A review by wilybooklover
The Duke Who Didn't by Courtney Milan

funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

4.5

A lovely, low-angst historical romance, featuring a serious, organised heroine and a playful, puppy-like hero. Childhood friends-to-lovers can be hit-or-miss for me as a trope and I loved this incarnation of it. I also loved
the subversion of the only one bed and hidden identity tropes.
Chloe and Jeremy were just so sweet together. 

I adored the little village full of POC living their best lives that Courtney Milan created. I liked that she didn’t skim over the realities of life as a POC in the late Victorian era, but also didn’t let those struggles take over the story. It’s like she carved out a little pocket of joy for these characters to live in. 

A minor quibble, but I will admit I did wince a little when one of the characters said ‘on accident’ because I fully believe that is not a phrase that any adult British person has ever said in the history of the English language. It sounds as jarringly wrong and ungrammatical to me as ‘by purpose’ does. I am so sick and tired of Americanisms in historical romance!

If you want to read a little more diversity in historical romance then this is a delightful option. Be prepared with snacks, because there’s a big focus on delicious food and it will probably make you hungry.   
Expand filter menu Content Warnings