THREE WEEKS WITH LADY X by Eloisa James

Publisher:  Avon
Date published:   March 25, 2014
ISBN 978-0062298812
Genre:   Historical Romance
Ebook – ARC
Obtained via:  Publisher
Reviewed by name and email address:  Gina Gina@loveromancesandmorereviews.com

3-1/2

Lady Xenobia India St. Clair has carved out a life that pleases her.  She answers to no man, has acquired or own dowry and can put her talent and intelligence to a career, as it were, that pleases her.  With an innate sense of style—and someone else’s purse, she sets homes and estates to stylish right.  In demand by wives and bachelors looking for their brides she has a full plate of homes to refurbish.  But it is time for India to retire as it were.  She has decided it is time to settle down and she has the perfect groom chosen.  He is a class peer, has a title, intelligent and they will be companionable.  That man is NOT Thorne Daugtry.

Born on the wrong side of the sheets Thorne Daugtry still has rank after being acknowledged by his father.  From his humble beginnings, where nights were spent in the cold and food less than plentiful, despite his father taking him under wing and sending him to Eton, much of his early years remains with him.  Thorne aspires to make a good match and has his sights on Laetitia Rainsford.  Laetitia, known as La La by those close to her is sweet, kind and rather quiet.  She is exactly what Thorne needs in a wife.  To win La La, he hires India to set his country house to rights. 

Not that he is mercenary.  Thorne does remember and care for those who he knew in his less affluent days.  When a little girl named Rose appears on his doorstep he immediately takes her in.  As he watches India help Rose bloom he begins to question his decision to marry La La.  The more time he spends with India, the more he is drawn to her, but marriage to her would upset his very carefully crafted life plan.  Or would it?

Eloisa James’ latest historical romance, THREE WEEKS WITH LADY X started off a tad slow and confusing for me.  I wasn’t getting the characters but kept on reading.  I’m here to say I’m glad I did because shortly after wondering at my choice the story turned a corner and it went from a kind of grey story to a one filled with a rainbow of color, emotion and just a delight to read.  Every character has something to recommend him or herself, even the villain of the peace, La La’s mother.  She’s one of those characters you love to hate and look forward to her smack down.

I’m usually not a fan of children in stories but little Rose completely captured my heart.  As one of the other characters says, she is a dowager duchess in the making.  She’s a wonderful character and if I could make a wish it would be to have a story some fifteen or so years later when Rose is on the marriage mart herself.  What a fun story that would be to read!

The venues are vividly created and I particularly liked the Dower House.  Ms. James created a wonderfully inviting space for not only Rose but for Thorne and India to explore their growing attraction to each other. 

THREE WEEKS WITH LADY X is part of the Desperate Duchess series but you do not have to have read the earlier books to completely enjoy Ms. James’ latest.  That said, you really don’t want to miss these wonderfully told stories.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement this book.

AS YOU WISH by Eloisa James

Avon

March 26^th, 2013

978-0-06-227696-4

Historical Romance

Mass Market Paperback

Reviewed by Dawn (love2read28@gmail.com)

Obtained by Publisher

 

Take a chance on two stunning stories that will charm you even as you flip the pages for more.

With This Kiss

Lady Grace Ryburn is determined to do the right thing and let her sister have Colin Barry, a young man Grace is in love with. But Colin is torn-should he take the safe path and not risk his heart or do what his pirate father did and take what he desires?

Seduced by a Pirate

Sir Griffin Barry is finally coming home to claim his wife but his wife isn’t the woman he remembers. Now Griffin has to figure out how to win her heart before she leaves him. This time the pirate Griffin used to be is determined to win Phoebe’s heart even as he seduces her body.

AS YOU WISH is a wonderful book that has two stories in it. One is like a prequel to her The Ugly Duchess and the other was an e-book told in three parts. Both stories are great reads on their own but cobbled together in this book, a pure gem of a read. Ms. James delivers two entertaining stories that will leave you eager for more. Each story is well written, has complex yet intriguing characters and a romance that you can’t help but root for. The author definitely knows her readers and how they love strong characters. Both stories have that in ample supply. The characters are loosely connected to other of Ms. James books and I found both stories to be wildly entertaining as I got lost in a time of rakes and ladies, the ton and more.

