Review: When You Wish Upon A Duke by Isabella Bradford

Title:  When You Wish Upon A Duke
Author:  Isabella Bradford
Genre:  Historical Romance
Pages:  320
Published:  July 2012
Publisher:  Ballantine Books
Source:  NetGalley
Buy Links:  Amazon, Book Depository, Kobo

Synopsis:

In a sparkling new series filled with irresistible charm and sizzling romance, award-winning author Isabella Bradford introduces us to the eldest of three Wylder sisters—unruly country girls whose passion for life leaves their London suitors breathless.

Raised in the Dorset countryside, Lady Charlotte Wylder doesn’t care one bit about well-bred decorum. The dark-haired, blue-eyed beauty would rather ride a horse than attend a stuffy ball. So when Charlotte learns that she is to leave immediately for London to wed the Duke of Marchbourne, a perfect model of aristocratic propriety, she is less than enchanted with her arranged marriage.

But to her delight, their first encounters are brazenly flirtatious, and their wedding night burns with passion. March’s broad shoulders and dark countenance make Charlotte want to rip every button off his waistcoast. She may even be falling in love with her new husband. Yet whenever their desire boils over, March reluctantly pushes Charlotte away. Will past secrets and present misunderstandings mire their marriage in scandal, or serve to strengthen a bond that is destined to last a lifetime?

Spice Level:  Sexy, steamy but not outrageous.
Violence Level:  Minimal

What is proper and ladylike and Charlotte Wylder do not mesh well.  She could really care less about decorum and what a proper lady should be doing.  She’d much rather be out climbing trees and riding wild across the country side.  Dresses, balls, rules and regulations are things she would rather avoid.

Her quiet country life has been turned upside down when her mother announces they are going off to London for the season, oh and she’s getting married.  A marriage her father arranged a number of years ago and no one thought to inform her of!  Charlotte is less then impressed with the situation.

I love the first time Charlotte and March meet.  It’s probably one of the best scenes in the entire book – and one I refuse to spoil for you!  With so much passion between them Charlotte is confused as to why after one passionate night March has become withdrawn and apologetic to her.  She fears she’s done something wrong and both are trying to hide what they really feel.

To be honest, I was just a tad disappointed with the story.  I love a good arranged marriage historical as much as the next girl, but for me there wasn’t enough conflict between characters or outside forces trying to keep these two apart.  Most of the conflict is between our hero and heroine – which isn’t a bad thing, but I felt like something was missing.  I did love Charlotte though – she’s such a spunky character and some of her antics had me giggling. 

Will I recommend this book?  Yes.  I did enjoy the author’s style of writing, and the story flowed well.  It was a quick read, but I didn’t feel glued to the story as much as I expected to be.  Will I read more by this author?  Yes, I actually do have another title by this author and want to give her another try – and see what happens to Lizzie!