REVIEW: The Duke Not Taken by Julia London

The Duke Not Taken by Julia London: After her sister became queen, Princess of Wesloria, Amelia Ivanosen barely escaped creating a scandal. She is sent to England to be introduced to potential husbands before she creates a scandal too big. While staying at a friend’s country estate, she finds herself bored so she starts to wonder about the countryside and volunteers at the schools for girls. None of the men she is introduced to interest her, but the Duke of Marley certainly aggravates her with his rudeness and pompous attitude. She finds herself exchanging notes with an anonymous person who leaves letters at the school that complains about the girls.

After Joshua Parker, Duke of Marley, lost his wife and child, he becomes grumpy and reclusive. He feels guilty for insisting on an heir from their arranged marriage and he just wants to be left alone. His peace keeps getting interrupted by the girl’s school located near his estate therefore he writes a letter complaining to the headmaster of the school. He is not interested in the party to introduce the princess to the neighborhood, but his friend drags him to it. Soon he discovers the woman he keeps running into is the princess.

Amelia is full of energy, and she has a hard time keeping her opinions to herself which causes some conflict. She started out as selfish and self-centered, but she gradually begins to change. I loved seeing her grow and start to be more considerate of others’ feelings. Joshua is filled with grief and guilt over the loss of his wife. He didn’t plan on ever marrying again but Amelia had him reconsidering his decision. Their interactions were full of sparks as their love slowly grew. This was an entertaining book that was well-written and I look forward to the next book in the series.

Book Info:

Publication: September 27th 2022 | HQN | A Royal Match #2

Ever since her sister became queen two years ago, Amelia Ivanosen, Princess of Wesloria, has been flirting and skirting scandal—just barely. Before she does anything too outlandish, she is sent to England and Lila Alexander, illustrious matchmaker to the ton, is recruited. Respectably ensconced at the country estate of a family friend, Amelia is introduced to many eligible bachelors, but…there is no spark. There never seems to be unless the man is completely wrong for her.

Next door lives Joshua Parker, Duke of Marley, who is grumpy and reclusive—for good reason. His first wife died in childbirth. When Marley is dragged by a friend to his neighbor’s soiree, he and Amelia instantly dislike each other. Their banter is snarky and heated. He’s a stuck-up smarty-pants; she’s a self-involved, annoying princess.

Sparks fly when they’re together—fireworks actually—but they loathe each other. Really. So why can’t they stop thinking about each other?