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alejandra_guerrero's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
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
3.5
It was good, the story was interesting, and I liked the characters.
I could have done with the OW drama, which turned out completely irrelevant, and without the extra chapters with characters from other books in the series that I don't know and don't want to read about. This story is set in the same world, and the villains are related to the evil organization from the other books in the series, but only tangentially so. Those chapters only served to muddle the timeline, and are summarized by the one character in this story who lived through them and whose POV we don't even get. Before we even get these chapters, so they felt unnecessary.
I could have done with the OW drama, which turned out completely irrelevant, and without the extra chapters with characters from other books in the series that I don't know and don't want to read about. This story is set in the same world, and the villains are related to the evil organization from the other books in the series, but only tangentially so. Those chapters only served to muddle the timeline, and are summarized by the one character in this story who lived through them and whose POV we don't even get. Before we even get these chapters, so they felt unnecessary.
bookishmya's review
4.0
As a young girl, Maggie MacKenzie saw a young man ride across the field. A dark, handsome prince of a man. She was smitten. Years later when Lance Carlisle returned to Faegan Hall, a new duke, he saw a young maid and was instantly smitten. And so begins a love strong enough to heal.
The things Maggie has endured would scar not person, but she has an immense strength of survival. She is a beautifully written character of beauty, but even more beauty in her character. I was immediately drawn to the purity of Lances character, a true knight in shining armour. I do love the ongoing intrigue in the underlying mystery. Though this is a romance story, the continuing thread through the series of the Black Lodge draws you in to the inner turmoil of each character. It also provides the opportunity for redemption of some of the darker characters. Well written, edge of your seat storytelling at it’s best. A great read, can’t wait for the next chapter in this saga.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The things Maggie has endured would scar not person, but she has an immense strength of survival. She is a beautifully written character of beauty, but even more beauty in her character. I was immediately drawn to the purity of Lances character, a true knight in shining armour. I do love the ongoing intrigue in the underlying mystery. Though this is a romance story, the continuing thread through the series of the Black Lodge draws you in to the inner turmoil of each character. It also provides the opportunity for redemption of some of the darker characters. Well written, edge of your seat storytelling at it’s best. A great read, can’t wait for the next chapter in this saga.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
mssarahbni's review
4.0
This was a good historical romance. I’m really liking Fenna Edgewood’s way of writing, she captures my attention from the start and it becomes impossible to put down the stories. This was a really good story and I enjoyed Lance and Maggie as a couple. This was a really good story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
glo68's review
5.0
Lance Carlisle has inherited a dukedom, a spiteful aunt and a house full of dark secrets. When he uncovers the truth behind the presence of a beautiful girl he used to know as a child in his ancestry home, he is prepared to right some of the wrongs that have been committed by his relatives and save her from shame and poverty, even if he’ll never have what he desires most… Her heart.
Maggie Mackenzie is broken and powerless, but she’s still willing to fight for her future. When her secret childhood crush offers to help her, she accepts. But when she starts to really care for him, will she be able to overcome her past and make a fresh start?
I’m following this series from the very beginning and I’m loving each and every book! This one was particularly emotional, because it centered on the abuse that was only touched on in the previous books. But the author dealt with the aftermath of Maggie’s ordeal with heartwarming delicacy and created a wonderful hero who is everything a wounded woman could ask for. I loved Lance with all my heart and I felt for Maggie, who despite her suffering remained strong and open to love. The overarching mystery plot is masterfully developed: it links all the books without being overwhelming and it still allows them to be read as standalones (but my advice is to read them all in order, because they are really worthwhile!). Now I look forward to seeing where the story will lead and when the real villain will finally be brought to justice.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Maggie Mackenzie is broken and powerless, but she’s still willing to fight for her future. When her secret childhood crush offers to help her, she accepts. But when she starts to really care for him, will she be able to overcome her past and make a fresh start?
I’m following this series from the very beginning and I’m loving each and every book! This one was particularly emotional, because it centered on the abuse that was only touched on in the previous books. But the author dealt with the aftermath of Maggie’s ordeal with heartwarming delicacy and created a wonderful hero who is everything a wounded woman could ask for. I loved Lance with all my heart and I felt for Maggie, who despite her suffering remained strong and open to love. The overarching mystery plot is masterfully developed: it links all the books without being overwhelming and it still allows them to be read as standalones (but my advice is to read them all in order, because they are really worthwhile!). Now I look forward to seeing where the story will lead and when the real villain will finally be brought to justice.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
smithrachaelynn's review
4.0
I jumped into the middle of this series because this book was recommended to me! I didn’t feel confused or anything, but there were characters that I met who were in previous books. I really enjoyed the story. Lance was so cute. His crush on Maggie was so adorable. I loved seeing Maggie get her life back. The whole cast of characters was so awesome.
00laura23's review
3.0
Lance and Maggie’s romance was touching and sweet. That they were able to find love after everything that Maggie had been through was well done and hopeful. Edgewood showed Maggie’s inner strength throughout this story, which makes her lovable and relatable. While I liked Lance, I had a hard time connecting with him. I was glad that we find out what happened to David in this story, as it was left as a cliff-hanger at the end of the previous book.
