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3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
3.75 ~ 4.00
This is my fourth time reading Eloisa James and my favorite book so far. Finally a 4 stars for this author.
I really liked this one, I thought it was very interesting how Cedric was always trying to change Merry and Trent/Jack just enjoyed her the way she was. The dogs were adorable and I was so made at Cedric when Merry was trying to rescue George. Thank God for Trent. Who is a great hero, I felt so sorry for him as child, but he became such an awesome adult and Duke. And Merry, sweet innocent Merry, can't see the difference between Love and the excitement of meeting someone new. But l truly believed when she said she loved Trent. Since the begging he was doing everything right by her eyes.
However the book had a few things thar bothered me. First How pretty much every character we were presented before their marriage were really unlikable besides the main couple and Merry's aunt and uncle. I appreciate that the Ton sucked, but I want to see it balanced with great side characters in my books. And after they got married I got bored with the book. Not a lot happened.
Still the book was a such a easy read, with a cute epilogue definitely not a 3 stars, so low 4 stars is the perfect rating.
This is my fourth time reading Eloisa James and my favorite book so far. Finally a 4 stars for this author.
I really liked this one, I thought it was very interesting how Cedric was always trying to change Merry and Trent/Jack just enjoyed her the way she was. The dogs were adorable and I was so made at Cedric when Merry was trying to rescue George. Thank God for Trent. Who is a great hero, I felt so sorry for him as child, but he became such an awesome adult and Duke. And Merry, sweet innocent Merry, can't see the difference between Love and the excitement of meeting someone new. But l truly believed when she said she loved Trent. Since the begging he was doing everything right by her eyes.
However the book had a few things thar bothered me. First How pretty much every character we were presented before their marriage were really unlikable besides the main couple and Merry's aunt and uncle. I appreciate that the Ton sucked, but I want to see it balanced with great side characters in my books. And after they got married I got bored with the book. Not a lot happened.
Still the book was a such a easy read, with a cute epilogue definitely not a 3 stars, so low 4 stars is the perfect rating.
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Always a pleasure to read Eloisa James. I have a craving for pineapples after finishing this one. I appreciated the new (to me at least) spin on conflict and the journey to a HEA. I was curious about the fate of the twin brother, whether he made it into his own companion novella/novel.
Will keep on reading this author.
Spoiler
The last-ditch letter had me wanting to re-read the early chapters of the book to see if there was anything there to hint at the idea he was purposefully needling Trent or Merry. I wasn't especially convinced by it as a tool of "look, he's not all bad", hence the curiosity if he has his own book.Will keep on reading this author.
5 stars. Review copy provided by publishers in exchange for an honest review
Eloisa James was one of the major historical romance authors that I like during my initial historical romance phase in high school and college. So much happened in this story so let's get to it. Merry Pelford is an American heiress who has jilted two fiances, despite her intentions to wed. The Duke of Trent inherited his title as a young man after the tragic death of his parents. After being slight by his twin brother, Cedric, Trent steps onto the balcony and is enchanted by the curvaceous little American. The chemistry between Merry and Trent makes them a good match, especially their flirtatious banter. Trent might not have known the identity of his American, but he certainly wants to make her his wife. Little did they know that they'll be introduced pretty soon. *SPOILER* [Merry is already engaged to Cedric.] Yup, Trent's brother. You can imagine the embarrassment from both parties. Let me be clear, there's no love triangle between a girl and two brothers. Merry is engaged and "in love" with the younger twin, while being very attracted to the Duke. This is obviously a love story between Trent and Merry, but how to make the brother disappear?
Let me clarify why Merry is "in love" with Cedric. Merry was "in love" with her two previous suitors as well, but after some time, changed her mind and broke off the engagements. With a pattern of infatuation that dissipated after some time, Merry was determined to see this engagement through. By doing so, Merry saw Cedric through rose-colored glasses and in some cases, excessively giving him the benefit of the doubt. Right off the bat, I thought Cedric was an ass. Everything he said was like a back-handed compliment. I was confident that Merry would eventually see Cedric for the type of person. Back to Merry and Trent, these two compliment each other, in that they don't exactly follow the molds that London society dictates. Each accepts the other as is and appreciates the other as a person. Merry and Trent started off as friends and eventually fell in love with each other. I appreciated the slow burn of a friendship turned romance. There's certainly nothing lacking in the romance department, but the wrench in their relationship is Trent's disposition that love is worthless and only wanted a friends with benefits relationship with Merry. This causes Merry much heartache because *SPOILER* [she actually, truly fell in love with him and he dismisses it for a passing fancy.] Given her previous reputation for jilting two fiances, it's logical and practical to assume that when Merry can be flighty, but things are different with Trent.
I loved all of the marriage moments between Trent and Merry and how they wade through married life together. There's definitely room for a continuation with a story for Cedric. He was a jerkface in the beginning and middle, but surprisingly redeemed himself enough to warrant his own story; probably a novella. I definitely enjoyed reading this book and will be reading Eloisa's newest books.