AS YOU WISH is a wonderful addition to those who prefer to read some of this author’s shorter works that were an e-book and a new story as well to explore. The one thing that I was a little put out was the speed the characters found themselves falling in love with one another. I am sure it takes more than a day to know your heart but that was the only exception I had in Seduced by a Pirate. Otherwise, the stories were quite enjoyable and kept me intrigued till the very end. The author does a good job in creating believable characters, a fast paced storyline that had a few twists I sure did not see coming and more to entertain the readers with. If you enjoy a historical romance with complex characters & a storyline that sucks you in, then you will enjoy AS YOU WISH.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement

 

THE UGLY DUCHESS by Eloisa James

Avon Books

August 28^th, 2012

978-0-06-202173-1

Historical Romance

Mass Market Paperback

Reviewed by Dawn (love2read28@gmail.com)

Obtained by Publisher

Theodora Saxby never anticipated being the center of gorgeous James Ryburn, heir to the Duchy of Ashbrook, and when he proposes, she is shocked and utterly charmed by his romantic proposal. Convinced that James has fallen madly in love with her, she tosses caution to the win and dreams of a happily ever after with James. But her marriage to James reaps more than she imagines and when James leaves her, Theo is forced to become the woman she is meant to be. Seven years later, James comes back and finds Theo not just like he remembered for this strong willed woman just might be the one who steals James’ heart.

I normally enjoy Eloisa James’ novels, filled with interesting characters and a storyline that twists and turns while leaving you shocked by a few twists you don’t see coming. THE UGLY DUCHESS just was not my cup of tea. One had to be the hero himself. James is forced to marry Theo so his father can get his hands on the remaining dowry Theo has and while James lies and deceit over Theo I found myself utterly appalled by his behavior and hoping Theo would slap him silly. What happens when Theo finds her rose colored dreams shattered by the revelation of James’ lies…well let’s just say I wanted to smack them both. The author does not give James any redeeming characteristics at all in my opinion. For me to even be enchanted by James, he would need a serious personality adjustment because when he returns after being away, gallivanting around the world and taking mistresses left and right, well, needless to say I had to put the book down and go do something else otherwise I was going to scream. This author has made James to be one awful hero. He lies, abandons his bride and when he returns seems to feel no remorse for all he did and feels entitled to Theo’s new life and to her.

THE UGLY DUCHESS was one book that left me wondering where my favorite historical romance author has gone and if a mischievous sprite took over for this book. Theo isn’t much better when James decides to come back for whatever reason he has in his head. She forgave James’ for everything within a day and some naked sheet dancing that had me curling my lip in disgust as I tossed the book down. That right there cemented my opinion that the author I loved took a long vacation and some other writer was in her place. The characters I loved by this author were gone and the story itself just fell flat when I normally cheer on strong heroines and heroes. But this one well let me say I hope to never come across a book like this again. It was just not that good in my opinion from past Eloisa James novels that I enjoyed and devoured.

If you enjoy a story full of characters that come across as one dimensional and not that appealing, then you might enjoy THE UGLY DUCHESS. I am just hoping the author I had grown to love come s back and returns to giving readers wonderful stories filled with intriguing characters.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement

 

THE LADY MOST WILLING…by Julia Quinn, Eloisa James & Connie Brockway

A Novel in Three Parts

December 26^th, 2012

978-0-06-210738-1

Historical Romance

Paperback ARC

Reviewed by Dawn (love2read28@gmail.com)

Obtained by Publisher

 

Lord Taran Ferguson is fed up with his nephews. They refuse to marry and Taran feels it is time to take matters into his own hands. If his nephews won’t marry then it is up to him to secure his birthright by stealing four prospective brides. Four women who are as different as can be but add in a falling down castle, an angry duke and a severe highland storm, well things are about to get interesting….

Three of today’s premier historical authors (Julia Quinn, Eloisa James and Connie Brockway) deliver a three part story that is a rollicking good time from start to finish. These are authors who know how to capture the readers’ attention and imagination and keep it till the very end. The characters are fun, intriguing and there are some parts of the story that had me laughing out loud from the antics of the characters.

Four ladies are kidnapped and brought to a highland castle. A storm is brewing and they are unable to be rescued before it hits. Thrown together these ladies make the best of it even as they try to figure out what the heck is going on.

Julia Quinn starts off the three part story with laughter, romance and more with a very angry duke and four kidnapped women. I have to admit, Ms. Quinn’s writing is fabulous. With the right mix of charm, humor and more, Ms. Quinn delivers a perfect introduction to the story told in three parts.

Then Eloisa James gives us a story of Byron and Fiona, a rake who is shocked by his uncle’s kidnapped brides fiasco and determined to not let this opportunity get away, he finds himself falling for Fiona, instead of her half-sister who should be perfect for him. Except the ‘fallen woman’ Fiona riles Byron up like no other woman ever has. Ms. James delivers a wonderful addition to this next part of the storyline. I loved these two together and felt Fiona tempered Byron’s stuffiness perfectly.

