The Duke Can Go to the Devil

May 18, 2015
The third Prelude to a Kiss Regency romance (after The Earl I Adore) is as standardized and straightforward as a child’s violin recital. When Mei-Li Bradford first arrived in Bath, she felt friendless and alone. But even with her ever-disapproving aunt hindering her, she finds pleasure at a summertime music festival, performing in a trio with young women who become her friends. Her summer delights are interrupted by the arrival of the festival’s patron, William Spencer, Duke of Radcliffe. Since both he and she are stubborn, rude, and self-righteous, with bad tempers and worse chemistry, their romance proceeds with tedious predictability. Knightly conveys their attraction in the expected style and unfolds events by the numbers. There are moments of warmth and humor as the conclusion carefully fills in the requirements for resolution, despite obvious improbabilities. While there are no surprises and very little tension, the ongoing spats and misunderstandings provide the expected levels of drama. Knightly delivers on her promises without going outside the limitations of the form. Agent: Deidre Knight, Knight Agency.