist of the next). Thomas's fiancee in this book, Amelia, also looks to be a much more exciting character than she might have seemed at first. I think one of Ms. Quinn's greatest strengths is using characters that we've met in other novels in new novels (be it a "series" or not). Colin Bridgerton, for example, may very well be more attractive and charming precisely becasue we knew him before and again after in other novels. So here's hoping this will lead to bigger and better characters!
  
  
• Not her best...
  By A1Z1EHL6JMI0M4 on 2008-05-28
  I love Julia Quinn and had been waiting for this book to come out forever and in my excitement read it in all one sitting. Overall I wasn't impressed by this latest book.
  
  It all starts with Grace Eversleigh being stuck as the companion of the overbearing Duchess of Wyndham when her life is suddenly changed by an interlude with a highwayman. This introduces the charming Jack Audley who, though he appears as a highwayman, is actually the long lost grandson of the duchess Grace is a companion to. The Duchess is insistent that her grandson is the legitimate duke (she has no liking for the current duke, her other grandson) and the antics that ensue are quite predictable.
  
  I found myself liking the character of Grace, but also wishing she had be written with a little bit more depth. I didn't feel the emotion in this book as I have in other Julia Quinn books. Jack is said to be charming so many times that I found myself becoming sick of the adjective. Overall I didn't really think the characters really got to know each other all that well before declaring their love. I'm hoping that the next tale of Thomas and Amelia (secondary characters in the book) will be much more endearing than this one.
  
  If you want to read a good Julia Quinn book I would recommend "The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheaver" or pretty much all of her Brigerton family series.
  
  
• My Wicked, Wicked Review
  By A1VW0CQEVQAZM3 on 2008-06-10
  After the disaster that was Miss Cheever and her very dumb Diary, I was hoping that Ms. Quinn woul find her voice again. Sadly, if anything, she has foisted another lemon on her loyal fans. I didn't think the characters were fully realized and the plot hit you in the eye in the very first chapter, It reminded me of the worst of Barbara Cartland. In the Bridgerton series, not only were the characters well done and the plot line interesting, there was the deligthful interaction with other members of the family, all interesting and delightful. The dowager Duchess is a pill, but not a funny pill or even an endearing one, just a plain garden variety pill. the fighting between the current Duke and the Dowager is boring in the extreme, if we had it explained to us the reason for this hatred, but my guess that is being saved for Book 2. I believe that the third book post-bridgerton better be good (funny and interesting) or some of Ms. Quinn's loyal fans ,may be jumping the ship.
  
  
• Lost duke should get lost!
  By A29ZNM8MQAPFF3 on 2008-06-25
  Jack is the most annoying character and Grace is a nutshell. The chemistry between the characters were forced, so not believable. Falling in love at first sight with a highwayman/criminal won't do for me in a romance story. Even with proof of his legitimacy and the reason that his father was older than Thomas father and he therefore is the true duke, but Jack being a criminal, his right to the dukedom should be forfeited. Because he should belong in Newgate prison and NOT in a dukedom in my opinion. Whatever reason why he became a highwayman was not an excuse to rob and terrorize people at gun point. He could have an honorable profession after his military commission. But he chose to be a thief and there's nothing noble about it and there's nothing charming about him, so I lost my interest at the main character and lost respect at the book itself. And why does the dowager duchess character has to be mean? I don't find anything in this book likable (maybe just a little bit of Thomas & Amelia). The plot was not well thought of. Do not waste your time on this one like I did. My suggestion to you JQ, start writing about Edmund Bridgerton(Anthony & Kate's) or Amelia Basset(Daphne & Simon's). I kinda miss this family. And by the way even the front cover of this Lost book looks awful.
  
