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3.64 AVERAGE
3.64 AVERAGE
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Not That Duke is a perfect summer read! A fun historical romance from Eloisa James that starts off at a great pace with the plot already in motion. I really enjoyed this from the get go with a fast pace but I did find that it slowed down in places. There is all the fun and humor you expect from James. There are characters from previous books, like My American Duchess, but it works fine as a stand alone.
Much of this book is centered around the marriage mart. For my taste I thought the who would marry who was a little too central. What I did love was Silvester's (Duke of Huntington) relationship with her mother. Loved the inclusion of the Duchess and her invention that aided steam trains! I LOVED Lady Stella. Thank you so much for a curvy heroine who wants a happy marriage and independence too.
Thank you to Netgalley for the early read. All opinions are my own. #NotThatDuke #NetGalley
Much of this book is centered around the marriage mart. For my taste I thought the who would marry who was a little too central. What I did love was Silvester's (Duke of Huntington) relationship with her mother. Loved the inclusion of the Duchess and her invention that aided steam trains! I LOVED Lady Stella. Thank you so much for a curvy heroine who wants a happy marriage and independence too.
Thank you to Netgalley for the early read. All opinions are my own. #NotThatDuke #NetGalley
This story irritated me. And here is why: the heroin of the story spends 99.9% of the story being unconfident and self-conscious while also being self-righteous. The hero in the story probably realized he was in love with her far sooner than the book tells us that he's in love with her, and yet -- until basically the very last page of the story -- he doesn't tell her. So, she spends the whole f-ing book jealous of a woman that her husband was never interested in, so it's basically just one long misunderstanding. I hate when misunderstandings drag on for no reason. This book was honestly very disappointing for me considering I usually love this author's work. This is the least favorite thing I've ever read from her.
The Would-be Wallflowers series continues to delight with a friends-to-lovers story that highlights kindness and understanding as an important part of the romance.
Lady Stella Corsham is smart and witty, but her red hair and freckles keep all but the fortune hunters from courting her. She's accepted that she'll probably have a loveless marriage to the nice Earl of Lilford or be a spinster. So while everyone in the Ton knows the Duke of Huntington is in love with lovely, slender Yasmin Régnier, Stella starts a friendship that shows she doesn't care about his title or is looking for anything more than conversations and kindness. Huntington, meanwhile, actually likes that she's smart and enjoys spending time with her, even though he'd rather keep his distance and avoid his mother's matchmaking.
It's a complicated plot that leads to Stella and Sylvester's HEA, with a lot of hidden feelings, denial, and the dreaded lack of communication leading to misunderstandings. But if there's something that James excels at it's breathing life into her characters and weaving a complex and enjoyable plot one chapter at a time.
Delighted thanks to NetGalley and Avon for the wonderfully romantic read!
Lady Stella Corsham is smart and witty, but her red hair and freckles keep all but the fortune hunters from courting her. She's accepted that she'll probably have a loveless marriage to the nice Earl of Lilford or be a spinster. So while everyone in the Ton knows the Duke of Huntington is in love with lovely, slender Yasmin Régnier, Stella starts a friendship that shows she doesn't care about his title or is looking for anything more than conversations and kindness. Huntington, meanwhile, actually likes that she's smart and enjoys spending time with her, even though he'd rather keep his distance and avoid his mother's matchmaking.
It's a complicated plot that leads to Stella and Sylvester's HEA, with a lot of hidden feelings, denial, and the dreaded lack of communication leading to misunderstandings. But if there's something that James excels at it's breathing life into her characters and weaving a complex and enjoyable plot one chapter at a time.
Delighted thanks to NetGalley and Avon for the wonderfully romantic read!
lighthearted
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
fast-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
The ways in which society undermines peoples' self-confidence and esteem.
An orphan raised by her incompetent Aunt and Uncle has a horrible season.
An orphan raised by her incompetent Aunt and Uncle has a horrible season.
Eloisa James is an auto-buy for me and I was excited to read the next in her Would-Be-Wallflowers series. At the beginning, there is a note saying that, while you don't have to read The Reluctant Countess, the events in the first part take place at the same time. I read The Reluctant Countess when it first came out, so my recollection of events was a little fuzzy. That did not matter much, because I could follow along just fine. However, I will say that you will get more out of the story by reading the other Would-Be Wallflowers books. One of the things that I love about series is characters reappearing in later books. Especially, when the character is Merry, the American Duchess.
Not that Duke pits Silvester, the Duke of Huntington, against Stella, wallflower with the spectacles, freckles, and little patience for rules of society. Silvester thinks he knows what he wants and, at first, it isn't Stella. They become reluctant friends and allies, until Silvester discovers that perhaps he really does want Stella. Now only to convince her.
I enjoyed the ride of Silvester's friendship turned courtship of Stella. I felt Stella stayed true to herself, despite those who tried to make her season difficult. Eloisa James' heroines are not usually diamonds of the first water, but their strength and beauty come from the inside and it is always affirming to watch them grow and see them get the support and love that they deserve.
Not that Duke is a solid addition to the Would-Be Wallflowers series, its humor and heart has you rooting for Stella to get the love and HEA she deserves.
I won an ARC of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
Not that Duke pits Silvester, the Duke of Huntington, against Stella, wallflower with the spectacles, freckles, and little patience for rules of society. Silvester thinks he knows what he wants and, at first, it isn't Stella. They become reluctant friends and allies, until Silvester discovers that perhaps he really does want Stella. Now only to convince her.
I enjoyed the ride of Silvester's friendship turned courtship of Stella. I felt Stella stayed true to herself, despite those who tried to make her season difficult. Eloisa James' heroines are not usually diamonds of the first water, but their strength and beauty come from the inside and it is always affirming to watch them grow and see them get the support and love that they deserve.
Not that Duke is a solid addition to the Would-Be Wallflowers series, its humor and heart has you rooting for Stella to get the love and HEA she deserves.
I won an ARC of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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