The Duke Not Taken (A Royal Match #2)

Julia London

Blurb:

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?

Themes: Historical

Rating: 3.75 stars

Heat Rating:

Review:

Ok so to be honest, after the last book in this series, I wasn’t too very sure what to expect out of this second installment in the Royal Match series, but while I can’t say it blew me out of the water, I will say it had me in tears of both laughter and heartache until the very last chapter. Julia London’s newest series revolving around the royal female line of a small (fictional) kingdom in Europe has been one of laughter and tears, with a strange quirkiness to the love story, and a unique nature to her heroes and heroines. In the first story, the heir (and now Queen) Justine found love in the most unlikely of men and circumstances, and now her younger sister has been making trouble so it’s time for her to settle down in a match that will calm her restless nature. Amelia has always shined in the spotlight, been allowed to indulge her restless need for adventure, and has seldom had to curb her natural inclinations, but now she is sequestered in a small country estate in England and has been told to behave and find a mate. The problem is that none of the suitors presented to her meet her requirements for a life-long match and the love she so desperately wants in life, much less the adventure she needs. A chance meeting with a dark and brooding man sets her blood to boiling and he sparks her desires, but when she discovers his identity so much changes. Joshua, Duke of Marley, just wants peace and quiet to wallow in the tragedy of the death of his wife and child, but now he’s being dragged to balls and forced to deal with loud little girls, angry farm women, and parties for spoiled princesses. When he finally meets the princess face-to-face his world is turned upside down and the spark of life that has been missing from him is suddenly relit, totally against his will, and he has to fight every moment the pull to the beautiful and infuriating creature that will pull him into the light. But when they both discover the love that has developed, only they can decide if it is enough to embrace a future together, or if they are destined to both remain forever alone and in the darkness. I was very surprised by Amelia, but I enjoyed watching her growth throughout the story as she learned how her behavior and speech was perceived by others and learned that sometimes one must hold back ones true feelings in order to maintain a semblance of peace and happiness for all. She found her true direction in life as well as the love she sought, and is that truly the only adventure we all need in life? I loved how she fought back against those that would quell her spirit and sought to force her to be something she wasn’t, but more importantly that she never allowed herself to forget that she might not be perfect, but she was a good person. Joshua had definitely lived through a tragedy, but seeing him stuck, blaming himself for something that so often happened in those days, was heartbreaking and reminded me that while that error certainly had its beauty, I’m perfectly happy here in the 21^st century. He obviously still has so much to give the world, if only he can accept that sometimes thing happen beyond our control, but the things we can control are the most important and what we need to focus on. I enjoyed watching him laughing when he allowed himself to relax in quiet moments with Amelia, and when he finally allowed himself to love I knew he would be everything she’d ever need. The sparks between these two never failed to leave me laughing as they challenged one another, fought one another, and ultimately brought out the love of adventure they’d both hidden for so long. They truly were the perfect match for one another. I am looking forward to more in the series, if in fact more is coming, but if not hopefully more in the vein of this series is coming which will be just as entertaining.