SAY NO TO THE DUKE by Eloisa James - REVIEW + GIVEAWAY!

HI there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're joining up with Avon Books for a Historical Romance tour dutifully making its way through the blogsphere like a lady through a waiting throng of marriage proposals.  *ahem*  Seriously though, it IS making the bloggy rounds, and it IS book four in The Wildes of Lindow Castle series, but take it from me, it CAN be read as a standalone, because yeah...totally did that, and I feel no worse for the wear...although, I may have to seek out the previous releases!  Anywho, back to the matter at hand...

Today's title in the spotlight just celebrated its book birthday the end of last month and is ready and waiting on a bookstore shelf near you, for you...but please, adult audiences only (content...not always, but enough).  Ladies and gents, and those ladies and gents who would graciously cross the ridiculous barriers placed on them at that time or ANY time, please join me as we welcome today's book of choice...

Say No to the Duke

The Wildes of Lindow Castle, Book 4

by

Eloisa James

9780062877826

Avon Books

About the book...

Could she possibly refuse a duke’s hand—in favor of a sardonic, sinful rake?

Lady Betsy 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 she wins a billiards game, he’ll provide the breeches.

If he wins…she is his, for one wild night.

But what happens when Jeremy realizes that one night will never be enough? In the most important battle of his life, he’ll have to convince Betsy to say no to the duke.

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~~~ EXCERPT ~~~

They moved toward each other as if they were following the steps of a very slow, very grand country dance. One that was danced by kings and queens and countryfolk alike.

When they were  beside  each  other, she  squared her shoulders and met his eyes. “I decided to come to you. I hope that is all right.” 

“I do believe that you are the bravest woman I’ve ever met,” he replied.

He couldn’t have said anything better; Betsy felt herself begin to glow. “I haven’t been brave to this point, but I have made up my mind to change. I outlawed being nervous, but now I need to outlaw being afraid.” She hesitated. “I have chosen courage, and now I choose happiness.”

“I love you as you are,” he whispered, and then his mouth came down on hers.

Her breath caught in her throat because their tongues met as if they kissed every day, every night. He tasted right, which sent a shiver through her whole  body,  and  pushed  her  against him gently, the way a pebble might roll up a beach when the tide comes in.

One doesn’t fight the tide.

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I gotta say, I was QUITE surprised by this one!

I initially had reservations about the title as I've never read this author's work, and it just seemed to scream old school regency romance...not my particular cup of tea...BUT....having been intrigued enough by the synopsis/excerpt, I went through with the sign up for the tour, set to feature a review (and giveaway!).  Imagine my delight when I found the book anything but predictable, anything but old school (as in Johnny...Sarah...romantic run towards each other prior to ravishing of faces and beyond; though there is ravishing at some point!), anything but what some might call a "bodice ripper".  Yes, there is build up.  Yes, there are sensual times, flirtatious banter, and even some shock and awe statements tossed about.  Yes, there is eventually some "bed time" and the like between consenting adults....but it's not all about that...in fact, it doesn't really occur until the latter part of the book.

What we have here is what happens when war is raged, and leaves its mark.  What we have here is what occurs when people want more than their fair share, at the expense of others.  What we have here is a prim and proper young lady of the ton with the given name of a warrior queen, and the heart of a champion, wanting nothing more than to take life by the...horns...and make it her own.  What we have here is a man who believes himself damaged beyond repair or care, who couldn't be more wrong.  What we have here is a group of ladies taking a stand and making room for themselves in a world saturated with men, alongside the men that would be their supporters as they rise above the times.  What we have here is a work with heart, heat, passion, and SO MUCH MORE!

All in all, I adored Lady Betsy's fire, both in front and beyond an audience...but even more so when she let the mask fall away and became her true self.  I fell in love with Lord Jeremy despite his inner darkness because his true heart was more golden than a gilt framed miniature.  I treasured Lady Knowes for her larger than life personality, as well as her expert advice...she truly was a treasure.  The cast of characters goes on with many worthy of mention, as well as those that would do better if left under a rock, and despite propriety being overrated at times, they achieve a proper balance, serving to add to the story of a young woman set to live her life on her terms, outside of the shadow of a wayward mother, and with her whole heart.

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About the author...

 Eloisa James is a USA Today and New York Times bestselling author and professor of English literature, who lives with her family in New York, but can sometimes be found in Paris or Italy. She is the mother of two and, in a particularly delicious irony for a romance writer, is married to a genuine Italian knight. Visit her at www.eloisajames.com.

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UP FOR GRABS...

(1) copy of Say No to the Duke by Eloisa James!

*Entries accepted today through July 13th.  US/Canada residents only; no PO Boxes please.  Winner will be selected, emailed, and have 48 hours to respond with their full name and mailing information which will be forwarded to the publisher for prize send out.  If no response is received in the given time frame, a new winner will be chosen.  SFIR is not responsible for lost prizes.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Special thanks to Kayleigh at Avon Books for the chance to bring this tour to you as well as the copy for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the series, the author, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is available now, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.  Be sure to check out the rest of the stops on the tour as it makes its way through the blogosphere.

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!