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3.44 AVERAGE
3.44 AVERAGE
I was seriously confused by the "conflict" that kept the leads apart in this otherwise simple secret lovers story. But whatevs, I'm not going to stress over the first book in a series called Decadent Dukes Society.
God I love romance novels.
God I love romance novels.
I enjoyed the concept of this book but in the end it didn’t hit home. The build up to intimacy was engaging but after that it became a bit bland. I kept waiting for something exciting to happen and it never did. The main characters falling in love wasn’t convincing, the supporting characters were predictable, and the story became somewhat stagnant and then all of the sudden wrapped up and the book ended.
Enjoyable romance with a mystery to solve
Madeline Hunter created some interesting characters and a good mystery woven into the romance. I love the independence of the heroine and the Duke was most modern in his response. For me, it meandered a bit, especially the love scenes. That's the main reason for the rating, but I recommend it an enjoyable read.
Madeline Hunter created some interesting characters and a good mystery woven into the romance. I love the independence of the heroine and the Duke was most modern in his response. For me, it meandered a bit, especially the love scenes. That's the main reason for the rating, but I recommend it an enjoyable read.
Catherine Coulter and Nora Roberts were the foundation of my romance love. When I got older, I discovered Madeline Hunter. I read one of her books, and then bought all the rest. After a few duds that just couldn't maintain my interest, I didn't pick up a Hunter novel for a long while. I bought one in this series, and decided to read the predecessors first.
It was a different Hunter than I've read before - in some ways it reminded me of a Mary Balogh novel - characters with a quiet passion. I liked that a good amount of the book was dedicated to Clara's publication of her journal, and the journal in itself was great as well.
I was worried about Adam's quest for revenge - worried it was going to be old-school manipulation - but thankfully it faded into the background, and,
I am so glad to return to Hunter's books, as they were so special to me a few years ago.
It was a different Hunter than I've read before - in some ways it reminded me of a Mary Balogh novel - characters with a quiet passion. I liked that a good amount of the book was dedicated to Clara's publication of her journal, and the journal in itself was great as well.
I was worried about Adam's quest for revenge - worried it was going to be old-school manipulation - but thankfully it faded into the background, and,
Spoiler
when it became an issue in the relationship, it was resolved rather easily, since it didn't involve bad behavior on his part.I am so glad to return to Hunter's books, as they were so special to me a few years ago.
After his father's suicide years ago, Adam Penrose, Duke of Stratton, left London. He wanted to protect his mother and they set up home in Paris. However, Adam has acquired a reputation as a dueler and has been forced to flee France. Meanwhile, for a few generations, Adam's family had been in a feud. The dowager Countess of Marwood approaches Adam with plans of settling things, if he will marry her granddaughter, Emilia. She is pretty, but young, and offers absolutely no appeal to Adam.
On horseback, quite a bit away, however, is Clara, Emilia's half sister. Now, she sparks an interest that Adam cannot deny. He approaches her and a battle of will immediately ensues. Adam relentlessly pursues Clara, determined to marry her. Meanwhile, Clara is the owner of growing women's journal and that is the only future she imagines - that and independence from her overbearing grandmother.
The story swings back and forth between Clara and Adam's growing bond, all while Adam seeks to discover what drove his father to do what he did. Meanwhile Clara's grandmother makes more than a nuisance of herself.
This romance by Madeline Hunter was enjoyable to a degree, but felt a bit slower than I have read in this genre. The addition of the other dukes that will be in the other two series was a nice addition. One thing that I did enjoy was that Clara published a magazine, that was progress that was a pleasure to read.
Many thanks to Zebra and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinions.
On horseback, quite a bit away, however, is Clara, Emilia's half sister. Now, she sparks an interest that Adam cannot deny. He approaches her and a battle of will immediately ensues. Adam relentlessly pursues Clara, determined to marry her. Meanwhile, Clara is the owner of growing women's journal and that is the only future she imagines - that and independence from her overbearing grandmother.
The story swings back and forth between Clara and Adam's growing bond, all while Adam seeks to discover what drove his father to do what he did. Meanwhile Clara's grandmother makes more than a nuisance of herself.
This romance by Madeline Hunter was enjoyable to a degree, but felt a bit slower than I have read in this genre. The addition of the other dukes that will be in the other two series was a nice addition. One thing that I did enjoy was that Clara published a magazine, that was progress that was a pleasure to read.
Many thanks to Zebra and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinions.
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
3.5 but rounding up.
I like Never Deny A Duke better but this isn’t totally bad.
I like Never Deny A Duke better but this isn’t totally bad.