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A Royal Match #2
The Duke Not Taken
Impossible. Infuriating. Intoxicating.
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?
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?
339 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 27, 2022
144 people are currently reading
552 people want to read
About the author
Julia London
191 books3,140 followersJulia London is the New York Times and USA Today best selling author of more than two dozen romantic fiction novels. She is the author of the popular historical romance series, the Cabot Sisters, including The Trouble with Honor, The Devil Takes a Bride, and The Scoundrel and the Debutante. She is also the author of several contemporary romances, including Homecoming Ranch, Return to Homecoming Ranch, and The Perfect Homecoming.
Julia is the recipient of the RT Bookclub Award for Best Historical Romance and a six-time finalist for the prestigious RITA award for excellence in romantic fiction. To keep up with all the Julia London news, please visit http://www.julialondon.com. Follow her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/julialondon
Julia is the recipient of the RT Bookclub Award for Best Historical Romance and a six-time finalist for the prestigious RITA award for excellence in romantic fiction. To keep up with all the Julia London news, please visit http://www.julialondon.com. Follow her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/julialondon
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June 13, 2022ARC provided by Edeliweis and HQN in exchange for an honest review.
October 3, 2022
Amelia Ivanosen, Princess of Wesloria, has become intolerably restless since her sister’s marriage and ascension to the throne. She’s a notorious flirt and her mother and sister are afraid she’ll cause a scandal, so they have arranged to send her to England with Lady Lila Alexander, a matchmaker. Lila sends eligible bachelors to meet Amelia, but she’s as bored as ever safely tucked away on a friend’s country estate. After meeting several suitors, she has no spark with any of them, save one man who is not at all what she wants.
Joshua Parker, Duke of Marley, is a surly recluse who just wants to be left alone and has no interest in having a royal for a neighbor. Since losing his wife in childbirth, Joshua has kept to himself and endlessly annoyed by everything. When his friend forces him to attend his neighbor’s dinner party, he meets Amelia and they have an instant mutual dislike of one another, though their banter is second to none. She thinks Joshua is a know-it-all snob and he thinks she’s an entitled, selfish royal. But there are definite sparks between them and soon it becomes rather obvious that they don’t actually hate one another, but rather the opposite.
Having read some of this author’s books before I must say I definitely expected more steam. Not only that, but I also found myself wishing the MCs had a bit more on page time together. That is not to say that they were so often separated, but at the same time, much of their interaction occurs when there is still much animosity between them and for me, that made the romance feel rushed and incomplete when they did finally work things out. Amelia definitely came off as a pompous, self-assured royal who couldn’t conceive of a circumstance in which she might not be right. She was definitely lacking in tact and struggled to fit in with English society, but none of that mattered to Joshua. He was able to see something beyond her frivolous façade and she was able to see beyond his grief and surly, unapproachable exterior. Joshua nearly left it too late, but I liked that these two were willing to admit their feelings to one another fairly readily once they’d realized them. I only wish we’d gotten to that book a bit sooner as much of the narrative leading up to this point wound up feeling like filler to me and left the romance a bit short, otherwise, this was a perfectly enjoyable story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
Joshua Parker, Duke of Marley, is a surly recluse who just wants to be left alone and has no interest in having a royal for a neighbor. Since losing his wife in childbirth, Joshua has kept to himself and endlessly annoyed by everything. When his friend forces him to attend his neighbor’s dinner party, he meets Amelia and they have an instant mutual dislike of one another, though their banter is second to none. She thinks Joshua is a know-it-all snob and he thinks she’s an entitled, selfish royal. But there are definite sparks between them and soon it becomes rather obvious that they don’t actually hate one another, but rather the opposite.
Having read some of this author’s books before I must say I definitely expected more steam. Not only that, but I also found myself wishing the MCs had a bit more on page time together. That is not to say that they were so often separated, but at the same time, much of their interaction occurs when there is still much animosity between them and for me, that made the romance feel rushed and incomplete when they did finally work things out. Amelia definitely came off as a pompous, self-assured royal who couldn’t conceive of a circumstance in which she might not be right. She was definitely lacking in tact and struggled to fit in with English society, but none of that mattered to Joshua. He was able to see something beyond her frivolous façade and she was able to see beyond his grief and surly, unapproachable exterior. Joshua nearly left it too late, but I liked that these two were willing to admit their feelings to one another fairly readily once they’d realized them. I only wish we’d gotten to that book a bit sooner as much of the narrative leading up to this point wound up feeling like filler to me and left the romance a bit short, otherwise, this was a perfectly enjoyable story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
August 25, 2022
Ok. Fine. I’ll admit it. I cried at the end. This was such a lovely book, and Amelia is such a wonderful heroine! Lively and engaging and says what she thinks and is searching for her place in this world and is a princess to boot! Our hero, on the other hand? Joshua is grumpy and lost in the depths of his grief, although it’s not a grief he can share with anyone. If only he could get the kids at that darn school to stop making such a racket so he could wallow in peace and storm across the land looking like the grim reaper!
I loved this story and loved watching Amelia find out what she wanted out of life. Julia London is such a brilliant and engaging author and writes the best characters!
I loved this story and loved watching Amelia find out what she wanted out of life. Julia London is such a brilliant and engaging author and writes the best characters!
September 27, 2022
What’s a Princess to do?
Queen Justine of Wesloria loves her sister, but Amelia keeps expressing her rather forceful opinions, and doing the occasional outrageous action, like kissing a footman. It’s time to bring in the heavies—in particular, Lady Lila Aleksander, the matchmaker. Princess Amelia is to be sent to England for a stay in a country home, where she’ll be introduced to eligible parties.
All Amelia wants is for her opinions to be respected and someone to accept her as she is.
