Out of all the women in London he could choose from, he had to want the one who would likely jump in front of an oncoming carriage rather than give him more than a passing glance.
Maya Banks
Duchess of my Heart
Format:
audiobook
Publisher’s Synopsis:
Jillian’s marriage was a nightmare, the news of her husband’s death an answered prayer. She refuses to bow to the ton and pretend to mourn. And her best friend Case will be by her side as she defies society’s rules and has her first taste of freedom.
Justin, eighth Duke of Whittington, is determined to save his family name from the scandal his brother Case is creating but the lovely Jillian is not the foe he expected. Both vulnerable and vexing, he’s never met another woman like her. But as sparks fly between them, Justin realizes he must help save Jillian from her past before they can ever have a future.
Point of view:
3rd person. Mostly Jillian & Justin’s perspectives – but some from Case and the antagonist.
Rellim’s Thoughts:
Note: While this is the first book in the series the books aren’t interconnected, stand alone, and can be read in any order.
I enjoyed this one. This is a bit of enemies to lovers theme as Justin and Jillian are originally at odds and quite a bit of verbal sparring goes on. I liked that Case was still her friend and didn’t choose either his brother or Jillian over the other.
The more Justin & Jillian spend time together the more they realize they’ve made assumptions. It’s a lovely transition to lovers for them. Unfortunately, Jillian isn’t as free from her dead husband as she thought and there’s a mysterious threat. Threatening letters and a shooting. Justin vows to protect her and there’s some really sweet moments for them when they’re in seclusion.
Since they aren’t getting their own books, I would have liked some resolution for Case and even Hawk. Overall a charming listen.
Narration:
I enjoyed Tim Campbell’s narration. He did a good job of giving all the characters unique voices and handled the emotions perfectly. Enjoyable listen.
Content Warnings (spoilers):
Mentions of past rapes and domestic violence, plus a more descriptive assault and attempted rape, and attempted murder against Jillian.
About the author:
You can connect with Maya Banks here:
(Rellim’s note – As of May 2022, Banks has been inactive on social media since 2019. In Jan of 2021 an admin posted that due to illness she’s on hiatus indefinitely.)
About the narrator:
Tim Campbell is an award winning actor and singer who lives in Los Angeles, CA. He works primarily in audiobook narration and voice over and has narrated hundreds of titles spanning almost every genre.
You can connect with Tim Campbell here:
My Favorite Quotes
I refuse to observe a single day of mourning for that bastard. He deserves none of my respect. – Duchess of My Heart by @maya_banks #Audiobook narrated by @TimCampbellVO
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The coolness of the day was quickly forgotten as his warmth seemed to invade the space between them. – Duchess of My Heart by @maya_banks #Audiobook narrated by @TimCampbellVO
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Out of all the women in London he could choose from, he had to want the one who would likely jump in front of an oncoming carriage rather than give him more than a passing glance. – Duchess of My Heart by @maya_banks #Audiobook narrated by @TimCampbellVO
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