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My American Duchess
Escrito por Eloisa James
Narrado por Kate Reading
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The arrogant Duke of Trent intends to marry a well-bred Englishwoman. The last woman he would ever consider marrying is the adventuresome Merry Pelford— an American heiress who has infamously jilted two fiancés.
But after one provocative encounter with the captivating Merry, Trent desires her more than any woman he has ever met. He is determined to have her as his wife, no matter what it takes. And Trent is a man who always gets what he wants.
The problem is, Merry is already betrothed, and the former runaway bride has vowed to make it all the way to the altar. As honor clashes with irresistible passion, Trent realizes the stakes are higher than anyone could have imagined. In his battle to save Merry and win her heart, one thing becomes clear:
All is fair in love and war.
Acciones del libro
Comenzar a escucharInformación sobre el libro
My American Duchess
Escrito por Eloisa James
Narrado por Kate Reading
Descripción
The arrogant Duke of Trent intends to marry a well-bred Englishwoman. The last woman he would ever consider marrying is the adventuresome Merry Pelford— an American heiress who has infamously jilted two fiancés.
But after one provocative encounter with the captivating Merry, Trent desires her more than any woman he has ever met. He is determined to have her as his wife, no matter what it takes. And Trent is a man who always gets what he wants.
The problem is, Merry is already betrothed, and the former runaway bride has vowed to make it all the way to the altar. As honor clashes with irresistible passion, Trent realizes the stakes are higher than anyone could have imagined. In his battle to save Merry and win her heart, one thing becomes clear:
All is fair in love and war.
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4.5 "What is Love?" Stars!My American Duchess explores the age old question of what is love. A question that has perplexed those who believe in it and don't alike. Too frequently confused with infatuation, a response to trinkets bestowed on a courted one (poems, flowers or jewelry), or a reaction to passion; could it be possible that some individuals are more prone to this emotion, while others are incapable of it? Amidst this the philosophical existential backdrop, My American Duchess is also a comical journey through some of the more glaring differences between English and American society at around the turn of the nineteenth century. Both of these explorations, make for one incredible irresistible read, and when combined with Eloisa James' talented prose and intuitive understanding of romantic love, make My American Duchess a must read for the historical romance enthusiast. My American Duchess is set in London in 1803. After a string of engagements that all ended in a rather unfortunate set of events, Merry Pelford, an American heiress, has found herself in a dire situation. Having gained a reputation as being fickle in her affections, due to multiple engagements that never made it to the altar, her guardians have determined that her fate will fare better in England (where they believe the gossip hasn't spread). And in fact, it doesn't take very long after her arrival, for Merry to find another man that she is sure she is in love with. Within a few short weeks she finds herself engaged yet again.In fact, it is at the party at which her new engagement is announced that she stumbles upon another man that completely enthralls her. Perhaps even more distressing is the fact that he seems equally enthralled by her. There is something so different about his nature that begins a new battle within her. A war between what her heart desires and what her mind judiciously tells her she surely must need. Moreover, above all else, Merry is determined not to waste this one-time chance to segue into British society. After all, isn't it bad enough, that her boisterous personality is so at odds with the refined and reserved British culture? It's almost impossible to think that a respectable Englishman would take on the project that curbing her "American" ways into a refined and proper Englishwoman will no doubt be. Therefore, she is greatly afraid that if sh gives in to her capricious love whims, she will no doubt lose this last chance at marriage.The Duke of Trent can hardy believe his luck. A reserved and conservative man by nature, who learned as a young boy how painful unrequited love can be, his plan is to find a well-bred Englishwoman who will be able to fulfill her wifely ducal responsibilities with absolute aplomb. Emotions, fanfare, and speaking without a culturally acceptable filter, never were on his agenda. Yet, strangely, in many ways it is these same traits that seem to kindle his inevitable fascination with the deliciously, tempting Merry Pelford. And as her affections are rumored to be fickle, surely she will fall out of love as easily as seems to fall in love thereby ensuring that she will hardly notice that he is incapable of love. But once decided, it remains to be seen whether he can even win her over. And that's before even factoring in an unexpected conflict of monumental proportions that will render even his attempt to persuade Merry to jilt her present fiance, scandal prone material. Can there possibly be a future, much less a HEA, under this peculiar set of circumstances?My American Duchess was an absolute treat! Ms. James' facility with words, and use of interesting historical facts to add depth to her story--be on the lookout for a "rented pineapple"--further make this read a true treasure. I can't wait to read more of Ms. James' romances in the future! Source: Review copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
great book, the characters were wonderful. Hero and heroine had great chemistry
James is a good writer, but lazy. She writes with good humor--in fact she is slightly reminiscent of Georgette Heyer, which is high praise, but she evidently knows little about the era of which she writes. Her plotting was good--as far as it went.She saved her ink for explicit sexual description. I suppose she sells a lot of books, but she will not sell any more to me.