  
• Bad...I can't believe this is J. Quinn.
  By A708E4OWWQ61B on 2008-06-01
  I have never had such a hard time reading her work. Julia Quinn is one of my favorites. How many ways can one say that the old witch is awful? Over and over and over again...I get it, she is old and mean. Also where was the passion? Where was the " thing" that made me fall in love with her books?
  I have all her books, and I read every one of them several times. This book is almost a joke. It's like it's not even her. I can not believe I waited such a long time just to get desapointed. Very much so.
  Indeed :):)
  
  
• Eh
  By A1D0AKW4K06WON on 2008-06-06
  I'm a huge Julia Quinn fan. In fact, this is the first time I've ever pre-ordered a book. WHEN HE WAS WICKED and THE VISCOUNT WHO LOVED ME are on the top of my favorites list.
  
  Unfortunately, I just felt completely...lost...when reading this book. Not that I didn't follow the storyline, but just because I didn't feel the connection between Jack and Grace. Like someone else mentioned, I'm not a huge fan of love at first sight stories, but I often still greatly enjoy books under this plot, because I fall in love with the characters. Sadly, I have to agree with everyone else - Jack is just too charming (but not to me) and "jokey" and Grace is kind of dull. Neither had much depth. And I was never drawn into their romance. I didn't feel it. I didn't care about it. I got to the point of skimming at the end, and I hate that.
  
  Finally, I just have to mention that the writing style REALLY bothers me. The short sentences were just way over the top and kept me from getting drawn into the story. Luckily they tapered off some toward the end, but, wow, I was exhausted by them!
  
  I don't like showing so much negativity, but luckily Thomas was more my type of hero and I'm actually excited for MR. CAVENDISH, I PRESUME.
  
  
• Not quite quintessential Quinn
  By A2J8289OOT5DE4 on 2008-06-02
  Julia Quinn is a very good writer and storyteller. That said this is not one of her finer efforts. So, why the 4 stars? Because Amazon does not have decimal places (really should be a 3.5995 - old Olympic gymnastic scoring) and this is a far better book than most of her peers can write.
  
  I enjoyed the book, but could very easily set it aside to get on with my life. Not my typical experience with one of Ms. Quinn's books. The characters were strong - maybe too strong in the case of the Dowager Duchess. I think it would have been far better to tilt her a bit more in the direction of Lady Dansbury rather than Cruella DeVille. The main female character, Grace, was smart, nice, kind etc., but a tish bit bland. The main male character, Jack, was impishly charming, but felt a bit "one note". I know he had dark spots in his past, he just did not come across as particularly complex on the page. (Unlike some of her best male leads - Colin, Michael or Benedict.)
  
  The plot was interesting (despicable dowager Duchess discovers a dubious, but more desirable, Duke) but the pace of the book was herky jerky - moved in fits and starts which did not suit either the storyline or the characters.
  
  So all in all, interesting but flawed book which I am sure will be improved upon in Book 2 - "Mr. Canvendish, I Presume."
  
  
• Grace, we hardly knew ye...
  By A33BUN3S9HEHIQ on 2008-06-05
  While I agree with several other reviewers that this novel was certainly better than the dismal "Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever," I did not find it nearly as enjoyable as many of JQ's other novels.
  
  I think that the single most important ingredient in any romance novel is a heroine that one roots for. Grace did not have the same spark of life in her that many of JQ's other characters have had, so it made it difficult to care about her troubles.
  
  In her best work, which in my opinion would be a tie between "The Viscount who Loved Me," and "The Duke and I," Julia Quinn creates between the hero and heroine some sort of conflict that is based on their internal struggles as human beings, and not just contrived circumstances. This creates compelling characters and moving plots with emotional resonance that far exceeds the average romance novel. With the ***SPOILER*** theme of Jack's illiteracy, it seems like she was trying, but the attempt felt a bit flat.
  
  There was not a lot of heat between these two characters, and there was no hook at the beginning that made me think, "Okay, I know these two characters' happy ending is assured because I'm reading a romance novel, but ooh boy, I need to know how it happens and I will stay up all night find out."
  
