Aphrodite and the Duke by JJ McAvoy

 Second chances are even sweeter. . . .

Aphrodite Du Bell has always resented her name. While the members of the ton, and even the queen herself, praise her warm brown skin, perfect curls, and exquisite features, Aphrodite can’t help but think that living up to the literal goddess of beauty is asking a bit much. Her renowned loveliness certainly didn’t stop the love of her life from jilting her and marrying another woman four years ago.

When Aphrodite’s formidable mother summons her back to London to aid in her sister’s debut, she has no choice but to acquiesce. But Aphrodite is determined to ignore one man in particular: Evander Eagleman, the Duke of Everely, the man who devastated her all those years ago. Yet why does her guileless heart still flutter at the sight of him?

Evander Eagleman lost his chance for true love, but now that he is an unattached widower, he is determined to win back Aphrodite’s trust—and her hand in marriage. But just as the couple make strides to mend old wounds, Evander’s true reason for rejecting Aphrodite threatens their coveted future . . . and even their lives.

~~~~~~Review~~~~~

Let me start this with a little about what I read. I read dark and I mean dark with all the triggers, if it is taboo or needs a warring, I will read it. I am one who likes a lot of grit and not every story has to be wrapped up with a bow and a Happily Ever After ending. I am taking a leap with this genre and hoping that one of my favorite authors introduces me to something I did not see coming. I would read a greeting card if Author JJ McAvoy wrote it.

I went into this thinking I would love the writing and just be bored because it was "not my norm." I WAS SO WRONG, I really enjoyed this story, the characters, and the drama. Do not get me wrong this is a story that is light and airy.  You can visualize the beauty of high society, the ball gowns, and the opulence perfectly laid out in stellar writing. The drama has many facets, our leading lady with the name of a goddess is heartbroken and dejected by her one true love, her only option is to leave London and try to heal her heart. 

 The Duke is reeling from a lie that changed the course of his life. Left longing for his true love and hellbent on bringing those who caused his life turmoil to justice.  Then you have his sister Verity,  who is fighting her own battle with her past. Only to be followed up with family members that feel jilted and out for revenge. 
It seems like a lot but there really is a beautiful love story told throughout the drama that makes the story hopeful and warm. 

 We see Odite grow into the woman she was always meant to be, steadfast, strong, and loving. Evander, we get to see his heart thaw and let the stoic hard man become a worthwhile husband and father.

Is a second chance worth the risk of getting your heart ripped to shreds again? Is the man who broke you worth everything? How far will you go to protect the man you love?

All of these questions are answered in this fantastic story that has opened my dark loving eyes to something new and that is very exciting! It must be said, I read this book in a day, that is how much I enjoyed it. 

PS, I wouldn't hate a Verity and the doctor story!!!

Aphrodite and the Duke 

by 

JJ McAvoy

4.5 Clocks

Book provided by NetGalley for an honest review.