Surviving after Waterloo

The Accidental Duke (The Mad Matchmaking Men of Waterloo #1) by Barbara Devlin          

⭐️⭐️ 1/2

A wounded younger son, British Army Major Erasmus Hildebrand Bartlett, now heir to a dukedom returns from Waterloo a shattered man. Unfortunately his father, the Duke of Swanborough, decides his son is mad because of his physical injuries—the loss of an arm, and his worrisome behavior. A consequence of his post traumatic battle memories.

Lady Arabella Hortence Gibbs, daughter of the Earl Ainsworth and the Duke’s best friend had been betrothed to Erasmus’ brother, the heir. They’ve decided that that betrothal can carry across to the current heir. The betrothal papers had not referred to Erasmus by name but by title, so the contract remains valid.

What no-one knows is the Duke’s nefarious plans to gain a new heir. He intends to snatch any male progeny and have Erasmus committed to an institution. He dismisses Arabella. I really liked her strength of character and steadfastness. I enjoyed her anger.

Erasmus and Arabella are supported by a group of Erasmus’ like wounded comrades, all peers, who decide to term themselves Mad Matchmakers as they look for brides who might accept them.

I really enjoyed the idea of the brave souls and their aim, as they turn the debutante looking for a husband trope on its head. 

Putting that aside this storyline didn’t quite jell for me. However, I do wonder how the rest of the group will carry out their aims.

A Dragonblade ARC via NetGalley