She didn’t count on being nearly knocked down by the Grim Reaper, as she dubs the Joshua Parker, the Duke of Marley, a recluse struggling with circumstances surrounding the death of his wife in childbirth.
Beckett Hawke, the Earl and of Iddesleigh and his wife Blythe have five daughters, and Amelia delights in them. I particularly liked that she played games with them, taught them the rules of duelling, and how to wear a tiara. A bored Amelia walks the girls to school and takes on some organising tasks for the headmaster, Mr. Roberts. In doing so she comes across letters of complaint penned by a concerned resident of Devonshire (the Duke).
Amelia and the Duke enter into a very funny correspondence over a girls lessons, and their singing that’s annoyingly loud (in the Duke’s opinion)
The men Amelia meets are dismissive of her opinions (in the nicest condescending way). She despairs of finding anyone who jogs her interest. Well except for the Duke of Marley, and really it’s his rudeness and chiding of her that she resents.
A lively romance with an equally lively and somewhat lost lady.
A Harlequin Trade ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Queen Justine of Wesloria loves her sister, but Amelia keeps expressing her rather forceful opinions, and doing the occasional outrageous action, like kissing a footman. It’s time to bring in the heavies—in particular, Lady Lila Aleksander, the matchmaker. Princess Amelia is to be sent to England for a stay in a country home, where she’ll be introduced to eligible parties.
All Amelia wants is for her opinions to be respected and someone to accept her as she is.
She didn’t count on being nearly knocked down by the Grim Reaper, as she dubs the Joshua Parker, the Duke of Marley, a recluse struggling with circumstances surrounding the death of his wife in childbirth.
Beckett Hawke, the Earl and of Iddesleigh and his wife Blythe have five daughters, and Amelia delights in them. I particularly liked that she played games with them, taught them the rules of duelling, and how to wear a tiara. A bored Amelia walks the girls to school and takes on some organising tasks for the headmaster, Mr. Roberts. In doing so she comes across letters of complaint penned by a concerned resident of Devonshire (the Duke).
Amelia and the Duke enter into a very funny correspondence over a girls lessons, and their singing that’s annoyingly loud (in the Duke’s opinion)
The men Amelia meets are dismissive of her opinions (in the nicest condescending way). She despairs of finding anyone who jogs her interest. Well except for the Duke of Marley, and really it’s his rudeness and chiding of her that she resents.
A lively romance with an equally lively and somewhat lost lady.
A Harlequin Trade ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
August 6, 2022
Non-spoiler review:
For the most part, I loved this book. The hero and heroine were unique and compelling people. I feel the hero took too much on himself but one cannot truly keep control over one's psyche during tragedy, so I was sympathetic. The heroine was lovely and sincere in every respect—until the end, at least. The last parts were confusing and disconnected, which was disappointing, though there were still some good moments.
I would say this was a 5-star book until about 80% in. That's when things tilted into unclear plotting that was rushed and too dependent on external conflict (drama that was fully anticipated as soon as the issue was first mentioned early on).
The epilogue was also abrupt and confusing with no real resolution, presumably to hint at the next in the series but it was not clear enough to anticipate anything; just to be puzzled by it and shrug. I was surprised to find there wasn't more to wrap the current book up cleanly, and that it ended as it did. Or perhaps they already did that and then added a bit more to it that stopped it from feeling finished.
That said, I read this in a couple days and loved the vast majority of it. I think it's absolutely worth reading, for the sake of both main characters. Side characters are also interesting. I'm not one to enjoy a huge, quirky cast for the sake of having a huge, quirky cast, but this was well done and felt natural.
Most of all, one could feel and believe the complexities the heroine felt about herself. I wish this could have been more cleanly resolved, perhaps proving how she loves who she is even if others do not. It was a missed opportunity and I would have preferred that as a climax to the shuffle of one character running out of town to perform a task without communicating about it and coming back to redeem themself. There's not much proven there except that the character has enough money to solve their problems. They didn't earn the win, if that makes sense.
But I am nitpicking now, and it's because I so thoroughly enjoyed most of the book and all of the characters, so I wish it could have been that much better.
I definitely recommend reading the book for a diverting few hours. As is the way with romance novels, it's nice to see a happily ever after with two great characters, especially when times are rough in real life.
I was provided this ebook free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
For the most part, I loved this book. The hero and heroine were unique and compelling people. I feel the hero took too much on himself but one cannot truly keep control over one's psyche during tragedy, so I was sympathetic. The heroine was lovely and sincere in every respect—until the end, at least. The last parts were confusing and disconnected, which was disappointing, though there were still some good moments.
I would say this was a 5-star book until about 80% in. That's when things tilted into unclear plotting that was rushed and too dependent on external conflict (drama that was fully anticipated as soon as the issue was first mentioned early on).
The epilogue was also abrupt and confusing with no real resolution, presumably to hint at the next in the series but it was not clear enough to anticipate anything; just to be puzzled by it and shrug. I was surprised to find there wasn't more to wrap the current book up cleanly, and that it ended as it did. Or perhaps they already did that and then added a bit more to it that stopped it from feeling finished.
That said, I read this in a couple days and loved the vast majority of it. I think it's absolutely worth reading, for the sake of both main characters. Side characters are also interesting. I'm not one to enjoy a huge, quirky cast for the sake of having a huge, quirky cast, but this was well done and felt natural.
Most of all, one could feel and believe the complexities the heroine felt about herself. I wish this could have been more cleanly resolved, perhaps proving how she loves who she is even if others do not. It was a missed opportunity and I would have preferred that as a climax to the shuffle of one character running out of town to perform a task without communicating about it and coming back to redeem themself. There's not much proven there except that the character has enough money to solve their problems. They didn't earn the win, if that makes sense.
