Reviewed by FranJessca @ A Book Lovin' Mama's Blog on

4.5 of 5 stars

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My Last Duchess is the prequel to Eloisa James The Wilde of Lindow Castle series. Other readers (unlike myself) have probably already been introduced to this prequel’s main characters after reading the first five books in the series. I’m glad, though, I started with the prequel in this series. This was the first book I read from Eloisa, but it won’t be my last. I enjoyed the story with Ophelia and Hugo. It was fast-paced, and it didn’t take me long to read. I haven’t read the other books in the series, but I’m going to add them now to my TBR.

Female Protagonist: Ophelia, Lady Astley, is a Widower with a little girl. She’s one woman that will not be persuaded by a handsome Duke, and I adored her character because of how she handled herself with the Duke. There were times she drove me crazy about how she saw herself. The way the male protagonist described her, she was beautiful.

Male Protagonist: Hugo Wilde, the Duke of Lindow, is one man that is determined to win over the Female Protagonist in the story. He is one male that has had it rough after losing his first wife and then having his second leaving for someone else. I felt for him because I didn’t think someone would want to marry him, especially after finding out how many children he has in his household. I loved his character in the story and can’t wait to read more of him in the full-length novels.

Storyline: Hugo Wilde is the Duke of Lindow, and he’s on the look out for a third wife because he needs a mother for his eight children. His twin sister persists that he finds a Duchess that can handle his family. Hugo ends up falling head over heels in love with a woman that runs away from him. She even turns him down when he asks her to marry him. Ophelia is not someone that will be won over easily by a handsome Duke. She loves her life as a single mother to her daughter. She lost her husband and just now went back out to society, and she runs into a Duke that wants to marry her right away. Nope. It’s not going to happen. The Duke, though, is very persistent. The chemistry and the constant banter between these two were what kept me turning the pages. I loved getting to know these two characters.

Steaminess: Some Steam, especially towards the end of the book.

Standalone or Series: It is the prequel to The Wildes of Lindow Castles series. It could be read as a standalone. Readers who have read Books 1 – 5 have already been introduced to this prequel’s main characters.

HEA: Yes

Trope: Instant-Love

Would I recommend this book? If you enjoy Instant Love in a historical romance, then this prequel is for you. I give this prequel 4.5-stars and recommend it to readers that love Historical Romance and have read Eloisa James books before. I’m kicking myself in the butt that I’m just now reading one of Eloisa’s books. Now I cannot wait to find out who Hugo and Ophelia’s children will end up within their books.

***I try each time to type up a short review, but it never happens. I love sharing, but I promise not to spoil.***

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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Reading updates

  • 17 October, 2020: Started reading
  • 17 October, 2020: Finished reading
  • 18 October, 2020: Reviewed