"The Duchess"
By: Jude Deveraux
Synopsis from Goodreads:
Claire Willoughby risked losing her millions in her inheritance if, as decreed by her grandfather, she did not wed an "acceptable" man. Harry Montgomery, the eleventh Duke of MacArran, seemed perfect. He owned a historical castle, he looked manly in a kilt, and he was as much a titled Scotsman as Bonnie Prince Charlie himself.
Their engagement announced, Claire's future as a duchess was assured --- and she set off with her family to meet the Montgomery clan in Scotland. Bramley Castle was a damp, chill place, overflowing with eccentric relatives. But there was also Trevelyan, a secretive, brooding man who lived in Bramley's ancient halls. Whoever he was, he wasn't at all like Harry: Trevelyan was the most exasperating, arrogant, know-it-all of a man Claire had ever met. And the most fascinating ..
My Thoughts:
Guess who just re-read one of her favorite romances of all time? This wild librarian did! “The Duchess” is one of the first real romances that I can remember reading and loving when I was going through High School. I am a huge re-reader, but surprisingly I hadn’t read this one since I was in college, so this past week I picked up my nook and ordered this fabulous book!Claire is a rich American heriess that has went to England to marry well. Her family relies on her inheritance to live in the manner they are used to, so Claire must marry, must marry well, and must marry someone her family agrees with. So lucky for her, a Duke appears (Harry) and wants to marry her and her money. Unfortunately, when Claire meets Harry’s brother, Trevelayn (the real Duke) she understands what true love really is.
Trevelayn is one of the worst heroes ever. He’s egotistical, knows everything about everyone, and has little patience for people in general. He is intrigued by this young American girl who goes against almost every principle he was raised with. She likes to drink, dance, and be happy...all concepts that are fairly removed from his family.
This book is one of my favorites for a multitude of reasons. The romance is overwhelming, you hate, you love, you hate and then are smiling by the end. Trevelayn is hard to understand, hard to truly know, yet at the end of the book you know his heart. Claire is so open, so giving and the journey they take together is simply wonderful.
My favorite point in the book...perhaps any romance really, is the moment Trevelayn realizes he is in love with Claire. It’s gorgeous and simply beautifully written.
“You love her,” Nyssa whispered, and there was wonder in her voice. She had tried to make Captain Baker love her, but she’d had no success. “You are in love with her."
“Yes” was all Trevelyan would say. “Yes, I love her. I love her mind, her body. I love her sense of humor. I love her thoughts. I love the way she thinks and what she says.”
He gave a sound that was a cross between hopelessness and despair. “I love her to the smell of her breath.” He turned to Nyssa and for the first time she saw what few other people had: she saw that little boy who used to climb into bed with Leatrice and cry. “I love her as I’ve never loved anyone or anything. Were she to love me in return, I’d give her whatever she wanted.”
See what I mean? Well written with excellent characterization, I’d recommend this book to fans of Eloisa James and Julia Quinn. “The Duchess” is filled with romance, adventure, and just a plain old great story destined to make you in love with it, just as I did.
Book Details
Publisher: Pocket Books
Date of Publication: January 1, 1992
# of Pages: 362
ISBN: 978-0671689728
I used to read a lot of Deveraux and wonder if I read this one back in the day. Looks good.
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