Then for the final swan song, we got Connie Brockway’s story of a woman determined to do the choosing in Cecily and the man she chooses, Robin, the one man she has fallen in love with at first sight. I really enjoyed this one as well. Ms. Brockway delivers a story of a woman determined to show her love to the one man who thinks he doesn’t deserve it. What ensues is a seduction of the self-proclaimed ‘Prince of Rakes’ that will tickle a readers’ heart.

Three stories by different authors and all three a perfect compliment to one another. Each author delivers a wonderful addition in THE LADY MOST WILLING…and I for one, hope these three do another three part story again. I really enjoyed this latest book by three of historical romance’s premier authors.

If you enjoy madcap fun, captivating characters and a story that is equally romantic and downright titillating, then grab THE LADY MOST WILLING…. And settle in for an afternoon of reading fun.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement.

 

WHEN BEAUTY TAMED THE BEAST by Eloisa James

Publisher: Avon
Date published: January 2011
ISBN: 978 0062021274
Mass Market Paperback
Historical Romance
Reviewed by Pam
Obtained via publisher


Linnet Berry Thynne is so lovely that a prince was brought to his knees by her flirting, as were most of the other young men she’d met. It didn’t stop the Ton from presuming the worst and ostracizing her when the prince walked away to join his friends in a ballroom.

Piers Yelverton, Earl of Marchant, is known for his bad temper and he doesn’t suffer fools gladly. His reputation has put most women off, added to the rumor that he’s unable to please any woman.

The Earl finds Linnet is tougher than she looks and actually has a brain she’s not afraid to use. If he has his wicked way with her, will it make them whole again or break two hearts.

WHEN BEAUTY TAMED THE BEAST was a tale this reviewer really enjoyed. The main characters fought the inevitable battle of wits, while trying hard not to fall in love. When Piers’ cousin, Sebastion, turns up with Lady Bernaise, Piers mother, she had not expected her former husband at her son’s house.

Linnet finds herself in an interesting situation, especially when she befriends a young patient and a scruffy dog. Along with the rest of the characters, which included three doctors, the household staff, a nurse and an assortment of Piers’ patients, the story becomes very intriguing.

If you like tales of a different kind this is a fun one, with some poignant moments and interesting love scenes. The ending is a little different from the average too with an insight into how many ways love can sneak up on folk, unsuspectingly.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

THE LADY MOST LIKELY…by Julia Quinn, Eloisa James and Connie Brockway

Publisher: Avon
Date published; December 28th, 2010
ISBN: 978-0-06-124782-8
Historical Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Dawn
Obtained by Publisher


Welcome to the world of the ton in regency England. The Earl of Briarly, Hugh Dunne, needs a wife and his sister has devised a way for him to meet the most eligible ones around at the party of the year. Three of the hottest historical romance writers take the reader into a world of the ton, parties and find out which lady steals the Marquess’s wild heart.

A LADY MOST LIKELY… is a wonderful world of nobility, parties and the characters that engage the reader from the beginning. Three of today’s hottest historical romance authors join forces and create a wonderful story that not only includes our intrepid Marquess but also some intriguing secondary characters as well. This was also a neat way to get all three of my favorite authors in one story. A LADY MOST LIKELY…is a novel told in three parts and all three authors do a spectacular job on keeping the story flowing smoothly. The authors created one story with several subplots going on seamlessly. It was a fresh new way of writing that had me enthralled from the beginning.

The Earl of Briarly, Hugh Dunne knows horses and when he finds himself needing a wife, he turns to his sister, The Marchioness of Finchley, to help him meet the eligible maidens of the ton. What happens next is a party like none other as some of the guests find love amid the glittering lights and Hugh finds the woman of his heart. I loved how these authors wove three (or four if you count the romance between the Marquess and her husband as well) stories into one wonderful tale. The characters are enjoyable and well written with the three authors’ skill at weaving a story apparent. What I enjoyed the most was the humor sprinkled within the pages as well as the different couples that finally got together after the reader saw the sparks fly between them. Just keep in mind that if you are looking for three separate stories by these authors, this isn’t it. The characters are not as in depth as in an individual story but overall, they are quite enjoyable in A LADY MOST LIKELY…

