Desperate Duchesses by Eloisa James

Desperate Duchesses (Desperate Duchesses, #1)

by Eloisa James

Spring 1783 ... Jemma, Duchess of Beaumont, has just returned from Paris and is planning to shock all of London high society - not to mention horrify her husband - with scandalous soirees and a debauched Grand Ball. When her country cousin Lady Roberta St Giles asks for help seducing the Duke of Villiers into marriage, Jemma transforms Roberta into the most delicious and desirable woman in town. Then she lures Villiers to the house, ostensibly to play chess, but he, ignoring both Roberta and Jemma's husband, offers Jemma a match - the third game to be played blindfold. And in bed.

Reviewed by stacey_is_sassy on

4 of 5 stars

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Loved it!!

I am a huge fan of Eloisa James and this particular series got past me without notice. Luckily I've found it and I am determined to get through them all as quickly as possible.

The first half of the book I was a little confused on who the main characters were. We learnt about a lot of characters and I actually had to log onto Goodreads to read the blurb again to find out who the Hero and Heroine were. Really enjoyed the slow building connection between Damon and Roberta. Damon's seduction and devotion was lovely and his love for his illegitimate son very sweet.

The other couple who I originally thought the book might be about was the Duke and Duchess of Beaumont. I was a little heartbroken hearing about the very unhappy marriage between Elijah and Jemma. I'm not sure I'm going to like Elijah in his own story and I almost wish there was a better ending for Jemma.

I am a huge fan of Ms James and find her writing enjoyable. Definitely will be going on to the next Duchess.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 8 November, 2014: Finished reading
  • 8 November, 2014: Reviewed