It's Hard Out Here for a Duke by Maya Rodale Pages: 384
Series: Keeping Up with the Cavendishes
Genres: Historical Romance
Source: ARC, Edelweiss
Also in this series: Lady Claire Is All That
Also by this author: Lady Claire Is All That
Goodreads
In the fourth novel of Maya Rodale’s tantalizing series, a newly minted duke spends one night with his perfect woman...but can he win her for a lifetime
Some Mistakes…
When American-born James Cavendish arrives in London tomorrow, he’ll become the Duke of Durham. Some might be ecstatic at the opportunity. Not James. He’s a simple man, fond of simple pleasures. And right now, nothing could be more pleasurable than spending his last night of freedom with a beautiful stranger.
Are Far Too Good…
One wild night, Meredith Green, companion to the dowager Duchess of Durham, said yes to a man she thought she’d never see again. Suddenly, they’re living under the same roof, where Meredith is expected to teach James how to be a duke—while trying not to surrender to temptation a second time.
To Be Forgotten
For a duke and a commoner, marriage would be pure scandal. Yet nothing has ever felt as right as having Meredith in his arms…and in his bed. Soon he must choose—between a duty he never desired, and a woman he longs for, body and soul…
Poor James! An American who just inherited a dukedom he doesn’t want and has no idea what to do with. Enter Meredith, the commoner who is to teach him about being a duke. They had a little thing, but then realized that she was the companion to the dowager duchess and would be helping the Cavendishes acclimate to society. But, then you have your classic trope of the titled vs the commoner. James, even though he didn’t want the title, is still trying to do things properly. Meredith was a bit more difficult for me to like. She was a Katy Perry song for SURE! She was so hot and cold. I did understand her dilemma: she isn’t a noble, but she isn’t just a normal commoner either. She doesn’t quite fit anywhere. James’ sister were so spunky and feisty that I think I expected more from James and Meredith. They seemed so bland in comparison to the sisters!
Here was my issue: the first 1/2 of the book felt so slow and wishy washy. I kept putting it down and was ready to DNF. But, I loved Lady Claire is All That. So, I kept going. The 2nd half was much better. However, I don’t know that a new reader to the series would stick through the rough 1st half.
So, this book actually takes place over the course of all the previous books and the things hinted to in previous books are addressed. Its not necessary to have read them all, but you will surely enjoy it if you have!
And I have to say, the cover is kind of ridiculous but I love it. At first, I thought he was holding a stripper pole!
- POV: 3rd
- Tears: no
- Trope: sort of second chance, different social class
- Triggers: none
- Series/Standalone: stand alone within an interconnected series
- Cliffhanger: View Spoiler »
- HEA: View Spoiler »
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…then you will probably like It’s Hard Out Here for a Duke!
It’s Hard Out Here for a Duke
I think this cover may be ridiculous a bit, but its actually my favorite of the series. I just love the mix of colors and I love this chest 🙂
I have had serious problems with this series which is weird because I have loved her other books, but I am not sure if I will be reading this one. Maybe when my library gets it, the writing has been too boring for me to get into and that is really frustrating especially with an author you like. Sorry to hear that this didn’t meet up with your expectations.