J.J. McAvoy
⭐️⭐️⭐️ ½ /🔥🔥
“What do you want from me, Your Grace?” “A second chance.” He stepped close. “Aphrodite, I wish for another chance for us.”
Aphrodite and the Duke…what a pleasant surprise. Lovers of Bridgerton and Mr. Malcom’s list this book may be right up your alley. Yes…yes… I know, you’re tired of seeing books compared to Bridgerton, but this book really does remind you of Bridgerton (the Netflix series) in its diversity and its “freshness”. Set in a regency era where race is not an issue, Aphrodite and The Duke is a heart-warming second-chance romance filled with a cast of characters who are vivid, fun and full of life.
Narrated in the first person from various points of view, the book is both delightful and engaging, although a bit annoying at times. The book is broken into two sections – part one and part too, which was odd as the second part was a natural continuation of the story. I also found the inclusions of narratives from secondary characters totally unnecessary. These POVs added no additional value to the story which made the story feel disjointed. I’m not a fan of books narrated solely in first person, so reading this book took a bit of getting used to. Once I did, however, I found it hard to put down. It wasn’t much of an original story nor did passion of our MCs “burn”; nevertheless, I found myself invested in them achieving their HEA.
I especially enjoyed the Du Bells, a prominent interracial and titled family filled with laughter and love. Their banter and interactions with one another were boisterous and pleasant and what one would expect for such a large and diverse grouping. A stark comparison to the Eaglemans, who love one another, but are not nearly as affectionate. This leads me to our hero and heroine…
Aphrodite Du Bell, named for the goddess of love is a beauty. Ironically, she’s jilted by her betrothed, a man she has known and loved for most of her life. Seeking to escape somewhere to tend to her broken and avoid gossip, she retreats to the country. After an extended period, Odite is summoned back to London by her mother to support her sister as she makes her debut. She’s also encouraged to enter the marriage mart again or have a marriage arranged for her. It’s been four years since HE left her behind, but she can’t seem to remove him from her thoughts…especially when she learns he too has returned to London. But how can she marry someone else when her heart still belongs to the man who left her for another.
Evander Eagleman, Duke of Everly has eyes for one woman and one woman only… Aphrodite Du Bell. They were the best of friends growing up and expected to wed once Odite turned eighteen; however, without notice or any explanation, Evander decides to wed another, leaving Odite dejected and broken-hearted. Now a widower, fate has provided him with a second change at happiness. When the same forces that kept him and his beloved apart four years ago threaten to separate them again, Evander will do whatever it takes to earn Odite’s forgiveness and win back her affections.
All said, I really liked this book. I enjoyed seeing people of color prominently featured during a time known for its romanticism. I loved the diversity of her characters as well as the warmth and “heart” illustrated in the narrative. I’m really looking to forward reading more of McAvoy’s work…although I do hope she moves away from the multiple POVs. This one issue almost (ALMOST) made me ditch the book. In the end, a little aggravation was worth the time invested in reading and reviewing this book.
Tropes: Second Chance, Childhood friends, Children in story, Widower
Kesha Young 