This Duchess of Mine

Jemma and Elijah have always been favorites of mine in the previous books of the Desperate Duchesses series. And I've been patiently been waiting for their own story. Alright I wasn't too pleased with the first two books, but I enjoyed the last one, When The Duke Returns.

No man can resist Jemma's sensuous allure . . . Except her own husband!

Wedding bells celebrating the arranged marriage between the lovely Duchess of Beaumont and her staid, imperturbable duke had scarcely fallen silent when a shocking discovery sent Jemma running from the ducal mansion. For the next nine years she cavorted abroad, creating one delicious scandal after another (if one is to believe the rumors).

Elijah, Duke of Beaumont, did believe those rumors.

But the handsome duke needs an heir, so he summons his seductive wife home. Jemma laughs at Elijah's cool eyes and icy heart—but to her secret shock, she doesn't share his feelings. In fact, she wants the impossible: her husband's heart at her feet.

But what manner of seduction will make a man fall desperately in love . . . with his own wife?

Finally! A book (in the series) that I really liked. And it's about time that Jemma and Elijah got back together.

In this book you get a better look in their relationship and what happened in the past that made Jemma flee to Paris. The hurt and the trust that needed to be mended but also the fears that Elijah and later Jemma had about his health. I loved the way that they looked for a treatment for his heart condition, and the way that Jemma wouldn't take no for an answer, was believable in my opinion. And don't get me started on the Roman baths...Loved that idea.

My only complaint was that the book felt rushed. Not only the ending but all throughout. If not for that, I would have a probably given it a 4.5 out of 5.

Now, I'm eagerly anticipating the next book of the series, A Duke of Her Own.

This Duchess of Mine by Eloisa James (4/5) Historical Romance; Published: Avon (5/2009); Series: # 5, Desperate Duchesses; 2009 100 + Reading Challenge (81);