Duchess By Night

• Publisher:   Avon
• Number Of Pages:   384
• Publication Date:   2008-07-01
• ISBN-10 / ASIN:   0061245577
• ISBN-13 / EAN:   9780061245572

A Mischievous Charade . . .

Harriet, Duchess of Berrow, is tired of her title and the responsibilities that come along with it. Enough with proper tea parties and elegant balls; what Harriet really wants is to attend an outrageous soiree where she can unleash her wildest whims and desires. But to attend such an event—especially if the event in question is Lord Justinian Strange's rollicking fete, filled with noble rogues and rotters, risqué ladies and illicit lovers—would be certain scandal. That's why she must disguise herself . . .

Looking forward to a night of uninhibited pleasure, Lord Strange is shocked to discover that beneath the clothes of a no-good rake is the most beautiful woman in the room. Why is a woman like her risking her reputation at his notorious affair? And can he possibly entice her to stay . . . forever?

The story follows Harriet, Duchess of Berrow, who is bored with her life in regency England. Responsibilities cling to her title. When her friend asks, she decides to help her create a scandal. Lord Justinian strange is famous for his parties. What does he think when he recognizes Harriet as one of his guests? Especially when she has arrived dressed as a nobleman looking for sex? I love it when true love saves the day.

One thing that occurs to me as I read other review of this book--as they seem to be widely polarized--is that as a fan and hobby-level researcher of historical dress, I think modern women might underestimate the power of "the clothes making the man" as used in this story. Yes, in our world, we have the unconscious ability to detect male and female, though many of us dress alike. Yet Harriet makes a point of reveling in the feel of her freed-up body, her waist, her legs, and this is something anyone who's spent time in a corset or panniers can attest to; you hold your body very differently as a woman, much differently than today. All that aside, my first read of this book, I have to admit, wasn't completely over-the-moon as I had been with other books by Ms. James. Yet subsequent reads, and also refreshing it in the context of the other Duchess series books, really made me look at it again. Harriet is an interesting character, not really before her time but very much alive within it. Jem Strange is conflicted, and like many of the men in James' books, and men in real life, labors onward under the shadow of incorrect assumptions from his family and his own father. It's not a simple book, and I think if you're looking for a simplistic bodice-ripper, you may want to go elsewhere. But I agree with another reviewer that the multiple subplots and other, recurring characters add lots of depth and interest in the series.

When widowed Harriet, the Duchess of Berrow, becomes bored with widowhood, she disguises herself as a young man named Harry and attends one of the most infamous parties of all time. The party is held by Lord Strange, whose scandalous reputation proceeds him. When Harriet begins to fall for Lord Strange, however, things become complicated, given her disguise as Harry. This is an easy read. Very fast, well-written, and quite cute.

Harriet is a widowed duchess suffering under the stigma of having a husband who offed himself. She wants companionship and to remarry, but she is alternately pitied and stigmatized and so feels that this is an unattainable goal. Figuring that things can't get any worse, she agrees to accompany a friend to the never-ending house party at Lord Strange's manor. The party is infamous in the ton for its loose women and flagrant sexuality. Harriet decides to disguise herself as Harry to protect her reputation, but as she begins to fall for Lord Strange she feels bound by her disguise. How will she come clean? After reading some heavier fare, this book was just what I needed: fun fluff that didn't take itself too seriously and yet didn't ooze back into the faceless, plotless mass that is regency-era romance cliche. Don't get me wrong. I don't think you can write one of these novels without succumbing to SOME cliche, but my point is that it read fresh. The main characters popped. The plot was unique. The sex was hot. What more can you ask for in a romance novel? 4 out of 5 stars.

Harriet, Duchess of Berrow, is tired of widowhood and its constraints. When a friend, coincidently a duchess as well, expressed interest to create a scandal at the estate of the most scandalous man in England, Lord Strange, Harriet decides to shed her dowdy mourning and accompany her. However, Harriet couldn't go as herself, but disguised as the Duke of Villier's nephew who was invited to the Strange's fete she could; so Harry Cope was born. For some reason or another, Lord Strange feels quite uncomfortable around the Duke of Villier's beautiful nephew. However, Strange had promised the Duke to look out for, and protect young Harry and he means to keep that promise. He's even decided to take the young man under his wing and teach him manly arts in order to toughen him up. Just how long Harriet's disguise could last would be anyone's guess. *** Having begun Ms. James' "Desperate Duchess" series from the very beginning each entry (DUCHESS BY NIGHT being the third book) just keeps getting better and better! However, though thoroughly enjoying each duchess's escapades, the recurring character of the Duke of Villier's is so totally intriguing, that I do hope to see him get his own story very soon. Harriet was a totally refreshing character. I loved the way the author gave her the chance to let loose and actually find herself to realize that she was a beautiful desirable woman, even as a man! Harriet's delight at being given the freedoms to act as privileged as a male during this time in history, whether nobility or not, was well-done both by the author who wrote it that way, and my imagination which could revel in Harriet's happiness and sense of freedom. The attraction between Strange and Harriet was both comical, when he wasn't aware of her true sex, and hotly sensual after with charming dialogs mirroring both sides. As always, Ms. James works in an abundance of secondary characters that add meat and flavor to all her stories, and I would be remiss to not mention Lord Strange's brilliant eight year old daughter Eugenia, who added a layer of emotion and tenderness to this outstanding romance. Bottom line: Not only does Eloisa James deliver entertainment beyond compare in this remarkable series, but in DUCHESS BY NIGHT she also delivered a compelling love story with a gentle touch of real emotion that brought tears to my eyes.
Marilyn Rondeau, for www.ck2skwipsandkritiques.com

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