Eloisa James was one of the major historical romance authors that I like during my initial historical romance phase in high school and college. So much happened in this story so let's get to it. Merry Pelford is an American heiress who has jilted two fiances, despite her intentions to wed. The Duke of Trent inherited his title as a young man after the tragic death of his parents. After being slight by his twin brother, Cedric, Trent steps onto the balcony and is enchanted by the curvaceous little American. The chemistry between Merry and Trent makes them a good match, especially their flirtatious banter. Trent might not have known the identity of his American, but he certainly wants to make her his wife. Little did they know that they'll be introduced pretty soon. *SPOILER* [Merry is already engaged to Cedric.] Yup, Trent's brother. You can imagine the embarrassment from both parties. Let me be clear, there's no love triangle between a girl and two brothers. Merry is engaged and "in love" with the younger twin, while being very attracted to the Duke. This is obviously a love story between Trent and Merry, but how to make the brother disappear?
Let me clarify why Merry is "in love" with Cedric. Merry was "in love" with her two previous suitors as well, but after some time, changed her mind and broke off the engagements. With a pattern of infatuation that dissipated after some time, Merry was determined to see this engagement through. By doing so, Merry saw Cedric through rose-colored glasses and in some cases, excessively giving him the benefit of the doubt. Right off the bat, I thought Cedric was an ass. Everything he said was like a back-handed compliment. I was confident that Merry would eventually see Cedric for the type of person. Back to Merry and Trent, these two compliment each other, in that they don't exactly follow the molds that London society dictates. Each accepts the other as is and appreciates the other as a person. Merry and Trent started off as friends and eventually fell in love with each other. I appreciated the slow burn of a friendship turned romance. There's certainly nothing lacking in the romance department, but the wrench in their relationship is Trent's disposition that love is worthless and only wanted a friends with benefits relationship with Merry. This causes Merry much heartache because *SPOILER* [she actually, truly fell in love with him and he dismisses it for a passing fancy.] Given her previous reputation for jilting two fiances, it's logical and practical to assume that when Merry can be flighty, but things are different with Trent.
I loved all of the marriage moments between Trent and Merry and how they wade through married life together. There's definitely room for a continuation with a story for Cedric. He was a jerkface in the beginning and middle, but surprisingly redeemed himself enough to warrant his own story; probably a novella. I definitely enjoyed reading this book and will be reading Eloisa's newest books.
funny
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book is pretty slow until the last third and even then it's still on the slow side. I liked Aunt Bess and the part with George.
Story: 3 stars (nothing spectacular, nothing bad)
Narrator: 5 stars (above average, good enunciation & speed, average+ voices & accents)
Narrator: 5 stars (above average, good enunciation & speed, average+ voices & accents)
I read Eloisa James many years ago and didn’t take to that story. I think it was one of her novels which featured multiple couples, and I didn’t feel very connected to what turned out to be the main couple. My American Duchess is more traditional in focusing on Merry, our heroine, and the Duke of Trent, her hero. The story is pretty straightforward. Young Merry, an American heiress visiting England, becomes engaged to a nobleman. This engagement is her third one, having broken two previous ones in America and gaining a reputation for being fickle. Not too far into the story, Merry meets her young man’s slightly older brother (they’re twins) without knowing who he is. She feels an instant connection — much stronger than to her fiancé — but she feels compelled to remain in her engagement not only because she is certain a Duke would never choose an American to be his duchess, but because of her fickle reputation. It’s not only Merry’s engagement which may stand between her and her happiness, but the fact that she’s a fish out of water in English society — outspoken, demonstrative, and ignorant of many of the ways of the ton.
I enjoyed this story. I especially liked Merry and her open, intelligent mind. Her clashes with polite society and sincere desire to get things right were endearing. The second part of the story is also entertaining as Merry tries to be a duchess. However, I did get impatient with the Duke whose upbringing made him unwilling to open himself to expressing his love.
I’d give this book a “B” and I now look forward to reading other James’ books in the same vein.
I enjoyed this story. I especially liked Merry and her open, intelligent mind. Her clashes with polite society and sincere desire to get things right were endearing. The second part of the story is also entertaining as Merry tries to be a duchess. However, I did get impatient with the Duke whose upbringing made him unwilling to open himself to expressing his love.
I’d give this book a “B” and I now look forward to reading other James’ books in the same vein.
At NO POINT did this plot go where I was expecting it to but I was living for the drama!! Also very pleasantly surprised by how the whole *betrothed to the wrong person* aspect worked itself out--that's a trope that can go wrong for me super easily, but I loved it here and it resolved early enough that the main couple really was able to develop on their own.
CW: Sexual content, toxic relationship, alcoholism, violence
CW: Sexual content, toxic relationship, alcoholism, violence