The Duke Not Taken

ByJulia London

Release Date: 2022-09-27
Genre: Romance

Score: 4.5

4.5

From 62 Ratings

Description

“London’s second Royal Match Victorian romance sparkles by pairing a rebellious princess with a reclusive duke…The witty repartee between Amelia and Joshua propels the novel forward while revealing the complex depths of the characters. Readers won’t want to put this down.”—Publishers Weekly on The Duke Not Taken

Impossible. Infuriating. Intoxicating.

Ever since her sister became queen two years ago, Amelia Ivanosen, Princess of Wesloria, has been flirting and skirting scandal—just barely. Before she does anything too outlandish, she is sent to England and Lila Alexander, illustrious matchmaker to the ton, is recruited. Respectably ensconced at the country estate of a family friend, Amelia is introduced to many eligible bachelors, but…there is no spark. There never seems to be unless the man is completely wrong for her.

Next door lives Joshua Parker, Duke of Marley, who is grumpy and reclusive—for good reason. His first wife died in childbirth. When Marley is dragged by a friend to his neighbor’s soiree, he and Amelia instantly dislike each other. Their banter is snarky and heated. He’s a stuck-up smarty-pants; she’s a self-involved, annoying princess.

Sparks fly when they’re together—fireworks actually—but they loathe each other. Really. So why can’t they stop thinking about each other?

A Royal Match

Book 1: Last Duke Standing
Book 2: The Duke Not Taken

Reviews

The duke not taken
5
By Rt2025
A lovely story about a princess that doesn’t fit in, and a very stubborn hurt duke. Although they agitate each other they end up in the same places at the same time. Soon enough feelings start to develop. In the end they find out they really want the same things in life!
Love grumpy men? This is for you!
5
By Oma 3
Another winner! Love the characters, the grumpy Duke of Marley and the tell it as I see it Princess Amelia from Wesloria, but the children almost steal the show. This is book 2 in the series, since Queen Justine found her happily ever after in England she sends her sister Amelia with the Royal matchmaker to friends in the English countryside. On the way to their final destination a man dress all in black races by their carriage on a black horse scaring the passengers. The Grim Reaper! Shouts Amelia, but then she runs into him again only to later find out he is the Duke.
Joshua doesn’t need anyone or anything, just wants to be left alone to wallow in his misery. His friend has other plans for him and drags him to a picnic, a ball, a dinner party, he just doesn’t give up on Joshua. And of course there seems to be loud annoying children everywhere and the Princess who doesn’t know that her opinion is not needed or wanted.
The author captures the true essence of the children, seen and not heard doesn’t cut it in this story. A story of overcoming guilt for what one cannot control. Being yourself no matter what gossips whisper and loving that person as they are. I just couldn’t put it down!
Thank you NetGalley for this eARC. I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an Advance Reader Copy of this story. #NetGalley #TheDukenotTaken #JuliaLondon