Merry is a heiress who has arrived in England with a reputation. She's ditched two fiances and she's American, someone who isn't doing very well acting like an English person. She's just gotten engaged when she meets Trent, a Duke whom she later finds is her fiance's brother.I loved the passion between Merry & Trent. The story was entertaining and sweet - which I've been missing in my historical novels.
What to say about My American Duchess......let's see yes it's an age old tale, an American Heiress and an English Duke...but that's where the "same old" ended for me. Personally I love those tales, I love seeing how an American with our attitudes even back then you know we had to have had attitudes, otherwise we'd still be under English rule. So I love when authors create a romance with a strong willed American and a "stuffy" Englishman. It makes me smile every-time. The author, Eloisa James, makes this one extremely fun. I loved the idea that Merry is just "loving and leaving" men. I sit her laughing as I write that, because it sounds worse than it is. But I can just "hear" the rumors of just that going round the drawing rooms and balls. I loved Trent finding himself in a very awkward situation.....falling in love with the woman betrothed to his brother. There are some scenes that will forever change how you look at everyday items, most notably the Pineapple scene, you'll never pass a pineapple again without thinking about it....Fans of Eloisa James will adores these characters and be eager to turn pages while at the same time be a little reluctant to reach the end. If you are new to Eloisa James be prepared you'll be ready to find all her back-list after reading this one. MY AMERICAN DUCHESS is a perfect read if you are looking a fun, light, engaging, well written historical romance. I can't wait for the next one!
** spoiler alert ** Another one of Eloisa James's Best. Wonderful story with witty plot, not what I expected. Love this American heiress who set the English high society all atwitter, and had a knack for stumping the snobs with, "Do you know....?" fact. The aristocrats didn't stand a chance, including the Duke of Trent, especially the Duke of Trent! Found myself on a roller-coaster ride of emotions with Merry; sided with her, wanted to protect her, fighting along with her, angry on her behalf, cheering for her, you name it! This book is great fun.
