Not That Duke by Eloisa JamesRating: ✩✩✩✩✩
"Inexplicably compelling" is the best way to describe Not That Duke. I have long been a fan of Eloisa James and while this book was very much in her style (which I loved) it didn't seem to have the overall panache of the author's other works.
Presented in two parts the first section is largely a retelling of The Reluctant Countess from a new perspective. While this makes a great foil for the gentle enemies to lovers romance, if you haven't read the previous book, it will feel like a lot of exposition on another relationship. However, part one wrapped up with everyone paired off as needed for the narrative and now we get to the marriage of convenience, but oops we love each other that readers so desire.
However...the entire second half of the book centers around a conflict that could be solved through roughly three sentences of communication. I get that plots need some conflict, and that Stella's whole character arc is learning to stand up for herself, but it is a lot of heavy lifting just to get Silvester to say "I choose you and only you." When all is said and done, the characters use their words and we get a lovely HEA.
Despite these criticisms, I 100% loved reading this book. The pace was solid, the plot kept moving, the characters were well developed and I was genuinely invested in finding out how this would circle around the ending we expect from the genre. Even though this series might not be a perfect trilogy, I will always read an Eloisa James and this was no exception.
Published on 25 July 2023 by Avon and Harper Voyage
Book #65 of 2023
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