ARC Review: Lady Saves the Duke (Lord Love a Lady #3) by Annabelle Anders

Last year I stumbled upon a new author that I feel in love with. Annabelle Anders writes historical romance books set in the Regency period. What sets her apart from other authors in this genre is her fun, quirky characters, and her down to earth writing style. Her most recent release is Lady Saves the Duke.

Miss Abigail Wright, disillusioned spinster, hides her secret pain behind encouraging smiles and optimistic laughter. Self-pity, she believes, is for the truly wretched. So when her mother insists she attend a house party—uninvited—she determines to simply make the best of it…until an unfortunate wardrobe malfunction.

Alex Cross, the "Duke of Ice," has more than earned the nickname given him by the ton. He's given up on happiness but will not reject sensual pleasure. After all, a man has needs.

The week ought to have been pleasantly uneventful for both of them, with nature walks, parlor games, and afternoon teas on the terrace…but for some inferior stitchery on poor Abigail's bodice.

And now the duke is faced with a choice. Should he make this mouse a respectable offer and then abandon her to his country estate? She's rather pathetic and harmless, really. Oughtn't to upset his life whatsoever.

His heart, however, is another matter…

   From the first page I could sympathize with the plight of Miss Abigail Wright. A spinster, dependent on the good graces of her parents, you would think that she might be weak willed or pitiable, but the opposite is true. Abigail as a heroine is quietly strong and self-assured, going through life with grace and good humor. . Even though her circumstances are less than ideal, living as she does with an over-bearing mother and weak father, she truly does not indulge in self-pity. Instead she faces each day with positivity and optimism.

  When we meet our hero, Alex Cross, the Duke of Monfort, we learn that he is a reserved man, with little patience for trivial pursuits or banal conversation. In society his nickname, the Duke of Ice, seems to fit him to a "t", but there are reasons for his reticence. A tragic loss has darkened his life, and he seeks to remain apart from the frivolities of society.

  This story is a thoroughly engaging read. It has elements that made me laugh out loud, and a few poignant scenes that made me cry. The story settings are true to the Regency period, and incorporate familiar elements without being trite. It is obvious that Ms. Anders has done her homework and loves the period. The characters themselves are both likeable and believable; you can sympathize with their plights and circumstances. Altogether a delightful read!!

Release date is February 9, 2019.  Purchase your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/Lady-Saves-Duke-Lord-Love-ebook/dp/B07M81TXC6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1548800430&sr=8-1&keywords=lady+saves+the+duke