title: Romancing the Duke: Castles Ever After
author:  Tessa Dare 
description: *Starred Review* Please let it be money! That is the one thought Isolde Goodnight has when she receives the news that her recently deceased godfather, the Earl of Lynforth, has mentioned her in his will. Izzy desperately hopes that she has inherited at least 200. Even 100 would help because after her fathers death, Izzy is nearly penniless and without a home to call her own. Instead, Izzy discovers that she is now the proud owner of Gostley Castle, a rapidly crumbling pile of stones deep in the wilds of Northumberland. Much to Izzys surprise, she also discovers that the castle comes complete with one unmentioned, additional feature: its previous owner, Ransome William Dacre Vane, the Duke of Rothbury. Splendidly talented Dare (Any Duchess Will Do, 2013) creates cleverly written dialogue, exceptionally appealing characters, and an engaging plot that gives a wink toward Beauty and the Beast and a nod to fandom, all key components in this wickedly funny and soul-satisfyingly romantic novel, the perfect launch to Dares new Castles Ever After series. --John Charles
zlib_text: ![](images/00001.jpg)
  
  * * *
  
  
    
    
  Guido the Gimlet of Ghent  
    
  
  
  This page copyright © 2001 Blackmask Online.
  
  
  
  
  
  http://www.blackmask.com
  
  
  * * *
  
  # Guido the Gimlet of Ghent
  
  
  ### Stephen Leacock
  
  
  
  
  
  This page copyright © 2001 Blackmask Online.
  
  
  
  
  
  http://www.blackmask.com  
    
  
  
  It was in the flood-tide of chivalry. Knighthood was in the pod.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  The sun was slowly setting in the east, rising and falling occasionally
  
  
  as it subsided, and illuminating with its dying beams the towers of the
  
  
  grim castle of Buggensberg.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Isolde the Slender stood upon an embattled turret of the castle. Her
  
  
  arms were outstretched to the empty air, and her face, upturned as if in
  
  
  colloquy with heaven, was distraught with yearning.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Anon she murmured, "Guido"—and bewhiles a deep sigh rent her
  
  
  breast.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Sylph-like and ethereal in her beauty, she scarcely seemed to breathe.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  In fact she hardly did.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Willowy and slender in form, she was a