Very good book. Merry is an American heiress who has come to London to find a husband. She was engaged twice back home in Boston, but ended both of those engagements. She has just become engaged to Lord Cedric, who seems to be the perfect choice. He's romantic and attentive and she is determined to make it all the way to the altar this time. Trent has avoided marriage so far, but knows he will have to marry soon. He's looking for a woman who will fit perfectly into his life, looking only for respect and friendship, and avoiding messy emotions. He doesn't expect to run into an American woman who immediately attracts and fascinates him.I loved their first meeting at the ball. Merry had gone outside for some fresh air, a short time after Cedric's proposal. Her peace is interrupted by Trent's arrival. He's angry and frustrated with his brother and is trying to get under control. Merry first mistakes him for another American, certainly not as one of the highest ranked of the aristocrats. I loved their conversation, with Merry being her usual forthright self, and Trent stunned by his immediate fascination with her. In spite of his usual antipathy toward Americans, he is determined to find out who she is and claim her for himself. He's dismayed to discover that she's his future sister-in-law.I really enjoyed seeing that he was so smitten, even though he didn't admit that to himself. He was immediately protective of Merry. He had several confrontations with his brother, who he felt was not treating her properly. He tries hard to do the right thing and stay away, as she belongs to his brother, but he just can't do it.I really didn't like Cedric at all. He was selfish, snobby and mean-spirited. He only proposed to her because of her fortune, and immediately started to change who she was. I hated the way that he was constantly putting her down. It all came to a head during the "pineapple incident" and I wanted to shove him in a fountain. I liked seeing Merry finally stand up to him and see the truth.I liked seeing the relationship that grew between Trent and Merry. Trent doesn't believe in romantic love, has seen too many times when it just disappears. This feeling is reinforced by Merry's three engagements, where she swore she "loved" each of those men. He would rather base a relationship on respect and friendship. Merry has given up on love because her history has shown her that she's no good at it. I liked Trent's support of Merry after the pineapple incident and how he was determined to claim her for himself. The way he went about it could have turned out very badly, but Merry forgave him pretty quickly.Once they got to Trent's estate, the fun really began. I liked seeing them get to know each other. Trent's appreciation of Merry's intelligence was great. I loved seeing them debate issues over their meals. They also discovered that the attraction between them was intense. They spent a lot of time exploring that. I also liked the way that Merry learned more about what made Trent the man he was. Merry was the first to realize that she had fallen in love with him, and of course, had to speak out. His reaction was not unexpected, but I hurt for her. The next parts were emotional as she suffered through all his rebuttals. I was so frustrated with him, because it was so obvious that he loved her, too, but he couldn't see it. I liked her reactions and what she she does to try to wait him out. Even more satisfying is his reaction. I loved how he finally realized the truth, and then had to deal with being on the other side of the equation. I loved his big moment at the end, with the nod to what had brought them together. The epilogue was great, with a surprise twist involving Cedric. I hope there will be a story for him.
As much as I love reading historical set romances, I am so very glad I didn't live back then when the pressure to marry, and to marry quickly, was so high. At least as romances posit, for the women who had a choice in the matter, they were still choosing a spouse from amongst men they didn't know or had just the merest of acquaintances with and they had to rely on their male relatives or the whispers of society to vet their choice. There was little room to make a mistake without either marrying the mistake and being trapped for life or ruining your reputation and your chances at another match (which was, of course, the ultimate goal). Love may or may not have played a role in the matches but when you barely know someone, how can you possibly love them, no matter how romanticized? If I think back on all the times I was in love, right back to Philip Kistler in preschool (he came to my birthday party and gave me a ring so I think we're still engaged, right?), I am more than grateful that I had the chance to make mistakes and then find real love without suffering any social fallout as a result. (This is in no way implying that there's anything wrong with Philip but we were only four and marrying at such an age is to be frowned upon. Since we didn't go to kindergarten together and promptly lost touch, I can only say that as a preschooler, he had the potential to grow up and be a lovely