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3.8 AVERAGE
3.8 AVERAGE
I do love some good i-have-to-betray-you-but-oh-no-i-have-crush-on-you drama
emotional
tense
slow-paced
I've read two of Meredith Duran's novellas, and loved them both. I was looking forward to finally reading a novel from her, but I found this to be a bit disappointing. Her signature style is here and on full display, and I loved the plot. I just didn't enjoy the hero. He actively seeks to hurt the heroine (emotionally) and punishes her for his own emotions and failings. At one point the heroine, Olivia, wonders if she's the only one who sees the kindness in him, and I have to say that I think she is. He didn't really have any redeemable qualities. Still, I like Duran and I'm looking forward to finding another novel of hers that has a slightly better hero.
challenging
funny
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
DNF at about 1/3. Maybe I’m in the wrong mood, but this didn’t really work for me.
emotional
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
Couldn't finish it. "Hero" was too much of a dick and I read some reviews that he didn't get any better. Life's too short and my TBR list is too long to power through. Too bad, I liked Olivia.
Second re-read. Still not a fan. Like most Duran this was an interesting plot that was undermined by a secondary kidnapping/murder plot line in the last 25% and in this case also by abusive behaviour from the hero on a handful of occasions throughout the book. The hero is a duke, and the heroine is his house keeper, aka boss/employee romance plotline, and the relationship was undermined by plain old asshole behaviour including the typical "you have to leave because I refuse to try and control myself" scene. No thanks.
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Ugh, I loved this. Our hero was just the right side of an early 90s alphahole (I did not enjoy his bullying on principle), and our heroine not only held her own but beat him soundly. The DRAMA.
This is everything I like about historical romance. Capable heroine in peril, raging, angry, somewhat insane, cold, tortured hero. Great witty situations. The useless Duke household employees cracked me up.
The way the heroine kept poking at him peeling him like an onion, layer by layer until he could see himself again
A very romantic love story. Heroine a perfect match for the hero with her determination, vulnerability and a spine of steel.
Alastair is sigh worthy.
My catnip everywhere.
The way the heroine kept poking at him peeling him like an onion, layer by layer until he could see himself again
A very romantic love story. Heroine a perfect match for the hero with her determination, vulnerability and a spine of steel.
Alastair is sigh worthy.
My catnip everywhere.