"great Regency romance"

In 1817 Suffolk, England, widow Imogen Essex lives at the home of Duke Rafe Jourdain, guardian to her and her remaining unmarried sister Josie; her other siblings Annabel (see KISS ME ANNABEL) and Tess (see MUCH ADO ABOUT YOU) recently wed. Imogen believes her contrary host is a drunk as he imbibes at any time. However, she feels a debt to Rafe who took them in when their parents died; she tries to help him overcome his alcohol dependency even as he obstinately rejects her aid because Rafe feels a forbidden attraction that is disloyal to the trust Lord and Lady Maitland bestowed on him.

After meeting Rafe's illegitimate half-brother Gabe Spenser, Imogen decides he is perfect for a tryst. In order to thwart her attempts at illicit behavior and the subsequent scandal, Rafe pretends to be Gabe rendezvousing with Imogen but instead he finds himself in freefall needing to make love with his ward. To do that he will need to change the relationship of his protection from that of to a ward to a wife if he can persuade Imogen of his love for her.

THE TAMING OF THE DUKE is a great Regency romance that stars two delightful lead protagonists whose flaws seem real and make them vulnerable (and perfect for us readers). The charming story line is as always in an Eloisa James' tale a battle between the sexes in which there can be only two outcomes possible, either both win or both lose, with the betting line at Whites being the latter. Book three of the Essex sisters' tales is a wonderful novel that sub-genre fans will appreciate, but also romance readers in general will enjoy THE TAMING OF THE DUKE as the "Professor" has another winner that is a sure shot bestseller.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted May 25, 2006