The Duke’s Refuge by Lorri Dudley features a collision of wounded hearts. The main characters’ emotional turmoil creates a powerful and poignant story that keeps you reading. Pulling on familiar threads of enemies-to-lovers, this sweet romance unfolds, touching the heart with its gentle progression and heartfelt moments.
Dudley’s prose is simple yet profound, engaging the reader without oversimplifying complex ideas. Countless spiritual nuggets, each radiating wisdom and truth, elevate this book to a treasure of insight. While the faith thread can pull tight in places, with moments that feel a bit preachy, it doesn’t overshadow the compelling narrative.
Harrison is a man with a tragic past who hides behind a secret identity. Georgia is a complicated girl who clings to an invented persona to distance herself from pain. Both carry the weight of societal expectations, etched onto their souls like scars. The story pulses with relatable struggles of love, loss, and forgiveness, culminating in a wonderful, heartwarming, redemptive arc.
With its descriptive prose and well-paced plot, the novel’s captivating narrative, like a warm blanket, envelops you as the relationship between the main characters deepens. The setting evokes a cozy beach feel with the sounds of gentle, sometimes fierce, waves and the island setting, making this a perfect summer read. For those who enjoy regency style romance, this one is a refreshing twist on the popular genre and well worth the read. The ending leaves you satisfied and smiling.
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Devoted Steps 