Amelia Ivanosen, Princess of Wesloria, has left me torn. There are moments I feel so bad for someone whose led such a sheltered life and then the next a want to shack some sense into her. Regardless of my feelings about Amelia’s level of unawareness, this book made me feel all the feels.
The Duke of Marley, Joshua Parker, is the perfect foil for Amelia. He appear to be stoic but is a sea of denied emotions. And the interactions between Amelia and Joshua leave a reader everything from laughing, to cringing, and to sighing.
As always, Julia London knows how to enchant the reader and leave them wanting more. Who ever wants a great book to end? While Amelia won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, the story line is engaging enough that you have to know how it ends. All that being said, I would recommend this second installment of A Royal Match.

This book did not work for me. Amelia is an extremely immature 26 year old princess so has been sent to find a husband. Marley is the most grumpy duke that comes across as practically an ogre. Most of the book is spent with them apart and when they are together there is not chemistry.

Wonderfully romantic and oh, so charming!
I loved this book!!
This is the second in the Royal Match series, and this is easily my favourite of the two I wasn't feeling the first book, but this one really pulled at my heart and had me sighing and weeping and feeling all the love!!
I do love a grumpy hero being brought out of his grumpy shell by the beautiful heroine, so yes I was hooked by that aspect alone. Joshua is so swoon-worthy, so seductive, and so lonely and full of heartbreak all I wanted was to wrap him up in a big hug and make him smile - after all, he has a lovely smile (well, I can see him twinkling at me in my head ;-)
It took me a while to really like Amelia but I soon myself falling instep and thoroughly enjoyed the ride.
I really, really, really loved this book, I have been a fan of Julia London's books for years and this reminds me of some of the first books I read by her years ago. It has all the London magic and atmosphere which we readers love from her, plus all the feels and all the love. Wonderful!!

As you read, have tissues at the ready near the end!!!

4.5 Stars

This was a wonderful story that really brought the life of the spare into focus. The spare that is usurped when the heir marries and starts a family. The spare that has really no other purpose or occupation. In Princess Amelia we see this life of grand priviledge made human and gracefully presented as the dearest hope of a lovely and tenderhearted woman.

Princess Amelia is frutrated and disillusioned with her future. She has been "bsnished" to England to find a husband. Not just any husbana, he must meet Amelis's requirements (her list is constantly evolving), he must be approved by the Queen (Amelia's sister) and the Prime Minister. Amelia is frank, often misunderstood and just looking for a purpose.


Joshua Parker, the Duke of Marley, is a tormented man who just wants QUIET and to be left alone. He has suffered a terrible tragedy and his guilt is paralizingly vivid for him every second of every day. He has removed himself from society and life for that matter. He is the Duke through a dizzying array of accidents and losses.

This HEA grows, unknowingly, through letters. Letters where each is able to be open, honest and air thoughts, dreams, wishes and philosophies. Their initial meetings were not the typical meet-cutes, they were each contrary and so sure they were right and the other not. Their face to face encounters are charming and each are quick to share opinions. The letters allowed them to gain a more indepth courtship, through the sharing of ideas then they could get within the strict structure of a society courtship. The letters were fun and a nice side story that wasn't really on the side.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this and i am chooing to leave an honest review.

Julia London puts a European princess of a minor kingdom in English high society in the countryside; she meets The Duke Not Taken and sparks fly. Frothy historical romance with interesting characters. Read for the romance.

Thank you netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review

I didn't enjoy this historical romance as I hoped to. The beginning dragged a bit and the heroine lacked substance. Her royal status brings about a lot of formalities that I felt made the story lack real passion and character. 1

I enjoyed The Duke Not Taken which is the second book in the A Royal Match series by Julia London and I highly recommend reading this after you've read the first book as there are references to the characters in the first book here as well as some items that set up where things are to kick this story off.

Amelia is an interesting character. In book one the focus was on her sister and to be honest, I didn't find her very likeable in that book (not really through any fault of hers). She's grown up as the second daughter and doesn't really have a role to play so she's trying to find her place. Unfortunately, that's part of the reason why she ends up being sent to England. Her family thinks that if she could find a husband, perhaps she will settle down.

