The Soldier

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Today we are talking about the second book in Grace Burrowes’ Duke’s Obsession series.  Both this book, The Soldier and the first book, The Heir (reviewed yesterday) are being given away in my Canada Day giveaway and Blog Hop.  To enter to win both books, Click HERE and fill out the form.  Take advantage of the  blog hop and visit some blog to win some prizes!

The Soldier by Grace Burrowes
ISBN: 978-1-4022-4567-1
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Release: June, 2011
Source: The publisher sent me a copy of this book to read and review

This Regency era battle of wits, wills, and the sexes features a wily duke determined to see the succession of his line secured. The duke can’t force his sons to marry, but he can make their lives miserable until they do. Resisting his pressure, each gentleman holds out for true love.
The second book in the series features Devlin St. Just, the duke’s oldest, but illegitimate, son. He arrives at his new estate weary in body and spirit only to find the previous owner’s bastard daughter and her beautiful cousin are his responsibility and making his life almost unbearably complicated.
He is weary in body and spirit…..Devlin St. Just has tried everything to escape his demons.  But his responsibilities are miltiplying and his despair deepening, until  beautiful, enigmatic neighbor Emmaline Farnum steps in…

She’s got everything to hide…Devlin’s torn spirit calls to Emmaline, but even as she gives in to his irresistible caresses and her own growing desires, she’s keeping a devastating secret…Protecting Emmaline becomes Devlin’s urgent mission, if only he can overcome the forces that are driving them irretrievably apart….

Book two in Grace Burrowes’ Duke’s Obsession series is The Soldier.  Devlin St. Just is “The Soldier”. He is the eldest son of the Duke of Moreland and has been given the title of Earl of Rosecroft and a run down property to go with the title.  Although he is the eldest son, he is illegitimate and as such, can’t inherit the dukedom; that title will fall to his younger brother Gayle (The Heir). He was a calvary officer during the war and is haunted by his experiences – a classic tragic hero!  He doesn’t want anything to do with titles or property, but it seems that he has not been given any choice.  During his first tour of his new property, he discovers a child who is apparently the offspring of the former owner.  Winnie is supposed to be under the care of Emmaline Farnum – Devlin’s nearest neighbour, but she does her own thing.  Going where she wants and generally causing stress to Emmie!  At 6 years old, Winnie should not have the freedom that she has. Since Winnie is a ward of the estate, Devlin decides the best solution is to move Emmie and Winnie into the house so that Emmie can serve as a governess while the house staff can help her with her baking business.  Seems like the perfect solution to Devlin!

Emmie seems to be the poor relative of the former owner of the estate, but her story doesn’t add up.  Although the community is willing to buy her baking, they generally shun her.  Emmie is good medicine for Devlin and Winnie is great medicine for him!  The two of them work in different ways to help him with his problems from his experiences in the war.

This book is a wonderfully touching romance!  It takes a war scarred vetern, and a life scarred lady and has them combine their strengths to heal each other’s scars.  Both of them have horrible stories to tell, but they are good together.  Other than Winnie, there aren’t many notable secondary characters.  Dev’s brother Val comes for a visit and we get a further glimpse into his life.  I believe that Val is going to be the subject of the next book in the series.

The story moves along gently, with the relationship between Emmie and Dev and the actions of Winnie being what propels the story.  The characters of Emmie and Dev just fit together so well.  This isn’t a chemistry driven, fast paced story that leaves your breathless.  It is a wonderful almost classic love story of two tragic individuals that fit one another.  If you are in the market for a wonderfully gentle love story, pick up this book!