Book Blurb:
What happens when a steamy duke who has never lost in battle meets the innocent young lady determined to conquer his heart?
When Lady Henley Killigrew’s father dies and his title of earl passes to a not so friendly cousin who wants her and her two younger sisters out of their elegant London townhouse, she takes them to Moonstone Cottage, a lovely manor house they inherited from a maiden aunt in the Cornwall seaside village of Moonstone Landing. But their funds are limited, and the new earl is a stingy guardian who will not loosen the purse strings to allow her to properly maintain herself and her sisters in their new home. The only way to save them all is for her to marry, for that is the only way to claim her trust fund. Would her neighbor, Cain St. Austell, the brooding and reclusive Duke of Malvern, consider a marriage of convenience?
Cain St. Austell, the Duke of Malvern, has returned home now that Napoleon is defeated. But those grueling war years have left him scarred both physically and in his soul, for he lost too many friends and is not certain how or why he ever survived. Knowing he needs time away from London society and the madness of the Marriage Mart in order to heal, he has acquired a property in the quiet village of Moonstone Landing. Marriage is the last thing on his mind, until his neighbor, the beautiful and slightly eccentric, Lady Henley Killigrew, appears on his doorstep with a startling proposal...and he accepts.
In fact, Cain is the one who does the proposing because when the heart knows, it knows.
Book Buy Link: https://geni.us/ID8Bcn
Author Bio:
You can download a free Farthingale novella, If You Kissed Me, when you visit www.mearaplatt.com
Meara Platt is a USA Today bestselling, award winning author, and an Amazon UK All Star. Her Regency romances are infused with humor and heart, and her fantasy/paranormal stories add just enough darkness to keep her readers intrigued. For Meara, romance is a journey of enchantment, so whether you are looking for funny, uplifting escapes in her Farthingales series and Book of Love series, or wish to be transported into edgier, Fae/dragon other worlds (Dark Gardens series), or somewhere inbetween (Braydens series) take the journey and enjoy!
For more about Meara's books, visit her website at www.mearaplatt.com and visit Dragonblade Publishing's Amazon store at: https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/241C295A-DB7C-4845-BB5C-02A257241AF9.
Editorial Review:
"The Moonstone Duke" is a captivating tale of love, mystery, and sacrifice set in Cornwall,
England, in July 1815. The author, Meara Platt, immerses us in the tumultuous world of Cain
St. Austell, Duke of Malvern, a strong and contradictory character. This passionate and
suspenseful plot grips your attention from the first page to the last, while Platt's vivid and
complex characters make you feel attached to them and experience every moment of their
adventure.
Cain is portrayed as a confirmed bachelor, preferring freedom and adventure over the
commitments of marriage. He retreats to St. Austell Grange, his father's summer home, built
on the seaside near the quiet village of Moonstone Landing. Here, he engages in restoring the
property, finding solace for his war-torn soul in hard work. However, his peace is disturbed
by the unexpected appearance of Lady Henley Killigrew, a beautiful and enigmatic neighbor.
“Cain St. Austell, Duke of Malvern, growled, his muscles straining and body plastered with sweat as he drew back on the reins of a team of oxen. He’d been guiding them while he and his workers hauled away a fallen oak. “Who is that woman and how did she get past my gates?” ”
This passage illustrates Cain's frustration and isolation from the outside world, as
well as his internal struggle against societal pressures.
Additionally, the interaction between Cain and Lady Henley is filled with tension and
mystery, with a subtle mix of attraction and rejection:
“Cain took a closer look at the girl as she approached and realized she was clutching her hand. “Blast,” he muttered, tossing on his shirt. “Someone fetch Galahad for me.” Weston started toward her. “I’ll go with you.” “No, stay here. I’ll deal with her.” Perhaps he ought to have allowed Weston along, but something drew Cain to this young woman.”
This passage reveals Cain's vulnerability and altruism despite his tough and enigmatic
exterior. As the relationship between Cain and Lady Henley unfolds, a love story full of emotion and suspense takes shape. The intense dialogues and inner conflicts of the characters add depth
and complexity to the story.
