Episode Summary: "What I Did for a Duke: This Gentleman is Completely Composed of Revenge Molecules" (Episode 07.27)

Podcast: Fated Mates - A Romance Novel Podcast
Hosts: Sarah MacLean (bestselling author) and Jen Prokop (romance critic)
Release Date: March 19, 2025
Episode Title: What I Did for a Duke: This Gentleman is Completely Composed of Revenge Molecules

1. Event Recap: Romance Readers Unite at NY Public Library

In the early minutes of the episode, Sarah MacLean shares her recent experience attending a New York Public Library event dedicated to romance novels. Hosted at the iconic Main Library on 42nd Street, the evening brought together approximately 150-200 romance enthusiasts, including notable authors such as Adriana, Alexis, Daria, Priscilla Oliveira, Rachel Griffiths, Joanna Shoup, Celestine Martin, and Zoraida Cordova.

Sarah MacLean [00:21]: "It was a very cool group of authors who were there... It was like a who's who of fated mates guests."

The event featured interactive activities, including a romance-themed bingo game curated by the library's romance committee. The bingo card incorporated playful prompts like choosing between "Team Werewolf" or "exclusively reading books with only one bed." Notably, one of the bingo squares acknowledged Fated Mates as a source for romance recommendations.

Sarah MacLean [02:27]: "One of the boxes was, you get your romance recommendations from fated mates."

A highlight of the evening was a massive romance book exchange, styled as "blind dates with books," where attendees wrapped their chosen books and included personalized messages. Sarah recounts a humorous encounter with Catherine from Rip Bodice Brooklyn, involving a miswrapped mass-market book titled "Romance in Italy," which turned out to be What I Did for a Duke by Julie M. Long.

2. Deep Dive: What I Did for a Duke by Julie M. Long

The core of the episode centers around an in-depth discussion of Julie M. Long's historical romance novel, What I Did for a Duke. Both hosts express their admiration for the book, highlighting its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and thoughtful exploration of themes such as revenge, maturity, and societal expectations.

a. Plot Overview

What I Did for a Duke is the fifth installment in Julie M. Long's Penny Royal Green series, which consists of 11 books. The story unfolds in the small, tightly-knit town of Penny Royal Green, where two prominent families—the Redmonds and the Everseas—are embroiled in generational rivalry akin to the Montagues and Capulets.

The novel introduces Alex Moncrief, a dark and brooding duke driven by revenge against the Eversea family for humiliating his fiancée, Harry, who was involved in an illicit affair with Genevieve Eversea, the protagonist's sister. As Alex devises his plan to tarnish the Everseas' reputation further, he unexpectedly finds himself falling for Genevieve, leading to a complex interplay of emotions and motives.

b. Character Insights

• Alex Moncrief: Portrayed as a classic romance hero with a modern twist, Alex is initially consumed by revenge. However, his interactions with Genevieve reveal layers of vulnerability and empathy. His age gap with Genevieve introduces dynamics of maturity and experience, challenging traditional tropes.

  Jen Prokop [15:23]: "I was like, wait, what's going on here? Because if these two are the actual main couple of this book, then this book is not starting in the right place."

• Genevieve Eversea: She embodies the archetypal heroine struggling between societal expectations and personal desires. Genevieve's internal conflict revolves around her love for Harry and her growing attraction to Alex, who treats her with respect and acknowledges her true self.

c. Themes and Analysis

Revenge and Redemption: The novel intricately weaves Alex's quest for vengeance with his unexpected emotional journey towards redemption through his relationship with Genevieve.

Age Gap Romance: The significant age difference between Alex and Genevieve is handled with nuance, exploring themes of maturity, life experience, and personal growth.

Societal Expectations: The story delves into the pressures of societal norms, particularly in the historical context, and how they influence personal relationships and individual choices.

Empathy and Understanding: Alex's gradual transformation from a revenge-driven duke to a more empathetic character underscores the power of understanding and emotional intelligence.

d. Notable Quotes and Moments

• Alex's Revelation of Revenge Goals:

  Sarah MacLean [17:08]: "This gentleman is completely composed of revenge molecules."

• Genevieve's Insight on Alex:

  Jen Prokop [25:57]: "What I'm trying to say is this book... it's a journey that he's gonna go on."

• Climactic Confrontation:

  Near the end of the book, Alex confronts Harry, revealing the depths of his betrayal and the true extent of his own emotions.

  Jennifer Prokop [65:01]: "You thought you might frighten her into showing her feelings? You thought you might break her heart in order to win her heart. What the hell kind of man are you?"

• Final Moments of Realization:

  Genevieve's realization of what Alex truly means to her leads to a powerful culmination of their relationship.

  Sarah MacLean [83:16]: "These books are bangers."

e. Structural and Narrative Techniques

Julie M. Long employs a dual-point-of-view narrative, initially presenting the story from Ian Eversea's perspective before shifting focus to Alex Moncrief. This technique allows readers to grasp the multifaceted nature of the characters and their motivations. The narrative also cleverly subverts traditional romance tropes by allowing characters to defy initial expectations, keeping readers engaged and surprised.

Sarah MacLean [24:05]: "He has both. He's a really beautiful mix of these two."

3. Conclusion: Emotional Resonance and Recommendations

Both hosts unanimously praise What I Did for a Duke for its brilliant execution of romance elements, complex character development, and the seamless blending of classic and contemporary themes. They recommend the book not only to seasoned romance readers but also to those looking to explore the depth and diversity within the genre.

Jen Prokop [84:02]: "This is what I want. Go back in time and tell me these stories."

Sarah emphasizes the book's ability to deliver a satisfying emotional journey, making it a standout in historical romance literature.

Sarah MacLean [84:44]: "They all fall in love with each other and are, you know, having grandbabies? No."

Final Thoughts

What I Did for a Duke by Julie M. Long offers a captivating blend of romance, revenge, and personal growth, set against the backdrop of a small-town rivalry. Through its well-crafted narrative and engaging characters, the novel challenges and redefines traditional romance tropes, making it a must-read for enthusiasts of the genre.

For more detailed discussions and recommendations, tune into weekly episodes of Fated Mates wherever you listen to podcasts. Join the conversation and connect with other romance novel aficionados on their social media platforms and Patreon community.