Reviews

The Portrait of a Duchess by Scarlett Peckham

sincerelymendacious's review against another edition

emotional lighthearted reflective medium-paced

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

3.75

garbage_mcsmutly's review against another edition

• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5

moodreader81's review against another edition

3.0

This was fine. I liked Rafe as a character and Cornelia is definitely an interesting take on a historical fmc. I just don't think the "activism " presented in this book added anything. The stakes of the book never matched the reality of what was happening in the world. 

jmarchi's review against another edition

lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

cjsma's review against another edition

emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

alisonhp's review against another edition

challenging emotional hopeful medium-paced

3.0

alisonb's review against another edition

2.0

This book and I are not a match. I am all for independent women, but when that independence-or "freedom"-comes at the cost of being kind, compassionate, and willing to compromise in a loving way, then I am going to struggle to understand the character unless I see growth and change. While Cornelia did make an about face, there really was no growth; her and Rafe both seemed to not have evolved much-as shown in the present day and flashback scenes from decades before.

I will not spoil some of the relationship aspects of the novel, but I wish I had had a heads up. There was an element to the story that bordered more on something I would find in erotica, and it didn't fit the tone that was being set up for this book and subgenre. I just want to know what I am getting into before it pops up since it makes a big difference in how I view the romantic arc-which felt non-existent in this book.

I don't like to give a book such a low rating because I can appreciate that someone created this from their own heart and labored to bring it into the world. When giving such a rating I do so not out of a lack of appreciation for the author but as an honest communication of how I experienced the book from my unique perspective. This book may be highly enjoyable for another person, and I always recommend that you take a low-or high-rating with a grain of salt.

1.5 ✨'s

I read and reviewed an advanced copy of this eARC thanks to Avon and Harper Voyager via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

jaxofspades's review against another edition

lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

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

3.75

Really diverse, with a nod to open relationships in a historical fantasy which is really rare. Wasn’t like, tops for me but fun! 

jmmd's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

izmc's review against another edition

I’ll try again later.