Veena’s review of Three Weeks with Lady X (Desperate Duchesses, Book 7) by Eloisa James
Historical Romance published by Avon 25 Mar 14
The Duke of Villiers is one of my favorite characters in this author’s series about dukes and duchesses and their rocky paths to romance. I am pleased to see that she has moved on to the sons and heirs of the current dukes, since it seems all of those dukes are now taken. Thorn Daughtry, the illegitimate son of the Duke of Villiers, is the first on deck for this continued series. That means, of course, we get to see the parents as well, which is a great bonus. Regardless of the circumstances of his birth and his early upbringing, Thorn has thoroughly remade himself with his fine education and a huge fortune. Yet when it comes time to present his suit to his future bride and her parents, it seems he’s going to need some help. Thankfully he’s able to hire the services of Lady X, fixer extraordinaire, who’s going to wave her magic wand and smooth out all his rough edges. But then again he wasn’t actually thankful to meet her that first time …
Thorn is rich and arrogant, made completely in the same mold as his father. Lady Xenobia India is successful and sought after for her services and used to doing things her own way. It is inevitable that sparks will fly between two such strong and determined personalities. As readers we get the benefit of these sparks. I love the letters that travel back and forth between them as India sets about getting his country home ready for a house party in three weeks.
Thorn might present a rough and crusty exterior, but it is clear that he has a heart soft as a marshmallow, as we see him interact with his new ward, the orphaned daughter of one of his comrades from his time in the stews. The similarities between the little girl and India’s childhood are gut wrenching and emotional. Poor India was forced to survive at an early age because her parents were so in love with each other, that they often forgot they had a little girl. Sadly, there was no Thorn in her life to adopt her, love her, and make sure she was warm and fed, let alone give her expensive dolls and toys. It’s going to be hard for her to open up her heart and find love. Can Thorn, who finds himself gravitating toward India over Letitia, his initial choice, open up his own heart and find a way to connect with India?Clearly their bodies are connecting just fine.
Letitia adds a delightful touch in the mix with her own hopes and dreams, and then Thorn’s best friend Vander himself an heir to a dukedom. India definitely inspires the softer emotions in the men she meets. It seems like they’re all ready to lay out their heart and fortunes at her feet. Ms. James has done an excellent job of creating three-dimensional characters who carve out their own place in the story. I can’t wait to hear more about Vander as he finds his own true love in a future novel. This book brought out all the emotions of laughter, tears, and joy.
Grade: B
Summary:
Having made a fortune, Thorn Dautry, the powerful bastard son of a duke, decides that he needs a wife. But to marry a lady, Thorn must acquire a gleaming, civilized façade, the specialty of Lady Xenobia India.
Exquisite, headstrong, and independent, India vows to make Thorn marriageable in just three weeks.
But neither Thorn nor India anticipate the forbidden passion that explodes between them.
Thorn will stop at nothing to make India his. Failure is not an option. But there is only one thing that will make India his.
The one thing Thorn can’t afford to lose–his fierce and lawless heart.
Other books in this series:
