I didn’t realise that some of the characters in this book are from a previous series and I wish I had started with those books. But overall I still enjoyed this read. ( )

Grace Burrowes' Windham series have been a welcome escape from my work and social strife, and The Trouble with Dukes is a charming addition. The writing is pleasant, the characters likeable, and old friends from other novels make regular appearances. My only annoyance with this book is that it was established early on that the heroine wore glasses and could barely see without them, then for the rest of the book she seemed to go without and move around in blurriness. As a bespectacled lady myself, I find this choice to be completely unbelievable.. ( )

I'm in love with Grace Burrowes writing and after reading this book I realize how much I've missed the Windhams and all their family interventions. You don't have to have read any of the Windham stories but knowing the characters makes the story all the more fun. The main character is Hamish MacHugh the brand new Duke of Murdoch. Th ere's nothing sexier than a big man who is a lamb around woman. Hamish doesn't stand a chance against Megan Windham and her entire family of match-makers.
Hamish is a knight in tarnished armor. Stories about his time in the war are spreading and the gossip is bad. Fortunately, Megan's cousins also fought in the war and are smart enough to check the facts. Megan is being pursued by a wold in sheep's clothing. Sir Fletcher is using some letters that she sent to blackmail Megan into marrying him. He's a fourth son and is looking for a dowry to support him in his debauched ways.
Watching how a gentle hero and a fearsome heroine find each other and fight their obstacles is done through the great writing that can always be found in a Grace Burrowes books. ( )

The Trouble with Dukes by Grace Burrowes is an entertaining, sweet historical romance. While this is the first novel in the Windham Brides series, I strongly encourage readers to read the Windham series since MANY of the secondary characters from these previous books figure prominently in The Trouble with Dukes.

Hamish MacHugh is dismayed to discover he is now the Duke of Murdoch. He wants nothing more than to return to his beloved Scotland but alas, he must put the needs of his family first. He is hoping his stay in England will be brief as his beloved sisters, Edana and Rhona, replenish their wardrobe and enjoy as many social gatherings as possible. Hamish's wartime reputation precedes him which makes him quite uncomfortable at the numerous balls and parties he must attend with his sisters and brother, Colin. Gruff and plainspoken, Hamish makes quite a few social gaffes as he tries to navigate the complicated world of the British aristocracy but he is also rather softhearted when it comes to the people he cares about.

Megan Windham is a lovely young woman with poor eyesight and a giving heart. She finds herself in the unenviable position of fighting off the attentions of Sir Fletcher Pilkington, a loathsome suitor from a suitable family. She is grateful to Hamish when he steps in to aid her during an unpleasant encounter with Pilkington and her respect for the troubled war hero grows deeper each time they meet. Megan is quite taken with the attractive Scotsman but she is caught in an untenable situation with Pilkington that could ruin her and her sisters' reputations if the truth about her youthful mistake were ever to be revealed.

Megan and Hamish are a wonderful couple who find it quite easy to confide in one another. Their scenes together are a wonderful mix of delightful banter and thoughtful exchanges about their lives and simmering attraction. However, with Hamish planning to return to Scotland as soon as possible, he sees no future for the two of them. But Megan's extended family makes it impossible for him to say no to their "invitations" and the more time he spends with her, the more smitten he becomes. After she confesses the mess she has gotten herself into with Pilkington, Hamish comes up with a plan to get her out of trouble. After executing their scheme to rescue her from her detestable suitor's clutches, Hamish and Megan's relationship deepens but is Fletcher truly out of the picture?

While The Trouble with Dukes is an overall enjoyable novel, it is difficult to understand why Megan would not tell her family about the situation with Fletcher. The Windham family is obviously quite close and they are also very influential so it would make sense for her to ask them for their assistance with her problem. Pilkington's interest in other heiresses is well-known so it seems impossible that NO ONE in her family is the least bit suspicious about his motives when he sets his sights on Megan. Even more unbelievable is the fact that her parents seem to be encouraging the match! This entire part of the storyline is fairly ridiculous and somewhat unbelievable.

The inclusion of the other Windham characters is rather bewildering if you have not read the Windham series. Between the use of proper names, titles and numerous nicknames, it is virtually impossible to keep up with who everyone is and who their spouses are. While fans of the other series will enjoy catching up with favorite characters from earlier novels, newcomers might them hopelessly confusing.

The Trouble with Dukes is a charming historical romance with a cast of appealing characters. The storyline is interesting but the pacing of the novel is a little slow. Although a bit flawed, it is a nice beginning to Grace Burrowes' Windham Brides series. ( )

I am a big fan of Grace Burrowes' writing, but I had trouble with The Trouble with Dukes.
What disappointed me (mainly) was the premise that the niece of a duke, with several titled men in the immediate family, would not be able to fend off a mere 'sir', who is blackmailing her. This seemed out of character for a heroine from this particular family. All she had to do was tell someone and it would have been over for him. ( )