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Book Review of When the Duke Returns (Desperate Duchesses, Bk 4)

When the Duke Returns (Desperate Duchesses, Bk 4)
When the Duke Returns (Desperate Duchesses, Bk 4)
Author: Eloisa James
Genre: Romance
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
reviewed on + 30 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4


I love Eloisa James. This one left me confused in the beginning. At first I found Isadore to be too much "Duchess like." She thought herself to be "above" too many things. But as the book went on, you really start to admire her strength and courage. Simeon to me is likable from the beginning. He "thought" he knew what he wanted in a wife, until he spends time with Isadore and finds she is too irresistable. Watching them both grow through intimacy - both are virgins - her because it is expected and him because he didn't want to bring disease to his "biddable wife." The way they explore itimacy together is cute and reminds you of "your own first time." Yet she still thinks he should bow down to her as men have always done. He refuses, because to him it makes a man weak. I really enjoyed her conversations with Jemma and Isadore's realization that she wanted Simeon not another. She doesn't want an anulment just Simeon and love.
This story is wonderful in that Simeon isn't afraid to come and get what he wants and she isn't afraid to challenge him to believe that sometimes being "out of control" is a good thing when it is with someone you love and trust.
I can't wait to see how the next book in the series explores Jemma and Elijah's romance and also to see what is in store for The Duke of Villars.
My only complaint with this book is that she brought the other 3 characters into it, but didn't really explore Villars or Elijah enough. There wasn't enough depth in those three for me. But I still would recommend this book to any Eloisa James fan.