Eloisa James, one of my favorite romance writers, just released a new series of four interconnected novellas. The Devilish Duke’s Rejected Wife is the first historical one. As expected from James, it has humor, romance, a strong woman, and it’s a little bawdy. The main character, Jane Greystoke is captivating.
Jane lost all chance for a coming out season when she was married to the Duke of Chaldicott’s heir, Oliphant, to end a family feud that has lasted for two centuries. By 1742, “The generational feud had produced four duels, six deaths, one laming, two bankruptcies, and innumerable insults.” Jane was also insulted when her husband, a known drunk and whoremonger, refused to sleep with her and consummate the marriage. Or, as Jane realized, “I married a self-indulgent dolt.”
Fortunately, Jane’s best friend and maid, Sylvie, from her French boarding school days, knows of the high-class brothel where Jane’s husband, Oliphant, spends his time. It’s no use. He rejects her and flees to France. That’s why it’s surprising when he turns up when his father is dying. The man is still drunk, but he does take her to bed. It’s just too bad Jane never met Oliphant’s twin brother, Milton.
Milton is just as charming as his twin is obnoxious. That’s the twist to to the story. There are a couple twists, and it’s a delightful romance.
Eloisa James includes a family timeline at the beginning of the story, to show the Chaldicot and Greystoke histories. In a short novella, she manages to develop her characters, and make the reader care. Jane is a capable, enterprising woman who handles herself and her situation well in 1742. Although the stories are only available on Kindle now, I hope James will compile them in one book for her other readers. The Devilish Duke’s Rejected Wife is an entertaining, devilish delight.
Eloisa James’ website is https://eloisajames.com/
The devilish Duke’s Rejected Wife by Eloisa James. 2026. 136p.
FTC Full Disclosure – I picked up a free Kindle edition on Amazon.
