Crumbling Castles, Career Challenges, and Consummate Chemistry!
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Publisher
For those unfamiliar with the Dare to Defy series by Syrie James, they are three captivating Victorian-era romances set in England during the late 1880s and early 1890s. Each novel features a different Atherton daughter. The Athertons are a wealthy American family, and it is Mrs. Atherton’s greatest ambition to have her daughters marry British aristocrats with impressive estates. Each daughter has beauty, intelligence, and a unique passion (whether it be teaching, writing, or architecture), and each daughter has their own views on marriage and their mother’s social-climbing.
The third and final installment of the Dare to Defy series begins with the youngest Atherton daughter embarking on her first solo architecture assignment to remodel a duke’s castle on a tidal island in Cornwall. Kathryn Atherton has long given up the idea of pleasing her mother by marrying a titled aristocrat, as it would greatly hinder her ability to have a successful career as a female architect and work on important architecture projects. But Kathryn gets more than she bargains for when she shows up at Saint Gabriel’s Mount…
Lance Granville, the tenth Duke of Darcy (we see what you did there, Syrie James! 😉) just assumed the dukedom two weeks ago and was completely unaware of his brother’s intent to renovate the castle. Awkward! And not only is he saddled with his brother’s unwelcome title, estate, and responsibilities, he is saddled with his crippling debt! Renovating the castle is the last thing he wants to spend his time, energy, and nonexistent resources doing, but Lance finds himself strongly attracted to this tenacious almost-architect and decides to at least allow her to draw up the proposed plans. Little does he know that Kathryn can provide him with so much more than thoughtful and creative renovation plans…
I must begin by saying how much I thoroughly enjoyed this series! Victorian romances aren’t my typical fare, but I will read whatever Syrie James writes! The books in this trilogy not only comprise of admirable and intellectual heroines and dashing and enigmatic heroes, but also a captivating historical backdrop with informative details about women seeking professional occupations and the challenges estate owners face with industrialization and the socio-economic transitions of this era. In each book Syrie James strikes a perfect balance between heart-stopping romantic moments and pertinent historical detail. I enjoyed learning about the history of women in architecture and visualizing all of Kathryn’s brilliant designs.
What I specifically loved about Duke Darcy’s Castle was Kathryn. She was such an admirable, accessible, and well-drawn character – a lovely blend of strength, determination, and charm. I appreciated all Kathyrn’s grit and hard work, and I applauded her sensibly cautious manners and all her actions and decisions when she discovered the cards were stacked against her. #TeamKathryn all the way! In addition, I also loved Lance, he was imminently swoon-worthy… *sigh* Like Kathryn, I don’t think I would have been able to resist! But there were some times where I wished his character was a little more developed; he didn’t feel as dynamic a character as Kathryn. Maybe a little bit more about his past relationships, his familial relationships, or his transition to becoming a duke might have added the needed dimension and depth to his character. Regardless, I was still in love with him…and absolutely adored his actions in the end. (well done, Darcy!)
With Duke Darcy’s Castle, Syrie James concludes her female-empowering Victorian romance trilogy with a romantic adventure full of magnetic attraction and memorable encounters. Through each book it was inspiring to witness these talented and resourceful women follow their aspirations and find deep-abiding love at the same time. I’m sad to see this series end, but I eagerly look forward to what Syrie James writes next!
Note: Recommended for Mature Audiences due to the inclusion of a few intimate scenes and descriptions.
Second Note: This book is stand alone and can be read without reading the prior books in the trilogy, but I still recommend reading Runaway Heiress and Summer of Scandal prior to reading Duke Darcy’s Castle.
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~ My Review of Runaway Heiress (Book 1) ~
~ My Review of Summer of Scandal (Book 2) ~
GIVEAWAY TIME!
I noticed I set up a giveaway with the prior reviews in this series and thought it would be remiss of me if I didn’t include a giveaway with this review! I’ll give away ONE paperback from this series (winner’s choice – Runaway Heiress, Summer of Scandal, or Duke Darcy’s Castle) to ONE lucky winner!
To enter this giveaway, leave a comment about my review!
- This giveaway is open worldwide.
- This giveaway ends March 13th!
Our sincere thanks to Laurel Ann Nattress of Austenprose for inviting us to take part in this lovely review roundup!
February 24 Austenprose—A Jane Austen Blog (Review)
February 25 Laura Lu’s Reviews (Review)
February 26 Scuffed Slippers Wormy Books (Review)
March 02 Unabridged Chick (Review)
March 04 Drunk Austen (Review)
March 06 Austenesque Reviews (Review)
March 09 From the TBR Pile (Review)
March 23 Half Agony, Half Hope (Review)
March 16 Romance Junkies (Excerpt and giveaway)
March 20 Courtney Reads Romance (Review)
March 23 My Jane Austen Book Club (Excerpt and giveaway)
March 26 Laura’s Reviews (Review)
March 30 Chicks, Rogues and Scandals (Review)
April 01 Robin Loves Reading (Review)
April 06 Frost Magazine (Review)
April 07 Frolic Media (Review)
April 13 Let Them Read Books (Excerpt and giveaway)
April 15 Dena Garson (Spotlight)
April 17 Romantically Inclined Reviews (Review)
April 20 Book Rat (Review)
April 23 Unwrapping Romance (Review)
April 23 Delighted Reader (Review)
April 24 The Lit Bitch (Review)
I have read and enjoyed other books by Syrie but have yet to begin this series. Thank you for you for your reviews. I always appreciate your honesty and views. I look forward to your emails for books to add to my “to be read” list. Thank you for the giveaway – I would enjoy any in the series.