But I am nitpicking now, and it's because I so thoroughly enjoyed most of the book and all of the characters, so I wish it could have been that much better.
I definitely recommend reading the book for a diverting few hours. As is the way with romance novels, it's nice to see a happily ever after with two great characters, especially when times are rough in real life.
I was provided this ebook free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 7, 2022
Fantastic Story! The Duke Not Taken will have you laughing, crying and certainly rooting for our hero and heroine. Princess Amelia of the mythical kingdom of Wesloria has come to England to find a husband. This is not actually a choice but an attempt by her sister Queen Justine, from Last Duke Standing, first in this series, to curb Amelia’s impetuous nature and help her find happiness. Staying with family friends Amelia seems destined to keep bumping into the nearest neighbor, Joshua, Duke of Marley, under very unpleasant circumstances. She names him The Grim Reaper for the way he dresses all in black and races his horse recklessly throughout the neighborhood. The banter between the two is addictive to any reader especially when they start exchanging letters each unknown to the other. She thinks the writer is an old crone with too many complaints and he thinks they are from the school teacher. The letters show each glimpses into the feelings of the other. They both are doing their share of running. Amelia from herself (she doesn’t think people love her for herself). She is very honest and out-spoken. Joshua from guilt over his wife and unborn child’s death because the match was an arrangement for him to acquire an heir and instead she died. Amelia is so full of life and Joshua appears to have given up on it. They are thrown into each other’s company, sometimes by accident, sometimes not. They may not like each other but they seem to have a lot in common. From their mutual love of dogs and children to their beliefs that love can only exist in a relationship of compatibility. There are many mishaps and funny situations that aren’t to be missed as well as a bit of a mystery ending. Can’t wait for the next in this series.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC. All opinions are my own.
September 26, 2022
I wanted this to be a fun enemies to lovers story but I found attention seeking Amelia rude and immature, and the pace very slow.
I couldn’t get into the bored princess or the brood of little girls. It felt like the school girls got more page time than Joshua and Amelia, who didn’t even properly meet until %25 into the book.
Amelia not seeing Joshua’s “grand” gesture for herself and having his emotional reveal done through a letter he just handed her was … a choice. Side characters from the first book and a related series appeared, so maybe fans of those can look past the rude princess and lack of conversations between the couple.
2.5 stars. I received an arc from NetGalley
I couldn’t get into the bored princess or the brood of little girls. It felt like the school girls got more page time than Joshua and Amelia, who didn’t even properly meet until %25 into the book.
Amelia not seeing Joshua’s “grand” gesture for herself and having his emotional reveal done through a letter he just handed her was … a choice. Side characters from the first book and a related series appeared, so maybe fans of those can look past the rude princess and lack of conversations between the couple.
2.5 stars. I received an arc from NetGalley
March 13, 2024
I found this surprisingly enjoyable. I say “surprisingly” because I usually do not like books with fake royals from fabricated countries. Amelia didn’t spend a lot of time wringing her hands over proper royal protocol or stressing over what the citizens back home wanted her to be or do, which is usually where I get impatient. No, Amelia knew who she was, spoke bluntly, and wasn’t mealy-mouthed about her possible suitors. I liked her.
Joshua was suffering from guilt and melancholia and I thought the author conveyed his state of mind very well. I did find it surprising, though, that HE was surprised when people pointed it out to him. What did he think was the reason he roamed outdoors all night and stayed in bed until afternoon not sleeping? He was stuck and miserable and his desire to pretend it was just him being him rang a false note.
I also enjoyed the deliberation with which both Joshua and Amelia incrementally discovered each other. What I didn’t enjoy, however, was getting 90% through the book and still have Joshua refusing to take action on his acknowledged love for Amelia. I’m not saying it came out of nowhere. I’m saying I didn’t enjoy it, or the neat, quick way everything turned around.
Still, a lot more to savor than sulk over in this book.
Joshua was suffering from guilt and melancholia and I thought the author conveyed his state of mind very well. I did find it surprising, though, that HE was surprised when people pointed it out to him. What did he think was the reason he roamed outdoors all night and stayed in bed until afternoon not sleeping? He was stuck and miserable and his desire to pretend it was just him being him rang a false note.
I also enjoyed the deliberation with which both Joshua and Amelia incrementally discovered each other. What I didn’t enjoy, however, was getting 90% through the book and still have Joshua refusing to take action on his acknowledged love for Amelia. I’m not saying it came out of nowhere. I’m saying I didn’t enjoy it, or the neat, quick way everything turned around.
Still, a lot more to savor than sulk over in this book.
October 13, 2022
Amelia is bored, flirts with every handsome footman she can find, and as a princess she is totally out of line. So she is sent to England to find a husband.
Insert boring countryestate, not close to London at all. Not much to do there or to find yourself. Also the worst grumpy Duke lives near.
Joshua did have his reasons to be grumpy. He lost his child and wife. But he is also blaming himself(hey man, blame the shitty maternal care you had.)
They meet. They think the other one is annoying. They continue to meet. All other suitors suck. And it really is a slow burn romance and I enjoyed that. They learned about the person behind it all, and they had to work for it.
Nice romance. More about the people and the road there though.
Good narration. Everything is just better in audio
Insert boring countryestate, not close to London at all. Not much to do there or to find yourself. Also the worst grumpy Duke lives near.
Joshua did have his reasons to be grumpy. He lost his child and wife. But he is also blaming himself(hey man, blame the shitty maternal care you had.)
They meet. They think the other one is annoying. They continue to meet. All other suitors suck. And it really is a slow burn romance and I enjoyed that. They learned about the person behind it all, and they had to work for it.
Nice romance. More about the people and the road there though.
