What I Did For a Duke by Julie Anne Long

March Reading Challenge:

TOPICS:
- read a book whose author either has a three-word name or carries an official middle initial.
- read a book that you have previously started and meant to continue, but keep failing to do so.

THEMES:
- read a book that is set in Scotland or has a Highlander as a character.
- read a book with a medical theme, plot, cover, or setting.

SPECIAL EVENTS:
International Womens’ Month: – read a book that has a single female figure on the cover.
Reading Romance’s Blogiversary: – read a book that has been reviewed or featured at the blog!

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Consider a painting -- it is a form of art that allows itself to be interpreted by those who view it -- and it reveals itself and is experienced differently by different people.

Genevieve Eversea has always been seen in a certain way by the people around her. She's the sensible Eversea. The contained and thoughtful one. The dependable one who likes quiet pursuits like embroidery and painting. Her character is so fixed and determined that her family knows (without looking at the card) whose flowers are delivered to the house (vibrant ones for Olivia and simple ones for Genevieve).

But, like a painting, Genevieve from a distance is very different from Genevieve up close.

And this is what Alexander Moncrieffe, Duke of Falconbridge discovers.

Alex did not set out to like Genevieve but to use her as part of his revenge against Genevieve's brother, Ian. He uses his position to get himself invited to the Eversea house party and slowly initiates his plan. First, gain introduction to Genevieve. Next, seduce her. Last, leave her.

Alex always has a plan. And things always go his way. He's a duke, after all.

But Genevieve is not quite what Alex expected. His initial impression of her was that she was plain and dull.

She was petite and colorless and lightless. Her complexion was fair and unblemished, but it was difficult to know her age, for the bloom was most certainly off of her.

...

Her presence was in fact so subdued he would not have been surprised to hear she was mute.
- p. 49

When he steps in a little closer, he sees Genevieve for who she really is. It is when Alex starts talking to her that he realizes the colors and the beauty that Genevieve possesses.

"Good evening, Miss Eversea. You've stars in your hair."
- p. 62

And it is the same with Alex. He is tired of people's perception of him. He is tired of the rumors that swirl around him, about his late wife and about the duels he has fought. Genevieve's disinterest in him piques his attention.

Julie Anne Long presents us with 2 sets of lovers and the adventure they take to discover their hearts' desires:
- Genevieve loves and has always loved Harry.
- But Harry loves Millicent and plans to propose to her.
- Alex wants to hurt Genevieve as revenge but discovers that he likes her and tries to show her that she is as desirable and as worthy of love as her sister Olivia.

In the end, each one is forced to look deeply into their hearts and to discover who and what it is they truly want ... and the answer surprises them.

I really enjoy Julie Anne Long's writing. She has a wonderful way with description and a diamond-cutter's precise skill in creating intricate details. I especially loved how subtly she conveys some things. Genevieve has never noticed Alex's eyes. She knows they are dark and that is that. Then Long presents to us the moment Genevieve finally discovers the color. It's a simple detail -- but the effect on the story is ... WOW.

I have 2 more books to read in the Pennyroyal Green series and then I would have caught up -- it suffices to say that I am really looking forward to picking up my next book. ^_^