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3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
I both read and listened to the audio book. While the beginning of the book had a good pace and kept me interested I found that after the wedding things slowed down and weren’t very interesting. I still had two hours of the book left and hoped things would start to speed up like the beginning but things really didn’t. I also think the narrator is great at male voices but the main character (female) voice was not so good. I found myself hating to listen to the voice portrayal.
Very entertaining. I loved how the ton viewed people from the Americas and how the Americans viewed the English ton. so you have the bold heroine from Boston trying to fit in as a demure lady in English society. No amount of tutoring can smoothly blunt all her edges.
It's a well written story and really well narrated story.
It's a well written story and really well narrated story.
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Merry Pelford, is an American Heiress and has come to England to find a man to marry. It is expected of her, but she is hoping to find a man that she can love. When Lord Cedric, starts courting her, she finds herself intrigued and she begins to feel affection for him. When he proposes with flair and plenty of poetry, Merry believes that she does care for him. But on the eve of accepting Lord Cedric's proposal, she meets a man in the dark and out on the balcony. A man that is definitely an aristrocrat, has the arrogance and the appeal. But Merry finds herself drawn to his aura, his laugh and his inquisitive questions that seem more curious than anything else. The Duke of Trent, is content with his life and trying to keep his brother out of trouble. When he meets a mysterious american woman that makes him think of nights on silk sheets of passion and desire, he wants her. He is drawn to her honesty and openess. But when he learns that she is engaged to his brother Cedric, he is appalled that he has feelings of lust for his future sister in law. But through various events, he sees the true Merry and he wants her for his own.
The Duke of Trent, has always known his duties and responsibilities. Despite being a twin, he and his brother Cedric have always been at odds except when they were children. Trent grew up in a home, where his mother favored her attentions on his brother and couldn't be bothered to show any affection for him not even as a child. His father was a drunk and he has always stayed away from drinking. His parents were killed in an accident because his father was drinking. He sees his brother going the same way that his father did and is doing everyting in his power to keep him from killing himself from drinking. What I liked most about this hero, was pretty much everything. He doesn't believe in love, he feels its temporary and not worth the hassle or the pain. Considering how his mother rejected him, it was very understandable. He is practical, but isn't your average duke. He doesn't have his hair styled in the usual way, he likes to stay physically active ( I totally approve), and loves to help out the tenants with their farms and improve his estates. He is loyal and honorable and very stubborn when it comes to emotional sentiment.
The Heroine
Merry Pelford, grew up in America, she was raised by her aunt and uncle. After having to jilt two previous men, her aunt and uncle thought it best to come to England, have a fresh start and get away from the gossip and find Merry a titled man. Merry isn't ashamed of her heritage, she is proud to be American, especially since coming to England. She finds her American ways to be a lot more simple and easier in many respects. What I really liked about Merry was her openess and honesty and boy is she smart and doesn't seek to hide her intelligence. I was worried that this heroine would seem a bit contemporary, but I didn't feel that at all which I was pretty glad about. I really enjoyed seeing how she balanced out who she is, with trying to conform with British society which isn't easy at all. I admired her tenacity and her easy going charm. She does try to go with the Ton, but in all honesty, she is way too intelligent to fit right in. She isn't ashamed of who she is, but she does attempt to make concessions which I admired the ways that she goes about it. Her character was fresh and I really liked her.
My American Duchess is the newest book from Eloisa James. And this author has always been a personal favorite of mine. She writes simply wonderful regency romances, and this one won me over from the first chapter. I was a bit anxious to read this one, because I noticed the rating and reviews weren't as high as I was expecting. So I was expecting a story that I would have difficulty read...but not I had a difficult time putting this down at times. I just wanted more of the Duke and his American lady. The first half of the book, we have the conflict of seeing the chemistry between them, however nothing can happen because Merry is engaged to the brother of our hero. We see how much that they try to deny what is happening between them. And at first they are successful. But circumstances lead them to discover true emotion with each other.
What I enjoyed was seeing the fun interactions between Merry and the Duke and even the brother Cedric---he was quite a hoot! I had a ball of fun with his character. He was so funny at times, (I am not sure if the author meant him to be) but boy did I have fun with him and he entertained me so much. Even though technically you could see this as a love triangle trope---I never got that feeling from this story at all. Because quite frankly, Cedric just wants money and wealth and Merry is an heiress. He doesn't really see any other qualities to make her his wife other than that. I feel like this is more "forbidden romance" theme. We have two people that desire to be together but are unable to due to certain obligations. The second half of the book, we see these two try to balance out a new type of relationship. They have ended up married, and now have to work out through some issues. At first, there is plenty of sexy sensuality between them, and we see how well they do together on a physical level. But on an emotional level...it takes work. It isn't for them to find their HEA, and it does take a while for them to reach a point, where they are willing to be fully open and honest with each other. A couple of misunderstanding's do occur, but I didn't feel it detracted from the story...I felt like it only made the moment where they both admit their true feelings to each other, a more satisfying end and we are left with a bit of a teaser about the brother. I am hoping that Eloisa James will write his book so we can see his journey.