The Duke of Marley is a neighbor to the family Amelia is staying with and if anyone is the exact opposite of Amelia, it's him. When they meet, they immediately clash and they continue to clash along the way. The interesting thing is, of all the men Amelia meets, Marley is the only one who captures her interest.

If you haven't started this series, I definitely recommend picking it up. There's great character development and swoony parts to keep you turning the pages.

I really enjoyed Amelia and Joshua's story. These two together just had me laughing out loud throughout the story! Such fun!

Amelia, Princess of Wesloria, is an original. Unfortunately,society doesn't appreciate her honesty. Her trip to England to find a husband is off to a rocky start, but luckily she enjoys helping at The Iddesleigh School For Exceptional Girls. Here she corresponds with A Concerned Resident of Devonshire. Their banter is pure gold. It made me laugh. The Duke Not Taken is an amazing romance filled with wonderful twists. Amelia doesn't want to be saddled with the same matchmaker as her sister. She wants to find real love. Meanwhile, the Duke of Marley who resides next door wants no loving relationship. He's hiding from life since the death of his Duchess and their baby. What an unlikely couple, but sparks fly wherever they're together. I loved seeing them spar. Their dialogue sparkles. I couldn't put this book down. The characters are interesting and feisty. Their romance is filled with delicious twists. Julia London has out done herself with this book. I loved Amelia and Joshua.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed my comments are my honest opinion.

This is the 2nd book in the A Royal Match series and it takes place in the same world as the A Royal Wedding trilogy. There is some crossover of characters from the earlier trilogy. I would recommend reading the first book in the A Royal Match series, but not worrying about reading the other series.

Princess Amelia was initially horrified to see the matchmaker, Lady Lila Aleksander, attend a family meeting. However she quickly warms to the idea of having Lila's help in finding a match for her in England. I love the matchmaker. I would love her help match making (fingers crossed she would have matched me with my husband). She listens and observes with a keen eye.

Amelia and the Duke of Marley keep running into each other in surprising ways and places. Neither thinks the other is suitable and this leads to a more honest connection. The book is told from multiple points of view (Amelia, Lila, and Marley) and I enjoyed the different perspectives. There's also an epistolary aspect to the story which I loved. This was my favorite book from this world and series. I appreciated the slower pace and inner reflections of the characters. 💕

Thanks to the publisher for a digital copy. All opinions are my own.

THE DUKE NOT TAKEN is a historical romance set in the 1800's and is the continuation of THE ROYAL MATCH series. It was a fun read. Princess Amelia from Wesloria is sent to England to find a husband with the matchmaker's help since she's struck out in her home country with somewhat inappropriate behaviors. We get to know her through letters to her sister, the Queen, who found her own match in the first book in the series, LAST DUKE STANDING. Amelia also helps the headmaster at the school on the property she's staying at by answering letters to a disgruntled neighbor and they have quite the correspondence. Although she has no idea who the writer of all the letters is.

Amelia can't find love with any of the men she's introduced to no matter how much the matchmaker, Lila, tries. But she and the Grim Reaper, the Duke who resides next door, have a chemistry between them each time they meet but because of events in his past - that he can't or won't leave in the past - he has no desire to remarry. But through their multiple interactions and their kisses, he could be softening, couldn't he? We learn about Amelia and the Duke a little at a time and I loved her view on life, although many seem to take her comments the wrong way. But she and the Duke seem to get each other.

There are family and friends, members of the ton, lots of descriptions of the grounds and the buildings and many social events. I liked that characters we've met before are woven throughout. There were lots of children due to the school and her hosts own houseful of girls! The Duke's pets were a lively addition and I liked his friendship with Miles.

The story has a good flow and is both happy and sad in its telling. There is closure with the epilogue that gives us a few happily ever afters. All in all, it was a satisfying read and I look forward to reading more books by Ms. London.

Great story! I love how this on3 picks up after last with the focus on Amelua, the outgoing sister. Amelia was more than I thought and had great depth. Her an Joseph were perfect. They truly needed each other but had to get beyond their own guilt , insecurities and sense that they didn't deserve happiness. Amelia was a bright spot fir Joseph and their story was perfect and had a fantastic supporting cast. I live the continuing interwith characters from earlier in the series. Great story with a build up to a beautiful romance. Sometimes a slow burn really gives all the feels in great romance. This is definitely a book to read!

