If you love a historical romance filled with wit, stubborn heroines, and a duke who absolutely refuses to give up, then The Duke I Despise by Angela E. Johnson is one you’ll want on your radar. With a delightfully mischievous heroine and a determined duke who simply won’t take no for an answer, this Regency romance delivers humor, heart, and a battle of wills that makes every page entertaining.
Title: The Duke I Despise
Author: Angela E. Johnson
Series: Madcaps of Mayfair
Genre: Historical Romance, Regency
Rating: 5 out of 5 ⭐
Disclaimer
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I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
My Thoughts:
I loved Juliana’s character in this story! She’s confident, brazen, and unapologetic for her antics. When she grabs the attention of a Duke, but overhears that she’s too far below his station, she immediately steps into action. Rebuffing any of his advances and trying to politely keep him from showing interest in her. But that just spurs him on. Lucian doesn’t agree with his uncle’s assessment that he should marry the daughter of a duchess, and instead is intrigued deeply but Juliana.
Watching his continued advances get knocked by her was a hoot, especially because she is interested in him, but feels humiliated about what she overheard regarding her place in society.
Much of the story demonstrates both of their growing attachments to one another. Except that Juliana is very stubborn and has a lot of tricks up her sleeve. The pranks she pulls and the situations she finds herself in are hilarious. But done in such a way that she becomes endearing. Lucian certainly finds her antics wonderful and continues to be further pulled into his attraction for her
I love it when an author writes a male character that fights for the love he wants and won’t let anything stand in his way!
Both characters are filled with so much emotion and drive, it was very exciting to watch this story play out. If you love humor, romance, and incredibly strong character arcs, then you’re bound to love this one as much as I did.
Publisher’s Blurb:
She’s out to ruin him. He’s determined to charm her. Only one can win.
Miss Juliana Astley is far too clever to fall for a silver-tongued duke—particularly one foolish enough to wager on stealing a kiss from her. So when she overhears the Duke of Windsor boasting to his friends and discovers he has written her name in White’s infamous betting book, she does not swoon.
She plots her revenge.
Lucian Montrose, the Duke of Windsor, is thoroughly baffled by one woman—Miss Juliana Astley. His effortless charm is met with suspicion, sharp wit, and responses that would send most men retreating. Lucian, however, finds it entirely encouraging. Every attempt to win her favor backfires spectacularly, only strengthening his resolve. But just when he begins to suspect victory may be near, a scandalous calling card bearing his name begins circulating through the ton…though even he cannot explain its origin.
Witty, romantic, and delightfully scandalous, The Duke I Despise is an irresistible enemies-to-lovers closed-door Regency romp and is the second book in the Madcaps of Mayfair series by Angela E. Johnson.
Where to Buy:
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