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kelseykeefe's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
kerriej's review against another edition
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
leonalikesliterature's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Loved this book!
The romance and tension was beautifully built, and the writing was so good! The smut was top tier ✨
My only dislike was the reveal of Archer at the Charlotte’s Street House. I felt it was unnecessary and tainted the relationship between Archer and Poppy. It definitely counted as infidelity and there isn’t a good reconciliation after his betrayal. He is just forgiven because Poppy is into BDSM. I thought it was unnecessary too because it’s already basically revealed that he used to visit the Charlotte’s Street, so I really wish the cheating had just been omitted.
Archer and Poppy’s tension also started to burn me out by the 75% mark. It was getting repetitive with their lack of communication and brooding. Overall though, I really loved Archer and Poppy. Even despite Archer’s betrayal, I still adored his character.
Anyways, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I will be reading the sequels!
The romance and tension was beautifully built, and the writing was so good! The smut was top tier ✨
My only dislike was the
Archer and Poppy’s tension also started to burn me out by the 75% mark. It was getting repetitive with their lack of communication and brooding. Overall though, I really loved Archer and Poppy. Even despite Archer’s betrayal, I still adored his character.
Anyways, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I will be reading the sequels!
pardonthisbookaddict's review against another edition
4.0
The Duke I Tempted isn't the type of historical romance that I normally gravitate towards, and I read it for a book club. I'm so glad I did, because this was a historical romance story I didn't know I needed. I love Archer as a damaged hero who was submissive behind closed door, but protected Poppy in society. It took me a little more time with Poppy, but she is definitely a strong and unconventional heroine.
sarful's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 And I'll explain.
4 stars for the overall story, the writing and how awesome Poppy is. She works within the limitations her society has granted her, and she thrives. I loved the chemistry and liked the banter between Poppy and Archer.
2.7 stars for the rampant misundersandings and assumptions. Beyond it making sense. For someone as straightforward with everything as Poppy is, she inexplicably hides her feelings from Archer, way beyond it being logical to her character. And the final straw of Archer assuming Poppy took the tea and then going to the whipping house...it was unacceptable really. She forgave him too quickly on that.
Plus, it took too long for the BDSM to even happen. I feel Archer took too long to admit his feelings and it took too long for Poppy to act on her desires. I loved that Poppy went down to the private club to learn how to whip her husband properly. But, that was only at the end, darn it. There could have been a lot of fun to be had in her apprenticeship and growth as a dom to Archer. Instead, they spent too much time assuming the other didn't love them. So by the time the real BDSM action happened, the book was over.
So...an average of 3.5. This could have been worlds better because there is so much awesome in it already. Having said that, I really, really liked it. And am excited to see what the next book has to offer.
4 stars for the overall story, the writing and how awesome Poppy is. She works within the limitations her society has granted her, and she thrives. I loved the chemistry and liked the banter between Poppy and Archer.
2.7 stars for the rampant misundersandings and assumptions. Beyond it making sense. For someone as straightforward with everything as Poppy is, she inexplicably hides her feelings from Archer, way beyond it being logical to her character. And the final straw of Archer assuming Poppy took the tea and then going to the whipping house...it was unacceptable really. She forgave him too quickly on that.
Plus, it took too long for the BDSM to even happen. I feel Archer took too long to admit his feelings and it took too long for Poppy to act on her desires. I loved that Poppy went down to the private club to learn how to whip her husband properly. But, that was only at the end, darn it. There could have been a lot of fun to be had in her apprenticeship and growth as a dom to Archer. Instead, they spent too much time assuming the other didn't love them. So by the time the real BDSM action happened, the book was over.
So...an average of 3.5. This could have been worlds better because there is so much awesome in it already. Having said that, I really, really liked it. And am excited to see what the next book has to offer.
librarianmillie's review against another edition
4.0
I'm changing my review after reading The Earl I Ruined. I really liked this book. There is a lot of angst between Archer and Poppy, but it felt real and understandable. Poppy a woman who has to work hard for everything she has in the world does not want her agency lost by marrying any man, but especially a duke. However, a large scandal forces her to accept Archer's agreement and become his wife. The conflict between the two characters didn't feel overly contrived, and I thought the BDSM aspect was interesting- even if it's not my cup of tea usually. It lost me a little during the last 25%; it was a bit too rushed. Overall though, it was a great read and I am very excited to discover a new voice in historical romance.
mzdeb's review against another edition
3.0
I've read this series in reverse, starting with #2 before reading #3 that just came out--finally decided to begin at the beginning because I was able to listen to the audiobook. (And I really like the female narrator!)
But anyway--interesting start to a series that ultimately peters out--it goes from discovering and pursuing kinks to basically (by book #3) being about sex workers and the challenges they have to deal with (more and more decency laws, and shaming). The novel seems it can't choose its audience.
But anyway--interesting start to a series that ultimately peters out--it goes from discovering and pursuing kinks to basically (by book #3) being about sex workers and the challenges they have to deal with (more and more decency laws, and shaming). The novel seems it can't choose its audience.
read88keys's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes