NetGalley Review: The Duke Undone by Joanna Lowell

 The Duke Undone by Joanna Lowell

Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group

Release Date: April 6th 2021

Rating:   ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

This was a solid romance genre read.  The writing is very good and the historical research shines. Lucy, our intrepid heroine, is a genuinely interesting and motivated character surrounded by like-minded women who are not strictly part of the glamour set.  The romance is almost secondary to an interesting look into the historical role of women artists.  The look into the transition at the Royal Academy with the introduction of women as students is where this book really shines.

As for the romance? It was OK.  The Duke was only so-so as a character, and the situation in which he finds himself is not only ridiculous, but also, not actually that hard to overcome.  There is an attempt at a backstory, but character development is thin with a seeming complete about-face in order to wrap up the narrative.  As a character meant to overcome his reputation as the “idiot duke,” I am not sure much progress is made.

Overall, however, it was a thoroughly enjoyable read.  It ticks all the romance boxes, is extremely well written, genuinely funny, often heartfelt, and  complete with happily ever after.  In short: five-star writing about a one-star duke. 

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