The Duke is Mine - Eloisa James Audiobook

Written by Eloisa James
Read by Susan Duerden
Format: MP3
Bitrate: 64 Kbps
Unabridged

Series: Happily Ever After Series/Fairy Tales Book 3
Publisher: HarperAudio
Release date: December 27, 2011
Duration: 10:40:32

The classic tale of the Princess and the Pea is a delightfully romantic Regency spin.
A historical romance gem about a lady reluctantly betrothed to one duke but pursued by another; a tantalizing tale of love, lies, and one very uncomfortable mattress

Curvy, brash Olivia and slim, proper Georgiana are twins, raised by their social-climbing parents to be suitable brides for dukes. All seems assured until Olivia’s future husband, the dim-witted Rupert Blakemore, marquess of Montsurrey, turns 18 and declares that “he will not marry until he achieves military glory.” While he heads to war, Olivia accompanies Georgiana to meet Tarquin Brook-Chatfield, the widowed duke of Sconce and Georgiana’s possible suitor.

The duke himself is more than willing to let his mother take care of such mundane details–until a storm-soaked, bedraggled Olivia arrives on his doorstep and assumes he’s a servant. Tarquin becomes enamored of Olivia, who must then decide whether to risk Georgiana and Rupert’s disappointment by returning his affections. Olivia is a notably affable female protagonist whose intellect and good humor make her stand apart from many of the meek women of her era.

Hilarious references to the dowager’s much-vaunted tome on proper aristocratic behavior and a cast of insightfully developed characters are highlights of this clever reimagining of The Princess and the Pea. From proper palatial English estates to wild adventure on the shores of France, this is a satisfying romantic charmer.

VERDICT With rapier wit, bawdy wordplay, and a stinging sense of fun, James targets social rigidity, explores the meaning of perfection (and heroism), and catches readers off guard with any number of unexpected twists. A brilliant new spin on another classic tale; readers will never again look at peas, mattresses, or even heroes in the same way.