The Duke is Mine
Author: Eloisa James
Publisher: HarperCollins/Avon
Pub. Date: December 27, 2011
ISBN-13: 978-0062021281
Digital Price: $6.99
Print Price: $7.99
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Destiny will be decided between the sheets in this all-new tale of “The Princess and the Pea.”

For Olivia Lytton, betrothal to the Duke of Canterwick—hardly a Prince Charming—feels more like a curse than a happily-ever-after. At least his noble status will help her sister, Georgiana, secure an engagement with the brooding, handsome Tarquin, Duke of Sconce, a perfect match for her in every way . . . every way but one. Tarquin has fallen in love with Olivia.

Quin never puts passion before reason. And reason says that Georgiana is his ideal bride. But the sensual, fiery, strong-willed Olivia ignites an unknown longing in him—a desire they are both powerless to resist. When a scandalous affair begins, they risk losing everything—Olivia’s engagement, her sister’s friendship, and their own fragile love. Only one thing can save them—and it awaits in the bedroom, where a magnificent mattress holds life-changing answers to the greatest romantic riddle of all.

~*~*~

REVIEW

The Duke is Mine is a wonderfully written historical romance full of unusual characters and a very happily ever after.

Olivia and Georgiana Lytton have been raised with one goal in mind – to become a duchess. Well, really Olivia has been raised with that goal and as her twin Georgiana was lumped in. Olivia has been engaged to Rupert, Marquess of Montsurrey, since childhood. She doesn’t want to marry the Marquess, who because of a traumatic birth suffers from brain damage. Even though Olivia doesn’t want to marry Rupert she is willing to do what her parents expect of her.  With Olivia settled her mother sets her sights on Georgiana and agrees to send her to a house party of sorts at the country estate of Tarquin, Duke of Sconce.

Quin suffers from Asperger’s and has trouble with emotions. He had a terrible first marriage that ended in the death of his wife and small son.  Quin has promised himself that he would never allow lust to rule him again and agreed to allow his mother to find a second wife for him.

All of Quin and Olivia’s plans are thrown out the window when they meet each other, though they both try to fight it.

I loved the characters in this book. Rupert, who is very sweet but also very damaged, steals the reader’s heart even though no one wants him and Olivia to end up together in the end. Olivia, who has been told her whole life that her appearance is unbecoming (she is plump) and that she needs to refrain from being vulgar (one of the things she takes joy in). Tarquin, who is unsure how to feel or express emotions and Georgiana, who has lived in her sister’s shadow and wishes for nothing more than to learn more about the world around her. These characters are what made this book so great. There are places that the plot is silly and even unbelievable, but it didn’t matter because I needed to know what happened to these four characters.

The writing is fantastic and definitely has a fairy tale feel. The Princess and the Pea is the basis for the story, but is really a very small influence on the story. There are a few references, such as:

“A test?” Georgiania asked, her tone rather dubious. Olivia nodded. “Do you remember that old story of the lady who was decreed to be a REAL princess because a pea had been hidden under her mattress? Well, this is my version. No prince is REAL if he obeys his mother.” 

And at one point Olivia is given a stack of mattresses to sleep on. That’s the extent of the influence the fairy tale had on the story.

I found The Duke is Mine to be incredibly romantic and sexy. There were places where Quin’s dialogue made me swoon. For example:

“I’m fat,” she blurted out.

“You are not fat. You’re the most beautiful, voluptuous woman I know.” His eyes moved down her body, deliberately, slowly, then back to her face. What she saw in them sent fire squirming through her stomach and lower. “I want every inch of you,” he said, growling it. “I want to fall on my knees and worship at your hips.” He reached out, shaped her curves from breast to hips with a burning sweep of his hand that a man was allowed to give only his wife.

The Duke is Mine is a very fun read and sure to delight fans of historical romance and Eloisa James.

Rating: 4.5 (Excellent)
Heat-Level: 3.5 (Sensual/Hot)

Reviewed by Carrie

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By Avon Books, Giveaways56 Comments on Review: The Duke is Mine by Eloisa James

56 Replies to “Review: The Duke is Mine by Eloisa James”

  2. Eloisa is an auto-buy for me. I can’t wait for DUKE!! I know it will be a Top Pick in my book as well. MERRY CHRISTMAS!