One of the important themes in the book is the idea that true love can overcome any obstacle
and cannot be bound by time or place. This is underscored in the tense moments between Hen
and Cain, as they question whether their feelings are real and what truly binds them to each
other:
“Hearts meant to be together would find one another” It underlines the power and
inevitability of love. Another interesting aspect is the portrayal of Cain's internal struggle, still marked by war and wondering if he can provide happiness and stability to Hen, the main female character. This doubt is evident in the passage where he expresses his fears about his own dreams and desires:
“He was truly scared of what his dreams might bring and would rather see her safely
out of his reach, even if it meant their living apart.”
However, the author suggests that the true power of love lies in the ability to make sacrifices for the happiness of others.
Moreover, the novel explores themes related to family and loyalty to it, as well as the ability
to face adversities together. The appearance of Cormac and his interactions with other
characters add an additional dimension to the story, highlighting the different perspectives
and experiences of each individual.
One of the strongest aspects of the book is the relationship between Cain and Hen, which
evolves wonderfully throughout the story. The quotes give us a glimpse into their intimacy
and the complexity of emotions they feel towards each other. For example, when Cain says:
“Hen, I want you with me”, it shows the attachment and trust he has towards his partner.
The tension-filled plot and mysteries, as well as the moments of action and suspense, keep
the reader captivated and eager to find out what will happen next. For example, the tense
encounter between Cain and the Earl of Stoke keeps us on the edge of our seats and makes us
wonder what their next move will be in their dangerous game.
Additionally, the complicated relationship between Hen and her family adds an interesting
and tense element to the story. The quotes highlight the conflicts and strong emotions
between the characters, providing a vivid picture of the dynamics within the Henley family.
“He shifted her so that she lay atop him, for he wanted to see her face and soak in her smile. Her heart was still racing; he could feel its rapid beat against the wall of his chest. He could also feel the fullness of her breasts as she rested atop him, and felt aroused once more. “I cannot get enough of you, Hen.” Her tawny curls cascaded over her shoulders and onto his arms. He brushed her hair back and then drew her forward for a deep, lingering kiss.”
This passage highlights Cain's desire to be close to Hen and enjoy her presence. Another significant moment is when Hen expresses concern for Cain and tries to help him overcome his inner demons:
“Perhaps she was right, not only about how deeply she had become embedded in his soul, but about his own progress in overcoming his anger. He had come to realize the past could not be undone. The friends lost in battle would never return. Their loss would always be unfair. But if all he held on to was anger, rage, and frustration, then he would be doing them a great dishonor. Their sacrifice would have been for nothing.”
This excerpt emphasizes Hen's devotion and profound understanding of Cain, and her desire
to help him heal and find inner peace.
The quote that underscores the evolution of their relationship and the promise of eternal love
is:
“All of these little things brought him a peace he had lost during the war years and thought he would never regain. She was embedded in his soul. She was his balm, and he could never harm her.”
The book concludes with poignant imagery and reflection on the emotions and trials they have endured. Meara Platt's narrative artistry shines in "The Moonstone Duke," where every word and
phrase is carefully chosen to create a pleasant and captivating flow of the story. Her writing
style is fluid and elegant, conveying powerful emotions and creating vivid imagery in readers'
minds.
"The Moonstone Duke" gracefully rises to the expectations, offering a captivating story of
love, healing, and trust. What makes "The Moonstone Duke" unique is the original approach
to telling a love story in a historical setting filled with mystery and intrigue. The profound
relationship between Hen and Cain, with all its emotions and trials, illuminates the pages of
the book and demonstrates the courageous power of love to heal past wounds and bring peace
to our souls. Meara Platt weaves a complex and surprising plot, keeping readers captivated
from beginning to end.
*****
“The Moonstone Duke” by Meara Platt receives four stars from The Historical Fiction Company
To have your historical novel editorially reviewed and/or enter the HFC Book of the Year contest, please visit www.thehistoricalfictioncompany.com/book-awards/award-submission