This was another great book from Eloisa James. She is one of my go-to authors for historical romance. She just has a fantastic ability to set the scene and let it play out on the page perfectly.

I wanted to like this book, but I had a hard time connecting with the characters. This technically can be read as a standalone, but you should probably read The Reluctant Countess first in order to fully understand the backstory of Yasmin and Silvester. Stella thinks that Silvester Parnell, Duke of Huntington, is still in love with Yasmin even as he pursues a relationship with her. The sex scenes in this book were super spicy, but the book still fell a bit flat for me. The first half of the book drags and the ending felt rushed. I only really enjoyed the last quarter of the book.

I have definitely found that Eloisa James' novels in this series get better and better with each installment. James brings her elegant writing, well developed plots and interesting characters to life in this novel. James has a way with her words that really bring to life character dialogue and banter, and the hero and heroine in this novel truly spark with tension and chemistry. This novel is the perfect example of Eloisa James in her element, and it is definitely worth the read if you have been enjoying the Would-be Wallflowers series.

This novel weaves together the marriage of convenience and hero falls first really beautifully. While Stella might seem like Silvester's second choice, it is definitely apparent to the reader that these two are made for this other. This novel is very character and emotionally driven. It is a story about two people who are deeply intrigued by the other, learning to open themselves and trust the other. It is a story about learning how to communicate, learning how to be a spouse, and learning to be truly open with your feelings. This novel really sizzles in the banter and interactions, James steadily builds tension between Stella and Silvester and keeps the reader engaged through kisses and touches that build up the feelings between them as they learn to express physically what they are feeling for the other.

Not That Duke is a fun and delightful third novel in this series, it is definitely worth the read, and if you are a fan of Eloisa James this will just further prove to you what a wonderful historical romance author she is. .

The third in the Wallflowers series and it's just as delightful as the first two.

The characters are so much fun, I love Stella's spunk and her determination to marry for lovel And of course, the Duke is a perfect match. Their romance is fun to watch develop.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.

I'm a big fan of Eloisa James' books and have enjoyed the previous books in this series.

In this book, Silvester has been courting Yasmin along with Giles, who she ended up with in the last book (these two must be concurrent). Stella is an orphan who is in love with Silvester. Silvester's mother wants him to marry Stella because the two ladies are very similar in temperament but it takes him awhile to realize he doesn't really want Yasmin but is in lust/love with Stella.

Also in this book Stella needs to find herself and realize that she is worthy of love and being someone's first choice. This is a huge issue for her over the book. Most of the book Stella feels like a burden to her aunt and uncle, and feels like she is a second choice for Silvester and that he is really in love with Yasmin, whom he cannot have.

I enjoyed the two of them together, frankly all the characters in the book, and the relationship between the Dowager Duchess and everyone in the book (she is a real character). I kept thinking the book was over, but then it had 30 more pages to go. Finally there was a conflict between Silvester and Stella that felt kind of thrown in and unnecessary. This also happened in the previous book.

I assume the next book will be Blanche's, and I am enjoying the characters in this series enough that I would like to keep reading even though the pacing in the series or thrown in conflicts aren't as well written as previous books by James.

I received an advanced copy and am giving an honest review.

Eloisa James is always a fun and quick read and “Not That Duke” doesn’t disappoint.

Stella is a wallflower that wants nothing more than to be a spinster and live in a cottage next to a bookstore, but her Aunt and the Marriage Season have other plans. Her Aunt and Uncle increase her dowry because who can ever want a lady with freckles *gasp* , eye glasses *gasp*, and curves *double gasp*?

Well, it seems the Duke of Huntington is on the prowl for his Duchess. He has his eyes set on the beautiful and delicate lady Yasmine, but his eccentric mother would rather him be with a bookish, bespeckled, and rather buxom fiery red-head covered in freckles. He of course has no interest in lady Stella for a wife. She’s far too opinionated, funny, and most importantly she has zero interest in marrying him.

But the fates have other ideas and Stella and Silvester are continuously thrown together to be shown that perhaps the other is not so bad. But how can Silvester prove to Stella that he wants her as his wife instead of Yasmine? And how can he get her to stop refusing his marriage proposals?

This was a great enemies to friends to lovers story. I was pleasantly surprised by Stella’s more modern mindset in regards to women’s pleasure especially since she had to combat her Aunts prudish ideals. Also, it was lovely to see Silvester’s adoration for all of Stella’s quirks. It was another fun story from Eloisa James and I will happily be awaiting her next book; perhaps Blanche’s story next?

