Thursday, May 14, 2020

Review - - Say Yes to the Duke


Say Yes to the Duke
by Eloisa James
The Wildes of Lindow Castle - Book 5
Publisher: Avon
Release Date: May 19, 2020
Reviewed by PJ
 


A shy wallflower meets her dream man--or does she?--in the next book in New York Times bestselling author Eloisa James' Wildes of Lindow series.
Miss Viola Astley is so painfully shy that she’s horrified by the mere idea of dancing with a stranger; her upcoming London debut feels like a nightmare.
So she’s overjoyed to meet handsome, quiet vicar with no interest in polite society — but just when she catches his attention, her reputation is compromised by a duke.
Devin Lucas Augustus Elstan, Duke of Wynter, will stop at nothing to marry Viola, including marrying a woman whom he believes to be in love with another man.
A vicar, no less.
Devin knows he’s no saint, but he’s used to conquest, and he’s determined to win Viola’s heart.
Viola has already said Yes to his proposal, but now he wants her unruly heart…and he won’t accept No for an answer.


PJ's Thoughts:

There are times I'm in the mood for a book filled with conflict and angst; a book that takes me on an emotional roller coaster ride. But, other times, I want a book that's filled with witty banter, a boisterous and loving family, flirtatious fun, sizzling desire, and heart-tugging romance between two characters who had me in their corner, urging them on to a happily ever after. In short, a book that's fun, that makes me grin, laugh, and sigh - a book that makes me happy. This is one of those books. 

Even though I've read all of the books in this series, I really had no idea what to expect of Viola other than knowing she's shy. She is, but she's also so much more. I love her growth throughout the story, how she gradually gains confidence and slowly begins to embrace the strength and power within her, as well as her Wilde side. I love her quiet determination and caring nature. And I adore how she takes Devin to task from their first meeting. She is exactly what he needs in his life, as he is the perfect mate for her. I love his pursuit of her; how he embraces his (well-hidden) romantic side to woo her. Their playfulness with one another is such a joy. It's fun to watch their relationship deepen as they explore the passion between them, gradually opening their hearts to one another and the love that continues to grow between them. Their chemistry is off the charts and, let me just say, I'll never view a china closet in the same way again!

The secondary cast of characters in this book are a delightful accompaniment to the journey. In addition to various members of the Wilde family and Devin's family, there's a "pretty" vicar who not only plays an important role in Devin's and Viola's relationship but also finds himself caught in a romantic tangle of his own. 

Say Yes to the Duke is a witty, feel-good, historical romance that checked all of my happy boxes. It's exactly what I needed, had me grinning pretty much from beginning to end, and features a hero who made me sigh and a heroine who is one of my all-time Eloisa James favorites. I highly recommend it. 

Though this is the fifth book in the Wildes of Lindow Castle series and does feature some characters from previous books, readers new to the series should be able to fully enjoy this story without having read the others first. Though I do recommend those too. 

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Have you read any of the Wildes of Lindow Castle books yet? Have a favorite?

Who are some of your favorite romance families? 


13 comments:

  1. I've read all of the books so far in this series. I enjoyed Diana and Roland's story a lot. As always, a great review from you and I've added it to my "wish list".

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    1. I enjoyed Diana and North a lot too, Diane. They don't make appearances in this book but Lavinia does and she's an absolute delight. We also get a lot of page time with Joan Wilde who I understand is next in line for an HEA.

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  2. I've not read this series yet but I've enjoyed many of her books. Sounds like a great one - thanks.

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    1. I've read all of her back list. Say Yes to the Duke ranks high among them with me for the sheer happiness factor.

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  3. I've read the first 4 in this series. I liked all of them. Wilde In Love Alaric and Willa's story.

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    1. OOPS forgot favorite families:
      Mallorys Johanna Lindsay
      Bridgertons- Julia Quinn
      McKettricks- Linda Lael Miller
      Boscastles- Jillian Hunter
      McKaslins- Jillian Hart
      O'Hurleys-Nora Roberts
      Sullivans- Bella Andre
      Abbotts- Marie Force
      MacLeans and Hursts Karen Hawkins

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  4. I have read Eloisas books before but not this series. Have a couple in my TBR pile. I love the Bridgerton series by Julia Quinn and Mallorys by Johanna Lindsey

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  5. I have read every one of the Wilde's family books. I like them all...because I like humor in my romances. There are families created by Mary Balogh, Johanna Lindsay, Julia Quinn, and quite a few others. I enjoy the stories which remind me of the family members who not only have had their own love story, but encourage other members of their family to find a happily ever after.

    Thanks for this lovely review.

    I hope everyone is staying safe and taking care.

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  6. I am a big Eloisa fan, but unfortunately have not made it to this series yet. They're waiting patiently for me! I love all of the romance families already mentioned and would also add the Everseas and Redmonds (Pennyroyal Green series) from Julie Anne Long.

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  7. I've read Eloisa's work for years and some years back, I went through sort of a burnout and haven't touched one of her books for about 8-10 years. I still have some of her earlier works on my ever-growing TBR shelves. Should bring them out and read them now. She would be a refreshing change from the pack of today!

    I love such fictional families as:
    de Montforte Brothers by Danielle Harmon
    The Stoneville children in the Hellions of Halstead Hall by Sabrina Jeffries
    The Cynsters by Stephanie Laurens
    The Bridgertons by Julia Quinn
    The list could go on and on...

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  8. My daughter has the entire series prior to this release and I will get to reading them when I have less ARCs and more time to read what I want. Thanks for the review PJ!! This story sounds like one I will really love!!

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  9. I love Eloisa's books and look forward to reading this one.

    denise

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  10. I enjoy Eloisa James' books. I haven't read one recently and this is a series I will have to catch up on. As I usually do, I will wait until I have all the books and then binge read the series. It will be hard to wait, because this does sound like just my kind of story and characters. Thank you for the review and recommendation. We could all use a happy story now.
    Many of the families listed in previous comments are also favorites of mine.

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