Not That Duke by Eloisa James

Setting:
London 1816

Characters:
Lady Stella
Silvester, Duke of Huntington
Specs
Aunt Thyme
Lydia
Blanche
Yasmin
Giles

Music:
Plaisir d'Amour

Thomas Nashe

Tropes:
Marriage of Convenience
Hero Falls First
Slow Burn
Wallflower


Goodreads:
🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟

Spice:
🌶 🌶

Review:
This is one of my favorite works by Ms. James. I just absolutely loved Stella. I really connected with her on so many levels. One aspect I really enjoyed about the work was that it was kinda of a slow burn romance, but it was unique in the sense that at first both characters are just very neutral with one another, and they let their guards down, which leads to the romance, instead of having some sort of tension. Lovely book, I can't wait for the next.

Content Warnings:
Death of parents
Body shaming (mild)
Bullying (mild)

Thank you NetGalley for a laugh out loud read. The Duke of Huntington's mother has explained to him he should marry Lady Stella. It doesn't matter that she wears spectacles and even with them she falls or makes a misstep dancing, she is still the right one for him. But he knows better and there is a lot of heart ache because he is making a fool of himself over another young lady that he won't win. Lady Stella feels like second best to him when he does propose to her after the first choice marries someone else. There is passion between them but Stella loves the Duke and she wants his respect and if possible his love.

Thank you, Netgalley, for a free advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

First, let me preface, I read this book completely out of context without having read the first two books in the series. I feel that I would have been more highly invested in the fate of these characters if I had read the other books in the series first. That being said, it still functioned just fine as a standalone novel. You didn't <i> have </i> to have read the other books first to follow the plot.

This is also (I think?) my first Eloisa James novel. I might have read one before, but if so it was ages ago. And for entering Ms. James' world, it was a nice introduction.

All the props in the world to Stella. That's my home girl. We would be friends.

Silvester. You're a fool.

However, it was incredibly refreshing for it to be a pairing of smart girl and not-quite-as-smart boy. He wasn't dumb as rocks or just pretty. But he definitely wasn't in Stella's realm of intelligence. And it was nice to read a portrayal where it isn't either pretty and charming ends up with pretty and charming or smart can only be appreciated by equally smart and we also happen to be pretty.

I really enjoyed this plot and these characters, but it didn't change my world either. It was a solid, enjoyable read. And that's okay. It was what I needed while family was in town. I would have been much grumpier if I was stuck with a book I didn't feel like I could put down when needed.

Thank you Netgalley for the advanced reader. I enjoyed this romance. There were parts that I laughed out loud too which is rare for me with romance novels. However, the book felt choppy. And miscommunication issues annoy me.

Stella just wants to make a match with someone who will love her for herself. Or live happily by herself with her books. She is hopeful during her first season that Giles will propose and Silvester will be her friend. Of course nothing goes according to her plans. This will make you laugh then cry and everything in between. Such a great story!! I will be reading it again.

Thanks to @avonbooks for sending me an advance copy of Not That Duke by Eloisa James, out July 25th!

Miscommunication and messiness abound in this love triangle that follows Stella, a nerdy wallflower, Yasmine, a French flirt, and Silvester, a Duke used to getting what he wants…if only he could figure out who that is.

The author notes at the beginning that it is helpful, though not obligatory, to have read The Reluctant Countess, and while I agree, I also wished that Not That Duke didn’t have quite so much overlap because I did find the pacing a little frustrating.

While this wasn’t my favorite book of the series, there were a lot of things I enjoyed: Stella stands up for herself big time and doesn’t allow anyone to push her around, least of all Silvester! The dowager duchess being hilarious at all times! The author’s note at the end!

This one is for the odd ducks, the weird girls, and the people who never quite got over what kids said about them in middle school. 🩵

I could not wait to read the next book in the series. I thought that the Duke of Huntington was a delight in the other books. What can I say it did not disappoint. He was a wonderful character and he showed growth in feelings that seemed very natural. Stella was a partner to him. Although she was struggling through her self-esteem and living her perception through others viewpoint she was able to still be true to herself.

A con: I felt that the use of of her insecurities in her relationship was a little drawn out. I think that it worked up to a point but then it was beleaguered.

Thank you for the ARC. I think I read it in about 2 days.

Big Thanks to Avon Romance for the early copy of this book. This review is being given honestly and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

CW: dead parents, bullying

Okay so did I really like this book? Yes
But was this also not what I was expecting? Also yes

I don’t know who they let make the description for the book but it’s totally misleading. The whole thing is pretty much false or a twisted version of what actually happens.

I will admit I am not the biggest fan of Eloisa James but this book hit just right. Stella is in her first season and knows she’s not anyone’s first choice, including the bachelor of the Season Silvester’s. I would definitely say this book was a slow burn because Sylvester seems to like Stella from the beginning but is so caught up on what he thinks he likes that there was a build up to their romance that even covered part of their marriage. The book was definitely angst filled, especially with the two main characters of contention Giles and Yasmin playing a very heavy role throughout the book. I will say that the small mistakes/hurts that Sylvester made felt like potholes and that’s only because he kind of kept making the same mistakes with Stella and her feelings yet never learning. Overall I loved the book but definitely knocking off a star because the description WAS SO MISLEADING and the angst made me a little crazy lol.

