The Duke Not Taken: A Historical Romance

Julia London

Sep 2022 · A Royal Match Book 2 · Sold by HQN Books

About this ebook

“London’s second Royal Match Victorian romance sparkles by pairing a rebellious princess with a reclusive duke…The witty repartee between Amelia and Joshua propels the novel forward while revealing the complex depths of the characters. Readers won’t want to put this down.”—Publishers Weekly on The Duke Not Taken

Impossible. Infuriating. Intoxicating.

Ever since her sister became queen two years ago, Amelia Ivanosen, Princess of Wesloria, has been flirting and skirting scandal—just barely. Before she does anything too outlandish, she is sent to England and Lila Alexander, illustrious matchmaker to the ton, is recruited. Respectably ensconced at the country estate of a family friend, Amelia is introduced to many eligible bachelors, but…there is no spark. There never seems to be unless the man is completely wrong for her.

Next door lives Joshua Parker, Duke of Marley, who is grumpy and reclusive—for good reason. His first wife died in childbirth. When Marley is dragged by a friend to his neighbor’s soiree, he and Amelia instantly dislike each other. Their banter is snarky and heated. He’s a stuck-up smarty-pants; she’s a self-involved, annoying princess.

Sparks fly when they’re together—fireworks actually—but they loathe each other. Really. So why can’t they stop thinking about each other?

A Royal Match

Book 1: Last Duke Standing
Book 2: The Duke Not Taken

Ratings and reviews

4.5/5 - The Duke Not Taken by Julia London, book two in her Royal Match series, is a wonderful, enjoyable, charming, humorous tale following Amelia Ivanosen, Princess of Wesloria and Joshua Parker, Duke of Marley. Amelia needs to find a husband and Joshua has not gotten over the death of his wife in childbirth. Amelia has been forced to travel to England to find a husband, with the help of Lila, a matchmaker. This is an attempt by her sister Queen Justine to curb Amelia’s impetuous nature and he

Unconventional Princess Amelia is searching for a royal mate. The Duke of Marley has been a recluse ever since the deaths of his wife and newborn child. Can Amelia’s warmth and bright spirit open his heart? This is a beautiful and deeply emotional story. Amelia is a delight, the little girls are adorable, and Marley’s grief is heartbreaking. It’s an uplifting and satisfying grumpy/sunshine romance. Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

wasn't as good as I had hoped! sorry!

About the author

Julia London is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over fifty novels of historical and contemporary romance. She is the recipient of the RT Bookclub Award for Best Historical Romance and a six-time finalist for the prestigious RITA award. She lives in Austin, Texas. Find her at www.julialondon.com.Or visit Julia online:www.julialondon.com/newsletterwww.facebook.com/julialondonwww.twitter.com/juliaflondonwww.instagram.com/julia_f_london