The Duke Who Didn't

Courtney Milan

Book 1 in the series:Wedgeford Trials

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Who Would Like This Book:

This book is absolutely delightful for anyone who enjoys a cozy, heartwarming historical romance with a fresh twist. Instead of the usual balls and brooding aristocrats, you'll find a vibrant, multicultural English village, lovable characters, and a sweet, cinnamon roll hero who's besotted with the heroine - and not afraid to show it. It’s also a great pick if you're looking for diverse representation, witty banter, and strong family/community bonds. Readers craving comfort, gentle humor, and lots of food descriptions (seriously, you’ll want bao) will be especially charmed.

Who May Not Like This Book:

If you’re seeking high drama, angst, or a plot packed with dire conflict, this one might feel too soft or low stakes. Some readers found the pacing a bit slow at first and the story 'too nice' or 'twee' for their taste, missing the tension or big third-act breakup common in other romances. If you prefer your historicals strictly traditional or are bothered by a few modern-feeling conversations, this might not be your favorite Milan.

An utterly charming, gentle, and joy-filled historical romance that puts kindness, community, and happy endings front and center. Come for the slow-burn friends-to-lovers romance, stay for the mouthwatering food and the wholesome feels!

About:

The Duke Who Didn't is a heartwarming romance set in the village of Wedgeford Downs, focusing on the blossoming relationship between Chloe Fong, an ambitious and independent woman with a passion for creating sauces, and Jeremy Wentworth, the Duke of Lansing who has been hiding his true identity. The book explores themes of second chances, friendship, and love, as Chloe and Jeremy navigate their feelings for each other amidst secrets and societal expectations. Courtney Milan's writing style is described as gentle, humorous, and engaging, with a focus on unique characters and a diverse community.

Characters:

Chloe Fong is portrayed as ambitious and serious, particularly regarding her family's business, while Jeremy Wentworth embodies playful charm as a disguised Duke. Their relationship is rooted in mutual respect and support, complemented by humor from supporting characters like Chloe's father.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by humor and light-heartedness, focusing on character-driven narratives with relatable dialogue. It effectively explores cultural nuances and food descriptions while balancing sweet moments with substantial themes.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around a childhood romance between Chloe and Jeremy, exploring themes of identity and race in Victorian England. It highlights Chloe's ambition to help her father's sauce business and Jeremy's struggle with his secret identity as a Duke, all amidst a supportive community in Wedgeford Downs.

Setting:

The story is set in late Victorian England, specifically in the village of Wedgeford Downs, characterized by a community primarily of Asian immigrants. This setting emphasizes cultural integration and diverse backgrounds, becoming a significant aspect of the narrative.

Pacing:

The pacing is moderate, emphasizing relationship building over action, resulting in a smooth narrative flow focused on character interactions. The low conflict creates an escapist reading experience with a comforting rhythm.

The morning air was still cold enough to sink into her lungs. The low golden glow of the sun, tipping over the horizon, threatened to burn the fog away. But in this luminous hour when day broke, with ...

Notes:

The book features a Chinese heroine and a half-Chinese hero, which is rare in historical romance.

The setting is Wedgeford Downs, a diverse village primarily inhabited by immigrants.

Chloe, the heroine, is ambitious and seeks to launch her father’s sauce business as a way to seek revenge on unscrupulous businessmen.

Jeremy, the hero, is secretly the Duke of Lansing and has returned to Wedgeford to win Chloe back after years of absence.

The story emphasizes the importance of communication and consent in the romance between the protagonists, both of whom are virgins.

Humor and gentle banter are central to the relationship between the leads, making their dynamic lighthearted and enjoyable.

Courtney Milan wrote this book after a significant hiatus, aiming to create a story without traditional angst or misunderstandings.

The novel includes food themes and discussions about Hakka culture, enriching the narrative with cultural context.

Readers have praised the book for its warmth and uplifting message during difficult times, calling it a perfect escapist fantasy.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book addresses racism and family loss, which some readers may find sensitive.

Has Romance?

The romance is a central theme, emphasizing the connection and growth between the main characters.

explicit steam level

From The Publisher:

Miss Chloe Fong has plans for her life, lists for her days, and absolutely no time for nonsense. Three years ago, she told her childhood sweetheart that he could talk to her once he planned to be serious. He disappeared that very night.Except now he's back. Jeremy Wentworth, the Duke of Lansing, has returned to the tiny village he once visited with the hope of wooing Chloe. In his defense, it took him years of attempting to be serious to realize that the endeavor was incompatible with his personality.All he has to do is convince Chloe to make room for a mischievous trickster in her life, then disclose that in all the years they've known each other, he's failed to mention his real name, his title... and the minor fact that he owns her entire village.Only one thing can go wrong: Everything.

September 2020

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351 pages

Ratings (8)

Incredible (1)
Loved It (5)
It Was OK (2)

Reader Stats (20):

Read It (8)
Want To Read (6)
Not Interested (6)

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