Good narration. Everything is just better in audio
September 20, 2022
The Duke Not Taken
Book 2 in the Royal Match Series
Rating: DNF at 30%
Thank you to the author/publisher for the ARC given through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
*********SPOILERS************
It really hurts me to do this because I really wanted to give it a chance, but I just couldn't. Amelia was not a very likeable FL for me. I just couldn't stand her behavior. Though she's 26 she behaves a little immature. I understand she's lived a very secluded and overprotective life but some of her thoughts and comments were a little hurtful to those around her. Some of the comments she makes are rude and she doesn't even realize it until someone lets her know. She then proceeds to shrug it off. She read to me like a spoiled teenager who needs constant attention.
Her only redeemable quality was how she treated the daughters of the family she was staying with in England. Sad to say I read up to the part where she is riding a horse with one of the girls and was close to getting both of them hurt and possibly killed.
In regards to Marley I don't have much to say. He's a grumpy duke that has suffered loss and has some kind of interest in Amelia when he meets her at a picnic.
I will give it a 2 star rating only because I feel it was more of me not getting into the story than the story itself. It's not badly written...I just was not a fan of the bored princess
Book 2 in the Royal Match Series
Rating: DNF at 30%
Thank you to the author/publisher for the ARC given through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
*********SPOILERS************
It really hurts me to do this because I really wanted to give it a chance, but I just couldn't. Amelia was not a very likeable FL for me. I just couldn't stand her behavior. Though she's 26 she behaves a little immature. I understand she's lived a very secluded and overprotective life but some of her thoughts and comments were a little hurtful to those around her. Some of the comments she makes are rude and she doesn't even realize it until someone lets her know. She then proceeds to shrug it off. She read to me like a spoiled teenager who needs constant attention.
Her only redeemable quality was how she treated the daughters of the family she was staying with in England. Sad to say I read up to the part where she is riding a horse with one of the girls and was close to getting both of them hurt and possibly killed.
In regards to Marley I don't have much to say. He's a grumpy duke that has suffered loss and has some kind of interest in Amelia when he meets her at a picnic.
I will give it a 2 star rating only because I feel it was more of me not getting into the story than the story itself. It's not badly written...I just was not a fan of the bored princess
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2024
3.5 stars.
I enjoyed reading this one, especially the letters between the 'old crone' and the 'headmaster'. Not earth shattering, but entertaining enough.
I enjoyed reading this one, especially the letters between the 'old crone' and the 'headmaster'. Not earth shattering, but entertaining enough.
November 16, 2024
Premier livre avec ma liseuse yayyy
Je pensais qu’il allait être nul mais EN FAIT NON
Bridgerton vibes ils sont amoureux et heureux je suis ravie j’ai adoré
Je pensais qu’il allait être nul mais EN FAIT NON
Bridgerton vibes ils sont amoureux et heureux je suis ravie j’ai adoré
September 7, 2022
Right off the bat I wonder what in the world happened to the relaxed version of Justine and William from book 1? They were so uptight and very judgmental of Amelia, who is far too old to be treated like a child. They decide she must be married for whatever reasons, and of course Lady Aleksander is called to duty as the matchmaker once again. I kind of enjoyed Amelia’s not putting up with it for the most part.
Amelia was a bit of a free spirit in the first book, but she was younger. She’s still outlandish at times, but mainly she is just a woman who refuses to be caged. I actually enjoyed her personality. She does get herself in a few bad situations, a product of always being watched and coddled I suppose.
Joshua Marly, the duke in this installment, is a stuck down in the dumps kind of guy. He has had some traumatic experiences in his life, but to still be wallowing in such pity for himself makes for a dislikable character. I really don’t see how Amelia comes to care for him.
Apparently I do not remember Beck and Blythe from the Royal Wedding series. Blythe is such a kill joy. Donovan was back, though I really wish there was more of him in the book. Too bad he won’t get his own happily ever after book.
Overall this was an enjoyable story.
Amelia was a bit of a free spirit in the first book, but she was younger. She’s still outlandish at times, but mainly she is just a woman who refuses to be caged. I actually enjoyed her personality. She does get herself in a few bad situations, a product of always being watched and coddled I suppose.
Joshua Marly, the duke in this installment, is a stuck down in the dumps kind of guy. He has had some traumatic experiences in his life, but to still be wallowing in such pity for himself makes for a dislikable character. I really don’t see how Amelia comes to care for him.
Apparently I do not remember Beck and Blythe from the Royal Wedding series. Blythe is such a kill joy. Donovan was back, though I really wish there was more of him in the book. Too bad he won’t get his own happily ever after book.
Overall this was an enjoyable story.
September 24, 2022
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?
Amelia and Joshua are meant to be together.
Sparks fly when the two of them are together. Julia London has written another good book. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily .
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?
Amelia and Joshua are meant to be together.
Sparks fly when the two of them are together. Julia London has written another good book. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily .
October 16, 2022
This is the 2nd book in the A Royal Match series and it takes place in the same world as the A Royal Wedding trilogy. There is some crossover of characters from the earlier trilogy. I would recommend reading the first book in the A Royal Match series, but not worrying about reading the other series.
Princess Amelia was initially horrified to see the matchmaker, Lady Lila Aleksander, attend a family meeting. However she quickly warms to the idea of having Lila's help in finding a match for her in England. I love the matchmaker. I would love her help match making (fingers crossed she would have matched me with my husband). She listens and observes with a keen eye.
Amelia and the Duke of Marley keep running into each other in surprising ways and places. Neither thinks the other is suitable and this leads to a more honest connection. The book is told from multiple points of view (Amelia, Lila, and Marley) and I enjoyed the different perspectives. There's also an epistolary aspect to the story which I loved. This was my favorite book from this world and series. I appreciated the slower pace and inner reflections of the characters.
