The Discarded Duke (Signet Regency Romance) (ISBN 0451206797)

A Powerful Story!:
If you've never read a Nancy Butler book READ THIS ONE! It is an amazing story, truly heart-gripping. The heroine, Ursula, is in desperate need of money and believes she has found the answer to her problems in the Duke of Ardsley. BUT, while visiting one of his estates she meets his bailiff, Will Ridd. Will's strength and intelligence are compelling. Suffice it to say that they become 'better acquainted'. So much so that she makes a VERY brave choice. This story has some dark moments and discusses some unusual subjects for a regency romance. But that is part of what makes the story unforgettable. It is not a fluffy, ballroom story. You may need a kleenex or two. But this story will stay with you long after you've finished it.

Very much out of the ordinary:
My congratulations to Nancy Butler for a stellar offering. The Discarded Duke offers a carefully crafted plot which is full of twists and surprises. It also gives us a set of characters (both the H/H and the secondary characters) who are particularly well drawn and who act out the story in a wholly human and believable way. The most significant thing about this book is that it explores very deep emotions and offers insights into some of our darkest thoughts, fears and guilts. It touches on the issues of insanity and how, in not so distant times, even the medical profession looked upon such diseases as epilepsy as evidence of madness. It explores the manipulation and devious nature of borderline psycopathic behaviour and it also offers some hints as to why fortune hunting must be viewed with some sympathy. This is a "lost heir" story told with careful consideration and thorough explanation of motive and outcome. There is a damaged but strong, sweet hero who hides more than a few secrets. The heroine is strong too and yet, through her own difficult past, is understanding, tolerant and supportive. The secondary characters either will or have lost much but what they gain in replacement is satisfactory beyond question. I do highly recommend this novel. It was not your typical Regency offering and is strongly written and well-conceived. Definitely one to be read again.

Utterly moving:
This book was just great! Three weeks after I read it and I still vividly remember the details of this wonderfully written book. I usually read historical and mainstream romance, but this regency book was one of the best romances I've ever read. Treat yourself by reading about a hero whose circumstances make you want to turn every page to undue the injustice and will have you clamoring for the happy ending he so deserves.

Nancy Butler: A Sure Bet:
Ursula Roarke, a lovely (but penniless) widow, wants to sell her bloodstock to the Duke of Ardsley. What she REALLY wants, however, is to charm him into a marriage proposal. A union with Damien (the duke) would solve all of her financial woes. Unfortunately, His Grace isn't nearly as intriguing as Will Ridd, the duke's bailiff. Will Ridd has worked for the Duke of Ardsley for 5 years, and has worked hard to raise the perfect flock--for perfectly soft wool. Ridd's wool puts bread on the table for everyone in the town of Stranton--the people think of the bailiff as a sort of saint. Now the Duke of Ardsley wants to take everything away from Ridd! (But don't get me wrong--the duke himself is not without quirks and charm) The plot is a lot more intricate than I can describe in a few meager paragraphs. There is a lot going on in this book. It's full of passion, power, and heart-wrenching moments. I caught myself tensing up and tearing up throughout the entire novel. Will Ridd is a very different, very intriguing hero. And Ursula was a heroine willing to risk everything for love. That's definitely admirable. However, I thought the characters were a bit too irrational in the end. For a period of 20 pages, I was incredibly frustrated with both the hero and the heroine. Also, the book got a bit too melodramic, at times. In addition, I was able to figure out the "big suprise" when I reached the second chapter. Still, you can't go wrong to read this book. It's engaging and well-written the whole way through. Like every other book I've read by Ms. Butler: it's a keeper.

Couldn't Help Wishing...:
As always, a well-written regency by Nancy Butler. But towards the end, I couldn't help wishing Ursula would stop hoping Will Ridd would become Duke. Could have been a warmer and more down-to-earth story if Ursula had married plain old sheep farmer and bailff (possesing some 300 acres!) Will Ridd, supporting his decision not to seek Dukedom...