Review: The Duke is Mine- Elosia James

Title: The Duke is Mine

Author: Elosia James

Series: Fairy Tales - Book 3 

Release Date: January, 2012

Publisher: Avon 

Genre: Historical

Rating: 4 Hoots

Reviewer: Lexi 

Tarquin, the powerful Duke of Sconce, knows perfectly well that the decorous and fashionably slender Georgiana Lytton will make him a proper duchess. So why can’t he stop thinking about her twin sister, the curvy, headstrong, and altogether unconventional Olivia? Not only is Olivia betrothed to another man, but their improper, albeit intoxicating, flirtation makes her unsuitability all the more clear. 

Determined to make a perfect match, he methodically cuts Olivia from his thoughts, allowing logic and duty to triumph over passion…Until, in his darkest hour, Tarquin begins to question whether perfection has anything to do with love. 

To win Olivia's hand he would have to give up all the beliefs he holds most dear, and surrender heart, body and soul… 

Unless it’s already too late 

This sexy, witty version of The Princess and the Pea turns the classic fairy tale into an enticing, funny, and moving romance. (Goodreads)

Do you recall that classic fairy tale in which a young lady shows up in the middle of the night during a storm? Determined to prove if the young woman really is a princess the old Queen places a pea under the mattresses to see if it will bother the young woman’s sleep.

Thankfully you will not have to wait for that particular scene before Olivia has proven her worth and captured the heart of the Duke. True she does still show up in the middle of the night, drenched from head to toe. But that seems to be in her favor in catching the Dukes eye, after all he is a red blooded male and she was wearing a very light colored gown. And she is under scrutiny of the Duke’s mother, deemed unworthy. And she does find herself on top of a stack of mattresses. Though if it really was a pea hidden in the mattresses Olivia surly would have failed the test and then proceeded to have some witty comment about it.

James has crafted two lively characters in Olivia and Quin (Tarquin). For Olivia she gave her an incredible sense of humor, a talented tongue to go with her sharp mind, and a tender heart capable of upholding honor at all costs. Quin has lost his mirth but soon after meeting Olivia begins to realize that he does still know how to smile and laugh, he just needs her to bring that out in him. 

The Duke is Mine is a wonderfully entertaining love story between two people that bring out the best in each other. Despite the roadblocks in their way Olivia and Quin are helpless against what they feel for each other. You will breathe a sigh of relief along with them once it becomes clear there is nothing standing in the way of love. 

James takes bits and pieces from many well-known stories. See how many you can pick up on before you read her historical note at the end to discover if you were right. 

This is highly recommended to historical romance lovers, fairy tale retelling lovers, and anyone who just wants a fun witty romance.