  In the past JQ has created truly witty, amusing dialogue, but not here, and having Grace laugh hysterically not once, but several times, at Jack's not particularly funny comments seemed like adding a canned laugh track to a TV sitcom. This is a classic amateur writer's mistake, and it was jarring to see it used by such a professional, accomplished, intelligent author.
  
  In addition, I could not agree more with previous comments about the very distracting writer's tick that Julia Quinn seems to have developed over the past few books.
  She really must stop the short sentences.
  Especially the short paragraphs.
  I think that kids who want their term papers to be longer like to do this.
  Not bestselling authors. Seriously.
  
  This said, I think that it must be hard, in every book, to live up to the high standard that this author has set with some of her previous work. Also, it seems very much like she has set up what could be a compelling book in "Mr. Cavendish," as I quite agree with others that Thomas was far and away the most interesting character in this novel.
  
  For those who have not yet read the novel, I would recommend you wait and see if "Mr. Cavendish, I Presume," is all that it promises to be before reading this. If it is, then this book will serve as useful background. Otherwise, reread "The Viscount Who Loved Me."
  
  
• The Cover Has to GO!
  By ADYRG5K6KLDK8 on 2008-06-06
  I haven't read the book yet and I keep shoving it to the back of my book shelf. Why? I hate the cover. Not only don't I like people knowing I'm reading lurid romance when I take a book somewhere but I also like to imagine what the people look like from the writer's description. This book has taken that away from the reader. Not only that, but I don't think either of the people on the cover are exceptionally good looking.
  
  Why not put a flower on the cover, or a picture of an English Estate and let us imagine what the characters look like. Give us back our readers right!
  
  
• Do you believe in love at first sight, or do I have to walk past you again? - Unknown
  By A37E6RW5BUX4U0 on 2008-06-16
  Grace Eversleigh is leading a hard but interesting life as companion to the dowager Duchess of Wyndham. The Duchess is a grumpy and demanding employer, but putting up with her also gives Grace a lot of opportunities. When Grace and the Duchess are held up by a charismatic Highwayman, neither woman's life will ever be the same.
  
  What I liked most about this story was the hilarious hero, Jack. I can't ever remember laughing so much reading another historical romance as I did with this one. He's sarcastic, witty and charming. His one-liners and remarks to the dowager Duchess are priceless.
  
  The chemistry between him and Grace is instantaneous. What I found refreshing about this book is that the two of them are honest with each other from the start and they don't waste time playing games. Their witty banter and playful relationship made this a really fun read.
  
  I know I must have read a Julia Quinn book at one time or another, but if this book is what I can expect from her, I haven't been reading enough of her work. I look forward to reading the sequel to this story, Mr. Cavendish, I Presume (Two Dukes of Wyndham, Book 2), as I found the side character's of the duke of Wyndham and his ever patient bride-to-be and their story to be just as interesting and entertaining as the main characters. His story promises to be wonderful. Enjoy!
  
  
  Cherise Everhard, June 2008
  
  
  
• I really don't get it...
  By AFHX4YJR350MU on 2008-06-19
  Has Julia Quinn just completely lost her touch? I was in love with the earlier books (i.e. Brighter than the Sun, Minx and early Bridgertons) but with the last 3-4 books the writing has just gone completely down hill and I find myself constantly thinking how disappointed I am and how I've wasted money. This last book I had really high hopes for, thinking that she must have felt forced to write the final Bridgerton's and this would be a great fresh start for her. But sadly, this is by far the worst book she's written. It took me three days to get through it and I usually devour a book in a single sitting. The writing isn't fresh and full of laugh-out-loud humor as it used to be. It just drones on and on. Nothing charming. Nothing funny. Nothing even remotely interesting. The romance aspect was ridiculously unbelievable. I was bored to tears and frustration.
  
  For many years, Julia Quinn was my all time favorite romance author, but I have finally reached the point where I can say I would never buy another of her books again. Its a sad day.
  
