Rating: 
Summary: Enternaining but disappointing toward the end.
Review: For the most part the book was amusing, even if it didn't make my heart beat faster. It had the potential but I felt that evertime the book was getting interesting, the scene was over abruptly.
Usually I don't like it when there are too many plots in one novel, it tends to get distracting and takes away from the main characters, but in this case, it didn't bother me, mainly because I found the secondary characters interesting.
My main complain is that some scenes seem rushed, specially toward the end. And I didn't like at all that Esme actually got back with her husband. From that point on, I disagreed with everything that happened as a result. I don't want to get into much detail, as to not give away the story, but I feel there was a simpler solution. Why couldn't Esme and her husband get a divorce? It was obvious that they wanted it, since both of them were interested in other people. I know that this was not common at that time, but is not as if the book stays too close to reality anyway. I guess it would have caused a scandal, but neither Esme nor her husband seem too concerned about this either. I would have preferred it if Esme ended up with her lover, since I got to care about him a great deal. The way they parted almost ruined the book for me. Perhaps they will reappear in their own novel? I would like to see a continuation of their story, because I don't like the way things ended for them in this book. And I'm not the only one, I read another reviewer expressed the same oppinion.
Another thing I didn't like too much was the reconciliation between Cam and Gina. This was one of the most important scenes on this book, unfortunately, also one of the most incomplete and badly written.
In general, the book is not bad, the characters were likeable and the plot different. It just needed some polishing...and a sequel.
Rating: 
Summary: Up to Expectations
Review: I agree with other reviews that say the book ended rather abruptly, but luckily you aren't left hanging for long. Simply purchase the next book of the series with this one and you can pick up where The Duchess in Love left off. I have read many regencies and this one had an original plotline (to me). There were no hard feelings between the Gina and Cam, in fact they have stayed friends over the seperated years. Eloisa James made sure that I did not like Sebastian, which helps Gina and Cam come together without mixed feelings on my part. But this makes the following books a little harder to read. Overall the story, characters, and humor was wonderful and kept me entertained long into the night.
Rating:
Summary: Duchess in Love is a frolic!
Review: I can't remember when I've enjoyed a book more! Ms. James has a way with sexy humor that had me laughing out loud and lusting in silence. Her characters were just what I want -- the kind of people I can relate to and root for. Maybe if you're the kind of... person who makes lists about what's wrong with the books you read, you should avoid this, but if you're NORMAL, make sure you get Duchess in Love. It's great!
Rating: 
Summary: Oh dear .............
Review: I hovered between 2 and 3 stars for this one as 2.5 is not an option. Unfortunately, 2 stars it will have to be. This book failed to reach its potential and, for me, was too full of errors and required too much stretching of reality to keep my attention. Others have summed up the plot which, on the whole, was probably the best aspect of the book. I just kept thinking that other writers, perhaps Julia Quinn or Barbara Metzger could have given it a bit more polish and credibility. It had the potential to be very funny but sadly lacked wit and depth. Too many errors crept in which stopped the narrative from flowing smoothly. Here are a few examples: .... "we will never pay another red cent" - an American expression which I doubt was used in the timeframe on either side of the pond. "Marquess Bonnington" - should be The Marquess of Bonnington. Small point but silly error. "She took a bite of chicken. It tasted like a wrung-out piece of dishcloth" I doubt very much if a duchess of immense wealth even knew what a dishcloth was! "I am the Duchess of Girton ... I have been the duchess for twelve years and I've run the estate for eight, since your father (eg the duke's father) became incapacitated." Wait a minute! The duke must have died 12 years ago for Cam and Gina to become duke and duchess - he couldn't succeed to the title just because his father was incapacitated. Later on one of the other characters talks of her clothing size and going up two sizes. In those days no-one, least of all aristocrats with hand made clothing, had sizes. I marked more instances in my copy of the book but you will see my annoyance. I'm afraid I was very disappointed in this book. I struggled to finish it and was surprised at its silliness. The dialogue is incredulous at times and it detracted even more than the errors from the whole. I'm not sure whether to try again with the author and unfortunately, can't really recommend this book to readers who like well developed characters acting out credible stories speaking witty and believeable dialogue.
Rating: 
Summary: Eloisa's Duchess series is one of my favorites
Review: I really did enjoy this book. James has been criticized more than once for having too much going on in her novels, but I find her refreshing and innovative. Duchess does have a lot of set up, and I admit that the following three books of the series are better, but this particular novel was the hook. And I couldn't help it; when I finished the book I was dying to know what happened to all my favorite characters. James succeeds in writing flawed characters who are also endearing and interesting. The best suggestion I can make to potential consumers is to go ahead and give the book a try. Tastes vary so much that you won't be able to tell whether or not you like the story unless you give it a try. You don't even have to purchase it; check it out of the library first. And I promise that the series does get better and better right through the last novel.
Rating:
Summary: enjoyable Regency
Review: In 1802 England, his father forced Cam to marry his childhood friend Gina when both were still "children". Rather than consummate the marriage with the woman he thought up to the ceremony was his first cousin, Cam Serrard fled through the window fifteen minutes after saying "I do". He went to the continent and remained overseas for the next dozen years. Gina asks her spouse to annul their vows so she can marry someone else. Her husband in name only, the Duke of Girard, comes home to annul his marriage so Gina can move on with her life. His plan is to return immediately to his studio in Greece. However, when Cam meets his wife as an adult for the first time, her beauty, charm, and grace stun him. Shockingly, he finds himself falling in love with Gina just as she too surprises herself by being a DUCHESS IN LOVE with her husband when she thought her heart belonged to Sebastian. Though the basic theme has been used too often in Regency novels, fans of the sub-genre will enjoy Eloisa James' latest tale, DUCHESS IN LOVE. The key to the delightful read is the cast from the strong bewildered lead couple to secondary characters who cause havoc on the married couple's relationship and enable the audience to understand the motives of the Duke and Duchess. The audience will kick back their shoes, relax, and bask in the fun of this well written historical romance. Harriet Klausner
Rating:
Summary: Kimberly In Love...
Review: Let's cut to the chase...hottest sex scene I have ever read in a book. Okay... now about the story. Gina and Camden married when they were young and Camden promptly leaves England. He returns years later in response to a letter from Gina asking for an annulment so that she can marry someone else (Gina and Camden are on the friendliest of terms) He arrives at a ball and sees a breathtakinly beautiful woman on the dance floor who happens to be his wife. Not only has Gina matured into a gorgeous woman but she is also the toast of the ton. The two are thrown together at various social events and Camden finds himself in the unfortuante situation of falling in love with his wife. Mabye annulement is not such a good idea after all... Ms. James is known for her humor in her previous books but this one was the best! Soooo funny... Let me restate...I got chills when I read "their" scene. Fantastic read.
Rating:
Summary: Enjoyable
Review: The plot line sees our heroine wanting to get rid of her first husband in order to marry someone else. Her first husband has been out of the country for more than a decade but returns to grant her request. Of course, the two fall in love and put aside the differences that split them up in the beginning. It isn't the greatest, or most original, plot, but still well written. This, fortunately, saves it from being a horrible read and even manages to make it interesting.
Rating:
Summary: Okay, But Parts Drag...
Review: There were times when I almost abandoned this book, because it got so dull. I don't understand the rapturous reviews of it - the sequel, Fool for Love, is a much better book.
Rating:
Summary: Okay, But Parts Drag...
Review: There were times when I almost abandoned this book, because it got so dull. I don't understand the rapturous reviews of it - the sequel, Fool for Love, is a much better book.
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