I’m so glad to hear you are interested in this series! Syrie creates such wonderful stories and such engaging characters! Thank you so much for the lovely words you said about my reviews!! Hugs!
This seems to be a fun series and I love Syrie’s writing. Thanks for the review for I shall definitely give this a read.
Thanks for checking out my review!! I’m glad to hear you love Syrie’s writing as much as I do!
Syrie’s historicals are so enjoyable and special. Thanks for your wonderful giveaway.
So true! Best of luck!
I love, love, love Syrie James and have read everything she’s written. I love, love, love the “Dare to Defy” series and have been waiting, impatiently, for it to come out. Here it is, and I’m a happy woman. I want it – thank you for the giveaway.
YES!!!! I was patiently waiting for this one too! Hope you get the chance to enjoy it soon!
I have not read anhy of her stories. this sound interseting. I would like to know the daughters ideas of marriage or what they want in a marraiage/husband. And I wonder if they get what they want or be lead to have different thoughts about what they truly want/need.
Thank youfor this chance to win a copy.
You should, my friend! Syrie is an excellent storyteller and her books are always such captivating page turners!
Those are really good questions and what makes this series so interesting!
Great review [as alwasy], Meredith [hello to your Mr. Bingley]. This sounds like a fabulous story and a series to read. Thanks to our author, Syrie James, and the publisher for this generous giveaway. Blessings on the success of this third in her series. Good luck to all in the drawing.
Thank you, Jeanne! It is a fabulous series and I’m so happy I read all three books in it. They are all captivating!
I, too, am not drawn to Victorian romances, but, as you said, Syrie James never disappoints. I always want to read about strong women, and I had read previously that there were few female architects. Who wouldn’t want to read this book with Duke Darcy! Thank you for the giveaway.e
So true….and right? It was great to learn more about what went into becoming an architect and the challenges women faced in the profession.
Thanks for another great review. There are so many new books out there, and now you have become my go to person for recommendations. Hope you don’t mind. ♫
Aw…I hope I never steer you wrong!! It has been a very busy year for new releases…I was so happy to see a new book from Syrie!
Lovely review Meredith. Thanks for sharing your insights. There were some Darcyesque qualities to Lance that Austen readers will notice. I have a copy of this book, so no need to enter me in the giveaway.
Thank you, Laurel Ann! Yes…Lance definitely has the same tendency to put his foot in his mouth!
Great review and wonderful giveaway. Syrie’s books are extremely enjoyable and memorable.
They sure are! Thanks for entering.
What a special feature which interests me greatly. I have had the pleasure to read Syrie’s books which are treasures. Thank you for your post today which is fascinating.
Thanks for your continued support and interest in this series, Ruth!
I was not familiar with this series. Like you, Victorian era stories are not my usual choice (although I do love Dickens). I will definitely put it on my to-be-read list. You make the protagonists sound too good to ignore (or read about). 🙂
Oh yay! I hope you enjoy them! All the heroines are so smart and admirable – I cannot decide which one I like most!!
Great review! You had me at Duke Darcy! Lol. I’ve read the first book from this series and loved it. I’m looking forward to the next two.
Right? Has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it? So happy to hear you enjoyed the first book in this series!
I hadn’t heard of this series so thanks for putting it on my radar.
Yay! Happy to! Hope you get the chance to read them soon.
The whole series sounds like a lot of fun to read.
Yes! Lots of romance, history, and beautiful scenery!
I love everything about this!
denise
Yay! So happy to hear that!
Thank you for the informative review. I have not read thus series so I’ll have to add to my TBR list.
Yes! Hope you enjoy this series as much as I did!
Although I generally do not read books in the Victorian era, your review certainly intrigued me. I would enjoy a book with a strong female lead. Thank you for entering me into the contest.
Yes, I love books with a strong female lead! So happy my review intrigued you!
I am new to this series. You made me very curious, especially about the history of women in architecture in this novel.
Wonderful! I am happy to introduce this series to you! Hope you get the chance to check it out soon!
I have not read this series but am a huge fan of Syrie’s work so I’m sure this series is just as marvelous as her earlier books.
Have to say that Lance looks pretty hot on the cover of the book!
Thanks Meredith for your review and the giveaway opportunity!
Yes! So happy to hear you a big fan of Syrie James!
Lol! I so agree! 😉
Congrats on the third book in your series Syrie James! Looking forward to reading them!
Hope you get the chance to read them soon!
I have not read any of this series. Thanks for a chance to win.
Hope you get the chance to read this series soon, Sheila!