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for releasing this arc to me in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book…maybe event favorite of the series so far.

I enjoyed Stella actually being a wallflower (plumper, bugger boobs, spectacles, not great fashion). She was also assertive but kind and book smart. Just loved her! Sylvester, while being nice and accepting Stella as a friend, really needs to rethink things personally because he spends the whole book thinking he’s in love with another lady and then is like psych I love you Stella. The side characters especially Stella’s BFF and the dukes mother were amazing! So many laugh out loud moments.

Overall this was a great historical romance and if you love that genre you should read it. 4.5 but rounded up!

What happens when you take 1 perfectionist, Sylvester, and 1 awkward and insecure wallflower, Stella, and put them together? You get misunderstanding and fun with them truly finding themselves and each other. This was a fun and quirky story and I couldn't put it down!

Not That Duke by Eloisa James is an outstanding regency romance that will leave readers genuinely sad to see it end. I have been in a bit of a reading slump, and Not That Duke snapped me right out of it!

In a genre where heroines often fit a certain mold with their flawless appearance, Lady Stella Corsham stands out as a true wallflower. With her imperfections, including not having perfect skin, a slim figure, or perfect vision, Stella is a relatable and realistic protagonist. Her relatability adds a touch of authenticity to the story, making her a refreshing heroine.

On the other hand, we have the seemingly perfect hero, Silvester Parnell, Duke of Huntington. Silvester's infatuation with Lady Yasmin, rather than our heroine Stella, adds an unexpected twist to the narrative. Eloisa expertly weaves a beautiful love story, proving that love can blossom unexpectedly and in the most surprising packages.

Throughout Not That Duke, Eloisa skillfully navigates the complexities of romance, capturing the essence of unexpected love. The emotional journey of the characters keeps readers hooked from start to finish.

Regency Romance…Is it 2nd chance at love when your chosen loves pick you after his choice runs off with someone else? Lady Stella is round, smart, wears glasses and loves the Duke of Huntington, Silverster. However, everyone in the tons watches as he makes a fool out of himself in his “love” for the beautiful Yasmin. But Stella suitor runs off with Yasmin. Silvester decides he really loves Stella and convinces her to marry him. I like this book but felt aggravated that Silverster was wishy washy about his feelings. The rest of the story is about examining feelings. I did like some of the cast of family and friends but felt this book has a lot of bullying which the author presented Stella as a strong woman. Yet so much she let slide. This book brings out so many emotions. I did like this story and can be read as a stand-alone. It was enjoyable. I am looking forward to following these books in this series.
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*I received this book from NetGalley and publisher for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I was compelled by the "second choice" trope. It's not something I really see a lot. Silvester is really set on Yasmin (the protagonist of the previous book in the series). It's not serious, but he does pursue her, because she's the glamorous it girl. When that doesn't work out, he turns to his long-time friend, Stella.

Stella has crushed on Silvester for ages, but when he choses her, she's suspicious. It feels too good to be true. She keeps denying him, disbelieving that he could finally care for her in a serious way.

I wasn't completely sold at Silvester's about face. It happened rather suddenly.

I did love all the pining and Stella that was such an adorable, interesting character.

There isn’t a thing wrong with the romance. It is perfectly paced, the H and h perfectly paired, and the plot perfectly charming and unique.

I love when authors find clever ways to develop relationships without the constraints of the ton. And the heroine winning over the hero by beating him in a duel so that he hires her as his personal secretary was such fun.

The heroine is the type of character you would want as a friend. Smart, sweet, cunning, humorous, a tad eccentric, brave, loyal, and adventurous. The hero is an alluring alpha male who is also brilliant. They are the best.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story. My one disappointment is how the heroine’s backstory is revealed and resolved.

This is a contemporary fiction with an interesting blend of different emotions in it. The book focuses on the lead characters, Duke of Huntington and Stella. Both the characters are contrasting to eachother yet they are entangled into eachother's life. The author has written down the an very interesting enemies-to-lovers romance with amazing characters and scenarios involved in it. The narration of the book is so smooth and easy that the readers are able to enjoy the spirit of the book. Each character shines throughout the book as the author has well potraited each and every character. The book is being layered nicely with the situation and incidents that were quite interesting to read. The characters in the plot kept me hooked till the end. Each has been given sufficient scope to contribute to the plot. The language used is lucid. It is definitely a good read for all the readers.

