In fact, Georgiana seemed more like duchess material, causing their mother to often lament that Georgiana was not the oldest. Olivia, among her intimates, was sarcastic, far too witty to be ladylike and not in the least gracious, unlike Georgiana. But looking, sounding and even smelling like a duchess also kept any suitors Georgiana might have at bay. With no dowry, she did not hold out much hope, though she had a wonderful figure and was sweet as honey. The dowagers, whom she sat with at balls, loved her. Their mother faithfully follows the rules set forth in her favorite book; The Mirror of Compliments, a social guide from which the twins have been tutored.

Turning eighteen, Olivia’s fiancé, Rupert, proposed, making it official and promptly left to go to war to bring glory to the family name.

Tarquin ‘Quin’ Brook-Chatfield, the Duke of Sconce, did not believe in fairy tales. As he was aware, he was more like the villain in those stories than the hero. He had taken a fancy to his first wife before marrying her, basing the marriage on that. But she had taken a lover after a few months. He almost never laughed. With his wife dead, Quin must find a second wife to gain an heir. His mother was in charge of choosing a wife for him as long as he didn’t have to bother with it. Arrogant and taller than most, he looked down his nose at others. Believing that feelings were illogical, he had no use for them. His mother has chosen two women whom she would interview to see which would be her son’s wife. His mother has written a best-selling book called The Mirror of Compliments. The two contestants for the title would be tested on the information from that book. One of the contestants is of the nobility and the other one is Georgiana Lytton, Olivia’s twin. Since Georgiana would be traveling to the duke’s home, Olivia has also been invited.

When their vehicle had an accident, Olivia was forced to walk to the duke’s home in the rain. Arriving there, she mistook the duke, who answered the door, for a footman. Quin was overcome by this voluptuous beauty, who had arrived at his door. Unable to help himself, he kissed her. It was not until after the heated kiss that Olivia discovered the man was the duke. She was attracted to him also, but she is an engaged woman. Besides, this man may soon be engaged to her twin. Since Olivia is taking care of Rupert’s dog and had taken her along, Quin’s mother and Olivia are soon butting heads.

As their stay at the duke’s home progresses, Olivia and the duke are having trouble keeping their hands to themselves. Will Quin go against his mother to have a life with Olivia? Will Olivia toss aside her fiancé and turn her back on her twin to be with Quin?

THE DUKE IS MINE is a passionate and, at times, touching historical romance that I enjoyed immensely. Beautifully written, this novel with its engaging characters, humor, passion, adventure, sizzling situations, guilt, clever banter and true love is absolutely delicious. Of the two men vying for Olivia’s hand only one touches her heart, but his mother hates her and her twin could be his next wife, not to mention that Olivia is already engaged to the other one. A true conundrum with plenty of twists, this situation was one that I could not wait to see how it turned out. Then there is Quin’s mother who is not above breaking the rules in her own book. Eloisa James is one of my favorite authors. I love all of her works, and she definitely does not disappoint with this one. A definite keeper! I highly recommend THE DUKE IS MINE and look forward to reading Ms. James’ next book.

This book was reviewed using a digital galley via Netgalley.com. It’s free for professional readers! Check it out: www.Netgalley.com

By Romance Junkies Reviewer: Dottie Click here to Buy this Book Now!   Romance Junkies Content Editor: Wendy Romance Junkies Publishing Editor: Chrissy   Top of Page