Edgewood tells good stories and I enjoy her writing, unfortunately for me, I had a harder time connecting with this story and therefore didn’t enjoy it as much as I did the previous instalment in the series. I would strongly suggest reading this series in order as there is a subplot that runs through all the books in the series. If the books are read out of order, the reader will miss out on important pieces of the subplot and may end up confused.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Edgewood tells good stories and I enjoy her writing, unfortunately for me, I had a harder time connecting with this story and therefore didn’t enjoy it as much as I did the previous instalment in the series. I would strongly suggest reading this series in order as there is a subplot that runs through all the books in the series. If the books are read out of order, the reader will miss out on important pieces of the subplot and may end up confused.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
rachelstopreads's review
5.0
Murder! Betrayal! Trauma! Spice! Sister bonds! Emotionally supportive men! Consent and boundaries! Mystery!
Once again, Fenna Edgewood has sucked me into this world where the women of the 1700s are mistreated by the horrible patriarchy and a handful of wonderful men stand up for and empower them (in the limited ways that the 1700s allowed.)
Although most of Fenna’s books have had the disturbing mystery of The Black Lodge in the backstory, A Duke For All Seasons brings all of the implied horrors to the forefront and focuses on one of the victims, Maggie, and her trauma and healing.
This was a delicate topic to write about (see CWs below) but I think Fenna approached it well with a focus on consent and boundaries while allowing trauma victims to heal. There was some spice of course (and PHEW was it some good spice) but due to the nature of Maggie’s trauma, it was a slower build to the spice. I absolutely loved how she wrote it! If only all men were like Fenna Edgewood’s male leads.
Also in this book, Lance (the male lead) must learn his role in helping Maggie to heal while respecting her triggers and boundaries. It’s a great perspective from those of us whose loved ones have suffered and who feel helpless to do anything but be there for them.
Please look at my content warnings if you have any triggers
Side note: I LOVED seeing characters from the past books including the (1) adorably brave and (2) morally gray men from the past two books.
Tropes
- Love at first sight (kind of)
- Age gap
- Marriage of convenience
- Helping with healing/recovery
- Separated sisters
- Rags to Riches
- Protector Hero
Inclusion
- R*pe survivors / recovery
- Childhood polio survivor
Content warnings
- domestic ab*se
- Sexual assault/r*pe
- Human tr*fficking
- Child tr*fficking (mentioned)
- Murder
- Animal ab*se
Once again, Fenna Edgewood has sucked me into this world where the women of the 1700s are mistreated by the horrible patriarchy and a handful of wonderful men stand up for and empower them (in the limited ways that the 1700s allowed.)
Although most of Fenna’s books have had the disturbing mystery of The Black Lodge in the backstory, A Duke For All Seasons brings all of the implied horrors to the forefront and focuses on one of the victims, Maggie, and her trauma and healing.
This was a delicate topic to write about (see CWs below) but I think Fenna approached it well with a focus on consent and boundaries while allowing trauma victims to heal. There was some spice of course (and PHEW was it some good spice) but due to the nature of Maggie’s trauma, it was a slower build to the spice. I absolutely loved how she wrote it! If only all men were like Fenna Edgewood’s male leads.
Also in this book, Lance (the male lead) must learn his role in helping Maggie to heal while respecting her triggers and boundaries. It’s a great perspective from those of us whose loved ones have suffered and who feel helpless to do anything but be there for them.
Please look at my content warnings if you have any triggers
Side note: I LOVED seeing characters from the past books including the (1) adorably brave and (2) morally gray men from the past two books.
Tropes
- Love at first sight (kind of)
- Age gap
- Marriage of convenience
- Helping with healing/recovery
- Separated sisters
- Rags to Riches
- Protector Hero
Inclusion
- R*pe survivors / recovery
- Childhood polio survivor
Content warnings
- domestic ab*se
- Sexual assault/r*pe
- Human tr*fficking
- Child tr*fficking (mentioned)
- Murder
- Animal ab*se
fainting_couch's review
Ngl this one was a bit of a whim; don’t think I’ll be returning? The premise is like hella dark which I am always down for but the writing was a bit choppy and the plot didn’t feel natural, idk something’s missing the relationship development was there and not idk I can’t quite put my finger on it
jkcantwell's review
5.0
Regency Romance with a Social Conscience
The disappearance of a beloved sister following the death of another, and a terrible secret that Maggie holds intrigues the newly returned Lance. But what sets this apart from other romances is the discussion of human trafficking – sale of young women, often as sex slaves to wealthy nobles, orchestrated by more than one member of the Fagean Hall community.
Well written, this marriage of convenience story captured my heart. My favourite quote: “Bluestockings! You don’t say! Next thing you’ll be telling me they like to read and have opinions like men do. Absolutely shocking… What’s England coming to and all that.” Highly recommended.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout in exchange for an honest review.
The disappearance of a beloved sister following the death of another, and a terrible secret that Maggie holds intrigues the newly returned Lance. But what sets this apart from other romances is the discussion of human trafficking – sale of young women, often as sex slaves to wealthy nobles, orchestrated by more than one member of the Fagean Hall community.
Well written, this marriage of convenience story captured my heart. My favourite quote: “Bluestockings! You don’t say! Next thing you’ll be telling me they like to read and have opinions like men do. Absolutely shocking… What’s England coming to and all that.” Highly recommended.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout in exchange for an honest review.
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