The Guardian Duke by Jamie Carie

The Guardian Duke by Jamie Carie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Goodreads Summary
The Guardian Duke is award-winning novelist Jamie Carie’s most exciting story yet, a uniquely arranged Regency-era romantic adventure where hero and heroine know each other through written letters but have yet to meet.

Gabriel, the Duke of St. Easton, is ordered by the King to take guardianship over Lady Alexandria Featherstone whose parents are presumed dead after failing to return from a high profile treasure hunt. But Alexandria ignores this royal reassignment, believing her parents are still alive and duly following clues that may lead to their whereabouts. Gabriel, pressured by what are actually the King’s ulterior motives, pursues her across windswept England and the rolling green hills of Ireland but is always one step behind.

When they do meet, the search for earthly treasure will pale in comparison to what God has planned for both of them.

My Review
This was a rich and captivating read. I've always loved a good treasure hunt type of mystery, and this was no different! As Alex searches for her parents following the clues they left behind on their "treasure hunt," she travels to the intriguing land of Ireland.

The descriptions of land, surroundings, culture, etc., made the story seem so real. I've always thought it would be amazing to go to Ireland! The action made it seem as if I was watching a movie inside my head, but then I could feel the emotions of the characters and was like being in the movie.

Most important, though, were the characters! And not just the main characters!

Alex. I loved her determination to find her parents, she never gave up her belief that were still alive, even when the trail started to dry up. Her kindness and faith, through the danger, were also very prominent throughout the book. Gabriel the Duke. Stubborn, determined, driven, etc, just to name a few personality qualities. Through all of the obstacles, disappointments, and hardships that came up, he was determined to find and protect Alex from the danger that surrounded her.

I found it very sweet and interesting these two get to know and possibly fall in love with each other - all through letters! Gabriel's undeniable attraction and wonder toward the woman that is his ward, who always manages to stay one step ahead of him. I'll admit that at first, I might have found it slightly exaggerating, but now I know that it's meant to be and what God planned! They both just want to be understood, loved for who they are, and trusted.

The minor characters! Alex had a pretty awesome knack for making fast friends (maybe I should take lessons), getting their friendship and loyalty with just a few words and/or a smile. I loved the many minor characters. They were all so real and important to the story. From Montague, to the Irishman, to the Duke's secretary, to the random people she met along her journey, they all captured my heart right along with the main characters, adding personality and richness to the story!

Then there was the writing. It actually made me grab a colored pen to underline certain sentences that I really really liked, a couple of times. I even starred a page - it was beautiful!

But
Grrrrrr. A. Cliffhanger! Ugh!

I received a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are solely my own.


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