I do adore this cover. I loved both of the covers that were chosen. The first cover, (after reading this) I felt suits the heroine way more. It has a more garden like background, and she is more open and free in that cover. So I will admit I like the first cover because it suits the story best. But this cover, I do admire quite a bit....it's classy and elegant. I love her sparkling dress and the staircase behind her. And the stepback cover is simply gorgeous.
My American Duchess is a enjoyable and sensual regency romance that is like a breath of fresh air. An unrequited love story that will keep you laughing and entertained from beginning to end.
Summary
Merry Pelford, is an American Heiress and has come to England to find a man to marry. It is expected of her, but she is hoping to find a man that she can love. When Lord Cedric, starts courting her, she finds herself intrigued and she begins to feel affection for him. When he proposes with flair and plenty of poetry, Merry believes that she does care for him. But on the eve of accepting Lord Cedric's proposal, she meets a man in the dark and out on the balcony. A man that is definitely an aristrocrat, has the arrogance and the appeal. But Merry finds herself drawn to his aura, his laugh and his inquisitive questions that seem more curious than anything else. The Duke of Trent, is content with his life and trying to keep his brother out of trouble. When he meets a mysterious american woman that makes him think of nights on silk sheets of passion and desire, he wants her. He is drawn to her honesty and openess. But when he learns that she is engaged to his brother Cedric, he is appalled that he has feelings of lust for his future sister in law. But through various events, he sees the true Merry and he wants her for his own.
The Hero
The Duke of Trent, has always known his duties and responsibilities. Despite being a twin, he and his brother Cedric have always been at odds except when they were children. Trent grew up in a home, where his mother favored her attentions on his brother and couldn't be bothered to show any affection for him not even as a child. His father was a drunk and he has always stayed away from drinking. His parents were killed in an accident because his father was drinking. He sees his brother going the same way that his father did and is doing everyting in his power to keep him from killing himself from drinking. What I liked most about this hero, was pretty much everything. He doesn't believe in love, he feels its temporary and not worth the hassle or the pain. Considering how his mother rejected him, it was very understandable. He is practical, but isn't your average duke. He doesn't have his hair styled in the usual way, he likes to stay physically active ( I totally approve), and loves to help out the tenants with their farms and improve his estates. He is loyal and honorable and very stubborn when it comes to emotional sentiment.
The Heroine 
Merry Pelford, grew up in America, she was raised by her aunt and uncle. After having to jilt two previous men, her aunt and uncle thought it best to come to England, have a fresh start and get away from the gossip and find Merry a titled man. Merry isn't ashamed of her heritage, she is proud to be American, especially since coming to England. She finds her American ways to be a lot more simple and easier in many respects. What I really liked about Merry was her openess and honesty and boy is she smart and doesn't seek to hide her intelligence. I was worried that this heroine would seem a bit contemporary, but I didn't feel that at all which I was pretty glad about. I really enjoyed seeing how she balanced out who she is, with trying to conform with British society which isn't easy at all. I admired her tenacity and her easy going charm. She does try to go with the Ton, but in all honesty, she is way too intelligent to fit right in. She isn't ashamed of who she is, but she does attempt to make concessions which I admired the ways that she goes about it. Her character was fresh and I really liked her.
Plot and Story Line
My American Duchess is the newest book from Eloisa James. And this author has always been a personal favorite of mine. She writes simply wonderful regency romances, and this one won me over from the first chapter. I was a bit anxious to read this one, because I noticed the rating and reviews weren't as high as I was expecting. So I was expecting a story that I would have difficulty read...but not I had a difficult time putting this down at times. I just wanted more of the Duke and his American lady. The first half of the book, we have the conflict of seeing the chemistry between them, however nothing can happen because Merry is engaged to the brother of our hero. We see how much that they try to deny what is happening between them. And at first they are successful. But circumstances lead them to discover true emotion with each other.