4.5 stars

Another charming regency from Eloisa James.
Strong heroine, swoony hero, cute animal sidekick. What more could you need?
Biggest quibble, the cover, while gorgeous does not put me at all in mind of the heroine.
I don't really visualize things like that when I read, so it didn't really bother me, but some people might be confused.

Definitely recommended for fans of the author and the genre and for people looking for a nice, devourable (read in 1 day) romance.

I really enjoyed this book - and it felt like a major redemption for the series as I did not care for the 2nd book. This one left me wanting more of the story and am hoping Blanche gets a story!

Stella was an easy character to like - and so was Sylvester. Especially his Mom!

If you are an Eloisa James fan like I am - grab this book and enjoy!

I just reviewed Not That Duke by Eloisa James. #NotThatDuke #NetGalley

I always like an Eloísa James book. This one was no exception. Stella was a delightful heroine, and I especially liked her cat. I also appreciated that her aunt wasn’t two dimensional, and we got to see how much she loved Stella. Very fun, I’m glad for the chance to read it!

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.

4/ 5 stars

Stella is a short, bespectacled, curvy heroine in her first season looking for husband. Her aunt never fails to mention how she dislikes her freckles, red hair, and glasses and the fact that Stella needs to find a husband,

Silvester is a Duke whose mother likes Stella and thinks they would be a good match. As they bump into each other at society events, they get to know each other more, even though Silvester is against the idea of marrying Stella.

At first, Silvester is interested in Yasmin, the heroine from the second book in this series but as the book goes on, he realizes that he feels more and is more interested in spending time with Stella than Yasmin. Stella and Silvester become friends and spend more and more time together.

I did enjoy the progression of the plot, especially the first half, which is surprising even though the other woman trope isn't necessarily my favorite trope. I loved how Stella grew and stood up for herself against multiple people. Of course, Specs the cat was adorable. I also liked how Silvester didn't have perfect features either.

I wish the third arc was done a bit differently, just a personal preference. Even with my personal preferences, this book really hooked me and I couldn't put it down. If you enjoy historical romance, I definitely recommend checking this book out.

Eloisa James is a brilliant writer. This book pulled me in from the beginning. Her characters and side characters are magnificently written.
Stella was full of insecurities and my heart went out to her. Silvester had his own insecurities although they were not about his appearance. He uses his appearance and manners as his armour where as Stella uses her intelligence and wit. Together they were able to squash their self-doubt.
The book flows at a good pace and is entertaining throughout. Emotions pour from the pages at times. It is quite steamy with detailed scenes that are well-written. Not for those with delicate sensibilities. It was so difficult to put down, so I picked it back up after a few hours of sleep. I don't recommend starting this book without plenty of reading time. I look forward to reading more books in this series. Definitely a book and series I will read again.
I received this book from NetGalley and Harper Collins Publishing for an honest review.

Stella is an awkward bookish miss, Silvester is a studly duke. They marry even though he is in love with another woman and she has an inferiority complex. Cue a long drawn out misunderstanding in which neither communicates their true feelings. Good characters, solid writing, tired plot. At least there's a satisfying ending and a cute kitten.

I enjoyed the read, but the slow burn was a bit too slow. I didn't find the main couple as believable as some of Ms. James other works. Stella was a great character, but the main conflict didn't ring true.

I enjoyed this book quite a bit. When I first started reading it, I found myself worried that I wouldn't like the male lead since he was pining over another woman, but I did like how he built a friendship with the female lead. It actually ended up being the female lead that I was a bit frustrated with when she let her insecurities stop her realizing the male lead had moved on from his earlier infatuation and was now solely focused on her.

I would recommend this to historical romance readers who enjoy a sweet historical romance.

I loved this book. Stella was a unique heroine without being “Not Like Other Girls.” The author didn’t have Stella lament her differences while implying those differences really made her superior to other girls. Stella just was who she was. The other characters were also round, dynamic, and real. James writes in her author’s note that many of the characters were based on her loved ones and perhaps that is why they are so real. But it was refreshing to see characters be imperfect without being over-the-top, dramatically damaged. And it was also nice to see them try to do better.

Of course, the romance was also romantic, sweet and sexy and not contrived. Definitely worth the read.

Eloisa James is hit or miss for me, but this was a hit. I LOVED Stella and Silvester, that big dummy, grew on me by the end. This was angsty but also fun and funny and there's a kitten so it's really everything I love.

This book was kind of mid for me- I like this series, and I really liked Stella, but I wasn't totally sold on it. I think the blurb doesn't really jive with the actual book.

I love Stella and some things about this story, but the pacing was a bit strained and I wasn't the biggest fan of the plot once we got into the second act. I don't like the driving force behind the emotional conflict, but I love the resolution and I am a fan of both lead characters.

Another romantic read from the talented Eloisa James! Slow start with the Duke “in love” with another woman, but it really picks up in the second part. Great romance. Perfect level of steam.