I judge books by their cover. I know it is not what people should do, but when you have worked at as many bookstores and libraries as I have you start to know what will capture your attention. That is how I discovered Aphrodite and the Duke by JJ McAvoy.
When I saw Aphrodite and the Duke by JJ McAvoy, I knew I would like it because:
-The title connects two people, telling me it is a romance
-āDukeā informs me of the era for the novelās setting
-As an African American woman that watches Pride and Prejudice annually, I couldnāt wait to read the story of the black woman in the flowing red dress with curly natural hair.
Aphrodite and the Duke is about the eldest daughter of the DuBell family. Despite not caring to have been named after the goddess of beauty, Aphrodite is admired by all. Her charm, talent, and beauty have many in her familyās social circle smitten with her. None more than her motherās godson Evander Eagleman the Duke of Everly.
Evander adores Aphrodite. He knows she is the one for him. So much so he promises to marry her as soon as she debuts in society. When her debut arrives instead of receiving the proposal they all expected the DuBell family receives Evanderās wedding invitation. To someone else.
Four years later, Aphrodite is back in town along with a widowed Evander. Who is determined to get back the love of his life. Yet, Aphrodite does not trust Evander and doesnāt think she ever will again.
I love the healthy amount of drama in this book; it is a practical drama that shocks readers instead of overwhelming them. Often, when black people are the main characters of a book, film, graphic novel, etc. the drama is an unrealistic amount of trauma that deters readers and viewers. It is hard to identify with a book when the plot is so convoluted it isnāt normal.
Aphrodite and the Duke is exactly the kind of book a regency reader of color would enjoy. I recommend it to all readers. Donāt forget the sequels!
Brianna is a Branch Outreach Specialist at OCLS
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