The Black Duke's Prize

The Black Duke's Prize is about Nicholas, the Black Duke, and Katherine Ralston, who is described as "fiesty" in the book description. Right there, I knew there was going to be a problem. The two meet, Nicholas helps her to become popular in society, and the two slowly begin to fall in like and then love.The black duke doesn't seem to be as "black" as the story and society seem intent on naming him, and the only things we see him do is punch a man who is about to accuse him of cheating and be almost killed through his crazy mistress's manipulations. Yet everyone (his friends) is ready to think badly him and blame him for those thoughts because he should have had a better reputation.Katherine Ralston, in contrast, is a woman who is quick to anger, jumps to conclusions, shoots at our hero and then slaps him when he makes a suggestion about her property, which he not only has helped her save from her greedy guardian, but has loaned her the money she needs to fix it after her guardian's neglect. Yet despite her questionable actions, he is the one at fault for her shooting at him, he is at fault for her reputation being ruined when he saved her from a kidnapping, and he is at fault for her slapping him and telling him to get off her property. She ends up blaming him for walking away when she told him to go, physically abused him and questioned his morals. In the end he does come to the rescue and saves her reputation, by asking her to marry him, but I can only feel sorry for the man and wonder why he has to be stuck with this woman for life.There are attempts to liken this to the Taming of the Shrew, but this was nothing compared to that. 99 cents was too much to pay for this book.

This was an enjoyable read. Kate was in trouble (in danger of losing her inheritance), so her godfather recruited Nicholas (the Black Duke) to help her out (unbeknownst to him at first). There were some ups and downs (big ones - bad uncle kidnapped Kate), but the inheritance was saved (sort of). There were some major misunderstandings, but Nicholas finally came around. As it turns out, Nicholas had some trouble of his own and a rather dangerous enemy (you won’t believe what he wanted!) who kidnapped him. You have to love a heroine who rushes in to rescue her hero. As Shakespeare said, “All’s well that ends well.” Nicholas would agree.

I started reading The Black Duke's Prize. I couldn't put it down, but I had to get some sleep the movers were coming the next day to deliver our stuff. Torn between sleep and a book. Well, sleep won. We were super busy that I wasn't able to get back to the book until late at night. Last night I was able to finish the book.Here's what its about: We have Miss Katherine Ralston who goes to live with her Godparents while her uncle destroys her home. Then we have Nicholas Varon, the Duke of Sommesby the most eligible bachelor in the land. Nicholas decides to become friends with Katherine. I know friends, how does that work when your a rake and an innocent? She basically calls it as she sees it and doesn't take his guff.Don't get me wrong they have there ups and downs. To my surprise I really like the book. I found it really sweet and fun. Who knew that a cad can be a good friend?

I ordered this on Kindle - being out of print, it gets high prices for the printed copy which I do not feel are warranted. I liked it - I like all of Suzanne Enoch;'s books, but this one, being one of the first, does not have the spark that later ones have.. I think Enoch improved over time as well and the Black Duke may have been a model for her when she wrote about the Marquis of St. Aubyn - "London's Perfect Scoundrel.", which is one of my favorite romances. In this one, Nicholas, the duke in question, has a bad reputation, but the heroine, Kate, is not afraid of him, and rants at him without fear. Maybe I have read too many of a similar storyline, but the characters do not sizzle in it.

I went into this book with some caution as it was highly recommended to me by someone who had previously recommended something of a dud. I was pleasantly surprised by this one though. I had a roommate that used to tell me that there is a Jack for every Jill--this book, at least to me, definitely follows that rule. The main characters were both a bit feisty and definitely made for each other. I will admit that there were times I verbally asked the book, "Seriously?," but if you can get over those brief moments of insanity, this is a good one.

Neither Nicholas nor Katherine were very likable. The plot and dialog were sadly predicable and lacks meaningful substance. Any number of times I just wanted to throttle Katherine and her ability to leap to conclusions. Wasn't enamored with Nicholas either. Expected him, as a man with a black 'reputation' to actually have one. Disappointing. I have a number of keepers from Ms. Enoch, this isn't one of them. Didn't love it, didn't hate it. Wanted it to be better.

Come on Suzanne. You've written some good books; what happened here? One dimensional characters; no chemistry; trite dialog. It was a waste of money. I couldn't even finish the last 10%.

Spoiler alert: although I believe deeds and other legal documents signed under duress can be set aside but that would have spoiled all the fun.

Katherine Ralston has been sent to London by her uncle who is also her guardian. With both parents dead he now has charge of her home, she herself cannot inherit it for two years, her uncle's intentions are not at all trustworthy as Katherine strongly suspects he will try to sell her property out from under her. Arriving in London she is to stay with her godparents Lord and Lady Clarey. They are surprised to see her but make her welcome. During her time in London she meets Nicholas Varon Duke of Sommesby, also known as the Black Duke. Nicholas and Katherine's paths cross quite a few times, he is fascinated by her as she does not try to ingratiate herself to him as all other women do. In fact she behaves in quite the opposite manor,insulting him at every opportunity.This is an historical romance from this author originally published in 1995 now being made available on Kindle. Katherine the heroine being so feisty is compared quite a lot to Kate in the Taming of the Shrew by the hero. The Balck Duke has a very dubious reputation especially with women, but will he turn out to be Katherine's white Knight.I did enjoy this book, it has some funny moments as well as dramatic, the characters are fairly well developed, the storyline is quite good as well. There are no loves scenes in this book, but that did not detract from my enjoyment of it. Although this is an older story from this author, I have never read anything by her before, so I have no way to judge if this offering is better or worse than her more recent novels. But this was a very pleasurable read.

My granny love the story line in this book.

Delivery very quick from ordering. Very happy with it, Very entertaining read. I very much enjoy the storytelling quite enjoyable

liked this book good story

An interesting regency romp.