human being. He would only have been a mistake for me. Here ends my stab at forestalling a libel lawsuit.) Although historically women didn't have to worry about their preschool loves, they did have to do their best to choose the right person, the person they might come to truly like and maybe even love over the course of their lifetime, without really knowing enough about that person to make an fair and informed decision because broken engagements were unacceptable and plain old unhappiness was no reason for marital dissolution. American Merry Pelford, in Eloisa James' My American Duchess has already made some mistakes and has to learn just what true love is, compared to the tepid feelings she's felt before but can she do that without making yet another, potentially irreparable mistake?Merry and her aunt and uncle have come to London for the season. Behind her, in Boston, she leaves two broken engagements and she knows she cannot afford a third jilted fiance to her name, despite her sizable inheritance. She accepts the proposal of Lord Cedric Allardyce, the good looking, fashionable younger brother of a duke. But at the very ball where she accepts Cedric's suit, she meets and is attracted by a brooding and powerful man she meets out on the balcony. This unnamed man is equally enchanted by Merry and her American forthrightness and instantly determines to marry her. Each of them are horrified to discover the other's identity. He is the Duke of Trent, Cedric's older twin and she, of course, is Cedric's newly minted fiance. Although it is quickly clear that Merry and Cedric are mismatched in every way, they are yoked together (and in fact, Cedric could really use her fortune). That Cedric and Trent have spent their whole lives competing makes the situation that much more untenable. As the older brother, Trent received the dukedom but Cedric was the twin loved by their mother. Both Allardyces lost out on something they dearly desired. Now Cedric possesses Merry, the woman his brother wants, and Merry cannot allow herself to contemplate jilting a third fiance.Merry is a fun heroine. She knows she is a bit of an awkward American, ignorant of English society ways but she's only willing to change so far. She has her own value system and being in England is not going to turn her into a less democratic person. Her habit of dropping little snippets of knowledge into the conversation when she's nervous or filling a silence is endearing. That she is trapped in an increasingly terrible situation because of her full speed ahead personality and her naivete serves to make her just that much more sympathetic to readers. Cedric is a spoiled baddie of a character but he's not as entirely awful and unredeemed as he might be, though the reader, like Merry, certainly prefers the solid and kind Duke of Trent. The chemistry between Merry and Trent is pretty steamy and satisfying indeed, and the story line centered on learning to recognize and cherish real love over the superficial is well done. All in all, this was a charming and entertaining read, just as I've come to expect from James.
Beautiful story as expected. Thanks to Eloisa for making me feel like a part of the Duke’s love for his Duchess and vice versa. Thanks to Kate for her lovely voice which made a lovely story even more perfect. I especially love that Cedric came home at the end.
Beautiful book. I do love Eloisa James’ writing.
Beautiful book. I do love Eloisa James’ writing.
An easy fast romance novel. Nothing earth shattering or realistic but fun to read if you are on a beach bored.
Great read
I really really enjoyed this book. I especially liked Merry, she is smart, caring and witty. I recommend this book.
I really really enjoyed this book. I especially liked Merry, she is smart, caring and witty. I recommend this book.
Merry Pelford, is an American Heiress and has come to England to find a man to marry. It is expected of her, but she is hoping to find a man that she can love. When Lord Cedric, starts courting her, she finds herself intrigued and she begins to feel affection for him. When he proposes with flair and plenty of poetry, Merry believes that she does care for him. But on the eve of accepting Lord Cedric’s proposal, she meets a man in the dark and out on the balcony. A man that is definitely an aristrocrat, has the arrogance and the appeal. But Merry finds herself drawn to his aura, his laugh and his inquisitive questions that seem more curious than anything else. The Duke of Trent, is content with his life and trying to keep his brother out of trouble. When he meets a mysterious american woman that makes him think of nights on silk sheets of passion and desire, he wants her. He is drawn to her honesty and openess. But when he learns that she is engaged to his brother Cedric, he is appalled that he has feelings of lust for his future sister in law. But through various events, he sees the true Merry and he wants her for his own.The Hero The Duke of Trent, has always known his duties and responsibilities. Despite being a twin, he and his brother Cedric have always been at odds except when they were children. Trent grew up in a