Cover Image: Say No to the Duke

Say No to the Duke

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Member Reviews

A really loved this one. I've had a break from romantic fiction recently and this is exactly what I needed. It was fiesty and entertaining. These have been two of my favourite secondary characters from previous books so it was great to read their own story.

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I absolutely loved this book! Eloisa James can do no wrong!!! If you love the genre you have to read this delicious page turner!!! I recommend it. I wish it were longer!

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It's safe to say that Lady Bodicea 'Betsy' Wilde is bored with her season despite it being a rousing success. Instead of pursuing the eligible and handsome Duke Thaddeus who has just proposed to her, she'd much rather spend time in the billiards room exchanging quips with family friend Lord Jeremy.

Both Betsy and Jeremy have baggage - the kind that stops either one from going after what they truly want and what will truly make them happy. Which, more and more, seems to be... each other. But Betsy is desperate to prove to the ton that she's worlds apart from her philandering mother, and what better way than to marry a duke? Meanwhile Jeremy is fighting demons of his own after surviving a tragic battle in the United States; burdened by guilt, shame and questions of his own sanity, he knows that the last thing he deserves is the funny, kind-hearted and lovable Betsy.

Betsy and Jeremy's chemistry is off-the-charts from the very beginning and I love how they work through their problems together. There's a whole host of characters in this book that make it such an enjoyable read and I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

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So it has been a while since I read a historical... but this one was a great place to restart!

The characters were entertaining and the story interesting... and with such a huge family I guess there are going to plenty of Wilde stories in the future. It took me a while to pick it up, but once I did I finished it pretty quickly!

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If you enjoy a novel with very little plot then I'd recommend Say No to the Duke. Pretty much nothing happens. However, the characters are enjoyable and their interactions are fun. I think Eloisa James has written more complex books but that was a wonderful way to relax in a different world.

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I fell in love with the author books a few years ago and, even if lately i haven't read many historical romances, this book has her usual signature of great settings, great characters and a love story that will keep you wanting more and more.
I haven't read the other books in the series but it can easily be read as a stand-alone. I do want to go back as there are so many secondary characters that i want to read about their stories because they seem to be so intriguing as well as our Betsy and Jeremy.
Great writing, as usual, a heroine that is lovely and stubborn at the same time, a brooding hero that will get what he wants as always, great banter between them and very good moments between them.
Overall a great reading as usual from the author.

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This is such an absolute pleasure to read.

Lady Knowe and Her Grace of Eversley are hilarious, they are both brilliant secondary characters.

Jeremy and Betsy are both passionate and they are perfect for each other. Their sparkling humour and witty banters make them interesting hero and heroine.

But I just couldn't fathom why Jeremy's cousin Gregoire was credited with so much focus and weight in the story. (He has direct access to the Colonel! I just find this preposterous)

This is an eGalley copy which I voluntarily read. My review is honest and impartial.

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I adore Eloisa James's historical romances, so I was thrilled to receive an early copy of Say No to the Duke.

Lady Betsy has always felt Society judges her for the scandal of her mother running away with a handsome Prussian, but she gets her revenge on the gossips by behaving like the perfect lady at all times. These bullies have also told Betsy that no respectable gentleman would ever want to marry her, so she is determined to receive more proposals than any of them - and does so, culminating in a proposal from the handsome duke considered the catch of the Season.

Lord Jeremy Roden, a friend of Betsy's elder brother, is currently living at Lindow Castle while Betsy and the Duke flirt with each other. Recently returned from the war in the Colonies, Jeremy is suffering from PTSD and trying to keep out of everyone's way by hiding in the billiards room. Unfortunately, this is where the Duke chooses to propose to Betsy.

As with all of Eloisa's books, the story is as much about the interaction between the characters as the plot. I loved the way Betsy and Jeremy bounced off each other, how the duke was sweet but completely bemused by the pair of them, and especially by the duke's mother, who is desperate to win Betsy for a daughter-in-law. Even Betsy's maid is conspiring against her, forcing Betsy into huge pink dresses to make a favourable impression on the duchess. Because Betsy has played the part of the perfect lady for so long, everyone believes this is what she's really like. The 'real' Betsy would love to be as wild as her brothers, play billiards, and stride around in breeches rather than big pink dresses. And the only person who realises she hides behind a mask is Jeremy - because he wears one too.

I won't tell you the outcome of their wager but the only bit involving breeches was right at the very end of the story. And while it was a clever twist, I was disappointed there was no scandalous road trip, as suggested by the blurb. Lord Jeremy Roden isn't rakish either; he's rather lovely and I adored him all the more for it.

Although this book is #4 in The Wildes of Lindow Castle series, you can easily read it as a standalone. It would suit readers who enjoy the 'fairy tale' kind of historical romance and authors such as Julia Quinn. I loved the characters, especially the banter between hero and heroine. Say No to the Duke is my favourite book of the series, and one of my favourite reads this year too.


Thank you to Eloisa James and Piatkus for my copy of this book, which I requested from NetGalley and reviewed voluntarily.

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It did take me a little while to get into this book but then I found it very engaging. Lady Boadicea Wilde ( Betsy) presented a very conventional face to society but her true self wanted an adventure. She rebelled against the restrictions placed on women. Also Betsy wanted to distance herself from her mother’s behaviour as Betsy was afraid she had inherited her characteristics. Lord Jeremy Roden was recovering from the trauma of the colonial war. However, he was very observant and had a dry sense of humour. I enjoyed their banter. Betsy has two main suitors but will she go with her heart? There are a few surprises towards the end, and I loved how the family protected each other at the end. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Lady Boadicea Wilde's first season was triumphant by any measure, and a duke has proposed - but before marriage, she longs for one last adventure. No gentleman would agree to her scandalous plan - but Lord Jeremy Roden is no gentleman. He offers a wager. If Betsy wins a billiards game, he'll provide the breeches. If he wins she is his, for one wild night.
This is the fourth book in the series, it could easily be read on its own but if like me you love series then I recommend reading from the start & in order. I’ve read the vast majority of the author’s books & have never been disappointed. This is another captivating read, which drew me in from the start & held me until the end. I particularly loved the developing relationship between Jeremy & Betsy & when they committed to each other it wasn’t insta love nor contrived just a natural progression which made it all the more believable & they were perfect for each other.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

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It's the first book I read by Eloisa James even if I heard a lot about her work.
It was a fun and enjoyable read, engrossing and entertaining.
I loved the cast of characters, well written and likable, the historical setting and the plot.
I had fun, I laughed and I rooted for the characters.
I look forward to reading other books by this author.
Recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

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This was a complimentary copy courtesy of netgalley - thank you

I LOVE Eloisa James' work so this was a absolute treat for me to be able to be one of the first to read and before publication

This is Eloisa at her best - I read this in one sitting I was so excited. Don't want to give anything away but if you like your romances historical, this is one of the best writers of the genre

Would make a great holiday read

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I love the way she makes romance writing seem easy. The central romance was sweet (despite the dark theme of PTSD), and I smiled throughout. Her supporting cast was fun - and also pulling on the heartstrings in parts- too.

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