Last Night with the Duke (Rakes of St. James, #1)

by Amelia Grey

[stacey_is_sassy]

A message to publishers and big wigs in the industry…

***2.5 stars***

Geez, I’m probably shooting myself in the foot here, but I think it’s about time we set the higher-uppers straight. Recently, I have been involved in discussions with fellow readers and a few historical romance authors about “Dukes”. Supposedly, we, the readers, like our heroes to be of the Duke variety. It’s said to "catch our eye" in a title, appeals to us because of their nobility, more realistic than a Prince...

REALLY????? Every bloody historical romance???? How about we spread it around??? Who's up for an Earl?? When was the last Baron? What happened to the poor Marquess'?

I’ll be honest, I do like to see my hero have a good place in social standings but to be honest, I think Duke’s are a bunch of stuffy dudes who think way too highly of themselves. Their love stories are normally told after they’re sick of mistress’s, drinking to excess and gambling.

I’m convinced that Dukes are ONLY attracted to women with a lower social standing than themselves. This is why we have Duke’s falling in love with mere Miss’s, Lady’s with questionable reputations, governess’s and chaperones. Now, to make us believe that this could remotely be “correct”, the love interest was once part of a reputable family but unfortunately were ostracised because of some sort of scandal. We can’t have a Duke marry a commoner after all.

In relation to Last Night with the Duke, the above was racing through my head as I read. I can’t say for certain, but I feel that I may have “believed” the story if the hero wasn’t a Duke. I struggled to see what the big hullabaloo was about and why it was such a big drama. Yeah, yeah…I get that big bro wants his twin sisters to have the best first season EVER. I understand he doesn't want them tainted by his past transgressions. BUT, it seems to me, that is what all sister’s to a Duke must face...or so I'm lead to believe.

In regards to the Duke’s eventual love for Esmerelda and his desperate need to have only her do the job of chaperoning his sisters…what a crock!! It was plain old lust and completely unbelievable considering they hardly spent any time together. Good old Dukey, was a jerk, a snob and a demanding bossy boots...and not in a sexy way.

Talking about sexy ways...well, we get one intimate scene right at the end after a few fondling sessions. It was rushed and seemed to be added in to fit the required "need to see their connection".

This review probably seems excessively harsh but I really needed more. At the 50% mark the hero is still talking about finding a woman of good standing that he’s attracted to as much as the chaperone. Yuck! By the end of the story, I was left with unanswered questions. What about Esmerelda’s family? Did the pretty boy get shamed because of his bad behaviour? Will the Fortescue douchewaffle get what’s coming to him? Will they find a cure for Lady Evelyn’s skin condition? I have a feeling, I may never know the answers….

Stacey is Sassy, received a complimentary copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.