home, where his mother favored her attentions on his brother and couldn’t be bothered to show any affection for him not even as a child. His father was a drunk and he has always stayed away from drinking. His parents were killed in an accident because his father was drinking. He sees his brother going the same way that his father did and is doing everyting in his power to keep him from killing himself from drinking. What I liked most about this hero, was pretty much everything. He doesn’t believe in love, he feels its temporary and not worth the hassle or the pain. Considering how his mother rejected him, it was very understandable. He is practical, but isn’t your average duke. He doesn’t have his hair styled in the usual way, he likes to stay physically active ( I totally approve), and loves to help out the tenants with their farms and improve his estates. He is loyal and honorable and very stubborn when it comes to emotional sentiment.The Heroine My American DuchessMerry Pelford, grew up in America, she was raised by her aunt and uncle. After having to jilt two previous men, her aunt and uncle thought it best to come to England, have a fresh start and get away from the gossip and find Merry a titled man. Merry isn’t ashamed of her heritage, she is proud to be American, especially since coming to England. She finds her American ways to be a lot more simple and easier in many respects. What I really liked about Merry was her openess and honesty and boy is she smart and doesn’t seek to hide her intelligence. I was worried that this heroine would seem a bit contemporary, but I didn’t feel that at all which I was pretty glad about. I really enjoyed seeing how she balanced out who she is, with trying to conform with British society which isn’t easy at all. I admired her tenacity and her easy going charm. She does try to go with the Ton, but in all honesty, she is way too intelligent to fit right in. She isn’t ashamed of who she is, but she does attempt to make concessions which I admired the ways that she goes about it. Her character was fresh and I really liked her.Plot And Story Line My American Duchess is the newest book from Eloisa James. And this author has always been a personal favorite of mine. She writes simply wonderful regency romances, and this one won me over from the first chapter. I was a bit anxious to read this one, because I noticed the rating and reviews weren’t as high as I was expecting. So I was expecting a story that I would have difficulty read…but not I had a difficult time putting this down at times. I just wanted more of the Duke and his American lady. The first half of the book, we have the conflict of seeing the chemistry between them, however nothing can happen because Merry is engaged to the brother of our hero. We see how much that they try to deny what is happening between them. And at first they are successful. But circumstances lead them to discover true emotion with each other.What I enjoyed was seeing the fun interactions between Merry and the Duke and even the brother Cedric—he was quite a hoot! I had a ball of fun with his character. He was so funny at times, (I am not sure if the author meant him to be) but boy did I have fun with him and he entertained me so much. Even though technically you could see this as a love triangle trope—I never got that feeling from this story at all. Because quite frankly, Cedric just wants money and wealth and Merry is an heiress. He doesn’t really see any other qualities to make her his wife other than that. I feel like this is more “forbidden romance” theme. We have two people that desire to be together but are unable to due to certain obligations. The second half of the book, we see these two try to balance out a new type of relationship. They have ended up married, and now have to work out through some issues. At first, there is plenty of sexy sensuality between them, and we see how well they do together on a physical level. But on an emotional level…it takes work. It isn’t for them to find their HEA, and it does take a while for them to reach a point, where they are willing to be fully open and honest with each other. A couple of misunderstanding’s do occur, but I didn’t feel it detracted from the story…I felt like it only made the moment where they both admit their true feelings to each other, a more satisfying end and we are left with a bit of a teaser about the brother. I am hoping that Eloisa James will write his book so we can see his journey.The Cover I do adore this cover. I loved both of the covers that were chosen. The first cover, (after reading this) I felt suits the heroine way more. It has a more garden like background, and she is more open and free in that cover. So I will admit I like the first cover because it suits the story best. But this cover, I do admire quite a bit….it’s classy and elegant. I love her sparkling dress and the staircase behind her. And the stepback cover is simply gorgeous.Overall View My American Duchess is a enjoyable and sensual regency romance that is like a breath of fresh air. An unrequited love story that will keep you laughing and entertained from beginning to end.