  
• Just Don't Get the Fuss about Julia Quinn
  By ADGTWXUG0IM37 on 2008-06-28
  Jack Audley is a highwayman, who one night robs the carriage with the Dowager Duchess of Wyndham and her companion Grace Eversleigh in it. From the moments the Dowager hears Jack's voice she is reminded of long dead son. After kidnapping Jack, the Dowager is to prove that Jack is and will be the Duke of Wyndham. All the while that this is going on Jack is intent on romancing Grace.
  "The Lost Duke of Wyndham" is the lastest book by Julia Quinn and after reading serveral of her book, including this one. I just can't understand why people like so much. This book and these characters were so under developed that I could wait for it to be over and I was glad that I did pay full price for this book. These characters seem to be as much pain a the reader was. I know for a fact it will be a long time, if ever that I read another book by Ms. Quinn
  
  
• A cure for insomnia
  By A2UKPNO8K0V0IL on 2008-05-31
  I don't remember the last time I ever had such a hard time finishing a book, but since I paid for it I felt obligated to do so.
  
  The beginning was promising, the end was so-so, but the middle was just plain awful. Most of the time the conversations were just page fillers with no real substance to them. And stop with the short sentences. Really. Please. Stop.
  And PLEASE write a full sentence or revise it if you need to use the parenthesis that much. Actually, just omit those thoughts altogether since they are neither funny nor informative. They don't add to anything except to the reader's annoyance.
  
  Ok, now that I got this off my chest, I can comment on the characters. Um, wait, there's nothing to comment on since they have NO character at all. Jack is constantly saying something 'funny' and Grace is laughing at every word that comes out if his mouth. Reading their dialogs made me think- what the heck is Grace smoking?
  In all honestly, I could not care less if these two never ever ended up together, and the epilogue did not give me any warm and fuzzy feelings that I usually get at the end when everything works out.
  
  I also could not get past their first encounter when Grace gets all misty when she gets her first kiss- from a thief who is robbing her employer. I won't even go into saying how ridiculous it is when the old woman KNOWS that the (masked) thief is her grandson who she never met (!) and that he's the eldest son of her favorite, middle son. Oh, please!
  
  I cared more about Thomas, the previous Duke of Wyndham, than any one of these characters since it seems that he's the only one that actually has some depth. And for this reason alone I might even read Julia's next book.
  
  If you're a die hard fan of Julia go and read this book, otherwise I suggest that you just stay away from it. Or use it if you have insomnia- I fell asleep at least three times while reading it.
  
  
  
  
• I liked it! :-)
  By AHCTFMN71SXPR on 2008-06-01
  OK it won't change your life or make you richer, smarter, stronger, or thinner - it's not meant to do that. It's a good romance and I enjoyed it. For me it was a lovely read on a summer's day. I liked the fact that the characters were well rounded, believable, interesting, and understandable. There were no "evil" bad guys (even though the duchess wasn't particularly nice). I liked the romance. It made me feel good. It took me away from the dishes and housework. It gave me an excuse to just sit and enjoy myself for a few hours. As far as I'm concerned - it did it's job! Thanks Julia
  
  
• a nice romantic read
  By A5GYYHY2KI5CI on 2008-06-03
  I have to admit that Julia Quinn stopped being an auto-read after "Romancing Mr. Bridgerton" -- I just never found any of the subsequent books compelling enough for me to finish. Which is why I was pleased to find her latest to be such a sweeping and absorbing read. "The Lost Duke of Wyndham" is a wonderful example of Julia Quinn at her best (in my opinion), and truth to tell, I can hardly wait for the follow up to this one, "Mr. Cavendish, I Presume."
  
  The plot premise for "The Lost Duke of Wyndham" is a simple and oft-used one: Jack Audely, formerly a soldier in his majesty's army, and currently a highwayman, knew that his life of danger and adventure would bring him some unexpected twists to his life, but the last thing he expected was that one of his victims would claim that he is the lost Duke of Wyndham. The trouble is that there is a current duke whose claims to the title Jack would displace if Jack does turn out to be the rightful heir to the dukedom, and the trouble is that Jack isn't sure if he wants a life of discipline and responsibility that this new life would entail. But there are compensations, esp in the shape of the beguiling Miss Grace Everleigh, companion to the elderly and bad tempered Duchess of Wyndham. Jack is totally enchanted with the sensible and charming Grace, but is she similarly taken with him? And what of her relationship with the current duke, Thomas?
  
