This is a genre (Georgian period romance) I always refused to read because I assumed I would not like it. But then I read an excerpt from When the Duke Returns and I was intrigued, and because it was reduced in price I decided to buy it. Turned out to be an excellent decision. After enjoying When the Duke Returns I decided to read the first in the series, Desperate Duchesses. This book was hilarious in parts, and the romance is driven by the delightfully bawdy humor. Just the kind of period piece I enjoy. I was quite interested to find out Eloisa James (Mary Bly in real life) is a professor of literature, and it shows in the references to Shakespeare in this book. And she comes from quite literary parents, Carol and Robert Bly.