What I enjoyed was seeing the fun interactions between Merry and the Duke and even the brother Cedric---he was quite a hoot! I had a ball of fun with his character. He was so funny at times, (I am not sure if the author meant him to be) but boy did I have fun with him and he entertained me so much. Even though technically you could see this as a love triangle trope---I never got that feeling from this story at all. Because quite frankly, Cedric just wants money and wealth and Merry is an heiress. He doesn't really see any other qualities to make her his wife other than that. I feel like this is more "forbidden romance" theme. We have two people that desire to be together but are unable to due to certain obligations. The second half of the book, we see these two try to balance out a new type of relationship. They have ended up married, and now have to work out through some issues. At first, there is plenty of sexy sensuality between them, and we see how well they do together on a physical level. But on an emotional level...it takes work. It isn't for them to find their HEA, and it does take a while for them to reach a point, where they are willing to be fully open and honest with each other. A couple of misunderstanding's do occur, but I didn't feel it detracted from the story...I felt like it only made the moment where they both admit their true feelings to each other, a more satisfying end and we are left with a bit of a teaser about the brother. I am hoping that Eloisa James will write his book so we can see his journey.
The Cover
I do adore this cover. I loved both of the covers that were chosen. The first cover, (after reading this) I felt suits the heroine way more. It has a more garden like background, and she is more open and free in that cover. So I will admit I like the first cover because it suits the story best. But this cover, I do admire quite a bit....it's classy and elegant. I love her sparkling dress and the staircase behind her. And the stepback cover is simply gorgeous.
Overall View
My American Duchess is a enjoyable and sensual regency romance that is like a breath of fresh air. An unrequited love story that will keep you laughing and entertained from beginning to end.
4.5 stars.
My first Eloisa James read was a success. I’d planned to start with her Fairy Tale series, but changed my mind upon hearing that this was supposed to be a standalone. Not only that, but I’ve always wanted to read a historical set in England with one of the main characters being American. Therefore, I decided to try a new author, and read an English-set historical romance with an American heroine all at the same time.
Since the title is about her, I thought I’d start by talking about Merry. I really liked her. She was extremely kind, even going out of her way to make up for ruining a woman’s reputation, due to her not knowing all of the British customs. That lack of knowledge just endeared Merry to me even more. It’s nice sometimes to read a book about a heroine who hasn’t got all of society figured out. Merry was also intelligent and stubborn, which meant that she wasn’t someone who was easily controlled. She spoke her mind whenever she could get away with it, and did as she pleased. Adding to all this, I felt a bit sorry for Merry. Due to her past with men, she never knew if she was fickle, or just hadn’t found the right person for her.
Then, there was Trent. I was an immediate fan. It was refreshing to read a book where the hero wasn’t afraid of marriage. Trent was afraid of love, but never marriage. Said fear of love came from a childhood where his mother favored Trent’s twin, Cedric, and I immediately felt bad for Trent upon learning this. Lastly, and most importantly, Trent was just a good guy. He would do anything for the people that he loved, even if they were jerks. He had honor, loyalty, and the capacity to do a good deed for someone he didn’t really know.
Any discussion of side characters within this novel has to start out with Cedric. Cedric was Trent’s brother, and Merry’s fiancee. He said all the right things by society’s standards, but he wasn’t the perfect man Merry thought him to be. I really couldn’t wait to be rid of him, and that is the mark of excellent writing. Then, there was Merry’s aunt and uncle, Bess and Thaddeus. It was really great to see guardians act as parents, with no villainous intent as is so common in books. I loved how Bess was a poet, and her thousand-line poems just added a level of fun to the story.
So as not to spoil things, I’ll make plot discussion vague. Merry came to London after jilting two previous fiancees. Upon arrival, she met and quickly fell in love with Cedric. During this book, she discovered that things weren’t all that they appeared with him, made some interesting discoveries about English society, and found the right man for her, through some rather interesting circumstances. The first half wasn’t amazing(mostly because I hated Cedric), but I still found it unputdownable. And then the second half? Well. I skipped meals, ignored my phone and just read as much as possible.
With all that in mind, I’m sure you know I’m recommending this book to all readers of historical romance. The heroine was just so stubborn and kind. The hero was a good person, despite his understandable fear of love. The plot kept me riveted, and I had lots of trouble stopping for a break. Eloisa James sure knows how to capture a reader’s attention, and I will certainly be back for more of her stories.
My first Eloisa James read was a success. I’d planned to start with her Fairy Tale series, but changed my mind upon hearing that this was supposed to be a standalone. Not only that, but I’ve always wanted to read a historical set in England with one of the main characters being American. Therefore, I decided to try a new author, and read an English-set historical romance with an American heroine all at the same time.
Since the title is about her, I thought I’d start by talking about Merry. I really liked her. She was extremely kind, even going out of her way to make up for ruining a woman’s reputation, due to her not knowing all of the British customs. That lack of knowledge just endeared Merry to me even more. It’s nice sometimes to read a book about a heroine who hasn’t got all of society figured out. Merry was also intelligent and stubborn, which meant that she wasn’t someone who was easily controlled. She spoke her mind whenever she could get away with it, and did as she pleased. Adding to all this, I felt a bit sorry for Merry. Due to her past with men, she never knew if she was fickle, or just hadn’t found the right person for her.
