The Once and Future Duchess (Royal Entourage #4) by Sophia Nash

In theory, the Duke of Candover is the most eligible peer in the realm. But in truth, he has a deep aversion to the merest hint of marriage, not to mention two botched engagements which have marked his jaded soul. Now, after a debauched bachelor party that causes public outcry, the Prince Regent is demanding that it's Candover's turn to be brought to heel. And Prinny secretly believes that Isabelle Tremont, the Duchess of March, is precisely the lady up to the challenge.

Isabelle must marry, but a day of reckoning with the man she's loved for years is her greatest fear. If Candover insists she's too young and innocent for a seasoned world-weary man like him, there's no shortage of other candidates. Gentlemen of prestige and position. Gentlemen whose attentions are driving Candover to jealous distraction. Yet one abandoned moment under the stars hints that if they can put aside pride and duty, then a love once denied might just be their destiny.

Overall Rating:  3.75 Rockin’ ★★★☆

The Once and Future Duchess is the fourth book in the Royal Entourage Series, by Sophia Nash.  This historical romance novel is full of formal mannerisms, Royal courtships, written Regency-style.  The author captured my attention through the details and descriptions of the time period.  At moments I felt like I was in a time warp, and was living it myself. The characters came to life page by page captivating my attention with their turmoil and lust.

An edict has been declared by the Prince Regent for the Royal Entourage to settle down and marry.  The Duchess of March, Isabelle Tremont, is a young woman with an old soul. James Fitzroy, The Duke of Candover is a stoic, formal, and very serious Premier Duke.  After Isabelle's rejected marriage proposal to James, she begins searching for a new prospect.  Yet hope flourishes that he will reciprocate her feelings one day.  

James is fighting himself with the dying promise of Isabelle's father, to protect her and ensure her happiness for the future with a man of her age.  His inner demons are preventing him from true happiness.  The one woman that understands him like no other before; is slipping away from his grasp.

Will their friendship turn from platonic to romantic?  You'll have to read the book!  I thoroughly enjoyed this book with it's proper style of writing and fanciful fashions.  Job well done Sophia..Grēta

Hero - James Fitzroy, The Duke of Candover 3.5 stars
Heroine - Isabelle Tremont, The Duchess of March 4.0 stars
Steam Level: 4.0 stars 
Plot: 4.0 stars 
Cliffhanger: No

Would I recommend this book: Yes!
Would I read other books by this author: Yes!