The Duke Not Taken - (Royal Match) by Julia London (Paperback)

About the Book

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?

Book Synopsis

"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

Review Quotes

"The deliciously clever epistolatory bantering between the book's protagonists provides many moments of pure reading joy while London's flair for creating engaging characters and her Austenesque sense of wit guarantee historical romance readers will be lining up for the latest in her Royal Match series."--Booklist on The Duke Not Taken

"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

"An eminently appealing pair of protagonists, a winsome cast of secondary characters...and an amusing plot enriched by an abundance of sharp wit and buoyed by romantic chemistry that is both sweet and sexy."--Booklist on Last Duke Standing

"With an engaging premise and great characters, Last Duke Standing is an enjoyable read." --Romance Reviews Today

"London's prolific talent for historical romance shines through in her witty, engaging characters who provide an insightful view into the intrigue and subterfuge involved in ensuring the survival of a monarchy. Readers will be thrilled."--Publishers Weekly on Last Duke Standing

"Secrets, scandals and steamy chemistry--this paperback escape has it all!"--Women's World on The Princess Plan

"Charming, witty, and warm. This is perfect historical romance."--Sarah Morgan, USA Today bestselling author on The Princess Plan

"It completely charmed me...The chemistry is so delicious. I simply didn't want to put it down."--Nicola Cornick, USA Today bestselling author on The Princess Plan

"Warm, witty and decidedly wicked--great entertainment."--Stephanie Laurens, #1 New York Times bestselling author, on Hard-Hearted Highlander

"Charming... A fun, touching 'prince meets real girl' Victorian fairy-tale romance."--Kirkus on The Princess Plan

"London's observations of gender roles are keen, and her protagonists are eminently likable in their dogged pursuit of their own goals despite societal expectations and political pressures."--Publishers Weekly on The Princess Plan