I greatly enjoyed this title. I've read a couple of books by this author and they're always enjoyable. The chemistry was great with the two and their banter. It's always fun to see "enemies" falling for each other. It was really a story about accepting yourself when you're "different" from those you deem the popular ones.

The story sparkles and brings alive the regency period which has become such a rave at the moment with the success of Bridgerton.  Stella with her glasses, her red hair and freckles is as far from the conventional definition of a diamond of the first water as it is possible to be. Silvester has worked hard at becoming a role model and perfect pattern card for social norms. Stella will just not do and anyway he craves the beautiful Yasmin.
When Stella and Silvester end up married, and Silvester finds himself falling in love with his wife, how can he prove successfully that he truly enjoys her differences and would cherish any children he will have with her. Ms. James brings alive the scheming mamas, the mean girls who want the highest title at all costs and the societal norms of the times that scorn anything different. 
I have been struggling a bit with my reading lately, but these types of novels drive home the fact that I do enjoy a nice variety of genres and writing styles and can still find a way to escape into make believe worlds brought to life through the imagination of some of my favorite authors. For lovers of all things regency and romance, a definite must read.

I didn't read The Reluctant Countess and from what I gather I think I would've enjoyed this more if I did, but its supposed to be a standalone. I think the banter between Stella and Silvester was fun. Not sure I like Silvester pining for someone else almost first half of the book. I also love this cover even though it doesn't match the character. Just not my favorite.

I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

This one was definitely better than book 2 in the series(which had me fuming last year😤) but at the same time I miss the feeling that the older EJ books gave me!⁣
Lady Stella is a freckled, redheaded bluestocking with spectacles(essential wallflower characteristics) who has quite a bit of a dowry but not many prospects and she feels that men won't love someone who's quirky like her(why girl?). Silvester, the Duke of Huntington is the golden boy in the eyes of the society and though his eccentric mother might think that Stella is a good match for him, he wants love(ohh?) and not another eccentric duchess in his family. But what will happen when the unlikeliest circumstances bring these two together?⁣
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Firstly, idk why the blurb says enemies to lovers because this was more of a friends->lovers. Stella was amazing with her wit, intelligence and tenacity. She was also very direct and honest with her feelings. So, this is perhaps why I felt like the hero didn't deserve her(seems to be a running theme in this series for me🤔). He's not as bad as Giles but this man thinks that he adores another woman for 50% of this book and later realizes that he actually loves Stella. But it honestly made Stella(and me) feel like she was a consolation prize. And my girl doesn't deserve that😒 So, this could've been handled better(EJ has done it before) and we didn't get a grovel either😮‍💨 I could understand the reason behind his behavior but I wasn't happy with it. The rest of the characters(& the 😺) were pretty amazing and there's the trademark EJ humor+steam, so I enjoyed most of it. It was the angsty parts that distracted me. So, eh, idk how to rate this one - because I enjoyed it but I wasn't completely satisfied in the end(kinda like eating something but still feeling a bit hungry?😂). This comes out on 7/25 and you might enjoy it if you're looking for an enjoyable HR read with some drama!

Well this was definitely an Eloisa James romance 😅 Stella doesn’t fit in with the regency crowd and that does lead to some awkwardness with suitors.

Silvester (wins for worst name for a MMC ever 🤢) basically strings her along as he does a whole ‘does he love her, does he not love her’ dance with the beautiful, but less brainy Yasmin.

The only thing I didn’t like was how much everyone continued to put down Stella. So much so that she internalized so much of that and it made it hard to see her end up with him in the end because of how he and others had treated her.

Thank you to the author, publisher and @NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This was a tricky one. Although I love Eloisa James overall, this series has not been my favorite. I found the last book quite frustrating due to the prominence of a secondary character, and the same plot featured heavily in this book.
Another big pet peeve in romances for me in general is when someone is refusing to either express or accept feelings--which occurred here for the entirety of the book until essentially the last 10 pages.
It's well written because Eloisa James is that good, but I couldn't get past these plot points.

I wanted to like this book, but it was really hard to get on board with the constant insecurity of the main female character being "second choice". The vocabulary was also a little over my head, I had to look up so many words that I was starting to question my intelligence level! I liked a lot of the story and was really hoping for the couple in the end. I think this is the first historical romance I've read where the main male character purposely compromises the main female character to trap her into marriage. Usually, it's just accidental!