C2’s review of My American Duchess by Eloisa James
Historical Romance published by Avon 26 Jan 16
Greetings faithful reader! In Eloisa James’ most recent book, My American Duchess, she answers that age-old question – “What happens when you’re engaged to the wrong twin?” I know I’ve always wondered about that. Okay, so it isn’t quite that simple. You’re curious, aren’t you? Onward!
Our heroine is Merry Pelford – an American, obvy. Merry jilted two fiances in America and is now in England with her aunt and uncle to get away from the gossip and, maybe, find a husband. In fact, she is very recently engaged to Lord Cedric Allardyce. Cedric is quite the society darling.
At a ball, Merry is getting a breath of fresh air on a balcony when she meets a mysterious stranger with whom she feels an instant connection. The Duke of Trent is equally intrigued by the young American. Trent had always assumed he would marry the epitome of English grace, but now he sets his sights on Merry. Unbeknownst to them both, her fiance is his twin. *ominous music*
Trent and Cedric have a strained relationship that goes back to their childhood. Cedric was very much favored by their mother which led to problems between the two of them (and leading to Cedric being spoiled rotten). Also, Trent doesn’t believe a woman’s affections can remain true. But he does believe marriage can work if it is built on friendship and shared interests.
Merry is torn – she recognizes that her feelings for Trent are different from any feelings she’s had for her fiances, but she doesn’t want to be that girl…the one with a trail of broken engagements behind her. The one who jilts the younger brother for the one with the title. Even when she learns some hard truths about Cedric and is forced to the altar. Also, based on her romantic history, she isn’t sure she is capable of deep, loving feelings.
Ah, faithful reader, I hesitate to go much further…spoilers abound, you know. And I hate to include spoilers in a review. However, since the title kind of gives away the fact that Merry and Trent end up married to each other, I guess I will dance around some spoilers. Gah! The things I do for you! I will say that the way the wedding came about was a surprise. An inspired plot twist!
How about a wrap-up of impressions? The multiple broken engagements thing rang totally true for me – our heroine is young, yo! (I can think of several high school friends who were engaged several times before a wedding actually happened.) And that she might have second thoughts after saying yes to a proposal? Also totally believable.
It is nice that the Evil Twin isn’t completely evil – even if he is an ass. Unrelenting evil is so boring.
I like the instant connection between Merry and Trent. It’s as nicely done – quite balanced and believable.
The whole “love isn’t for me/doesn’t really exist” thing goest on too long. Even though I understand where the attitude comes from, it became cumbersome as a plot device.
My final thoughts? I enjoyed the book! Ms. James has a different type voice than many of her contemporaries. You’ll notice I use the word “believable” a lot – versus fun or entertaining or whatever (not that her writing isn’t those things, too). I think that’s the key for her books. She gets across the feelings and motivations of her characters in a believable way. Yay!
Also, this is a stand-alone – a rarity! Even though there is a very loose connection to her Desperate Duchesses series, you totally don’t have to know anything about those books to enjoy this one.
Grade: B-
Summary:
The arrogant Duke of Trent intends to marry a well-bred Englishwoman. The last woman he would ever consider marrying is the adventuresome Merry Pelford—an American heiress who has infamously jilted two fiancés.
But after one provocative encounter with the captivating Merry, Trent desires her more than any woman he has ever met. He is determined to have her as his wife, no matter what it takes. And Trent is a man who always gets what he wants.
The problem is, Merry is already betrothed, and the former runaway bride has vowed to make it all the way to the altar. As honor clashes with irresistible passion, Trent realizes the stakes are higher than anyone could have imagined. In his battle to save Merry and win her heart, one thing becomes clear:
All is fair in love and war.
Read an excerpt.
