When the Duke Returns    by Eloisa James Order:  USA  Can Avon, 2008 (2008) Paperback     Reviewed by Kim Atchue-Cusella Lady Isidore was married by proxy years ago when she was only twelve years old. Her husband Simeon has been traveling in Africa but now she has lured him home. She is ready to meet him for the first time, and is willing to accept him as her husband. Simeon returns home to a dilapidated estate that his mother ran exactly as his father had. The bills have not been paid and the stench from the sewers is horrible. He finds Isidore far too outspoken and stubborn to meet his needs although he can't keep his eyes off her ravishing body. But she will never do for the docile duchess he's always had in mind. Lady Isidore is crushed when Simeon tells her that he wants an annulment, and tries everything she can think of to get him to change his mind. While they are still married, she tries to help him get his estate back into shape. His mother is not happy that Lady Isidore comes in and takes over, but Isidore does not budge when it comes to fixing up the estate's disastrous state. In between bouts of bickering, Simeon and Lady Isidore spend time together and get to know one another. Lady Isidore does not want to give him up and she knows that if she can get him to consummate the marriage it will not be annulled. He has turned out to be a hard nut to crack though. Eloisa James has created another great historical that keeps your attention while she weaves her characters into people that you love. Simeon and Lady Isidore are perfect for each other, but their road to romance has its bumps. The humor while they're getting there - along with the passion that ignites between them - will keep you reading for hours. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Romance books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews