Eloisa James: This Duchess of Mine

Oh, Eloisa.  Et tu?  Gone the way of Julia?

This was the internal dialogue halfway through This Duchess of Mine. 

Suffice to say, there was just something off about this book.  Like Julia Quinn’s recent releases, this one is just diced up by trying to set up the storyline for the next book.  Is this a new strategy from the publisher, bad editing, or just a lack of something to write?  I mean, I am all for ensemble pieces, heck I even love Robert Altman movies but there comes a time when too much subplot becomes a distraction.  And rather than suspending reveals or creating tension, its just bloody annoying.

I am puzzled.  I never needed the teasers to get me out to the store to pick up the next Eloisa James.  Most of the time, I even buy her books new.

But this one fell flat for me.  I didn’t really like the protag and antags and the storyline was boring.  Not enough good conflict, a lot of retread territory…and once again, when you fill series books up with teasers for the next then there isn’t much to say about characters once their book comes along.

‘Nough said.  I still love Eloisa.  I suppose, as with all things, other readers will enjoy this one.  But for me, I advise skipping it…or at least buying it used.

“Wedding bells celebrating the arranged marriage between the lovely Duchess of Beaumont and her staid, imperturbable duke had scarcely fallen silent when a shocking discovery sent Jemma running from the ducal mansion. For the next nine years she cavorted abroad, creating one delicious scandal after another (if one is to believe the rumors).

Elijah, Duke of Beaumont, did believe those rumors.

But the handsome duke needs an heir, so he summons his seductive wife home. Jemma laughs at Elijah’s cool eyes and icy heart—but to her secret shock, she doesn’t share his feelings. In fact, she wants the impossible: her husband’s heart at her feet.

But what manner of seduction will make a man fall desperately in love…with his own wife?”