Lady Stella Corsham is short, has curves when they’re not fashionable, is red-haired with freckles, and wears spectacles. Silveser Parnell, Duke of Huntington describes himself. “I am burly, hairy, somewhat immoral, lustful, undereducated, and fond of money.” Of course, Stella realizes he’s not for her in Not That Duke by Eloisa James.
In 1816 London, Stella is in her debut season. She knows men are only interested in her for her dowry. But, the Duke of Huntington doesn’t need her money. While she yearns for him, he is one of the gentlemen falling all over themselves to court Lady Yasmin Regnier. She might be somewhat scandalous, but she fits the Ton’s image of beauty. However, Silvester’s mother, the eccentric Dowager Duchess announces that she’s found his future wife, Stella.
Silvester knows who his competition is for Yasmin’s hand. But, he’s always determined to win any contest. As he courts Yasmin, he stops at Stella’s aunt’s house in the morning to play chess. He can enjoy her wit and intelligence. But, that doesn’t mean the Duke of Huntington would ever fall in love with a short, bespectacled redhead. Or does it?
Eloisa James’ novels have unconventional heroines who think for themselves despite attractive heroes. Not That Duke is witty and fun, with lusty characters. It’s in her Would-Be Wallflowers series, standalone books that feature some of the same characters set in the same period. If you’re looking for sexy, historical romances, you can’t go wrong with James’ Not That Duke.
Eloisa James’ website is https://eloisajames.com/
Not That Duke by Eloisa James. Avon Books, 2023. 340p.
FTC Full Disclosure – Library book