Then, there was Trent. I was an immediate fan. It was refreshing to read a book where the hero wasn’t afraid of marriage. Trent was afraid of love, but never marriage. Said fear of love came from a childhood where his mother favored Trent’s twin, Cedric, and I immediately felt bad for Trent upon learning this. Lastly, and most importantly, Trent was just a good guy. He would do anything for the people that he loved, even if they were jerks. He had honor, loyalty, and the capacity to do a good deed for someone he didn’t really know.
Any discussion of side characters within this novel has to start out with Cedric. Cedric was Trent’s brother, and Merry’s fiancee. He said all the right things by society’s standards, but he wasn’t the perfect man Merry thought him to be. I really couldn’t wait to be rid of him, and that is the mark of excellent writing. Then, there was Merry’s aunt and uncle, Bess and Thaddeus. It was really great to see guardians act as parents, with no villainous intent as is so common in books. I loved how Bess was a poet, and her thousand-line poems just added a level of fun to the story.
So as not to spoil things, I’ll make plot discussion vague. Merry came to London after jilting two previous fiancees. Upon arrival, she met and quickly fell in love with Cedric. During this book, she discovered that things weren’t all that they appeared with him, made some interesting discoveries about English society, and found the right man for her, through some rather interesting circumstances. The first half wasn’t amazing(mostly because I hated Cedric), but I still found it unputdownable. And then the second half? Well. I skipped meals, ignored my phone and just read as much as possible.
With all that in mind, I’m sure you know I’m recommending this book to all readers of historical romance. The heroine was just so stubborn and kind. The hero was a good person, despite his understandable fear of love. The plot kept me riveted, and I had lots of trouble stopping for a break. Eloisa James sure knows how to capture a reader’s attention, and I will certainly be back for more of her stories.
So strange to read historical romance that is not part of a series.
This was my first Eloisa James although I have several of her series on my TBR. I wouldn't say it was a bad book, but I wasn't a huge fan either. I enjoyed it while reading, but thinking back on it, I like it a bit less. My reasons have to go under a spoiler-tag
Secondly, I'm so tired of the trope of damaged character who refuses to use the word love and acts like he will never be able to fall in love, even though its clear to everyone around and the reader that he is already in love, he just doesn't understand the real meaning of the word or whatever.
This was my first Eloisa James although I have several of her series on my TBR. I wouldn't say it was a bad book, but I wasn't a huge fan either. I enjoyed it while reading, but thinking back on it, I like it a bit less. My reasons have to go under a spoiler-tag
Spoiler
How can it count as a real wedding if the bride cannot see her groom and so when she says her vows, thinks she is marrying a different man. I realize that it was to the good in the end, since she was resigned to marry a horrible man and instead got a good one, but still ridiculous.Secondly, I'm so tired of the trope of damaged character who refuses to use the word love and acts like he will never be able to fall in love, even though its clear to everyone around and the reader that he is already in love, he just doesn't understand the real meaning of the word or whatever.
This romp of a romance is long and has a lot of different conflicts, including (but not limited to) falling in love with the wrong man, falling in love with your fiance's brother (or your brother's fiance, depending on your perspective), scandalous behavior, and amnesia. There's also a lot of hot sex. We recommend it.
34-Word Summaries:
Meg: On the day Merry accepts the proposal from one man, she falls for his twin brother. Trent falls in love with her because she’s hot (though he won’t admit it). Amnesia.
Laine: Twin brothers with mommy issues court the same heiress for different reasons. After two failed engagements, Merry can't be trusted to know her own mind about men, so her family and future husband conspire.
34-Word Summaries:
Meg: On the day Merry accepts the proposal from one man, she falls for his twin brother. Trent falls in love with her because she’s hot (though he won’t admit it). Amnesia.
Laine: Twin brothers with mommy issues court the same heiress for different reasons. After two failed engagements, Merry can't be trusted to know her own mind about men, so her family and future husband conspire.
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
A fun historical romance read.
I don't read historical romance because I do not give a rat's ass about rich people and royals, which of course just run rampant in this genre. This one sucked me in because of the early-on witty repartee between the royal Duke and the rich soon-to-be-Duchess, but that was a bait and switch, as there wasn't much in the way of wit after chapter one. Plenty of soap opera cliches -- evil twin brothers, amnesia, last-minute switch at the altar, et cetera -- and awkwardly described sex. Can someone tell me why in women's porn like this, male genitalia is called a cock, but the female's is "velvety softness" or "pretty folds"?