Pj Ausdenmore's Reviews > Her Duke at Midnight

I waited six years for this third and final book in Wendy LaCapra's Mythic Dukes series. It stands to reason that my expectations were high. I'm happy to report that those expectations were not only met but exceeded in another compelling, immersive, historical romance journey from this talented author. It's also a testament to the enduring impact of her characters that after six years I didn't have to reread the first two books in the series to refresh my memory. Ash, Chev, Pen, and Alicia, as well as their own emotional journeys to love, continue to live rent free in my mind. I have no plans to evict them anytime soon.

That's one of the things I most enjoy about LaCapra's writing: the depth she imbues in the characters she creates. There are no cardboard cutouts here, no surface characters lacking emotional layers. She gives them complex layers, repressed emotions, tangled back stories, and current challenges. She then skillfully - with humor, poignant emotion, sparkling banter, steamy chemistry, endearing qualities, personal reckoning, and the help of a few good friends - guides them to the best versions of themselves and to the love for which they've been waiting a lifetime. It's an immersive experience I never tire of and one I look forward to repeating with each new book from this author. As with the earlier couples, I fell in love with Hurtheven and Hera, fell into their story with all of my emotions on display, and read their entire book in one day.

The supporting cast in this book is vibrantly depicted, richly nuanced, and vitally important to the overall story. Scenes featuring Hurtheven and Hera with Ash and Alicia's children, in particular, are filled with laugh-out-loud humor, sigh-worthy emotion, and a looking glass view into the tender parts of our intrepid hero as well as the strength, courage, and vulnerabilities of our heroine.

Fans of the first two books will no doubt enjoy this look into the extended HEA of those couples while those new to the series should be able to enjoy Her Duke at Midnight on its own. However, for a complete understanding of the strength - and history - of the friendship among the three dukes, plus the nuances of the various romantic relationships, I recommend reading the three stories in order. The first two are Her Duke at Daybreak (novella) and His Duchess at Eventide (full length novel).

4.5 stars

*ARC received
Fair and unbiased review