Amelia Ivanosen, Princess of Wesloria, is outspoke and many think she’s brash, but it’s just her nature to speak her mind. She’s not easily offended and doesn’t understand why others are. And she’s tired of trying to “fix” herself to fit in better. Joshua Parker, Duke of Marley, is distant and cold, preferring to be alone. He blames himself for his late wife’s death and knows he’ll never marry again.

On paper these two seem like complete opposites. She’s vivacious; he’s an introvert. Yet they are both very lonely people. Set in a time before people were aware of mental and emotional well-being, the book speaks of a man suffering from depression and anxiety. His wounds are deep and he sees no way out. It takes someone like Amelia, who understands his pain and is willing to love him regardless, to open him up to life. Similarly, she is lonely, despite being surround by friends and family. She just wants someone to love her for the woman she is rather than her title, wealth, or for a woman she ought to be.

The romance is very slow burn, which suits the couple. They need time to heal while getting to know one another and seeing past the exterior. I love how they inadvertently come to learn so much about themselves and each other through silly letters mistakenly attributed to other individuals. The times they do spend talking are real and heartfelt. His pain is palpable.

With that said, I was disappointed in the penultimate scene when Joshua is confused over his feelings and unsure of what actions to take to correct an egregious mistake. The entire scene was unnecessary, and I feel the story would have been better had the short incident been skipped altogether. I actually lowered my grade because of it.

In the end, I still rather enjoyed The Duke Not Taken, and seeing several of the characters from the prior books and series.

My Rating: B+/B

I have been waiting for this book since I read the first in the series. I sure wasn’t disappointed in the story of Princess Justine and Joshua Parker. The characters that have been in the last several books have again been wonderfully woven through the new book in the series. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll long for the next book. If you need a break from the day to day, this is a great book for your break.

Amelia Ivanosen, Princess of Wesloria, is bored. Whether she realizes it or not, since her sister married and took the throne, she has been searching for what to do, and that has led her into some close calls... So, what to do with a restless young woman with a short sense of propriety in a world that requires it? Her mother and sister decide it's time to get her married of course! She is sent to England with Lady Lila Alexander - matchmaker extraordinaire. So, Lila does her best to throw eligible bachelors at Amelia, only to watch as Amelia all but yawns while meeting each of them. Except naturally, the one man she simply can't stand and would never consider.

Joshua Parker, Duke of Marley, just wants peace and quiet, not a royal living next door. He's grumpy and short-tempered, as a man might be after losing his wife in childbirth. When he's forced to a dinner party, meeting Amelia, they both have an instant dislike of each other. Can I say though, the banter? Classic Julia London - I could read pages and pages of bantering written by this author! They both form unlikeable opinions of each other which is sidelined by the clear chemistry between the two, making it very evident to everyone that they don't actually hate each other at all. The scenes that showcased their "hate" of one another were some of my favorites in this book and kept me smiling throughout. Then as they discovered how they truly felt, it seemed well won at that point, watching the romance bloom and blossom in to genuine like and love.

It's rather enjoyable to see two characters most people might not be interested in, find something irresistible within each other. I really enjoyed this book from Julia London, one of my new favorites of hers for sure. This is the second book in the Royal Match series, and I believe can be read as a standalone, but shouldn't. Pick up the first one, you won't be disappointed.

My opinions are my own and freely given.

Royal Match Book Two.

Amelia Ivanosen lives life in the spotlight. She loves people and parties and attention. However, after a close call with a footman...or two, her family ships her off to the country to hopefully find an eligible husband. Amelia settles in, but not well. She finally finds a diversion in assisting the schoolmaster with his correspondence, including the nightly complaints from an unknown citizen. Amelia gets off on the wrong foot with her new neighbor, the Duke of Marley, Joshua Parker. Lila, the matchmaker, decides that hate is more passion than Amelia has shown anyone else, so she decides that Marley is the one! But how can she get them to see that?

If you're looking for a historical romance where the main characters have believable flaws and are not perfect at everything they do, this is the book for you!

Audio Review:
I can no longer separate Julia London's stories from Justin Hill's voice. He embodies her characters so well that I hear his voice even when I read the physical books. It is lovely.

