ARC Review: Not That Duke (Would-Be Wallflowers #3) by Eloisa James
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Series: Would-Be Wallflowers #3
Author: Eloisa James
Published July 25th 2023 by Avon/Piatkus
Goodreads Synopsis
The Duke of Huntington has no interest in an eccentric redhead who frowns at him over her spectacles…until he realizes that she is the only possible duchess for him. A new enemies-to-lovers romance by New York Times bestselling author Eloisa James.
Bespeckled and freckled, Lady Stella Corsham at least has a dowry that has attracted a crowd of fortune-hunting suitors—which definitely doesn’t include the sinfully handsome Silvester Parnell, Duke of Huntington, who laughingly calls her “Specs” as he chases after elegant rivals.
And then—
The worst happens. Marriage.
To the duke. To a man marrying her for all the wrong reasons.
How can Silvester possibly convince Stella that he’s fallen in love with the quirky woman he married? Especially after she laughingly announces that she’s in love—but not with that duke.
Not with her husband.
Goodreads
Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher. This in no way impacted on my view.
After being insulted by Silvester, the Duke of Huntington at a dinner party, Lady Stella Corsham wants nothing to do with the handsome duke. She may be freckled, wear glasses, and have a mass of red hair, but she also has a strong dowry, and no need to marry if she doesn't want to. If she does marry, then she wants Giles, Earl of Lilford, who seems interested in marrying her, but is also lusting after Yasmin at every turn. But Silvester is actively courting Yasmin, and the whole ton knows she is his first choice. But then Silvester and Stella find themselves married, both adamant they don't love each other, but fighting their growing feelings at every turn. Will Silvester be able to convince her that he's in love, and will Stella even accept it?
This book is definitely one to read if you had questions after finishing book 2. The first half or so of Not That Duke is a rehashing of The Reluctant Countess, but from Stella and Silvester's point of view. We learn more about why these two were courting Giles and Yasmin, and see more of Lydia's machinations (if it's even possible, I hate her more now). I felt for Stella quite a bit in this book. She's definitely a wallflower, but she can hold her own, and never lets Silvester forget that. When she spent time in the river with Merry and Silvester's mother, it was wonderful to see three duchesses (well, soon) be so open and free, rather than caring about what society thought. Silvester, in my opinion, should've fought harder and sooner for Stella, as after they married no one let her forget that he was so in love with Yasmin, and had 'settled' for her. He seemed to have such a shift from lust to love over Stella, and didn't have a big moment to show her it. I do like how they came together, in love, eventually, and feel like this book has tied everything up very nicely.
Dates Read:
July 12-13, 2023
Rating
4 Stars
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