  3. Can I just say that I love when authors include
    more voluptuous heroines in their stories!!!
    These stories easily become my favorites ad I can relate
    To the characters…..Can’t wait to read this one!

  7. This was a great review and it sounds like something I would really enjoy. It’s always nice to have some humor I think.

  8. I just “met” Olivia when I read Winning the Wallflower. (Delightful story, by the way!) Now, I really want to read Olivia’s story.

  11. Thanks for the review. I just downloaded Winning The Wallflower and can’t wait to start treading it. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

  13. I’ve been waiting for this one to come out. Looks amazing. How could anyone pass up a chance to read something that relates to The Princess and the Pea and a hero named Tarquin?
    Happy HOlidays everyone 🙂 Hope you all are surrounded by love and warmth.

  15. This book sounds like a fun read.
    A little humor is good in a story.
    Thanks for a great review Carrie and a chance to win a book by Eloisa.

  16. This book sounds like a fun read.
    A little humor is good in a story.
    Thanks for a great review Carrie and a chance to win a book by Eloisa.

    MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

  19. I would love to win this one. I have been a fan of Eloisa James for a long time and have read most of her other books. This one sounds just as good.

  20. I read her Winning the Wallflower the other day, and can’t wait to read this after meeting Olivia – and I am glad that even though she doesn’t end up with Rupert that we will all like him anyhow!

  21. Thanks for the wonderful review, Carrie! I love Eloisa James and have been waiting for this book to come out. Can’t wait to read this wonderful and tear jerking story. Thanks for the giveaway!

    Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanza, and Happy New Year everyone!

  23. Loved When Beauty Tamed the Beast!

    This one sounds very interesting with the hero having Aspergers. Very excited for the release!

    Thanks for the great giveaway!

  27. Thanks for the review! THE DUKE IS MINE sounds like a really good book and I can’t wait to read it.

  28. It sounds so good. I’m a retired teacher and have taught several students over the years who suffered with Aspergers. They were very anti social . They did not connect on a personal level with anyone. I’m anxious to see how Eloise deals with this. Thanks for the giveaway.

  29. I love Historical Romances and The Duke Is Mine sounds like a really great read. Great review, thanks for giving me a new book to salivate for….^_^. I love fairy tales and books that have a happily ever after. I have not read an Eloisa James novel before but I am so going to be on the look out for her now.

  31. I can’t wait to read this! I read “Winning the Wallflower”. I loved it and was wanting to read it. It’s hard to root against Rupert, as he’s sweet. It’s not his fault he’s damaged, as you put it. But your recommendation, along with the fact that I love Eloisa James, makes the book very appealing. :-).

  33. I loved Olivia in “Winning the Wallflower”. Love Eloisa James. I liked Rupert, too, even though he’s damaged, as you say. Your recommendation makes me want to read it, even more. I worry about Rupert, but it’s Eloisa… She’ll take care of him.

  35. I can’t wait to read The Duke is Mine, anything Eloisa James writes, I’m in. She’s such a fantastic word smith, even her Facebook posts are lyrical.

  36. Thank you so mucho for this! Eloisa’s writing is so wonderful I just can’t wait to read this!:)
    Merry Christmas everyone!:*

  41. I can’t wait to read this book. I fell in love with Olivia in Winning The Wallflower.

    Merry Christmas Everyone!

  42. Read the first three chapters, and I’m excited to have the book! It comes out on my birthday! A shame I’ve been broke and haven’t been able to preorder…. *wink*

  47. Great review Carrie! This book looks really good! I’ve never read an Eloisa James book, this looks like a good one to start with.

  48. OMG I’m dying waiting for this book! I’ve got at least $100 in BN GCs under the tree waiting for me =)
    Guilty as charged…I peeked….Can’t help it.

  54. I agree, Rupert does steal your heart just a little bit. What a wonderful read this was! Nice review!

  55. I’m a huge Eloise James fan! This is on my list to buy after my next paycheck! 🙂
    thanks
    kim phan kimplovely[at]gmail

  56. I love the review and I can’t wait to read this novel. Eloisa James is a wonderful writer and I always look forward to her new books. 🙂

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