Once upon a Duke

As a long-time fan of Regency romances, I was delighted to find Once upon a Duke offering something fresh and engaging. Eva Devon's writing is exquisite, her characters complex and compelling. Ryder Blake is a hero worth rooting for, despite his initial gruffness, and his journey from a man closed off to love to one who embraces it wholeheartedly is beautifully executed. Hugh Bradley's narration is simply outstanding. He captures Ryder's pain and anger, his moments of vulnerability, and his growing love with such nuance and depth that I found myself completely absorbed in the story. The pacing is excellent, with just the right balance of tension and release, and the production quality is top-notch. My only critique is that I wish we'd seen a bit more of the heroine, Elizabeth, in the first half of the book. However, this is a minor quibble in an otherwise outstanding audiobook.