The Duke is Mine - Eloisa James

The Duke is Mine by Eloisa James

• Publisher: Piatkus (29 Dec 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 074995602X
• ISBN-13: 978-0749956028
• Also available in Kindle format

The blurb

Tarquin, the powerful Duke of Sconce, knows perfectly well that the decorous and fashionably slender Georgiana Lytton will make him a proper duchess. So why can't he stop thinking about her twin sister, the curvy, headstrong, and altogether unconventional Olivia? Not only is Olivia betrothed to another man, but their improper - albeit intoxicating - flirtation makes her unsuitability all the more clear.

Determined to make a perfect match, he methodically cuts Olivia from his thoughts, allowing logic and duty to triumph over passion . . . until, in his darkest hour, Tarquin begins to question whetherperfection has anything to do with love. To win Olivia's hand he would have to give up all the beliefs he holds most dear, and surrender heart, body and soul - but it may already be too late.

This regency romance seeks to retell the fairytale The Princess and the Pea with fun, frolics and flamboyancy.  

The heroine is the voluptuous Olivia, not a skinny supermodel,  who is betrothed to a young man and has been since she was a child.  She has no need to be like her twin Georgiana, who is slender and mindful of her manners. Georgiana has been taught how to be a Duchess and now is the time to find her a Duke.

Tarquin, Duke of Sconce is the target, and it all looks quite promising, except for one thing. Tarquin only has eyes for Olivia.  So begins a chase that sees lots of flirting and some unusual meeting places, which I loved. 

Add into the mix an array of colourful supporting characters, look out for Lord Justin Fiebvre, and 

you have a ball.

I do enjoy Eloisa James novels and this one has to be my favourite so far.

Why?  

Could it be the fact that the characters just leap off the page?  The author's unique retelling of fairytales for adults?  The humour? The swashbuckling adventure?  

It is all of these things!

Pure fairytale fun! 

9/10 for me!

I received a review copy for my honest opinion.