Princess Amelia was initially horrified to see the matchmaker, Lady Lila Aleksander, attend a family meeting. However she quickly warms to the idea of having Lila's help in finding a match for her in England. I love the matchmaker. I would love her help match making (fingers crossed she would have matched me with my husband). She listens and observes with a keen eye.
Amelia and the Duke of Marley keep running into each other in surprising ways and places. Neither thinks the other is suitable and this leads to a more honest connection. The book is told from multiple points of view (Amelia, Lila, and Marley) and I enjoyed the different perspectives. There's also an epistolary aspect to the story which I loved. This was my favorite book from this world and series. I appreciated the slower pace and inner reflections of the characters.
September 26, 2022
THE DUKE NOT TAKEN by Julia London is just as fun as the first book in this series. Our heroine this time is Princess Amelia, the spare heir in the Weslorian Royal Family. Amelia has spent her entire life working to get out of her sister’s shadow, and if often lands her in trouble. Now that Justine is queen (the story from Book 1, LAST DUKE STANDING), it’s Amelia’s turn to find her prince.
Meanwhile, our hero, Joshua, Duke of Marley is the Beast in our Beauty and the Beast tale. He, too, was a spare heir until circumstances thrust him into the ducal seat. An ensuing personal tragedy has left him isolated in his grief and away from society.
I found so many things to like about this novel. A touch of “You’ve Got Mail,” snarky dialogue and Amelia being forced to grow up as she learns more about who she is by participating in “traditional activities,” like taking long walks.
I enjoyed watching Amelia and Joshua move toward their HEA.
Although part of a set, THE DUKE NOT TAKEN can be read alone.
Meanwhile, our hero, Joshua, Duke of Marley is the Beast in our Beauty and the Beast tale. He, too, was a spare heir until circumstances thrust him into the ducal seat. An ensuing personal tragedy has left him isolated in his grief and away from society.
I found so many things to like about this novel. A touch of “You’ve Got Mail,” snarky dialogue and Amelia being forced to grow up as she learns more about who she is by participating in “traditional activities,” like taking long walks.
I enjoyed watching Amelia and Joshua move toward their HEA.
Although part of a set, THE DUKE NOT TAKEN can be read alone.
February 4, 2023
Really enjoyed it! Im going to start reading more historical
Update with longer review:
I think that this was my first romance. I did enjoy it, but i'M gonna start with this: not enough sex scenes, and they were brushed over so fast.
Anyway, i loved the stories and all of the characters. They had more depth to them than the usual romance books i read.
I loved how Amelia was this headstrong women who didn't like to be treated differently than a man.
And joshua, my poor joshua who had lost his wife and his kid, my heart hurt for him. He felt like he didn't deserve to look for love again because the first time was a disaster...
I'm glad Amelia was there to make him see reason. I loved their banter and his point of view. Towards the end he worked hard for her and that's what we don't see in real life! that's what's missing in my nonexistent love life, a man who is going to put up with all my antics need to step up somewhere out there.
I shouldn't have started with the second book cuz idk how the first one is going to be better than this..
Update with longer review:
I think that this was my first romance. I did enjoy it, but i'M gonna start with this: not enough sex scenes, and they were brushed over so fast.
Anyway, i loved the stories and all of the characters. They had more depth to them than the usual romance books i read.
I loved how Amelia was this headstrong women who didn't like to be treated differently than a man.
And joshua, my poor joshua who had lost his wife and his kid, my heart hurt for him. He felt like he didn't deserve to look for love again because the first time was a disaster...
I'm glad Amelia was there to make him see reason. I loved their banter and his point of view. Towards the end he worked hard for her and that's what we don't see in real life! that's what's missing in my nonexistent love life, a man who is going to put up with all my antics need to step up somewhere out there.
I shouldn't have started with the second book cuz idk how the first one is going to be better than this..
August 29, 2022
The Duke Not Taken is the second book in the series. The first one was Last Duke Standing. Amelia is the sister of the queen of Wesloria. She is sent to England along with Lila, a matchmaker. Amelia does not hesitate to say what’s on her mind. People she meets are not used to being spoken to like this. Amelia and Lila are staying at a friend‘s estate. Joshua, the Duke of Marley is a neighbor. He is grieving the death of his wife an infant child. She is introduced to many potential suitors. None of them interest her. Her dislike for Joshua changes to attraction the more she learns about him. He fights the attraction he starts to have for her. I liked reading the correspondence between Joshua and Amelia. He thinks he’s writing to a teacher at a local school. She thinks she is responding to a caretaker of the estate near the school. I enjoyed Amelia and Joshua’s story.
I appreciated receiving an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I appreciated receiving an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
December 26, 2022
This was an enjoyable second book in a series. Since her sister married and became Queen, Amelia is sent to England to get her out of trouble and get her wed. She stays at a country estate with family friends, and while there she escorts the young daughter of the house to the local school for girls, where she finds herself volunteering. Eventually the matchmaker begins her work, introducing Amelia to countless men interested in marrying a princess. But the man they intrigues her is the local Duke, Joseph, who doesn’t seem interested in her or in any company whatsoever as a result of years-before tragedy. Still, they keep meeting. Can her charm work through his defenses? It’s a romance, so you know the answer to that. I loved the characters, especially Amelia, but I wished they could have started their connection sooner in the book.
August 23, 2022
The Duke Not Taken: A Historical Romance by Julia London
This is the story of Amelia Ivanosen, Princess of Wesloria and Joshua Parker, Duke of Marley - their relationship is dislike to love. She needs to find a husband and he has not gotten over the death of his wife in childbirth. There is angst, dislike, guilt, misunderstandings, laughter, tears, adorable children, good friends, and a little steam to get us to a wonderful HEA.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Romantic Tear-jerker Wonderful characters Unpredictable Page-turner Entertaining Easy-to-read Happily Ever After Funny Great world building Action-packed.
