Book Review: Aphrodite and the Duke by J.J. McAvoy

Aphrodite and the Duke by J.J. McAvoy
Length: 384 Pages
Genres: Historical Romance, Regency Romance
Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

A special thanks to NetGalley and Dell for providing me with an ARC of this book!

Trigger Warnings in this book for Child Abuse (Not Sexual) and Neglect

I have to admit I was absolutely drawn to this book thanks to the gorgeous cover! And, I was happy to discover that this book is not only a great balm for those waiting for more Bridgerton, but also a wonderful choice for those whose favorite Jane Austen is Persuasion, like me.

Aphrodite Du Bell has been in love with Evander Eagleman, Duke of Everley, all her life. She was once even engaged to him when she was eighteen, only to be left waiting, ashamed and alone. Ever since, she has kept to the family estate, too heartbroken to return to London at the chance that she might see him. But, at the insistence of her hard-headed Mama, she is back to stun all of the Ton--and catch a husband in the process. Whether she wants to or not.

Little does she know, Evander had a very good reason for why he didn't show. It all has to do with his family, who are mixed up in quite the scandal, should it be discovered. He is only back in London for the season, to chaperone his younger sister, Verity, as she comes out into society. Only, Aphrodite is there, too, and his love for her still burns just as bright as it did four years ago. Can things ever be repaired? Can Evander let Aphrodite in, even if it means exposing his family, and his painful past? And can Aphrodite handle the demands of being a Duchess, a wife, and a stepmother, all while keeping true to herself?

Aphrodite and the Duke is a story of a second chance at true love, and has a somewhat unusual setup for a romance as the heroine and hero end up married about at 40% or 50% into the book. I loved how they would fight and disagree but would quickly talk it out, discover just what laid behind the sharp words and overreactions, to the tender and bruised parts beneath. Aphrodite was a charming heroine, wise and innocent all at once, with a deep love for her family (who all feature and are fun characters in their own rights) and books. Evander was fine as a hero, though I sometimes found him a bit snooty, especially when it came to his stepmother and the villain. Though I had a few little qualms with him, I thought they made a wonderful couple, and evened each other out spectacularly.

A fun romance with lots of heart, I can't help but look forward to more historical work by J.J. McAvoy, hopefully featuring some of Aphrodite's family, or Evander's!