Michael Bromley, Duke of Woriton, has a passion, but it’s not for chasing ladies or gambling till dawn. No, his is the far more dangerous pursuit of the science of chemistry. He may be a tad eccentric, but he can navigate a society ballroom, and manage a polite conversation—if he must. He’s certainly capable of taking care of his aunt’s perfectly behaved poodle, Lancelot, while she’s on holiday.
Elizabeth “Bitsy” Dockering, third daughter of a viscount, is enjoying her second, spectacular Season in London. She is a Diamond of the Season and is adored by all—and especially by her precious black poodle, Galahad. To everyone else, however, Galahad is a demon dog. So much so that Bitsy’s most insistent beau and particular victim of Galahad’s bad manners, has hired a thief to steal the dog, clearing the way for his suit.
But none of them can plan for a chaotic encounter in the park, resulting in lost notes, a soaking in the Serpentine and an accidental dog swap…and Lancelot being kidnapped instead of Galahad! Determined to locate the dog, Michael isn’t thrilled to be saddled with a flighty female insisting on helping—except that Bitsy has a great deal more sense than he expected. And a sharp tongue to match. Still, what’s a scientist to do but continue to pursue an outcome, however unexpected it may be? But chemistry is all about attraction, and this is one formula with some hilariously romantic results.
Release Date: Sep 19, 2023
Heat Level: Warm
Publisher: Macmillan
Imprint: St. Martin’s Press
Price: $12.99
“It came down to logic, then. Elizabeth Dockering had set his life into a tumble by her inability to control her dog. And then, after a mishap that hadn’t been her fault, she been of use, like any component in a task. And like a spent receiver of hydrogen, she wasn’t required any longer. Except to receive Lancelot and return the poodle to his care tomorrow, of course.”
Michael Blumley, Duke of Loriton, is an eccentric scientist who does not care for the aristocracy’s opinion of him. He is gruff, rude, and unlikeable. Elizabeth Dockering is the belle of the ball, and a diamond of the first water. She is everything that Michael is not. These two would never have crossed paths until a fateful day where their identical black poodles, Lancelot and Galahad, are mixed up. When both dogs are kidnapped, these two must team up to find their beloved pets.
This story had such a unique concept, and it is something that I’ve never read before. I went into it with high expectations as I have enjoyed many of Suzanne Enoch’s previous books, but it fell a little flat for me. The chemistry between the characters was lukewarm at best, and the tension that I love in lower steam stories just wasn’t there. It felt more like reading about a couple of friends rather than two people falling truly in love.
Where are the accidental touches of their bodies or the internal monologues about how they can’t stop thinking of each other? Was the plot cute? Absolutely, but it took over so much of the story that the main couple just felt like an afterthought. Add in a second romantic storyline, and there just wasn’t enough time for their relationship to develop.
There were things I enjoyed in this. I think Galahad and Lancelot were the best part for me. Galahad had some funny antics with Elizabeth’s suitors, and I enjoyed the dog-napping plot.
I believe I am in the minority as this book is getting some rave reviews, and I think that if you’ve enjoyed other Suzanne Enoch or Erica Ridley’s stories, then this may be something that will work better for you.
~ Michelle
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