Book Review: What the Duke Doesn’t Know by Jane Ashford

What the Duke Doesn't KnowThe second book in the “Duke’s Sons” series, “What the Duke Doesn’t Know” follows Lord James Gresham, the fifth son of the Duke of Langford and a captain in the Royal Navy.

Like all of the ducal offspring, he made a cameo appearance in the first book, “Heir to the Duke.” James was the one who asked Nathaniel, the heir to the Duke if he knew a sympathetic admiral in the Naval Office, which of course, Nathaniel did.

If you made assumptions while reading the first book why James needs a sympathetic Admiral, you will be surprised the real reason why – a girl. And it’s not just any other girl. Her name is Kawena Benson, a half English, half Polynesian woman who just turns James’s life upside down.

A rom-com through and through, “What the Duke Doesn’t Know” has many laugh out loud moments that sometimes I had to stop reading just to wipe tears from my eyes. Kawena is so unexpected and James is so endearing although he bungle up so many important moments.

A nice and easy read to pass away the final warm days of summer.

What the Duke Doesn’t Know (The Duke’s Sons)” is Rated M for Mature due to some sexual content.

5

Description

A proper English wife, or the freedom of the sea?
Lord James Gresham is the fifth son of the Duke of Langford, a captain in the Royal Navy, and at a loss for what to do next. He’s made his fortune; perhaps now he should find a proper wife and set up his nursery. But the sea calls to him, while his search for a wife leaves him uninspired. And then, a dark beauty with a heart for revenge is swept into his life.

He can’t have both, but he won’t give up either
Half-English, half-Polynesian Kawena Benson is out to avenge her father and reclaim a cache of stolen jewels. There’s nothing for James to do but protest his innocence and help Kawena search for the jewels, even though it turns his world upside down.