Good Dukes Wear Black

The second I have read in this series, I made a crucial mistake early on, and will forever feel guilty for it: never settle into your resentful feelings toward a character until you hear his story….
The Lords of Anarchy are a group of titled friends who enjoy a bit of carriage racing and other manly pursuits. Enough to raise the eyebrows of the ton, but not intentionally hurtful or destructive, simply a group of men seeking entertainments.

Piers is the latest ‘leader’ of the group, headstrong, handsome, daring, and the Duke of Trent. He’s come to the notice of Ophelia Dauntry, a young writer with a regular feature in the Lady’s Gazette that uses a mix of research and scorn to reveal the foibles of the titled. While walking with her friend Maggie, another writer, Ophelia is brusquely shoved aside by those who spirit Maggie away.

Believing that Maggie was taken for nefarious reasons, Ophelia confronts her husband, and discovers the man is a member of The Lords of Anarchy. Since her best friends are married to men who know Piers, she and he are acquainted; and she confronts his leadership to enlist his help in finding Maggie. Initially interested in redeeming the reputation of the club and expecting its members to be in agreement with him, Piers has a decision to make.

Knowing that Ophelia would continue without him, something that his own sense of honor and justice will not allow, Piers agrees to assist Ophelia (although hoping that she will remain more in the background) as the reasons for Maggie’s admittance to a mental institution are discovered.

I found Piers a touch self-satisfied and dismissive, but he was so much more: clever and playing his cards close to the vest when he asks questions. His relationship and developing affection and admiration for Ophelia grow slowly, and the revelations of the medical beliefs and treatment of women by the ‘mental health’ system of the time were illuminating. Trent’s clear expression of his interest in helping Ophelia because he wants to please her comes primary to his wishing to see justice done, but the balance of the “mission’ and the relationship play perfectly to keep readers engaged and thinking. A wonderful installment in the series, with romantic moments, clever banter and characters that develop and reveal themselves to readers and one another beautifully.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Okay, the hero is what I loved most about this story. He really was the best part of the story as far as I'm concerned.

The Duke of Trent is now the new leader of The Lord's of Anarchy Club (driving club). Trent was determined that the club's reputation needed to be cleaned up and he would have it run in a legal and above board manner. Trent had character, was a protector and wanted to help those in need. These traits made him an all around great hero and likable character.

Ophelia writes for the Lady's Gazette's and she's a strong, determeined blue stocking. One of Ophelia's friends is kidnapped, supposedly by men her husband hired. Ophelia is determined to find and rescue her friend.

Both Ophelia and Trent are aquatinted. Ophelia is aware of Trent's skills and believes he can assist her in finding her friend.

Really liked the relationship these two had. Both characters were respectful, intelligent and gave the other due deference. The evolving of the characters relationship from friendship to a love interest was layered with moments of chemistry and intellectual banter that was a delightful read. I appreciated the author's ability to write in such a way that I envisioned the changing scenery as the story unfolded. There is the mystery of the kidnapped friend and it plays pretty heavily into the story but doesn't take away from the romance, it's well balanced.

But in the end Trent is what I loved most about this story.

This was the best of the series, for me anyway. It held my interest and was written well.