My American Duchess

You know how sometimes you just can’t connect with the main characters in a novel? Well, that was me with this one. I neither liked nor disliked them, I just couldn’t bring myself to care about them or their issues. For me, this novel was just a big, fat ho-hum.The most interesting thing was the rented pineapple and the existence of pineapple stoves that allowed pineapples to be grown in cooler climates. Learning that kept the book from being a total waste of time.

The exquisite storytelling skill of Eloisa James shines in her newest historical romance, MY AMERICAN DUCHESS. I love a fish out of water story and our heroine, Miss Merry Pelford from Boston certainly is that. Effervescent, outspoken, unwilling to hide either her intelligence or her opinions, Merry is the antithesis of a proper English miss. Yet it's those differences that capture the attention of the responsible, no-nonsense Duke of Trent. Of course there are obstacles (some pretty sizable obstacles), twists and turns, lessons to be learned, and truths to be discovered before our couple can reach a happy ending but our couple eventually arrives there with the skillful guidance of Ms. James. Along the way, there's plenty of charm, wit, humor and emotion to keep this reader invested in both the characters and their journey to love.If you're an Eloisa James fan, you'll want to add My American Duchess to your keeper shelf. If you haven't yet read her books, this standalone is the perfect place to start. It has my highest recommendation. Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I'll pay a visit to Merry and Trent. For the third time.~PJ AusdenmoreThe Romance Dish

Another great story delivered by Ms. James. The author has cornered the market on complex yet lovely characters. I was cheering for Merry and Trent immediately. Their first meeting is one of the best "first meets" because these two actually enjoyed each other. As a reader I believed in the story right away. Time in and time out, the author delivers a wonderful tale that I got completely lost in. The words, the story, the emotion...everything was perfect.I can't wait for the next read in the series. In my humble opinion, this is one of her best. I love the fact Merry was an American heiress in London. A unique twist on my favorite genre.Pineapple anyone?

Eloisa James' books are always perfect in my eyes. I've never been disappointed, and My American Duchess is one of my favorites. There was amazing chemistry between Merry and Trent, right from the beginning. Not only was it great to see the sparks fly between them, but it was just as awesome to see them dance around that chemistry. The differences between Cedric and Trent added a very interesting element to the story. I almost feel bad for enjoying their bickering and feuding, but I really couldn't help myself. It was phenomenal. Merry was definitely a shining star for me in this book. She was fun, smart, and didn't take any crap. She made her own way in society, and I was rooting for her through the whole book. I don't want to forget to mention the cuddly puppies in this book either. Adorable! The only thing bad about this book was that it had to end, but honestly, I thought the ending was marvelous too!

What to say about My American Duchess......let's see yes it's an age old tale, an American Heiress and an English Duke...but that's where the "same old" ended for me. Personally I love those tales, I love seeing how an American with our attitudes even back then you know we had to have had attitudes, otherwise we'd still be under English rule. So I love when authors create a romance with a strong willed American and a "stuffy" Englishman. It makes me smile every-time. The author, Eloisa James, makes this one extremely fun. I loved the idea that Merry is just "loving and leaving" men. I sit her laughing as I write that, because it sounds worse than it is. But I can just "hear" the rumors of just that going round the drawing rooms and balls. I loved Trent finding himself in a very awkward situation.....falling in love with the woman betrothed to his brother. There are some scenes that will forever change how you look at everyday items, most notably the Pineapple scene, you'll never pass a pineapple again without thinking about it....Fans of Eloisa James will adores these characters and be eager to turn pages while at the same time be a little reluctant to reach the end. If you are new to Eloisa James be prepared you'll be ready to find all her back-list after reading this one. MY AMERICAN DUCHESS is a perfect read if you are looking a fun, light, engaging, well written historical romance. I can't wait for the next one!

I preordered this back in October because every Eloisa James book is a must read for me. I tend to forget how much I like her characters and writing while waiting for the next book, then I pick up the new story and am sucked right in.I liked Merry and Jack. I am always disappointed when characters repeat mistakes or don't speak up when they should and this book does have those written in. There is some angst but it doesn't go overboard into melodrama - welllllll... maybe a touch near the end. The characters become friends though and that marks a good story for me. I roll my eyes at stories based mostly on lust or infatuation with no explained commonality.I read this too fast though, I read her books the way some people eat holiday candy - it is gone the next day. At least I can reread (and I will).

I enjoyed it. As some other reviewers have mentioned; there are perhaps less layers involved in both plot and characterization than some of EJ's other novels - but I think its charm and general lyricism made up for it. I love the vignette around the rental of pineapples - I knew that this was common in this era & thought it was a delicious plot mechanism. The 'evil' twin was well crafted; his foibles & proclivities ridiculous - but not to the extent we aren't left feeling for him and interested in his story. Even if a lighter novel than than some of EJ's others - I thought it airy & sweet - not empty; and, as ever - EJ writes beautifully.

A good read with the second half being much better than the first. I though the first half went on a bit but could quite understand Merry's reluctance to end a third engagement because of her fiancé's brother - the Duke, no less. Trent or Jack was a stubborn fool who we could all see had fallen in love with Merry on his first meeting but was too pig headed to call it that.The epilogue was sweet and leaves us wondering if there is a novella in waiting for Cedric - the jilted third fiancé.

The story has an abrupt resolution and an unjustified change of heart and character for one protagonist. This is not really an episode in the series, as it isn't about the same circle of people, lacks the unifying themes of the series, and doesn't have the same level of detail.

This is one of my favorite authors and I love her stories. I was also pleased with the delivery.

I am a massive Eloisa fan and for me this book did not live up to my expectations (to be fair its a very good historical romance..just not a very good Eloisa James Historical romance), Her books normally pull me in and I get lost in them, This did not. Its the first James novel that irritated me.