Review: The Duke and the Damsel (Pathways to Romance Book 2) by Worth Cinnamon

Print Length: 125 pages

Publisher: Amazon Digital (June 17, 2019)

From Goodreads.com: The son of a Duke finds himself in a race against time —his freedom hanging in the balance. Can he find a husband for a stubborn woman who doesn’t want to marry? If not, he might be forced to marry her himself. 

When Allison and Fitz are discovered together alone in a greenhouse, Allison’s reputation is threatened, and Fitz discovers that Allison is not just another lady but is the sister-in-law of his closest friend. Using his wealth and power, Fitz hopes to avoid a union and salvage her reputation by silencing the witnesses. Unfortunately, one witness is Allison’s uncle who wishes to see his niece marry. Fitz suggests that rather than marry Allison himself, he will introduce her to a series of eligible bachelors so she can pick her own husband. The uncle agrees, provided a groom is found before he returns from a trip he’s taking to Ireland. Unfortunately, Allison does not want to get married. 

Will Fitz's plan work, will Allison secure her independence, or will these two find themselves in love? 

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My Rating: 3 stars out of 5

Let me begin by saying that I have not read the first book in this series, and while that didn't make it hard for me to understand this one (as I assume book one deals with Allison's sister), I do wish there was a bit more backstory in this one when it comes to Allison's lost love. I understand he died, but how? And what was her relationship with him prior to his death? This was also one of those sweet and clean historical romances that can easily be read inside of one day. 

However, there was nothing about this story that really made it stand out against all of the others in the same genre. Two people that don't wish to marry at all are caught in a situation that while completely innocent could be enough to ruin them. Enter the scheme of man touting out his friends in hopes the girl will fancy one of them, and then getting jealous when it appears she does. Throw in what is supposed to be a villain (who is obsessed with the girl, but somehow nothing seems to come of this subplot, it just kind of goes away). And there it is. The formula for pretty much every historical romance out there. 

Now please don't get me wrong, the writing was solid and the characters interesting in their own way, but when stacked up against the others out there, it just becomes one of the crowd. And that was what was most disappointing.

Even so, I am sure there are numerous others to whom this story will still appeal (especially those who enjoy clean historical romances). I would give this author a second chance.

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

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                        The Duke and the Damsel is available from Amazon.com