  What really carries this novel, what makes one keep reading is not so much the storyline as the characters involved, and the blossoming romance between Jack and Grace. The romance is very nicely and satisfactorily developed -- the mix of romance, humour and sensuality was truly well done, and you just knew from the very beginning that Grace and Jack were meant to be -- kudos to Ms Quinn for not introducing secondary characters in an attempt to confuse the issue! Truth to tell though, what really kept me glued to the pages was the character of Thomas Cavendish, the current duke, who may loose everything if Jack turns out to be heir no one knew existed The acrimony between Thomas and his grandmother, the Duchess of Wyndham, tension between Thomas and Jack and the might-be relationship between Thomas and his erstwhile fiance, was what really kept me reading into the small hours of the night. Jack and Grace were nice enough, but Thomas was compelling and I can hardly wait for October when Thomas' story hits the stands. If I had any criticism about "The Lost Duke of Wyndham," is was that there was one unnecessary plot development concerning Jack that really seemed superfluous, and that it really would have been nice to know why Jack's father, the Duchess' favourite son, left home and never wrote home about his new family. (Perhaps I misses that bit? I'll have to reread at some point to find out) But than that is just my opinion. All in all, a very good read, and one worth recommending.
  
  
• Julia is Getting Closer to Her Old Writing Style
  By A52O3D9MTZP0L on 2008-06-03
  I have to agree with most of the reviewers who gave this book 3 stars. I feel this book is more like her earlier writings than the latest offerings that I truly did not enjoy.
  
  I too, feel that I really didn't know or understand Grace's character, and that Jack was only described as witty, charming, sly, insolent, etc., does he have any other traits?
  
  **SPOILER**
  Also, I may be slow, but Jack's inability to read was a real shock, and came out of nowhere. There was no mention or hint of his disability throughout the book. It seemed as if this was a random thought on the part of the writer to make Jack's character a bit more tortured.
  
  Lastly, there is a large part of Thomas' story that I felt was missing. What changed his personality from very "Duke-ish" to drunkard, to happy resignation?? Usually stories such as this are more intertwined and we are able to get to know the secondary characters' history before reading their story.
  
  Overall, I truly enjoyed the story and will purchase Mr. Cavendish I Presume, but I fear Julia may need to take a break and find her original formula for writing, as her earlier books were spectacular.
  
  
• I was so excited for a new Julia Quinn book!
  By A14DXWI3ZD98P9 on 2008-06-04
  I am a huge Julia Quinn fan and this is the only book of hers that has disappointed me. I'm still a huge fan. This book seemed like one big conversation to me. There were moments of excellent wit and banter between the main characters but I found it very difficult to "feel" for anyone in the book. Plus, way too much focus on Grace trying to hold in her laughter. Very redundant. I am looking forward to the story of Thomas and Amelia. I hope it is written much differently!
  
  
• I wanted to enjoy this novel, but it did not happen.
  By A38MKQDF8PZSWN on 2008-06-05
  I was stunned that I was not pulled into the world and writing style I am used to delving into with Julia Quinn. It started off quite interesting, but seemed to dwindle downhill, and not pick back up until the end.
  
  The writing style was so different from what I expected, and JQ branched away from her norm, at least she seemed to have, I did not recognize any of the characters, (but it's been quite a few months since I've reread any of her novels). That bond of familiarity with introducing a character here or there or mainting the connection, however briefly seemed to be missing.
  
  Grace's character to me was just I don't know, I'd not call her the typical heroine at all. Even though she was in the forefront of the novel throughout, she felt like a sedate character fill-in. I can't quite place why I feel this??? I think the dowager took the center stage when the role should have been for Grace???
  