This is the story of Amelia Ivanosen, Princess of Wesloria and Joshua Parker, Duke of Marley - their relationship is dislike to love. She needs to find a husband and he has not gotten over the death of his wife in childbirth. There is angst, dislike, guilt, misunderstandings, laughter, tears, adorable children, good friends, and a little steam to get us to a wonderful HEA.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Romantic Tear-jerker Wonderful characters Unpredictable Page-turner Entertaining Easy-to-read Happily Ever After Funny Great world building Action-packed.
September 11, 2022
I requested an ARC of this book, and all opinions are my own.
This is part two of the series, and is related to a different series, but it can stand just fine on it's own.
I really enjoyed this book. Both of the main characters are searching for something, and while they don't know what it is yet, it's obvious they are drawn to one another. I liked the letters they shared, without realizing they were writing to one another, which gave the story some levity.
I strongly recommend this book.
This is part two of the series, and is related to a different series, but it can stand just fine on it's own.
I really enjoyed this book. Both of the main characters are searching for something, and while they don't know what it is yet, it's obvious they are drawn to one another. I liked the letters they shared, without realizing they were writing to one another, which gave the story some levity.
I strongly recommend this book.
September 20, 2022
This maybe my favorite Julia London book ever. The characters are incredible and the chemistry is amazing. Amelia Ivanosen, Princess of Wesloria is one of my favorite characters. The matchmaker is great too. The banter between Amelia and Joshua is hilarious. I hope you will give the book a chance.
October 26, 2022
Enjoyable slow moving tale.
September 28, 2022
Ok...so I really wanted to love this book. The blurb sounded really good, and ordinarily I really like this author's books. I didn't really connect with the characters in the first book but I was really hoping it was a fluke. I am sad to say, it wasn't for me. The writing is still good, the story isn't bad. But I couldn't stand the female lead. She annoyed me to no end. She was childish and immature, and I don't care how sheltered and such you are-she was just mean at some points. If I could have reached through a book and smacked someone, it would be her. Marley is grumpy and wasn't a bad character, I liked him to a point just because he has valid reasons for being the way he is. So, some people might love this story-I definitely didn't because I just couldn't stand Amelia, not anything about her.
October 21, 2023
The first of this series was so fun & I was looking forward to the story of the"spare princess". She was opinionated & unwilling to settle, maybe a bit full of herself, but so interesting in the first book. But then as the lead she becomes annoying beyond measure. All the things that made her interesting become muted & her opinions become come across as royal decrees. Argh!
I have another in the series & hope it's better.
I have another in the series & hope it's better.
January 25, 2023
Amelia Ivanosen, Princess of Wesloria, is sent to England by her sister the queen to find a husband. Lady Lila Aleksander, the famed matchmaker to the ton, is sent with Amelia to help her find a match. Amelia stays at a family friend's country estate. While Lila compiles a list of eligible gentlemen, Amelia escorts Beck Hawke's daughters to the school for girls. There she meets the overwhelmed headmaster, Mr. Roberts. She offers to help him with the business end of running the school. In so doing, Amelia comes across the disgruntled letters of the Concerned Resident of Devonshire. Amelia starts communicating with the writer of the complaint letters.
Joshua Parker, Duke of Marley, lives close to the school for girls. He hears their off tune singing, which is disrupting his desire for solitude. Joshua is in grief still over the death of his wife and child in childbirth. He uses his grief to build a wall between him and the rest of the world. One morning he nearly runs over Amelia, who is standing in the road, when he races by on his horse. Amelia labels Joshua the Grim Reaper because of his attitude and because he dresses all in black. They take an instant dislike of each other. When Joshua is dragged to a picnic by his friend, he finds out that Amelia is the Princess of Wesloria. He doesn't like her any more knowing that she is a princess.
The relationship between the two protagonists is fun to witness as Amelia tries to discover who she is, and Joshua discovers that the two years he has been hiding behind his grief is really him running from himself. As the two main characters bump into each other, intentionally and unintentionally, they learn who each other are and the facades they present to the world. The five daughters of Beck Hawke play a prominent role in providing the comic relief. The girls at the school for girls also provide some breathing space and learning experiences for the protagonists. The plot is a romance. The subplots leave room for a third book in A Royal Match series. In other words, not all the subplots are neatly woven into the plot. The descriptions are vivid and vibrant, from the description of the protagonists' emotional feelings to the dress the princess wears to the ball. The dialogue between Amelia and Joshua is at times flirtatious and provocative, and at other times, serious and heart rendering. The Duke Not Taken is the second book in A Royal Match series. It is an enjoyable book to retreat into for a few days. I haven't read the first book, The Last Duke Standing, but I will soon.
Joshua Parker, Duke of Marley, lives close to the school for girls. He hears their off tune singing, which is disrupting his desire for solitude. Joshua is in grief still over the death of his wife and child in childbirth. He uses his grief to build a wall between him and the rest of the world. One morning he nearly runs over Amelia, who is standing in the road, when he races by on his horse. Amelia labels Joshua the Grim Reaper because of his attitude and because he dresses all in black. They take an instant dislike of each other. When Joshua is dragged to a picnic by his friend, he finds out that Amelia is the Princess of Wesloria. He doesn't like her any more knowing that she is a princess.
