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Aphrodite and the Duke cover art

Aphrodite and the Duke

By: J.J. McAvoy
Narrated by: Drew Rodgers, Grace Gray, Kwame Augustine, Rachel Reshma
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Summary

Aphrodite wishes to escape the marriage mart but will a second chance with the elusive Duke of Everely change her mind?

Aphrodite Du Bell is a diamond of the first water and a favourite of the queen. But her renowned loveliness didn't stop the love of her life, Evander Eagleman, from jilting her and marrying another woman four years ago.

Aphrodite has been in self-imposed exile ever since. However, when her formidable mother summons her back to London Aphrodite has no choice but to acquiesce.

Upon her return, Aphrodite learns that the newly widowed Evander is in town and, despite her best efforts, the grand society events of the season repeatedly push them together. With each encounter, Aphrodite's traitorous feelings make it perfectly clear that the Duke still holds court over her heart.

Can the couple make strides to mend past hurts, or will the true reason Evander pushed Aphrodite aside threaten their coveted future and even their lives . . . ?

©2022 Judy Onyegbado (P)2022 Quercus Editions Limited

Critic reviews

'Full of lush gowns, longing looks and lingering secrets, Bridgerton lovers have found their next read in Aphrodite and the Duke. J. J. McAvoy is a welcome new voice in historical romance' SARAH MACLEAN, New York Times bestselling author of A DUKE WORTH FALLING FOR 

'Fantastically pacy with a lovely heroine and a great Austenian villain. Perfect for all Bridgerton fans' PHOEBE WYNNE, author of THE RUINS

What listeners say about Aphrodite and the Duke

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Strong start, disappointing finish (possible spoiler alert?)

I honestly really enjoyed the first 2/3 of this book, but by the end I sadly found the plot very rushed and the protagonists borderline unbearable. While I loved the book’s playful dialogue, the performances, the depictions of family and gender dynamics, and of course seeing a Black woman in a romantic lead role, it felt like a lot of the great work done to develop the characters at the start of the book came to nothing by the book’s conclusion. Any growth or personal development we think we see in the protagonists is completely unravelled by the way the book ends, in a messy plot of privileged, selfish, and frankly callous behaviour. While some acknowledgement of classism is haphazardly tacked on at moments of the book, I think this needed to be far more developed in order to read as “self aware” as this book may genuinely be trying to be. Perhaps I simply approached this book with too many happy, cliché expectations, but by the end, I hardly felt any warmth towards the main characters, which was a real bummer for me. While I’d still recommend this book for someone looking for a quick, Bridgerton-esque, escapist read, I’d say be prepared to feel slightly deflated by the end.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Enjoyable listen

Really enjoyed this one, reminded me of Bridgerton which is probably what appealed. I really needed to find out what happened to Aphrodite so was engaged until the end. Grace Gray’s voice is incredibly soothing yet strong. A great listen.

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More please

I absolutely loved this book. Read in one sitting. I need to read the story of what happens next, to the other characters.

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Thoroughly enjoyable

I have never been interested in reading period dramas so this is the first one I’ve read. I loved it, such a great story and so beautifully read, especially by Grace Gray. Such a clear voice and she really manages to bring the characters to life. I couldn’t wait to listen to the next bit. Highly recommend this great Audiobook. I hope Grace narrates more books.

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Captivating

I love how this story extends well beyond what I’ve come to consider the typical happy ending in a period drama. Aphrodite and the Duke is fast-paced, with plenty of surprises, and the excellent narration really brings the characters to life. Aphrodite (Grace Gray) in particular had perfect timing and was a pleasure to listen to!

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Gripping, great listen.

Started listening and couldn‘t stop ! Great storyline, excellent narrator. Aphrodite had me from the first line. Like velvet.

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