  As for Jack, he was dashing and the normal sort of hero for a regency, and I felt he was the character, along with Thomas holding the novel together really.
  
  The dowager, was just too much. Her character was beyond overdone - I was grossly irritated by her, and truly wanted to skip over her dialogue when it came to view. It was just to the point that I highly disliked the Lady, and wanted to hear no more of her. There should have been more sympathetic compassion for a lonely old lady, who you could tell just may have been her reasoning for her bahavior, but it was completely lacking.
  
  The ending, ended no other way than would be expected, and it only briefly felt as though, "okay, it's a JQ novel." The writing nearly felt forced...and lost my interest quite often while reading. I had to put this book aside quite a bit to take a break from it. Which I can assure you, I've never done with a JQ novel before. I am always ecstatic and overjoyed to the point, I cannot place her books down without reading it cover-to-cover. So this was quite a dissappointment for me.
  
  I don't know what else to remark upon, other than that I do hope she regains her old writing style and sticks to the candor, and witty females she often writes about vice the ones she decided upon for this novel. Perhaps, that was the problem. Although they were noticable in their manners, they seemed to lack any personality, which JQ normally portrays without any hesitance.
  
  
• Forced...
  By A34XQFJZ14I8F2 on 2008-06-12
  It felt like we were forced to comply that these two characters should be together. They didn't have any chemistry because they didn't build upon anything at the beginning. There was no flirting, no immediate dislike...they were just thrown together and it felt like we were forced to like them. The dowager duchess was just plain evil and unamusing. And she was in plot too much...ok we get that she is nasty but why do we have to continue to read it. I just couldn't stand to read about her anymore. Then, when it was mentioned that Jack killed someone, I am like, this is too much and put the book down and have not picked it back up. I love Quinn's other books but I hated this one and will be hestitant to purchase her books again. I think I will wait and read the review first in the future.
  
  
• So bad, I'm shocked
  By ALHDS6ALNS9HL on 2008-06-14
  To be honest, I am finding this review hard to write because I am still in a state of shock. What about, you ask. My shock is at just how bad this book was. I am a great Julia Quinn fan and absolutely love some of her earlier books like the beginning of the Bridgerton series. She has always been in my list of top 10 authors - top 5, even. Her last couple of books have shown signs that she is losing her touch. And this book has just about sealed her fate.
  
  As far as I am concerned there are three major problems. The first is that she has written this story from two perspectives in two books. Consequently, when you are reading this book, half the story is missing, and that is very dissatisfying for the reader. The second problem is that she has written it in modern language which gives the dialogue a modern feel. She also uses very short sentences which is really annoying - its like all the characters are on speed. I keep waiting for someone to flip open a cell phone and start texting, or for someone to say 'doh'. It just doesn't fit the regency period.
  
  The third problem is that there is absolutely no character development. Jack is far too silly and we only get to his inner torment right at the end of the book. There is no depth of character to Grace. She is so bland, she barely exists. Now, I am not like some people, I do like the 'love at first sight' plot devise because I do believe it exists, but it is handled in such a way that we have no real idea why Jack and Grace feel like they do, and its all so improbable anyway.
  
  I sound like I am going on and on, but I only finished the book because I had bought it and wanted to write a review. Otherwise, I wouldn't have bothered.
  
  I want to give this 1 star but have decided to stick with 2 stars. The reason for this is that the Duke seems interesting and for all my moaning, I will read the follow up book to this one. But this will be Quinn's last chance. If she continues with this quality of writing, I will no longer buy her books (new or second hand).
  
  
• Julia Quinn needs a NEW EDITOR
  By A2PHBUFS1DJFWZ on 2008-06-15
  For all the many reasons stated earlier - this meandering mess has no business being published. Save your money - buy something from Elizabeth Hoyt, Loretta Chase, the new Sherry Thomas...and Julia, that is two in a row that are terrible. No more auto-buy for you!
  