Ho! Ho! Ho! He's finally met her, the woman who can draw him from the tedium that life has dealt him. That she turn's out to be his brother's fiancé is unfortunate but he believes his brothers heart is not yet attached to the lady. He just has to find away to make her his. And the ladies vibrancy, strong spirit and unladylike ways...well she is an American...just might make it happen.A wonderfully amusing story. Poor Merry, after already suffering two broken engagements, she's desperate for it not to happen again, but her attraction to her future brother in-law is confusing her. Trent not so much, he knew what he wanted.I liked how the characters grew and matured as the story unfolded, and they learned more about each other as they both became more mature in their relationship.I loved this story. 5/5 big stars from me.Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
I have read many period romances in my day and My American Duchess falls squarely in the middle of them. The main difference between this story and so many others is that the leading lady is an out-spoken American from Boston who, despite being brought up by an English governess, is far from the perfect English lady.Merry is brought to England in search of a husband after she has broken off two prior engagements in America. If she doesn't find a suitable husband here then she will need to return to America and live as a spinster. But love finds Merry in the form of Cedric Allardyce, second son of a duke - although Merry is too naive to see that Cedric only wants her funds. She agrees to marry him anyway but soon finds that she is deeply attracted to the hardnosed Duke of Trent, her fiancé’s twin brother. Trent is hard where Cedric is soft, responsible where Cedric is not, and deeply in love with Merry. But he has had a hard life for a number of reasons and has vowed never to love another. Through a series of situations and manipulations Trent ends of married to Merry and is content to slake his lust with her but refuses to express his love although Merry does quite easily. That is precisely what he fears, that his wife is merely in love with the idea of love. As is so often the case in these stories there comes a day when Trent is in danger of Merry losing her life and that is when he speaks of his long repressed emotions.The story moves slowly at first but picks up speed until it comes to a satisfactory conclusion. There are several colorful characters - Mrs. Pondmeadow, George and Snowdrop (two dogs), and of course the pineapple situation is not to be missed. And let's not forget Lady Caroline who has had her eye on marriage to the Duke of Trent from the outset. Merry's dressing down of Lady Caroline will have the reading saying " Yessss!".Altogether a light-hearted read that will keep you entertained.
4/4.5 Stars Hot SteamAs an ardent fan of Eloisa James’s incomparably brilliant, remarkably compelling and always, always, always, spectacularly satisfying stories, I couldn’t contain my excitement when her newest novel appeared on my e-reader. Eager and impatient to discover Merry and Trent’s fate, I dove right in—instantly mesmerized by the delightful couple’s marvelously entertaining tale. Light-hearted, witty, wildly romantic and incredibly sexy, MY AMERICAN DUCHESS sparkled and enchanted from start to finish. So taken with Merry and Trent’s scrumptious affair, I intently re-read it the following day—unhurried and in absolute ecstasy—as I laughed, sighed, swooned and savored my favorite scenes all over again!Sunny, spirited and sweet, Merry is a perfectly lovable heroine whose admirable intelligence, sincerity, amusing outspokenness and endearingly innocent, but informed and steady perspective, is a joy to read. She’s strong, grounded, unpretentious, undemanding and in possession of such a benevolent heart, brimming with endless affection, care and concern for those surrounding her. Unique, unforgettable and utterly adorable, it’s no wonder that after one chance, candid and momentous tête-à-tête on a darkened ballroom balcony that Trent must unequivocally have Merry for his Duchess. No one else will do. She becomes his singular desire, his blinding obsession and his reason for living. And, it is so much dizzying fun to read!That dark, brusque, and impossibly seductive Duke simply can’t stay away—despite his own gentlemanly standards, despite what he knows is the right thing to do—he just can’t forget her. He seeks her out, chases her down and does everything within his power to ease her troubles and please her. I loved reading his mad-with-lust POV each time she was near. Oh my, where his deliciously wicked mind would lead…(*Fanning Self*) I reveled in every naughty fantasy he conjured and could’t wait until they could finally be together. And when they do lawfully unite, Trent makes it is his married life’s mission to turn every one of his sultry reveries into blistering-hot realities. No location, surface, hour of day or creamy inch of supple skin is safe from his ravenous pursuit of pleasure with his treasured Merry. He insatiably worships her, enviably adores her, and I loved every passionate minute of it!A dazzling stand-alone, Merry and Trent’s beautifully sensual story is one of this season’s finest romances and one of my all-time favorite Eloisa James novels to date. Now I only have to wait eleven months until our own American Duchess of Historical Romance releases her next sure-to-be sensation, SEVEN MINUTES IN HEAVEN (Desperate Duchesses by the Numbers #3). Regina and Ward’s story sounds AMAZING! Let the countdown begin!Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review.