A LADY MOST LIKELY…is a highly enjoyable story about four couples at a house party that turns out some spectacular matches. If you are looking for a sweet, feel good historical romance, and then I highly recommend this unique book. All three authors did a grand job in switching writing styles seamlessly and maintaining the storyline without any drop in personalities of the characters. I am eager to see if these three authors team up again for another three part novel in the future.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

A DUKE OF HER OWN by Eloise James

Publisher: Avon
Date published: July 2009
ISBN: 978-0061626838
Historical romance
Mass Market Paperback
Obtained via: Publisher
Reviewed by Valerie


The Duke of Villiers must marry and he must be careful in his choice of a wife. He has six bastard children, whom he has decided to bring under his roof after being deceived by his lawyer, and his new wife must be able to take care of them all. Nothing but a Duchess will do. It seems he has two choices. The lovely, intelligent Eleanor, and the equally lovely, but slightly mad, Lisette. At least, the rest of the ton considers her mad. Lisette is betrothed to another man and Eleanor pines after a lost love. Villiers is torn between the two women, but in the end, a duel is the deciding factor. In fact, finally losing his heart is by far, more dangerous than the duel itself.

I found this story to be very entertaining, sometimes amusing and most certainly, very sensual. The secondary characters added a lot of depth and life to this story and the interaction between the main characters was interesting and held my attention. I have read some other books of Eloise James and can understand why she has so many fans and why so many love her stories. Villiers appears in a previous book and I was glad to see him get his own story. The rascally rogue certainly meets his match, but I won’t tell you which one of the ladies are lucky enough to capture his attentions. You will have to read this story yourself and I can assure you, you won’t be disappointed. I think you will be as satisfied as I was.

THIS IS NOT AN ENDORSEMENT OF THIS BOOK. THIS IS AN OBJECTIVE UNBIASED REVIEW.

THIS DUCHESS OF MINE by Eloisa James

Desperate Duchesses series
Publisher: Avon
Date issued: May 2009
ISBN: 978-0061626821
Historical romance
Paperback
Reviewed by Val


Elijah, Duke of Beaumont is estranged from his wife. She had caught him in a compromising situation with his mistress and she ran. If rumours are to be believed, she enjoyed a few affairs of her own in the next nine years. Elijah believed these rumours. Elijah needs an heir so he summons his lovely wife home. Although their marriage was arranged, Jemma has always loved Elijah. She wants to give him his heir, but she also wants his love. Elijah also loves his wife, but he wonders if she will ever forgive him his indiscretion. Jemma is determined to seduce her husband, but in what form should this seduction be? How can she win the heart of her own husband? Can Elijah look past the flirtations his wife indulges in with other men?

I enjoyed this story. It was a light, frothy read with interesting characters. I particularly liked Villiers, a secondary character who I believe will have his story told in the next book. I am looking forward to that. In the beginning of this story, I couldn’t quite make up my mind about the relationship between Elijah and Jemma. I haven’t read the books before this one so am not sure if they show up in them, or if their story is touched upon. Anyways, I did enjoy the seduction and of course, the final coming together which was very sensuous and emotional. The added conflict of Elijah’s sickness also adds some suspense as to whether the Duke will even live or not. I am sure that historical fans will be devouring this story. It is one that I would recommend.

THIS DUCHESS OF MINE Desperate Duchesses series by Eloisa James

Publisher: Avon
Date published: May 2009
ISBN: 978-0061626821
Historical Romance
Paperback
Reviewed by Susan


The Duke and Duchess of Beaumont have reconciled for the sole purpose of getting an heir. Jemma and Elijah separated when she walked in on him and his mistress. She left for France where she built a new life for herself. Her return to England brings her back to facing her past as well as her future.

In her series featuring the “desperate duchesses”, readers are introduced to Jemma and Elijah. They became very strong and compelling secondary characters as she incorporated them into the storylines of the other books. I, with many of her many fans, waited anxiously for the day when Jemma and Elijah would have their own book. Ms. James doesn’t disappoint with their story. Although we have learned so much about them, this book gives them even more depth as we truly get inside their heads. We find out about why Elijah did not drag his wife back immediately and we come to understand how deeply he does love her. When he appeared in the earlier books, he seemed to be more of a caricature of what a “duke” should be. It is extremely rewarding that we find there is a man who is able to feel deep emotions and is not an overly stuffy character. He is a man who recognizes that he has made mistakes and attempts to rectify them. Jemma was a young girl when she married her Duke. She is now a woman with life experience. Jemma is also able to see the mistakes she has made and does her best not to repeat the same errors. THIS DUCHESS OF MINE is filled with heartfelt emotions from two vibrant characters who stole the scenes every time they appeared. Ms. James has done a masterful job of creating a story that should satisfy all those waiting anxiously for Jemma and Elijah’s book.

