My Last Duchess by Eloisa James
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Reading My Last Duchess reminded me why I fell in love with Eloisa James’s writing and made me want to start the entire Wildes of Lindow Castle series all over again!

Hugo, Duke of Lindow, recently – and scandalously – divorced, is in need of a new wife. After all, he has eight children and those children need a mother. Conversely, the widowed Lady Astley, Ophelia, has no need for another husband. She is perfectly happy to spend her days with her young daughter Viola. She certainly doesn’t want a big brute of Duke forcing his way into her carriage and into her life. She doesn’t want to be mother to his eight children, and she doesn’t need his kisses. At least…that’s what she keeps telling herself.

I really enjoyed the story of how the Duke of Lindow and his third, and last, Duchess fell in love. For Hugo, it happens in an instant. Ophelia, however, won’t take less than she deserves. We also get to see more of the relationship between Hugo, his children, and his twin sister Louisa, which was fantastic. It was a lot of fun getting to meet the Wildes as children and see their myriad personalities shine through.

The only real complaint I have is kind of spoiler-y:

After she rejects his offer of marriage, Ophelia gets mad that Hugo just…leaves. Like how dare he listen when she said no. Later Louisa scolds him for not pressing his suit harder. But friends, no means no. She didn’t say “not yet,” she said “no I will not marry you.” Not sure it’s fair to get mad at someone for respecting your decision.

I may be nitpicking. I don’t know. Please keep in mind my now-standard disclaimer: It’s October 2020. The election is one week away.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

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