The relationship between the two protagonists is fun to witness as Amelia tries to discover who she is, and Joshua discovers that the two years he has been hiding behind his grief is really him running from himself. As the two main characters bump into each other, intentionally and unintentionally, they learn who each other are and the facades they present to the world. The five daughters of Beck Hawke play a prominent role in providing the comic relief. The girls at the school for girls also provide some breathing space and learning experiences for the protagonists. The plot is a romance. The subplots leave room for a third book in A Royal Match series. In other words, not all the subplots are neatly woven into the plot. The descriptions are vivid and vibrant, from the description of the protagonists' emotional feelings to the dress the princess wears to the ball. The dialogue between Amelia and Joshua is at times flirtatious and provocative, and at other times, serious and heart rendering. The Duke Not Taken is the second book in A Royal Match series. It is an enjoyable book to retreat into for a few days. I haven't read the first book, The Last Duke Standing, but I will soon.
October 12, 2023
Anya - per RFS
.
Il senso di dolcezza che mi ha lasciato questo libro vorrei durasse all’infinito!
Questo romanzo rosa storico mi è piaciuto molto dall’inizio alla fine.
I protagonisti sono Amelia e Joshua, lei la sorella minore della regina e lui un duca che ha ereditato il titolo per una serie di sfortunati eventi che hanno colpito i suoi familiari.
Amelia è una ragazza piena di vita con un carattere turbolento caratterizzato da una buona dose di sarcasmo, parecchia fiducia in sé stessa e tanta tanta sincerità. È una ragazza che non viene ben compresa dalle persone tranne che da quelle che la conoscono da sempre o cercano di capirla.
Amelia viene costretta gentilmente a lasciare Wesloria e trovare marito in Inghilterra, qui si imbatte in Joshua, duca di Marley. Lui è scontroso, facilmente irritabile e non rimane folgorato dalla sua presenza, in più contesta tutto quello che lei dice. Questa è la prima impressione che si fa Amelia e infatti lo paragona al Tetro Mietitore.
Dal primo incontro in poi si susseguono divertenti battibecchi, situazioni all’apparenza pericolose e uno scambio di lettere davvero piene di sarcasmo e fraintendimenti.
Joshua è rimasto scottato da una vecchia relazione, poi è finito in un matrimonio senza amore e inoltre una tragedia lo ha colpito completando la sua chiusura emotiva verso tutto e tutti. Vive una vita in solitudine, burbero, sembra non sopportare nessuno, si incolpa per eventi passati anche se non dovrebbe e l’unico modo per avvicinarlo è imporre la propria presenza, cosa che il suo amico Lord Clarendon ha ben capito.
Mi è piaciuto vedere come entrambi i protagonisti con la loro involontaria frequentazione si modificano e pian piano si migliorano.
All’interno del libro l’autrice ha deciso di inserire lo scambio di lettere fra la protagonista e il duca (lei pensa di scrivere a una vecchina e lui al maestro della scuola femminile) e le lettere fra Amelia e la sorella; questa aggiunta alla narrazione l’ho davvero apprezzata e le epistole sono una meraviglia!
Ho adorato l’ambientazione, il modo di parlare d’altri tempi, i balli, le cene sontuose, i picnic …
Davvero un bellissimo romanzo che sono stata felice di aver letto.
La storia d’amore fra i due protagonisti non è per nulla scontata: ha la giusta dose di alti e bassi, romanticismo, ironia e rocamboleschi salvataggi, la parte spicy è molto leggera e per nulla volgare.
Consiglio assolutamente questa lettura a tutte le romantiche che stravedono per i cavalieri che non sanno di dover salvare la principessa ma che involontariamente lo fanno.
.
Il senso di dolcezza che mi ha lasciato questo libro vorrei durasse all’infinito!
Questo romanzo rosa storico mi è piaciuto molto dall’inizio alla fine.
I protagonisti sono Amelia e Joshua, lei la sorella minore della regina e lui un duca che ha ereditato il titolo per una serie di sfortunati eventi che hanno colpito i suoi familiari.
Amelia è una ragazza piena di vita con un carattere turbolento caratterizzato da una buona dose di sarcasmo, parecchia fiducia in sé stessa e tanta tanta sincerità. È una ragazza che non viene ben compresa dalle persone tranne che da quelle che la conoscono da sempre o cercano di capirla.
Amelia viene costretta gentilmente a lasciare Wesloria e trovare marito in Inghilterra, qui si imbatte in Joshua, duca di Marley. Lui è scontroso, facilmente irritabile e non rimane folgorato dalla sua presenza, in più contesta tutto quello che lei dice. Questa è la prima impressione che si fa Amelia e infatti lo paragona al Tetro Mietitore.
Dal primo incontro in poi si susseguono divertenti battibecchi, situazioni all’apparenza pericolose e uno scambio di lettere davvero piene di sarcasmo e fraintendimenti.
Joshua è rimasto scottato da una vecchia relazione, poi è finito in un matrimonio senza amore e inoltre una tragedia lo ha colpito completando la sua chiusura emotiva verso tutto e tutti. Vive una vita in solitudine, burbero, sembra non sopportare nessuno, si incolpa per eventi passati anche se non dovrebbe e l’unico modo per avvicinarlo è imporre la propria presenza, cosa che il suo amico Lord Clarendon ha ben capito.
Mi è piaciuto vedere come entrambi i protagonisti con la loro involontaria frequentazione si modificano e pian piano si migliorano.
All’interno del libro l’autrice ha deciso di inserire lo scambio di lettere fra la protagonista e il duca (lei pensa di scrivere a una vecchina e lui al maestro della scuola femminile) e le lettere fra Amelia e la sorella; questa aggiunta alla narrazione l’ho davvero apprezzata e le epistole sono una meraviglia!
Ho adorato l’ambientazione, il modo di parlare d’altri tempi, i balli, le cene sontuose, i picnic …
Davvero un bellissimo romanzo che sono stata felice di aver letto.
La storia d’amore fra i due protagonisti non è per nulla scontata: ha la giusta dose di alti e bassi, romanticismo, ironia e rocamboleschi salvataggi, la parte spicy è molto leggera e per nulla volgare.
