When You Give a Duke a Diamond

I really enjoyed this. I liked both of the main characters individually and together, and the plot gave them interesting things to do without distracting too much from their relationship. The set-up for the rest of the series was well balanced as well, more than just an introduction to the other characters, but not overwhelmed by them. It had good steam. I really liked the way the heroine handled adversity, several 'good for you!' moments. Weaker points- the hero is super rude to the heroine publicly when they first meet, and I wish there had just been a line or two from his perspective, expressing surprise at himself for not acting with more ducal dignity or something (he doesn't really like being the center of attention and being show more gossip fodder and all either, so it just didn't seem in line with how he would normally behave, but it's hardly addressed. A line acknowledging that she just unaccountably rattled him with her presence or something would help considerably I think. (How it is, it just feels like he's really punching down unprovoked, which isn't very appealing at all). Also when the heroine first interacts with Lucifer, the scene is quickly glossed over, and it felt like things were left out. Small things really. And the heroine's feelings felt a bit rushed, just suddenly they were there. But again, pretty small complaints, it was a good story over all. show less

Finally historical romance that I absolutely loved!
So much action and intrigue, but also very hot and tender. Loved Will and Juliet! He was so starched and she so full of life, like a gulp of fresh air. Ah! What a book!

Just the right amount of fluff, and a very satisfying, if completely unlikely, adventure. Add to that my recent foray into toddler storytime, and the title gives me the giggles.

Review Originally Post HERE



Juliette is the talk of the ton on a regular basis. From what Juliette is wearing to who she is sleeping with gossip about her is served up daily in the scandal sheets. You would think a girl would hate having her business spread all over the ton paper but Juliette wouldn't have it any other way.

William is set to be married with a suitable bride when the Duchess of Dalliance strolls into his life. When this diamond meets this Duke the two embark on a romance loaded with action and mystery making this story impossible to put down and addicting to read.

Let me start off by saying I read this book in one day. I literally would silence anyone who interrupted my reading with a death glare. I was hooked from the show more start of this story. I really enjoy how the story just keeps unfolding and nothing is what it seems and no one is who they claim to be, and it is brilliant.

When You Give a Duke a Diamond stars my favorite type of lovers, hate lovers. In the beginning they can't stop fighting and bickering but after a series of unfortunate events the two reluctantly become stuck together and that is where the fun kicks off.

I loved the story so much and I won't giveaway all the details that had me clutching the pages learning about these characters, but you will be surprised. Each character is so cleverly written I fell in love with all of them. I can’t wait until the next book in the Jewels of the Ton series is release because I am dying to jump back into the world Shana Galen has created.

I recommend this book to adult readers and lovers of historical romance. This novel is not suitable for younger readers. show less

Sometimes I think too much when reading historical romance (while still really enjoying the book of course). And yes of course I thought about things here. A duke and a courtesan? Oh no! The ton would be horrified, their future children would suffer from it. And sure there was that point when I was all and she is a courtesan cos? But this is historical romance, this is meant to make you smile and feel happy and that is does do just that.

William is, oh how to describe him, he has a stick up his ass. He is everything a Duke should be and he lives his life according to rules that he has set before himself. And goals, one of those is to find a nice lady and breed a kid of two. But he is lovable, because you know he has some issues, and even show more in his dumb moments he is nice..underneath. Even if I wanted to smack him over the head once or twice. Courtesans are people too!

Juliette on the other hand lives life to the fullest, the nicest dresses, the best parties, the best the town has to offer when it all comes down to it. She is free and she loves it. And I liked her, she was so free and happy, most of the time.

As you can see these two are totally wrong for each other. Personality wise and station in life. But like a moth to a flame he is drawn to her and she is drawn to him and it can only end in disaster. Poor Juliette :/

There is also danger and adventure. I shall not tell you about what but something is going on.....

Conclusion:
A good historical romance with a very unlikely couple. And those are the best to watch fall in love. show less

Very slow start due to all the character introductions needed to set up the series - this is a huge pet peeve of mine. Just start the story for this book and introduce other characters later. I'm seeing this more and more and it just makes it hard to get into the story. Anyway, once the story actually got started, the characters were intriguing. I really enjoyed the rigid and proper Duke of Pelham as the hero. Juliette as the heroine was a promising character but she kept secrets throughout the book which to me were in the way of the romance. If she had just had an honest conversation, they could have moved forward much sooner. Overall a mildly interesting book but not that memorable.

Uptight duke marries courtesan. Not my favorite trope, because it's just too outré, even in Romancelandia. But this book was better than I expected, and the duke's inevitable epiphany was rather well done. There's also a murder and missing diamonds. Quite entertaining, but not a book I'll ever read again.