  
• "Truthiness"? Doc we need an editor, stat!!
  By A11S0YQ1ALK7UG on 2008-06-23
  Like so many reviewing this book, I love Julia Quinn. But this book is not her best effort by a long shot. It reads as if it were written by a new author after attending a "romance for dummies" workshop. Very paint by numbers -- with several numbers saved for the sequel.
  
  The entire book is essentially an extended conversation among several characters as to whether the hero is a lost duke or not. That's it. The hero and heroine fall in love at first sight, and while that can work well in romance, their "relationship" is never believable. The heroine is nondescript, undermotivated, and inexplicably resistant to marrying a handsome man head over heels for her, with whom she is in love, who is about to become one of the richest and most powerful men in the region. The hero is immature and uninteresting. Quinn tries ineptly to tack on a backstory to give him depth, which is so contrived and silly it hardly bears mentioning.
  
  Several have mentioned the modern feel of this book, and I have to admit that when the hero utters the word "truthiness" I had a vivid picture of Ms. Quinn typing this scene while catching the Stephen Colbert show -- not the image you want to fill your head while reading a Regency romance!
  
  As many have written, the secondary characters were kept to the fringes so the author can essentially split one book into two -- very unfair to the reader.
  
  Since Thomas and Amelia were more interesting than Jack and Grace, let's hope the Quinn ship will be righted come fall!
  
  
  
• No charm, no charisma, no good
  By ALYZJ7W14YS26 on 2008-07-05
  When Julia Quinn writes a funny book, she is outstanding. This book is not funny. It is not charming. It just plainly is not something that should be read.
  
  The book is made up of "He thought" "she thought" pages and pages of what the characters thought. The author doesn't give her reader a chance to think for themselves about whether or not the characters are worthwhile.
  
  It is an obvious precursor to a book about the deposed Duke Thomas and his erstwhile and long-suffering fiancee, Amelia. So much so, these two characters have scenes that are hinted at but not explained in this book. You are left dangling, and, in the writer and editor's views, wanting to read the next book in the series. Not so for me - while I think Thomas and Amelia might actually be a decent story, the story of Jack and Grace turned me off the series.
  
  We are told repeatedly that Jack is funny and charming. I could not find either trait in his character. What he is, apparently, is a man out to seduce a woman in his grandmother's employ. That, in the end, he wants to marry her, doesn't excuse his efforts to ruin her.
  
  And then there is Grace - a fine woman who falls for a highwayman who held a gun to her head... something tells me this wouldn't happen in real life. In giving up her virginity to this charming scamp (why charming, because the author says so, of course!) all she worries about is whether or not she will become pregnant. She doesn't care about her future except that no one else knows what she has been up to.
  
  Apart from Jack clutching his heart and knowing that the pain there is love (and not heartburn), I ask you, where is the love in this book? Where is the romance? Where is the funny dialogue? Where is the reason for reading the book? Where, oh where, is Julia Quinn being held hostage and being forced to write this tripe?
  
  I would have given this a one star but I do save that for the absolutely worst of books (just as I save five stars for the absolutely best - Heyer notably ranks five for me consistently.) I wish we could give a 1.5 as this would have scored it on the nose.
  
  
• Much better than Miranda Cheever, not as good as the Bridgertons, still very worthwhile
  By A3SZ691YFI7N94 on 2008-05-29
  "The Lost Duke of Wyndham" starts out with great promise, then sags in the middle. It lacks some of the seemingly effortless sparkle of the Bridgerton series, but is far superior to Miranda Cheever. It must be hard for Quinn to top herself, but even when she's not at the top of her game, she's still a great read.
  
  

• Mr. Cavendish, I Presume (Two Dukes of Wyndham, Book 2)
• Seduce Me at Sunrise (The Hathaways, Book 2)
• After the Kiss: The Notorious Gentlemen
• Duchess By Night
• Duke Most Wanted (Heiress Brides)