WHEN THE DUKE RETURNS: Book 4 in Desperate Duchesses Series by Eloisa James

Publisher Avon Books
Date published December 2008
ISBN 978-0-06-124560-2
Historical Romance / Regency
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Dawn



Lady Isidore has been married forever it seems to a man that disappeared off into the wilds. She longs for his return while fighting off the advances of suitors. Well until she gets a note saying he is returning after all these years and she has no idea what made him come home. Simeon Jermyn, Duke of Cosway is finally coming home to take on his responsibilities and finally see the wife he married by proxy so long ago. What he expects and what he gets are two different things as the woman he is introduced to as his wife is bold, ravishingly beautiful and quite headstrong in his mind to be a “proper” duchess. Isidore has the fight of her life if she wants a marriage full of love, passion and respect. Can she steal her husband’s heart and show him the ways of love before it is too late?

Ms. James delivers another rollicking ride in her Desperate Duchesses series with her latest installment, WHEN THE DUKE RETURNS. I love this author’s writing as it is fast, tight and delivers a story full of twists and turns it makes you feel you are on a roller coaster. In her fourth story in the Desperate Duchesses series, we meet Lady Isidore, a woman married by proxy to the prodigal Duke of Cosway. After many years of longing for his return, Isidore finds herself meeting the one man she longs for and he is horrified and fascinated by the proud beauty in front of him. Can Isidore melt this Duke’s heart as passion blazes between them? Oh god, Isidore was a breath of fresh air to my thinking. Not exactly a “proper” duchess, she finds her way in society with no help from her missing husband. She finally decides to throw caution to the wind and finds herself at a notorious party when the note comes from her husband…he is coming for her...tonight. Talk about high handedness, Simeon is a man who never expects the proper wife he has in his head to be the bold beauty in front of him. Sensual and too delightful to his thinking, he tries to resist her charms but Isidore is one woman determined to get what she wants and that is her husband’s heart. These two main characters light up WHEN THE DUKE RETURNS. You get the feel of Isidore’s complex emotions as she tries to find her way with Simeon and as Simeon’s confusion over the woman he thought was his wife in his head to the actual reality which is definitely more enchanting than he admits.

Ms. James is an author that delivers a complex story and weaves a spell around her readers with charm, magic and passion all throughout the pages. I haven’t read the other stories in this series yet though they are on my to be read pile and I look forward to reading the stories of characters that made an appearance in WHEN THE DUKE RETURNS. If you enjoy engaging characters, a fast paced storyline that weaves a spell around you then run, don’t walk, to grab WHEN THE DUKE RETURNS. I look forward to more from this prolific author in the future. This is definitely one of those books that you keep on your bookshelf for continuous reading pleasure.

WHEN THE DUKE RETURNS by Eloisa James

Publisher Avon
Date published December 2008
ISBN 978-0061245602
Historical Romance
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Susan




Lady Isidore was married by proxy many years ago. She has waited patiently for her husband, Simeon Jermyn, the Duke of Cosway, to return from his travels abroad. Simeon has returned home and the sweet docile wife he envisioned does not exist. Isidore is anxious to claim all her marital rights and assume her role as a real “wife”.

When the Duke Returns features two unique leads that are the stars in this latest book by Ms. James. Isidore and Simeon share something in common: they are both virgins. It is quite surprising to find a hero in this state especially in a romance novel. Simeon is a complex man and his character is definitely shaped by his past. Simeon values peace and tranquility in his life. Isidore is a vibrant heroine who has stayed faithful to her husband but wants to experience a real marriage. She is a wonderful complement to Simeon’s personality. They make for an extremely entertaining couple. From the dialogue to their actions, everything about them is likable. They pull you into the story from the get go and it will be very difficult for the reader to put this book down.

While Isidore and Simeon’s relationship is the main focus of the story, we also get the furthering of the Jemma, Villiers and Elijah’s relationship. They are supporting characters filled with heart-felt emotions and depth. This trio has always been simmering in the background and we are hopeful that it will be their turn to take center stage soon.

When the Duke Returns is the fourth book in Ms. James’ Desperate Duchesses series and it is a winner! It is a well-written book with sparkling dialogue that will entrance the reader. The lead couple will mesmerize as they are not your run-of-the-mill romance characters. You will not be bored by this book and it will whet your appetite for the upcoming book which we hope will feature Jemma and Elijah.