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The good thing about this series is that it doesn't really suffer from long, drawn-out, miscommunication-fueled agonies. For the most part people talk to each other. How refreshing!
Not bad, just lost interest. May go back to it, may not.
This is the first Eloisa James book I have read, but it won't be the last! I thought the plot was simple but quick-moving and fun. The heroine was witty and compassionate, and the male lead was strong and refreshingly non-domineering. The majority of the book focused on the relationship between the leads, and it was refreshing to see a male lead who doesn't neg the heroine to death after she displays her wit (constantly one-upping her and getting the better of her in "witty" conversations in terms of banter until he unequivocally proves his superiority). It was nice to see a hero who listened to the heroine, and respected her for her wit and sense of humor, and didn't feel the need to respond to and counteract everything she said. I also appreciated that the drama and big reveals of conflict were big only when the leads didn't communicate, and then they did, and everything was fine after they discussed it. Overall, a most enjoyable read.
There's nothing terribly deep or unexpected here, but it's a fun read. Though I would have preferred if the vicar and Miss Pettigrew actually stayed together and fell in love. Idk, it felt a little mean-spirited to have this character who everyone agrees is The Worst, even her fiance, when she hasn't really done anything particularly villainous.
Say Yes to the Duke has earned a low three-star rating from me. I liked Viola and Devin and their families (especially Otis) but I found the story lost momentum after the marriage. There were some good moments (the performance of the play was entertaining) and I think James' choice to was the right one. However I was not as engaged as I was in the first half. I also didn't really care for the "closet scene."
Spoiler
minimize the significance of the "big reveal"
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
I liked Viola as a heroine because I found her shyness to be very relatable and her sense of not truly belonging to her family because of it. Viola, with the help of her family, is able to reevaluate her sense of self and manages to overcome her lack of self confidence in order to endure her first season. Devin was interesting because in many ways he is Viola's opposite in that he has an innate sense of self worth due to his status in society and yet he very much suits her because he isn't one to be the center of attention.
adventurous
inspiring
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Frothy and enjoyable, with lovely leads and sizzling hot scenes, and I enjoyed the angst-free resolution. However I did wish the theme of fear and anxiety was explored more deeply with both characters.
I loved Viola and Devin's story! This is the kind of book you devour, and if I didn't have to pay the bills I'd have stayed home from work just to read it straight through.