Consiglio assolutamente questa lettura a tutte le romantiche che stravedono per i cavalieri che non sanno di dover salvare la principessa ma che involontariamente lo fanno.
October 9, 2022
Amelia Ivanosen, Princess of Wesloria, is bored. Whether she realizes it or not, since her sister married and took the throne, she has been searching for what to do, and that has led her into some close calls... So, what to do with a restless young woman with a short sense of propriety in a world that requires it? Her mother and sister decide it's time to get her married of course! She is sent to England with Lady Lila Alexander - matchmaker extraordinaire. So, Lila does her best to throw eligible bachelors at Amelia, only to watch as Amelia all but yawns while meeting each of them. Except naturally, the one man she simply can't stand and would never consider.
Joshua Parker, Duke of Marley, just wants peace and quiet, not a royal living next door. He's grumpy and short-tempered, as a man might be after losing his wife in childbirth. When he's forced to a dinner party, meeting Amelia, they both have an instant dislike of each other. Can I say though, the banter? Classic Julia London - I could read pages and pages of bantering written by this author! They both form unlikeable opinions of each other which is sidelined by the clear chemistry between the two, making it very evident to everyone that they don't actually hate each other at all. The scenes that showcased their "hate" of one another were some of my favorites in this book and kept me smiling throughout. Then as they discovered how they truly felt, it seemed well won at that point, watching the romance bloom and blossom in to genuine like and love.
It's rather enjoyable to see two characters most people might not be interested in, find something irresistible within each other. I really enjoyed this book from Julia London, one of my new favorites of hers for sure. This is the second book in the Royal Match series, and I believe can be read as a standalone, but shouldn't. Pick up the first one, you won't be disappointed.
My opinions are my own and freely given.
Joshua Parker, Duke of Marley, just wants peace and quiet, not a royal living next door. He's grumpy and short-tempered, as a man might be after losing his wife in childbirth. When he's forced to a dinner party, meeting Amelia, they both have an instant dislike of each other. Can I say though, the banter? Classic Julia London - I could read pages and pages of bantering written by this author! They both form unlikeable opinions of each other which is sidelined by the clear chemistry between the two, making it very evident to everyone that they don't actually hate each other at all. The scenes that showcased their "hate" of one another were some of my favorites in this book and kept me smiling throughout. Then as they discovered how they truly felt, it seemed well won at that point, watching the romance bloom and blossom in to genuine like and love.
It's rather enjoyable to see two characters most people might not be interested in, find something irresistible within each other. I really enjoyed this book from Julia London, one of my new favorites of hers for sure. This is the second book in the Royal Match series, and I believe can be read as a standalone, but shouldn't. Pick up the first one, you won't be disappointed.
My opinions are my own and freely given.
December 29, 2022
The Duke Not Taken is the second in A Royal Match series but can be read as a stand alone story. This is a story of first impressions are not always true and the spark of hostility may also be the spark of attraction. Princess Amelia is bored and restless since her sister, now Queen Justine, has ascended the throne and married which is causing Amelia to get into potentially scandalous situations. The queen sends her to England to find a suitable husband with the help of Lady Lila Alexander, the matchmaker. While staying at the country seat of a family friend, Amelia's boredom only increases so she takes to walking her hosts' daughters to school and assisting the teacher with paperwork, then exploring the countryside. On her ambles, she is almost run over by a dark character riding his horse and has several other volatile encounters. Joshua Parker, the Duke of Marley, has become a morose recluse since the death of his wife and child during childbirth. He blames himself for their deaths because he talked his wife into trying for an heir again after several miscarriages. He is coerced into attending a ball introducing the princess and as the two are formally introduced, tempers flare as they recognize each other from earlier encounters. However, when they are later trapped together at Marley's home during a violent storm, they begin to realize that they were wrong about the other and their attraction grows but Joshua is still refusing to court the princess for fear this relationship will end as his last. The story that follows is about resolution, retribution and finding the courage to overcome the past and find happiness in the future. This is a well written, beautiful love story. The characters are well developed, realistic with relatable issues and problems that they must deal with.
September 26, 2022
4.5/5 - The Duke Not Taken by Julia London, book two in her Royal Match series, is a wonderful, enjoyable, charming, humorous tale following Amelia Ivanosen, Princess of Wesloria and Joshua Parker, Duke of Marley. Amelia needs to find a husband and Joshua has not gotten over the death of his wife in childbirth. Amelia has been forced to travel to England to find a husband, with the help of Lila, a matchmaker. This is an attempt by her sister Queen Justine to curb Amelia’s impetuous nature and help her find happiness. Staying with family friends, Amelia seems destined to keep bumping into their nearest neighbor, Joshua, often under very unpleasant circumstances. Amelia is spirited and engaging; says what she thinks while searching for her place in this world. Joshua is grumpy and lost in the depths of his grief; although it’s not a grief he can share with anyone. If only he could get the kids at that darn school to stop making such a racket so he could wallow in peace and storm across the land looking like the grim reaper. There are numerous mishaps and humorous situations occurring as these two are thrown into each other’s company, sometimes by accident, sometimes not. Although they might not like each other, they have a lot in common; from their mutual love of dogs and children to their beliefs that love can only exist in a relationship of compatibility.
Ms. London wrote a wonderful story filled with humor, witty banter, warmish love scenes, wonderful leads, great secondary characters, secrets, scandals, a bit of heartache, and the magic of love that should not to be missed. I highly recommend The Duke Not Taken to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Ms. London wrote a wonderful story filled with humor, witty banter, warmish love scenes, wonderful leads, great secondary characters, secrets, scandals, a bit of heartache, and the magic of love that should not to be missed. I highly recommend The Duke Not Taken to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
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