REVIEW: A Man Above Reproach by Evelyn Pryce

In A Man Above Reproach by Evelyn Pryce, The new Duke of Lennox, Elias Addison, never aspired to take over his father’s place as head of his family’s estate. He finds it troublesome, tiring, and the last thing he would rather be struggling with daily. His longtime friend Nicholas convinces him to have one evening of relaxation at the Sleeping Dove, to drown his worries in liquor and women. The liquor appeals to Elias, but the women have been a nuisance since becoming Duke. His avoidance of the fairer sex has earned him the dubious nickname “The Uncatchable” which amuses him, although he realizes he should pick a suitable bride soon.

“They,” he glanced up, looking around the room, causing dozens of eyes to skitter away. “They think me a lovesick fool, coming over here after you cut me, in full view of a quarter of the beau monde. Grant me an explanation, Miss Grant.”
“Explanations are too expensive, Lennox. Even for a duke.”

Then Elias notices Josephine Grant at the pub playing piano. How a woman so beautiful and poised could work in such a place as a bordello baffles him. But Elias could never imagine the past Josephine, aka “The Bawdy Bluestocking”, is hiding. There is a reason she is reluctant to give up her job at the Dove, and it certainly isn’t the money. No, it has more to do with the secrets the pub owner keeps, secrets that are harmful to the young women working there nightly. So as Josephine begins to draw more and more attention from Elias, she would like nothing better than to give in to her desires and begin a life with such a handsome, brilliant man. But her past coupled with her current endeavors could be too much for a Duke to endure.

A Man Above Reproach was a breath of fresh air for this fan of historical romance. Author Evelyn Pryce has given us an epic love story with rowdy characters who are just too much fun not to like.

This was a story that was simply a joy to read. I really connected with everyone involved and thought our hero, heroine, and secondary characters alike added their own unique little something special to the storyline. I’m not typically a stickler for historical accuracy in great detail, so I honestly wasn’t reading this with a critical eye on that point. But I did think the majority of what happened in the plot was feasible for the time, if not with a few liberties taken for entertainment purposes.

The Duke of Lennox, Elias Addison, I found to be quite swoon-worthy and very much different from what society thought him to be. I had to laugh at “The Uncatchable” nickname they gave him. Elias didn’t necessarily believe in conforming to society’s rules when he didn’t have to, so it was like thumbing his nose at them when he fell for Josephine. I really admired her spunk and courage in working at the bordello, helping the young women who worked there to keep them as safe as she possibly could. Her background also proved to be very interesting as we find out more about her true origins and how it affected her.

I truly hope you take the time to read this lovely romance. The writing is fluent and spot-on, plus the plot itself is intriguing. My only gripe? I would seriously like to see a sequel! Any of the secondary characters would be strong enough to carry a novel of their own, in my humble opinion.

Book Info:

Published October 22nd 2013 by Montlake Romance

2013 Winner – Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award: Romance

In 1830s London, scandalized whispers surround the pub known as The Sleeping Dove. A hidden bordello, the rumors say, catering to straying nobles eager to shed the trappings of their stations. Josephine Grant knows the rumors are true–she plays piano at the Dove, known only as “The Bawdy Bluestocking” to the pub’s faithful. Tales swirl as to her real origin: some patrons claim that she was an orphan prodigy, others go so far as to name her concubine to the King.

The society ladies call the reluctant Duke of Lennox “The Uncatchable,” not that he cares for them or their nicknames. Elias Addison’s estate was thrust upon him when his father died and it has been little else but a burden. He spends his days mired in responsibilities and his nights pursued at endless balls by fortune-hunting debutantes. He is morose, serious, and tense. When a friend brings him to the Sleeping Dove in an attempt to lighten his mood, the consequences of those good intentions are far greater.

When the Duke of Lennox finds himself at the Bawdy Bluestocking’s piano, they begin to play a dangerous melody. Though Elias cannot resist courting Josie, she has a past to protect, a shaky future, and no time for frivolous nobility with soft hands. When the Duke uncovers the truth, will he wish he had never begun the tune?