Reviews

Daring and the Duke by Sarah MacLean

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webbsusa's review against another edition

2.0

Sigh. I have loved Sarah MacLean’s work, until the Bareknuckle Bastards series. I did not care for Felicity and Devin’s book at all. I am just over revenge plots in which the woman is a pawn in the master plan of the “hero.” Hattie and Whit’s book was much better, and I had hoped Ms. McLean was returning to form; Hattie is one of my favorite heroines ever, in any series.

I was nervous about this book, because I didn’t see Ewan as redeemable. The previous two books quite clearly portray him as a monster. He killed multiple people and very nearly killed Hattie. Unfortunately, my concerns were warranted. His redemption, such as it was, was quick and easy. The story that explains how/why he nearly killed Grace and his brothers was accepted far too easily by all. Not all characters can be redeemed, nor should they.

pammie823's review against another edition

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5.0

So I think I like second chance romances now?

I've never been a fan of the genre but this is my second 5 star (I'd give it more if I could) review of a Sarah MacLean second chance romance this year.

This book has everything I want from a great historical romance novel: vivid characters, interesting setting, social structures of the time, beautiful fashions and, of course, THE SPICE. But add on top of that the slow build we had to Daring and the Duke during the previous two books in the series and *chef's kiss*.

I don't want to say too much because spoilers are rude, but you will absolutely fall in love with Grace and Ewan, even if you're still super mad at Ewan over Devil, Felicity and Hattie. A top tier romance novel.

And pro tip: you MUST read the previous two books in the Bareknuckle Bastards series to really get the full impact. Trust me.

sd227's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

leekleek's review against another edition

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3.0

i was super into the first 80% and then the rest kind of fell flat. It was super annoying when grace backtracked on her previous statement of loving him and wanting to be with him and 30 minutes later was like psych no can do bucko.
i really liked that he gave up his title for her though

soniaandstories's review against another edition

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3.0

This wasn’t my favorite of the series. It felt repetitive and too much of the same drama over and over. The characters are tough, angry, and wounded, I get it. The last quarter was more enjoyable for me; I found myself pretty bored the rest of it. The H/h chemistry and connection was very well established and their interactions were super engaging which I enjoyed.