The book is a beautiful slow burn. The characters are well evolved and it slowly created a love story between them. The hero is a widowed duke having lost his wife and child during childbirth, He is detached and living like a ghost with no emotion. The Heroine has been sent to England as she is too carefree and reckless in life. They both needed each other to counter balance. It was so well written and I felt vested in the characters evolution and their love story. It was very sweet and i recommend.!

THE DUKE NOT TAKEN by Julia London is the second book in her A Royal Match series and I loved Princess Amelia and her grumpy Duke! London continues to create stories with wonderful character, both main and secondary, and interactions that kept me entertained and giggling.
Amelia and Joshua’s characters were interesting and layered. Amelia is a smart woman, but at loose ends. She’s the “spare” and doesn’t like feeling like she has no purpose and that gets her in trouble. Enter the Royal Matchmaker and a trip to England. Joshua is a Duke that wasn’t supposed to be, mired in grief and guilt. All he wants is for people to leave him alone, but the arrival of a Princess and the girls’ school that keeps disturbing him, he keeps getting pulled back into life. Watching Amelia and Joshua’s relationship and the characters grow, especially Amelia as she found her purpose.
London continues to write fun characters and storylines, and I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next. Will there be a third in the A Royal Match series?
Thanks to the publisher for the chance to read an advance copy of the novel. All opinions are my own and freely given.
#TheDukeNotTaken #ARoyalLMatch #JuliaLondon #HQN

The Duke Not Taken was an enjoyable read. Princess Amelia thought she was going to be sent to England and attend balls regularly. Instead she was sent to stay with a distant family friend in the country. With no one to cause trouble with, she instead started spending time with the children and helping at the girl’s school. She gets into a witty banter writing letters with someone who she imagines as an old scrooge. Little does she know that that scrooge is someone that she comes to know and instantly dislike in person. Scrooge…better known as the Duke of Marley is grumpy, dissatisfied and has little to no interest in living life. When the Duke meets the Princess he instantly decides that she is spoiled and self-involved. The Princess decides that he is annoying and horrible. However after an exciting turn of events they find that they cannot stop thinking about each other even though they each believe that they loathe the other person. The interaction between the two along with the “WRONG” pairings that the princess must go through before she is paired with the right person delivers a very interesting read that keeps the reader wanting more. This book can be read as a stand alone, but I recommend reading the story of Justine in The Last Duke Standing as it was just as enjoyable.

Amelia Ivanosen, Princess of Wesloria, has become intolerably restless since her sister’s marriage and ascension to the throne. She’s a notorious flirt and her mother and sister are afraid she’ll cause a scandal, so they have arranged to send her to England with Lady Lila Alexander, a matchmaker. Lila sends eligible bachelors to meet Amelia, but she’s as bored as ever safely tucked away on a friend’s country estate. After meeting several suitors, she has no spark with any of them, save one man who is not at all what she wants.

Joshua Parker, Duke of Marley, is a surly recluse who just wants to be left alone and has no interest in having a royal for a neighbor. Since losing his wife in childbirth, Joshua has kept to himself and endlessly annoyed by everything. When his friend forces him to attend his neighbor’s dinner party, he meets Amelia and they have an instant mutual dislike of one another, though their banter is second to none. She thinks Joshua is a know-it-all snob and he thinks she’s an entitled, selfish royal. But there are definite sparks between them and soon it becomes rather obvious that they don’t actually hate one another, but rather the opposite.

Having read some of this author’s books before I must say I definitely expected more steam. Not only that, but I also found myself wishing the MCs had a bit more on page time together. That is not to say that they were so often separated, but at the same time, much of their interaction occurs when there is still much animosity between them and for me, that made the romance feel rushed and incomplete when they did finally work things out. Amelia definitely came off as a pompous, self-assured royal who couldn’t conceive of a circumstance in which she might not be right. She was definitely lacking in tact and struggled to fit in with English society, but none of that mattered to Joshua. He was able to see something beyond her frivolous façade and she was able to see beyond his grief and surly, unapproachable exterior. Joshua nearly left it too late, but I liked that these two were willing to admit their feelings to one another fairly readily once they’d realized them. I only wish we’d gotten to that book a bit sooner as much of the narrative leading up to this point wound up feeling like filler to me and left the romance a bit short, otherwise, this was a perfectly enjoyable story.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.